Good Health Choices takes the guess work out of leading a healthy lifestyle. With nutrition advice, meal planners and pull out shopping lists, Good Health Choices is an essential tool for anyone wanting to lead a healthier, happier life.
For anyone who has ever felt anxious about getting older (read: everyone), relax, you’ve come to the right place. This issue is full of women who, far from faltering as the years roll by, seem to get stronger, more fabulous and – the greatest skill of all – better at being themselves. First up, there’s our cover star, the lovely Lorraine Downes. She’s had to face some huge challenges in her time, but as writer Sara Bunny discovers, she’s still deeply tuned in to the joys life has to offer. Rather than dwelling on the ageing process, she’s firmly focused on living each day to the full. Then there are the awesome ‘Super Agers’ in our feature on page 32. These ladies may be in their senior years but they’re…
EASING ANXIETY So nice to see two articles about oral health in July’s edition of Good Health. There is a problem with people avoiding oral health checks as a result of dental anxiety, but communication may help. Call the dentist’s receptionist and explain that you are a bit anxious and could they allow a few extra minutes on your appointment so you can talk to the dentist without making them run late. Then, when you see the dentist, ask if you can sit in an ordinary chair and talk about ways that might help you cope. Would sitting upright help? Would having everything explained help or would you rather put on headphones and be distracted? Dentists get huge satisfaction from helping an anxious patient become a confident regular attender. –…
Your phone can be a useful tool while on holiday, holding boarding passes, trip itineraries, Airbnb reservations. For many of us, it’s indispensable for keeping in touch with loved ones at home and taking lots of souvenir snaps. But just as phones can encroach on your time in everyday life, so too can they take over your trip. If you’re truly wanting to get away from it all, then here are some smart ways to stop your phone hijacking your holiday. Remove temptation It’s time to get rearranging. Move practical apps, such as your camera, maps or a translation app, to your home screen. These are your ‘tools’ to use freely. You can even plan ahead by downloading maps or screenshotting information you know you’ll need. For apps that you…
Body balance What’s good enough for the heart may not be good enough for the brain – at least when it comes to dementia. Research published in the European Heart Journal found that having a systolic blood pressure (the top number on blood pressure readings) of 130 at age 50 was independently associated with a 38 per cent increased risk of dementia. This level is considered pre-hypertensive – when blood pressure begins to be monitored – but it’s only at 140 that treatment for blood pressure is recommended. Senior author Archana Singh-Manoux says that the 140 threshold has been considered acceptable for the heart “for a long time, but it might not work for the brain”. IN THE MOMENT Research suggests mindfulness may help those with tinnitus. The study looked…
Perfectly poised under a tree full of rambunctious tuis, businesswoman, author and the country’s best-known beauty queen, Lorraine Downes, is wearing a sleek satin dress and trying not to tempt fate. “I know you are all thinking it, but I’m not even going to say it!” She laughs as our photographer snaps her portrait while feathers flutter directly above her head. Thankfully, she avoids being pelted with bird poo at the Good Health photo shoot, and after ditching the glamorous dress in favour of a relaxed white tee and baggy pants, she takes a seat in the afternoon sun for a chat. With Lorraine, there’s a lot to talk about. She’s open about her life’s ups and downs, lessons she’s learned along the way, her dedication to wellness and nurturing…
There is still much to be understood about cancer but we do now know that there are proven risk factors, such as smoking, a lack of exercise, unhealthy eating, being overweight, drinking too much alcohol and spending a lot of time in the sun. But the internet is filled with rumours about many other things that supposedly lead to cancer. “Social media has played a massive role in promulgating theories about what causes cancer,” says Professor Sanchia Aranda, CEO of Cancer Council Australia. “The worrying consequence is people then think, ‘Everything gives you cancer so when I’m told this and that causes cancer, why should I take any notice?’ This can drive down behaviours that we know are important to reduce the risk of cancer.” Here are the facts you…
