Turn your life around
Maori and Pacific people rate high in all the wrong statistics. We are at most risk of life-threatening diseases and are dying prematurely. Depressing, yes, but unfortunately this is a true reflection of our current health situation. Deputy editor QIANE CORFIELD-MATATA gives us the bare statistics, reveals the true state of play, and talks to health professionals about how we can take a proactive step to changing our lives for the better.
Body Warrant of Fitness
Dr Guy Naden recommends people visit the doctor for a head to toe check up every two-to-three years.
Quality over quantity
Food is a source of nourishment, it provides mental stimulus and is metabolised by the body to give energy and build tissue. It is a functional, routine part of everyday existence.
Stop it before it begins
SPASIFIK health and fitness columnist SARAH COWLEY says healthy eating and regular exercise can decrease the risk of diabetes.
Hold the Nuts
Food allergies are becoming more and more prevalent, but what are they and how do they affect our families? Inga Stünzner shares her story with SPASIFIK.
HPV immunisation programme well supported by Pacific teens
A high number of Pacific girls and young women have chosen to have the new HPV immunisation – offered in participating New Zealand schools for the first time last year.
Supporting our Sisters
Anne Allan-Moetaua, Pacific Strategic Advisor for the National Screening unit, urges every eligible woman to be regularly screened.
Sela's Heartache
In January Sela Alo, popular co-host of Niu FM’s JandalJam radio breakfast show, will have an operation to save his life. While the 37-year-old has learned to live all his life with an abnormal heartbeat the situation became urgent as he struggles with a valvular heart disease which is deteriorating rapidly. Pharmac’s One Heart Many Lives campaign, which appears both in Niu FM and SPASIFIK, has prompted him to speak out for the very first time.
Spot This
Melanoma rates for Maori and Pacific peoples are on the increase. QIANE CORFIELD-MATATA finds out why.
Nursing to Good Health
An innovative pilot programme initiated by the Counties Manukau District Health Board opens doors for more nurses from the Pacific Islands to help take care of Pacific patients.
The courage to be healing communities: Taking care of the va
There is a trendy catch phrase doing the rounds in mental health right now. It goes something like “there’s no health without mental health”. Of course, in the Pacific, our ancients have known this for centuries.
Keeping Kids safe this Summer
To keep children safe around water there are some simple steps you need to take. Whether it’s at the beach, a public pool or in your own home it is important to be there with children, helping them to become confident in the water.
Traditional Health, Healing & Holistic Medicine
South Pacific College of Natural Therapies teaches Natural Medicine to students passionate about the importance of health and wellbeing. The College is New Zealand’s first and foremost provider of Natural Medicine.
World-class health in Samoa
In a very short nine years, the Oceania University of Medicine (OUM) situated in the National Health Complex, Apia has made a significant contribution to medical training and health services in Samoa.
