'Allow ourselves to be childlike': Suzy Cato on playing with grandkids

Join Mike for the latest episode of House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on the Breeze, where he’s joined by TV icon Suzy Cato, cookbook author VJ Cooks, nutritionist  Claire Turnbull, resident pharmacist Piyara Perera, and Natasha Leaney.

Featured Guest: Suzy Cato

Beloved TV icon and Lego New Zealand ambassador Suzy Cato discusses the vital relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren and how simple play can boost the entire family's wellbeing.

She highlights the findings of Lego’s Play Well study, noting that spending just five hours a week playing together can strengthen generational bonds, build resilience, and spark creativity.

Suzy encourages grandparents to embrace childlike fun and connect through shared activities, whether in person or over long distances.

Featured Guest: Claire Turnbull

Nutritionist Claire Turnbull gives the lowdown on World Egg Day, explaining why eggs are a fantastic option for getting enough protein at breakfast to keep you full and satisfied throughout the day.

She busts the myth that people need to strictly limit their daily egg intake and shares creative recipe ideas beyond classic eggs on toast.

Claire also resolves the age-old kitchen debate on storage, advising that keeping eggs in the fridge helps extend their quality and shelf life.

Featured Guest: VJ Cooks

Popular home cook and author Vanya Insoll shares insights into her fourth cookbook, Always Delicious, which offers simple, budget-friendly meals designed for the whole family.

She discusses balancing cost and quality by using pantry staples, bulking out meals with veggies, and adding fun doozies like arancini and cocktails.

Vanya also takes on a quick-fire round of food preferences, giving her brutally honest takes on everything from favourite veggies to cookies versus muffins. 

Featured Guest: Natasha Leaney 

Registered nutritionist Natasha Leaney chats about smart ways to incorporate quality protein into daily routines, especially when busy schedules or reduced appetites make it difficult to meet nutritional requirements.

She highlights the importance of maintaining muscle mass and nutrient density, particularly for active individuals or those aiming for a calorie deficit.

Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera

Resident pharmacist Piyara Perera breaks down the expanded range of healthcare services now available directly at local pharmacies without needing a doctor's appointment or prior prescription.

She explains how pharmacists can consult on and treat everyday conditions such as UTIs, skin infections, mild childhood dermatitis, and thrush.

Piyara highlights how this service improves community access to care while easing the overall pressure on general practitioners.

Featured Product: Healtheries High Protein Plus Vanilla 400g

Healtheries High Protein Plus helps support nutrient intake and provides 18 grams of quality protein, plus 16 essential vitamins and minerals, in one convenient serve.

It is designed for health-conscious adults looking to make smart nutritional choices as part of a balanced lifestyle, especially when time, appetite, or food variety may be limited. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and providing 18 grams per serve offers a simple way to add protein at breakfast, in a smoothie, as a snack, or after exercise.

Healtheries High Protein Plus contains no artificial flavours, colours, sweeteners or preservatives, making it an easy addition to a simple, sustainable wellness routine.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Dietary supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet. VitaHealth, Auckland.

Catch the full episode up top and tune in next Sunday from 8 am for House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on the Breeze.