Join Mike and Carolyn for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on The Breeze, where they sit down with author and journalist Lotta Dann, Jared Rogers from HIIT for Hope, resident GP Dr. John and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera.
Featured Guest: Lotta Dann
Best-selling author, journalist and NZ Order of Merit recipient Lotta Dann, aka ‘Mrs D’, has become a powerful voice in New Zealand’s ‘sober curious’ movement, encouraging others to re-examine their relationship with alcohol.
Once a regular drinker herself, Lotta recalls the turning point when constant hangovers started to spark thoughts as to whether her habits were actually normal.
“It’s the society we live in, everyone drinks to relax and have fun,” Lotta had told herself.
She started an online diary about quitting, which soon grew into a blog that resonated with thousands.
“Every comment was like a hug, because I realised I wasn’t alone,” she remembered.
From there, Lotta founded Living Sober, an online community that supports people across the country with resources, connection and kindness.
Now, she continues to fight for a change in how society views alcohol, likening today’s drinking culture to the once normalised world of cigarettes.
Featured Guest: Jared Rogers
Jared Rogers is on a mission to bring people together for HIIT For Hope, a Guinness World Record attempt at the largest high-intensity interval training class, set for the 29th of November at Foster Park in Rolleston.
Inspired by Jared’s own journey through family struggles, addiction and finding strength in sport, the event aims to highlight the role exercise can play in supporting mental health.
“I really wanted to find a way that we could create long-lasting impact, but by doing something as a community,” Jared said.
With participants ranging in age from 10 to 80, HIIIT For Hope is open to everyone and will put a focus on effort over ability.
Resident G.P: Dr. John
Although screens may be central to our daily lives, Dr. John warns they’re taking a toll on our bodies if we don’t use them wisely.
He explains that while extended screen use won’t cause permanent eye damage, it can lead to eye strain, headaches and blurred vision when we keep our focus locked in one place for too long, so regularly shifting your gaze is essential.
The same applies to posture, holding muscles still at a desk can create pain in the back, shoulders, wrists and hands.
Dr. John suggests big stretches, swapping hands, walking away from your desk and even choosing face-to-face chats over emails to avoid stiffness.
Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera
This week, Piyara sat down with Carolyn Taylor to chat about honey and its antibacterial and healing properties.
Thanks to its high sugar content, low pH and naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide, honey creates an environment where bacteria can’t thrive.
Beyond soothing sore throats and aiding digestion, honey is finding its way into skincare and haircare routines as a natural moisturiser, anti-inflammatory and acne-fighter.
Piyara notes that raw or high-quality Mānuka honey with higher MGO and UMF ratings is best for therapeutic use.
Featured Product: Mānuka Pharm MGO512+ UMF15 Mānuka Honey
Ever wondered what the MGO number featured on your jar of honey means?
MGO is the superstar compound that gives mānuka honey its antibacterial properties. The higher the MGO level, the more potent your mānuka honey is.
This week, Carolyn chatted about Mānuka Pharm MGO512+ UMF15 Mānuka Honey, a non-GMO & R.A.W (real, alive whole) superfood that is sustainably sourced and harvested.
It's great for health enthusiasts looking for natural wellness, is made in New Zealand and is 100% traceable from the hive to your table.
Check out our extended chat with Lotta Dan here and tune in next Sunday from 8 am for The House of Wellness on The Breeze.
