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From reporter Cate Broughton:
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Older and vulnerable people are being encouraged to “hunker down” in their homes during the peak of the Omicron virus, by some health experts – but others say this isn’t necessary.
New Zealand epidemiologist Professor Tony … View moreFrom reporter Cate Broughton:
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Older and vulnerable people are being encouraged to “hunker down” in their homes during the peak of the Omicron virus, by some health experts – but others say this isn’t necessary.
New Zealand epidemiologist Professor Tony Blakely is based at Melbourne University and says he encouraged his nearly 80-year-old parents – who live in Rotorua – to stay at home when Omicron cases climb and the virus becomes endemic.
However, Cancer Society medical director Kate Gregory said there was not enough evidence to support giving this advice to cancer patients.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed there was community transmission of the Omicron variant in New Zealand.
The Ministry of Health on Monday reported confirmed Omicron cases in the Nelson-Tasman region, Auckland and Palmerston North.
Blakely said he talked to his parents about continuing their usual activities while using a N95 mask, but “hunkering down” when cases climbed.
“You probably do that for another 10 days until case numbers start to go up in Rotorua, and then you really hunker down. So that’s what we’ve talked about.”
Blakely said “the maths of an epidemic” meant up to half of the population was likely to get infected with Omicron.
“The trick is to make sure the people who get infected are the young ones. So you accept that. You accept there will be hospitalisations associated with that.
But to minimise the hospitalisations, the mortality and morbidity – a bit like trench warfare – you send over the young ones, and you hunker down the oldies and those with co-morbidities.”
Blakely said his parents, who are double vaccinated and have had their booster, had already decided to stay at home when cases climbed.
But he said it was hard to say how long this period should last.
New Zealand’s traffic light setting of red – the highest level of restrictions under the traffic light system –would help to slow the spread of Omicron, and protect essential services from being overwhelmed, but this would also mean the peak of the virus would last longer, Blakely said.
“Here’s the deep irony, the better New Zealanders are at flattening the curve, the longer the hunker down will be.”
Blakely acknowledged prolonged periods of isolation for the elderly and vulnerable could have significant mental health impacts.
In Australia, Omicron has taken a huge toll on the aged-care sector with hundreds of outbreaks in aged care homes. But some families have said the lockdowns were overly cautious and too hard on the elderly residents, most of whom were fully vaccinated.
Wellington GP and Royal New Zealand College of General Practice (RNZCGPs) medical director Bryan Betty said the Australian experience of Omicron showed it could peak for as long as four to six weeks.
Betty said most people – including fit older people – would experience a mild to moderate illness, if infected.
“However, the caveat on this is ... we know the biggest risk factor for a poorer outcome from Covid is age, the elderly population in particular are vulnerable to a poorer outcome with Covid.”
Betty said it would be good for older people to consider staying home, with some support from friends and family, “as the case numbers rise” in the community.
Cancer Society medical director Kate Gregory said there was not enough evidence to date to support advising patients to stay home, but this could change “if we see much higher numbers”.
“If, in a week’s time we are seeing thousands and thousands of cases we may be advising people differently. I think the reassuring thing we’ve seen is that Omicron doesn’t seem to cause such severe disease and we know the vaccine provides very good protection.”
Gregory said for cancer patients the best defence is to be vaccinated and for the people in their households to be vaccinated.”
She said in her experience a “vast majority” of cancer patients had received two doses of Covid-19 vaccine, many with a third primary dose.
“It’s a frightening time, and especially for those who are more vulnerable.
"I think as long as people have the vaccine, wear the mask, do the hand-washing and get tested promptly, I think that’s probably fine. At the moment, that’s the advice we’re giving our patients.”
Our February Seniors newsletter is out now. In this issue we announce our Age friendly fund successful recipients, shine a light on the those nominated for the New Years Honours for Services to Seniors and much more. Check it out here: mailchi.mp...
Kia ora Aotearoa. Stuff has just finished their annual Summer Snaps competition and we’re thrilled to announce that you'll be the judge of the People and Communities photograph category.
The entries in this category have been shortlisted and we now have five brilliantly captured … View moreKia ora Aotearoa. Stuff has just finished their annual Summer Snaps competition and we’re thrilled to announce that you'll be the judge of the People and Communities photograph category.
The entries in this category have been shortlisted and we now have five brilliantly captured photographs to battle it out. There's a camera up for grabs for our talented photographers, and it's up to you to choose who takes the crown...and the Canon EOS!
Cast your vote in the poll below before 12pm, 11 February.
We manufacture Electrical tags, Solar tag kits, Sequential tags, Equipment ID tags, Control panel, Mimic panel and many more. The material used to make these is Industrial quality, Chemical safe, UV and weather Resistant. Inquire today to know more.
Peri-urban areas can be described as the landscape interface between town and country or the rural-urban transition zone where urban and rural areas mix.
The probability of wildfire is driven by the amount and dryness of fuel, ambient weather and ignitions. Dry weather exacerbates wildfire risk… View morePeri-urban areas can be described as the landscape interface between town and country or the rural-urban transition zone where urban and rural areas mix.
The probability of wildfire is driven by the amount and dryness of fuel, ambient weather and ignitions. Dry weather exacerbates wildfire risk in this zone and could significantly impact your property! With one of New Zealand’s hottest and driest summers, discover your property’s fire risk and what you can do to reduce it.
We can produce personalised reports for any house on the planet!
Click here to get your property report: https://property-climate-risk-report.co.nz/
Valentines’ day is right around the corner. Book into 5 stags for a special Valentine’s Day Dinner and then hang around for a special date night comedy show. This show is all about the funny antics of how relationships have there up and downs and funny outcomes. Hosted by the fabulous MC Tina … View moreValentines’ day is right around the corner. Book into 5 stags for a special Valentine’s Day Dinner and then hang around for a special date night comedy show. This show is all about the funny antics of how relationships have there up and downs and funny outcomes. Hosted by the fabulous MC Tina Dee will be joined with 5 other famously funny comics to tickle you funny bones. Seats are limited. Tickets are selling fast. Vax pass is required and so are masks.
events.humanitix.com...
A Life Beyond Food and Addiction
I don’t remember being obsessed with food when I was very young, the way I was to become. I remember starting to eat at any opportunity I could get. I would arrive home early at meal times to check what was in the pans. Saturday afternoons were spent baking, … View moreA Life Beyond Food and Addiction
I don’t remember being obsessed with food when I was very young, the way I was to become. I remember starting to eat at any opportunity I could get. I would arrive home early at meal times to check what was in the pans. Saturday afternoons were spent baking, while my friends were out shopping. I went on to develop a love for raw cake batter and butter icing and I would make it up when I was desperate for food. Once I started getting money, I would buy sweets and secretly eat them. Meal times were awful, I never felt fulfilled.
good afternoon everyone, due to the weather conditions, we the committee have decided to postpone our first market for the year until the 19th.We would like our reopening to be a successful one so have decided a later date thank you for your patience.
Purchase a six month subscription to the Sunday Star-Times for $102 and get a free $100 Interflora e-voucher. Terms and conditions apply.
Well established and healthy succulents for sale on a stand with an honesty box at the gate of 20 Waterford Avenue Northwood. $3 each or any 4 for $10.
Instead of watching everyone else have all the fun, why not join in yourself?
Step out of your comfort zone and into the tree tops.
All parks operating under the RED light traffic restrictions and open all long weekend (including Waitangi Day).
www.adrenalin... for more information and … View moreInstead of watching everyone else have all the fun, why not join in yourself?
Step out of your comfort zone and into the tree tops.
All parks operating under the RED light traffic restrictions and open all long weekend (including Waitangi Day).
www.adrenalin... for more information and bookings
This easy DIY project finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pickled Bluewood provides a roosting and resting site for a rare and threatened native bat.
Find out how to create your own.
Can you believe it has been four years since council decided as a precaution to chlorinate our water while they do the project of raising the well heads around Christchurch? The project is done, yet the chlorinating of our water hasn't.
Have you noticed your health suffering over the years… View moreCan you believe it has been four years since council decided as a precaution to chlorinate our water while they do the project of raising the well heads around Christchurch? The project is done, yet the chlorinating of our water hasn't.
Have you noticed your health suffering over the years since they started chlorinating the water?
> Itchy and dry skin,
> watery eyes in the morning,
> some time sharp milky yellow shards and other times acidic eye sleep,
> dehydration headaches even though you have drunk plenty of water,
> problems with stomach digestion, stomach pains, and soft stool,
> either new onset asthma or stronger more frequent asthma,
> feel like you are drinking pool water or just step out of a pool,
Well, then you likely are suffering from sensitivity now due to the chlorine and chloramine that has been added to our water supply. The argument that has been used around the world is that chlorine kills bad bacteria in water. The reality is it kills all bacteria, good, bad, it is indiscriminate and ingesting the water means you are damaging the good bacteria in your gut. The long term consequences can be mental fogginess, allergic reactions to things that used to not both you, skin problems, and a raft of other long term health problems.
I am the canary in a coal mine since I have a VP shunt which means my spinal fluid is drained and replenished from the water I drink every couple days, this means when I drink the chlorinated water, wash my hands, take a shower (which is effectively drinking 8-10 glasses of water), it results in a slow chemical burn in my brain (think bad rope burn, but over every inch of your head). It may affect me worse, but I am only one voice and I am sure these other symptoms are being felt throughout Christchurch.
The Ministry of Health has gotten out of the drinking water regulation game this last year and transferred it to Taumata Arowai. This has given us an opportunity to get our voices heard and to discuss what we want and expect in our drinking water. If you have noticed an effect, had to get a water filtration/purification system, or simply not want to keep on adding chemicals to our drinking water for generations to come, now is the time to let our voices be heard.
Click on the Public Comment link for hinekorako.taumataarowai.govt.nz...
To express your issues and concerns.
MARRALOMEDA CHARITABLE TRUST
Support Worker – Residential Part time
Marralomeda is a Christian community for adults with learning disabilities that recognises the unique gifts and contributions each individual has to offer. Our community is based in Redwood and consists of five homes … View moreMARRALOMEDA CHARITABLE TRUST
Support Worker – Residential Part time
Marralomeda is a Christian community for adults with learning disabilities that recognises the unique gifts and contributions each individual has to offer. Our community is based in Redwood and consists of five homes supporting 22 people, day support through the Pike Centre and supporting disabled people in their own homes.
We wish to employee part time workers to support Community Members within their homes. We have 2 positions available, with different options available depending on the availability of the successful applicants. The times we need support are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7am to 9am; Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 2pm; and Sunday as a reliever when the Residential Assistants go home for a break. (6.5 hours a fortnight). We also have casual work available to relieve our Residential Assistants which include sleepovers.
This role requires:
• Experience in supporting disabled people in a way that upholds their rights, ensuring the person has choice and control over their lives.
• A commitment to Marralomeda Christian philosophy is also important.
• People with enthusiasm, creativity, flexibility, and a passion for supporting people to achieve their hopes and dreams. To live the life, they want in a way that reflects the Enabling Good Lives Principles and a commitment to Te Triiti o Waitangi.
• Level 2 Qualifications or above required.
• A team player who is able to contribute to a mutually supportive team.
• Excellent Communication Skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• A clean and current full Driver’s License.
• A current First Aid Certificate.
• NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.
The Position Descriptions for this role is available by phoning 352 8292 or emailing Karen@marralomeda.org.nz
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