Health & Wellness

LISTEN: Paddy Gower on life after Newshub, dealing with grief and his journey to sobriety

The long-time journalist recounted the moment he and his colleagues learnt their fate through news alerts.

Catch the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on The Breeze where Mel is joined by journalist, political editor, broadcaster and Kiwi Icon Paddy Gower, nutritionist, author, speaker and health expert Claire Turnbull, editor of The House of Wellness Magazine Vanessa Marshall and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera.

Featured Guest: Paddy Gower

Reflecting on the year since Newshub’s closure, broadcaster Paddy Gower opened up about navigating life after losing his long-time role. 

With 25 years in journalism, including 14 years at TV3, Gower talked about the disorientating blend of grief, identity loss and public scrutiny that followed the abrupt end of his tenure. 

He also spoke of his journey through grief, struggles with alcohol and his pursuit of wellness.

After his mother’s passing and early insecurities, Gower shared how alcohol became a coping mechanism. After becoming sober at age 45, he says it has brought him clarity, better health and a stronger sense of purpose.

Featured Guest: Claire Turnbull

Nutritionist, author, speaker and health expert Claire Turnbull joined Mel on the show for the second time to shed light on the struggles many face with dieting and food habits. 

Speaking about her latest book ‘End Your Fight With Food’, she delves into the frustration that diets often perpetuate, emphasising that sustainable change requires addressing the deeper reasons behind eating behaviours.

Claire highlights how emotional triggers, stress and societal pressures can lead to unhealthy patterns and suggests reprogramming habits rather than restoring to restrictive diets. 

Editor of The House of Wellness Magazine: Vanessa Marshall

Vanessa joined Mel to talk about this month’s edition of The House of Wellness Magazine which celebrates Men’s Health Month and features Paddy Gower on the cover. 

In his interview, Paddy opened up about tackling phone addiction, shared his tips on disconnecting and boosting focus and productivity. 

Also featured is Tom Robinson who reflects on his journey from professional rugby to yoga and coaching. 

Find your copy of The House of Wellness Magazine at your local Chemist Warehouse. 

Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera

High blood pressure, often dubbed the ‘silent killer’ affects at least one in five New Zealanders, with many unaware of their condition. 

During Piyara’s Wellness Wednesday events, she explains that over half of the blood-pressure checks reveal elevated levels. 

Risk factors for high blood pressure can include being over 40, carrying extra weight, smoking or conditions like diabetes. 

Piyara says that regular monitoring is key, with home blood pressure monitors providing quick and reliable results. She also recommends daily exercise, reducing salt and alcohol intake and eating leafy greens.

Featured Product: Omron Elite+ AFIB Blood Pressure Monitor

The Omron Elite+ Blood Pressure Monitor detects the possibility of Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB), a condition that affects over 60,000 New Zealanders.

With its dual check technology, it measures blood pressure and checks for irregular heartbeats simultaneously. It is one of the few at-home blood pressure monitors with a built-in Atrial Fibrillation detection algorithm. 

Being clinically validated and bluetooth-enabled, it allows seamless data syncing to the OMRON Connect App for easy tracking and monitoring over time. 

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This device does not provide individual medical advice or diagnosis. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. JA Davey Limited, Auckland.

Check out our extended chat with Paddy Gower here and tune in next week for The House of Wellness on The Breeze.