Kapiti Community Health Group manager Susan Shingleton says two important community health forums are to be held in Otaki and Paraparaumu in this month.
"We have invited the DHBs and PHOs to come to the community and talk about health changes and identify what the health impact will be on services provided to Kapiti people from Paekakariki to Otaki. It is also an opportunity for the community to raise any health concerns and issues."
The first Forum will be held on Tuesday 10 AUGUST at 1:00PM—3:00PM at the Otaki Senior Citizens Hall, Rangatira Street, Otaki. Speakers will include MidCentral DHB Chief Executive Murray Georgel and Senior Manager Craig Johnston. The Central PHO will be represented by Regional manager Joe Howells and Locality Manager Dawn Wilson.
The second Forum will be held on Tuesday 31 August from 1:00PM—3:00PM at the Kapiti Community Centre, Ngahina Street, Paraparaumu.
Representing the Capital and Coast DHB will be Ken Whelan, Chief Executive, Luke Worth, Director of Change and Jen Boryer, Operations Mgr.
From the Compass Primary Healthcare Network will be Cathy O'Malley, Chief Executive; Ranei Wineera, Regional Manager, and John Watkeys, Locality Manager.
Ms Shingleton says this is a great opportunity for the community to hear about Health Service changes and to give feedback abouth health services.
Refreshments are provided
BFHI is the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, which is a WHO Programme to improve the way maternity units promote and support breastfeeding. In this country it is administered by the NZ Breastfeeding Authority.
Breastfeeding is critical to the good health of mothers and babies. Research has shown that health benefits include healthier immune systems protecting against respiratory, ear, and gut infections including asthma and allergic sensitivities. It reduces risks of adolescent obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and childhood cancers, and reduces risk to the mother of breast and ovarian cancers.
Gina Woodward, of Kapiti Birthing Unit, said Paraparaumu Maternity has recently been re-accredited as a baby friendly facility, with exceptionally good results. "We have a 99% exclusive B/F rate, and it is a testament to the knowledge , skill and experience of the staff employed here. Of the 72 maternity services in the country that have been BFHI accredited, there are only 5 that have 99-100% exclusive B/F rates. Julie Stufkens from the NZ Breastfeeding Authority was particularly impressed with the feedback from the women who have used this facility. Kapiti women are extremely fortunate to have access to this maternity service, and we are proud to be involved."
Nearly 20,000 people have written to the Minister for ACC, Dr Nick Smith, opposing proposed ACC regulations that will see people with hearing injuries denied rehabilitation including much needed hearing aids if they can't afford to pay their "share" of the costs.
The National Foundation for the Deaf says the figures show the level of opposition to ACC's plans and believes the government would be very foolhardy to ignore this.
"The fact such a huge number of people have protested against these proposals is a measure of just how wrong people believe these changes are," NFD chief executive Louise Carroll said today. 'Surely the Minister for ACC realises this'.
The figures, provided by Dr Smith in response to an Official Information query by a Wellington lawyer, show 19,738 people sent prepared letters protesting the changes by July 9, while 51 of 55 letters expressed opposition or concern. Fifty-six official submissions were also sub-mitted.
Under the proposed changes, announced in May, ACC will only pay the portion of rehabilitation - hearing aids and audiology fees - that it decides is caused by noise injury. If ACC's assessors say part of the hearing loss is also caused by age or other factors, the claimant will have to pay for that percentage of the costs.
But ACC Minister Nick Smith, when releasing the information about how many people wrote to him, refused to provide key background documents relating to the proposed new regulations.
"The point is that scientists say it is not possible to effectively separate noise damage and age-related hearing loss retrospectively," Mrs Carroll said.
"In fact, the scientists say noise injury can accelerate age-related hearing loss.
"ACC's assessors are also putting sometimes-large portions of a claimant's hearing loss down to "idiopathic" causes – and "idiopathic" means "unknown". The assessors are saying they can't say that portion of hearing was damaged, but equally, they can't say it was not.
"Under these new changes, the claimant will have to find potentially thousands of dollars as their 'share' of the cost of rehabilitation, based on what we believe are faulty assumptions. Many won't be able to afford that and will just go without.
"That's unfair, it's inhumane, and it's not the New Zealand way. Half a hearing aid doesn't work."
Mrs Carroll said that last year ACC provided rehabilitation to just 42 percent of noise-injury claims after a rigorous assessment process, and accepted them as bona fide injuries. Any collateral benefit for other parts of a claimant's hearing loss came at no cost to ACC.
"Dr Smith said recently he had scientific advice on this issue, but he has refused to release it. If Dr Smith has information that says they are wrong, then he should make it public," she said.
"It is a concern that he has information which he says supports fundamental changes to ACC, but won't release it for public scrutiny."
Come and join us if you are struggling to accept your loss of vision, have difficulty with daily living skills or safe mobility due to sight loss. You will be most welcome at either or both of our meetings and you will find the group both supportive and encouraging. There is a $2 donation which covers rental and refreshments.
If you have any enquiries you can call
Gail Mann – co-ordinator 04 904 0269
Sue Emirali – chair person, Paraparaumu 04 298 4028
Genevieve Langdale-Hunt – chair person, Waikanae 04 293 6158
Meetings
Paraparaumu
Where: Paraparaumu Community Centre
When: 3rd Monday each month
Time: 1.30 – 3.00
Or
Waikanae
Where: Cameo Room, Drop In Centre, Mahara Place
When: 1st Monday each month
The Mental Health Foundation - in association with the Foundation's Out of the Blue depression awareness campaign and Like Minds, Like Mine - is now seeking applications for the 2010 New Zealand Mental Health Media Grants. This year, two grants of up to $12,000 each are available to applicants who have a journalism or creative project that focuses on mental health and wellbeing and helps reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.
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The National Foundation for the Deaf wants to give people who are hearing impaired and deaf the opportunity to be heard by their Members of Parliament.
NFD chief executive Louise Carroll says the hearing-impaired and deaf have taken a number of serious hits from government decisions over the past year, and the NFD believes part of the reason is that MPs just don't realise the impact of hearing loss and deafness.
"Because of this, MP's don't understand how their decisions are making life so much tougher for people who are hearing impaired and deaf," Mrs Carroll said today.
In a global first the National Foundation for the Deaf has asked all Members of the New Zealand Parliament to make 9am to noon, on Saturday, September 18, 2010, an opportunity for people who are hearing impaired and deaf to meet with their Members of Parliament at their electorate office to discuss issues they are concerned about.
"We're calling it the 'Be Heard Day'," she said.
Mrs Carroll said people with hearing disabilities faced a raft of serious, life-impacting, issues ranging from ACC coverage and hearing aid funding through to education and isolation.
She said research showed about 450,000 New Zealanders had a hearing loss and nearly 290,000 of them regard their hearing loss as disabling.
"This is the largest sensory disability group in the country, but the disability is invisible," she said.
"And so, we want to talk to our MPs – we need to be heard.
"This has not been done in New Zealand before – and in fact I don't think this has been done anywhere in the world before. We want Be Heard Day to become an annual event. "
Mrs Carroll said the various party caucuses considered the NFD request at their meetings on Monday and MP's are now positively responding.
Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed three new paramedics to the Otaki Ambulance station this week.
"These new paramedics will be a huge asset to our community, given that Otaki deals with around 1800 call-outs a year," says Mr Guy.
"The government has announced $28 million in funding for new paramedics across the country. This included three new paramedics for Foxton and three in Otaki, all of whom are now in place.
"Double crewing has been a long standing issue in our region and these new paramedics will make a significant difference. They will help support Levin and act as strategic back-up.
"It is great news for the region following the recent dedication of a new $200,000 ambulance for St Johns in Levin.
"I've taken a keen interest in this issue because paramedics are so important to our community, especially with our high number of elderly people.
"Having a quick response time when people dial 111 is very important. Local people need to know that help is there in times of need.
"These St Johns paramedics will complement the Wellington Free Ambulance pilot in Kapiti, which is reducing trips to hospital with paramedics supporting patients in their own home.
"I also want to thank the volunteers who serve. Otaki St Johns has a special culture that helps attract volunteers, with a pool of around 15. They are the lifeblood of St Johns because many of them enjoy the experience and become professional, full-time paramedics.
"The other good news for the Otaki community is the recent launch of the St Johns Health Shuttle that will transport patients to Palmerston North for their appointments."
Fourteen New Zealanders, including two Maori, will die today.
The same number will die tomorrow and the day after that and every other day …. all year round.
They won't die in road accidents. They won't die of old age. They won't die as a result of suicide, drowning or an adventure tourism accident.
They will die because they continue to smoke.
The Cancer Society's Chief Executive, Dalton Kelly, says active smoking is directly linked to the premature deaths of 5,000 New Zealanders including over 600 Māori, every year.
"We can't ignore the fact that current smoking rates are disproportionately high among Maori. Taking action to reduce smoking among Maori communities, in particular, should be a major health priority."
On Wednesday 21 April, 2010, the Cancer Society will be making an oral submission to the Maori Affairs Select Committee Inquiry into the tobacco industry in Aotearoa and the consequences of tobacco use for Maori.
In their submission the Society has proposed some solutions to reduce the smoking rate, including an increase in tobacco taxes and banning point-of-sale tobacco retail displays. Both these solutions are very likely to have a notable impact in reducing Maori smoking rates.
Mr Kelly also argues that the government is letting Maori smokers down saying Maori-specific cessation services receive about $8 million from the $40 million tobacco control budget but Maori smokers contribute over $250 million per year in tobacco tax.
"We think a bigger slice of the smoking tax-take should be used to wean Maori smokers off a product that is killing them at alarming rates," he adds.
Mr Kelly says the Society supports wholeheartedly comments by Tariana Turia when she questions why we continue to allow tobacco to be sold.
"Stop allowing it on the shelf," she said, "and raise taxes."
"Hear, hear," says the Cancer Society. "Those actions, more than anything, will help us achieve our goal which is to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in New Zealand.
We are the Respiratory Support Group Kapiti and we offer support and information for people with a respiratory condition here on the Kapiti Coast.
Next Meeting
21st April: Respiratory Support Group Kapiti meet at the Kapiti Community Centre, Ngahina Street, Paraparaumu at 1-30pm and we invite all you puffers and wheezers to come along and join us. Contact Jill 2970573 for more information.
Kapiti Coast District Council and its disabilities advisors have agreed on key relationship issues and have completed a memorandum of understanding that defines them.
The MOU was signed last Thursday (April 8) by Mayor Jenny Rowan, Kapiti Disability Reference Group chair Jim Webber and the Council's Chief Executive Pat Dougherty.
"The memo states that the Council values our long-standing relationship with the Disability Reference Group which was formed in 2001," Mayor Rowan said, "and we look to the Group for informed, experience-based advice on issues of access, equity and inclusion for people with disabilities in Kapiti Coast District."
"The practical effect of this agreement will be that Kapiti Coast District Council will embed disability responsiveness in all Council policies, strategies and processes, and ensure that Kapiti Disability Reference Group is involved early in the planning and design of Council projects," she said.
"We're greatly encouraged that the Council has agreed to formally recognise the roles we both have in improving the wellbeing of people with impairments in the Kapiti communities," said Jim Webber.
"The DRG already has a good relationship with Kapiti Coast District Council and Council staff with whom we collaborate in various ways. However, the district's over-65 population is forecast to expand dramatically during the next decade with an accompanying rise in disability numbers.
"This is one of the many reasons we welcome the memorandum of understanding and we thank Kapiti Coast District Council for its role in developing it," Mr Webber said.
Over 200 members of the Otaki community turned out in force last night to welcome the launch of the Otaki Health Shuttle Service.
After an inspiring Raukawa welcome MC Jim Smith introduced Otaki Community Board chair Andre Baker who has played in instrumental role in seeing this service become a reality for Otaki.
Mr Baker said the Otaki Health Transport steering group was first established in 2007 and while it had been a long journey the Otaki community was the better for the efforts of all those who had volunteered so much time and energy.
The service will be operated by St John's and will start immediately.
Jim Datsun of St John's said the organisation was celebrating its 125th year of service.
"Partnerships with the community are vital to our success. Projects like the Otaki Health Shuttle re-engages us with the community. We are very grateful for the sponsorship from New Zealand Safety and Pub Charity and the people of Otaki who have made this possible.
You have to try this please, it takes 2 seconds. I could not believe
this! It is from an orthopedic surgeon............. This will confuse
your mind and you will keep you trying over and over again to see if
you can outsmart your foot, but you can't. It is pre-programmed in your
brain!
1.While sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your
right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your
right hand. Your foot will change direction.
I told you so! And there's nothing you can do about it! You and I
both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you are going
to try it again, if you've not already done so.
I would like to introduce myself as the Community Health Engagement Coordinator for the Kapiti Community Health Group (KCHG). My responsibility is to provide opportunity for the Otaki, Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Raumati/Paekakariki communities to voice their views and concerns, to provide them with health information and to improve/increase their access to health services.
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With Monday, 21 June being the shortest day of the year many of us may find ourselves a little flat and unmotivated as we settle into winter. About 10 percent of New Zealanders have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) but many others experience what is often referred to as the winter blues at this time of year. The Mental Health Foundation wants you to know there is a lot you can do to promote your wellbeing.
Despite the fact that most of us feel like hibernating over the colder months the Mental Health Foundation's Chief Executive Judi Clements stresses the importance of continuing to do the things that support our wellbeing at this time of year.
"We can drop out of our networks and become more prone to depression in winter, so it's important for your mental health to keep connected to your friends and family and keep doing the things you enjoy."
The Mental Health Foundation encourages people to look at the five winning ways to wellbeing – connect, give, take notice, learn and be active – and think about how they might adapt them from their summer routine to a winter environment.
Mix it up a little, try something different every day, such as a new walking route, cooking a special meal or setting small tasks or goals to get you through to spring. It is these little things that can make a big difference to overcoming the winter blues.
For more information visit www.mentalhealth.org.nz or www.outoftheblue.org.nz
Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It will do what some call turning to sugar. In reality Honey is always Honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will do what it calls "crystallizing". When this happen, loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the Honey container in the hot water, turn off the heat and let it liquefy. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil Honey or put it in a microwave. To do so will kill the enzymes in the Honey.
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Hi, my name is Kirsty and I live at Paraparaumu Beach. I am, originally, from England, where I was a Weight Loss Consultant (amongst other things), and I moved to the Kapiti Coast in January 2009.
Beginning 4 May 2010, I shall be leading 2 weekly seminar/support groups in Paraparaumu and Waikanae, where I shall be providing motivation and coaching to people, in the community, with weight concerns and problems.
Having struggled with my own body weight for the majority of my adult life, I have a real understanding of the psychological barriers and issues surrounding weight loss and weight management.
My aim is to help you understand your body on an emotional level rather than a physical one as I believe there is not enough support out there, for us, emotionally and mentally to feel happy with who we are.
50% of my job is done when you are informed of the services I offer and also that you don't feel alone with your weight issues. The other 50% is when we sit down and discuss how you are feeling, how you would like to feel and what needs to happen to get you from A to B.
My meetings, as I said, start on 4th and 5th May and are being held at the following locations:
Tuesdays 7pm – Mezzanine Room, Waikanae Memorial Hall, Pehi Kupa Street, Waikanae
Wednesdays 7pm – Committee Room, Paraparaumu Community Centre, Ngahina Street, Paraparaumu
I do not want to give too much away but here are a few of my CORE topics for discussion, over the coming weeks:
Getting Started
Changing Self Talk and How You See Yourself
Emotional State, Triggers & Habits
Dealing with Setbacks
Excuses
How to Remain Positive
Lifestyle Changes
Food Education - eating for nourishment
Diet Myths and Why We Get Confused
Activity/Exercise and health (yep, it's got to appear somewhere)!
Re-evaluation
Weekly cost is $10 per person (pay on the night).
Anti-flouride campaigners will take an early moral victory in their bid to rid Kapiti's water supply of what they call 'toxic waste'.
At the urging of Councillor Peter Daniel, Kapiti Coast District Council has resolved to consult during the 2010/2011 Annual Plan process on whether fluoride should cease to be added to the treated water supply in the central part of the district.
Water from the Waikanae Water Treatment plant supplies the Raumati, Paraparaumu and Waikanae areas of the District and fluoride has been added to the treated water for a number of years. No fluoride is added to Council's reticulated water supplies in Paekakariki or Otaki.
Following recent representations the Council decided to consult on the issue as part of the general annual plan consultation process.
Formal consultation on the draft Annual Plan and two necessary amendments to the Long Term Council Community Plan 2009 will commence on April 12 with submissions closing on May 13. Hearings will be held in late May and final decisions on the Annual Plan and amendments made in time for the plan to be finalised at the end of June.
"The Council is aware there are arguments for and against the addition of fluoride to the water supply and it seems reasonable to gauge the community's views on the matter at the same time as we are consulting on our plans for 2010/2011," Mayor Jenny Rowan said today.
"If it's clear the community's view is that it should cease to be added, then we will be able to take action in July 2010 to do that," she said.
Seven councillors voted in favour of a motion moved by Cr Tony Jack for public consultation and three, Crs Ellis, Molineux, and Ammundsen voted against.
Cr Lyndy McIntyre told KCNews "it was mindboggling that any councillors would vote against consulting with the public on such an important issue. Voting against this means denying the community the chance to have their say."
She said Council was about to start its most significant round of public consultation and "how could it not make sense to include this issue."
Councillor Peter Daniel has campaigned strongly to have flouride removed from the water supply.
"I thought it was okay until I began to educate myself. Don't make up your mind until you have gone right back to the beginning. You have to understand what went on long before fluoride was introduced into our water supply. I obtained a copy of Christopher Bryson's book The Fluoride Deception.
"If you do read it I guarantee that like myself you will do everything in your power to make sure fluoridated water never passes your lips or those of your family or pets. Let alone showering or bathing with it," said Cr Daniel.