Breathe better

Go with the Flow

Breathe Better September  Dyani Van Basten Batenburg

Breathing may be a normal biological function but it’s one many of us don’t give too much airtime to – until we have to. Unfortunately, 700,000 Kiwis suffer from asthma and respiratory diseases – one in eight adults, one in seven children. With respiratory rates high, and asthma hospitalisation rates in children under 15 years nearly three times the rate of adults aged 30 – 64, according to the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ’s 2018 Impact Report, a call for greater awareness and support for respiratory health is critical, says Letitia Harding, CEO of Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ.

“Sadly, New Zealand has one of the worst rates of asthma and respiratory disease in the developed world. The problem is exacerbated by the relatively poor housing standards in New Zealand,” says Letitia. “I do not think people realise that a condition like asthma can be life threatening if not managed well – 77 Kiwis die from asthma each year – perhaps that is because respiratory disease is so common.”

Unbounded and far-reaching

A common threat and a widespread one, explains Letitia. According to the Foundation’s 2018 Impact Report, there’s no significant variation in children’s asthma rates across the country – excepting Auckland, where the rate is 10.4% compared to the national average of 14.3%. “Our report showed adult asthma rates were higher in Whanganui, Mid Central, Hutt Valley and South Canterbury DHBs, and lower in Waitemata, and Counties Manukau. Mortality rates were highest in adults aged over 65,” she says. “With chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) your risk increases with age. The average age of COPD onset is around 70, but it is sevento-eight years earlier for Māori and Pacific peoples.”

Pick up the pace

Now in its sixth year, Breathe Better September has been working to stem the flow of New Zealand’s asthma and respiratory crisis. Last year they had a record number of Better Breathing Heroes take part, and raised over $20,000 for the Foundation. “This year, we’re encouraging Kiwis to Step Up for Breathe Better September and complete a step challenge. You can sign up as an individual or as a team. People are also welcome to come up with their own fundraising ideas – bake sales, runs around the block,” enthuses Letitia. “With money raised, we undertake a great range of activities to help health professionals and help people living with these conditions, and educate and advocate for better respiratory health outcomes for all New Zealanders.”

Stay in control

And for those keen to up the ante on their breathing and improve respiratory heath, its not all huff and puff.

“Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and vaping, and ensuring your home is warm and well-ventilated can have a real impact. Good breathing techniques are really important – they can improve posture, heart rate variability and contribute to reducing blood pressure by adding more oxygen to the body,” explains Letitia. One breathing technique many physiotherapists recommend is pursed lipped breathing. This involves breathing in through your nose and out through puckered lips – as if you’re blowing out a candle. It slows your breath down, and helps to reduce the amount of air trapped in your lungs.

To get involved this September, visit Step Up for Breathe Better September at, breathebetterseptember.co.nz: