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WINTER 2024 InTouch | 7 Nate’s Poem Roll’N I’m roll’n down the street in my wheelchair People sometimes stare, but I don’t really care. I am faster than you think, don’t underestimate my speed I am faster than even lightning McQueen. You can run, but you cannot hide. I’ll chase you til you get disqualified... bye bye! I’m in a wheelchair living my best life Roll’n, not hating. Just living, l’m here. Don’t shed a tear. I roll right by with a smile on my face. Life’s too short, no need to back space. To all of you able bodied people out there just because I can’t walk, doesn’t mean I’m weak. I am stronger than you think. Yeah, sometimes its tough. but I never give up So next time you see me roll’n on by just give me a smile, don’t act shy. I might be in a wheelchair, but I am doing alright Living my best life and just roll’n with pride. Don’t shed a tear. I roll right by with a smile on my face. Life’s too short, no need to back space. Written by Nate In memory of Nate Matthews-Olsen As we head towards the cooler months, it is important to start thinking about how you are going to keep well when winter bugs descend. As with any illness, the prevention of winter ails is better than a cure. There are things you can do now to ensure you come out at the other end of winter feeling healthy and energised. Consider getting the flu vaccine. Although sometimes myths do the rounds saying the vaccine may cause illness rather than prevent it, only a very small percent of the population notice any symptoms when given it. It is also important to note that the vaccine changes every year, and if you’ve had a reaction in the past, you may not have one with the next vaccine. So, why does the vaccine change every year, or every other year? Influenza is caused by a virus that mutates (or changes its structure) over time. The World Health Organisation monitors influenza illness throughout the year and makes recommendations on which three influenza types are likely to cause the most illness in the Northern and in the Staying well over winter What can I do now to make sure I stay as healthy as possible this winter? Southern hemispheres during their respective influenza season. Based on this information, pharmaceutical companies develop vaccines that protect against those types. This it’s recommended you have the injection each year. Some people get worried about the vaccine’s effectiveness when they still get sick even though they had it. It is important to note that getting a flu shot doesn’t mean you won’t get sick at all, but it means you won’t be as sick as those who are unprotected. Vaccination also helps prevent secondary complications, hospitalisation and even death. That’s right, influenza can be deadly. For more information, check out the website www.fightflu.co.nz . It’s also worth considering a pneumococcal vaccine, alongside your flu shot. This prevents infection with pneumococcal pneumonia causing bacteria, again preventing severe complications and hospitalisation. Another medication to add to your cabinet is Buccaline. It’s available from your pharmacist and is recommended at the start of every winter. It protects against secondary bacterial complications of influenza and colds for approximately three months. Boosting your natural immunity is also important. Take plenty of Vitamin C, Zinc, ginger, horseradish, echinacea and Manuka honey to name a few. There are many high quality supplements available from your local pharmacy or health store. Now is also the time to start thinking about your home, and whether you need to make any changes to stay healthy during winter. It should be dry and insulated so it is warm over the winter months. If you are asthmatic, ensure you always use your preventer inhaler, and have a reliever close by. Steam inhalations, vaporizers and natural chest rubs are always useful to have around over winter. NEWS ROUNDUP