While BBQ season may seem a long way off, preparation is key to achieve a safe BBQ.  It is also timely to bring up memories of warmer days with the recent cold snap.  The emotions evoked by the traditional kiwi barbeque are usually positive and positive emotions help lower stress. So, from this aspect, and…

Thank goodness we live in New Zealand!  It’s not just our beautiful natural resources and Kiwi-can-do’ness but the fact that here, like in Europe, certain food ingredients are banned.  I know I’ve talked about artificial food ingredients before but after hearing the specifics of my 10 year old’s food label reading lesson at school, I…

The bliss of a good night’s sleep is priceless, yet the incidence of poor sleep (insomnia) is surprisingly common with a prevalence of around 42% in a general population.  The official definition of insomnia is difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.  Insomnia can be acute or chronic with chronic defined as occurring at least three nights…

Are you a parent or grand-parent?  If so then this piece is a celebration of you.  After the last few weeks of ‘heavy’ topics, this opinion piece is a light-hearted and hopefully humorous summary of my top ‘parenting 101’ tips as a mum of 7, soon-to-be grandparent and GP. Forgive your mistakes. If you are…

Our choice of healthcare, and that of most of Australians and New Zealanders, is under threat.  The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) recently released a public consultation document titled “clearer regulation of medical practitioners practicing complementary and unconventional medicine and emerging treatments”. As most Australian medical regulations are eventually adopted into NZ medical practice I…

In my last opinion piece, I discussed the limitations imposed on GPs when ordering blood tests. Even more disturbing, in my opinion as a GP who worked in conventional medicine for 18 years, is the mis-management of some of the blood tests that GPs are actually allowed to order. Take thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) for…