NEW NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN URGES KIWIS TO PREVENT MEMORY LOSS BY TAKING BETTER CARE OF THEIR BRAINS

New Zealanders could help stave off memory loss by making a few simple lifestyle changes according to Care Chemist, New Zealand’s fastest growing community pharmacy group. Care Chemist has launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of dementia and memory loss and to provide information on how to slow down the process.

‘Memory loss is an increasing problem with an ageing population but fortunately, there are a number of things that can be done to keep the brain in tip top condition,’ explains Care Chemist CEO, Nicolette McDonald. ‘For example, a recent neurology study found that eating fish rich in omega-3 can help lower the risk of memory loss and stroke by 26% . This benefit was only found in fish that was baked or grilled though, not fried, so be careful about how your fish is prepared.’

According to Alzheimer’s New Zealand, there are currently around 40,746 New Zealanders with some form of dementia and it is estimated that by 2026, 74,821 people will have developed the condition. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form, affecting approximately 20,000 to 28,500 New Zealanders.

Nicolette adds: ‘Exercising both the body and the brain and staying socially stimulated can help improve memory. Research has also shown that supplementing the diet with high-folic acid pills could help slow the decline in memory and other brain functions as you age .’

Nicolette also points out that it is not just the older generation that should place importance on brain health.

‘Dementia and memory loss is often something associated with individuals over the age of fifty,’ says Nicolette. ‘However, it is important that younger people look after their brains as well. Taking the right steps early on can help support and maintain healthy brain function through an individual’s entire life.’

Care Chemist will be providing advice on how to improve brain health both in-store and through their monthly healthcare brochure. On top of that, Care Chemists pharmacists are always on hand to discuss any issues and possible solutions with their customers.

CAMELSPACE WINS NEWMARKET VIADUCT REPLACEMENT JOB

Leading scaffolding and temporary structure company, Camelspace, has been recruited by the Northern Gateway Alliance to work on the Newmarket Viaduct replacement project. At least six Camelspace employees will be required onsite fulltime to solve numerous temporary access problems daily.

'We are so pleased to be involved in such a fascinating and high profile job,’ says Phil McConchie, Commercial Director and co-founder of Camelspace. ‘This is one of the most complex motorway flyover replacement projects ever undertaken anywhere in the world, and it is being done while keeping the motorway open at all times. It’s not often that you get the opportunity to work on such a unique feat of engineering.’

‘Camelspace was chosen for the project because the company has the experience, the necessary access structure and scaffold equipment and a proven track record in solving access challenges that others can’t,’ adds Phil. ‘We’re looking forward to working alongside the Northern Gateway Alliance and other suppliers over the next couple of years to improve this vital road transport link.’

The Newmarket Viaduct (flyover) is being replaced to provide better earthquake stability and cope with increasing traffic demand. Other factors were the very low safety barriers and the fact that the existing viaduct is a prohibited route for overweight vehicles, forcing more trucks through the city streets. The new design will be able to withstand an earthquake with a 2,500 year return period.

The Newmarket Connection project will see the existing Newmarket Viaduct replaced with a wider, stronger, more sustainable new motorway bridge through a carefully orchestrated sequence of construction and deconstruction stages. This innovative staged approach will enable the New Zealand Transport Agency to keep this vital link in the country’s motorway network open at close to full capacity throughout the four year replacement process. It is estimated that the entire project will cost around $195 million.

TOO MUCH TIME WITH TV AND COMPUTERS COULD MEAN BACK PAIN FOR KIWI TEENAGERS THIS WINTER WARN CHIROPRACTORS

The New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association is warning parents that excessive time in front of computer and television screens this winter could mean an increase in back pain, neck and shoulder pain and headaches for their children.

A new study published in the BMC Public Health Journal has found a link between the amounts of time adolescents spend using computers, watching television and playing computer games, and back pain and headaches. The study's authors think that the link between back and head pain and screen time might not be related to the kind of screen activity the teens were engaged in, but to the amount of time they spent doing it and how they sat or stood while screen-engaged.

Dr. Hayden Thomas, spokesman for the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association explains:

‘All the research shows that teenagers are spending an increasing amount of time participating in screen-based activities, such as TV, computer games, and other types of computer based entertainment. During winter, as the weather worsens outside, this is likely to increase even further.

‘Screen time is fine in small quantities but longer periods sitting down, hunched over in the same position for hours on end can be seriously detrimental to a persons health. Not moving for extended periods causes the muscles in the neck, arms and back to stiffen up and become sore. On top of that, slouching increases the amount of compressive force through the spine. This increased force may, over a period of time, fatigue the spinal muscles and cause pain, or may lead to early degenerative changes.’

Despite the health risks associated with the overuse of computers and television, Dr Thomas emphasises that it is not necessary for teenagers to give up their technology entirely.

‘It’s all about moderation. Computers and TV can be a valuable source of entertainment and education for young people and you’re never going to convince them to give it up altogether,’ says Dr. Thomas. ‘However, it is important to make sure they understand the dangers of excessive screen time and how to avoid painful back pain. Encourage them to sit up with their shoulders back and their feet on the floor when they’re at their PC or watching television. They should also have their chair pulled close enough to the computer screen so that they’re not tempted to lean forward, putting stress on the lower back. Finally, advise that they take frequent breaks to walk around and stretch. This will stop muscles getting tight and strained.’

‘Of course, it is also preferable that teenagers try to get outside and do some exercise, even over the winter months,’ adds Dr. Thomas. ‘Regular exercise, whether it is by participating in a team sport or going for a quick walk, keeps body fat and high blood pressure down, and reduces the prevalence of depression and anxiety. It also helps prevent back pain by increasing muscle strength and endurance and improving flexibility and posture.’