Walk Without Fear: A MMA coach’s fight to educate against coward punches

Join Mike for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on the Breeze, where he sits down with martial arts coach and head of City Kickboxing Eugene Bareman, nutritionist Lauren Glucina, Arshad Hoosen from Specsavers and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera. 

Featured Guest: Eugene Bareman

Eugene Bareman, head coach of City Kickboxing, is driving change through the Walk Without Fear Trust. 

The initiative was established after a close friend and City Kickboxing fighter lost his life to a 'coward punch' - an unprovoked blindsided attack, often to the back of the head - while out socialising. 

Shocked by how frequently such incidents occur and how underreported they are, Eugene and his team shifted their grief into action, focusing on education and prevention. 

“I think in today’s modern age that there are people who aren't in touch with the reality of that [injury].” Eugene explained. 

“They’ve been watching social media or movies and stuff, and they think that when you throw your fist into the back of someone’s head that they’re going to get up, wake up and be okay.”

“That is completely not the reality of what happens.”

Through school visits, community outreach and the influence of high-profile fighters like Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker, the Trust is teaching young people about accountability, de-escalation and the real-life impact of violence. 

Featured Guest: Lauren Glucina

Nutritionist Lauren Glucina is shining a spotlight on gut health. 

Our large intestine is home to around two kilograms of microbes, a unique ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and viruses as individual as a fingerprint. 

Lauren explained that true gut health comes down to diversity and balance - a thriving “rainforest” of beneficial bacteria that crowd out harmful strains. When that balance is disrupted, it can contribute to bloating, reflux, constipation and food sensitivities as well as wider issues such as fatigue, headaches, joint pain, skin problems and low mood.

She recommends a wholefood, plant-rich diet packed with fibre and variety to nourish the microbiome and protect the gut lining. 

Featured Guest: Arshad Hoosen

Specsavers optometrist Arshad Hoosen is urging New Zealand families to take children’s eye health more seriously.

New research has shown that fewer than half of parents would book an eye test if their child was struggling at school, and only a third recognise the link between poor vision and behavioural, social and emotional development. 

Arshad explains that undiagnosed vision problems can affect classroom focus, confidence, friendships and even safety. 

With increasing screen time contributing to rising rates of myopia, eye exams are more important than ever. He urges parents to get their kids’ eyes checked, with free annual tests available for children under 16. 

Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera 

This week, Piyara was in to chat about melanoma, urging people not to become complacent even as summer fades. 

She explained that the key to early detection is following the ABCDE rule - Asymmetry, irregular Border, uneven or multiple Colours, Diameter larger than 6mm and Evolving changes in size. 

Warning signs that people often ignore include itching, bleeding, crusting, sores that don’t heal, or a mole that suddenly looks different from others. 

Importantly, melanomas aren’t always dark brown or black. They can also appear pink, red or even skin-coloured, making them easier to miss. 

Experts recommend starting professional mole mapping between ages 20 and 25 and repeating it annually, while using phone photos to monitor changes. When it comes to melanoma, early detection can save lives. 

Featured Product: Blackmores Insolar

New Zealand experiences some of the highest rates of skin concerns globally due to UV exposure. Blackmores Insolar is designed to naturally support skin integrity and structure - perfect for Kiwis who love the outdoors. 

It contains 500mg of Nicotinamide vitamin B3, which plays a key role in energy production and the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. This is important for high-turnover tissues like the skin. 

The formulation also supports vitamin B3 levels in the body and general health and well-being.

Developed using Blackmores’ trusted formulation, you can consult with your skin specialist to determine if Blackmores Insolar is right for you. 

Read the label and use as directed, Blackmores Auckland.

Listen to the full episode up top and tune in next Sunday for The House of Wellness on the Breeze.