The success rate of lower back pain treatment in this country could be improved if health providers worked more closely together, according to the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association.
New research published in the Spine Journal late last year found that patients with lower back pain enjoy significant improvement with chiropractic care, but little to no improvement with usual medical care. Despite these results significant numbers of GPs still do not refer patients to chiropractors.
‘The study found that after 16 weeks of care the patients referred to medical doctors saw almost no improvement in their condition, were likely to still be taking pain medication and saw no benefit with added physical therapy and yet were unlikely to be referred to a chiropractor,’ explains Dr. Hayden Thomas, chiropractor and spokesperson for the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association.
Although this was a US study, a similar pattern often exists in New Zealand. ‘Health providers should be working together in the best interests of the New Zealand public, rather than isolating themselves from each other’ he adds. ‘Researchers have found that lower back pain treatment which includes chiropractic spinal manipulation can result in greater improvement than usual care provided by a family doctor. However, some medical doctors seem unwilling to consult with other health care professionals when it could prove to be beneficial to the patient’s overall well being. That’s a worrying trend and will go no way towards improving the lower back pain statistics in this country, which are already causing a great deal of suffering and costing taxpayers millions of dollars.’ Dr. Thomas hopes that continued research into the positive effects of chiropractic care on lower back pain and other health outcomes will encourage medical practitioners to refer patients to a registered chiropractor.
‘We shouldn’t be working against each other,’ says Dr. Thomas. ‘Both medical practitioners and chiropractors have skills that can improve a patient’s well being and help them lead a healthier, happier life free of lower back pain. The sooner health care providers start collaborating, the sooner we will be able to make a dent in those lower back pain numbers in New Zealand.’
For further information on the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association visit www.chiropractic.org.nz.
NZ Chiropractors' Association in the Herald on Sunday
Check out the latest Herald on Sunday for an interview with the NZ Chiropractors' Association. They talk about how an uncomfortable, unsuitable pillow can lead to back pain and neck ache.
NEW ZEALAND OWNED BROOKBY HERBS BREAKS INTO AUSTRALIAN MARKET WITH HERBAL HEALTHCARE FOR PETS
Brookby Herbs, New Zealand’s leading family owned supplier and manufacturer of natural and organic herbal healthcare products for pets has successfully cracked the Australian market this month.
The range can now be purchased from a number of physical and online outlets throughout Australia, including Horse Supplies Direct in New South Wales and Natural Horse World in Tasmania. An Australian based manufacturer has also been brought on board to produce and distribute the brand’s selection of dry herbal products.
Brookby Herbs founder and Managing Director, Jackie Rive, believes that there is a growing international market for natural herbal healthcare for pets.
‘As people across the world become more health conscious and increasingly aware of the food and supplement choices they make, they are also turning their attention to the health of their pets,’ explains Jackie. ‘This trend can already be seen in countries such as the United States where, according to a recent industry report released by the Packaged Facts market research company, annual retail sales of organic and natural pet food are expected to grow three times as fast as pet food sales overall through 2015. Pet owners are paying more attention to the feed and healthcare supplements they are giving their dogs, cats and horses and are starting to recognise the benefits a more natural and holistic approach can provide.’
According to Jackie, New Zealand’s clean, green image also gives producers of natural and organic products in this country an advantage.
‘Consumers overseas think of New Zealand and automatically imagine a healthy, pure environment. This perception is ideal for Kiwi pet care brands offering natural and organic alternatives,’ says Jackie. ‘We already have a large customer base in the United States, who purchase through our website and we now have the interest from Australia as well. It is definitely a market that is expanding, despite the global economic slowdown.’
For more information on Brookby Herbs, visit their website by clicking here.
The range can now be purchased from a number of physical and online outlets throughout Australia, including Horse Supplies Direct in New South Wales and Natural Horse World in Tasmania. An Australian based manufacturer has also been brought on board to produce and distribute the brand’s selection of dry herbal products.
Brookby Herbs founder and Managing Director, Jackie Rive, believes that there is a growing international market for natural herbal healthcare for pets.
‘As people across the world become more health conscious and increasingly aware of the food and supplement choices they make, they are also turning their attention to the health of their pets,’ explains Jackie. ‘This trend can already be seen in countries such as the United States where, according to a recent industry report released by the Packaged Facts market research company, annual retail sales of organic and natural pet food are expected to grow three times as fast as pet food sales overall through 2015. Pet owners are paying more attention to the feed and healthcare supplements they are giving their dogs, cats and horses and are starting to recognise the benefits a more natural and holistic approach can provide.’
According to Jackie, New Zealand’s clean, green image also gives producers of natural and organic products in this country an advantage.
‘Consumers overseas think of New Zealand and automatically imagine a healthy, pure environment. This perception is ideal for Kiwi pet care brands offering natural and organic alternatives,’ says Jackie. ‘We already have a large customer base in the United States, who purchase through our website and we now have the interest from Australia as well. It is definitely a market that is expanding, despite the global economic slowdown.’
For more information on Brookby Herbs, visit their website by clicking here.
WHY TRIMMING BUSINESS INSURANCE CAN BE DEVASTATING
TREND TO TRIM BUSINESS INSURANCE COULD HAVE DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES SAYS BUSINESS MENTORS PATRON, TOWER INSURANCE
According to TOWER Insurance, one of the country’s oldest and most trusted providers, and Patron of Business Mentors New Zealand, some companies are trimming the scope of their insurance cover in a bid to cut costs. However, TOWER warns this false economy could leave businesses open to huge bills and in many cases force their closure. TOWER is asking business mentors to help guide their clients away from underinsuring.
‘As 2011 gets underway, it is becoming clear some business owners think they can get away with spending much less on insuring their companies. They are being more selective, only taking out small chunks of insurance and not protecting their businesses to the full extent. They don’t think it’s necessary and they don’t want to spend the money. We’re asking BMNZ’s 1700 mentors to be on the look out for client companies that might be falling into this trap and counsel them against it,’ says Julian Lough, National Manager - Commercial Sales at TOWER Insurance.
‘This year is going to be financially challenging for many businesses but now is not the time to be cutting back on insurance. If another natural disaster or other unforeseen situation occurs, then being underinsured or not having the right type of insurance could be the final straw for many companies that are already struggling.’
Julian points out that most New Zealand business owners only realise their mistake when they make an insurance claim, at which point it is too late to rectify. He advises catching up with an insurance advisor at least once a year to check that the business is adequately covered.
‘Businesses change over time - new equipment is invested in, replacement costs for items go up and premises are upgraded,’ says Julian. ‘If the insurance policy is not kept up to date, the company could end up being horrendously underinsured and financially unable to get the business up and running again should something awful happen’.
‘Contrary to popular belief, fully insuring a business does not have to cost the earth. As an example, for the cost of a cup of coffee a day (which equates to about $1,300 per year), a company could be covered against a number of eventualities, giving the business owner sense of security and enabling them to keep their doors open. It is so important that New Zealand businesses look ahead and consider the long term implications of cutting insurance corners. We have lost enough companies over the past few years, with the economic downturn taking its toll. Let’s not lose anymore when the cost of that cup of coffee could be enough to prevent it.’
For more information on Business Mentors New Zealand, visit www.businessmentors.org.nz
GOOD POSTURE KEY TO JOB INTERVIEW SUCCESS ACCORDING TO NEW ZEALAND CHIROPRACTORS
According to the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association, paying attention to posture could give job seekers the winning edge as they search for employment this year. New research has revealed that adopting a confident ‘expansive’ stance can have a deciding influence on whether or not an interviewee lands a coveted job role.
Three studies conducted by Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University found that posture matters more than hierarchical role and can make a person think and act in a more powerful way. They discovered that in an interview situation, an interviewee's posture not only conveys confidence and leadership but the person actually thinks and acts more powerfully.
‘It is believed that when a person carries themselves positively, opens up their body and takes up more space they feel more confident and powerful, regardless of their actual rank in an organisation,’ explains Dr. Hayden Thomas, chiropractor and spokesman for the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association.
‘Unfortunately, many people get into the habit of not holding themselves correctly and they slouch or roll their shoulders forward. This is a ‘constrictive’ or ‘closed’ posture and makes individuals look more submissive, less confident and not as capable of leadership.’
Thankfully, there are a number of actions that can be taken to make sure a person’s posture gives the right impression on interview day.
‘Targeted exercises are one of the best ways to correct bad posture,’ says Dr. Thomas. ‘It only takes around three minutes a day to help improve spinal health and posture, which isn’t a huge time commitment. The Straighten Up New Zealand campaign is especially effective with each exercise designed to help the participant develop strong postural muscles. Other causes of bad posture include the wrong height chair and desk at work, obesity and, for women, spending too much time in high heels. Remedying each of these will lead to improved spinal health, which will make maintaining good posture easier and more comfortable.’
‘When you are heading into the interview remind yourself to walk tall with your head up, chest raised and shoulders back,’ adds Dr. Thomas. ‘Once seated, keep your legs and arms uncrossed and sit up straight, with your back relaxed against the back of the chair. Along with making you feel less tense, this positive posture will give the interviewee exactly the right first impression as well.’
For further information on the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association and how to maintain a healthy posture, visit www.chiropractic.org.nz. More details on the Straighten Up New Zealand campaign can be found at www.straightenup.org.nz.
Three studies conducted by Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University found that posture matters more than hierarchical role and can make a person think and act in a more powerful way. They discovered that in an interview situation, an interviewee's posture not only conveys confidence and leadership but the person actually thinks and acts more powerfully.
‘It is believed that when a person carries themselves positively, opens up their body and takes up more space they feel more confident and powerful, regardless of their actual rank in an organisation,’ explains Dr. Hayden Thomas, chiropractor and spokesman for the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association.
‘Unfortunately, many people get into the habit of not holding themselves correctly and they slouch or roll their shoulders forward. This is a ‘constrictive’ or ‘closed’ posture and makes individuals look more submissive, less confident and not as capable of leadership.’
Thankfully, there are a number of actions that can be taken to make sure a person’s posture gives the right impression on interview day.
‘Targeted exercises are one of the best ways to correct bad posture,’ says Dr. Thomas. ‘It only takes around three minutes a day to help improve spinal health and posture, which isn’t a huge time commitment. The Straighten Up New Zealand campaign is especially effective with each exercise designed to help the participant develop strong postural muscles. Other causes of bad posture include the wrong height chair and desk at work, obesity and, for women, spending too much time in high heels. Remedying each of these will lead to improved spinal health, which will make maintaining good posture easier and more comfortable.’
‘When you are heading into the interview remind yourself to walk tall with your head up, chest raised and shoulders back,’ adds Dr. Thomas. ‘Once seated, keep your legs and arms uncrossed and sit up straight, with your back relaxed against the back of the chair. Along with making you feel less tense, this positive posture will give the interviewee exactly the right first impression as well.’
For further information on the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association and how to maintain a healthy posture, visit www.chiropractic.org.nz. More details on the Straighten Up New Zealand campaign can be found at www.straightenup.org.nz.
TWO MORE PHARMACIES JOIN CARE CHEMIST NETWORK
Glendowie Care Chemist and Otahuhu Care Chemist in Auckland have become the latest stores to join Care Chemist, bringing New Zealand’s fastest growing community pharmacy group to 27.
Behzed Eghdamian, owner of both new Care Chemists explains: ‘I have liked the Care Chemist concept since I first heard about it and I’m glad that I have been given the opportunity to become a part of it. I have always believed that pharmacies should be an integral part of the local community. People should recognise their pharmacist and feel comfortable enough to come in and ask questions about healthcare and medicine management.
‘I was also attracted to the way Care Chemist looks after its pharmacists, especially the strong marketing support that they put behind the stores,’ adds Behzed. ‘I’m looking forward to raising the profile of Glendowie and Otahuhu Care Chemist, and raising awareness in the area about who we are and what we do.’
Care Chemist spokesperson, Anthony Yee, says: ‘We are thrilled that Behzed has decided to bring two of his pharmacies into the network. Behzed and his team bring an enormous amount of expertise and experience to the group. We’re looking forward to supporting him with his new business endeavour and helping him provide the local community with a superior professional healthcare service.’
For more information on Care Chemist, visit www.carechemist.co.nz
Behzed Eghdamian, owner of both new Care Chemists explains: ‘I have liked the Care Chemist concept since I first heard about it and I’m glad that I have been given the opportunity to become a part of it. I have always believed that pharmacies should be an integral part of the local community. People should recognise their pharmacist and feel comfortable enough to come in and ask questions about healthcare and medicine management.
‘I was also attracted to the way Care Chemist looks after its pharmacists, especially the strong marketing support that they put behind the stores,’ adds Behzed. ‘I’m looking forward to raising the profile of Glendowie and Otahuhu Care Chemist, and raising awareness in the area about who we are and what we do.’
Care Chemist spokesperson, Anthony Yee, says: ‘We are thrilled that Behzed has decided to bring two of his pharmacies into the network. Behzed and his team bring an enormous amount of expertise and experience to the group. We’re looking forward to supporting him with his new business endeavour and helping him provide the local community with a superior professional healthcare service.’
For more information on Care Chemist, visit www.carechemist.co.nz
SUB FOOTBALL APPEARS IN JANUARY ISSUE OF NZ MULTISPORT
Well known fitness magazine, NZ Multisport, published a full page feature on SUB Football in their January 2011 issue. Check it out when you get chance- available from all good magazine stores, stationary shops etc
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