Winter 2022
Better Breathing KEEPING YOUR HOME WARM AND DRY
Understanding childhood pneumonia
flu season: Be prepared
DREAMING OF A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP Nick Runs America - He’s back
Send us your feedback and be in to win a $50 Prezzy Card
Wellington ultra-marathon runner Nick Ashill has returned to the USA to complete the final leg of his epic coast to coast, fundraising run.
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Pg 6-7. Check ou t our tips to he lp you rest and re lax this winter.
Our Team Chief Executive Letitia Harding Research and Education Manager Joanna Turner Office Administrator Dunia Cullingford Grants and Fundraising Manager Harriet Duncan PR and Communications Advisor Charlotte Lee-Smith Marketing & Communications Advisor Sam Treseder Māori Community Liason Sharon Pihema Corporate Sponsorship and Engagement Advisor Amy-Rose Todd Medical Director Dr James Fingleton, BM, PhD, FRACP Chief Cultural Advisor – Māori Sir John Clarke, KNZM, CNZM Ground Floor, 85 The Terrace, Wellington 6011 PO Box 1459, Wellington 6140 04 499 4592 asthmafoundation.org.nz asthmaandrespiratoryfoundation asthmafndation asthmaandrespiratoryfoundation
ISSN 2703-4127
Pg 12. Read ou r wrap-up from World Asthma Day 2022.
In this issue... 2. Community news
It’s been a busy May! Find out about our new te reo digital classroom and our work underway at a high school plagued with damp and mould problems.
3. Health professional news
Meet Sharon Pihema – the Foundation’s first Māori Community Liaison. We talk to Sharon about her experience of respiratory illness and what she’ll be doing in her new role.
5. Respiratory research bulletin
We share the latest in respiratory research, including findings on a new 2 in 1 combination inhaler, new statistics from the Ministry of Health on children’s asthma and the problem of complacency in people with mild asthma.
6-7. Dreaming of a good night’s
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11.
Understanding childhood pneumonia Childhood pneumonia is a serious illness that leads to hospitalisations every winter. Find out more about this illness and how to protect your tamariki.
12. World Asthma Day
World Asthma Day was celebrated globally on 3 May. We share what the Foundation and our supporters did to mark this important day.
Top Picks... Page 2. Tell us what you think and win! Complete a brief survey on Better Breathing magazine and be in to win a $50 Prezzy Card Page 6. Sleep easier with these practical tips. Page 9. Don’t let the flu get you this winter!
...leave a legacy for future generations
sleep
Many people with respiratory conditions struggle with sleep. We share some tips to help you get a good night’s rest.
9. Be prepared for flu season
Flu season 2022 is expected to be a tough one. We outline how you can be prepared for the months ahead.
10.
Top tips for keeping your home warm and dry Check out some practical suggestions to keep your home warmer and healthier this winter. Thank you to our Friends of the Foundation for supporting our ongoing initiatives.
A gift in your will to the Foundation goes towards educating New Zealanders and producing resources to reduce the number of unnecessary hospitalisations. Contact us for more information 04 499 4592
Thank you to the Lottery Grants Board for their continued support of the Foundation, allowing us to provide Better Breathing magazine free of charge to the respiratory and healthcare communities.
ARFNZ CE, Letitia Harding
Letitia’s Message Kia Ora koutou. We are now approaching the chillier winter months, and as we all know, the cold can trigger asthma symptoms. This means it is important to make sure you have your asthma inhaler on hand, check that it hasn’t expired, and have an asthma management plan. You can find free, downloadable asthma action plans in our online shop and on our website. With winter comes the flu season, and as international borders are now open it is important for our respiratory community to be extra vigilant. Two years of protection from new strains of flu, means we can expect community immunity to be at an all-time low. Remember, influenza can be a serious illness that affects the nose, throat and lungs, and can worsen existing respiratory conditions like asthma. You can read more about this on page 9. In this issue we also take a deep dive into understanding childhood pneumonia, a condition affecting the lungs that can be caused by airborne bacteria, viruses or, in rarer cases, fungi. Viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the flu virus are the most common causes of pneumonia in children, and result in the hospitalisation of many Kiwi kids every winter. On page 11, we look at the
causes and symptoms of this disease and discuss how parents can keep their children protected. We all know the importance of a warm, dry, healthy home, and New Zealand certainly has a long way to go in this space. A Wellington-based study, conducted a few years back, found that people who lived in cold, damp, mouldy and over-crowded housing were more likely to be hospitalisated for acute respiratory infections (ARIs). The researchers predicted that ARI hospitalisations for under 2s could be reduced by 19% if all homes were free from damp and mould. You can read more here: (Ingham T, et al. Damp mouldy housing and early childhood hospital admissions for acute respiratory infection: a case control study. Thorax. 2019;74(9):849-857). Check out page 10 for our top tips for a drier, healthier home this winter. This May we also welcomed Sharon Pihema (Ngāti Porou) as the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation’s new Māori Community Liaison. This role is a first for the Foundation and arose from the feedback we received from our Māori healthcare providers and communities. Sharon will concentrate on identifying and engaging with Māori
providers around the country to better understand their local community needs around respiratory conditions and other respiratory topics such as youth vaping. Utilising this knowledge will then enable us to provide ‘Respiratory Bundles’ of information tailored to individual community needs. You can find out more about Sharon on page 3, where she tells us how she sees the role and what inspired her to join the ARFNZ team. Lastly, thank you all for a wonderful World Asthma Day (WAD) it was great to raise awareness of this important day, to remind everyone that 1 in 8 people in New Zealand have asthma, and that respiratory disease is the third biggest killer in Aotearoa – so let’s keep battling to change those statistics. If you have any questions about any of the resources the Foundation provides, then contact Joanna our amazing Research and Education Manager on email at joanna@ arfnz.org.nz.
Noho ora mai
Letitia Harding Chief Executive
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Respiratory Community News
Te Reo Pufferfish show goes online
Foundation sponsors breathe new life into school building
In May, the Foundation launched its successful online Sailor Digital Classroom in te reo Māori. The new resource, called Heremana te Kōpūtōtara Mātauranga Huangō, was funded by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission), and is the latest tool produced by ARFNZ to address asthma inequities for Māori. The Digital Classroom is an animated online version of the ARFNZ’s live, interactive musical show, Heremana te Kōpūtōtara, which travels the country teaching primary students about asthma, asthma triggers, how to treat asthma and what to do in an asthma emergency, in te reo Māori. The English language version of the digital classroom was launched in October last year. Asthma education plays a critical role in reducing asthmarelated hospitalisation, and the Foundation hopes that the Classroom will provide kura, kaiako and tamariki across Aotearoa even greater access to free, essential asthma information. Schools can register their interest on the website: digital.sailorasthmashow.co.nz
Nick Runs America – he’s off!
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation, in partnership with a group of generous sponsors, has breathed new life into a damp, cold building at Hutt Valley High School in Lower Hutt. Toxic mould was found through 16 classrooms at the school last year, prompting the closure and then demolition of these buildings. School management had to juggle finding new learning spaces for students, with some senior students having to study from home and others located in temporary buildings. After reading about the school’s plight, the Foundation reached out to our sponsors to see if together we could offer some help. Pink Batts, Daikin Hutt Valley High School facilities manager Simon Kydd and RCR Petone and RCR Project Supervisor Clinton Duncan all came on board, offering insulation, a new heat pump and an air ventilation system. The school nominated its multi-use sports pavilion to get a makeover. Over May, contractors revamped the sports pavilion turning it into a healthier space for students by installing a Daikin VAM ventilation system, a heat pump and Pink Batts floor and ceiling insulation.
Tell us what you think and win!
Wellington ultra-marathon runner Nick Ashill has returned to the USA and as you read this, he should be well on the way to completing the final leg of his epic coast to coast, fundraising run. As you might remember from our Autumn 2022 magazine, Nick began the 5,400km run across the USA in 2017 to fundraise for the Foundation and for the UK-based Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust. His run was cut short after he was seriously injured in a hit and run accident. After multiple surgeries and a long recovery, Nick was able to return in late May to finish the run. You can follow Nick’s progress and contribute to his fundraising efforts at: www.nickrunsamerica.org.nz
Nick Ashill on the road
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We would love to get your feedback on this magazine. We have put together a brief survey which can be accessed by scanning the QR code above. Everyone who sends through their feedback, will go into the draw to win a $50 Prezzy Card!
Nick with media at the start of his run
Nick with support crew Jim McCord and Paul Wheeler
HEALTH PROFESSIONAL NEWS Meet Sharon Pihema Sharon Pihema (Ngāti Porou) was appointed in May as the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation’s first Māori Community Liaison. We spoke to her to find out a bit more about her role and her own story with respiratory health.
Sharon Pihema pictured with ARFNZ Cheif Executive Letitia Harding
What’s your background Sharon? My background is in population health and community engagement. I studied physical education and human nutrition at Otago University and over the years have worked in population health and planning and funding for Hauora Tairāwhiti, The Heart Foundation, the Atawhai Charitable Trust and more recently for the Health Quality and Safety Commission. How did your interest in respiratory health begin? I got started in respiratory health from our own whānau experience and our daughter‘s journey with brittle asthma and bronchiectasis. We wanted to use her experience to help raise awareness of what it‘s like living with asthma for Māori families. What attracted you to this role? We‘ve always supported the Foundation and tried to raise awareness through our personal networks around World Asthma Day or World Smokefree Day. We would put a little post out on Facebook saying support this kaupapa. So, this role is a great opportunity to reach out widely to more whānau and communities. How did you first find out about the Foundation? My whānau hasbeen involved with the Foundation since 2014 when our daughter, who was 11 at the time, won one of the respiratory awards. A few months after that she had a real massive asthma attack and ended up with a hypoxic brain injury from it. And I guess that‘s when we started sharing her story. We wanted
to share it (her story) because not a lot of people knew how bad an asthma attack could get. She was really lucky to survive that. What are you going to be doing in this role? It‘s exciting. I‘m really keen to get out there and start connecting with different hauora and iwi organisations to find out what it‘s like for them supporting their families living with respiratory illnesses. I want to find out what resources they‘re using and some of the challenges that they‘re facing, and then look at what we can do from our side to support their work. As a parent of a child who has had a serious respiratory illness, what is your advice to other parents in that situation? For us as a family, we could help our daughter better once we fully understood everything about asthma like what was actually happening inside her lungs, how the medication worked, what was happening in the different kinds of tests that she was going through. Once we understood, we could have really good discussions with everyone that was looking after her. We could start to advocate for our daughter and our family about what was going to work best for us. We asked lots of questions. Any other advice? I think it‘s important to recognize that when you have a child with a serious illness, the wider family needs support as well. It’s not the medical stuff, it’s dealing with schoolwork and keeping up with social things. Our children often missed out things like birthday parties because we were in hospital so much. I had to finish full time work because my husband and I couldn’t both work full time and look after our daughter. That then meant less income coming into the house. It can be really hard – you definitely need support.
Sharon Pihema, her whānau and the ARFNZ team
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TM
New H1 Energy Efficiency Building Code changes bring warmer, drier, and healthier homes for New Zealanders It is well documented that New Zealand’s existing Building Code construction standards are well below those in Western countries with similar temperatures. This means that New Zealand has many damp, mouldy and poorly ventilated homes, which both exacerbate and trigger respiratory disease. Respiratory disease is the third most common cause of death in New Zealand and affects more than 700,000 Kiwis.* In late 2021, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) announced that there would be changes to the existing H1 Energy Efficiency Building Code. These H1 changes focus on increasing the window, floor, wall, and underfloor insulation requirements, and introduce six new climate zones to reflect the specific weather experienced in different parts of New Zealand. Increasing roof insulation is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to boost thermal performance, and with these new regulations in place, the minimum amount of roof insulation required for new builds will now be doubled across the country. The aim of these new Building Code requirements is to reduce the energy needed for heating residential homes by up to 40%, as well as improve the quality of living
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conditions for New Zealanders by creating warmer, drier, and healthier homes. Pink® Batts® Insulation is extremely supportive of these new requirements and believe that it is a significant step forward in improving living and working conditions for New Zealanders. To further support these changes, Pink® Batts® now offers the highest R-values in bulk thermal insulation categories, with two new introductions of Pink® Batts® Skillion Roof R4.5 – 165mm max and Pink® Batts® Ultra® R4.3 (140mm Wall). As a local Kiwi manufacturer, Pink® Batts® has the ability to produce higher R-values and customise solutions to best match your requirements, helping to create New Zealand’s most comfortable spaces. *Statistic taken from the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand - The Impact of Respiratory disease in NZ 2020 Update Report
Learn more about H1 Building Code changes at pinkbatts.co.nz and how we’re creating comfort from the inside out.
Respiratory Research Bulletin T
he research into respiratory health that takes place in New Zealand and overseas plays a vital role in helping us to understand, diagnose and treat respiratory conditions. In this issue, we share some cutting-edge research from Aotearoa and beyond.
New 2 in 1 inhaler combination a major step forward in asthma management In a recently released international study, researchers have found that a new combination inhaler containing budesonide and salbutamol significantly reduces the risk of severe asthma attacks in adults and adolescents. The study found that participants were 26% less likely to experience severe asthma attacks when using the combined inhaler, rather than the reliever inhaler by itself. Professor Richard Beasley, a co-author of the study and a member of the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, says this new finding provides further evidence that the 2 in 1 reliever therapy approach is superior to the historic single reliever inhaler approach. “Futhermore, it means there will soon be alternative products available for the 2 in 1 reliever therapy approach, with some doctors and patients likely to prefer the budesonide-salbutamol inhaler.” Currently in New Zealand, the only combined 2 in 1 inhaler, containing a preventer and a fast-onset, long acting reliever, is the budesonide/ formoterol combination inhaler.
Not all Kiwi kids breathing easier, despite drop in asthma rates The latest statistics from the Ministry of Health show a significant drop in the number of children with asthma over 2020/2021 in the past year, the lowest rate in 10 years. However, the rates amongst Māori and Pacific children remain disproportionately high. Overall, the rate for children being diagnosed and treated for asthma over 2020/21 was 11.9%, down from 13.7%. The greatest decrease was seen in the 2 to 4-year-age group, where the rate dropped from 11.7% to 6%.
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Foundation Medical Director Dr James Fingleton says the significant drop amongst pre-schoolers, was most likely due to a combination of factors, however the health protection measures in place for Covid-19 will have played a part. “Due to our closed borders and Covid health measures, pre-school children have not had the same exposure to illnesses that cause respiratory symptoms, which can lead to a later diagnosis of asthma. It will be interesting to see if the downward trend continues as the borders reopen.” The statistics found that Māori and Pacific children had the highest rates of asthma, at 16.6% and 16.4%. Boys also experienced higher rates of asthma than girls, 13.7% compared to 10%. Regionally, the West Coast, Taranaki and Tairawhiti had the highest rates of children with asthma, while Canterbury had the lowest. The rate of children with asthma remains high compared to the rest of the world, with 26 children dying from asthma between 2011 and 2018.
‘She’ll be right’ attitude to mild asthma problematic New research has found that people with mild asthma are often complacent and confused about treatment options. The study, which interviewed people with mild asthma from New Zealand, Australian and the UK, found these people had limited knowledge of asthma and took a casual approach to treatment. Often this was due to vague or changing advice from health professionals. The study highlighted that these attitudes could prove a barrier to moving people with mild asthma onto the 2 in 1 preventer/reliever treatment regime, the recommended best practice treatment. While the 2 in 1 medication was preferred by most participants in the study, as it was easier to manage, some participants were reluctant to change regimes as they didn’t understand why the change was needed or felt that their current preventer-only inhaler provided faster relief of symptoms.
DREAMING OF A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP If insomnia or sleep disruption has become a major problem, please talk to your healthcare practitioner. Your treatment plan may need to be reassessed, or you may need to be referred to a respiratory or sleep specialist to check for obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition that may overlap in some patients with asthma and COPD.
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M
riencing flare ups at night, or waking with wheezing and breathlessness, this is a sign that your asthma isn’t well-controlled and you need to get your healthcare practitioner to review your treatment.
any people with respiratory conditions dream of having a good night’s sleep, but instead find bedtime more of a nightmare. Breathlessness, wheezing and coughing can interfere with both falling asleep and staying asleep. These symptoms can flare up at night for a variety of reasons including increased exposure to triggers and your sleeping position.
Some medications can interfere with sleep, so check with your healthcare practitioner or pharmacist if you are unsure about when your medication should be taken or to check if another option is available.
Poor quality sleep will not only make you feel tired and run down, it can also further worsen respiratory symptoms. Fortunately, there are some practical steps you can take to improve your sleep. Sleep positions How you lie in bed affects how you sleep. Lying flat on your back can put extra pressure on the chest and lungs, making it harder to breathe. It can also trigger a post-nasal drip, when mucous drips from the nose down the back of the throat, causing coughing. For people who have acid reflux, in addition to respiratory conditions, the acid coming up from the stomach can further irritate the airways. If you prefer lying on your back to sleep, elevate your neck and shoulders with pillows (one or more) to help open your airways. Adding another pillow under your knees can help improve circulation and maintain this elevated sleeping position through the night. You could also try lifting the head of the bed itself, instead of using pillows. For side sleepers, lying on your left side with your head elevated may help, particularly if you suffer from acid reflux. Past research has found that for some people sleeping on your right side can worsen asthma symptoms as it increases pressure on the vagus nerve, which in turn can trigger airway constriction. Sleeping on your stomach is also advised against, as it can restrict airflow. It is worth experimenting with different sleeping options, to see what works best for you. Reducing exposure to triggers Beds and bedrooms can be full of possible asthma triggers including dust mites, pet hair, mould. Pollen and cold air can also
Be sure to keep any medication you might need in the night near to your bed, so if you wake up, you can find it quickly. Always sit up to use your medication, and afterwards wait for the medicine to begin relieving your symptoms before going back to sleep. drift through open windows. Regular dusting and vacuuming will improve air quality, as will regularly washing sheets and covers in hot water (above 55 degrees if possible). A hot wash kills allergens, but be sure bedding is fully dry before putting it on the bed, as damp bedding can cause mildew and mould to grow. It is also wise to keep your mattress off the floor, so you are elevated above dust mites, pet hair and other allergens in carpets. While your family pet might enjoy claiming your bed, if pet hair is a trigger, it is best to keep them out of the bedroom. It is important to keep your home wellventilated during the day, however at night it is best to close your bedroom windows to keep out cold or warm air (both which can trigger respiratory symptoms), and pollen. Pollen levels are often highest in the early morning and early evening, so if this is a trigger try to keep windows shut at these times. If you are worried about air flow overnight, then you could look at purchasing an air purifier for your bedroom. Dry air can also worsen respiratory symptoms by irritating the throat and nasal passages. Having a humidifier in your room could help, however as these can increase the presence of dust mites, they may not be suitable for everyone. Check your medications For people with asthma, if you are expe-
Other sleeping tips - Keep using your medicines as prescribed, to ensure your respiratory condition is well-managed. - Visit your GP or health practitioner for regular reviews, particularly if your symptoms are changing. - Ongoing problems with breathlessness at night can cause anxiety around bedtime. Breathing exercises before bed, can help with both anxiety and your breathing. - If you have issues with heartburn, avoid eating large meals or drinking late in the day, to give your body plenty of time to digest food before bed. - Turn off all electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime. - If you have ongoing issues with congestion during the night, then a nasal decongestant spray before bed may help. Check with your healthcare practitioner to see whether this may be suitable for you. If insomnia or sleep disruption has become a major problem, talk to your healthcare practitioner. Your treatment plan may need to be reassessed, or you may need to be referred to a respiratory or sleep specialist to check for obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition that may overlap in some patients with asthma and COPD.
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Dyson technology used to research the effects of air purification on asthma New research aims to determine if air purification in the home can support improved management of asthma symptoms. The research is a partnership between Dyson and the David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre in the United Kingdom and will involve placing Dyson air purifiers in the homes of study participants. As people generally spend 90% of their lives indoors, indoor air quality plays a significant role in respiratory health. Pollution sources like microscopic particles from vehicle emissions and pollen, can enter homes and combine with indoor pollution sources like cleaning products, pet dander, cooking fumes and scented candles. As modern homes are built to be better sealed to comply with energy efficiency requirements, pollutants can become trapped inside, compromising airflow circulation. “Improved air quality with lower levels of allergens and pollutants could improve the health of individuals with asthma,” explains Professor Hasan Arshad, the leader researcher and a consultant at St. Mary’s Hospital in the UK. “Therefore, a feasible and practical intervention such as a Dyson air purifier that can reduce allergens and pollutant levels in indoor air, might reduce asthma symptoms and improve control.” The study will include participants whose asthma is not currently optimally controlled on their current asthma treatment plan. Each will receive two air purifiers: one for their bedroom and another for the living room. The David Hide Asthma and Allergy Centre will provide half of the participants with active devices, with the others receiving non-opera-
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tional machines. All the patients will be tested regularly for lung function, allergy and asthma symptoms over the course of the research period. Dyson is a Gold sponsor of The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation’s Friends of the Foundation programme and a key supporter of the Foundation’s work in improving respiratory health outcomes for New Zealanders.
For more on Dyson’s work on air quality and for future results from the study please visit:
www.dyson.co.nz/products/air-quality
BE PREPARED FOR FLU SEASON T
he Ministry of Health is warning that Kiwis need to prepare for a tougher flu season this winter.
With international borders reopened, the Ministry expects to see new strains of flu entering the country. After two years of protection from these strains, community immunity to flu is low. This means getting protected with the seasonal flu vaccine is more important than ever, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
Influenza is a serious illness that affects the nose, throat and lungs, and can worsen existing respiratory conditions like asthma. Even those with wellcontrolled asthma, remain at higher risk of developing pneumonia if they catch the flu. A further risk this winter is the possibility of having flu and Covid-19 within a short space of time. While recent research has shown that people with asthma are not more likely to catch Covid-19 or experience more severe Covid-19 symptoms, the combined effect of flu and Covid-19 poses a yet unknown risk to respiratory health. The Ministry of Health is advising that the best protection this winter is for people to be vaccinated against both Covid-19 and flu. People can receive their Covid-19 vaccine or booster at the same time as receiving their flu vaccine. If you have recently had Covid-19, the Ministry recommends getting your flu vaccine as soon as you are recovered. People with asthma who are prescribed regular preventer medicine and those with other chronic breathing conditions are eligible for free flu vaccines. These vaccines are available to adults and children, six months and older, between April and December each year. Health practitioners recommend getting annual flu jabs early, to ensure best protection before flu season
begins. Free flu vaccines are also available to those children who have a history of significant respiratory illness, between the ages of six months and five years. As there is a natural decline in immunity associated with aging, older people are more vulnerable to flu and complications arising from flu. Older people also have lower physiological reserves which means a slower recovery from illness. For this reason, flu vaccines are particularly important for people over 65 with respiratory illnesses. In 2022, the flu vaccine is free for Māori and Pacific peoples, aged 55 years and over. The symptoms of flu, like shortness of breath and coughing, can be very similar to those of Covid-19. Both flu and Covid-19 can cause additional symptoms such as a sore throat, fatigue, an upset stomach. Changes in taste and smell are more likely with Covid-19 than flu. If you have symptoms of any kind, it’s important to have a Covid test and self-isolate while you wait for results. The Ministry has also highlighted that there is a low risk of getting a second case of Covid-19, within 90 days of a first infection. In this situation, anyone with underlying respiratory conditions should seek advice from their GP or Healthline. The 2022 flu vaccine contains the harmless parts of four strains of flu virus, not the whole virus. When you receive the flu jab, your immune system reacts to these parts and produces antibodies that will protect you against the flu. The jab can only protect you against these four types of flu, it cannot protect you against Covid-19 or the common cold. After receiving the flu vaccine it takes up to two weeks for your body to start protecting against the flu. There is more information on this season’s flu vaccine on the Ministry of Health website www.health.govt.nz
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Top tips for a healthy, dry home this winter D
amp, cold homes can trigger and worsen respiratory conditions. Create a healthier home for your whānau this winter, by following a few of these tips. Stay smokefree The best way to improve the health of your home is to make it smokefree. As well as keeping cigarette smoke out, over winter you need to be aware of smoke from log and wood burners. Try to avoid this type of heating if possible and consider keeping windows and doors closed if your neighbours have log fires burning. Improve insulation Effective home insulation reduces heat loss and prevents drafts. It can both save you money in the long term and create a healthier living space. Grants are available to eligible homeowners for insulation and heating through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme. Some regional and local councils offer insulation deals, so it’s worth getting in touch to ask. If you’re a renter, Consumer NZ has put together a renter’s guide to a warmer home which is available on their website. Well-fitted curtains Installing well-fitted, double-layered curtains, preferably with thermal backings can make a real difference to heat loss. If the curtain is fitted close to the wall and extends beyond the edge of the window, it will be more effective in retaining warmth. If you have a glass-paned front door, consider installing a curtain over this during winter. Ventilation It is important to allow fresh air to circulate around your home during winter, as this will blow out respiratory triggers like dust, mould spores and moisture. Improving ventilation can be as simple as opening doors and windows for a 10 to 20-minute period each day. Moving beds and other furniture a hand’s width out from the wall, will allow air to circulate more freely and prevent the build-up of mould in these areas. Heating An effective heating system can make all the difference to your home. The Government’s GenLess website is a great
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source of information on different heating options, outlining their pros and cons. Be sure to avoid portable or unflued indoor gas heaters as they increase moisture and release dangerous toxins. Grants are available to cover the costs of heating through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme and through some councilsupported providers. For those on a low income, the Ministry of Development’s Winter Energy Payment may be an option. More heating tips If you have a portable heater, placing it on the cold side of the room or near a window can help distribute heat around the room more effectively. For those with oil column heaters, tests by Consumer NZ found that placing a small fan on the floor, pointed at the heater, distributed heat around the room much more efficiently, than using this type of heater on its own. Keeping dry Dehumidifiers can be useful in creating a drier home, when used in small to medium-sized rooms with the windows closed. Other easy ways to reduce moisture include regularly wiping condensation from windows, keeping lids on pots while cooking and using extraction fans. Try to avoid drying clothes indoors if possible. Remove mould Regularly check for mould behind furniture and curtains and remove it immediately using warm, soapy water, bleach or white vinegar. Find the draughts On a windy day, spend some time identifying draughts in your home. One easy way to reduce draughts coming from under doors is by using a dry, rolled-up towel or a draught stopper.
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UNDERSTANDING CHILDHOOD PNEUMONIA P
neumonia is a serious illness that results in the hospitalisation of Kiwi kids every winter. In this article, we look at the causes and symptoms of this disease and discuss how parents can keep their children protected.
Pneumonia is usually diagnosed by a clinical examination based on symptoms and listening to the child’s chest. Occasionally health practitioners may also require a chest X-ray and blood tests.
What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by airborne bacteria, viruses or, in rarer cases, fungi. Pneumonia affects the tiny air sacs in the lungs. When inflamed, the air sacs become full of fluid and pus making it difficult to breathe. While people at any age can develop pneumonia, it can be more serious for young children with developing immune systems or respiratory conditions, and for older adults.
If you suspect your child has pneumonia or any serious chest infection you should see your doctor. Get help straight away if your child is under three months old, breathing very quickly or struggling to breathe. If your child doesn’t seem to be improving after a mild illness or has been improving, and suddenly gets worse, then contact your doctor.
Pneumococcal disease is pneumonia which is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria are the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia in young children and older people. How serious is childhood pneumonia? Each year in New Zealand, more than 150 children under the age of five years are admitted to hospital with pneumococcal disease. Repeated infections of pneumonia can lead to bronchiectasis, scarring of the lungs, which can cause ongoing respiratory complications. What are the symptoms of childhood pneumonia? What may begin as a cold or flu can develop into pneumonia as the body’s immune system becomes overwhelmed by an infection. Viral pneumonia generally advances over a few days, starting as a cold with a runny nose before the child develops a cough (often with yellow or green phlegm), breathing problems and sometimes, a fever and fatigue. Children with pneumonia may breathe very quickly or you may be able to see their lower chest draw in (rather than expand) when they inhale. They may also make a grunting sound when breathing or put a lot of extra effort into breathing. Bacterial pneumonia moves more quickly, with symptoms developing over a day. It causes a high fever, a cough and breathing problems. Sometimes bacterial pneumonia can develop during a viral infection. When this happens your child’s cold symptoms may suddenly worsen.
What is the treatment for pneumonia? Infections caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. As it can be difficult to determine if pneumonia has been caused by bacteria or a virus, doctors may prescribe antibiotics as a precaution. If your child can be cared for at home, make sure they get lots of rest and encourage them to drink fluids regularly. If they are prescribed antibiotics, ensure they take the full course. A child usually takes a couple of weeks to fully recover from pneumonia. During this time, they may cough up a lot of phlegm as the body clears out the lungs. The cough may last for four weeks, but if it continues after this time, then get it checked by your doctor. A long-lasting cough or a wet cough should always be checked by a health professional. How do I prevent my child getting pneumonia? You can help your child stay healthy by practising good hygiene, reducing exposure to air pollution and cigarette smoke, and living in a warm and well-ventilated home. Immunisation against pneumococcal disease, whopping cough, influenza and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) can help prevent some of the serious causes of pneumonia. All babies in New Zealand can be immunised against pneumococcal disease as part of their free childhood immunisations at six weeks, five months and 15 months old. They are not fully protected until they have had all three doses.
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W
orld Asthma Day, celebrated on 3 May, was an opportunity for the Foundation to raise awareness of the seriousness of this condition and its impact on New Zealanders. To mark the day, the Foundation ran a School Holiday Art Competition, produced an Asthma Q & A video with our Medical Director Dr James Fingleton, ran social media giveaways, and spoke to the media about the need for greater funding and support for people with asthma, especially those groups most at risk: Māori, Pacific peoples and those living in the most deprived communities.
WORLD ASTHMA DAY WRAP-UP
We were thrilled to have fantastic support from our asthma community (see the story below) and a big thanks is due also to our generous sponsors who provided prizes: Dyson, Daikin and Hā Habit.
Bake sale raises $650 for World Asthma Day By Megan Ellmers, Asthma and COPD support person, Te Kete Hauora o Rangitane. World Asthma Day 2022 was a massive success in Tamaki nui a Rua, Dannevirke thanks to the wonderful people in our community, kaimahi from Te Kete Hauora o Rangitane, and the most generous donations of delicious baking creations. Te Kete Hauora o Rangitane’s World Asthma Day bake sale raised $652 for the Asthma & Respiratory Foundation NZ. It was also a great opportunity for us to interact with our community, informing them of the mahi we do as an organisation and the free services available to all whānau that need them. Our Te Ohu Auahi Mutunga quit smoking coaches were a great asset to have with us also, as we all know smoking most definitely has a negative effect on our respiratory system. There was an amazing atmosphere; at one stage in the morning we had just as much baking coming into the stall as was going out! It was the perfect day to let people know there is support for everyone.
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World Asthma Day Art Competition winner Hadrian, from St John’s School in Wanganui, was the winner of the Foundation’s World Asthma Day School Holiday art competition. His school received a Daikin air purifier and $700 worth of sports equipment.
Help Kiwis breathe easier... Step Up this September Breathe Better September is fast approaching once again, so now’s the time to start thinking about ways you can get involved!
Pulse Energy Powering Up Support Of ARFNZ Pulse Energy is delighted to become a Gold Sponsor of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ (ARFNZ). The energy retailer, which has been a Bronze Sponsor of the ARFNZ since April 2021, expanded its support of the Foundation by officially becoming a Gold Sponsor on 9 May 2022. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to become a Gold Sponsor and take our support to the next level,” said Pulse Energy Chief Executive Sharnie Warren. “The ARFNZ’s mission to improve the health and quality of life for New Zealanders is something that resonates with Pulse Energy and we’re proud to support an organisation that’s doing such important work in the community.” The partnership with Pulse Energy will enable ARFNZ to expand its reach, improve health literacy, deliver education, and raise the national profile of respiratory disease in New Zealand. “Partnering with a national energy retailer like Pulse Energy is extremely valuable in helping to educate more Kiwis about the importance of living in a healthy home. This can help us work towards our goal of reducing respiratory-related hospitalisations by 20% by 2025,” explained ARFNZ Chief Executive Letitia Harding.
As a 100% community-owned business, Pulse Energy is passionate about supporting the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders. A proud supporter of local communities, the company sponsors grassroots events across New Zealand, partners with the Highlanders and Crusaders Super Rugby teams, and drives initiatives like the awardwinning Pay it Forward Programme. The Pay it Forward Programme - which was recently selected as a finalist for the 2022 Energy Excellence Awards in the Community Initiative of the Year category - is a joint initiative between Pulse Energy and its customers that provides financial support to families facing energy hardship. The Programme helps energy vulnerable households heat their homes and create a healthier living environment, while alleviating some of the emotional and financial stress associated with energy hardship. About one-third of New Zealand households experience one or more energy hardship indicators, which include troubling measures like damp housing, inadequate heating, difficulty paying power bills and more. Energy hardship and respiratory disease are closely intertwined as lack of adequate heating can contribute to unhealthy living conditions that increase the risk of respiratory illness. “Pulse Energy and ARFNZ share so many values,” said Harding. “With Pulse being community-owned and providing initiatives like the Pay it Forward Programme, we know that Pulse is there to support the health and wellbeing of Kiwis.” Pulse Energy is a 100% community-owned electricity retailer that provides electricity, gas, and broadband to homes right across New Zealand. For more information about Pulse Energy visit pulseenergy.co.nz
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Find your local Society! Did you know that ARFNZ is affiliated with many asthma societies and groups across New Zealand who are here to provide you with support, rehabilitation and nursing assistance with your respiratory condition?
Horowhenua Breathe Easy Support iandlmckenzie@xtra.co.nz LEVIN 0279521439 06 3688069
Nelson Asthma Society asthma.nelson@xtra.co.nz 9 Cambridge Street RICHMOND 03 544 1562
Asthma & Respiratory Management BOP reception@asthmabop.org.nz www.asthmabop.org.nz 254 Chadwick Road TAURANGA 0800 276 267 Asthma NZ 581 Mt Eden Rd AUCKLAND 09 623 0236 0800 227 328 anz@asthma.org.nz
Manawatū Breathe Easy sjorgi64@gmail.com Palmerston North 0272420669
Eastern Bay of Plenty & COPD Support Group COPD@drct.co.nz Disabilities Resource Centre 141 King Street WHAKATANE 0800 227 363
Asthma Waikato info@asthmawaikato.org.nz www.asthmawaikato.org.nz 18 Claudelands Road HAMILTON 07-838 0851
asthma.marlborough@xtra.co.nz
Southland Asthma Society southlandasthma@xtra.co.nz Federated Farmers 70 Forth Street INVERCARGILL 03 214 2356
Asthma NZ Level 2, 120 Featherston Street WELLINGTON PH: 04 237 4520 FAX: 04 477 2306
CanBreathe office@canbreathe.org.nz www.canbreathe.org.nz 196 Hills Road, Edgeware CHRISTCHURCH 03-386-0278
North Otago Asthma sec.noasthma@gmail.com 0277535711 Asthma Otago otagoasthma@xtra.co.nz Dunedin Community House Cnr Moray Place & Gt King Street DUNEDIN 03-471-6167
lynlolohea@hotmail.com
14 Kennedy Street GISBORNE 06-868-9970
Asthma NZ 1290 Eruera Street, Rotorua Central, ROTORUA PH: 07 347 1012 FAX: 07 347 1017
Asthma Marlborough Inc Marlborough Community Health Hub 22 Queen Street BLENHEIM 03-579-1609 0272057244
Gisborne & East Coast Asthma Society
Breathe Hawke’s Bay admin@breathehb.co.nz www.breathehb.co.nz 199 Dickens Street NAPIER 06-835-0018
Tu Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust anne@kokiri-hauora.org.nz 7-9 Barnes Street Seaview LOWER HUTT 0800 939 462
About ARFNZ Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ (ARFNZ) is New Zealand’s principal authority for all respiratory conditions. The Foundation’s purpose is to lead respiratory health knowledge through research, education, and advocacy, with the goal to reduce respiratory related hospitalisations, and improve respiratory health outcomes for all.
