CHECK YOUR CUPBOARDS FOR SUN SENSITIVITY PRODUCTS WARNS LEADING NZ SENSITIVE SKIN AND SUN PROTECTION EXPERT

News Release

Date: 12^th February 2015

Oasis Beauty, New Zealand’s leading expert in sensitive skin and sun protection warns that heat wave sufferers should check their cupboards for sun sensitivity products before venturing outside.

As New Zealanders consult Google in record numbers for sunburn remedies, the Canterbury-based manufacturer of the signature brand, Oasis Sun SPF30, says many people are unaware that they may be using products, ranging from citrus fruits, celery, parsley and parsnips to artificial sweeteners and a host of common medications, which raise their risk of sun sensitivity.

Oasis founder, Stephanie Evans says: `As New Zealanders we have had it drummed into us now that we have to take care of our skin, making sure we use an effective cleansing routine, a good moisturiser and the best sunscreen you can afford. But what many of us don’t realise is that the contents of our kitchen cupboards and bathroom cabinets may be increasing our risk of sun sensitivity.’

Stephanie Evans: cupboards may harbour
sun sensitivity products

She warns: `It might be obvious to check the labels on your prescription drugs, but many over-the-counter pain medicines, herbal remedies such as St John’s Wort, perfume, exfoliators and some poorly formulated sunscreens, as well as some favourite summer foods may increase sensitivity to the sun and the likelihood of skin damage.’

Sensitivity may be a phototoxic reaction, when the UV radiation reacts with an ingested substance to form compounds that damage the skin. Sunburn on the exposed skin can develop in moments or may take hours to show. A photoallergic reaction occurs when the UV radiation reacts with a substance on the skin. Hives or blisters can show almost immediately you are exposed to the sun but may take days to develop and may spread to other areas.

Stephanie advises: `Because it is impossible to avoid exposure to the sun, if you do develop sensitivity you should always choose an SPF30 sunscreen. Use more than you think you will need and apply a good half hour before you go outside. Don't forget to reapply every two hours, straight after swimming or any sweat inducing exercise. Remember that you can get sunburn while you are driving or sitting at a desk in an office – UV light can penetrate window glass.

`At work, at play or simply chilling out, as our climate changes and we are exposed to more sunshine, it makes sense to put sun protection first.’

Oasis Sun SPF30 is formulated for the whole family including babies and children:

• Made for sensitive skin
• Suitable for face and body
• Non greasy & non whitening
• Does not stain clothes
• No colour or fragrance
• Paraben free & non-nano
• Cruelty free & suitable for vegans
• Made in New Zealand

It contains contains 94% natural/organic ingredients including jojoba oil, shea butter and vitamin E to moisturise against wind, water and sunlight.

More information can be found at www.oasisbeauty.co.nz, along with a list of retailers stocking Oasis Beauty products.

Topcare Early Childhood Learning Centres Going From Strength to Strength

Topcare, the Early Childhood Learning specialist, has opened a new centre providing pre-school care and education for children age two – five years of age at state of the art premises in Portage Road, Papatoetoe, South Auckland. The newly licenced early childhood learning centre is now accepting registrations and is over half way full already.

Topcare founder Jackie Hui at the new centre

The new centre is modelled on the highly popular Topcare Early Childhood Learning Centre at Evelyn Street, Papatoetoe and will cater for up to 55 children. 

Topcare founder, Jackie Hui has over 20 years of international experience in early childhood education. She studied for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education at the Manukau Institute of Technology and later graduated with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Auckland.  She says: `My aim at Portage Road Topcare is to make a real difference to our children’s lives by providing top quality care and education in the finest facilities anywhere in South Auckland.’

In 2008 Jackie opened the first of the Topcare Early Childhood Learning Centres, which has been highly successful with parents and shortlisted for a number of awards. Jackie is currently studying for a ‘Master of Educational Leadership’ and expects to finish in2015. 

Jackie says: `What we are building at Topcare is a new model of excellence in New Zealand early childhood education. My educational philosophy is founded on the strength of the relationships between the children, parents and staff built on Trust, Security, Respect, Caring and having fun. I really believe that children learn best when the teachers and parents work together and the children are engaged in experiences that are stimulating and interesting.

‘Topcare practices reflect the multicultural heritage of New Zealand’s community. Topcare’s mission is to educate our children to be the leaders of the future. We treat our tamariki with passion, love and knowledge.’

GROWING PAINS MAY MASK SERIOUS CONDITIONS, WARN NZ CHIROPRACTORS

Media Release

Date: 10^th February 2015

The New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association warns parents to be cautious about dismissing their children’s complaints as ‘growing pains’ and just a rite of passage, pointing out that the symptoms may indicate more serious conditions.

NZCA spokesman and chiropractor Dr Hayden Thomas says: `We should be really clear about this, kids should not have pain. It so often gets brushed off as just ‘growing pains’ but we recognise that pain can be a sign of a real developmental or functional problem, and in some rare occasions a more serious disease process – a clear signal that all is not well.’

The NZCA warning follows reports in the UK media about a young woman diagnosed in her teens with growing pains who actually had an unusual early form of cervical cancer. It is also timely with the back-to-school burden that heavy backpacks and long periods of sitting can place on the developing spine and body. Parents of children under regular chiropractic care report a reduction in ‘growing pains’ and improvement in function after chiropractic adjustments.^1,2

Dr Thomas says: `Parents should consider taking their child to an NZCA member chiropractor for a check up to see if something is functionally or structurally amiss. Your chiropractor will adapt their techniques to suit the age and condition of the patient and may advise on other factors that can contribute to childhood pains such as hydration, proper muscular and skeletal development and nutritional deficiencies or stresses.’

Chiropractors are primary care providers who are trained to recognise other disease processes and will refer to the most appropriate healthcare provider if they suspect something more serious may be occurring.

Growing pains are cramping, achy muscle leg pains that may start as early as age three or four and may reoccur aged 8-12. They often occur in the late afternoon or evenings and may cause children to wake up in the night. They are probably not linked to growth spurts and appear to be more common after intensive physical activity or sports. They can be experienced for months or even years but eventually subside.

Dr Thomas says: ‘While it is unknown why growing pains occur, just because it may be common does not mean it is normal. Studies suggest that children who have growing pains may be more sensitive to pain, and more likely to have headaches and abdominal pain. Chiropractic care, along with home based interventions such as massaging the legs, stretching the leg muscles and placing a warm cloth or heating pad on the legs have all been shown to help.^1,2,3

`We know that good posture is a key part of maintaining good spinal health, so we want to encourage New Zealanders to visit their chiropractor and make sure that everything is aligned and moving the way it should be. Your family chiropractor will be able to advise you on ways to improve your posture and ensure you have a healthier spine and a healthier spine is an important part of improved overall health and wellbeing.’

Dr Hayden Thomas explains:  ‘The NZCA recommends having every member of the family checked by an NZCA chiropractor because regular chiropractic care can help the spine and nervous system to function at an optimal level, regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms. Doing the three-minute set of simple exercises recommended by Straighten Up New Zealand (SUNZ) every day will help improve posture, stabilise core muscle groups, enhance health and prevent spinal disability. It is also important to encourage family members to stand or sit correctly and to take frequent breaks to walk around and stretch if they have been sitting down for a while. This will help to stop muscles getting tight and strained, joints from becoming restricted and nerves from becoming compressed, irritated or fatigued.’

Straighten Up New Zealand is a simple, engaging spinal exercise programme, designed to promote spinal health. The Straighten Up campaign was originally developed in the US and is now being adopted by countries all over the world. The NZCA has developed a website to support the campaign. Remember that is always advisable to have any pain that is severe or not improving checked out promptly by your chiropractor.

For more information on the Straighten Up campaign, visit www.straightenup.org.nz. Further details on the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association can be found at www.chiropractic.org.nz.

References:

1 http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/growing-pains-and-chiropractic-care/How-Does-Chiropractic-Help.html

2 http://www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/Vertebral_Subluxation_Correlated_with_Somatic.shtml

3 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/growing-pains/basics/definition/con-20029782

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