Winter Warmers| Hibiscusmatters | May 18, 201610

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Winter Warmers May 18, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters | 11

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Because colds and flu are common in the winter we are about to bombarded with information about how to prevent and treat them. Most of it won’t be true, according to Family Doctors GP Dr Peter Hall.He says this is a pity, because some real science has gone into this issue. He says that the main misconceptions are:Not understanding the difference between viruses and bacteria: Colds and flu are due to viruses. There are many powerful antibiotics that are effective against bacteria, but a limited number of antivirals. In fact the overuse of antibiotics is one reason why there is so much antibiotic resistance. “It doesn’t matter how long the symptoms have gone on for, or how urgent it is for you to get better, an antibiotic won’t help a viral infection,” Dr Hall says. “It’s better to stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, treat symptoms and let the thing blow over.”Not understanding the difference between colds and influenza: “It’s common to call any cough/runny nose/sore throat combination “the flu”, but influenza is a much more serious illness and the reason why the Government funds over a million flu shots each year. These are targeted at the elderly or others at particular risk, but virtually anybody could consider paying for one if they wanted to prevent significant sickness and time off work,” Dr Hall says. Symptoms of influenza include a cough, headache, fever or chills, body aches and pains, fatigue and feeling miserable. So when should you consider going to the doctor? Dr Hall says if you have been very sick for three days with no improvement, you can’t keep your fluid intake up, or you have a high fever not responding to medication, it is reasonable to get a check to make sure you haven’t got pneumonia or another complication. Chest pain and shortness of breath are also potentially significant. People with chronic lung disease or decreased immunity should seek help earlier.

Health myth busters for cold and flu seasonWhat you can doEvery year new strains of influenza appear and travel round the world. These are generally named after the place where they were discovered and this year’s flu shot includes California, Hong Kong and Brisbane. Local GPs say that your best chance of preventing this disease is to stay ahead of it with the vaccine. Practical steps can be taken to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. These include keeping houses warm and dry, sneezing and coughing into a tissue or sleeve and staying home when sick. Studies show that people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as the common cold. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.Over the counterManly Care Chemist owner, pharmacist Tania Adams says although there is no treatment for a cold virus, there are medications to relieve symptoms. These include cough suppressants, painkillers, medication to reduce a fever and drying nasal sprays. While Tania agrees with Dr Hall that the use of natural therapies in colds and flu needs to be more widely researched to be completely definitive, she says that many studies she has seen show indications that natural therapies can support the body’s defences. “For example, more research need to be done but studies currently indicate that echinacea may decrease both the severity and duration of cold symptoms,” Tania says. “Researchers concluded that Vitamin C seemed to have an effect on the duration and severity of colds and was worth trialling on an individual basis, and zinc taken within 24 hours of first cold symptoms may also significantly reduce the duration of a cold.” “Unfortunately viruses are not all we have to worry about during the winter season. Often your cold may turn into a more serious bacterial infection. Oral vaccines are available from pharmacies to provide you with protection from bacterial complications of colds.”

Green phlegm means an infection: “Doctors always used to say this, but we know now that if mucus pools for a while and there are lots of white cells in it, the colour will change,” Dr Hall says. He says other symptoms are more important in the decision whether or not to use antibiotics. Boosting your immunity when you have a virus is a good idea: Dr Hall says this is a misconception because most of the symptoms of a cold are due to your immune system reacting to the virus. “There is no point in doing something to exaggerate this. A cold will get better when it’s good and ready. Find a warm spot and a good book, try not to spread it round and let nature take its course. On the other hand there seems to be something genuinely therapeutic in chicken soup,” he says.You can prevent colds with natural remedies: Dr Hall says although he is a fan of natural remedies, when appropriate, he considers that “virtually everything that has been tested, including Vitamin C, has failed” for cold prevention. “There are some contradictory studies regarding echinacea and zinc, but nothing I could confidently recommend as evidence-based.”The flu shot can give you the flu : “You just can’t kill this idea, even though it is literally impossible,” Dr Hall says. “The virus in the vaccination is dead! You might have a sore arm and feel off for few days, but anything else that happens afterwards is not the flu or an unfortunate coincidence.”

Winter Warmers| Hibiscusmatters | May 18, 201612

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A series of community workshops being held in Wainui sprang from a desire to pass on some of the home-making crafts used by our forebears.They are also, says Artisan Workshop tutor Christina Neubert, a strike against the consumer-driven focus of today’s society.The workshops teach skills such as upholstery, paint techniques, sewing and gardening. “It’s about not chucking stuff away and replacing it with cheap, imported goods,” Christina says. “Learning these skills pays homage to the simplicity and beauty of things and peoples past.”Christina, a physiotherapist by trade, learned upholstery by attending workshops and courses. She says upholstering furniture yourself is very achievable and requires no sewing skills. Moving to a lifestyle block in Wainui around five years ago was an opportunity for her to learn other practical skills, including landscaping/gardening and building things such as goat houses.She started Artisan Workshops with a two-day Upholstery for Beginners course (May 15 and 22) at Wainui School Hall and will offer more of these, every six weeks. The next one is on July 3 and 10. The cost is $290 for the two-day course, which includes tools, home baking and coffee.Guest tutors from the local area will

Christina Neubert

tackles her latest re-upholstery project.

Modern applications for old time skills

be called upon to run workshops such as How to Grow a Successful Veggie Garden”, How to Prune Trees and How to sort a Chook Run. “Learning these skills with other people is inspiring and you come home on a high,” she says. “I’m not expecting people to return to how our grandparents lived, but to take the best of it to make life better. It helps tremendously in a time of rapid change to slow down and rebalance our lives.”She says she hopes that the workshops will contribute something worthwhile to the community. “I will be happy if I cover my expenses and plan to donate a portion of any profits to charity.”Info: email hello@theartisanworkshops.co.nz or look for Artisan Workshops on Facebook.

Winter Warmers May 18, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters | 13

Animates, which has one of the biggest ranges of pet supplies and pet products in the country, has just launched its Autumn Winter 2016 collection for dogs. The range, which includes fashion and bedding, is designed to keep your dog warm as well as stylish this winter. The ranges include • Cozy outwear – cute and comfortable ways to keep your dog warm and protect them from the wind, rain or snow. Modelled by Baxter, who loves frisbees, cuddles and farmlife, the range features the Good 2 Go multi-stripe knit with pompom dog hat and a selection of super warm jackets in a range of fabrics and colours including this season’s on-trend colour purple. In addition there are doggy beds to match your pup’s style! • Statement coats – compliment your outdoor look with a statement coat for your precious pup. The range features a selection of super stylish coats ranging from the Bond & Co polka dot bomber dog jacket to the camo shearling wrap dog jacket. The Yours Droolly dog mattress or square sided blue dog bed are also guaranteed to be a hit • Winter knitwear – perfect for a wintery weekend out and about. As modelled by Bella, a sassy fashionista who has her own wardrobe, the range features a selection of snuggly and affordable jumpers including the cable knot Bond & Co Henley dog sweater and on-trend Argyle dog sweater. The one stop shop for all your pet requirements, Animates also offers a range of grooming services at selected stores to ensure your dog steps out in style. If you’re not sure about sizing why not come in and see our friendly staff who are on hand to help you with all your pet care needs. The Autumn Winter 2016 collection is now available in the Albany, Glenfield and Silverdale stores as well as stores nationwide and online. Fashion range prices start from $14.98. Visit our website to view the collection or to find out more about the grooming services.

ANIMATES INTRODUCES ITS AUTUMN WINTER 2016 COLLECTION FOR DOGS

2200 East Coast Road, Silverdale | Phone 09 427 0150 | www.animates.co.nz2200 East Coast Road, Silverdale | Phone 09 427 0150 | www.animates.co.nz

Winter is the time when staying inside with a good book seems like a good excuse for not going to the gym! Here are a few meaty novels suggested by our book reviewer, Judy White of Orewa Library Book Chat.

The Great Swindle by Pierre Lemaitre. Translated by Frank Wynne (MacLehose Press, 2015)Just as the Great War ends, Albert and Edouard face their last battle in the trenches at the Western front. In bewildering circumstances, they find themselves near death and forever bound to each other by their shared experience. Returning, demoralised and disillusioned to post-war France, they find they are not given a great welcome – all admiration is bestowed on those who died in service. In an extraordinary turn of events, they cross paths with the self-serving officer who led them into that last controversial battle. As France sets about honouring the soldiers who died with expensive memorials and special cemeteries, corrupt officials are cutting corners and making a lot of money. Flamboyant Edouard and timid Albert invent a risky scheme of their own – but is it sophisticated enough to succeed? Be prepared – because this is a story about the war, there are some grisly descriptions, but the characters are vivid, and the story is riveting.

The Expatriates by Janice Y.K.Lee (Viking, 2016)This novel is about three American women living in Hong Kong, and it provides an interesting glimpse into the ‘expat’ lives of the affluent and successful. Life seems to revolve around children, dinner parties, not to mention a fair amount of gossip and one-upmanship. There’s not a lot of integration with the locals – it’s quite an exclusive group. Mercy is a young Korean American trying to bounce back after a bad experience. Margaret has suffered a terrible loss, and Hilary’s struggle is with childlessness. All three are coping in the best way they know how, until circumstances bring them together. Unexpectedly, they find themselves in situations where they are forced to make life-changing decisions. There is heartbreak, forgiveness and joy as they all decide it’s time to move forward. This is a very enjoyable women’s read with strong themes of motherhood, families and friendships. I did not predict the ending which was quite emotional, and very satisfying.

My Stylish French Girlfriends by Sharon Santoni (Gibbs Smith, 2015)For a change from serious reading, sometimes it’s revitalising to borrow from the library a pictorial ‘coffee table’ book to browse. I love this one – a mouth-watering journey through 20 beautiful homes and gardens in France. From spacious chateaus, to cosy country cottages and Parisian apartments, there’s plenty to fantasise about here. Each chapter profiles the owners of the property, which you can read if you want to – I didn’t bother. I simply enjoyed the amazing photography and wasted some happy time choosing my favourite dream home (which you can see on page 40!).

Mums walk in syncPram pushing is more fun with others, and a new group on Facebook hopes to bring local mothers together for those walks. The page HBC Walking Mums was set up by local mother Tamara Meikle who says it offers an alternative, or addition, to coffee group gatherings. “It’s offers a community support group for local mums who want to get out and about and begin exercising again,” she says. The approach is very low key and informal; once they’ve joined group, members can post when and where they will be walking and other members can join. Pictured on the first organised mums walk at Shakespear Regional Park early this month, are, from left, Tamara Meikle with baby Kieran, Joanna Rakoroi with baby Joon, and Jasmin Peters with Violet in front pack.

Book saleThe Whangaparaoa Lions Club raised $4200 at their April book sale held at the Plaza in Whangaparaoa. Sale coordinator Alister McKinnon says this is their best result in the last six years. A hearty thanks goes to all members of the public who donated books. The money raised will be shared by The Salvation Army, Hibiscus Hospice, Riding for the Disabled, Camp Quality, Coastguard Hibiscus and Red Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

Winter Warmers| Hibiscusmatters | May 18, 201614

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Devonport couple Stephen and Sue Sheehan have taken over HomePlus in Morrison Drive in Warkworth to offer a range of products to help people customise their homes.Stephen has worked as an operations manager at a manufacturing company in South Auckland for 40 years, while Sue has worked as an interior designer.“We are really hands-on people and both love renovating homes – we live in a 100-year-old bungalow which we’ve been restoring,” Sue says.The business sells a range of custom-made products to help transform a home, including awnings, balustrades, blinds, fencing, showers, wardrobes, security and insect screens and doors.“It’s a great area for this business,” Stephen says. “A lot of houses have incredible views and our products which help shelter or shade outdoor areas, while keeping those views, are really popular. It fits in with the Kiwi outdoor lifestyle.”

The business covers from Albany to Mangawhai, coast to coast, and has an installation team with a factory and showroom on Morrison Drive.“We’ve got a great team of loc al staff,” Stephen says. “Without them, we couldn’t survive.”The couple took over the business in February after searching for a business to grow and that would allow them to work together. Two of their children help out at the business in the school holidays.“We are looking to grow it into a long-term venture for the family,” Sue says.Sue also works part-time with special needs children at Takapuna Grammar.“I had a friend with a disabled child and it made me want to do something really worth while for children. It’s challenging, but very rewarding.The couple have lived in Devonport for 26 years and commute north and are enjoying getting to know and work with the local community.

Stephen and Sue Sheehan

Spending two years renovating a villa in Waitoki was the start of a love affair with painting and decorating for husband and wife team, Darren and Linda Taylor. The couple have joined The Pro Group, providing interior and exterior painting services throughout the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast area. Over the last 20 years, Darren has run a wide range of businesses in the hospitality field from lodges and events to small cafes.“You learn in hospitality how important your customers are so I wanted my next new business to have customer longevity,” he says.While taking a break from business and spending more time with his three children, Darren indulged in to his love of sailing teaching it between renovating.“I loved it and felt so relaxed when I was sailing that I started to look for a business that would accommodate this new passion. “We wanted a business where we could establish a relationship with clients that would be ongoing. I liked how you could do that with The Pro Group. Doing a professional job is key and I didn’t want to be a one-man band. “We have some of the best contractors in the region on our books. The Pro Group use Dulux paint exclusively, and, as looking after our clients is top

priority, we also offer a five-year peace of mind warranty.” Darren says being a part of a larger company that has a great seven stage work system, makes it faster and more efficient for clients to get their jobs completed – from installing garage carpet, to grout cleaning as well as interior and exterior painting.However, it’s not all hard work with the Taylor family. Darren grew up in Queenstown and still ventures back to go skiing with the family. He says it is important to travel and the couple have instilled that in their children. “We took three months off and travelled the world. It was a wonderful classroom for the kids and they learnt a lot.”

Darren Taylor

Winter Warmers May 18, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters | 15

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Monday ....................Two pizza’s for $25

Tuesday .............. Quiz Night Special – Ribs & a Pint $25*

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Although it’s been warm, smoke is already swirling through the night sky from domestic woodburners and fires around the Coast, so it is timely to remind residents how to keep their home fires burning as efficiently as possible.By now, domestic fires were to have been banned in Auckland, but last year Auckland Council has put its plan to ban domestic open fires and phase out pre-2005 wood burners on hold awaiting a Government review of air quality regulations that is currently underway and expected to include public consultation. There is no set completion date for that review as yet.The bylaw is key to Council meeting its statutory obligations under the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Air Quality) Regulations 2004 to reduce the level of particulate air pollution by December 2016In the meantime, Council would prefer that you replace a woodburner or domestic fire, particularly if it is more than 10 years old, because of its contribution to air pollution and effects on people’s health. Council recommends upgrading to an alternative such as authorised woodburners, heat pumps, flued gas or pellet fires.Starting with the fuel used, there are tips on the Council website (aucklandcouncil.govt.nz) for “smarter

burning”, which helps to extract maximum value from your firewood and reducing smoke from the chimney. These include: y Only burn dry, well-seasoned wood that has been split properly. Green wood is a major culprit in the creation of smoke that pollutes the air and tarry residue that clogs your chimney. Dry wood has large cracks in the end of the log while wet wood is heavy and makes a dull thud when two pieces are hit together.

y Only start the fire with paper, dry kindling or an approved commercially available fire lighter. A fire can get out of hand quickly if it is started with fuels other than wood.

y Don’t burn treated or painted timber, particle board, chipboard, hardwood and fibreboard or plywood. Don’t burn domestic rubbish, glossy paper or magazines and wrappers in your domestic fire. They produce harmful chemicals and cause offensive or objectionable smoke.

y Burn fires bright and hot. A smouldering fire creates more smoke and less heat.

y Regularly remove ashes from the burner or fireplace. Store them outside in a covered metal container, letting them go cold in a safe area away from the side of the house to avoid creating a fire hazard.

Burning issues: getting the best from your fire

Winter Warmers| Hibiscusmatters | May 18, 201616

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Surf lifesavers may have left the beaches for the season, but spare a thought for the local marine rescue service that remains on call all year round, regardless of how bad the weather gets.Coastguard Hibiscus might not get as many calls to launch in winter as during the peak summer boating months, but chances are that when they do, the weather will be much colder, the seas rougher and conditions generally more testing. One advantage, though, is that winter provides Coastguard volunteers with the added opportunity to train more in nighttime conditions.Volunteer crews are still on the water every weekend day over the winter, and often during the week, despite the drop-off in boating activity. Crews are also on call 24/7, throughout the year.President Dan McGowan says the volunteers really enjoy the opportunity

to increase their knowledge and skills over the winter, with more of their on-water time available for training than during the busy summer months. “The more severe weather and longer nights give our teams the chance to practise important skills like heavy-weather helming and night navigation, which can be harder to create opportunities for over summer. Basically, the only time we won’t put a boat out is if it’s dry-docked for repairs, or if the wind/sea is so rough that the skipper makes a judgment call on grounds of safety.”The risks for anyone putting to sea can also be higher in winter, which is why everyone should be properly equipped and ready when they go out in the cooler months.“Be prepared: take two forms of communication (including, ideally, a VHF radio), flares, warm clothing, lifejackets, check the marine weather and tell someone where you’re going.”

Coastguard’s on call whatever the weather

Books needed for HospiceOrewa Rotary has offered Hibiscus Hospice a chance to run and benefit from their annual book fair. The book fair is held at the end of July in Orewa. Hospice is looking for donations of books, magazines, CDs and DVDs in good condition. They can be brought to Hospice 2a John Dee Crescent Red Beach or large quantities can be collected – phone Sue, 421 9180 to arrange this.