Join Mel for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on The Breeze where she sits down with Mental Health Foundation CEO Shaun Robinson, broadcaster and radio personality Robert Rakete, our resident GP Dr John and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera.
Featured Guest: Shaun Robinson
Mental Health Foundation CEO Shaun Robinson shared how his personal journey with bipolar disorder fuels his passion for mental health advocacy.
With decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Shaun views his current role as deeply personal and meaningful.
He emphasises that mental health is a vital part of everyday life and like physical health, it’s something that can be nurtured and strengthened.
Shaun discusses his “Five Ways to Wellbeing” framework, a set of simple yet powerful habits to support mental wellness; connect, give, keep moving, keep learning and take notice.
Featured Guest: Robert Rakete
Broadcaster and radio personality Robert Rakete from our very own Breeze Auckland Breakfast Show opened up about the joys and challenges of fatherhood, and raising a blended family.
Describing parenting as both terrifying and rewarding, Robert reflected on the moment he first held his daughter and felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders.
Now a father to five and a proud grandfather to one, he shared insights into blending families, navigating co-parenting with empathy, and creating new traditions.
Robert credited the successes of his family dynamic to the mutual respect between all parents and a shared focus on what’s best for the children.
His advice to those beginning their parenting journey or navigating blended families? “Just do your best.”
Resident GP: Dr John
Dr John joined Mel in the studio to answer all of your much needed questions.
He covered everything from cutting-edge cholesterol treatments to managing chronic coughs. He unpacked the hype around injectable alternatives to statins and addressed health concerns like osteoarthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and persistent cold sores.
Dr John also clarified updates around 12-month prescriptions, new diabetes drugs, and weight-loss injections, warning of side effects and the need for proper supervision.
Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera
This week, Piyara sat down to chat about blister packs, a practical solution for anyone managing multiple medications, especially while travelling.
Blister packs are large, organised cards that clearly separate and label each dose by day and time which helps to reduce confusion, prevent double dosing, and improve adherence to medication routines.
They’re ideal for prescription medications and even some prescribed supplements, though there are limits for drugs that require refrigeration or have short shelf lives.
To get started, patients can request blister packing through their pharmacist, who will tailor the layout to their personal schedule.
Featured Product: Honuka Mānuka Honey Snaps
Now that we’re well into the colder months, the winter ills and chills are upon us and we could all do with supporting our vitamin C levels. This week Mel was joined by Niki Loe to chat through Honuka’s Liposomal range.
Honuka is the world’s first vitamin-infused mānuka honey brand. Their 1000 Liposomal C +D Mānuka Honey Snaps act as delicious immune support that combines the unique properties of mānuka honey with liposomal vitamin C & D.
Liposomal vitamin C is wrapped in tiny fat-based spheres, called liposomes. These liposomes help the vitamin C pass through the digestive system more efficiently and enhance absorption into the blood stream.
Simply take Honuka 1000 Liposomal C +D Mānuka Honey Snaps on-the-go, anytime, anywhere - no need for mixing in water.
Not suitable for infants up to 12 months-contains soy. Always read the label. Use only as directed. Supplements should not replace a balanced diet. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. Honuka, Auckland.
Listen to the full episode up top and join us next Sunday from 8am for The House of Wellness on The Breeze.
