With the mental health system not being able to support many New Zealanders’ mental health needs, experts have proposed alternatives to expensive treatments. One such alternative is group therapy, which experts have said has many benefits, including an increased sense of community between participants, and decreased costs for treatment.
Olivia spoke to public health physician and Senior Lecturer at the University of Canterbury, Dr Kaaren Mathias, about the importance of group therapy, and where the public can go to access these services.
Some businesses have proposed the need for tougher laws on people who are homeless, including trespassing people for anti-social behaviour. Organisations have criticised this approach, saying that harsh punishments are not the answer.
Olivia spoke to Lifewise Chief Executive Officer, Haehaetu Barrett, about these proposed laws, and possible alternatives for mitigating homelessness.
Big food and alcohol company lobbying is prevalent in New Zealand. Corporations influence research and policy regarding food and alcohol, which can be disadvantageous for people’s health.
Experts have criticised this influence, and our lack of lobbying regulations. Olivia spoke to Co-Chair of Health Coalition Aotearoa and Professor at the University of Auckland, Boyd Swinburn, about this issue, and what action he wants the incoming Government to take.
A survey of Pharmacists from around Aotearoa on the impact of fees free prescriptions found that a majority of respondents recognised significant benefits from the removal of copay prescriptions.
The survey found that 92% of pharmacists that responded were able to have longer conversations with patients, and 94% agreed that patients no longer had to choose which medications to leave behind.
A collective of pharmacists who responded to the survey are calling on the National Party to rethink their policy to reintroduce the previous copay system.
Nicholas spoke to Sir Collin Tukuitonga about the National Party’s plan to reinstate prescription fees.
He began by asking him how the previous system worked.
This week Allan joined the crew to discuss allegations of manipulated data that supported a major stroke trial and important Alzheimer’s research, new research into the factors that influence decisions made by chess players and a new intravenous needle that softens once in the body.
Nicholas caught up with the National Party's Dr Shane Reti about the National Party's plan to reinstate prescription fees and Labour leader Chris Hipkins calling for a ceasefire.
Nicholas also spoke to Sir Collin Tukuitonga about the benefits of not having prescription fees on medicine.
Nicholas also spoke to John Middleton, a linguist who is working to revive the language of the Moriori people.
Producer Sofia talked to Michelle Le Long from PD Pet Insurance about pet diabetes in Aotearoa
With 1 in 4 of all cats and dogs nationally being overweight, it is predicted that 1 in 300 dogs and 1 in 230 cats will suffer from diabetes in their lifetime.
Producer Sofia spoke to Michelle le Long, Chief Operating Officer of PD Pet Insurance about the risks of pet diabetes and how best look after your four legged friend.
In our weekly chat with the ACT Party, Lou spoke with Karen Chhour about the updates on the coalition negotiations, which seem to be in the final stages, seventeen days since the election result was finalised. Lou then enquired about the ACT Party’s stance on funding for the Department of Conservation and other organisations following the massive success of the Bird of the Century. Finally, Lou enquired into ACT’s stance on calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Research from the University of Otago in Wellington has found healthcare professionals are concerned about the management of endometrial cancer in Aotearoa. Despite other cancer rates staying the same or going down, cases of endometrial cancer have increased over the past ten years in New Zealand.
Lou talked to co-author Dr Claire Henry, Scientist and Lecturer at the University of Otago in Wellington about this further.
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