Join Mike for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on the Breeze where he’s joined by  MoleMap’s Lara Wild, best selling author and leading ADHD and neurodiversity advocate Freddie Bennett, Nicky and Scotty Styris, Dr James Jap from Hospice Heroes, and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera.

Featured Guest: Lara Wild

As we officially enter the first month of summer, Skin-cancer specialist Lara Wild from MoleMap says many people misunderstand moles.

Lara explains how moles aren’t just the tiny spot visible on the skin, they actually extend much deeper.

She adds that while a new mole isn’t always dangerous, adults rarely grow new ones after about 20 so anything should be checked. 

She encourages us to be vigilant with applying sunscreen regularly. and ensuring we don’t miss those overlooked areas, such as behind the ears.  

Featured Guest: Freddie Bennett

Ultra-runner, author and neurodiversity advocate Freddie Bennett shared the journey that took him from rock bottom to running 300 kilometres across the Sahara, and eventually, to an ADHD diagnosis that reframed his life. 

Once a burned-out corporate worker battling grief, alcohol and self-doubt, Freddie says his father’s sudden death pushed him to stop talking about the life he wanted and start creating it.

His later ADHD diagnosis helped explain years of shame and overwhelm and inspired him to co-found Bay Pediatrics, a neurodiversity clinic in Tauranga offering world-class assessment and support for children with learning differences. 

Freddie believes early diagnosis can change the trajectory of young lives and is on a mission to ensure no family in the country is left behind. 

Featured Guests: Nicky and Scotty Styris

Nicky Styris and husband, former Black Cap Scotty Styris, joined us to open up about the reality of life after professional sport.

Despite his years as an international cricketer, Scotty says he hasn’t touched the game since retiring, swapping it instead for regular rounds of golf and the occasional e-bike ride - on full power, while Nicky pedals properly of course.

With his celiac disease and asthma, Nicky tries to keep him eating well and moving more. Scott credits Nicky’s cooking and healthy routines for keeping him on track. 

Nicky also reflected on her late father, Don Walker, a founding figure of Round the Bays whose lifelong commitment to community and fitness continues to influence her today.

Featured Guest: Dr James Jap

Medical director of Tōtara Hospice Dr. James Jap says most people don’t truly understand what a hospice does until they need it.

He explains that hospice care isn’t only for the final days as many patients may still have a year or more to live but require a focus on managing symptoms, easing distress and supporting patients and their families. 

With an ageing population and rising demand, funding pressures are putting hospices nationwide at risk, forcing cutbacks despite their vital role. 

After years at the bedside, he says the greatest lesson from the dying is the importance of living authentically. 

Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera

This week Piyara joined Mike to chat about heartburn and reflux, those familiar burning sensations in the chest or throat. 

Piyara explained that this happens when stomach acid escapes back into the esophagus, which doesn’t have the same protective lining as the stomach.

Everyday habits can often make it worse without us realising, such as eating too fast, overeating, lying down after meals, tight waistbands, late-night snacks, smoking, exercising after eating and of course, alcohol. 

For those struggling with heartburn, over the counter treatments can help form a protective raft and offer relief. 

Featured Product: Zantac

Zantac, an H2 receptor blocker, is available as a 12-hour 150mg presentation in a 28 tablet pack. It provides long-lasting heartburn relief and lets people enjoy their day and sleep through the night without the discomfort of indigestion. 

It works by reducing the production of stomach acid to relieve the burning pain and can be taken with or without food.

Zantac is fast acting and long lasting, relieving heartburn symptoms from 30 minutes, for up to 24 hours, and comes in a convenient one-a-day dosing. 

Zantac 12 hour 150mg 28 tablet pack is a Pharmacy Medicine for the relief from heartburn and acid indigestion.  Always read the label and take as directed.  If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Aspen New Zealand, C/O Pharmacy Retailing (NZ) Ltd, Auckland.

Check out our extended chat with Freddie here and join us next Sunday from 8am for The House of Wellness on the Breeze.