‘On cloud nine’: Kiwi with Cystic Fibrosis becomes first to complete Ironman

Join Mike for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on the Breeze where he is joined by athlete Kirsty Parsons, New Zealand Paralympian Danielle Aitchison, Kristie Amadio from Recovered Living NZ, Patrice Green from Natural Rest Beds and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera. 

Featured Guest: Kirsty Parsons 

Kirsty Parsons has made history as the first New Zealander with Cystic Fibrosis to complete an Ironman New Zealand, finishing in just under 15 hours. 

Diagnosed as a newborn with the genetic condition that affects the lung and digestive system, Kirsty spent much of her childhood in and out of hospital. 

After nine months of intensive training, learning to swim, bike and run from scratch, she completed the 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and marathon run while raising more than $24,000 for Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand. 

“It feels pretty good, I’m still kind of on cloud nine and the reality hasn’t sunk in,” Kirsty said.

She credits the breakthrough medication Trikafta with dramatically improving her health, boosting her lung function and energy levels after years of declining health. 

Featured Guest: Danielle Aitchison

New Zealand Paralympian Danielle Aitchison is shining a spotlight on Cerebral Palsy during Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month while continuing to excel on the world stage. 

Born with Cerebral Palsy and hearing loss caused by a birth injury, Danielle lives with coordination challenges, fatigue and balance issues, as well as relying on cochlear implants to hear. 

Despite these obstacles, she has become one of New Zealand’s top para-athletes, winning international medals and a Halberg award. 

Although training can be unpredictable with her condition, she’s focusing on upcoming competitions in Australia and hopes her journey inspires others with disabilities to pursue their ambitions. 

Featured Guest: Kristie Amadio

Co-founder of Recovered Living NZ, Kristie Amadio is transforming eating disorder care in New Zealand, offering 24/7 support, day programs and residential treatment. 

Drawing on her own 14-year journey with an eating disorder, Kristie emphasised that recovery is about addressing the psychological and behavioural aspects, not just food and weight. 

Recovered Living NZ supports individuals and families with compassion, focusing on flexibility, breaking rigid food rules and restoring a healthy relationship with food and the body. 

Featured Guest: Patrice Green

Patrice Green from Natural Rest Beds says poor sleep is an increasingly common issue for Kiwis, with around one in four adults not getting enough rest. 

She explains that it’s largely to do with modern lifestyles that include stress, constant connectivity and late-night screen use. This disrupts melatonin production and keeps the brain alert when it should be winding down. 

Patrice says many people underestimate the importance of their bed, despite spending around a third of their lives in it. 

Choosing the right mattress comes down to finding the correct balance between support and comfort and should generally be replaced every seven to ten years. 

Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera 

This week Piyara was in to share advice around how to manage stress. 

Piyara explained that stress triggers the body’s natural ‘fight or flight’ response, causing the brain to signal the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. 

While this response can be helpful in short bursts, ongoing stress can take a toll on the body. 

She says a simple way to calm the body during stressful moments is controlled breathing, such as the 4-7-8 method - inhaling for four seconds, holding for seven and exhaling for eight.

Featured Product: Healtheries L Theanine Calm & Clarity 

Healtheries L Theanine Calm & Clarity offers a convenient daily option to support calm, balance and mental clarity, making it a little easier to stay on top of busy days. 

Made for active Kiwi adults, it delivers a high strength 400mg dose of L Theanine per capsule to support the body during times of stress.

It’s a simple one-a-day capsule that supports a healthy mood, mental clarity and relaxation and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. 

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

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