Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2019 i Good Health Choices Magazine NZ

Often we can’t change the big things that are happening in our life but it’s worth remembering there’s a lot we can do about the little ones. That might sound inadequate if you’re struggling with something major – a health crisis, relationship difficulties, challenges at work – but the good news is that making tiny tweaks can have a profound effect on how we cope. Starting with something small that can be done instantly helps give us back a sense of control. This issue, we’ve got lots of tips to try when the panic is rising. Here are some of my favourites... Begin with the most basic thing of all – breathing. Our inhalations and exhalations are in sync with how we’re feeling, so if we can get them on…

Homes with sea views can add hundreds of thousands – and sometimes millions, to the property value in New Zealand. Across the Tasman, homes overlooking Sydney Harbour command some of the highest real estate prices in Australia. Around most of our coasts, waterfront properties and those within a short walk of the ocean with easy access to clean, sandy beaches, boating facilities and other water leisure activities, often demand higher prices than those in the suburbs or inner city. RIVERSIDE PARKS IN CITIES MAY ALSO HELP IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING But those homes may be worth much more than serious money. Their closeness to the water and their sea views may be priceless in terms of boosting our physical and mental health. And it’s all due to the ‘blue space’…

Certain medicines and some supplements can cause tooth erosion, either because they are acidic or because they reduce saliva, which means that your natural defence against acid won’t be as effective. Some examples include: » Chewable vitamin tablets » Antacids » Anti-allergy medications » Frequent use of aspirin » Liquid iron supplements » Certain asthma and cough medications » Cardiovascular medications (diuretics, calcium channel blockers) » Some antidepressants and antipsychotics » Sedatives » Medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Ask your dentist or pharmacist if any of your medications could cause dental problems and what you can do to manage the risks. Teeth grinding Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, is excessive grinding, gnashing or teeth clenching. You could be grinding your teeth at night or unconsciously clenching your teeth during…

Oral cancer is caused by different lifestyle risks, for instance smoking. It often goes undetected until it’s at an advanced stage. Early detection is beneficial so get to know the signs of oral cancer so you can get help before the disease progresses. KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR » A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in the mouth, lip, or throat. » A chronic ulcer or blood blister in the mouth that does not heal. » Difficulty chewing or swallowing. » Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue. » Prolonged swollen glands. » A sore throat that does not go away with normal treatment. » Difficulty speaking, or a change in the voice. » Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth. » Swelling of the jaw that…

I’m 45 years old and after years of heavy periods and period pain, I’ve been diagnosed with adenomyosis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the Pill and an IUD didn’t help and now hysterectomy is recommended. Is this my only option? A Adenomyosis is a benign condition where parts of the endometrium (lining of uterus) are found within the muscle of the uterus and can cause a range of symptoms, including severe pain and heavy periods. If the conservative treatments you mentioned are not successful, hysterectomy is often recommended – however this is major surgery with a six-week recovery period. A treatment, known as uterine artery embolisation (UAE), where particles are injected to block the blood supply to the abnormal tissue, can be done with local anaesthetic and light sedation, an overnight…

What if we told you that it’s not a lack of willpower that’s causing you to reach for unhealthy foods, but an imbalance in your life? For many of us it starts with uncovering what could be missing and fixing these emotional habits. We’re all guilty of succumbing to a less-than-healthy treat every now and then – after all, there’s a reason for the phrase ‘comfort food’. But if you regularly respond to life’s ups and downs by turning to ice cream or a bottle of wine, it could mean that you’re putting your head in the sand(wich) when it comes to your emotions. “Emotional eating affects so many of us,” says Mel Wells, health and eating psychology coach and author of Hungry For More. “I’m fascinated by what leads…

Raspberry + peanut butter mud slice » MAKES 12 PORTIONS » PREPARATION 15 MINUTES Kinda like a deliciously moist brownie, this slice pretends to be a decadent treat. But don’t let it fool you: it is sugar-free and packed with fibre for healthy digestion. 400g tin cannellini (or other white beans), drained and rinsed ½ cup (140g) peanut butter 1 cup (100g) almond meal 1 tsp baking powder 3 large eggs 2 tsp vanilla extract ⅔ cup (120g) granulated stevia ½ tsp sea salt 150g raspberries (frozen or fresh) Peanuts, to scatter (optional) 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 22 x 28cm brownie pan with baking paper. 2 Put the cannellini beans and peanut butter in a food processor and blend until smooth, then add the almond meal,…

What’s the difference between coriander and parsley? A Although coriander and parsley look similar, they are very different herbs. Nutrition-wise, they are both rich in vitamins A, C and K. Both herbs have also been found to be beneficial for stabilising blood glucose levels. But while some benefits overlap, they also have some unique health advantages of their own. Coriander has natural antihistamine properties and contains a flavonoid called quercetin, which helps to fight inflammation. Parsley is a good source of iron, which is important for energy. However, the biggest difference is the taste: Coriander has a bolder, soapier taste, and is often used in Mexican and Asian cuisines. In contrast, parsley has a milder flavour, with a more zesty twist, and is more often found in Italian and Mediterranean…

» COASTEERING You might not have heard of this exhilarating sport, but it involves hiking, swimming and diving. » ZIP LINING If you’re after a thrill, zip lining lets you reach speeds of more than 100kmh while gliding on a rope suspended high in the air. » SKIING If you want to experience the rush of racing downhill, skiing is an ideal extreme outdoor activity – or opt for snowboarding instead. » SURFING Ride the waves while soaking up the salty air of the ocean. Did you know that surfing is among the oldest sports ever? While its precise origin is uncertain, prehistoric stone carvings in Peru, which date back 5000 years, show people surfing. » MOUNTAIN BIKING It isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s definitely one of the most…

JODIE RIMMER ACTRESS If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be? Don’t worry so much. Feelings come and go – you don’t need to be run by them. And meditate regularly – you need the balance. How do you look after your mental wellbeing? Exercise is a big one, as is sleep and having ‘Me Time’. Meditation is really important, and I take antidepressants as I have a history of depression. If I do all of the above, I move through life in an easy way; if one or two things slip, I feel it. Life will never be super-easy for me, but I’m better at dealing with it now. Sometimes I just need to go to bed for a day and watch a movie, hang…

I’m easily irritated by a colleague. It’s the little things such as her loud ringtone that rile me the most. I know it’s petty – so why am I so annoyed? A You get annoyed because workplace irritations are usually unpredictable and disrupt your focus. Worse, these minor annoyances are beyond your control, reminding you on a regular basis that you can’t control your workplace. Instead of getting angry, look at ways of enhancing your sense of control, like turning off email notifications and resolving to only check your inbox at specific times. You could also try turning irritations into a prompt to do something positive for yourself. For example, use your colleague’s ringtone as a reminder to breathe deeply and scan your body for any tension, and as you…

Running up the hills near her country home, Steph Bishop, 37, and her dog Rufus stop to catch their breath. As Steph lies on the grass, Rufus leaps on top of her, tail wagging enthusiastically. “His massive doggy grin makes me feel like the most adored person in the world,” she says. As Steph attests, the incredible connection between humans and pets can bring unconditional joy. New studies suggest spending time with animals can decrease symptoms of depression and boost levels of the happy hormones dopamine and serotonin. Although dogs are a common choice, psychologist Sophie Rickard says, “I’m not excluding the healing powers of birds, fish, snakes or three-legged cats. We’re not all in a position to share our lives with a horse, a dog or even a hamster,…

Two types of breathing influence your body state: conscious and unconscious. Unconscious is the kind you do without thinking about it and which keeps you alive, while conscious is where you actively use your breath to create a result, such as raising energy. The same elements come into play: speed, depth, whether you breathe via your mouth or nose, and the ratio of time inhaling to exhaling. SPEED: “The speed at which you breathe directly influences your nervous system,” says Claire. “Slowing your breathing will calm you down. If you wish to energise yourself, you can breathe a little faster.” Normal breathing has a pace of about 12-14 breaths per minute; to calm your body drop down to five to seven per minute; to energise, speed it up to 15-16.…

Health from the inside out Understand your feelings to conquer your cravings Important nutritional needs for mums-to-be Change your breathing for the better Become your best self: be informed, be nourished, be energised, be inspired, simply be... Active inspiration The health benefits of being near water The reasons aquatic fitness is making a splash Adventurous activities that get your blood pumping Unwind and treat yourself Why mental downtime is actually a brain booster The life-enhancing rewards of practising gratitude Best buys and treatments for skin pigmentation Personal connections Dr Libby Weaver’s strategies for coping with stress A dancing doctor’s heartfelt vision for healthcare Taking care of relationships in the digital era Why our furry friends are big health boosters Body works Bowel cancer is on the rise – here’s what…

1 Take responsibility for where you find yourself, i.e. It’s not the ‘things’ in your life that are adding to your invisible load, it’s your perception of and thoughts about them. 2 Align your life with your values. Ask yourself, ‘How do I want to live?’, then start taking steps – small and/or large – towards that. Many people wait to live in the way that they want to until something external shifts or they reach a certain age. This might be absolutely necessary for now, but it doesn’t mean you can’t take other minor steps towards living the way you want to, until some of the bigger things shift. 3 Listen to your body’s messages. It’s likely to be the invisible load in action (as long as diseases have…

» Make an effort to spend time near water. You don’t have to live next to the beach to enjoy the blue space effect. “It’s too early to say you need to spend X minutes a week near water. But good health practices recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day,” says Associate Professor Christian. Spend as much of that recommended time as possible being active around water. » Make blue space your time. “I take my dog to the beach on the weekend and that’s my time to engage with the coastline,” says Associate Professor Christian. “Take a book and read by the water or just sit and contemplate and be immersed in that blue space.” ‘TAKE A BOOK AND READ BY THE WATER OR JUST SIT…

A It depends what’s causing it. Although there are ways to reduce dry mouth temporarily, to knock it on its head you need to get to the root of the problem. One of the most common causes of dry mouth is medication, so talk to your doctor or dentist. In the short term you can: 1 Limit your caffeine intake. 2 Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. 3 Stop smoking. 4 Sip water regularly. 5 Try dry mouth gels, toothpastes and mouthwashes, available from pharmacies. 6 Avoid over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants because they can make your symptoms worse. 7 Breathe through your nose, not your mouth. 8 Use a humidifier in your bedroom overnight to add moisture to the air.…

Balancing your hormones is Mother Nature’s way of helping you to beat slumps in stamina so that you can stay vitalised and refreshed. You can’t see them, but there are many messengers travelling around your body, constantly delivering and retrieving signals. Hormones control functions such as hunger, sleep, mood and energy levels. Once you know which hormone is in control of what – and how to optimise the way they work – you’ll be well on your way to feeling on top form. Insulin, cortisol, adrenaline, your thyroid hormones and the sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, all work together to keep your body running smoothly. “Hormones affect how you feel physically, mentally and emotionally,” says hormone health specialist Dr Alyssa Burns-Hill. “If they are out of sync, it will have…

Becoming more aware of the feelings that drive you to eat will help you overcome habitual eating. Start gently observing yourself in order to identify your habits. 1 Write down what you’re feeling when you turn to food – it may be one thing or several. Ask yourself, ‘Am I feeling this craving in my body or in my mind?’ 2 Try to trace back to what caused the feeling, whether it’s being bored at work, arguing with a friend, or something else. 3 Ask yourself, ‘Is there a way that I can treat what’s at the root of this feeling?’ It could be something small like going for a walk, calling a friend, or spending five minutes daydreaming.…

Chicken, cashew and carrot curry » SERVES 4 » PREPARATION 20 MINUTES » COOK 5 HOURS The combination of chicken and cashews makes for a perfect no-fuss, high-impact curry, as everything is done in the slow cooker. 6 chicken thigh fillets 2 carrots, thickly sliced 165ml can light coconut milk 2 brown onions, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger 1 large red chilli, finely chopped 1 tbsp ground coriander 2 tsp fennel seeds ½ tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp fine sea salt ½ cup (80g) roasted cashews, plus a small handful extra Handful roughly chopped coriander 1 Trim all the fat from the chicken and discard. Cut each thigh in half, then refrigerate until needed. 2 Heat your slow cooker to high. 3 Combine…

Sophie says there are several options: » Join an aqua fitness class and take it easy. “Know that you don’t have to work as hard as everyone else. Even if you just march on the spot for half the time, that’s totally fine.” » Go to a pool and walk up and down for 10 to 15 minutes. “Again, take it nice and slow. That’s going to give the lowest load for your joints.” » Add some squats and calf raises. Start with small, slow movements in deeper water. This puts the least load on your joints. She recommends starting with 10 to 30 repetitions, two or three days per week. Don’t stay in the pool longer than 15 or 20 minutes the first couple of times. After a few…

How does weight training for strength differ from training for increased muscle size? A The main difference is that when training for strength, you focus more on stimulating the neuromuscular system by lifting heavier weights, but fewer reps and more sets with more recovery time in-between. When trying to increase muscle size (hypertrophy), more focus needs to be placed on sufficient nutrition as well as a greater volume of lifting in each session, which requires less weight but more reps and sets than that of a strength program. For example: Strength: 1–6 reps of 80–100 percent of your repetition maximum (1RM) x 1–6 sets with up to 2-minute recovery between sets. Muscle mass: 8–12 reps of 65–85 percent 1RM x 3–5 sets with up to a minute recovery…

Focus! Concentrate! Pay attention! And whatever you do, don’t daydream. Sound familiar? From the day we start school we’re told, time and time again, that in order to succeed, we need to focus. But according to psychiatrist and brain researcher Dr Srini Pillay, author of Tinker, Dabble, Doodle, Try: Unlock the Power of the Unfocused Mind, ‘focus’ is not the be all and end all of success. In fact, Dr Pillay believes it’s essential to build regular, deliberate ‘unfocus’ time into your day, saying that it promotes brain calmness, increases productivity, improves long-term memory and sparks creativity. And it all comes down to the way the brain works. When we’re focused, we use a part of the brain called the frontoparietal cortex. Dr Pillay describes this part as a flashlight…

It’s easy to feel grateful when everything’s going well in your life, but we all know that’s not always the case, so instead of focusing on what you lack, shift your attention to what you’ve got. Approach gratitude with humility and a positive attitude, resist the urge to be self-critical, and be kind to yourself in the process. Consider everything in your life, past, present and future. A single approach won’t suit everyone, and to avoid gratitude fatigue, it pays to use different techniques in your daily practice. Here are some you could try: » Take a walk outside. Whether it’s the sight of a pink sunset, the sound of the birdsong or the scent in the air, what is it about what you see, hear and smell that gives…

While a smattering of freckles is often deemed ‘cute’ in our youth, larger areas of pigmentation – those uneven patches of brown skin on the face, décolletage and hands – become much more bothersome as we age, and can add years to our appearance. If we could turn back time, I’m sure we’d all slather on the sunblock to protect our delicate young skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. However, it might interest you to know that the sun isn’t the only culprit when it comes to skin discolouration, known as hyperpigmentation. In fact, there are numerous factors at play, including hormonal imbalances, acne, chemical reactions and even eczema. The good news, according to Dr Geoffrey Heber, founder of skincare company Ultraceuticals, is that hyperpigmentation can be treated. Here,…

You take around 20,000 breaths a day. Considering how vital it is, it’s a simple process. Breathing in makes your diaphragm tighten and move down, making space for your lungs to take in air. Oxygen from this air passes through your lungs into your blood vessels to circulate through your body. At the same time, carbon dioxide moves from the bloodstream into your lungs. On your exhale, the diaphragm goes back up, pushing that carbon dioxide out and into the air. Ideally, you should fill your lungs with as much air as you can – that’s three to four litres! – pulling the air down deep into your lungs. Then, you should exhale fully so the used-up gases leave your lungs, creating maximum room for another oxygen-filled breath. The problem…

Breathwork is the term for using the breath to directly change your body in some way. Techniques include: YOUR EXHALE SHOULD BE SLIGHTLY LONGER THAN YOUR INHALE 1 INTEGRATIVE BREATHING: An umbrella term for techniques that create an emotional response, including transformational breath, where the focus is on deep inhales and short, sharp exhales; rebirthing, where you breathe deeply and without pausing while focusing on an issue; and holotropic breathwork, which is sometimes done to music, and aims to release emotions. It’s important to always work with a teacher you trust as these methods can release upsetting emotions. 2 PACED BREATHING: A slow, steady, regular type of breathing that’s been used in many medical trials with positive effects for tackling stress, anxiety, hot flushes and insomnia. It helps promote calm…

There’s confusion galore swirling, and tedious Saturn is up to his old tricks, but the stand-out theme in the month ahead has to be the very rare alignment between the planets Jupiter and Neptune. To put this in context, Jupiter is the planet of plenty and amplification, while Neptune is the planet of dreams, soulmates, confusion and deception. Jupiter is more straight-forward than Neptune – it’s about good things and then more good things. Neptune is a planet with a wide spectrum of meanings. On one hand you have enlightenment, connection to the Divine and inspiration. Think of the altered states you can go into after a big meditation or chanting session – that’s very Neptunian. However, at the other end of the Neptune spectrum, we have altered states of…

OPEN BOOK Thank you for creating such a fabulous read – I look forward to picking up the latest copy every month and putting it aside for some downtime. Your August issue was fantastic, especially the cover story about gorgeous Shelley Ferguson. What an inspiring woman she is – I was so impressed with the way she showed her vulnerability. Thank you for creating such relevant content that can help each of us live our best life. – Kirsten JUST IMAGINE Your July issue offered many words of wisdom, but it was the article ‘Unleash the Creativity’ that really grabbed my attention. I agree that engaging in creative activities can have a profound effect on our wellbeing. When I was a child, such pursuits were considered hobbies and brought me…

Why is it important to promote positive body image, confidence and self-belief? I know from personal experience that when you can start believing in yourself and finally showing true self-love one’s ability to succeed in our goals and dreams goes through the roof. We start living in a true space of self-love, which impacts on our intentions and actions, leading us to what we should be truly doing in this world. What does being healthy mean to you? Listening to my body and my mind, and being able to give it what it needs to live a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle. Plus, drinking lots of water, eating lots of vegetables, being active and getting lots of sleep. How has your idea of health changed over time? As I’ve aged, I’ve…

There’s more to looking after your oral health than just having a beautiful smile. Neglecting your teeth and gums can also affect your general health so here we look at what you need to know to give yourself the best chance of having a healthy mouth – and body – for life. KEEP SMILING Poor oral health is mostly preventable, yet it is one of the most common chronic health problems in this country. Certain medications, teeth grinding, and careless brushing and flossing can all compromise the condition of our teeth and gums. The link between oral health and disease Healthy gums don’t bleed when brushed or flossed Most of the bacteria in your mouth – and other areas of your body – are harmless but when you neglect your…

Whitening toothpaste can’t change the natural colour of your teeth or lighten a stain that goes deeper than a tooth’s surface but it can improve the look of your teeth by removing superficial surface stains. If whitening toothpaste isn’t doing the job, you could try a whitening treatment but see your dentist first. They can advise whether your teeth are suitable for whitening – enamel thickness, receding gums, existing sensitivity, tooth decay, restorations such as fillings, crown and veneers and any other oral diseases or conditions are all factors that need to be taken into account.…

As the harmful health effects of too much refined sugar have become more well-known, there’s been a rise in the popularity of natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave and honey. Honey has been used for thousands of years in food, beauty products and health remedies, with manuka honey in particular touted for its healing properties, but is this bee product worth the buzz? Hive to harvest Honey is the thick, sweet syrup that bees produce from the nectar of flowering plants. After it’s mixed with enzymes in their special ‘honey stomach’, it’s regurgitated between bees before depositing the liquid nectar into honeycomb cells. As they fan it with their wings, the moisture evaporates, resulting in a thicker consistency. Variations in colour and flavour are related to the unique flower…

WHAT MUMS-TO-BE NEED TO NIBBLE ON TO ENSURE YOU AND BABY GET ENOUGH OF THE GOOD STUFF Pregnancy is a time of tremendous change for a woman’s body. To take care of both yours and your baby’s, it’s important to make sure you’re eating nourishing food. You don’t quite need to ‘eat for two’, but you do need to up your calories and intake of the good stuff, particularly iron, folate, calcium and protein. Eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, healthy fats and lean protein may be sufficient to meet your needs, or you might need to take supplements. Getting an adequate intake of iron is vital, as it helps your red blood cells deliver oxygen to your baby and works with other nutrients to increase blood flow. Without enough…

Surely there’s nothing more satisfying on a cold night than whipping up a batch of tasty, nourishing soup. One of my absolute favourites is my creamy Roast Butternut Turmeric Soup. Roasting the butternut pumpkin brings out its sweetness, and makes for the most delicious flavour combination when paired with fresh ginger, turmeric and zesty lime. This fragrant, warming soup is packed full of healing and anti-inflammatory ingredients that are great for keeping you well as winter draws to a close. Make a big pot and enjoy it for lunch or dinner with a slice of your favourite organic bread. Roast butternut turmeric soup 1 butternut pumpkin 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp sea salt and cracked black pepper 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ½ onion, chopped 1cm piece…

1. Friends ask you out for a coffee or a drink at the pub – what do you do? A. Get there early so you have a chance to cool down before the others arrive. B. Accidentally fall asleep on the sofa at home. C. Jump at the chance – you don’t see enough of your friends. D. It can be hard to make the effort but you love it once you’re out. E. You just go along with their decisions but wish you were more vocal. F. Push for the venue with the comfiest chairs. 2. What would your dream day look like? A. Time to yourself to think and reflect. B. Comfy pyjamas and a good film. C. Time spent with your family and friends. D. Shopping and…

MY DOG IS BACK New Active Again natural joint capsules for dogs and cats have been trialled in New Zealand with excellent results. To the delight of their owners, many dogs who have previously been unable to jump up into the car have had their mobility restored. $59.95; lifetimehealth.co.nz BAKER’S FRIEND Multix ReuseMe Non Stick Reusable Baking Sheet has all the benefits of baking paper but results in less waste. It’s also dishwasher safe, oven safe up to 250°C and BPA free. $7.99; multix.com.au NATURALLY GOOD The natural pink clay and witch hazel in By Nature’s Brightening Clay Mask help to minimise pores and encourage a more even skin tone. The purifiers gently draw out dirt and oil trapped in the skin, while nourishing New Zealand kawakawa extract calms and…

Having genuine connections to those around us is paramount to the health of both individuals and communities, but in recent years, the way we communicate has changed drastically. Living in a digital age means many of our social interactions are online rather than face to face, and despite being technologically connected, people are lonelier than ever. Modern life is creating new challenges for our relationships, and globally we’ve seen how societies are becoming more and more divided. In this series, ‘Let’s Talk’, we ask experts for their insight and guidance. This issue, we look at how we can use our devices more wisely. PHONES AREN’T INHERENTLY GOOD OR BAD. THEY’RE JUST TOOLS, AND IT ALL DEPENDS ON HOW WE USE THEM Board public transport, go out for a meal or…

I started feeling overwhelmingly grateful for the first time after developing a phobia of flying during a particularly turbulent overseas flight. Now, every time I land, I’m ready to kiss the ground – and sometimes I do hug the flight attendants (and would do the same to the pilots given the chance). It’s heightened my appreciation for simply being alive. After that first shaky flight, I started practising gratitude and found it was particularly helpful when my husband and I were trying to get pregnant. After multiple rounds of IVF and miscarriage, we were successful, but at 40 and with a history of complications, I knew that risks were higher for me, so I took the pregnancy day by day. Placenta previa put me in Auckland Hospital, where I was…

Get your glow on If a radiant finish is what you want from your makeup, look no further than this new foundation from Rimmel. Affordable yet hard-working, it offers coverage and skin that glows. For busy women on the go, it really fits the bill for its quick and seamless application and luminous effect. TRY: Rimmel Lasting Finish Radiance Foundation, $24.99. NAILING IT For such a small area of the body, nail woes such as brittleness and dry cuticles can ruin a great manicure, and the likes of hang nails can be quite painful. Arm yourself with an effective nail and cuticle oil that’ll help strengthen your nails and nourish the surrounding skin as well. We love this natural solution from Dr Hauschka. TRY: Dr Hauschka Neem Nail & Cuticle…

We asked Richie Bostock to show you how you can assess whether you’re breathing well. Here’s what he suggests: » Take a slow, deep breath in and out just to get used to the feeling. » Now, inhale just as you would normally but this time pay attention to what is happening to your shoulders. Do they go up or down? If they go up, this indicates you’re breathing with your secondary muscles rather than your diaphragm. » Next, sit or lie down with one hand on your chest and one hand on your stomach. Again, take a deep breath in just as you would normally do – which hand moves outwards? If it’s your stomach, that’s good, you’re breathing from the diaphragm. If it’s your chest, that’s another sign…

When you’re feeling stressed or tired, how do you prefer to relax? I like to have a conversation with my mum and work through things while walking along the beach with a coffee in one hand and a chocolate and almond croissant in the other. I’d share it with Mum, of course IF YOU COULD GO ON HOLIDAY TOMORROW AND MONEY WAS NO OBJECT, WHERE WOULD YOU END UP? Hawaii would be my choice of destination. I’d travel to each island and immerse myself in the culture. I’m talking a six-month holiday of hiking, learning to surf, swimming with sea life, running, and appreciating the stunning nature around me. What’s your favourite local holiday spot? There are so many beautiful places, but I’d have to say Queenstown. It’s breathtaking all…