On this Easter Sunday special of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on The Breeze, Mel revisits some of her favourite chats with Dr Stacy Sims, Tom Robinson, Claire Turnbull, Dame Lisa Carrington, Morgan Penn, Dr Ben Gonzalez, Kanoa Lloyd and Monica Barnes. Plus, she catches up with resident pharmacist Piyara Perera to talk cold and flus.
Revisited Guest: Dr Stacy Sims
Exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist Dr Stacy Sims explains that for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes can impact muscle and bone mass which makes traditional fitness strategies like calorie counting and long-distance cardio less effective.
Dr Sims instead encourages women to lift heavy weights and push themselves to do short, sharp intervals to enhance body composition and improve cognition, blood pressure and overall well-being.
Revisited Guest: Tom Robinson
Former Northland, Blues and Japan Toyota Verblitz rugby player Tom Robinson says his transition to yoga changed his life both physically and mentally.
After shocking many when he announced his retirement at just 30 years old, Tom revealed he found a new sense of calm on the yoga mat.
Through spiritual practice, Tom discovered the power of being present, combating anxiety by focusing on the here and now.
Revisited Guest: Claire Turnbull
Nutritionist Claire Turnbull says the food we eat can impact the health of our skin, hair and nails.
Adequate protein and key nutrients often lacking in women’s diets such as iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy skin and building strong nails. If your nails crack or split, it could signal zinc deficiency.
Revisited Guest: Dame Lisa Carrington
For Olympian Dame Lisa Carrington, managing anxiety and staying focused involves a mix of mental and emotional strategies.
Starting her day with calm, intentional practices like deep breathing helps her to remain present and productive, while working with a physiologist offers her a reflective space to understand her emotions and identify stress, fear or self-doubt.
Revisited Guest: Morgan Penn
Sexologist Morgan Penn highlights the importance of open communication in relationships, introducing a framework called ‘desires, fears and boundaries’ to foster intimacy.
This process involves reflecting on what you want, identifying concerns and setting clear boundaries.
She suggests initiating these conversations during a calm, neutral moment, reassuring your partner and creating a space to speak honestly.
Revisited Guest: Dr Ben. Gonzalez
Leader in Metabolic and Obesity Medicine Dr Ben Gonzalez, shares simple advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed about starting their weight loss and fitness journey: just move.
Instead of fixating on gym memberships or lengthy cardio sessions, Dr Ben emphasises the importance of everyday movements like taking the stairs, parking further away and walking after meals.
While he advocates for the gym’s cardiovascular and muscle-strengthening benefits, he says sustainable weight management comes from integrating movement into daily life.
Revisited Guest: Kanoa Lloyd
Former TV and radio presenter turned yoga teacher Kanoa Lloyd shared her personal approach to well-being, underscoring the importance of listening to your body and integrating mindful practices into everyday life.
When it comes to wellness, she believes in avoiding overly rigid routines or reliance on supplements and instead advocates for sustainable practices that fit seamlessly into one’s life.
Revisited Guest: Monica Barnes
Menopause expert Monica Barnes discussed key insights about managing menopause symptoms.
She clarifies that HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) does not directly cause tinnitus but the condition can worsen with menopause.
Monica recommends any women experiencing increased tinnitus symptoms while on HRT should have their treatment reviewed, and encourages having annual HRT reviews to ensure that hormone levels remain balanced as they decline with age.
Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera
Resident Pharmacist Piyara Perera gives Mel some practical advice for weathering the winter months.
She advises focusing on hygiene, adequate sleep and immune-supporting supplements like Vitamin C, D and zinc during this time.
Check out The House of Wellness NZ podcast to hear more from these outstanding guests and tune in next Sunday from 8am for The House of Wellness on The Breeze.
