Diabetes currently affects more than 200,000 people in New Zealand and experts fear that there are another 100,000 people who have Diabetes but haven’t been diagnosed yet. As with many conditions, the earlier that it is diagnosed, the better it is controlled, and the long-term outcomes are more positive.
Hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders play sport every year for enjoyment and to keep in shape. While exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, constant stop-start movements in many sports can place stress on muscles and joints. There are a few simple things you can do to ensure you get the most out of your fitness programme and help prevent injuries.
I saw a quote recently that said “Reality is the leading cause of stress among those in touch with it”. Stress is now so ingrained in our culture but what is it? A stressor is defined as anything that causes stress to an organism. When faced with a stressor, our body reacts with a “fight or flight” response, causing a surge of chemicals and immune cells. This is perfect if we need to get out of the way of an oncoming car but excessive stress over long periods of time increases our immune system activity and eventually depletes our resources, impairing the function of the immune system. The aim is not to completely avoid pressure but to find a balance.
There is a broad awareness of the need to maintain a healthy body weight for good health but it is a complicated issue that many people struggle with. You can see if you are in a healthy weight range by calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI) using a weight to height ratio. Healthy eating and activity are keys to reducing obesity and maintaining a healthy weight. Drinking plenty of water is also vital.
