Health & Wellbeing

To be in a room surrounded by people but be cut off from the conversations around you is frustrating and upsetting, and can feel incredibly lonely. Hearing loss develops slowly and admitting to a hearing loss can be difficult. The good news is there’s help out there if you or someone you care […]

Leading yoga practitioner and teacher Donna Farhi says yoga embraces the value of collaboration. She explains that “community is expressed in fostering a spirit of generosity, building equality and oneness.” At the opening of the new Flow Wellbeing Centre in 2021, Farhi reiterated her belief and passion for community. “Entering any of the […]

There’s no denying the fact that Pilates is having a serious moment, and with very good reason. By no means a new form of exercise, the practice has been around for over 100 years after it was founded by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. One woman who can attest to its power is […]

One in five adults suffers from chronic pain. In older people, the number rises to three in five. Most of these people don’t realise they don’t have to settle for a survival-based coexistence with their partner or bury their hopes for success and joy under a mountain of heat packs or duvets. So […]

Breastfeeding is a natural part of life but often doesn’t come naturally at all. Most women struggle at some point in their breastfeeding journey, and few mums manage to achieve the recommended six months of exclusive breastfeeding. With new mums inundated with the public health message ‘breast is best’, the pressure and feelings […]

Research that aims to improve the lives of people living with the experience of disability is now one step closer to creating real, much-needed change right here in Christchurch. The Canterbury Medical Research Foundation (CMRF) recently announced the recipient of their inaugural Emerging Researcher Fellowship, Dr Johnny Bourke from The Burwood Academy. It […]

Great vision is proven to be essential for effective learning, but new research confirms the impacts of vision beyond the classroom. Good eyesight allows us to reach our full developmental potential, says optometrist Penny McCracken of Anstice Optometrists. “This is especially true for school-aged children who are growing and learning fast,” she says. […]

Draining the lymph system is believed to help improve blood flow, circulation, energy, and the immune system, to relieve stress, and speed up surgery recovery. It’s also credited with improving skin elasticity, digestion, weight loss, hormonal imbalances and reducing cellulite, constipation, bloating, puffiness, and water retention. Lymphatic drainage massage involves bringing fluid stuck […]

People seeking peer-to-peer mental health and addiction support are now able to connect more easily online with Aotearoa’s largest peer-led organisation, Mind and Body, after it launched its new website. The website includes information and contact forms for various support, advocacy, training and consultancy services. Peer-led services are delivered by people who have […]

Exercising regularly is good for people’s immune systems, with research suggesting that it may even lower the risk of upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold. ExerciseNZ chief executive Richard Beddie suggests that even 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week is enough to bring about benefits. He says exercise […]