The Health Hub

Hearing loss is one of those things that sneak up on you.  In most cases, it's not something you notice as a sudden change - but you may catch yourself lip reading a little bit more often, or turning up the volume on the TV gradually over a few weeks or months. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The weather is cooling down and winter is almost upon us...  That means winter sports will be starting up soon if they haven't already, and your muscles will be tighter and more vulnerable to injury than in the warmer months.  What injuries are more likely when it's colder out, and how can we avoid them?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've been hearing for a while an increasing concern around a lack of information about healthy eating.  You head to the doctor for a minor issue that's been bugging you for a while, and you're more likely to head home with a script for panadol and ibuprofen than a few print outs on maintaining a balanced diet.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades we've watched as professional athletes spend a whole lot of time warming up behind the pre-game interviews on game day, from stretching to sprinting and everything in between.  The professionals take it seriously and so do the amateurs - parents will know the rush to show up an hour or two early to make enough time for a thorough warm up on a Saturday morning.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At this stage it's probably more common than not to have some kind of wearable tracker to track your steps, heart rate, and the one we're discussing today - sleep.  They give you data showing how long you've slept, how much time you spent in each of the sleep stages, and some will even provide you with your heart rate variability and how much sleep you'll need based on your stats for the day.  But are the really as useful as they seem? Or do they provide the every day person with too much insight to stress over?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us change our diets as with the seasons, thanks to availability and pricing.  But are there health benefits to adopting a seasonal diet? And what should we pick up now before it's gone out of season? Chef Allyson Gofton joins to discuss seasonal diets, and some recipes to keep you warm as we head into winter.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health NZ have had to tell their staff to stop using free AI tools such as Chat GPT for writing clinical notes.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The popularity of Telehealth GP appointments skyrocketed during the pandemic, and it hasn't gone away since.  Just about every general practice now offers Telehealth appointments, generally as a less costly and more accessible alternative. But this country has an increasingly urgent primary care crisis, with 50% of GPs planning to retire by 2035 - and Telehealth is just another tool to get more patients seen as GPs leave the workforce.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you're getting into a good workout routine for the first time, or you've been at it for a while - the niggling thought of avoiding an injury will be in the back of your mind.  You don't want to hesitate while exercising - that could actually make things worse - but you also don't want to risk an injury that will put your routine in jeopardy.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may have heard the suggestion that you should train for your body type, that your workout routine should depend on whether you have an ecto, meso, or endomorph body.  Is it true? Do different body types have different exercise needs?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's common to come up with a myriad of excuses as to why you can't go to the gym a few times a week, why you can't make a balanced meal instead of eating out, the list goes on.  Quite honestly, almost anyone can spare 15 minutes out of the day to go for a walk or run, but instead we'll spend 30 minutes trying to come up with a good reason not to.  All too often, we tend to stand in our own way when it comes to improving our health or fitness. But why? And how do we stop it from happening?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've seen the data - the wait to get mental health or addiction support is getting lower and the system seems to be improving.  But the system is still under immense pressure, and too many people will have a story about being let down by those who were meant to help them or family, but why?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting fit and healthy is just about throwing on your running shoes and making a salad.  The key to sticking with a workout routine, is finding the right sort of exercise for you so that you don't get sick of it.  We've seen another wave of fitness trends recently, with Hyrox gaining popularity, 75 Hard, and cold plunges among others.  We'll often overlook these as just being the current thing, maybe even a fad that will boost your dopamine for a week or two before fading into the abyss of the Ab Roller and other 'As Seen On TV' trends.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a fairly universal amount of food people should be eating every day.  It varies based on things like age and height - but for the most part, most adults should be aiming for a certain number of calories and macros.  But when you start getting a bit more active, working out more regularly or making changes to a sedentary lifestyle, you'll find yourself feeling more hungry, more often. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A GP is often the first port of call when you're feeling under the weather, but how do you choose the right one? Dr Bryan Betty joins Tim Beveridge to discuss what to keep an eye out for, what to avoid, and whether or not you should do some internet research to help solve your illnesses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you've joined a gym, started going for a run a few times a week, or adding a swim or cycle to your existining routine - there will be things everyone should be looking out for and keeping in mind to stay on track.  For a new routine to stick, you'll need to start in a specific way to make sure you're not wearing yourself out before you've even really started.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While a lot of people will be running around doing some last minute shopping for presents - they'll also be working out what to put on the table. But as Kiwis, we waste almost as much as we eat. A survey by Love Food Hate Waste NZ found that binned leftovers made up 42% of food waste across the holiday season, and too-much cooked food making up a further 26.1%. Chef Allyson Gofton joins Tim Beveridge to discuss the less-wasteful alternatives to staple Christmas dishes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know how damaging loud or constant sounds can be to our hearing - but there are a lot of factors that can impact hearing that most of us would never consider.  Things like smoking - even secondhand smoke, cold wind, too much water - countless things, most of which we'd hardly consider to be dangerous. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to improving our health, most of us know what we should be doing - eating better, moving more, sleeping well - but there is a good chance we might fail if we don't understand why we're doing it.   What does long-lasting motivation look like? And what sort of motivation should we avoid to give us the best chance of staying on track? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health seems to be overcomplicated these days - but does it really need to be?  Everywhere you look you see another kind of diet, another 'must-have' exercise machine, a drink that can replace a meal, or a new gym programme that promises to finally solve all your problems.  But truly, could the foundation of good health be as simple as a daily walk and eating whole foods? Why do so many people overlook what seem to be the staples of good health, instead going for expensive trends?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems like everyone is protein obsessed at the moment.  They're buying the special protein yoghurt, making cottage cheese breads and cakes, even protein ice cream.  It almost feels like just another one of those things that we think are really important for a little while, before we move onto the next thing.  Of course protein is important, but do we really need more than we'd get in a basic, balanced diet? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up here in Auckland we've been having some very, very hot and humid nights.  The kind of nights that make it impossible to get comfortable, where you just keep tossing and turning until you eventually give up and add an extra fan to your direction.  And it's only going to get worse as we head into summer - so how do we actually get a decent night's sleep when the weather's working against us?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The weather has been warming up recently and it might be time to get working on the summer bod before beach season - but are we too late in the game to get going?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Doocey joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to discuss what has changed in the space of mental health over recent years, and where more work is needed.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Injuries are one of those things that most of us only think about after it's too late.  There are many obvious and common causes for injuries, and often, all it takes to avoid these injuries is a bit of a stretch or more focus on your core strength.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some stage in their life, and it kills 600 men each year.  Whether you're approaching screening age, or just getting to that stage where you start taking your health more seriously, Tim Beveridge and Dr Bryan Betty discuss steps to take and changes to make to avoid serious health issues in the future.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's no secret that as we get older, our metabolism slows down a bit, and staying in shape just gets harder to do - from keeping lean, maintaining muscle, and removing stubborn fat. Ricky Gervais had a tweet about how he's working out everyday now - playing tennis, lifting weights and running. His heart's good, and he trains at a good intensity - but he wonders why he's stil overweight and exhausted? We could just stay in the gym for longer - but not everyone's got enough time in their day for that... so what are the ways we can keep with our fitness? and why's it harder as we get older? Our guest is the founder of BodyTorque Fitness, and knows all about helping people over 40 lose stubborn weight, build lean muscle, and restore energy - Fitness Coach Alex Flint joins Tim Beveridge for Health Hub...  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's mental health awareness week from tomorrow, and you might ask what the hell has it to do with nutrition, but food has more to do with your mood than people realise.  The types of foods you consume can have a not only an impact on your physical health, but your mental health too.  What kind of foods make you feel better, inside and out? And what are those comfort foods you just can't let go of?  Nutritionist Claire Turnbull joined Tim Beveridge for The Health Hub.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The weight loss plateau that hits about a month into your health journey can be the hardest hurdle when trying to maintain motivation.  Former boxer and founder of Buttabean Motivation, David Letele, joins to discuss the problems people face when trying to get their health back.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Health Organisation estimates over a billion people between the ages of 12 and 35 are at high risk of hearing loss due to unsafe habits.  The key cause for the age group is simply listening to music for too long, and too loudly, in headphones or earbuds. Even a movie cinema is likely to have unsafe sound levels.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most challenging parts of being an adult is trying to figure out what you're going to eat, three times a day, every day, when you're often too busy to make anything more substantial than beans on toast.  Regardless, we continue the mental battle every single day, trying to figure out a way to whip up something relatively healthy before the next sport drop off.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know we should be doing as much exercise as possible, but for most of us it's just not possibleto run for an hour a day and find time for weightlifting.  For those of us sitting at a desk for most of the day, and another good portion of it sitting in traffic, what is the bare minimum amount of movement we should be doing?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Society has become increasingly encouraging of people to check in on their mates, but what is the clear line between needing a catch up with a friend, and needing to speak with someone more qualified? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Biggest Loser ran for 18 seasons before ending in 2016, and it's now the subject of a major docu-series showing the behind the scenes moments from the show. A study following 14 contestants after their time on the show found all but one had regained the weight they had lost, and most surpassed the weight they were at the start of the show.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alcohol has been a problem in New Zealand for a while, and it may be time for a reality check.  A study out of the United States found only 54% of adults consume alcohol, the lowest ever recorded since tracking began in 1939.  A study in New Zealand found it to be 76.3% here - so where is the gap, and when will we finally do something about it?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all want to see the next generation thrive - to do better than generations before.  But there are a whole host of barriers holding children back, stopping them from reaching their full potential, and creating cycles that continue through generations.  We always say children are our future, so why are we not doing more to support that future?  Sir Ashley Bloomfield joins Tim Beveridge for Health Hub...  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Menopause is as normal and natural as any other life change - but the stigma around it hasn't gone away.  Convenor of the Aotearoa Menopause Forum, Dr Sola Freeman, joins Tim Beveridge for Health Hub.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hearing loss is one of those thing that just kind of sneaks up on you, and most people never think to get it checked until you reach a certain age.  Hearing loss affects 1 in every 5 kiwis, and it's projected to get far worse over the coming decades.  Dr Michel Neeff is a leading ENT surgeon and he joins Tim Beveridge on the Health Hub.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bone health is immeasurably important for our physical health, and the density of your bones have a whole lot to do with how frail you will be once you pass that 60 year mark.  Greg Pain is a sports biomechanist at bioSPORT and joins Tim Beveridge for Health Hub.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarcoma is deadliest cancer among children and young people, accounting for nearly one third of deaths among the 15-24 age group.  Despite this, research funding remains low compared to more common cancers, and feeds back into low survival rates. It's also reportedly misdiagnosed a third of the time, highlighting the urgent need for better early detection. What do we do if we feel like our doctors misdiagnosed us? What signs should we look out for?  How can we balance cancer-research to address the common ones and the deadliest ones? Orthopaedic Surgeon Andrew Johnston joins Tim Beveridge for the Health Hub... LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research shows the "Atlantic diet" could be the secret to a longer and healthier life. There's also the mediterranean diet, and tuna-broccoli-chicken-rice meals. But sticking to these can be so boring on our palettes, and when you're busy with work and life - it's basically impossible to maintain!  So what foods are best for us, and how can we stay with the programme? Andrew Dickens is joined by Wellbeing expert and Nutritionist Claire Turnbull... LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports say we need 2.5 hours of exercise a week, and 10-thousand steps a day. How can we find the time and motivation to stay fit? Is there a method to sticking to a workout-plan despite a busy schedule? Tim Beveridge is joined with Health and Mental Well-being Expert Kent Johns... LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bladder issues can impact people at any age, with a third of women over 35 affected by bladder leaks. Wrapping up World Continence Week, how can we help remove the stigma around incontinence? Tim Beveridge is joined with Pelvic Health Expert Caitlin Fris... LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know how harmful alcohol can be - especially in large amounts - but where are people drinking the most?  There were more calls this week to raise the price of alcohol in off-license businesses, as it's thought that people tend to lose control at home more than in a licensed business. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Beveridge is joined by Dr Libby Weaver to discuss nutrients and stress levels.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pushing yourself to your limit is kind of the whole point of exercise - running just a little longer when you're exhausted, doing that extra rep until you can't lift anymore.  But sometimes we miss warning signs, and push ourselves too hard - leading to an injury that even once fully recovered, most won't get back into the gym.  So how hard is too hard to push yourself? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A range of governments have flip flopped on mental health funding for years.  No matter how much is put into the sector, it always seems to end up in the wrong place - or not spent at all.  So where should the money be going?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The older we get, the more important it is to maintain health, but what movements are the true needle-movers for a longer, healthier life? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've all heard the rumours that supplements and vitamins are just expensive waste that goes straight through you, but there are some that doctors recommend.  So which are useless and which can actually improve your health? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know how serious heart health is - but what can we actually do to help it?  At what point should we start to be worries about how our weight is impacting our hearts - and how much does that really matter when heart issues don't discriminate?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.