From the Chair
Summer Latch on with ‘ Baby Valentine ’
Sally Webb - Chair , Bay of Plenty District Health Board
It ’ s hard to believe we are already in March , I am sure you have all been enjoying summer in our beautiful Bay of Plenty .
Health Matters this month has some really interesting articles , I really encourage everyone to read and think about the Future Care Planning article . None of us know what is ahead of us , no matter what age we are , it is never too early to think about what matters for our whānau / family and us as individuals .
I had a personal experience of Future Care Planning with my own mother , and well before I had read any of the information about Future Care Planning and understood how important the concept is .
When our mother was in her mid-eighties she talked with each of us and was very clear what she wanted if she became ill . When she had a major stroke it meant , as her children , we could support her wishes and understood her reasoning . Having ‘ that conversation ’ is so important , and not just when we get older but right now , so no matter what happens you and you family are in agreement and have a shared understanding of what is important about your future health care .
The other articles I would really like everyone to reflect on are the focus on Back to School . There is such an opportunity with our school children to set them on a healthy lifestyle path , which will benefit them in later years . Of course one of the best ways to help our children be healthy is to set that example at home and around our communities .
So , what can each of you do to become healthier every day ? It might be more exercise , better eating , taking the time to enjoy life , and making time for friends and family . Whatever it is that is meaningful for you my challenge is that you role model healthy living for our children across the Bay , and start a new activity that will help you be healthier and enjoy life more .
He aha te mea nui o te ao ? He tangata ! He tangata ! He tangata !
What is the most important thing in the world ? It is people ! It is people ! It is people !
Arohanui
Sally Webb
Kelsey feeding her son with the support of her partner Eden Walmsley and mum Christina Kora .
Eastern Bay mums recently celebrated Valentine ’ s Day , sharing the love with their babies in a “ Summer Latch on ’.
Mum Kelsey Kora says she decided to take part in the ‘ Summer Latch on ’ to celebrate breastfeeding , parenthood and whānau .
“ This day is all about supporting and connecting with other Mums . And what better day than Valentine ’ s Day .
“ I am passionate about breastfeeding , I know it ’ s so good for my baby , and want to do my bit to normalise breastfeeding in public . If by me being here today has given another Mum confidence , then I have done my part .”
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for babies from birth to around six
month . Mothers are advised to continue breastfeeding as solid food is introduced until their babies are at least one year old .
Breast milk is the perfect food , because it ’ s easy for baby to digest . It adapts to baby ’ s needs , is the right temperature , and , best of all , it ’ s free !
BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING
● Being breastfed gives your baby protection against some illnesses .
● It may protect against eczema , asthma , reflux , some bowel diseases and some childhood cancers . It may also reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later .
● A baby with a family history of food allergies may have less risk of developing allergies when they are breastfed .
● Research shows that women who breastfeed are less likely to develop breast or ovarian cancer .
Women needing support with breastfeeding can contact Bronwyn Turner from La Leche League Whakatane on 3077440 or email Bronwynturner @ xtra . co . nz
| EBLIFE
22 FRIDAY , February 24 , 2017