Information to help New Zealanders cope with the current situation in the financial world has been posted on the Retirement Commission’s independent money guide website www.sorted.org.nz. Retirement Commissioner Diana Crossan says the tips have been developed following calls from people who are nervous about managing their money in the current environment. She says investors need to think long term and remember that financial markets are volatile.

“I would urge people to continue to plan for their retirement, despite the current turmoil. Regardless of whether we are living in good or bad times, New Zealanders need to prepare for their future financial security,” said Diana Crossan.

“It’s also important not to panic or make rushed decisions, but at the same time don’t put it off. It’s better to do your homework and get as much information as you can so you are in a position to make well-informed decisions about your finances.For some of you this might mean sitting down and re-doing your budget so you have a clear understanding of your financial situation. Sorted has calculators to help you do this, including a budget calculator and a calculator to work out your net worth,” she said.

“If you find you can’t meet your commitments, the first step is to contact your lender or bank. If you can reduce spending, you might be able to consider using the surplus to pay off debt,” said Diana Crossan.

Sorted has information to help New Zealanders get financially sorted, regardless of their financial situation and stage in life. There’s information on how to set short, medium and long term goals and the importance of planning.

The Retirement Commission has also just produced a new booklet, Sorted - Your guide to getting there, which provides information on goal setting, making a budget and planning for retirement.

Christchurch Centre buzzed with anticipation on Wednesday 12th November when the CPIT Fashion School took its designs to the catwalk in an exciting 180 minute innovative show displaying designs by students from each year of their three year course. All garments were modelled by their peers with flair and with so much professionalism that I thought most of them had been hired from a modelling agency. Niki Crisp the Fashion School co-ordinator did a marvellous job of producing this non-stop, perfectly flowing show involving 60 students and over 200 outfits, without a hitch.

As judges for the winner of the event’s TelstraClear Design Excellence Award, Hooper was there, along with Jimmy D designer James Dobson and Chris Lorimer, owner of Mint Condition Fashion Agency.

Roberta Davids, Haydene Vosloo and Alisa Moore all First Year students produced some exceptional three piece outfits. Their brief was to design a dress and a three piece outfit. The First Year Students showed a real aptitude for designing garments snappy young kiwis would like to be seen in. One of the writer’s favourites from First Year Section was a feather print dress by Jess Britten with large cuffs and little wings that took me back to the 70’s but would still look great on any very average female figure in 2008-09.

The Second Year Students’ brief involved men’s tailoring, coordinating outfits for both sexes, body-wear, an exhibition piece and the use of the textile merino-wool in one of their designs. For me Emma Robertson’s use of colour and Sarah Mahoney’s tailoring stood out from all the other Second Year designs.

As to be expected the Third Year Students themed collections were the main event and the highlight of the show. The use of themes some abstract and the more obvious use of clowns, pirates, old movies were fascinating but none more so than the sustainability themed collection by Robyn Webb comprising solely of the second-hand use of materials. This initiative by Robyn combined with clever designs made her the overall winner.

 

 

On the last Saturday evening of Canterbury Show Week, in the main auditorium room of Christchurch’s Convention Centre, the scene was set as the audience seated around tables complete with bottles of wine and platters of food had the feeling they were in a nightclub cabaret scene from the 40’s and 50’s era. This was only belied by the four large screens that occupied the two opposing walls ensuring that you did not miss a thing. The audience hushed expectantly as the master of ceremonies Neil Barnes (TV3 presenter) explained that both stages and the centre of the room would be used to entertain us.

To kick things off the Te Puna Wanaka group completely filled the main stage and the centre of the room with their welcome. As they left the room the spotlights moved to room’s centre where thick white ropes now dangled from the ceiling soon to be occupied by acrobats from the Circo Arts School.

We were then taken back in time with full stage, performances by the National Academy of Singing and Dancing (NASDA) and the Jazz School who entertained us with medleys and individual vocalizations from scenes of the shows: Guys and Dolls plus Okalahoma, and songs from icons such as Elvis and Abba. They performed Big Band songs from the 40’s 50’s and 60’s.and there was also a special piece of kiwiana with The Maori Battalion song performed among others. The James Bond themes surprisingly being some of the most memorable.

After the interval the show seemed to go up a notch as the energy from the talented performers from all four schools built to a crescendo and the audience was left not wanting to go home.

In addition to all the performers, I applaud Creative Director Martin Trustrum and his team for a tremendous week finished off in style. Many thanks also to the sponsors whose active and financial input made this tremendous spectacle possible.

Your attitude will determine your future. It sounds simple, but it is harder to do. Developing and maintaining a positive attitude is determining and controlling your thoughts. There is negativity and doom and gloom being discussed so it is easy to ‘tune in’ to that type of thinking. With the downturn in the economy, people losing jobs and money, politicians squabbling and selling their policies, sometimes it is tricky to turn your thinking to a position that is helpful to you rather than destructive.

If you are one of the lucky people who have resided in New Zealand for any length of time, remind yourself that world wide there are still thousands of people from many countries who would love to immigrate and live here. If you had a choice of another country to reside in to leave, which is the country you would choose. Sometimes the grass is greener over the fence and sometimes it is brown.

With over 60,000 thoughts a day, there are lots of opportunities for a few of them to spiral into the negative realm. It then becomes a matter of how to stop them and refocus on the positive thoughts.

If you think logically, your thoughts are not necessarily ‘who you are’. Your thoughts are just our thoughts and your actions are just your actions and they are separate identities of yourself. However, they can be linked to our actions. Our sports heroes have long visualized improving their form, achieving the goal and winning the medal, long before they have ‘actioned’ it.

It’s easy to imagine Dan Carter, now classed as one of the worlds top rugby players visualizing his goal before he kicks it. On closer study of his form I have noticed that when under pressure, he has two glances from the ball to the goal uprights and wipes his forehead or across his eyes, maybe in an attempt to refocus his visualization of attaining the goal.

So to focus on the positive is not a new phenomenon, however, it is apparent that in today’s climate people need to remind themselves of this powerful tool of our thoughts. Your choice then becomes what you are thinking that leads you to become positive, happier and more successful with your goals. Instead of focusing on the problem take a 180 degree spin and start focusing your thoughts on solutions. Research and statistics prove thinking positive thoughts help you live longer.

It is important to remember that you can only think one thought at a time, so make a choice and make it a positive one. If you are having 60,000 negative thoughts your actions will lead you to a day of despair or 60,000 positive thoughts will have you bouncing around life, surviving the challenges.

If you are thinking negative it is as simple as reading a positive affirmation or book or talking to positive people to stop your mind thinking negatively. In the famous poem about attitude Charles Swindoll writes in his poem above, it’s 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.

Here are 65 tips to keeping a positive attitude.

1. Appreciate that New Zealand is a fantastic country

2. You can breath fresh air and smell the bush, farm and sea

3. You can make the first footprints in the sand on the beach

4. You can catch fish in our seas and rivers

5. The stars glisten brightly in the atmosphere at night

6. Opportunity is rife if you look for it

7. Our grass is greener than other countries

8. People are friendly and you can walk down the street and say hello

9. You live in a country of world leaders – you might be one in disguise

10. Use your potential, keep learning and developing to mould the person you are now, to the great person you can become in the future

11. Join your local library and read books about other winners

12. Ask for help because it is only a few words away

13. Value your health and eat healthy food

14. Discover your passions and dreams from your right brained creative thinking (your first thought) – they provide the ‘magic’ in your life

15. Use your left analytical side of your brain to plan how to experience, enjoy and achieve them

16. Discover your spirituality – wherever it is…church, beach, bush, mosque

17. Cherish yourself – you are with you from the beginning to the end

18. Take to time to write, list or draw pictures of your goals.

19. Visualise achieving your goals and take some action every day, no matter how small towards achieving them

20. Be prepared to make sacrifices to achieve your goal

21. Listen only to the positive people around you

22. Use “I” think and “I” feel statements and express yourself – no one can say your opinions are wrong – they are yours, but remember respect the other person as well

23. Take risks, use bright colours – life is boring without them

24. Have fun and laugh – it’s a stress release and good for your health

25. Make jokes about yourself not others – we all do silly things

26. Be willing to change if it doesn’t feel right – your intuition and gut reactions have been given to you for a reason – they are your untapped internal guide

27.  Sing in the shower and stimulate your thoughts towards success

28. Constantly reassess your steps towards achieving your goal – stop zigzagging in life and change direction if you get off track

29. Don’t sweat the small stuff – it’s pointless, instead look for a solution

30. Value your staff - change for them also has challenges

31. Enjoy your pay packet – it helps you achieve your dreams, family, friends

32. Turn off the television and go outside for a walk

33. Say hello to your neighbors and help other people and the community

34. Smile – even if you don’t feel it, eventually your feelings will change

35. Overcome your fear – it didn’t stop you from learning to walk

36. Talk and play with children and other people

37. Get organised in your life, with your health, your finances your relationships

38. Love people around you….they’ll love you back

39. Smile and wave to strangers, make their day and give them get a lovely surprise

40. Value our elderly people – they’ve overcome more challenges than we will experience

41. Have confidence – walk tall, stand straight, wear your best clothes

42. Spend 45% of your time listening – that’s why you’ve two ears and one mouth

43. Attend assertive communication courses and learn about confident communication

44. Use your manners and say Hello and Thank You and be polite

45. Be Interactive –make appointments, approach new clients and people

46. Join social, hobby or evening clubs and groups

47. Be victorious - acknowledge that you’ve achieved something and reward your successes for completing a task, especially a task you did not enjoy

48. Try different foods, sauces, drinks and recipes

49. Praise others and give compliments – it makes you feel good as well

50. Be an enthusiast about living – find the ‘it’s great to be alive’ feeling.

51. Make yourself busy if you’re feeling negative - it changes your energy

52. Appreciate nature –examine flowers and trees and take time to smell the roses

53. Watch some plants grow or better still plant your own

54. Reduce your stress levels by taking time to think how you can manage it

55. Breathe properly, take a deep breathe count to ten and chill out

56. Search for solutions to your challenges…they are the keys to you living a great life

57. Find your vitality in life from within – you have got it, discover it.

58. Enjoy your free will when making decisions, some countries don’t have the luxury

59. Play a game of monopoly or any other board game

60. Join a charity and enjoy the feeling of helping others

61. Discover new ways you can help the planet with recycling

62. Dance as if no one is watching, if they are invite them to join in

63. Listen to your some new music and rediscover your voice and sing

64. Forgive yourself for past miss-takes, they were hiccups on your journey to success

65. Never, ever give up on your dreams!
    
    My Attitude postcard reads: Past, Present, Future, Every second you have a choice. Choose Positive and be your own Success Story. You can only think one thought at a time. Make it a positive one!
    
    Janice Davies is an Attitude Specialist, Conference Speaker, Trainer, Success Coach, Author. Register for her weekly free attitude quote and articles on www.attitudespecialist.co.nz. 

Enter a world of colour and creativity in the world renowned Beadz Unlimited. Groups can enjoy workshops specifically suited to their requirements and curriculum.  They spend time in one of the historic Arts Centre shops creating beaded masterpieces under the tuition of a trained staff member. This is a fun learning experience. Term time, holidays and weekend workshops available.   Open 7 days 364 days a year.  Upstairs Galleria, Worcester Blvd, Arts Centre. For bookings contact Nicola on 03 379 5126 or info@beadzunlimited.com.

Alarming new research shows 74 per cent of New Zealand women are unaware heart disease is by far their leading cause of death. On average, seven New Zealand women die from heart disease every day and the Heart Foundation says it is time New Zealand women became aware of the problem.

Consumer Link poll results show a clear majority of women (60 per cent) mistakenly believe breast cancer is their leading cause of death.  In reality, women are four times more likely to die of heart disease.

Heart Foundation Medical Director Professor Norman Sharpe says that like breast cancer, heart disease is a real issue for all women, with younger women in particular needing to take heed of this red alert.

"Unfortunately there is a common misconception that heart disease is just a 'man's disease'.  It isn't," says Professor Sharpe.

"We want to alert women to the statistics, encourage them to talk to their doctor about their heart health, and inform them that by taking practical steps now they can reduce their future heart disease risk," he says.

Professor Sharpe says it is tragic that heart disease claims the lives of seven New Zealand women every day.

"Most women in New Zealand are not aware of the risk of heart disease and all too often symptoms go undetected because they are too focused on the welfare of others. This has to change," says Professor Sharpe.

The data also shows a dangerously poor understanding of the risk posed by smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

5 ways to look after your heart:

• Have a heart health check: take the Heart Foundation's online risk quiz at www.goredforwomen.org.nz to see if you need to visit your practice nurse or GP for a heart health check.

• Get to know your numbers: find out your cholesterol level, blood pressure and waist circumference.

• Quit smoking: it is the single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease

• Heart healthy eating: enjoy a variety of foods from the heart healthy food groups

• Be active everyday: regular, moderate physical activity is good for the heart.  The Heart Foundation recommends that you include at least 30 minutes or more on most, or all days of the week

Holiday driving doesn't have to be stressful or dangerous. Plan, prepare and pack ahead of time. Take a roadmap and the phone numbers of people you may need to call if delayed.

Make sure your vehicle is in roadworthy condition and up to the journey. Check or have a garage check your vehicle at least a week before in case repairs are needed. Many garages offer safety checks for tyre tread and pressure, lights, brakes, cooling systems and other components. You should also check that your spare tyre is properly inflated and your lift jack and car tools are there in case they are needed.

Check your torch batteries are bright and the contents of your first aid kit are complete. It is a good idea to keep a spare key inside your wallet in case you get locked out.

Don't be in a hurry. Speeding and driver fatigue cause accidents. Allow plenty of time for your journey and for rest breaks and delays along the way. Be prepared to enjoy the journey, however long it takes. Your holiday fun will start earlier and you will arrive in a happier state of mind. Unless you can leave early and have allowed extra time, avoid leaving on the last workday before a holiday when you know the roads will be congested.

Determine to be courteous and remain calm, even if provoked by other drivers' behaviour. Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. Use your indicators. Keep left unless passing and pull over to let others pass you.

If you need to pass a slower vehicle, wait for a passing lane or until you can see clear road ahead of you and enough space to overtake safely. Remember not to cut in too closely, especially in front of larger vehicles that take a longer time to brake and could end up hitting you from behind.

Don't let a speeding ticket mar your holiday. Buckle up with a seat belt and use approved child seats for restraining children. There is a $150 fine for each person not buckled up.

Do not allow distractions such as eating, drinking and passenger / telephone conversations to interfere with the primary task of driving.

You can avoid driver fatigue and stay alert by:

• having a good sleep before your journey

• driving at times of the day when you are normally awake

• taking a rest break every two hours or less and stretching or exercising

• drinking fluids regularly, especially while driving in summer conditions

• taking a short nap if you feel tired

• sharing the driving

• keeping the air vents open or using your air conditioning in the fresh or outside air mode

When packing your vehicle, make sure everything is securely stowed. Even small objects can become dangerous missiles in the event of a sudden stop or a crash.

Never leave children unattended in a vehicle, even for a few moments.

Trailers and Caravans
Check the roadworthiness and operation of the trailer - tyre pressures, lights, brakes if fitted etc. Check the compatibility, fit and operation of the trailer coupling to tow ball and all other towing attachments. Obtain a new warrant of fitness if is expired or will expire while you are away.

If you are towing a trailer or caravan, stay within the towing and laden weight recommendations for your vehicle and trailer. Loads must be securely fastened. Load heavy objects evenly over the axles and keep the weight slightly towards the front and over the tow bar. The trailer draw bar should be level or slightly nose down on the tow bar.

Vehicles take longer to stop when towing. Allow extra following distance for stopping when towing.

The maximum towing speed limit on the open road is 90 km/h. Keep left and pull over when it is safe to let other vehicles pass.

Look out for children, bicycles and learner drivers
Children may have learnt to cross the road on their way to school but are likely to be inattentive and excited during the holidays. Children are not able to predict vehicle speed or judge when to cross the road as well as adults can.

Some children may be learning to ride a new bicycle and have poor control of it or forget to look or signal their intention to turn.

The holidays are also a popular time for young people to learn to drive and extra consideration should be shown for their inexperience.

Don’t be a target for thieves
Keep your shopping hidden away from thieves. Lock your vehicle at all times. Would-be thieves are always looking for opportunities to steal. Park in busy, well-lit areas. Be aware of the potential for robbery in lonely isolated parking areas.

After shopping, always store packages out of sight. Never put parcels on the back window ‘shelf’, as they interfere with visibility and can become dangerous flying objects during an emergency stop.

Philippa Ashford is paying a huge price for years spent baking in the sun. Six years ago Philippa, a 57-year-old Auckland tourism promoter, had a melanoma removed from her lower leg.
 
“I would describe it as a freckle rather than a mole, a freckle that got bigger over time and changed colour slightly,” Philippa says.

The melanoma, discovered by her GP, was quite advanced and Philippa believes if it had been left any later it would probably have taken her life. Instead, she has a 15-centimetre scar on her lower leg and a dent where a big chunk of tissue was cut out.

Around 1800 New Zealanders are diagnosed with melanoma every year and about 300 die each year from skin cancer. Just why our rates are so high and what can be done about it, was the subject of a Melanoma Summit being held in Wellington on November 14. Billed ‘the most important day under the sun’ the meeting will bring together international experts who will present the latest research on one of New Zealand’s most devastating cancers.

One thing that is known is that people who develop melanoma later in life have usually experienced one or more episodes of sunburn. The risk is increased if sunburn occurs during childhood or adolescence. ‘Never let your child get sunburnt’ is a key message that the Health Sponsorship Council wants New Zealanders to heed to. Wayde Beckman of the Health Sponsorship Council (HSC) says the message is aimed at parents, particularly of children, aged 8 to 12.

“It is such a crucial message, because we know excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and sunburn before the age of 20 increases the risk of developing melanoma in later,” he says.

Philippa Ashford can vouch for that.  As well as the life-threatening lesion, she has had another four early-stage melanomas removed, as well as a host of other skin cancers. She has no doubt a life of sun worship is to blame.

“From the age of about 12, I lived in the sun and I got burnt, badly, loads of times,” she says.

Philippa believes most of the damage was done during summer holidays in Fiji and the Gold Coast and then as a teenager, when her family moved to Australia.
 

“We had a pool and beaches nearby. For my friends and I it was all about getting a tan,” she says.

Philippa, who has fair, freckly skin and blue eyes, says she used to burn easily and remembers painful blistering and peeling.  As an adult, she says she tried to avoid burning but still sun bathed regularly.

“Having a tan seemed glamorous back then but there’s nothing glamorous about my life now. I go to the specialist every six months to have skin cancers removed. I often need stitches that have to be removed a couple of weeks later.  It’s not an experience I would wish on anyone,” Philippa says. “I've learnt my lesson too late but I think people just need to realise that this is a deadly disease and that, in pursuing a tan, they are dicing with death. Believe me it’s just not worth it.”

Now the woman who used to seek a tan at every opportunity covers up in the sun.  She has a collection of wide-brimmed hats, wears her husband’s old business shirts when gardening and wears white cotton gloves while driving to protect her, already scarred, hands.

Myth Busters

It’s not possible to get sunburnt on cloudy days.
False.
You can get sunburnt on cloudy days as some ultraviolet radiation (UVR) penetrates cloud cover. Under partly cloudy skies UVR levels can be high, and even increase, due to reflection from clouds.

The wind burnt me, not the sun.
False.
It is UVR from the sun that causes skin to burn. Wind lowers the temperature of the air making it easy to forget that the UVR from the sun is still strong.

I tan easily so my skin is less likely to be damaged.
False.
Any exposure to UVR has the potential to cause skin damage. Burning and peeling are signs some damage has already occurred - even if it turns into a tan. The tan you develop won't protect you from the harmful effects of the harsh New Zealand sun.

I can’t get sunburnt through glass.
False.
Glass reduces but does not block transmission of all UVR. It typically transmits about 10 percent of the UVR. People who spend long periods in a car, or next to a window receiving direct sunlight should use sun protection.

I have had sunburn but now I protect my skin, so I am safe from developing skin cancer.
False.
You can't undo any damage that may have already occurred to your skin but you should prevent future sunburn to minimise any further risk.

Sunscreen Blocks the sun
False
Sunscreen should not be used as a means of staying out in the sun longer. When exposure to the summer sun is unavoidable, sunscreen is the last line of defence to reduce the risk of sun damage to your skin. No sunscreen will completely shield you from the effects of UVR. Many people apply sunscreen at less than the recommended thickness, so reducing its effectiveness.

People with tans or dark skin don’t sunburn.
False.
If your skin turns brown it is a sign of sun damage – even if there is no redness or peeling. If you tan easily or have dark skin you are still at risk of skin cancer and should use sun protection.

‘Burn time’ is 20 minutes therefore I am safe in the sun within this timeframe.
False.
A time indication for how long it will take your skin to burn is not accurate, so really there is no such thing as ‘burn time’. People have different skin types and therefore some burn quicker than others. Refer to www.sunsmart.org.nz to check the daily UV index for your area and get personal recommendations for your skin type.

Suntans are healthy.
False.
There is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan. It does not improve your body’s ability to protect yourself from the sun. Some exposure to the sun for vitamin D is healthy, but most people get enough vitamin D through normal daily activity – even with sun protection.

Key Messages:

• Avoid sunburn.

• Don’t let your children get sunburnt. Sunburn in childhood is strongly linked to melanoma in later life.

• It is not the sun’s heat that burns but ultraviolet radiation (UVR).

• Always plan for a SunSmart day - Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap.

• In the New Zealand context, sun protection is advisable during the peak UVR period, which is between the start of September and end of March, especially between 11 – 4pm

• Sunscreen should be the last line of defence – also wear protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, keep in the shade whenever possible and avoid the peak UVR period between 11am and 4pm.

• There is no such thing as a ‘safe’ tan – any change in the colour of the skin is a sign that damage has taken place.

• All types of sunburn, whether serious or mild, can cause permanent and irreversible skin damage and lay the groundwork for skin cancer in later life.

• During the summer months, adequate vitamin D levels can potentially be achieved through sun exposure received during typical outdoor activities outside of peak UVI times.

Skin Cancer – The Facts:

• New Zealand has among the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.

• About 300 New Zealanders die from skin cancer every year.

• Skin cancer is by far the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand with an estimated 1800 new melanoma and 45,000 non- melanoma cases diagnosed every year.

• The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

• Of the three, melanoma is the most serious.

• It is believed that 90 percent of melanomas are caused by sunlight exposure.

• In 2004 (the latest figures available) 1896 people were diagnosed with melanoma (949 men and 947 women).

• New Zealand has one of the highest melanoma death rates in the world.

• There were 249 deaths from melanoma in 2004 (152 men and 97 women).

• Melanoma rates in New Zealand are four times that of Canada, the US and the UK.

• Melanoma is the most common cancer in 20 to 40 year olds.

• Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) before the age of 20 increases the risk of developing melanoma in later life.

• Skin cancer costs the New Zealand health system $33 million a year, making it one of the most expensive cancers for taxpayers.

• Most skin cancers are preventable.

Considering the increase in allergic reactions on bee stings and mosquito bites over the last years, in this article we ask ourselves, what can we do to avoid getting bitten in the first place and give some recommendations for suitable first aid treatment.

Bees and wasps can be attracted to, or may react to, odours in the environment. It is best not to use perfume, cologne, or scented soaps if you are going into an area of bee and/ or wasp activity.

Unless someone accidentally collides quite hard with or swats at a bee or wasp, it is not likely to sting. Avoid going barefoot in vegetation, especially clover and blooming ground covers. Also avoid wearing brightly coloured or patterned clothing.

If you remain calm when a bee or wasp lands on your skin to inspect a smell or to get water if you are sweating heavily, the insect will eventually leave of its own accord. If you don't want to wait for it to leave, gently and slowly brush it away with a piece of paper.

When swimming in pools, watch out for bees or wasps trapped on the surface of the water. If you find bees or wasps in the water, it is best to remove them to avoid being stung.

Stinging incidents often occur when nesting areas of social insects are disturbed. Be observant of the area around you. If you see insects flying to and from a particular place, avoid it. If you are going to be in an area where disturbing a nest is likely, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.

It might be a good idea to carry a military surplus, collapsible mosquito/ gnat veil with you. Stinging insects often fly around the top of their targets. Because stings in the face can be dis-orienting, put on the veil, or pull a portion of your shirt over your head, and run away. Be sure that you can see where you are going! Insect repellent applied to your skin or clothing will deter these stinging insects.

What are the symptoms of allergic reactions?
Bee sting allergy symptoms often begin with a dry cough. Then, the eye area begins to itch and swell. As symptoms progress, the patient begins to sneeze and wheeze, and develop hives that itch.

These symptoms may be warning signs of a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis. Symptoms include sudden anxiety and weakness, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, very low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and shock. Anaphylactic shock can occur within minutes and result in death. A patient in anaphylactic shock needs immediate medical treatment.

What can I do after a bite or sting?
There are many modern and traditional remedies to counteract a bite or sting. Your local therapist and pharmacist will be able to help you further. Here are some suggestions which you can do yourself easily:

• Outerly apply manuka or tea tree oil on the affected area for soothing the pain and the itching.

• Try the homeopathic remedy “Apis”.

• In bach flower therapy, the well known “Resuce Remedy” gives an emotional relief and can well be taken along any other medicines.

• An innovative method for immediate treatment uses plain pure heat (no electricity though!) that helps to suppress the histamine which would otherwise cause the allergic reaction. The advantage is that this takes only 3 seconds to use, is safe for kids and adults alike and easy to carry around. This patented technology is used in the Biteaway device, available from many pharmacies and online under www.wellness-shop.co.nz 

A new study has found that mothers who delivered vaginally compared to caesarean section delivery (CSD) were significantly more responsive to the cry of their own baby, identified through MRI brain scans two to four weeks after delivery.  The results of the study, published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, suggest that vaginal delivery (VD) mothers are more sensitive to own baby-cry in the regions of the brain that are believed to regulate emotions, motivation and habitual behaviours. 

CSD is a surgical procedure, in which delivery occurs via incisions in the abdominal and uterine wall. It is considered necessary under some conditions to protect the health or survival of infant or mother, but it is controversially linked with postpartum depression.  In the US the occurrence of CSD has increased steeply from 4.5% of all deliveries in 1965 to a recent high in 2006 of 29.1%.

The critical capacity of adults to develop the thoughts and behaviours needed for parents to care successfully for their newborn infants is supported by specific brain circuits and a range of hormones.  The experience of childbirth by VD compared with CSD uniquely involves the pulsatile release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary, uterine contractions and vagino-cervical stimulation.  Oxytocin is a key mediator of maternal behaviour in animals.

“We wondered which brain areas would be less active in parents who delivered by caesarean section, given that this mode of delivery has been associated with decreased maternal behaviours in animal models, and a trend for increased postpartum depression in humans,” said lead author Dr. James Swain, Child Study Centre, Yale University. “Our results support the theory that variations in delivery conditions such as with caesarean section, which alters the neurohormonal experiences of childbirth, might decrease the responsiveness of the human maternal brain in the early postpartum.”

The researchers also looked into the brain areas affected by delivery conditions and found relationships between brain activity and measures of mood suggesting that some of the same brain regions may help regulate postpartum mood.

“As more women opt to wait until they are older to have children, and by association be more likely to have a caesarean section delivery, these results are important because they could provide better understanding of the basic neurophysiology and psychology of parent-infant attachment,” said Swain.  “This work could lead to early detection of families at risk for postpartum depression and attachment problems and form a model for testing interventions.”

This study was published in the October 2008 issue of The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Most burglaries are opportunist and happen when owners are away. Unfortunately it is necessary to be especially careful at Christmas time, as homes are more often empty with many people out shopping, socialising or on holiday. Burglars are also aware that most houses have presents to steal. While enjoying the festive season and your holiday, please don't overlook your home security. Taking a few simple precautions will help to deter all but the most determined burglar.

Remember
Shut and lock all doors, even if you're only going out for a short time. Close and lock all windows - burglars don't like to smash glass. Do not ‘hide’ keys outside your home, nor leave them in an obvious place near doors or windows.

Make sure your valuables - including televisions and stereo systems - cannot be seen from outside.

Make your home looks occupied when you're away by using timers on radios and lights

When you buy new items like DVD players or video recorders, don't advertise by leaving the empty boxes out for recycling, turn the boxes inside out and fold them down. Hide or lock away passports and official documents - identity fraud is on the rise. Don't leave car keys near doors or windows - car theft through burglary is also on the rise.

Consider engraving your property - this puts thieves off because it makes it harder to re-sell. Ensure you have an up to date list and photographs of your valuables and keep copies in a safe place.

Homes with good security are much less likely to be burgled than those without.

• Deadlocks make it harder for burglars to get out with your goods if they got in through a window. Don't forget to put a deadlock on the internal access door between the garage and the house.

• Window locks deter burglars because smashing glass attracts attention and can leave forensic evidence.

• Visible burglar alarms are a great deterrent - though it's courteous to your neighbours to ensure that they shut off after a few minutes.

• Security lighting is also a good deterrent, but should be placed carefully near entry points so as not to disturb neighbours.

• Timers on radios and lights make it look like you're there when you're not.

• Spy holes and chains on doors let you see who's there without opening up.

When you go on holiday

• Use timers on radios and lights.

• Cancel milk, newspaper and mail deliveries.

• Have a neighbour stop by to collect junk mail, and open and close curtains.

• Make sure your neighbours know where they can contact you in an emergency and when you will be home.

• Invite neighbours to use your driveway and clothesline to make it look like someone is home.

• Lock away garden tools and ladders that could be used by a would-be thief to gain access to your house.

• Make arrangements for family pets to be looked after.

• If you are away for more than a few days, arrange to have your lawns mown.

• Consider inviting a relative or friend to house sit for you.

• Whatever you do, don't leave a message on your answer phone that you away. Instead, clear the messages yourself or arrange to have a friend check them regularly for you.

If moving home

• Ensure that you use reputable removers and trades people - many will belong to a professional association.

• Only give out keys to people you trust, and don't label them with your name and address.

• Consider changing the locks to your new home.

Remember, if you see anyone committing a crime or behaving suspiciously, phone the Police Emergency number - 111 - and report it. If they are in a vehicle, write down the number plate.

“It’s time to do the right thing by New Zealand’s homeowners, says Local Government New Zealand Vice-President Kerry Prendergast.

“We need to fix the thousands of leaky homes that still exist, over a decade after the leaky homes problem erupted. This has to be an urgent priority for the incoming Government.”

Local Government New Zealand today released the costs of a new model it has proposed to central government to resolve the leaky homes crisis.

“The proposed model is based on central government, councils and homeowners agreeing upfront to pay a proportion of costs to fix these homes, rather than continuing to put homeowners through the stress of making a claim. The current model of homeowners being forced to pay huge legal fees to make a claim to the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) is not in their best interest. We need to move away from the process of apportioning blame and trying to decide where liability lies on a case by case basis. Too much time and money is being spent on the actual process of resolution. It’s time to tackle the fundamental problem of fixing this country’s leaky homes and dealing with the social and financial costs head-on,” says Ms Prendergast.

Under the proposed model endorsed by Local Government New Zealand on behalf of councils nationally, homeowners won’t have to make a claim to a body like the WHRS, which still has some 3610 properties with active claims on its books.

“Homeowners have already suffered the stress and health effects of living in leaking and mouldy homes, which research estimates will cost the country $200 million in health care. The proposed model will abolish the WHRS so that homeowners don’t experience the added stress of having to make a claim with no guarantee a positive resolution will be reached,” Ms Prendergast says.

The model proposes Government contributes $433.9 million to fix leaky homes.

“Projected costs for homeowners in our model are $510.0 million, a 48% reduction on the current model. We estimate that if nothing is changed, homeowners will pay $986.4 million to settle claims from June 2008 onwards. Under the proposed model homeowners will save a significant amount of money on the unnecessary legal fees incurred during the claims process,” she says.

Councils will contribute $411.1 million under the proposed model, a small reduction on the current scheme.

“The proposed model aims to get the parties to look beyond old arguments about who is accountable, and come up with a solution that will fix these homes for good. It’s a sad indictment on this country that we have continued to let homeowners live in homes that have proven health effects, such as respiratory illness and chronic stress. It’s time for all political parties to commit to fixing the leaky homes problem. Whoever comes into power must prioritise this issue for the benefit of New Zealand’s homeowners,” says Ms Prendergast.


Projections from Melville Jessup Weaver, Consulting Actuaries, September 2008

Current Resolution Model
Under the current resolution model the actuaries estimate the following costs (including claims processing costs) will apply to all claims settled from June 2008 onwards.

Councils: $526.5 million
Owners: $986.4 million
Other defendants: $791.7 million
Total cost: $2,304.6 million (includes GST of $256 million)


Proposed Alternative Resolution Model
The projected costs under the proposed alternative resolution model are shown below (with the percentage reduction highlighted):

Councils: $411.1 million (22%)
Owners: $510.0 million (48%)
Other defendants: $674.1 million (15%)
Government: $433.9 million
Total: $2,029 million

Note: the figures include $64.2 million to cover ‘out of time’ claims (these are claims that don’t fall within the ten year statutory limitation). Under the new model all leaky homes will be covered, not just those claimed for within ten years of the house being built.

In most countries, the Christmas season starts four Sundays prior to December 25th, and the time leading up to Christmas is called Advent by Christians although in the Philippines, preparations and decorations for Christmas start in September (the first month ending in ‘ber’). A traditional decoration in Catholic homes is the Advent wreath, a wreath with four candles similar to the Advent Wreath that can be found in Catholic churches during this time. It has three purple candles and one rose coloured candle. Purple is a penitential colour. The Rose coloured candle is lit in the last full week before Christmas, and reminds people that Christmas is almost here. The same colours are used by the church in the same way for Lent and the build-up to Easter.

For years, the third Sunday of Advent was known as Gaudete Sunday because the Latin word Gaudete (‘Be Glad!’ – Philippians 4:4,5) opened the entrance antiphon. In the same way, the fourth Sunday was called Laetare Sunday after the word laetare, Latin for Rejoice (Isaiah 66:10-11), again the first word of the Entrance Antiphon.

The Christmas Tree has become synonymous with Christmas, but the first mention of one was in Strasbourg in 1605 and was only introduced into France and England in 1840. It symbolises the great family tree of Christ.

The nativity seen in some houses and shop windows represents Christ’s birth. In some places it is traditional not to put Jesus into the crib until Midnight on Christmas Eve, or Christmas day, the day when Christ was born. Some nativity scenes also will show the three kings in another room or waiting outside because they didn’t arrive until the Epiphany.

The twelve days of Christmas mark the twelve days from Christmas to the day when the Magi arrived to give their gifts to Jesus, their names were Balthasar, King of Arabia; Melchior, King of Persia; and Gasper, King of India according to tradition, hence the three kings. The day they arrived, January 6th is known by the Church as the feast of the Epiphany. In some countries it is on this day, not Christmas Day when gifts were exchanged because this is when the three Kings gave their gifts to Jesus. The Christ Candle is a white candle surrounded by a wreath that is lit each night for the 12 days of Christmas, representing the light guiding the Magi to Jesus.

Christmas Carols are often sung around Christmas time, with some groups travelling around a neighbourhood singing them. Christchurch holds Carols by Candlelight each year, a tradition where residents gather on the banks of the Avon River in Victoria Square to sing carols while holding candles.

In later years, Christmas in the Park has become a tradition in both Auckland and Christchurch. As well as providing Christmas themed entertainment for families it has also provided the opportunity to showcase new and upcoming New Zealand talent in a concert format. Even though these concerts are free to attend, money is collected by donation to go to a worthy charity.

On boxing day many families hold a traditional boxing day picnic. It enables the wider family to catch up without the stress of Christmas day and use up some of the left over food from the day before. Boxing Day is actually Saint Stephen’s day, but got its name because it was the day when the upper class would give presents to their servants. They would put the gifts for their servants in boxes, and presumably they would leave it until the day after Christmas so they could give the servants the presents they had received the day before and didn’t want.

In Australia it is traditional to have a Boxing Day Test. This is a cricket test