CAMELSPACE KEEPS A ROOF OVER THE HEADS OF MOTHERS AND BABIES

Leading scaffolding and event structure company, Camelspace, has provided the Birth Care Midwifery and Maternity Hospital in Parnell with a watertight temporary roof while the existing roof is removed to allow an extra story to be built.

The structure which measures 15m wide, 20m long and is 14m above the building will allow the centre to continue caring for mothers and their babies while necessary construction work for the expansion is carried-out.

‘It has been a very interesting project to work on and fantastic to know that because of our watertight temporary roof, Birth Care doesn’t need to disrupt new mums and their babies in any way,’ says Phil McConchie, Commercial Director and co-founder of Camelspace who having had his first child and wife spend time in the facility only a few months ago, knows better than anyone the invaluable resource it is for parents and their newborns.

‘We were able to offer them a fully encapsulated solution,’ adds Phil. ‘Unlike many other temporary roof options, the one we supply provides builders and other trades with easy overhead access. They can pull back roof panels to crane in materials or access the top floor with machines; replacing panels afterwards. With most other temporary coverings, once they have been put into place, they cannot be penetrated.

That just isn’t practical for a facility that needs to continue business-as-usual on lower floors and without any loss of capacity during an expansion project like this.’

The covering protecting the Birth Care centre is manufactured in Germany and is known as a Keder Roof System. Reinforced heavy-duty PVC sheets are pulled into a specially designed aluminum sub-structure on a modular scaffold base to create a weather and water resistant shield. Camelspace are the largest owner of this system in New Zealand.

For more information on Camelspace, visit www.camelspace.com

CARE CHEMIST LAUNCHES 4.2 CARD CAMPAIGN TO CUT KIWI BLOOD PRESSURE

Care Chemist, New Zealand’s fastest growing community pharmacy group, has launched a wallet card campaign to cut the country’s high blood pressure levels and help save the 16 people who die from heart disease every day.

Nicolette McDonald, Care Chemist CEO, says the new initiative was sparked by research showing that raising awareness about current and target blood pressure levels using a wallet information card was one of the most effective ways of helping large groups of people with high blood pressure improve their health.

She explains: `Someone dies from heart disease every 90 minutes in New Zealand. The blood pressure wallet card has been hailed overseas as one of the most beneficial patient education interventions because it gives the patient control over their own chronic illness. We know it is important for patients to be actively involved with their healthcare team to improve the quality of their care and get their blood pressure to goal. Community pharmacists, as the most frequently seen health care professional, are ideally placed to work in partnership with their patients.

Researchers have found that you can produce a 4.2 per cent improvement, which sounds modest but over the whole population is a major benefit in preventing stroke, heart attacks and congestive heart failure.’

The 4.2 card campaign, being carried by all 24 Care Chemist pharmacies across the country, will encourage New Zealanders to reduce their chances of developing heart disease by pursuing a healthier lifestyle.

Care Chemist will be providing all customers with a free wallet card, to keep track of current and target blood pressure levels and to remind them how to choose a healthy lifestyle.

‘Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in New Zealand,’ explains Nicolette. `Our aim is to help the New Zealand public realise that heart problems are avoidable and that prevention is key. A few small steps can produce huge results when it comes to keeping high blood pressure under control. For example, cutting out smoking, following a healthier diet and doing more exercise will go a long way towards keeping cardiovascular disasters, such as heart attacks and strokes at bay.’

In addition to the wallet card, Care Chemist pharmacies will be distributing a series of educational guides. These will include details on how to ascertain whether you are at risk of a heart attack/stroke, as well as information on blood pressure, cholesterol, weight management, physical activity, smoking and heart healthy eating. Selected pharmacies will also be offering free blood pressure check-ups throughout March.

For more information on Care Chemist, visit www.carechemist.co.nz

LONG HOT SUMMER IN THE WRONG SHOES COULD SPELL BACK PAIN FOR NEW ZEALANDERS

The New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association is warning Kiwis that this long hot summer could be putting their health at risk by encouraging them to wear summer shoes which are uncomfortable, don’t support the foot adequately and encourage poor posture, for longer than normal.

According to the NZCA high heels and jandals are the worst offenders. A new report on behalf of The Vitality Show, in the UK, revealed that, as well as causing bunions and damage to the tendons, high heels can have a dangerous effect on the back, distorting its natural alignment and compressing the spinal nerves resulting in back pain.

It seems that jandals can be just as bad if worn for extensive periods. In a study conducted by Auburn University*, researchers discovered that wearing thong-style jandals can cause postural imbalances, which in turn can lead to long-term health problems of the knees, ankles, hips, back and neck.

Dr. Simon Kelly, spokesman for the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association explains:
‘High heel shoes place the heels unnaturally high above the toes. On top of that, the body’s centre of gravity is thrown forward. Eventually, this poor posture places too much uneven wear the discs, the joints, and the ligaments of the back.

‘The fact that jandals can be damaging is usually more of a surprise to people as they associate them with relaxation and comfort. But we’ve known for some time that when people walk in jandals they alter their stride to compromise for the lack of support the sandal provides. Jandal wearers tend to grip the shoe with their toes while walking, forcing them to take shorter steps. This modification in gait produces muscle imbalances and improper joint mechanics, leading to dysfunction in various parts of the body.’

Despite the risks associated with wearing particular styles of summer shoes, Dr Kelly emphasises that it is not necessary to give up wearing heels and jandals completely.

‘It’s all about moderation. It’s been a great summer and naturally people want to look good. High heels and jandals should only be worn for short periods of time and both types of shoe should be reserved for days when you will not be doing a lot of walking. It’s also a good idea to set aside days where you don’t wear either style and stick to a supportive trainer or a sandal with ankle support and insoles instead.’

*Auburn University research team, Justin Shroyer et al, 2008 annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, Indianapolis