Maeroa, Hamilton

Got a question about your lawn or backyard?

Got a question about your lawn or backyard?

Ask a Crewcut Lawn & Garden expert (and an ex-Black Caps coach!) now. Head here.

Does your organisation need new flooring?

Does your organisation need new flooring?

Apply for up to $2,000 and also be in to win a $20,000 makeover.

1425 days ago

Rubbish and recycling collection

The Team from Hamilton City Council

Remember your rubbish or recycling collection may be one day later this week because of the public holidays.
You can check your collection day anytime at ➡️ www.fightthelandfill.co.nz...

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1423 days ago

Oticon 'More' Hearing Aids - New Year, New Technology

William from Hearing Health New Zealand Limited

Introducing the world’s first hearing aid giving the brain the full perspective

A technological breakthrough that gives hearing aid users access to all relevant sounds

Delivering on our unique BrainHearing philosophy, and powered by cutting-edge technology, Oticon More processes the full sound … View more
Introducing the world’s first hearing aid giving the brain the full perspective

A technological breakthrough that gives hearing aid users access to all relevant sounds

Delivering on our unique BrainHearing philosophy, and powered by cutting-edge technology, Oticon More processes the full sound scene in a holistic and balanced way.

This gives the brain optimised input from all types of meaningful sounds, not just speech*.

With this new perspective in hearing care, we break with conventional thinking by supporting the brain’s natural ability to make sense of sound.

70732NZ_PBR_Concept_Brochure_Oticon_More_email.pdf Download View

1423 days ago

FEEDING YOUR MICROBIOTA

Naturally Healthy

Did you know that your gut works as a macro and micro worker for your body? Macro - it processes, digests and disperses food, nutrients and hydration for our organs and bloodstream to work its wonders. Also, as we’re learning more and more, the gut is a finely tuned precision engineer that … View moreDid you know that your gut works as a macro and micro worker for your body? Macro - it processes, digests and disperses food, nutrients and hydration for our organs and bloodstream to work its wonders. Also, as we’re learning more and more, the gut is a finely tuned precision engineer that requires micronutrients. We need to start feeding the inhabitants who call our micro gut, the microbiome, home.

Getting both these macro and micro components working in tandem will pay dividends to your overall health and vitality.

Today, we’re sharing how to concentrate on feeding your gut on a microscopic level. Tiny elements but big, big results. Here are a few ways to get your gut game strong…

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1429 days ago

Rubbish and recycling collection

The Team from Hamilton City Council

Remember your rubbish or recycling collection may be one day later this week because of New Year's Day. You can check your collection day anytime at: www.fightthelandfill.co.nz...

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1425 days ago

Infectious Canine Cough

Craig from Companion Vets

Last night on TV One news was an article about infectious canine cough commonly referred to as kennel cough.
( I have added the link to the article).

I thought the reporting was a bit light on real facts and quite scaremongering so here is Companion Vets view on canine infectious cough to put our… View more
Last night on TV One news was an article about infectious canine cough commonly referred to as kennel cough.
( I have added the link to the article).

I thought the reporting was a bit light on real facts and quite scaremongering so here is Companion Vets view on canine infectious cough to put our clients at ease.


WHAT IS INFECTIOUS CANINE COUGH?

This is not a new Covid virus or related infection!

Kennel cough is the common name for canine infectious tracheobronchitis. It’s a respiratory infection in dogs caused by a wide range of bacteria and viruses. Canine cough is highly contagious and the main symptom is a harsh, hacking cough.

It is not a new disease but is one that often present in the canine population and seems more prevalent through summer as dogs are boarded or are exposed to more individuals through the holiday season.

Canine cough creates an inflammation of the dog’s upper respiratory tract, including the trachea (wind pipe) and larynx (voice box).

The most common cause is a bacteria strain called Bordetella bronchiseptica. Dogs are more likely to be infected by Bordetella when their immune system is weakened, usually by an infection from a respiratory virus.

HOW DO I KNOW MY DOG HAS CANINE COUGH?

If a dog has canine cough, the main symptom is a consistent, forceful cough. Apart from coughing, your dog shouldn’t feel ill and should still have a good appetite.

However, some strains of infection can cause other symptoms like sneezing, snorting, a runny nose or eye discharge.

The cough can be very worrying clinically, sometimes sounding like your dog has something stuck in their throat. It can be dry and hoarse or produce mucus, which the dog often tries to swallow.

If a dog really does have something stuck in its throat it wont be able to swallow, so often will drool saliva profusely, be unable to eat and possibly paw at its mouth. If it is just coughing then unlikely to be a foreign body in throat.

HOW IS CANINE COUGH SPREAD?

Kennel cough is highly contagious and can easily be spread from one dog to another. When dogs cough, the bacteria and viruses become airborne and can quickly spread to other animals. It can also be transmitted in dog toys, food bowls or other shared objects.

Many dogs get it from being exposed in dog kennels and shelters, which is where the illness gets its common name. They become infected by being around other dogs who have the cough. But with the way dogs socialise with lots of nose to nose contact they can just as easily get it mixing and playing with other visiting dogs at home and when at dog parks.

The incubation period is between 2 and 14 days, during which time the dog will be contagious.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

A surprisingly long time of around 10 days, but canine cough should clear up within three weeks. Sometimes it can take up to six weeks to clear up for older dogs or those with existing medial conditions.

SHOULD I SEEK TREATMENT?

For a persistent cough its often good to get it checked as in some rare cases the illness can progress to pneumonia so contact your vet if your dog’s condition doesn’t improve.

There are also other diseases that can cause coughs that aren't respiratory infections.

If you dog does develop a cough, as with Covid, they should self isolate from other dogs to minimise spread, so no visits to dog park and they should stop attending doggy day care or going into boarding.

If you do seek a veterinary assessment then please let your vet know if you a presenting a dog for cough symptoms, as they should take actions to prevent spread to other clients pets.

At Companion Vets we will bring your pet through our side entrance consult room to avoid interactions with other dogs in our waiting room.

When you arrive leave the coughing dog in the car and discuss with your vet or vet nurse first how they wish to manage this possible contagious infection.

IS THERE ANY TREATMENT?

The vet may be able to prescribe antibiotics for canine cough to target the Bordetella bacteria to help it clear faster. If needed, they may also prescribe an anti-inflammatory to sooth your dog’s throat.

If your dog has a cough then often good to reduce exercise and stop walking with a collar as that can stimulate ongoing coughing.

IS THERE A VACCINE?

Protection against some of the viruses that can cause kennel cough is included in puppy and annual booster vaccinations. These viruses include canine distemper, canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type two.

Your vet can also provide a vaccination against the main bacterial cause, Bordetella – this can be via an oral or nasal spray or an injection. Most boarding kennels and doggy day care require dogs to have the vaccination before their stay.

However, because kennel cough has a wide range of causes and strains, this vaccine cannot guarantee protection for your dog but does reduce infection rates and severity of infection.

Hope this information puts you at ease with your pet in these pandemic times.

If you have any concerns about a coughing dog this summer then isolate them and seek veterinary advice on how best to manage them.

Regards
Dr Craig Brighouse
Companion Vets

1424 days ago

Protecting your home from fires

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

1. Check your smoke alarms
Smoke alarms provide an early warning in case of a fire inside your home. Traditional alarms beep when they detect smoke or fire, while smart detectors also send an alert to your phone. There should be a smoke detector in every room in your house except bathrooms, for … View more
1. Check your smoke alarms
Smoke alarms provide an early warning in case of a fire inside your home. Traditional alarms beep when they detect smoke or fire, while smart detectors also send an alert to your phone. There should be a smoke detector in every room in your house except bathrooms, for maximum protection. You also need one in the hallway between the living area and bedrooms.
Crucially, you are highly advised to test your smoke alarms at least once a year to ensure they still work. You are four times more likely to die in a house fire without a functioning smoke alarm!

2. Get a fire extinguisher
Having a fire extinguisher handy can make the difference between a small kitchen mishap that was successfully contained, and the house literally burning down. There are different types of fire extinguisher, classified according to the kind of fire they’re designed to tackle. Make sure you are aware of what the differences are and how to use each one in an emergency situation. A typical home extinguisher should have an ABC rating:
• Class A – combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, household rubbish, most plastics
• Class B – flammable liquids, solvents, oil, petrol, paints and lacquers
• Class C – gases including methane, propane, hydrogen, acetylene and natural gas
• Class D – combustible metals including magnesium and aluminium swarf
• Class E – Electrical fires
• Class F – chip pan fires, as an alternative to a fire blanket

3. Create a fire stopping landscape
A fire originating from outside, such as a wildfire, is best thwarted by preventing it from reaching your house in the first place. You can use landscape gardening design to slow down or stop the spread of fire towards your home, by adhering to these tips:
• Use hard landscaping such as concrete, stone or gravel around the house
• Clear any dry vegetation from around the home, particularly in the summer
• Use fire resistant plants such as lavender and honeysuckle for soft landscaping, and spread them out, to slow down fire and stop it from spreading
• Keep outdoor plants well watered during the summer months. Lush green planting is less likely to burn.

4. Use fire retardant materials
Let’s start with building materials; some are more vulnerable to fire than others. Using fire retardant alternatives and fireproofing your interiors are good first lines of defence against a potentially serious tragedy. Make the changes when you are refurbishing or redecorating your home. The Building.govt.nz website has a comprehensive list of everything you can do to help prevention of fire occurring. Designing for fire can also be designing for sustainability which is without a doubt a win-win!

When it comes to materials, concrete panels, stucco or brick for exterior walls, steel framing for windows and concrete or metal for roofing are all good choices. Fire retardant paint is also a good idea. For decking, concrete, tiles, stone or brick are better than wood.

Inside your home, choose fire resistant curtains and upholstery fabrics. Additional flameproofing can also be administered to your existing home fabrics and upholstered furniture in situ. Curtain Clean can service your existing upholstery anywhere in the country. Call us on 0800 579 0501 for prices and to find out more.

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1424 days ago

Home made classic Cheesecake for sale

Olivia from Saint Andrews

Hello, I'm a cheesecake lover and can provide home-made yummy classic cheesecake. Welcome to have a try and you would not be disappointed! Please order 2-3 days in advance. Pick up @Saint Andrews. Text 027 4750520 or email to: kiaoracheesecake@gmail.com
Reply within 12 hours. Thanks.

Negotiable

1427 days ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Hamilton

I was Ready to ask for Help | Louise B. | Addictive Eaters Anonymous

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1430 days ago

The Dangers of Dirty Curtains

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

Curtains are a great way to really complete the look of a room in your home. They can add a sense of personality and lift up the atmosphere of your home without spending a fortune on redecorating. Most people tend to forget about their curtains when cleaning other home interior accessories, such as… View moreCurtains are a great way to really complete the look of a room in your home. They can add a sense of personality and lift up the atmosphere of your home without spending a fortune on redecorating. Most people tend to forget about their curtains when cleaning other home interior accessories, such as carpets. Little did you know, curtains can cause serious harm to your health if left unattended for long periods of time.

1. CURTAINS ACCUMULATE ALLERGENS AND DUST MITES

Curtain fabrics can often attract a lot of allergens and dust. These are the two main causes of allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing or runny noses. Due to their small size, they are easily carried by wind and accumulate on curtains after some time, especially curtains that are made from cotton. Some curtains are worse offenders when it comes to dust accumulation, particularly those made from thicker fabrics and multiple curtain layers in one. Allergens and dust mites are trapped between the layers and thus increase the chances of getting allergy symptoms. Removing the allergens hidden in your curtains can already help relieve allergy symptoms a lot without the help of meds.

2. MOULD AND MILDEW
Moulds can develop and grow in curtains, and they are most likely to thrive in a dirty curtain. Mould growth is something that can’t be ignored, and immediate curtain cleaning should happen since it can cause potentially dangerous health problems and puts everyone in the home or commercial space at risk.

Some moulds can trigger asthma and other bronchial or respiratory issues. Most images are susceptible to disinfectants found in individual cleaning solutions, aside from many other possible diseases or health conditions.


It’s best to seek the help of professional curtain cleaners since formulations must be based on the kind of material your curtain was made from. The overall quality and craftsmanship deserve to be well-cared for with the right cleaning products and techniques.

3. GERMS

Germs are one of the main causes of sickness in both humans and pets. What most people don’t know is that they love attaching themselves to curtains (mainly those that are hung in dark areas).

4. DUST AND TOXINS

Curtains in all homes can collect dust and toxins quickly. Mainly if the curtain material is thick and lined. Does one of your family members at home suffer from regular asthma attacks or bronchitis? If your answer is yes, then the cause is probably hiding in your curtains.


CONCLUSION: CLEAN YOUR CURTAINS PERIODICALLYYour drapes may play an important role in enhancing the overall ambiance of your home. Proper maintenance of curtains becomes absolutely essential if you want to have a healthy indoor environment for yourself and your family.

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1445 days ago

Looking for beds!

Alesha from Maeroa

I thought I would ask here if anyone has any single or double beds they want to get rid of? I'm looking for our spare rooms for my niece and nephew. It's not too urgent but just having a look around. I don't have much of a budget, but happy to collect and even happier if it could be … View moreI thought I would ask here if anyone has any single or double beds they want to get rid of? I'm looking for our spare rooms for my niece and nephew. It's not too urgent but just having a look around. I don't have much of a budget, but happy to collect and even happier if it could be dropped off for an extra fee.

D
1436 days ago

wheel chair friendly social club

Debi from Hamilton East

Hi. Doug here. Debi's partner. She has been my care giver for some 3 and a half years now since my leg amputations that have not resolved themselves into prosthetics. I had a brilliant meet with a good mate Steve today and between us we came up with a plan. I have been trying to find a social … View moreHi. Doug here. Debi's partner. She has been my care giver for some 3 and a half years now since my leg amputations that have not resolved themselves into prosthetics. I had a brilliant meet with a good mate Steve today and between us we came up with a plan. I have been trying to find a social club for wheel chair people like myself here in Hamilton but it doesn't exist. So I want to invent that. Not just for myself and Debi but for other people in my situation and the people that care for them. Prince Harry gave me the inspiration with his Invictus Games and I would love to field a NZ team for that but small steps first. If anyone is interested or would like to support this idea I would be happy to hear from you. Come the New Year we could make a difference. Happy holidays. Doug

1428 days ago

Happy New Year

NumberWorks'nWords Hamilton Central

Happy New Year from the NumberWorks'nWords team!

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1443 days ago

Q Card

Graham from Nawton

I recently, received a flier extolling the virtues of using a Q Card for credit. BEWARE. I have just rescued a friend, who was in that trap, by refinancing. The interest rate was 25.9%, and the repayments would have taken taken an awful time to wipe the loan. Even credit cards, are only around … View moreI recently, received a flier extolling the virtues of using a Q Card for credit. BEWARE. I have just rescued a friend, who was in that trap, by refinancing. The interest rate was 25.9%, and the repayments would have taken taken an awful time to wipe the loan. Even credit cards, are only around 20-21% in comparison. With the pressures of Christmas spending upon us, Q Cards, are not the way to go. Many large retailers, are promoting the use of these cards. If this post, saves just one family from financial misery, my job is done.

K
1430 days ago

Rimu dining table & 6 chairs

Kirsten from Hamilton East

Solid Rimu dining extendable table with 6 chairs. Some wear to the chair coverings as can be seen in photos. Measurements: W 880 X L 1400 ext 1800. Pick up from Kihikihi, Te Awamutu. Selling on behalf of my parents.

Price: $200

1430 days ago

Pop in - We are open!

The Team from Red Cross Shop Five Cross

Planning on doing some op shopping? Good idea – make sure to pop into your Red Cross Shop, we have more than 40 around the country! It is also a great time to drop off your unwanted Christmas gifts or to find someone else's pre-loved treasure.

We can't wait to see you and happy op … View more
Planning on doing some op shopping? Good idea – make sure to pop into your Red Cross Shop, we have more than 40 around the country! It is also a great time to drop off your unwanted Christmas gifts or to find someone else's pre-loved treasure.

We can't wait to see you and happy op shopping!

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