Catch the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on The Breeze where Mel chats to Audiologist and APD Expert Joanna Wallace, Kimberly White from Kennards Hire, Founder of WithLoveEd and Eating Disorder Recovery Coach Rebecca Papprill and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera.
Featured Guest: Joanna Wallace
Mel kicks off the episode talking to Joanna Wallace, an audiologist specialising in Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), a condition that affects how the brain processes sound.
Joanna clarifies the difference between hearing loss and APD, explaining that the disorder affects the brain’s ability to process sound rather than the ear’s ability to hear.
APD can impact learning, communication and daily activities, particularly in noisy environments like classrooms. She explains that children with APD may hear soft sounds but struggle to focus in situations with multiple voices, leading to behavioural issues like inattentiveness.
Joana emphasises the importance of diagnosing APD accurately to ensure proper treatment and support can be provided.
Featured Guest: Kimberly White
After her son struggled with sound sensitivity at a concert, Kimberly White kicked the Kennards Hire Sound Sensitivity Stations at Eden Park and Forsyth Barr Stadium into action.
Kimberly’s son described the sound at the concert as painful and feeling like his brain was hurting.
“At the end of the concert you’re kind of beating yourself up as a parent thinking, ‘what could I have done to be more prepared?’” Kimberly recalls.
The stations provide free earplugs to concertgoers, offering a simple solution for those with sound sensitivities or auditory processing issues, allowing them to enjoy events comfortably.
With over 5,500 pairs of earplugs dispensed at Eden Park alone, the initiative has received positive feedback and Kimberly said she would love to see them available in a lot more places.
Featured Guest: Rebecca Papprill
Rebecca Papprill founded WithLoveED to support those affected by eating disorders after her daughter’s own struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frustrated by the lack of resources and support in New Zealand’s public health system, Rebecca launched a petition that secured over $3 million in government funding for eating disorder services.
Through WithLoveEd, Rebecca provides education, expert advice and personal stories to help individuals and families navigate the challenges of eating disorders.
She advocates for positive body image, body neutrality and open conversations about food, encouraging a society-wide shift away from diet culture.
Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera
This week Piyara discussed eye strain, a prevalent issue in our digitally dominated lives.
Eye strain can be identified by symptoms such as soreness, burning eyes, blurred vision, headaches and watery or dry eyes.
From simple strategies such as ensuring good posture, blinking frequently and following the 20-20-20 rule, taking a 20 second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away, Piyara offers practical solutions to help protect our eyes.
Featured Product: NovaTears Eye Drops
This week, Mel took a moment to talk about NovaTears Eye Drops, a product specifically designed to lubricate the eye and relieve dryness.
Dry eyes can become more of an issue as we age, but increased screen time can accelerate it. Symptoms that indicate dry eyes could include stinging or burning, itchy eyes, blurred vision and sensitivity to light, redness, a feeling of grittiness in the eye and watering eyes.
NovaTears spread quickly and easily across the eye to stabilise the tear film and form a protective layer to reduce excessive tear evaporation.
It uses a water-free technology called EyeSol® that doesn’t support microbial growth, allowing NovaTears to be produced preservative-free and can last up to 6 months after opening.
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare Professional. AFT Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Auckland.
Listen to the full episode up top and tune in this Sunday from 8am for The House of Wellness on The Breeze.
