FASHION, BEAUTY & HEALTH

Gay ABANDON!

Winter may seem along way off, but, when the clouds roll in, roll out your choice from Democracy’s new season range featuring bold checks and bright casuals.

With fun and comfort key to the collection, look for vivid orange and hot pinks teamed with stripes, checks and blocks colours which use black and white to dramatic effect.

In addition, feminine florals will make you feel special at the office or out on the town. So, this winter make a date with Democracy and feel the freedom.

䔀一䐀 伀䘀 匀䔀䄀匀伀一 稀 攀 戀 爀 愀 渀 漀 匀䄀䰀䔀

一伀圀 伀一 ㌀ ─ⴀ㔀 ─伀䘀䘀

DIABETIC EYE DISEASE

KRISTINE JENSEN, Eyes of Howick owneroptometrist talks about symptoms, prevention and treatment of diabetic eye disease.

Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition, which affects how the body turns the glucose from the food we eat into energy.

Normally, after we eat, glucose passes to our bloodstream and then a hormone called insulin facilitates its uptake into our cells. Diabetes occurs when our body is no longer able to make insulin or when it is unable to use insulin correctly. As a result, blood glucose levels become high (hyperglycaemia). Hyperglycaemia leads to blood vessel, tissue and organ damage and may even lead to blindness.

HOW DOES DIABETES AFFECT EYES AND VISION?

Vision changes may be one of the first symptoms of diabetes. As blood glucose levels fluctuate this leads to vision instability with some days being worse than others. If your distance vision appears to worsen suddenly this may be a sign of hyperglycaemia causing pseudo myopia (false short-sight).

If you are diabetic and require an update to your glasses, it is important for your optometrist to check your vision and prescription is stable before updating your lenses. This may entail being tested on different days to ensure the correct prescription is given.

Hyperglycaemia damages small blood vessels making them leaky. As the retina (the light sensitive lining of the back of the eye) maintains many fine vessels, diabetic eye disease or retinopathy may include micro aneurysms (small out-pouches of the blood vessels), haemorrhages (bleeding into the retina) or exudates (leakage of fats and proteins) as well as retinal oedema (swelling). If damage occurs at the centre of the retina (the macular), loss of vision may occur.

More advanced diabetic retinopathy (DR) may result in proliferative DR. Fine blood vessels grow in an attempt to nourish the compromised retina – in turn, this may lead to scarring and retinal detachment.

TREATMENT

• Laser treatment – seals affected blood vessels, preventing further leak and vessel growth • Intraocular injections – using medication to inhibit macular oedema and new blood vessel growth

PREVENTION

• Monitor your HbA1c – the best measure of your blood glucose levels over the preceding few months. • HbA1c of 43-52 reduces the chance of sight-threatening eye disease. HbA1c over 64 means sight-threatening eye disease is likely to develop. • Manage your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels with medication and lifestyle changes. • Monitor your blood glucose levels at home to manage your glucose control on a daily basis. • Have a retinal eye exam including retinal photography if newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. • Have a retinal exam within five years of Type 1 diagnosis or for children when they reach 10 years old – whichever comes first. • Regular dilated eye exams with retinal photography every two years or as directed by your optometrist or ophthalmologist. • Ask your GP to enrol you in the diabetic photo screening programme offered by your DHB. • Visit your optometrist for an eye check if you notice vision changes.

Pop in and see our friendly team for quality eye care, advice or check out our wide range of the latest fashion glasses.

100 Picton Street, Howick. Phone. 09 534 5565 www.eyesofhowick.co.nz

HEALTHY LUNCHBOX CREATIVITY

The days of wishing school holidays would last forever are probably over after long Covid-19 lockdowns with children at home being taught remotely. So, with school again underway, parents face the daily challenge of school lunches.

Carmel Ireland, 5+ A Day project manager, says health and wellbeing is a priority for parents in these still uncertain pandemic times. She encourages making the most of locally grown fruit and vegetables to create healthy, affordable and delicious lunchbox

Let’s support our local growers.

@5adaynz#5adaynz #5adaynzlunchbox #supportlocal food, high in immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals.

“At the start of term one, summer fruit, such as nectarines, apricots, peaches and plums, are delicious and good value. Other great options include cherry tomatoes and carrot sticks with hummus.”

This year, 5+ A Day has created an easy downloadable card offering seasonal lunchbox inspiration plus quick, easy recipes. See www.5aday.co.nz/kids-zone/forparents/

THE FOLLOWING SEASONAL FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES ARE IDEAL FOR SCHOOL LUNCHBOXES:

TERM ONE:

Summerfruit (nectarines, apricots, peaches + plums), passionfruit

TERM TWO:

Apples, pears/nashi, feijoas, satsuma mandarins, persimmons

TERM THREE:

Kiwifruit, carrots, tamarillos, Navel oranges, broccoli, kumara

TERM FOUR:

Avocados, tangelos, strawberries, tomatoes, berries, cherries

We’re with you every step of the way: • walk in, walk out • non-surgical • latest treatments • phone or Zoom consults Available in Half Moon Bay & Flat Bush 0800 45 45 88 | revascular.co.nz

BeautyCOUNTER

ECO-FRIENDLY HAIR CARE

Those seeking a soap-free way to cleanse their hair should check out Ecostore’s hair care, solid shampoo and conditioner bars (RRP $17.99) made from plant and mineral based milk PH ingredients,which are 100% soap-free. Vegan and cerified cruelty-free, the hair care bars are packaged in cardboard so when finished, customers can just pop it into a recycling bin. No plastic bottle – just concentrated, hair loving ingredients to the bottom of the bar. Ecostore shampoo bars are made to gently cleanse in three unique formulas: Normal Hydrating, Dry & Damaged, and Volumising; the conditioner bar is Nourishing for all hair types. Free from silicones, parabens, SLES and synthetic dyes or perfumes find them in selected supermarkets or online at www.ecostore.co.nz

SPLASH, LASH & DASH

For flawless eyelash flutter say goodbye to applying glue. Glam by Manicare’s new Hydro Lash range is water-activated for effortless application. Each Hydro Lash features a thin and lightweight lash band infused with glue for a seamless finish. Just dip the band in water and gently apply it to the lash line. These mink-effect lashes can be re-used up to three times and come in four designs – Hailey, (for subtle volume on the outer corners of the eyes); Sara, (ultra-fine for soft natural length); Daniela (wispy with curled tips for extra length) and Naomi (layered for drama). Glam By Manicare Hydro Lash sets (RRP $16.99 each), available at Farmers and selected pharmacies.

AKIN TO A’KIN

When readers are back to sun and sea it will be time to check out this fast absorbing and intensely nourishing, A’kin Hydrating Antioxidant Day Cream (RRP$34.99) which instantly hydrates and helps protect skin from the stressors of the day. Apply as the final step in a skincare routine to lock in moisture and add a layer of protection to skin. Key ingredients include Organic Coconut Water to nourish skin and Green Tea to help protect skin against pollution and free radical damage.

FACE UP TO SUN PROTECTION

It’s time to add Bondi Sands’ new Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid to skincare routines. Offering broad spectrum protection, it also helps to soothe and nourish for optimal skin health following sun exposure. This affordable, ultra lightweight fluid formula glides on easily and absorbs into skin for undetectable broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection against sun damage. The Hydra UV Protect Face Fluid (40ml, RRP$19.99) has been infused with highly effective algae to leaving a dewy. healthy glow. This non-greasy, multi-benefit formula works to replenish the moisture barrier and is available at Farmers, Chemist Warehouse, Life pharmacy and Unichem.

BIODEGRADABLE WATERWIPES LAUNCHED

A New Zealand based study from WaterWipes has revealed 99 per cent of parents surveyed think it’s important to purchase products which are better for the environment. Subsequently, the company has launched its biodegradable wipes to allay concerns about products such as baby wipes and [disposable] nappies being environmentally unfriendly. WaterWipes baby wipes, made from 99.9% purified water plus a drop of fruit extract, are 100% plant-based and biodegradable. When added to home composting systems they will decompose naturally when exposed to temperature, sunlight and living organisms such as bacteria or when disposed of in household rubbish. A gentle option for baby’s delicately soft skin, WaterWipes Biodegradable 60 packs (RRP $7.99) are available from supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide or at www.waterwipes.com.