As temperatures drop and colds, flu and other winter illnesses do the rounds across the country, short-term respite care can be a valuable option to support elderly loved ones and give exhausted caregivers a much-needed break.

Respite care provides temporary, short-term residential care for older people, typically ranging from a few days to a few weeks. It's designed to give family caregivers time to rest, travel, recover from their own illness, or catch up on daily life, while their loved one stays in a safe, supported environment with access to trained staff.

Why Winter Puts Extra Pressure on Family Caregivers

Winter tends to be one of the busiest times of year for respite care bookings, and there are a few clear reasons why:

Increased health risks for older people. Cold weather, flu season and reduced mobility during wet, icy conditions all increase the risk of falls, infections and hospital admissions among the elderly. Families caring for a parent or partner often find the demands of day-to-day care intensify over winter months.

Caregiver burnout peaks. Looking after an elderly family member is demanding at the best of times. Add shorter days, more time indoors, and the caregiver's own risk of getting sick, and burnout becomes far more likely. Respite care gives caregivers a genuine chance to rest and recover before they reach breaking point.

Post-hospital recovery. Winter's flu and respiratory illness season means more older New Zealanders are hospitalised this time of year. Many families use respite care as a step-down option, a safe place for a loved one to recover with professional support before returning home.

Holiday and travel planning. School holidays and long weekends mean families may want to travel somewhere warm or take a short break. Booking respite care in advance means a loved one is well cared for while family members are away.

What to Look for in Winter Respite Care

If you're considering respite care in New Zealand this winter, it's worth looking for a facility that offers:

• 24/7 access to registered nurses and healthcare assistants
• Warm, comfortable living spaces suited to older residents
• Flexibility on length of stay, from a few days to a few weeks
• A smooth, well-managed admission process, particularly important if the stay follows a hospital discharge
• Genuine family involvement and communication throughout the stay

Planning Reduces Stress

Because winter is a peak season for respite bookings, availability can be limited, particularly at respite care facilities with a strong local reputation. Families are encouraged to enquire early rather than waiting until a crisis point.

Auckland aged care provider Ambridge Rose offers short-term respite care across its East Auckland facilities, supporting families who need a break over the colder months or are planning a getaway. With registered nurses and healthcare assistants available around the clock, families can be confident their loved one is well looked after, whether the stay is planned weeks in advance or arranged at short notice.

For families weighing up their options this winter, taking the time to research respite care now, rather than waiting until things become unmanageable, can make a significant difference to both the caregiver's wellbeing and the quality of care their loved one receives.

The New Zealand Association of Orthodontists (NZAO) is urging New Zealanders to think carefully before ordering do-it-yourself teeth-straightening kits online, warning that the appeal of a cheaper, more convenient smile can carry risks that last a lifetime.

The NZAO is the professional body representing specialist orthodontists across the country. Through its public-facing website, Orthodontics New Zealand (ONZ), the association publishes impartial consumer guidance and offers a free tool to help the public find a qualified specialist orthodontist in their area. Its detailed guidance on the growing trend of at-home aligners is designed to help New Zealanders make more informed decisions about their orthodontic care.

The NZAO says it is committed to a high standard of care for the oral health of New Zealanders and wants potential consumers to understand the risks they may be exposed to when using DIY aligner products.

How DIY Aligners Work, And Where The Gap Is

DIY aligner companies typically straighten a customer's teeth without any face-to-face appointment with an orthodontist. A mould or impression is taken at home using a kit bought online, or a digital scan is taken by non-dental staff in a retail store. Those impressions or scans are then used to manufacture clear aligners, usually with little or no direct supervision from a specialist.

The association's concern centres on what the DIY model leaves out. Moving teeth can be complicated and carries risks to the supporting structures if it is not adequately supervised. The NZAO's advice is that aligner treatment should be planned and overseen by a specialist orthodontist, the professional trained to diagnose each case, tailor the treatment and manage any problems along the way.

Before treatment begins, a specialist orthodontist collects a comprehensive set of records, including a clinical examination and history, at least two types of X-rays, photographs of the teeth and face, and a digital scan. Only then is a diagnosis and treatment plan formed, along with the risks specific to that case. The association describes the decision to straighten teeth at home as involving an element of "flying blind."

As the NZAO puts it in its consumer guidance: "Poorly done teeth straightening can affect people for the rest of their lives. It is not uncommon for people to end up losing teeth because of poorly done orthodontic treatments."

A Pattern Of Remedial Treatment

DIY orthodontics frequently produces less than desirable results, and orthodontists report that patients who have tried it often need remedial treatment to correct the outcome. The association also notes that several DIY aligner companies have gone out of business in recent years, leaving customers without support if something goes wrong.

“Orthodontists see a steady stream of people who are having problems with or are dissatisfied with the results of non-specialist orthodontic treatments,” the association states.

Unlike DIY products, orthodontic treatment in New Zealand is a regulated specialty overseen by the Dental Council of New Zealand, which means complications can be managed appropriately if they arise.

Why Specialist Training Matters

Every specialist orthodontist has completed a five-year dentistry degree followed by a three-year full-time postgraduate qualification in orthodontics. Specialists assess not just the position of the teeth, but how the teeth and jaws sit in relation to the face, lips and surrounding soft tissues, alongside the patient's overall oral health.

Research has shown that failing to account for these factors can result in unsatisfactory aesthetics, improper jaw function and a reduced quality of life.

"Getting it right is highly complex, and each patient requires an individualised plan," the association notes. "Orthodontists complete intensive postgraduate training to optimise outcomes and ensure patient safety."

Advice For Consumers

The association's message is to weigh the full picture rather than price alone. While a DIY kit may look cheaper at the outset, correcting a poor result can end up costing far more than doing it properly the first time.

New Zealanders considering treatment are encouraged to consult a specialist orthodontist for an assessment of their individual needs and can search the association's online orthodontist finder to locate a registered specialist in their region.

For the complete picture, the association explains why DIY aligners can be risky and what to check before straightening your teeth at home in its consumer guidance article.

About Orthodontics New Zealand and the NZAO

The New Zealand Association of Orthodontists is the professional body representing specialist orthodontists in New Zealand.

It created the Orthodontics New Zealand (ONZ) website to help the public make informed decisions about orthodontic treatment, including understanding the difference between a dentist and a specialist orthodontist, and how to find the most qualified specialist in their area through its online orthodontist finder.

All information provided through ONZ is impartial and evidence-based, with no financial interest in any orthodontic company or technique.

Media contact: New Zealand Association of Orthodontists
Website: https://www.orthodontists.org.nz/
Contact: https://www.orthodontists.org.nz/contact/

Something is shifting in the way New Zealanders think about what they drink. Quietly, steadily, and in growing numbers, Kiwis are becoming more intentional about their beverage choices, and brands like GreenHorn NZ are right there with them. The data is backing it up.

According to Stats NZ, alcohol consumption has dropped to 11.4 standard drinks per week in 2025, the lowest level since records began in 2011. In fact, 38% of New Zealanders are now drinking less than they were a year ago, and the reasons go well beyond cost of living. Among those choosing to moderate, 41% say they are doing so to be healthier, reflecting a genuine shift in values rather than just tightening budgets.

This is mindful drinking in action. It is not about abstaining entirely or following a strict set of rules. It is simply about pausing to consider what you are putting into your body, and why. Younger New Zealanders in particular are leading this charge, with 18 to 34 year olds motivated by wanting to be a better version of themselves and to improve their sleep quality.

The movement is creating space for drinks that prioritise flavour, refreshment, and real ingredients over stimulants and artificial additives. Consumers are reading labels more carefully, asking questions, and choosing products that align with how they want to feel, not just in the moment, but the next morning too.

It is a shift that sits naturally alongside what GreenHorn NZ stands for. Mango Blast is caffeine-free and made without artificial sweeteners, a straightforward, refreshing option for anyone who wants something flavourful without the trade-offs that come with energy drinks or alcohol.

Mindful drinking is not a passing trend. For brands willing to adapt, it is a space to innovate, connect, and grow with a new generation of consumers who value control, authenticity, and wellness just as much as they value flavour and fun. GreenHorn NZ is proud to be part of that conversation.

Contact Green Horn NZ

https://greenhorn.club/pages/contact

+642774 7337

info@dmgroupglobal.com

Contact MediaPA

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Dr Wendy Sweet (PhD), founder of My Menopause Transformation (MyMT™), is celebrating a significant milestone: 10 years of supporting more than 20,000 women through menopause and beyond.

What began as a personal mission to understand her own menopause symptoms has evolved into a globally recognised education and coaching platform helping women take control of their health during one of life's most challenging transitions.

A former ICU nurse, exercise specialist, university lecturer and healthy ageing researcher, Wendy founded MyMT™ after becoming frustrated by the lack of practical, evidence-based lifestyle solutions available to women experiencing menopause symptoms. 

“One day, after purchasing yet another supplement from a young saleswoman, who had no idea what I was going through, and knowing that my blood pressure and cholesterol were climbing, despite being on HRT, I had had enough!

It was my ‘lightbulb’ moment. Drawing on my many years of teaching exercise physiology at the University of Waikato, I realised that nobody was taking a ‘whole-body’ approach to menopause symptoms. Furthermore, with menopause management framed within the medical and pharmaceutical paradigms, I also realised that I hadn’t heard anyone talking about lifestyle science solutions”, she explains. 

“That’s when  knew I had to use my physiology and healthy ageing knowledge and experience, not only as a former nurse, but also as a leading exercise specialist in New Zealand and University Lecturer, to figure out how to turn around menopause symptoms and my health, so I could ‘age-well’.”

That’s how MyMT™ was established. Since then, Wendy has worked with women across New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United States, Europe and beyond, helping them better understand the relationship between menopause symptoms, healthy ageing, inflammation, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle habits.

Drawing on insights gained from supporting more than 20,000 women, she says the biggest lesson has been that many women feel unheard and unsupported during menopause.

"Women often arrive feeling exhausted, confused and frustrated. They've tried multiple solutions, but nobody has connected the dots. What we've learned is that symptoms rarely exist in isolation. Sleep, weight gain, inflammation, energy, mood and overall health are all interconnected."

Wendy believes the conversation must move beyond symptom management alone and focus on healthy ageing.

"Menopause isn't just a phase we get through. It's a biological transition that influences how we age for decades to come. Women deserve access to education that helps them understand not only what's happening now, but how to protect their future health, particularly their cardiovascular health - afterall, heart disease remains the number one health risk for women as they transition from menopause to post-menopause."

As MyMT™ enters its second decade, Wendy remains committed to its mission of empowering women with practical, science-backed knowledge and a supportive community.

To mark the milestone, she has released 10 Years, 10 Lessons, sharing the key insights gained from supporting more than 20,000 women through menopause and beyond. 

For more information, visit www.mymenopausetransformation.com

For over 32 years, Paulette Coombes worked as a registered nurse, supporting people through some of life's most vulnerable moments. It's an experience that taught her something many wellness practitioners only learn in theory: real change rarely starts in the body. It starts in the mind.

Today, as a Certified Life Mastery Consultant and founder of EleVate Beyond, Hamilton-based Paulette helps people identify the subconscious blocks quietly running their lives, the ones shaping their health, relationships, confidence, finances, and sense of purpose without them even realising it. Her work bridges that clinical insight with deep personal development, empowering people to move beyond self-doubt and anxiety into clarity, confidence, and aligned action.

"Our goals and dreams are often born out of the challenges we face," says Paulette.

According to her, two feelings tend to signal that growth is calling: longing and discontent. Rather than something to suppress, she sees them as intuitive messengers pulling us towards growth.

This is where mindset work intersects with wellness in a meaningful way. So often, we treat symptoms, stress, fatigue, low motivation, strained relationships, without ever asking what belief or pattern is driving them. Paulette's approach digs beneath the surface, helping people uncover what's really holding them back, then equips them with practical tools to move forward.

"You are capable of far more than you know, despite your circumstances, situation or conditions," she reminds her clients, and it's a philosophy reflected throughout her work, whether through one-on-one coaching, group programmes, or her live workshops.

For Paulette, the goal is always the same: helping people move from simply surviving to genuinely thriving. That means shifting from a place of lack to one of gratitude and self-awareness, and replacing hopelessness with renewed motivation and direction. For some, it also means reconnecting with parts of themselves, their culture, their relationships, their sense of identity, that they believed they'd lost along the way.

It's not about quick fixes. It's about reconnecting with who you truly are and building, with intention and courage, the life you actually want, in your health, your relationships, and your sense of purpose.

For anyone who has sensed there's something more waiting for them, but hasn't known how to reach it, Paulette's work offers a place to start.

Contact Paulette Coombes

021 222 9114 

paulette@elevatebeyond.co.nz

https://elevatebeyond.co.nz/

Contact MediaPA

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Moisture in the home is one of those problems that starts quietly. A little condensation on the windows, a musty smell in the wardrobe, and before you know it, you're dealing with mould on the walls, peeling paint, and a family sneezing through winter. The good news? It's a battle you can absolutely win, and JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning is here to help you do it.

Where Does Household Moisture Come From?

Every day, your household generates a surprising amount of water vapour. Cooking, showering, drying laundry indoors, even breathing all add up. In New Zealand's climate, where homes can be cool and poorly ventilated, that moisture has nowhere to go. It clings to cold surfaces, seeps into wall cavities, and creates the perfect environment for mould and mildew to thrive.

How to Take Control

Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate. Opening windows daily, even for just 15 minutes, makes a real difference. Better yet, a purpose-built home ventilation system constantly circulates fresh, drier air throughout your home, removing the guesswork entirely.

Use extractor fans. Always run the bathroom and kitchen fan during and after cooking or showering. If you don't have one, it's a worthwhile investment.

Heat your home consistently. Cold air holds more moisture. A heat pump keeps your indoor temperature stable, which reduces condensation on windows and walls, one of the biggest culprits behind mould growth.

Dry laundry outside when possible. A single load of washing can release up to two litres of water vapour into your home. On wet days, a heated room with good airflow is far better than a cold, sealed one.

The Benefits of Getting It Right

Controlling moisture isn't just about appearances. It has real, lasting benefits. You'll breathe cleaner, healthier air with fewer allergens and irritants. Your home's structure and chattels will last longer, protecting your investment. Energy bills can drop, too, since dry air is far easier and cheaper to heat than damp air.

At JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, we offer expert heat pump installation, home and commercial ventilation systems, and professional advice tailored to your home and business. Give us a call on 0800 577 722 and let's keep your home dry, warm, and healthy year-round.

Contact JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Today!

0800 JSR RAC

https://www.jsr.co.nz/

Contact MediaPA

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Every week in New Zealand, two people die from motor neurone disease (MND) - and two more are told they have an incurable, rapidly progressing illness that will steal their ability to move, speak, eat and eventually breathe. 

This devastating diagnosis sets a brutal countdown timer ticking. The average life expectancy is just two to three years, and New Zealand has a higher incidence rate of the disease than the rest of the world. Despite this, for the more than 400 Kiwis living with MND at any one time, it is frustrating that the disease is not well recognised or understood by New Zealanders.  

This June, the charitable trust Motor Neurone Disease NZ (MND NZ) is asking the country to take action. MND Action Month 2026 invites New Zealanders to tip a bucket or pour a brew - taking part in the MND Ice Bucket Challenge or Cuppa Tea for MND to help make time count for those living with the disease, and to ensure no one faces MND alone. 

MND Action Month 2026 brings together these two powerful fundraising strands to highlight a stark reality: people with MND are not just losing their lives; they are losing time, moment by moment.. With no cure or meaningful treatments available, what happens in that limited time - the care, equipment, support and connection people receive - becomes everything.

“Time is something people with MND don’t have,” says Mark Leggett, Chief Executive of MND NZ. “We can’t yet stop the disease, but we can change the experience of living with it. This June, we’re asking people to step up so that every single moment counts for those facing MND.”

Throughout June - including Global MND Awareness Day on 21 June - the campaign will spotlight real stories from people living with MND, their carers and whānau. 

Campaign ambassadors will be highlighting the hidden financial costs, the emotional and physical load carried by carers, and the desperate need for timely equipment.

The MND Ice Bucket Challenge injects energy and visibility, challenging participants to take the plunge in support of people facing even colder truths: health system delays, limited access to care, and inconsistent support that can rob families of precious time and quality of life. 

Workplaces, schools and clubs are encouraged to nominate a brave leader, principal or coach to sit under the bucket. 

Meanwhile, the Cuppa Tea for MND strand invites reflection, connection, and conversation. From a simple cuppa in the staffroom to a themed morning tea, it is a chance to gather, honour loved ones, and fund vital advocacy and research. 

“A rapidly progressing disease doesn't wait for paperwork or waitlists,” says Leggett. “A person's physical needs change much faster than our current health and disability systems can keep up with. MND NZ’s support and advocacy services help people  get the equipment and care they need, precisely when they need it, but we rely heavily on the backing of everyday New Zealanders to do that.”

All funds raised during MND Action Month will support Motor Neurone Disease NZ’s vital work - including personalised support services, advocacy for equitable access to care, and research, so we can ultimately change the course of this disease.

“MND is relentless. Every day counts. Every action matters. Whether you tip an icy bucket or pour a hot brew, you’re making time count for the more than 120 New Zealanders who will receive a life-changing diagnosis this year,” concludes Leggett.

To get involved, register your event, or make a donation, visit www.mndactionmonth.org.nz or www.mnd.org.nz

Join the movement: #MNDActionMonth | #TipOrPour | #IceBucketChallenge | #CuppaTeaforMND

ENDS

GP and Me opens a landmark new clinic in Mt Eden — redefining what an independent general practice can look and feel like.

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When a developer's demolition notice arrived at Three Kings Family Medical Centre, co-owners Dr Connie Juhn and Phillip Thein faced a choice: find a new address, or build something the New Zealand healthcare sector has never seen before. They chose the latter.

The result is GP and Me — a boldly reimagined independent general practice that has just opened its doors at 281 Dominion Road in Mt Eden, housed in a heritage BNZ building opposite the Eden Quarter shopping precinct. It is, by any measure, unlike any GP clinic in the country.

"We believed patients and healthcare teams deserved something better and more creative. This space allows us to deliver care that truly reflects that — with more time, better facilities, and a deeper connection with our patients."

— Dr Connie Juhn, Co-owner and Specialist GP

A Space Designed to Change How Care Feels

The fit-out is a deliberate architectural statement. Every detail — from the materials and light to the layout of consultation rooms and shared spaces — has been considered with one question in mind: does this make people feel welcome, safe and valued?

Spread across three levels, the clinic offers seven consultation rooms, a dedicated procedure room, a nursing station overlooking three observation bays with beds, and a large boardroom. The former bank vault has been repurposed as a storage room, and a rooftop space is planned to give the clinical team a place to decompress and recharge at the end of each day — a rare and considered gesture toward staff wellbeing.

The upper floor features up to eight rooms available for allied health professionals to sublet, enabling a more integrated, multidisciplinary approach to patient care. A 13-space car park on Bellwood Avenue connects via lift directly to street-level reception on Dominion Road.

This is not a clinic that looks like a clinic. It is a space designed to inspire the people who work in it and put at ease the people who walk through its doors.

"We are building something future-focused — a space that sustains independent general practice while embracing thoughtful innovation, without losing the values that make this kind of care so meaningful."

— Phillip Thein, Co-owner

100% Human. 0% Corporate.

GP and Me operates under a philosophy that is both simple and provocative in the current climate of New Zealand primary care: healthcare should feel warm, not clinical. Collaborative, not transactional. Built on trust, not throughput.

The practice is a deliberate pushback against the corporatisation of general practice — a trend Dr Juhn describes as one of the most damaging shifts in the sector in recent years. While the team embraces tools that genuinely serve the patient relationship — such as the AI medical scribe Heidi, which reduces administrative burden and gives clinicians more time for human connection — they draw a firm line at anything that replaces that connection. There will be no AI answering the phones.

The enrolled patient model remains central to their approach, prioritising continuity of care. The expanded facility allows the practice to grow from its current population of around 3,500 to a maximum of 12,000 patients, with capacity for up to six full-time-equivalent GPs and nurse practitioners.

Care That Meets People Where They Are

GP and Me is built for people who have felt unseen, rushed, or misunderstood within traditional healthcare settings — including women and those seeking women's health, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and anyone for whom a GP appointment has historically felt more intimidating than supportive.

The clinic's inclusive, affirming approach is embedded not just in its philosophy but in the physical experience of the space itself — from the way reception is designed to feel welcoming rather than transactional, to the deliberate absence of the institutional aesthetic that makes so many patients feel like a number rather than a person.

About GP and Me

GP and Me is an independent general practice at 281 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland. Founded by specialist GP Dr Connie Juhn and co-owner Phillip Thein, the practice is committed to delivering patient-centred care that is warm, inclusive and deeply human. GP and Me prioritises continuity of care, clinical excellence, and the wellbeing of both patients and the clinical team.

GP and Me is now open and welcoming both existing and new patients. Enrolments and appointments can be made at gpandme.co.nz.

Media Contact

Name:  Phillip Thein

Address:  281 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland

Phone:  (09) 625 8998

Email:  hello@gpandme.co.nz

Website: https://www.gpandme.co.nz/

Creatine stands as one of the most researched supplements in sports nutrition, yet many active adults hesitate to try it. The reason? That familiar concern about water retention and a puffy, bloated look that can mask hard-earned definition. Enter creatine HCL, which offers the same proven performance and recovery advantages while sidestepping excess water retention. If you train consistently but want to avoid the boat, this form of creatine may be worth adding to your routine.

What is Creatine?

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found throughout the body and also in protein foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products.

Creatine molecules are made up of three amino acids: glycine, arginine, and methionine. Creatine and amino acids are necessary building blocks for muscle cells. Although creatine can be obtained from food, many people take creatine supplements to boost the natural creatine stores in the human body and improve performance.

Creatine monohydrate and creatine HCL are two common forms of creatine.

Creatine HCL

Creatine hydrochloride (HCL) binds the creatine molecule to hydrochloric acid, dramatically improving solubility in water. The combination of creatine and hydrochloric acid forms a creatine salt, which is uniquely different from creatine monohydrate.

The addition of the hydrochloride group in creatine hydrochloride allows for the compound to be more polar, which translates to it being more soluble. This increased solubility means creatine HCL is more easily absorbed and utilized in the body.

Because it dissolves more readily, the body appears to absorb and utilize it more efficiently at much lower doses, typically 1–2 grams daily versus the 3–5 grams common with monohydrate. The result? Less undissolved residue reaching the gut, fewer reports of gastrointestinal upset, and minimal excess water drawn into the subcutaneous layer.

Benefits of Creatine HCL

• Boost athletic performance
• Increases the capacity for ATP (adenosine triphosphate) during high intensity workouts
• Improved strength gains when paired with resistance training such as lifting weight
• Allows muscles to work longer and harder before reaching fatigue
• May improve body composition
• Reduced bloating

Simple Ways to Make It Part of Your Routine

Consistency matters more than timing. Mix one scoop of creatine HCL into water, juice, or your favorite protein shake any time of day.

If you’re looking for a clean option, this creatine HCL powder combines 750 mg of Con-Cret® Creatine HCl with Cactinea™ organic prickly pear extract, a natural powerhouse for maintaining water balance that helps you look lean and feel light while building real muscle.

Note: Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have kidney concerns.

Summary

Creatine remains the gold-standard supplement for anyone serious about strength, performance, and recovery. By choosing creatine HCL, you get all the benefits of creating while leaving the bloat behind.

Since opening its doors in 1971, Hillcrest Spinal has remained a constant in the Waikato health landscape. Founded by Dr Allen Elley, the clinic was among the first chiropractic practices in the region, setting an early benchmark for hands-on, patient-focused care.

At a time when chiropractic treatment was still gaining recognition locally, Dr Elley established a practice grounded in results. His approach was simple and practical. Understand the cause of pain, restore movement, and help patients return to normal life as quickly as possible. That foundation shaped not only the clinic’s early success, but its long-term reputation across generations of patients.

Over the decades, Hillcrest Spinal has been carefully passed on, each owner building on what came before while preserving the core philosophy. Today, the clinic is led by Dr Sarkaw Randhawa, who became the third owner in 2016.

The transition between the original founder and current leadership is part of what makes the clinic’s story distinctive. Dr Elley continued practising alongside Dr Randhawa until his retirement just before turning 80, ensuring continuity of care and a seamless handover of knowledge and experience.

Under Dr Randhawa, Hillcrest Spinal has evolved while staying true to its roots. The clinic continues to focus on diagnosing and treating spinal conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and postural issues, with an emphasis on restoring movement and preventing recurrence.

What remains unchanged is the philosophy behind the care. Treatment is designed to be effective, efficient, and grounded in evidence. Patients are not just treated, but educated, with a strong focus on helping them understand their condition and take control of their long-term health.

More than 50 years on, Hillcrest Spinal stands as more than a clinic. It represents continuity in a fast-changing healthcare environment. A place where experience is passed down, not lost. Where modern methods are built on proven foundations.

From Dr Allen Elley’s original vision to Dr Sarkaw Randhawa’s ongoing leadership, Hillcrest Spinal continues to do what it has always done.

Deliver care that works.

Contact Hillcrest Spinal:

Phone 07 856 6442

info@hillcrestspinal.co.nz

021 100 7363

Neck or back pain?

Contact MediaPA

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Up to one-third of people may have low levels of a key nutrient found in dairy products, according to research led by a US scientist examining its role in metabolic health.1

Dr Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist who previously served with the World Health Organization and the US Navy, says the findings may have particular relevance in New Zealand.

Research shows dairy remains a staple of many New Zealand diets, but consumption patterns have shifted over time. While New Zealanders still rank among the world’s highest per-capita consumers of milk, domestic consumption has gradually declined, with total milk intake falling 1% to 89 litres per person per year in 2025. Analysts attribute the trend to changing consumer preferences, including the growing popularity of reduced-fat dairy products and plant-based alternatives.2

Researchers say that the shift may have implications for levels of C15:0, also known as pentadecanoic acid, an odd-chain saturated fatty acid naturally present in milk fat and some fish.

In everyday diets, the compound is primarily found in foods such as whole milk, butter, cheese and other dairy products that contain natural milk fat.

Dr Venn-Watson says while once considered nutritionally insignificant, C15:0 has gained increasing scientific attention as researchers examine links between specific fatty acids, inflammation and long-term metabolic health.[3]

“C15:0 occurs naturally in dairy fat, but historically it received very little scientific attention because it was assumed to be nutritionally insignificant.

“More recent research suggests it may play a much more active role in maintaining metabolic balance than previously thought,” she says.

Several human studies have reported associations between higher circulating levels of odd-chain fatty acids such as C15:0 and lower risk of conditions including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.[4]

Dr Venn-Watson says scientists are increasingly examining individual fatty acids rather than treating all dietary fats as a single category.

“For many years dietary fats were grouped together in broad categories, but we are increasingly learning that individual fatty acids can have very different biological effects.

“That means understanding the role of compounds such as C15:0 could be important for long-term metabolic health,” she says.

The topic is attracting interest as metabolic disease continues to rise in many countries, including New Zealand. Ministry of Health data shows around one in three adults in New Zealand are classified as obese, while more than 300,000 people are estimated to be living with diabetes or pre-diabetes.[5]

Much of the scientific attention surrounding the fatty acid emerged through marine health research led by Dr Venn-Watson, who is widely regarded as the world’s leading expert on C15:0. The compound is considered the first essential fatty acid to be identified in more than 90 years.

Her research analysing ageing dolphin populations uncovered unexpected links between fatty acid levels and metabolic disease.

Dr Venn-Watson’s team examined decades of archived blood samples alongside controlled diet data and found that roughly one in three older dolphins developed metabolic conditions commonly associated with ageing in humans, including insulin resistance, abnormal lipid levels, chronic inflammation and fatty liver disease.[6]

She says the discovery emerged while researchers were analysing why some dolphins appeared to age more healthily than others.

“We were studying why some dolphins aged healthily while others developed metabolic conditions similar to those seen in humans.

Dr Venn-Watson says large-scale molecular analysis of the animals’ blood revealed one compound that consistently distinguished healthier dolphins from those experiencing metabolic decline.

“When we examined thousands of molecular markers in the blood samples, C15:0 consistently stood out as one of the strongest indicators associated with healthier animals,” she says.

“Animals with higher circulating levels tended to show fewer signs of inflammation and metabolic dysfunction,” she says.[7]

Subsequent laboratory studies have suggested the fatty acid may influence several biological pathways linked to cellular health, including mitochondrial function, inflammation signalling and lipid metabolism.[8]

Scientists say growing international interest in individual milk components reflects a broader shift toward functional dairy ingredients, where specific fatty acids, peptides and other bioactive compounds are studied for their potential health effects rather than treating milk fat as a single nutritional category.[9]

Dr Venn-Watson says the research reflects a broader shift in nutrition science toward understanding individual nutrients in greater detail.

“We are only beginning to understand how specific nutrients interact with metabolic systems in the body.

“As research tools improve, it is likely that additional compounds previously considered minor components of food will turn out to play important roles in health,” she says.

Dr Venn-Watson says that the emerging science should not be interpreted as evidence that people should dramatically increase dairy consumption.

“The findings highlight how much remains to be understood about the biological effects of individual fatty acids and the importance of examining nutrition at a more detailed biochemical level,” she says.

“Dairy fat is the main dietary source of C15:0, but it also contains higher levels of another fatty acid called C16:0.

“A recent clinical trial found that increasing dairy fat intake raised C15:0 levels, which were associated with improved vascular function. However, the same study also showed increases in C16:0, which were linked to higher blood pressure,” she says.[10]

-Ends-

[1] Venn-Watson, S., Lumpkin, R., & Dennis, E. A. (2020). Efficacy of dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acid pentadecanoic acid parallels broad associated health benefits in humans: could it be essential? Scientific Reports, 10(1), 8161.

[2] IBISWorld - industry market research, reports, and statistics. (n.d.).

[3] Venn-Watson, S., Lumpkin, R., & Dennis, E. A. (2020). Efficacy of dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acid pentadecanoic acid parallels broad associated health benefits in humans: could it be essential? Scientific Reports, 10(1), 8161.

[4] Huang, L., Lin, J., Aris, I. M., Yang, G., Chen, W., & Li, L. (2019). Circulating Saturated Fatty Acids and Incident Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 11(5), 998.

[5] Obesity | Ministry of Health NZ. (2026, February 10). Ministry of Health NZ.

[6] Venn-Watson, S., Lumpkin, R., & Dennis, E. A. (2020). Efficacy of dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acid pentadecanoic acid parallels broad associated health benefits in humans: could it be essential? Scientific Reports, 10(1), 8161.

[7] Venn-Watson, S., Lumpkin, R., & Dennis, E. A. (2020). Efficacy of dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acid pentadecanoic acid parallels broad associated health benefits in humans: could it be essential? Scientific Reports, 10(1), 8161.

[8] Venn-Watson, S., Lumpkin, R., & Dennis, E. A. (2020). Efficacy of dietary odd-chain saturated fatty acid pentadecanoic acid parallels broad associated health benefits in humans: could it be essential? Scientific Reports, 10(1), 8161.

[9] Gómez-Cortés, P., Juárez, M., & De La Fuente, M. A. (2018). Milk fatty acids and potential health benefits: An updated vision. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 81, 1–9.

[10] Arghavani, H., Bilodeau, J., & Rudkowska, I. (2025). Impact of dairy intake on circulating fatty acids and associations with blood pressure: A randomized crossover trial. Nutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 35(9), 104112.

Orthotic House is proud to mark a significant milestone of 20 years of delivering innovative, patient-centred orthotic services to communities across the central and eastern North Island. What began as a small clinic on Lake Road in Hamilton - instantly recognised for its iconic bright green letterbox - has evolved into a multi-clinic, region-spanning service provider known for their manaakitanga, deep centred experience, innovation, and exceptional client care.

Founded by Janeen Laimbeer and Colin Storey, Orthotic House opened its doors with a clear mission: to make high-quality orthotic care accessible, personal, and grounded in clinical excellence.

“Despite us both having a wealth of experience in our specific fields, when we first started Orthotic House, it was just a couple of clinical rooms and that unforgettable green letterbox,” says Janeen “But even then, we were driven by the desire to build a service where patients felt genuinely supported and where our team could create solutions that truly changed lives.”

As clinical demand soon outstripped the original space, Orthotic House expanded further down Lake Road into larger premises. While the famous bright green letterbox couldn’t make the shift, it was so highly recognised that replica signage was proudly installed at the new clinic’s entrance. This swift growth now supporting 5 Orthotic Clinicians, was an early sign of the deep trust and loyalty shared between Orthotic House, the hauora community, and its patients - some of whom had been supported by Colin as an Orthotist of 54 years long before Orthotic House officially opened its doors.

One such client Mark Liddle says “I’ve always deeply appreciated the assistance and expertise of the team at Orthotic House. What truly stands out is how they blend exceptional technical skill with genuine, heartfelt care - nothing is ever too much trouble for them.

Recently, I’ve taken up competitive Para table tennis, and I simply wouldn’t have been able to pursue it without their guidance. Their involvement hasn’t just kept me moving; it’s opened doors, lifted my confidence, and genuinely improved my quality of life.”

Expanding Access to Care Across the North Island

Following success in the Waikato, Orthotic House secured the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board orthotics contract in 2018, opening dedicated clinical rooms with custom manufacturing services in the region and significantly expanding access to specialist care.

“Every region deserves reliable, high-quality orthotic services,” says Colin. “Expanding into Hawke’s Bay and supporting another regional community is hugely rewarding”

To ensure equitable access, Orthotic House has established a growing network of outreach clinics in Matamata, Te Kuiti, Thames, Huntly, Tokoroa, Taupo and Waipukurau, reducing travel barriers for rural and regional patients and strengthening continuity of care.

Most recently, in late 2025, Orthotic House took over orthotic services for the Lakes District, opening permanent clinical rooms staffed with an onsite clinical orthotist / prosthetist - further extending their footprint and impact.

Two Decades of Innovation and Expertise

Throughout its growth, Orthotic House has remained committed to blending clinical experience with modern technology and innovative solutions. From custom orthotics and bracing to personalised mobility support, the team is known for creative problem-solving and a warm, client-first approach.

“Innovation is important, but experience is what allows us to turn technology into the right outcome for each person,” says Storey. “Our team has decades of combined expertise, and that shows in the results we see every day.”

A Future Built on Community Trust and Continued Growth

As Orthotic House celebrates 20 years, the founders credit their success to the people who’ve made the journey possible - patients, partners, clinicians, and community supporters.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the trust communities have placed in us,” Laimbeer reflects. “We’re excited for the next 20 years - continuing to grow, innovate, and deliver care that helps people move with confidence and live life to the fullest.”

For media enquiries:
Orthotic House
Taryn@orthotichouse.co.nz
021 224 8624