Join Mel for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on The Breeze where she chats with General Manager of the Tourette’s Association of New Zealand Emma Henderson and brother Chris Henderson, Kiwi musician Boh Runga, dermatologist Dr Monique MacKenzie and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera.
Featured Guests: Emma and Chris Henderson
Tourette’s Awareness Month shines a spotlight on an often misunderstood neurological condition that can be reduced to stereotypes in popular media.
Emma Henderson, General Manager of the Tourette’s Association of New Zealand, and her brother Chris Henderson, who lives with Tourette’s, were first to sit down with Mel this week.
Chris shared his journey of managing Tourette’s and explained how his emotional resilience and coping strategies have developed over time.
Emma explains that contrary to portrayals of involuntary swearing, only 10% of those with Tourette’s experience this symptom.
She spoke about the association's current campaign “Please Ignore It”, which calls for compassion and understanding, urging people to look past the tics and connect with the individual.
Featured Guest: Boh Runga
Kiwi musician and jewellery designer Boh Runga shared her secret to maintaining balance amidst a dynamic career.
From cooking wholesome meals to taking supplements and getting enough rest, Boh and Mel joke that we need to make naps more acceptable for people over the age of two.
She also says she is trying to incorporate more cardio into her routine, especially as she prepares for the highly energetic “Biggest Pub Gig in the World” in August.
Featured Guest: Dr Monique MacKenzie
In light of June being Acne Awareness Month, dermatologist Dr Monique MacKenzie joined Mel to bust myths and share expert advice on how to care for your skin.
She debunks the age-old myth that chocolate directly causes acne and instead emphasises the role of diet, noting that high sugar intake and excessive whey protein consumption can contribute.
For skincare, she says to “take out the 12 steps” that are often promoted by influencers and instead advises a simpler routine.
Dr Monique recommends these three essentials; a gentle, soap-free cleanser, a light moisturiser and sunscreen.
Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera:
In the fight against acne, medications like doxycycline and isotretinoin can often be prescribed, but they come with essential precautions. Resident Pharmacist Piyara sat down to further explain.
Piyara says that doxycycline, an oral antibiotic, reduces skin bacteria but must be taken with food and water to avoid throat irritation and stomach upset. It also heightens sun sensitivity and is unsafe during pregnancy.
On the other hand, isotretinoin can significantly improve acne but may cause side effects like mood changes, sun sensitivity and initial flare-ups.
Piyara says pairing these medications with a gentle skincare routine, including a SPF 50 sunscreen and hydrating products is best, while consulting with healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective use.
Featured Product: La Roche-Posay Effaclar range
This month is Acne Awareness Month and La Roche-Posay are highlighting the importance of acne education and support by using its microbiome-focused science found in their Effaclar range of cleansers and moisturisers.
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar range offers a comprehensive acne care system that supports the skin’s microbiome, targets existing blemishes and helps prevent future breakouts.
It is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, it unclogs pores, refines skin texture and is compatible with prescribed topical and oral medications.
The products in the range include cleansers, moisturisers and targeted treatments.
Catch the full episode up top and tune in next Sunday from 8am for The House of Wellness on The Breeze.
