family health diary so12

FREE

www.familyhealthdiary.co.nzSEPTEMBER/OC TOBER 2012

Once-a-yearanswer toosteoporosis

Wina spin bike2 to give away!

Step by stepto betterdigestion

In this issue

2 www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz 3

Family Health Diary is published by BrandWorld Limited, Auckland. Phone (09) 306 2340, Fax (09) 307 9246.Every effort has been made to ensure the contents of this magazine reflect current accepted medical opinion and that it is as up-to-date as possible, but it does not claim to be the last word on any medical matter featured. No medical or health information, however detailed, can ever be considered a substitute for consultation with, or the advice of, a qualified doctor. Though this publication contains information that may be of the greatest importance to your health and well-being, it is not intended to replace your doctor or discourage you from seeking his or her advice. If anything in Family Health Diary leads you to suppose you may be suffering from any of the serious conditions described, you are urged to see your doctor without delay. ©2012 Copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. Family Health Diary® is a registered trademark of BrandWorld Limited.

n Editor Aileen Nakhle n Design Cathy Ellegard Goss n On the cover Jude Dobson

n Cover photography Roy Emerson Photography n Make-up & styling Nikki Lovrich

n Clothing RJC n For editorial enquiries, write to [email protected]

For Family Health Diary advertising enquiries please phone +64 9 306 2340

n Sales manager Harinda Singh DDI: 09 306 2344 Email: [email protected]

How to get your healthy fill of cranberries 4

Key signs of a magnesium deficiency 6

Keeping fit in your own home 8

Conception 101– the facts on making babies 10

Your 1,2,3 to better digestion 12

Men versus women – different bodies with different needs 14

It’s our September issue, which means Spring is nearly upon us (in theory anyway – the sad news stories of newborn lambs caught out in Spring snow dumps seem to happen with alarming regularity).

Before you know it, you’ll be digging out the shorts and looking forward to longer days. This can of course be a horrifying thought for some of us. The winter puddings and less-than-regular use of the razor means some pronto attention to the depilatory, diet and exercise departments which can so easily fall sideways in the covered up winter months!

We can help with the exercise bit… In this edition we’ve got a few tips on working out at home – a great option for those of us pushed for time and unable to hit the gym or pound the pavements. To get you inspired we’re giving away two awesome spin bikes. I have a friend who catches up on her favourite telly programmes as she rides the circuit at home, which seems like a very discreet and civilised way to sweat to me! I think I need to take a leaf out of her book.

Happy Springtime to you.

In this issue

2 www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz 3

Bones… too precious to forgetNourishment for tired, aching joints 16

A once-yearly treatment for osteoporosis 18

Ending the menace of heartburn 20

Asthma relief you can rely on 22

16

12

4

2 to give away!

Wina Powermaster

spin bike

To enter, visit

familyhealthdiary.co.nz

22

4 www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz

Cranberries are one of nature’s superfoods, packed with antioxidants and plant nutrients to help cleanse and purify the body.

What makes cranberries so special are the proanthocyanidins (PACS) inside. PACS are unique compounds that attach themselves to certain bacteria and help

To the customer: This coupon is non-exchangeable and will be redeemed only on the product(s) stated on this coupon. Valid until 30 December 2012. To the retailer: Provided this coupon is redeemed in accordance with our customer offer, it will be credited in full, plus the normal handling fee, by simply sending to: The Coupon Company Ltd, PO Box 47319, Ponsonby, Auckland.

SAVE $2.00

9 918258 161743 >

off your next purchase of 1.5L Ocean Spray® Cranberry Classic™

TCC 16174

flush them out of your system. While PACS can be found in some

other foods (including chocolate), it’s actually the ‘shape’ of the PACS in cranberries that makes them work in a uniquely different way, helping maintain your digestive system and urinary tract health.

Are you getting

enough cranberries?

✁

The word’s been out on cranberries for some time now, but are you getting your share of this amazing fruit? A cranberry drink is the fast route, but it pays to note, the more cranberries in your drink the better.

www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz 5

STRAIGHT FROM THE GROWERSOcean Spray is not just another juice company, but a Massachusetts-based farmers’ cooperative with an 80-year history of growing cranberries.

Cranberries are a native North American fruit requiring unique growing conditions. Sandy soil, very cold winters and access to significant amounts of water are imperative to producing a good yield of quality berries, the best of which are selected and packed as Ocean Spray juice drinks, Ocean Spray® Craisins® dried cranberries, and Ocean Spray cranberry sauces.

To the customer: This coupon is non-exchangeable and will be redeemed only on the product(s) stated on this coupon. Valid until 30 December 2012. To the retailer: Provided this coupon is redeemed in accordance with our customer offer, it will be credited in full, plus the normal handling fee, by simply sending to: The Coupon Company Ltd, PO Box 47319, Ponsonby, Auckland.

SAVE $1.00off your next purchase of Ocean Spray® Craisins® dried cranberries

TCC 16173

✁HOW TO GET YOUR FILL OF GOODNESSA cranberry drink is one of the easiest ways to get some cranberry goodness, but the amount of cranberry in the drink also matters.

Research indicates that one to two servings of a cranberry drink with 25% cranberry content can provide the associated benefits of cranberry1, which is why Ocean Spray® Cranberry Classic™ is good for you.

UNIQUE GOODNESS OF OCEAN SPRAYOcean Spray® Cranberry Classic™ has a higher cranberry content than most cranberry drinks available in New Zealand.

Not only high in antioxidants, a daily 250ml glass of Ocean Spray® Cranberry Classic™ also provides 100% of the recommended daily vitamin C intake for an adult.

OCEAN SPRAY® CRAISINS® DRIED CRANBERRIESOcean Spray® Craisins® are another convenient way to get your cranberry fill. Just a third of a cup of these dried cranberries provides the same benefit as a glass of Ocean Spray® Cranberry Classic™.

Available in the juice section of your supermarketCall 0800 445 368 or visit www.oceanspray.com.auReference 1: Avorn J, Monane M, Gurwitz JH, Glynn RJ, Choodnovskiy I, Lipsitz LA. Reduction of bacteriuria and pyuria after ingestion of cranberry juice. Journal of the American Medical Association 1994; 271:751-754. TAPS CH3362

9 918258 161736 >


Muscle tension, sleep,magnesium and you

Magnesium is essential to our bodies – from metabolic functions right through to the proper functioning

of nerves and muscles. It also aids in calcium absorption, which makes it vital to healthy bone structure. That’s why a

Magnesium is needed by the muscles, heart and brain. It helps support sleep and mental relaxation, and is essential in the metabolism of food. Despite its importance however, it’s one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in Western diets.

shortage in magnesium can affect so many everyday functions.

If you’re feeling irritable, not getting enough sleep and experiencing muscle tightness and tension, there’s a chance you’re not getting enough magnesium.


HOW DOES MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY OCCUR?Rich sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, legumes, tofu, whole grains and nuts. Not getting enough of these foods can reduce your body’s magnesium stores.

The health of your digestive system and kidneys can also play a part, in some cases reducing magnesium absorption or, indeed, causing excessive magnesium depletion.

Prolonged stress, excessive sweating or even too much coffee or alcohol can also upset your magnesium balance.

If you think you’re low in magnesium, talk it through with the experts at Nutra-Life. Just contact the naturopathic advice line on 0800 268 872.

WHAT IF YOU’RE AT RISK?The Ministry of Health recommends a daily magnesium intake of 420mg a day for men and 320mg a day for women (this requirement increases during pregnancy). Nutra-Life Magnesium Complete is a one-a-day capsule that helps meet these needs.

NUTRA-LIFE MAGNESIUM COMPLETENutra-Life Magnesium Complete is a high-strength formula that provides 300mg of elemental magnesium in every capsule.

It combines four different forms of magnesium for optimal absorption and distribution throughout the body’s tissues.

As a result, it helps relax tense or tight muscles while assisting everyday body processes. It also supports mental relaxation and restful sleep.

Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional. Vitaco Health (NZ) Ltd. TAPS CH3381

Available at pharmacies and health stores

Contact the naturopathic advice line on 0800 268 872 or visit www.nutralife.co.nz

BENEFITS OF NUTRA-LIFE MAGNESIUM COMPLETE

• Assists with mental relaxation

• Supports restful sleep

• Helps relax tense or tight muscles

• Helps maintain healthy heart function

• Assists with calcium absorption and supports healthy bones.


Thankfully, it’s becoming evident that even 10-minute exercise ‘bites’ can make a difference to your health.

Ideally you would sneak three of these into your day, says Erin Baker from Fitness Fusion. “But if 10 minutes is all you can truly manage then it’s still worth

it,” she says. “You won’t win the Olympics, but you will keep healthy and minimise your risk of disease.”

Whether short on time or inspiration, the exercise tips outlined here can help you get that daily fitness fix – without any special trappings or the matching lycra!

Speedy work-outs

in your own home

Let’s face it, for those of us working fulltime or looking after kids all day, adding 30 minutes of exercise into the mix can seem a leap too far. But what if you were to grab 10 minutes here and

there? Without even leaving home?


CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISESIf you have a nice set of stairs, set a goal of walking or running up and down them so many times a session – do this three times a day. Stairs are great for shaping your bottom and legs, but on a more noble level they also work your heart and glute muscles!

Skipping is a great way to work out aerobically – just grab a rope and find some room.

Use your exercise equipment – set it up with music or by the telly so that you’re getting entertainment while exercising. If you are short of time, do 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night, four times a week.

STRENGTHENING EXERCISES From our mid 20’s on, our muscle mass begins to decrease – even our bones start to lose some density. To overcome this and retain a youthful posture and body, use your own body as a weight exercise. There are a range of exercises you can do at home with no equipment.

Target the arms, tummy and back with press-ups – start with “ladies” knees press-ups and graduate to full press-ups.

To help keep a strong core and healthy back, tone your abdominals with a range of abdominal curls or sit-ups.

Complete your strengthening ‘circuit’ with squats and lunges.

Start with 10 of each of these exercises, and repeat as you get stronger.

STRETCHING EXERCISESRange of motion is so important for us all, but when you’re older it’s especially important. Being flexible and toned can help maintain your mobility and range of activity. Try yoga or pilates exercises using books from the library, free online videos or DVDs if instruction helps keep you motivated and on track.

Aim for three times a week.

Thanks to Erin Baker, from Fitness Fusion, for these home work-out tips.


There’s no shortage of advice when you’re planning a baby, especially when it comes to how to make one! Here Family Health Diary takes some of those ‘old wives tales’ and puts them to the test. Is there really any truth to them?

Conception 101

Myth 1: Don’t overheat the testes when trying to conceive…True. Testicles live outside the body in order to remain cool. Too much heat to the scrotal area due to hot baths, wearing snug briefs or keeping laptops literally on the lap can damage sperm production and motility – depending on which stage of sperm development the heat exposure occurs.1,2 However, this is more of a concern for men with low sperm counts, and the impact on sperm quality has been shown to vary from study to study. Furthermore, by putting those hot baths on hold, sperm damage doesn’t appear to be long-lived (not beyond a sperm life-cycle of 3 months).

Myth 2: Running a fever can affect a man’s fertility.True. But only temporarily. In the same vein as forementioned, elevated body temperature can have a detrimental effect on sperm at certain stages of development. A 2003 study3 found that sperm concentration could decrease by up to 35% following fever, with sperm shape and motility (how they move) also affected; additionally the adverse effects seem to increase with the number of days with fever. The good news is, the effects are only short-term, with sperm quality returning to normal around two months later.


References: 1. Shai Shefi; Phiroz E. Tarapore; Thomas J. Walsh; Mary Croughan; Paul J. Turek. Wet heat exposure: a potentially reversible cause of low semen quality in infertile men. Int. braz j urol. vol.33 no.1 Rio de Janeiro Jan./Feb. 2007. 2. Yefim Sheynkin; Robert Welliver; Andrew Winer; Farshid Hajimirzaee; Hongshik Ahn; Kyewon Lee. Protection from scrotal hyperthermia in laptop computer users. Fertility and Sterility – 08 November 2010. 3. Elisabeth Carlsen; Anna-Maria Andersson; Jørgen Holm Petersen; Niels E. Skakkebæk. History of febrile illness and variation in semen quality. Human Reproduction Vol.18, No.10 pp 2089-2092, 2003. 4. Germaine M. Buck Louis; Kirsten J. Lum; Rajeshwari Sundaram; Zhen Chen; Sungduk Kim; Courtney D. Lynch; Enrique F. Schisterman; Cecilia Pyper. Stress reduces conception probabilities across the fertile window: evidence in support of relaxation. Fertility and Sterility Volume 95, Issue 7, Pages 2184-2189, June 2011. 5. J. Boivin. A review of psychosocial interventions in infertility. Social Science & Medicine 57 (2003) 2325-2341. 6. Czeizel Ae & Dudas I. NEJM 1992; 327: 1832-1835. *Essential nutrients refers to folic acid, iron and iodine. Elevit with Iodine tablets are a Pharmacy Only medicine & contain vitamins B, C, D, E & minerals. Consult your healthcare professional to see if Elevit with Iodine is right for you. The New Zealand formulation of Elevit with Iodine is the same as that used in the Czeizel study except it contains Iodine and does not contain Vitamin A. Medicines have benefits & some may have risks. Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist or you have side effects, consult your healthcare professional. Supplementary to, and not a replacement for, a balanced diet. Registered Trademark. Bayer New Zealand Ltd, Auckland. TAPS CH3371

Only available from pharmaciesFor more information phone 0800 847 874

ELEVIT WITH IODINE – YOUR PREGNANCY PARTNER Elevit with Iodine provides the extra nutrients needed in pregnancy from the start of your journey right through to the finish.

It contains 800mcg of folic acid, as recommended by the Ministry of Health, and is the only pregnancy supplement clinically proven to reduce the risk of neural tube defects by 92%.6 With 250mcg of iodine, it supports a healthy thyroid, brain development and nervous system.

OTHER ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTSAs well as 60mg of iron to help combat fatigue and prevent dietary iron deficiency, Elevit with Iodine also contains zinc, vitamin C, calcium, B6, B12 and other essential nutrients – all in a once-daily tablet.

IT’S NO MYTH – TAKE ELEVIT WITH IODINE DAILYTo help prevent neural tube defects, Elevit with Iodine should be taken daily as soon as you start trying for a baby and for the first three months of pregnancy. Taken right throughout pregnancy it can help meet both yours and baby’s ongoing needs.

Myth 3: You should tone down the exercise…False! Exercise can gear up your body for a healthier, more enjoyable pregnancy, and in moderation can see you through your pregnancy. Walking, swimming, pilates, yoga or stationary cycling can improve posture and reduce backache and fatigue. Jogging is fine in pregnancy if you were doing it beforehand, but do consult your doctor before undertaking an exercise programme.

Myth 4: Just relax and ‘it’ will happen.Jury’s still out. If it’s taking longer than expected to conceive, it’s easy to pin the blame on stress. But cutting your workload and loading up on DVDs might not work like a magic wand. While a recent study4 showed stress significantly reduced the probability of conception and suggested the need to alleviate stress while trying to conceive , there’s less conclusive proof that this alone can turn things around. A 2003 review5 of eight stress intervention studies showed all such therapies helped women and men feel better, however this did not necessarily translate into higher pregnancy rates.

This article was kindly reviewed by Fertility Associates


Your 1,2,3to better

digestionIf you’ve ever had bloating, wind or

trouble staying regular, you might find that a good diet and regular exercise can

get things back on track. But there’s an additional trick to keep up your sleeve,

which is also natural and works with your body to help maintain digestive health.

In an ideal world your digestive health would just take care of itself. But when help is called for, you can assist the digestive process just as naturally.

• Try to increase your vegetable and fruit intake for the fibre content. Five servings a day is the recommendation. You can also increase the fibre in your diet by eating more wholegrain products such as wholegrain bread and wholegrain pasta.

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. It helps the whole digestive process and avoids hard stools.

• Minimise high-fat, high-sugar foods, such as fast foods.

• Limit alcohol and caffeine.• Limit Dairy products.

1Watch your diet

JOIN THE PHLOE HEALTHY YOU CLUBAt www.phloe.co.nz you can join the Phloe Healthy You Club for free and it only takes around 30 seconds. Once you’re joined up, you will receive the ‘Healthy You’ magazine with useful tips on managing your bowel health long term. You will also receive discount vouchers for your next purchase of Phloe.


• Stay active. Exercise helps keep the whole digestive process moving along; thirty minutes of exercise a day is ideal.

• Try yoga moves to help digestion and ease abdominal discomfort. • One fantastic move if you’re feeling bloated is the ‘Knees to Chest’ position

pictured here. Lie on your back and bend both knees into your chest. Then rock your knees from side to side to help massage your abdominal organs and get things moving. Lower your feet to the floor then repeat the exercise. This is a great way to relieve wind, so perhaps do this pose when you’re alone!

Phloe Powder Drink is a new product derived from 100% natural ingredients to help with regular, gentle bowel movements.

Derived from New Zealand kiwifruit, Phloe Powder Drink doesn’t just keep things moving, but actually helps bring your body to good digestive balance.

Include some exercise 2

Take Phloe Powder Drink 3

Always read the label and use only as directed. Supplementary to, and not a replacement for, a balanced diet. Data on file. Vital Foods Ltd, Auckland. TAPS CH3362

Phloe Powder Drink available only at pharmacies Phloe range available at supermarkets, pharmacies & health stores. For more information and to join the ‘Healthy You’ programme visit www.phloe.co.nz

HOW PHLOE WORKSPhloe Bowel Health products are available in capsules and chewable tablets as well as the new powder drink.

All products combine a unique triple action formula, made up of fibre, prebiotics and enzymes to naturally support and optimise bowel health.


Men versus women...different bodies with different needs

Multivitamins can help you keep up with the things you need to do as well as the things you want to do but can’t find the energy for. To get the most from your ‘multi’ however, it helps to choose one designed for men’s and women’s needs – after all we are not the same!

A BOOST FOR THE BETTERHealtheries Multivitamins are specifically developed for Kiwi lifestyles, providing key vitamins and minerals often deficient in New Zealand diets.

If a bit more energy would help you cope with your busy life, a once-a-day tailored Healtheries Multi could be the extra support you need.


JUST FOR WOMENYou know that old saying, “A women’s work is never done”… Between work, home, tending to the family and the things you want to do for you, how many times do you feel you’re living that cliché?

Healtheries Women’s Multi is formulated with high-strength B vitamins and Siberian Ginseng to support energy levels, so you can keep up. It also provides a calcium and iron top-up – nutrients New Zealand women often don’t get enough of.

JUST FOR MENWe all know that a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals our bodies need. But for some men, rushing around all day, it can be hard to get enough nutrients to perform at their best.

Healtheries Men’s Multi is a comprehensive, high-potency supplement packed with the vitamins and minerals men need.

It provides high-potency B vitamins and Panax Ginseng for extra energy. It contains Milk Thistle to support the liver and Zinc to support prostate and sexual health.

BENEFITS• Helps improve energy levels if you’re feeling tired,

overworked or stressed• A dietary top-up with nutrients that

New Zealand women actually need• Helps support a healthy immune system.

BENEFITS • Helps improve energy levels when tired or under stress• Supports good health in men who have too much

caffeine, alcohol or nicotine• Supports performance levels in sportsmen.

Available at your supermarket

Voted New Zealand’s Most Trusted Vitamins &

Supplements Brand5 years running!

Always read the label and use only as directed. Supplementary to, and not a replacement for, a balanced diet. Vitaco Health Ltd, Auckland. TAPS CH3382


Healthy joints are vital to our mobility and quality of life, yet we usually take them for granted.

Even when joint stiffness starts to nag us in the morning, or after prolonged activity, many of us still ignore the signs. Left to deteriorate however, tired and worn joints can eventually put a halt to the things we love to do. And the damage can be hard to reverse.

WHY JOINTS BECOME RUSTYHealthy joints are made up of cartilage and other connective tissue, including ligaments and tendons.

Cartilage is the protective shock absorber between joints. It cushions joints and allows bones to slip freely over one another, providing the easy mobility we tend to take for granted. When joints become tired or stiff, it’s often due to cartilage breaking down.

Once joint complaints start ramping up, there is no quick fix. Getting on top of troubles fast – at the first sign of discomfort – is the best way to safeguard your bounce and mobility.

Tired, aching joints need your help


CARTILAGE NEEDS NOURISHMENTCartilage is made up of glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin, but with age or significant wear and tear, the body’s ability to produce these substances can decline. When this starts to happen, taking a high-potency dietary supplement can be a game-changer.

A joint support formula containing glucosamine and chondroitin provides the body with the nutrients it needs to naturally rebuild cartilage, and in turn support mobility.

NUTRA-LIFE JOINT CARENutra-Life Joint Care combines leading-edge scientific knowledge with high quality natural ingredients. More New Zealanders use it than any

other joint support supplement.1 Nutra-Life Joint Care contains

both premium-grade glucosamine (glucosamine sulphate) and chondroitin, as well as other minerals to help maintain cartilage and support flexibility. Just three easy-to-swallow capsules a day can help protect your joints, helping you stay agile and active for longer.

WHAT’S IN NUTRA-LIFE JOINT CAREGlucosamine sulphate: Glucosamine and sulphur are major components of cartilage and tendons. While glucosamine can be manufactured in different forms, only glucosamine sulphate has been recommended in international clinical guidelines, which is why Nutra-Life Joint Care uses this premium-grade ingredient.

Chondroitin: Naturally-occurring chondroitin acts as a sponge, drawing liquid and nutrients into the joint cartilage.

Copper, zinc, manganese and selenium: These nutrients are vital for healthy cartilage and work in conjunction with glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin to give added joint support.

1. NZ Pharmacy – MAT to 15/07/2012. Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional. Formulation contains glucosamine sulphate derived from crab chitin. Vitaco Health (NZ) Ltd, Auckland. DA4812DC105.

Available at health stores and pharmaciesContact the naturopathic advice line on 0800 268 872 or visit www.nutralife.co.nz

BENEFITS OF NUTRA-LIFE JOINT CARE

• Helps support mobility• Helps maintain healthy cartilage• Scientifically-based formula• Easy-to-swallow capsules.


Think about your bones...just once a yearAre you taking tablet treatments to prevent osteoporosis? You might be surprised to learn there’s another option.


Osteoporosis is not always top of mind, which is why treatment regimes can fall by the wayside.

You might currently be taking tablets to help prevent a broken bone or fracture, but the thing is you have to constantly remember to take them.

Now there’s another option – a treatment you only need once a year.

INTRODUCING ACLASTAWith Aclasta, there’s no need to take a tablet or think about your treatment for 12 months. Instead, one dose helps prevent your bones from fracture for a full year.

Aclasta is a 15-30 minute infusion you have yearly that goes directly to your bones to make them stronger.

It helps prevent fractures in your hip, spine and other bones.

NO MORE MISSED DOSES FOR A WHOLE YEAR!If you’ve been prescribed a tablet but find that you are missing doses, or struggling to take as directed, your bones may not be getting the protection they need. Osteoporosis typically does not have symptoms until a fracture occurs which is why it is so

important to take your medicine as prescribed.

Aclasta removes the problems of missed tablets because a single treatment will help protect your bones from fractures for an entire year.

FULLY FUNDEDAclasta is fully funded for most people at risk of osteoporosis, which means that you will not have to pay for the medicine. However, a doctor’s fee and treatment (infusion) fees will apply. This fee covers the cost of administering the infusion, which in many cases can be done by your local doctor.

Most people have no problem making the switch from oral medications to Aclasta.

If you want to free yourself from having to remember to take tablets, and protect your bones for a whole year, ask your doctor if Aclasta is right for you.

ACLASTA BENEFITS• Convenient – just one dose a year• Effective – goes straight to work

on your bones• No regular tablet regimes• Year-long peace of mind.

Aclasta® is a prescription medicine for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and the treatment of Paget’s disease of the bone. Aclasta is an infusion and contains 5mg of zoledronic acid. It is important to have an Aclasta infusion each year to ensure you get maximum treatment benefit. Check with your doctor to see if Aclasta is right for you. Aclasta is fully funded for patients who meet specified criteria. Funding does not include the cost of infusion and normal doctors and prescription charges will apply. Do not use if you are pregnant, breast feeding, have kidney impairment, have low calcium levels in your blood, or if you are allergic to zoledronic acid or any of the ingredients in Aclasta or any other bisphosphonate medicine. Not recommended for children and adolescents. Caution while under dental treatment or if dental treatment is planned. Calcium, hydration status and kidney function may be assessed by your doctor before and after you are given Aclasta. Adverse effects are usually mild and transient. Common side effects are flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, fatigue, chills, and bone, joint, and/or muscle pain; anaemia; headache; dizziness, transient low blood calcium; gastrointestinal symptoms, renal impairment, breathing difficulty and lethargy. Very rarely osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported. If symptoms persist or you have side effects see your doctor. Aclasta is the registered trademark of Novartis AG. Novartis New Zealand Limited, Auckland. For further information check the Consumer Medicine Information [CMI] at www.medsafe.govt.nz. ACL 0712-183-0714 TAPS CH3359

Ask your doctor if Aclasta is right for you


If the last thing you want to be worried about is heartburn and acid reflux, you need to know there is a simple answer – a treatment that

targets the cause of heartburn, stopping it in its tracks so you can get on with enjoying life.

For frequent heartburn sufferers Losec® Extra could free you from heartburn for up to three months, and you don’t need a prescription to get it.

If there’s one thing that can sour a great meal, it’s heartburn. That burning pain in the chest can be menacing and last for hours. But putting it behind you could be a case of addressing the cause, not just the symptoms.

UNDERSTANDING HEARTBURNIf you suffer from recurring heartburn, it might be because you’re only addressing the symptoms, not the cause.

Heartburn starts with stomach acid. When you produce too much stomach acid, the excess acid can flow into the food pipe (oesophagus) causing a burning pain in the chest. With that in mind, to tackle the problem effectively you may need to limit the amount of acid your stomach produces in the first place.

Put heartburnbehind you


GET LASTING RELIEFWatching what you eat, reducing excess weight, stopping smoking and avoiding stressful situations can all help reduce heartburn or reflux. But to stop heartburn or reflux at its source, you may need to regulate the production of stomach acid.

That’s why millions of people worldwide use either Losec® or Losec® Extra, shown to be twice as effective as antacids in the relief of heartburn and reflux.

TREAT THE ROOT CAUSEUnlike antacids that only temporarily relieve the symptoms of heartburn/reflux, Losec® and Losec® Extra regulate the amount of acid your stomach produces, so that symptoms don’t have the chance to rear their head at all.

Losec® Extra (omeprazole 20mg) may provide up to three months’ relief when taken for two weeks.

It’s available from your pharmacy – without prescription – making it easier to get lasting freedom from the nagging pain of heartburn.

For more on Heartburn go to

www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz

COMMON DIETARY TRIGGERSHeartburn can be triggered by:

• Spicy or fatty food

• Chocolate or sweets

• Caffeinated or fizzy drinks

• Alcohol

• Eating large portions and eating before bedtime.

Losec® and Losec® Extra are used for the relief of reflux-like symptoms, heartburn or regurgitation for people aged 18 years or older. Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your pharmacist. Bayer New Zealand Limited, Auckland. TAPS CH3377

Ask for Losec® at your pharmacy

HEARTBURN BASICS• The stomach uses acid to sterilise

food and protect against infection. • If too many specialised cells in your

stomach lining are pumping acid into your stomach all at once, it can result in excess stomach acid.

• Many things can trigger excess acid production – certain foods and drinks, having a busy lifestyle and specific medical conditions.


In New Zealand, one in four kids and one in six adults experience asthma symptoms at some time.1

If you’ve had an episode yourself, you’ll understand how distressing and urgent the situation can be. At those times reassurance can be found in your blue reliever inhaler – your key to catching a breath again.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH ASTHMA?People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs. When exposed to certain triggers, the airways narrow, making it difficult to breathe.

Two things happen when the airways are irritated:

If you have asthma, it’s vital to keep a reliable reliever inhaler with you at all times. Asthma symptoms can come on quickly, and when they do, your blue inhaler is often your first line of treatment.

Your blue asthma inhaler... the key to relief

• Swelling: the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and swells; mucus gets clogged in the airways making it harder for air to flow through.

• Constriction: the muscles around the airways tighten up; this squeezes the airways, again making it harder for air to flow through.

SYMPTOMSSymptoms of asthma include wheezing or a slight whistle when breathing, coughing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe, and be intermittent (happening


now and again) or persistent (chronic).The underlying cause of asthma is

unclear, but a family history of allergy makes asthma more likely.

COMMON TRIGGERSAsthma symptoms can be triggered by the following: • Colds and chest infections • Allergens, such as house dust-mites

and pollen • Cigarette smoke • Air pollution • Exercise • Cold air • Stress.

VENTOLIN® (SALBUTAMOL) – TRUSTED ASTHMA RELIEFYour blue inhaler is often your first step in relieving asthma symptoms when they occur.

Ventolin® has been used by New Zealanders for over 40 years.2 It’s a brand you can trust to give you fast relief from asthma symptoms, helping you breathe easy within minutes.3,4

VENTOLIN BENEFITS2,4

• Alcohol-free: no unpleasant after-taste

• CFC-free • Suitable for all ages • Used by New Zealanders

for over 40 years.

Ask your doctor and pharmacist for Ventolin by nameReferences: 1. Holt S, Beasley R. The burden of asthma in New Zealand. Wellington: The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand; 2002. http://www.asthmanz.co.nz/burden_of_asthma_in_nz.php 2. Gillies J et al. NZ Med J. 2005:118(1220):79-83. 3. Price A, Clissold S. Drugs. 1989;38(1):77-122. 4. Ventolin Data Sheet, GSK New Zealand *Ventolin® (salbutamol) is available as an alcohol-free and CFC-free Inhaler, 100 mcg per actuation. Ventolin is a partially funded Prescription Medicine. You will need to pay a part charge for this medicine. It is a short-acting bronchodilator used for the relief of asthma symptoms. Use strictly as directed. Do not use Ventolin if you: are sensitive to any of the ingredients in the preparation. Tell your doctor if you: feel that the medicine has become less effective or you are using more than usual; have hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes; are taking any other medicine or herbal remedy including those you buy from a supermarket, pharmacy or health food shop. Common side effects include: headache, nausea, shaky or tense feeling, fast or irregular heart beat, “warm” feeling (caused by blood vessels expanding under the skin), mouth or throat irritation, shortness of breath or wheezing. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health professional. Additional Consumer Medicine Information for Ventolin is available at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Prices for Ventolin may vary across pharmacies. Normal doctor’s office visit fees apply. Ask your doctor if Ventolin is right for you. Ventolin is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies. Marketed by GlaxoSmithKline NZ Ltd, Auckland. Adverse events involving GlaxoSmithKline products should be reported to GSK Medical Information on 0800 808 500. TAPS CH3551-12AU

Ventolin is also alcohol-free4 so you don’t get any unpleasant alcohol after-taste, which might be noticed by children.

WHEN TO USE IT4

Ventolin should be used for symptom relief only; or in the case of exercise-induced asthma, your doctor may tell you to take one or two puffs before you exercise.

Frequent use of your blue inhaler (more than 2 to 3 times a week) means that your asthma management is not as good as it could be, and may be a reason for asking your doctor about preventative asthma treatment. A preventative inhaler can help keep asthma under control so that symptoms don’t disturb your day-to-day life.

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