'Not the End of Anything': Redefining Menopause with Niki Bezzant

Join Mike for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on the Breeze, where he is joined by author and women's health advocate Niki Bezzant, Mental Health Foundation's Kylie Ryan, neurodiversity advocate Freddie Bennett, and our resident pharmacist, Piyara Perera.

Featured Guest: Niki Bezzant 

Author and women's health advocate Niki Bezzant joins the show on World Menopause Day to answer listener questions and discuss her Women's Health Scorecard.

She explains that perimenopause can begin up to ten years before menopause proper, making it important to track cycle changes alongside symptoms like hot flushes.

Bezzant emphasizes that menopause is not a catastrophe but a natural life transition, and stresses the value of diet, exercise, and sleep during this time.

Featured Guest: Freddie Bennett 

Guinness World Record holder and neurodiversity advocate Freddie Bennett shares his passion for ADHD Awareness Month and his ongoing work with the New Zealand Neurodiversity Centre of Excellence.

He explains that for many individuals, receiving an ADHD diagnosis provides a crucial roadmap to understanding that their brain simply works differently.

Bennett notes that prioritizing good sleep is a major game changer for anyone with ADHD, helping to improve focus and manage impulsive behaviors.

Featured Guests: Kylie Ryan 

Kylie Ryan from the Mental Health Foundation stops by to discuss Mental Health Awareness Week and this year's theme, 'Belonging Matters'.

She highlights how vital a sense of belonging is for our overall well-being and encourages small, intentional acts of kindness to build stronger communities.

Kylie also shares her personal daily habits for maintaining good mental health, which include taking her prescribed medication, eating well, and spending time outside.

Resident pharmacist: Piyara Perera  

Resident pharmacist Piyara Perera breaks down the right way to wash your hair, emphasizing that the focus should always be on cleaning the scalp to remove oil and product buildup.

She dispels common myths, explaining that dry shampoo only absorbs excess oil and shouldn't replace a regular wash, while sulfates can actually be helpful for deep cleaning.

Perera also advises double shampooing for oily hair and applying conditioner strictly from the mid-lengths to the ends.

Featured Product: Blackmores Executive B Stress Formula

This product is designed for everyone who is busy, juggling work, home, and daily commitments with stress that just doesn’t go away.

Blackmores Executive B Stress Formula is designed to assist your body in handling everyday stress while supporting relaxation, steady energy, and a normal nervous system.

It combines B vitamins, magnesium, oats, and passionflower to deliver well-rounded support for stress, sleep, and overall wellbeing - so you can feel your best, every day. 

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. Blackmores, Auckland.

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