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2699 days ago

Dr Lance O'Sullivan: It was when my daughter got sick that I realised how important immunisation is

Reporter Sunday Star Times

Dr Lance O'Sullivan writes from the heart, and from the head: "It was 1996 and we were young parents. I was at medical school when I came upon an anti-immunisation pamphlet left in one of our lecture theatres.

"I was suspicious of the establishment at the time. You need to understand, I had grown up a welfare-dependent "half-caste" (I hate that term) boy living with his mother, escaping from a life of alcohol, crime and a level of violence that I would not tolerate for my daughters. An under-achiever, I was expelled from two secondary schools. I feel I had a reason to be angry at "the system".

"Then I became a father. It changed my life. I needed to be a responsible adult caring for a son, then a daughter – eventually seven children. We were young parents and wanted to do only the best for these precious beings.

"I read the pamphlet. It described "studies" in the Netherlands into communities that didn't look like mine, but I took little persuasion. I stated our second child, our little daughter Te Miringa, would not be immunised.

"At the time my wife Tracy was working as a nurse at the local medical centre and immunising children daily. Yet this was my protest against the establishment that I so mistrusted.

"Fifteen months later, we had a scare. Te Miringa became unwell with high fever and a body rash and the doctors were concerned as there was a measles outbreak locally. And I realised the information from the Netherlands did not reflect my reality.

"We got Te Miringa immunised."

www.stuff.co.nz...

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More messages from your neighbours
14 hours ago

Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?

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.

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1 hour ago

Tips on Accelerating Your Comfort Level with a New Mattress

Beds4U Rotorua

Getting started on the quest for the perfect night’s sleep with a new mattress can be exciting, but it often requires a period of adjustment.

If you've recently invested in a new mattress and are wondering about the time frame for adjustment, you're not alone.


Understanding the typical adjustment period can greatly improve your sleep health and ensure you get the most comfort out of your new bed.

The Personal Touch: Individual Variation in Adjustment
When it comes to adapting to a new mattress, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

The mattress adjustment period can vary significantly depending on a number of personal factors.

Age, health, and even your usual sleep position can influence how quickly you adjust.

Generally, most people take anywhere from a few days up to a month to fully adapt to their new sleeping environment.

During this time, your body is acclimating to the support and feel of the mattress, which may differ significantly from your old one.

Understanding Mattress Types and Their Impact
The type of mattress you choose also plays a crucial role in your adjustment period.

Memory foam, for instance, may require a longer adjustment period as it contours more significantly to your body compared to a traditional spring mattress.

On the other hand, hybrid mattresses—a combination of foam and springs—offer a balance of support and cushioning, which might ease the adaptation process.

Tips for a Smoother Transition
Adapting to your new mattress is not just about waiting it out; there are active steps you can take to make the process smoother:

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day sets your body’s internal clock, which can help reduce the adjustment time.

Create a comfortable sleep environment. Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep—consider factors like temperature, light, and noise.

Give it time. Even if your new mattress feels different or not quite right initially, give it a few weeks, as initial discomfort is common.
Exploring more about how to enhance your sleep environment for a comfortable sleep, you can check out Beds4U Bedding.

Recognizing the Signs of Successful Adjustment
How do you know if you're well-adjusted to your new mattress?

Look for positive changes in your sleep quality and health.

You should experience less tossing and turning, fewer awakenings through the night, and reduced morning stiffness or soreness.

Increased sleep quality and waking up feeling rested are clear indicators that your body has adapted to the new mattress.

Comfort with Confidence
Adjusting to a new mattress is a unique experience that varies from person to person.

By understanding your needs and the characteristics of different mattress types, along with employing tips to aid the transition, you can enhance your sleep quality significantly.

Remember, a good night's sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being.

At Beds4U, we are committed to helping you find that perfect sleep solution.

With a wide range of high-quality mattresses and a knowledgeable team eager to assist, finding your ideal comfort is just a visit away.

Explore our latest collections and sales at Beds4U and start enjoying a more comfortable sleep tonight.

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1 day ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64.5% Yes
    64.5% Complete
  • 32.9% No
    32.9% Complete
  • 2.6% Other - I'll share below
    2.6% Complete
1355 votes