Why bone health matters more as we age - and how to stay mobile long-term

Join Mike for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on the Breeze, where he’s joined by CEO of Les Mills Brett Sutton, Former TV Personality and Host Dominic Bowden, author and speaker Nikki Bezzant, Stephen Brunton and our resident pharmacist, Piyara Perera.

Featured Guest: Nikki Bezzant

Health and wellbeing author and speaker Nikki Bezzant says bone health becomes increasingly important as we age, particularly for women, who can lose up to 10% of their bone density in the first five years after menopause due to declining oestrogen levels. 

She says osteoporosis is often a “silent” condition that isn't discovered until a fracture occurs, with one in three women and one in five men expected to experience a fragility fracture after age 50. 

To help maintain bone strength, Bezzant recommends strength training, impact-based exercise, adequate vitamin D and calcium intake, and considering a DEXA scan to monitor bone density. 

Featured Guest: Brett Sutton

Les Mills CEO Brett Sutton says fitness trends are increasingly shifting toward performance, longevity and recovery, with younger generations investing more in their health and wellness than ever before. 

He highlighted the rapid growth of HYROX fitness racing and Les Mills’ new partnership with the sport, saying its appeal comes down to purpose, competition and community. 

Sutton also chatted about the significant rise in men taking up reformer Pilates, with many recognising its benefits for mobility, stability, injury prevention and overall performance. 

Looking ahead, he says recovery-focused practices such as saunas, cold plunges and red-light therapy are becoming increasingly popular, prompting Les Mills to expand these offerings across its clubs.

Featured Guest: Dominic Bowden

Former TV presenter Dominic Bowden says his move into the wellness industry came after becoming disillusioned with the changing media landscape and searching for a more meaningful career path. 

Now co-founder of Queenstown's floating sauna business, Water Shed Sauna, Bowden says the venture is about creating opportunities for connection, community and wellbeing, inspired by Nordic sauna culture. 

He believes people are increasingly seeking ways to disconnect from screens, improve their mental health and build real-world relationships. 

Bowden also says New Zealand's natural environment offers the perfect backdrop for wellness experiences, describing Queenstown as a place where people can slow down, reconnect and recharge.

Featured Guest: Stephen Brunton

Neuromuscular therapist Stephen Brunton describes neuromuscular therapy as a more clinical form of massage therapy that combines elements of massage and physiotherapy, focusing on trigger points, referred pain patterns and the underlying causes of chronic pain. 

He says the treatment is often used alongside physiotherapy and acupuncture to help people with persistent pain, muscle dysfunction and mobility issues, particularly those caused by sedentary lifestyles or repetitive strain. 

Brunton explained that pain is not always felt where the problem originates, sharing a case where treating muscles in a patient's jaw and neck helped resolve ongoing dizziness by addressing pain affecting the ear. 

He adds that neuromuscular therapy can benefit people of any age, with factors such as movement, hydration, recovery and stress management becoming increasingly important as we get older.

Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera

Our resident pharmacist, Piyara Perera, recommends that every household keeps a well-stocked medicine cabinet heading into winter, including basics like a digital thermometer, plasters, and other first aid essentials. 

She suggests affordable pharmacy staples such as paracetamol for pain and fever relief, and instant heat packs, which can be useful for aches and cold days. 

It’s also important to regularly check expiry dates, restock any regular medications, and ensure emergency items like asthma inhalers are on hand. 

Her top three winter essentials are a digital thermometer, paracetamol, and a saline nasal spray for congestion.

Featured product: Perskindol Active Gel

What is the product?

Perskindol is a plant-based topical gel for the relief of muscle and joint pain. Pain relief kicks in within 10-15 minutes and lasts for 5-6 hours. Because it is non-medicated, it can be reapplied as often as needed.

It is the #1 non-medicated topical treatment in Switzerland, with over 40 years of heritage.

Who could benefit from taking the product?

People over the age of 50. More likely to suffer from ongoing, niggly pain that requires more frequent relief. A plant-based Gel is a nice option for regular, ongoing use.

What are the benefits of taking the product?

Perskindol Gel is a plant-based formulation made with 8 essential oils. The formula cools on contact for immediate relief, and heats as you massage to reduce muscle and joint pain within 10-15 minutes. The Gel is non-greasy and absorbs quickly. The formula is vegan-friendly.

What makes this product unique?

Perskindol is Arnica-free. Some plant-based products are Arnica-based, which does the trick but is not suitable for everyone. For those who can't use Arnica, Perskindol is a great alternative.

Always read the label and follow directions for use. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Balmoral Health, Auckland. 

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