Grey Power November 2015

22
NATIONAL GREYPOWER MAGAZINE » NOVEMBER 2015
Has the TPPA broken democracy? - continued
From page 20
countries’ courts.
Global ISDS claim numbers have exploded,
rising from almost zero to 608 in
the past 20 years.
The dawning realisation of vulnerability
to ISDS claims has led Brazil, Argentina,
South Africa, Indonesia, Austria,
France and Germany to oppose them in
future trade deals.
However, our Government has confidently
committed us to ISDS provisions.
With pride they announce that they have
achieved a tobacco “carve out” that specifically
protects against tobacco industry
lawsuits. But if a “carve out” for the tobacco
industry is needed, then there is a
risk of similar lawsuits from other corporations
who are not excluded. If not, why
the “carve out”?
Could disputes over medication costs,
Kiwis Caring for Kiwis
Call 0800 737 2273
or visit www.radiuscare.net.nz
or health policies to curb the obesity
epidemic, or environmental policies to
curb pollution and climate change leave
us vulnerable to ISDS claims?
A leaked version of final intellectual
property chapter suggests that although
the more extreme demands of the pharmaceutical
industry have not been
granted major concerns remain. Some
of these concerns relate to the introduction
of “patent term extensions” and
the potential for patent holders to seek
injunctions to delay the availability of
much cheaper generic medications.
Ambiguity of the TPPA wording and
how much room it leaves for continued
pressure from the US may also extend
monopoly periods for biological medications.
Biological medications include modern
life saving treatments for cancers,
a range of chronic health problems including
arthritis and vaccines. Each year
of additional monopoly for this medication
group has been estimated to cost an
additional $NZ25-50 million.
Any additional cost will divert money
away from other already overstretched
health care services. It is well reported
that financial shortfalls are already affecting
health services in NZ and that many
patients miss out on important medical
and surgical interventions or spend considerable
times on waiting lists.
Additional constraints or costs will
disproportionally disadvantage the most
vulnerable, including the young and the
elderly. In light of this it is important to
impress on our government that we are
holding them to account over their promise
that the cost of medications will not
increase.
But of course, as I write this I can
script the Government’s reply that I am
When a loved one requires further support to continue living their life to the full, we
make it our goal to ensure the transition into aged care is as easy as possible.
New Zealand owned and operated, we pride ourselves on bringing Kiwi values into
aged care. Values where the individual is important beyond their medical needs; where
it’s about who they are, their hobbies and interests, and how we can make
our home their home.
A seven day activity roster ensures our residents continue to enjoy their hobbies on a
daily basis. Bowling championships, baking, woodwork and outings in the van are just
some of the types of activities on offer.
If you have any questions or would like to look around, please feel free to call or drop in
for a chat at any of our 20 facilities nationwide.
Leaders in Care
hopelessly misguided and know not what
I talk about.
So let’s really hope that I am wrong
because the alternative is so destructive.
However, in matters of sovereignty and
access and equity to healthcare, is it good
enough (and democratically acceptable)
that we are left to hope?
Note. Over the last twelve months Dr
Erik Monasterio has been working with
Grey Power, giving a medical perspective
on the TPP, we are grateful for his input to
our concerns, re the signing of this agreement.
Biokinetics Clinic
From page 16
portunity for our students to gain first-hand
experience in how to create exercise programmes
tailored to the needs of individual
clients.”
As a result the Biokinetic Clinic has continued
this year with a core of volunteers
who took part in the initial study.
Supervised by experienced Wintec staff,
students involved work toward qualification
as Clinical Exercise Physiologists. Having
access to the group of volunteer clients has
enabled them to gain real-life experience
which is invaluable in their professional development,
Stephen said.
“We have had support from Waikato District
Health Board rehabilitation physicians
with the key message that elderly people
can be treated in hospital but when they
are discharged they need specialist support
to be able to function at home. Our aim is to
keep people active and out of the retirement
homes.”
Stephen hoped the Waikato DHB would
see the value in the skills clinical exercise
physiologists can provide and translate that
into jobs for Wintec’s graduates. This had
happened with other health boards.
Along with Deann Forsyth, fellow Biokinetics
Clinic volunteer Andrew Malloch has
also gained benefit from twice-weekly sessions
with clinic physiologists.
A self-employed Hamilton business consultant,
Andrew, 64, used to surf and play
social rugby. From his mid 30s he took up
running but stopped at about 55, “just got
lazy”.
Andrew answered a newspaper advertisement
for participants in Collin’s research
last year and has continued this year. The effects
have been dramatic.
“We each have an individual assessment
and programme designed for us.
“When I started I could leg press 80kgs,
now I can press 120kgs. My resting heart
rate was 90 beats per minute, now it is 70
bpm and I’m aiming for 60 bpm.
“Jodie’s study was to find out if biokinetics
can make an improvement in the
wellbeing of older people.
“I do a lot of walking, up to 5km a day,
and the programme has improved my
strength and balance. It has made me more
aware of my weight.”
Wintec Biokinetics Clinic manager Dr
Glynis Longhurst said the vision for the programme
was to provide a community service
for anyone with chronic disease at any
age - things like diabetes, respiratory issues,
cardiac and thyroid problems - resulting in
not being able to lose weight.
“Ours is a teaching clinic which means
we run 12-week exercise programmes during
the two semesters. We are always on the
lookout for clients and will probably start
taking new people in January.
“Once clients have completed our clinic
they are encouraged to continue in the
maintenance programme at $4 a week.” she
said.
Anyone interested should contact Dr Glynis
Longhurst at Wintec. glynis.longhurst@wintec.
ac.nz to set up an appointment for assessment.