Have Your Cake, But Dont Eat It
I had to chuckle reading the events postings in Kapiti News this week. Lions are selling their Christmas cakes and also doing diabetes testing at the strawberry festival this Saturday. So, buy a cake but please don't eat it.!!
Less amusing was the fearmongering about diabetes from Westbury Pharmacy. According to their quick quiz, one is three times more at risk of diabetes aged over 65. Where is the evidence for this? Maybe the risk is higher, but three times higher? I'm skeptical.
According to Westbury's quiz, with a high score on weight to height (most of us), and age over 65 one is at high risk of diabetes. Other lifestyle indicators such as exercise and diet don't seem to factor highly. However weight to height calculations (or Body Mass Index) can be misleading. According to BMI the All Blacks are morbidly obese. This is because the calculation lumps fat and muscle together in the same category. It is possible to be moderately overweight, have good muscle weight and be fighting fit. So unless you are morbidly obese, treat BMI with a grain of salt.
The Westbury ad also offers free blood pressure tests and links this to diabetes. This is news to me. Do they have any risk ratio for this? The main risk of high blood pressure is the stress it places on the heart and vascular system. The heart has to work harder. Hence cardiac conditions and stroke can occur. I would conclude that risk of diabetes from high blood pressure is low.
The combination of unreliable BMI and overinflated age risks makes this quiz a bit dodgy in my view. These type of ads also cause anxiety and unnecessary worry for older people. If you are worried about diabetes, don't rely on Westbury's quiz. Go and see your GP.
Dr Marie O'Sullivan
Health Advocate, and former lecturer, Public Health
Seasonal Home Check-Up Reminder! 🔍
Hi everyone!
As the seasons change, it’s time to think about your home’s exterior. Inspecting for cracks, peeling, or other signs of wear is crucial to maintaining your property. Small issues can lead to bigger problems if not addressed.
If you notice any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out! At Texturite, we specialise in repairs and restorations to ensure your home stays protected from the elements.
📞 027 341 3454 📍 Serving the Kapiti / Wellington region
Riddle Me This, Neighbours! Bet You Can’t Guess It!
Sometimes narrow, sometimes wide, wind or rain, I stay outside.
Even if there’s heat or snow, from house to house I will still go.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
New lottery, new home
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in Clarks Beach, Auckland.
This coastal town offers the perfect escape, just a short drive from the city.
Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms and generous open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz
Loading…
