The Green Spot

Reducing medical waste and helping those in need

Do you find your first aid cabinet gets inundated with overprescribed and nowexpired medications? All too often our medicines are only available in large quantities and much of it goes to waste. Some of this waste can be avoided, because if it is still sealed and has six months future dating it can be sent to Medical Aid Abroad, to be used by countries in need.

New Zealand has a highly cautious approach to pharmaceutical goods, restricting the possibility for reuse, but in the last two years alone, 38 countries have welcomed our surplus supplies that have been checked over and distributed by appropriately trained professionals.

Medical Aid Abroad accept a large range of items including hospital equipment ranging from a tiny scalpel blade to hospital beds. What they don’t accept is controlled (addictive) drugs, refrigerated goods, chemicals and partly used or expired items. They will also rehome moonboots and other mobility goods such as wrist braces, crutches, walkers and sticks.

The organisation is based at the Greenlane Clinical Centre and deliveries can be made on Wednesday mornings, or their courier address and contact details can be found on their website maa. org.nz.

For an easier option, ask your local pharmacy if they send their unwanted medications to MAA and will accept yours to send too. For our area, the Silverdale Clinic Pharmacy at 7 Polarity

Rise are helping to make a difference by being part of this programme. There are also other ways to help this fabulous cause, which include making a monetary donation or volunteering your time. Go to their website to learn more about this amazing organisation that is reducing waste while helping those in need at the same time.

Hayley Crawford | @trashtalkingmama

COME SEE WHY THOUSANDS TRUST US! HEARING PROBLEMS?

When it comes to problems with your ears, it’s great to know you are in safe hands. Hear Again have been delighting Hibiscus Coast residents for over 7 years at their inviting Whangaparaoa Coast Plaza clinic.

With a dedicated ear wax removal suite, FREE initial hearing tests, and access to the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers, Give your ears a treat today!

Fertility and nutrition What is the connection?

You might have spent years trying not to get pregnant and now you want to. You might think to yourself ‘How hard could it be ?’ only to realise there are lots of things to consider before trying, or you have started and hit some road blocks to getting pregnant. You are not alone! Fertility issues impact ~15% of couples worldwide and can be contributed to by both men and women.

There is a growing body of evidence showing the impactof lifestyle on fertility, including nutrition, physical activity, psychological stress and smoking. Nutrition is often overlooked when trying to conceive, however, food provides some of the essential building blocks for fertility and for the health of the foetus and mother after conception.

It can be difficult to navigate nutrition messages. Should you eat gluten? How much coffee is too much? What other foods could help improve your chance of conceiving? Seeing an experienced fertility dietitian for some personalised advice is useful, but here are five tips to get you started:

1. Limit alcohol: Alcohol is not recommended during pregnancy and has also been found to decrease implantation ratesand impact ovulation. Try reducing your alcohol – consider swapping for sparkling water instead.

2. Increase omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and improve the quality of eggs and sperm. Aim to have fish three times a week in the months prior to trying to conceive or as soon as possible.

3. Optimise fat intake: The body uses fat in the productionof hormones. Too little fat can inhibit your body’s ability to conceive and saturated fats can increase inflammation, so limit foods such as butter, bacon, large amounts of red meat and processed foods. Instead choose healthy fats including avocado, olive oil, nuts, fish and seeds.

4. Ensure adequate folate: Folate is a B vitamin which helps to prevent neural tube defects. It is recommended that women trying to conceive take a daily pre-pregnancy multivitamin and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.

5. Reduce foods high in sugar: Sugar increases insulin production which can impact fertility hormones. Reduce baked sugary items and ultra-processed food – can you swap any out for alternatives such as fruit or nuts and seeds?

Where ever you are on your journey, getting a nutritional checkup for you and your partner when you are trying to conceive is a great way to help ensure you are both on the right track for success!