Eating Disorders

I believe that eating disorders are a major health issue impacting the lives of many sufferers and their families. Traditionally the leading eating disorders have been anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Although the so called obesity epidemic could be put in this category it is treated separately below.

I believe that

• the causes of eating disorders are complex making them difficult to treat, requiring a multifaceted approach
• a holistic approach is needed to improve the lives of present sufferers and to reduce the incidence of eating disorders in the future. This includes
• trying to change societies attitude to body shape and body image
• improving attitudes towards sufferers
• advocating to the health board and government that it is urgent that these programs are adequately resourced
• sufferers who need hospitalisation are treated locally as far as practicable so they can receive support from their friends and family
• sensitive handling of publicity around the so called obesity epidemic (see elsewhere) is needed to ensure it does not worsen the incidence of eating disorders or parents putting their children on fad diets as these would result in even worse public health problems in the future.

They’ve used our slogan

I’ve just driven past a City vision billboard and stuck to it on white paper is our slogan “putting patient’s first”. Are we meant to be flattered or annoyed?

Weight may be set early in life, but by what?

Herald article on Monday September 24, 2007 By Martin Johnston.

Auckland University research has revealed that short bursts of sprinting do little to protect young children from packing on the weight, but switching off the television – and being a boy – is a big help, The… More

As I have said I am concerned about the health consequences of excessive publicity around the so called “obesity epidemic”.  I am pafrticularly concerned that parents may put their children on restrictive or fad diets and that the publicity may worsen eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bullimia.

Middlemore cancels 1000 ops

Tuesday September 25, 2007 By Errol Kiong. A shortage of anaesthetic technicians has seen Middlemore Hospital cancel operations for around 1000… More

This article further emphasises what I have been saying about the importance of recruitment and retention of staff in our globalised marketplace.

NZNO Surveys ADHB candidates

NZ Nurses Organisation has surveyed district health board candidates and judging by my responses to their survey has treated all candidates fairly. All candidates seem to agree on the need for more openness and accountability and urgent action on the recruitment and retention of staff. Although the new nurses wage settlement will go some way towards achieving this goal I have said many times that in my opinion this must include changes in society’s attitude to value more the contribution modern medicine makes to our daily lives and focus on positive outcomes instead of always focusing on the negative sensational ones.Summaries of candidates opinions on their website here: http://www.nzno.org.nz/Site/votewell.aspx

Some daffodil day figures

Whilst we still do not know the total figure (National) raised for Daffodil Day as yet, here are the figures for the Auckland region. Total amount raised in Auckland (Street collection + National Bank sponsorships) – $ 1.3million!! Total money raised by street collectors - $383,591 (11.97% increase compared to 2006) Total money raised by us in CBD – $23,073.80 (14.68% increase compared to 2006) A BIG thank you to all the volunteers for your input into the success of this event and a special thanks is due to Charu Reddy who organised the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre’s collection teams.

Local elections – get voting

Voting papers have been mailed out for the local elections and everyone should take the opportunity to post their votes before midday on Saturday 13 October. That’s the word from Local Government New Zealand’s Manager Governance, Mike Reid, who … More >>

The post box is your ballot box

I post here an article from the Herald. Now that you have your voting papers, use your right and vote!

19 September 2007If the future of your city, district or region is important then make sure you vote in this year’s local body elections. From Friday, all enrolled electors will receive their voting documents in the post. Voters have three weeks to choose the elected representatives they want and post back their voting documents.

Dale Ofsoske, electoral officer for four of the Auckland region’s eight councils, says elected representatives make choices that affect everything from the maintenance of parks to regional growth and planning. “Voters should think carefully about the best people to represent them. Voting is important and easy to do.” Mr Ofsoske says voters need to make their choices and get their votes in the post by Thursday 11 October.   “Remember this election the post box is your ballot box.” Elections are being held for:

o       mayor

o       councillors

o       community board membersin your territorial authority (city or district)

o       Auckland Regional Council members

o       District Health Board members (Vote for Me!)

o       and licensing trust members in some areas. 

Voting closes at midday on Saturday 13 October, and some councils will have drop-off points on election day for those who have missed the postal deadline. To contact your local electoral officer visit your council’s website.

So send those voting papers back in before October 11th!!

I’d like to have a crack at solving this problem

Unhealthy figures. Thursday, 20 September 2007, 5:00:00 a.m.

The health system is wasting almost $60 million a year because nearly one in 10 people fail to attend medical appointments because they can’t get there, New Zealand First MP Pita Paraone says. He told Parliament 188,000 hospital…More

Any ideas?

Contact details and discussion lists

If you have any queries you can contact me:

Kevin Hicks

Mobile: 027 313 8382

Email: kevin.hicks@aucklandhealth.org.nz

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General inquiries email kevin.hicks@aucklandhealth.org.nz or phone 027 313 8382.

 

This information is also available on www.aucklandhealth.org.nz.