Warning: This story contains details of suicide
Don’t miss the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on The Breeze where Mel is joined by writer, speaker and menopause expert Niki Bezzant, author of “The Best Is Yet To Come” Grace Curtis, co-founder of Mons Royale Hamish Acland and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera.
Featured Guest: Niki Bezzant
Writer, speaker and accidental menopause expert Niki Bezzant sat down with Mel to shed light on the often overlooked topic of perimenopause and menopause.
Through her books, including “The Everything Guide: Hormones, Health and Happiness in menopause, midlife and beyond” Niki highlights the broad impacts of menopause, not just on reproductive health but across the entire body and brain.
She emphasises the importance of open conversations and workplace support and advocates for reframing menopause as a phase of growth, wisdom and vitality rather than a loss.
With her initiatives, including workplace talks and the popular Hot Mess Tour, Niki continues to educate and empower women nationwide, ensuring menopause is no longer a silent or stigmatised subject.
Featured Guest: Grace Curtis
Author and mental health advocate Grace Curtis turned personal tragedy into a mission to support others.
Following her father’s suicide five years ago, Grace channeled her grief into action by co-founding the advocacy platform “Cool Change” and releasing her book “The Best Is Yet To Come”
Through her work, Grace addresses the stigma around suicide, offering solace and resources to those affected.
She highlights the importance of trusting oneself, finding purpose and fostering resilience through mentorship and community support.
Featured Guest: Hamish Acland
Co-founder of Mons Royale Hamish Acland shared the journey behind his global merino wear brand.
Born from a desire for high-performance, natural clothing during his days as a professional skier, Hamish and his wife Hannah have crafted the brand using sustainable materials geared for the outdoors.
Established in Wānaka 15 years ago, the brand has now grown to seven stores worldwide, including its newest in Auckland’s Britomart.
Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera
This week Piyara joined Mel to talk about the things you need to factor in when looking to do home workouts. In today’s world of online fitness programmes, it’s vital to consider how medications and health conditions can influence exercise routines.
Medications like beta blockers, diuretics and diabetes treatments can impact heart rate, hydration or blood sugar levels which can potentially lead to fatigue, cramps or dizziness.
Piyara emphasises staying hydrated, monitoring blood sugar levels and tailoring workouts to suit individual needs.
She says that low-impact exercises like yoga, pilates and resistance training are excellent options for building strength without overexertion.
Listen to the full episode up top and tune in next Sunday for The House of Wellness on The Breeze.
If you or someone you know is in trouble, help is available:
Lifeline– 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
Suicide Crisis Helpline– 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
Healthline– 0800 611 116
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).
www.depression.org.nz– includes The Journal online help service.
SPARX.org.nz– online e-therapy tool provided by the University of Auckland that helps young people learn skills to deal with feeling down, depressed or stressed.
OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support.
Youthline– 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
thelowdown.co.nz– or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626.
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, 12noon–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available from 3pm–10pm 7 days a week, including all public holidays.
I AM HOPE- FREE TEXT OR CALL 1737 - available any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also provide funding for young people aged 05-24yrs to get counselling.
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
