14 NZ GREYPOWER MAGAZINE » SEPTEMBER <strong>2019</strong> Book Review ACC A National Plot? By Sandra Crashley <strong>2019</strong> Published by Loveley Books, Opotiki, NZ ISBN 978-0-473-47197-2 The purpose of this book is to expose the deficiencies in the way Government agencies, and in particular ACC, fulfil the requirements of the law in their dealings with the public. According to the author, the whole purpose and spirit of the original ACC legislation have been altered beyond recognition and no longer serve the people who seek help. This theory is based on the personal experience of the author over the years. Mrs Crashley is British-born and a migrant to New Zealand 45 years ago. In the past, she has had much experience in being an advocate for those who are struggling with various authorities to get their rights and this is the reason for her undertaking to write the book – a case of gross mismanagement of a young sole parent whose injury at her part-time work caused her to give up work altogether lit the spark, and she cites many other instances of people who did not receive their entitlements from ACC. Mrs Crashley’s problems with ACC appear to have been at least partly caused by a skating accident and botched (illegal) pelvic surgery in England. Her association with the department in New Zealand was the result of various accidental falls, which ACC insisted were due to her age or a rare genetic condition, and nothing to do with the previous medical misadventure or accident. Therefore, as her latest injuries could be put down to “age-related degeneration”, she could not access ACC funding for her physiotherapy and other resulting medical needs. The author has obviously kept meticulous records, much to the discomfiture of certain ACC personnel, and she gives many details of these, together with the full text of letters to various doctors and officials. She has clearly suffered from the incompetence, attitudes and alleged duplicity of ACC staff and various local medical persons. Her knowledge of the legislation has enabled her to relate accurately the original intent of the ACC legislation and the subsequent alteration in its perspective, namely recreating itself from the Accident Compensation Commission, an independent body, into the Accident Compensation Corporation, which is subject to government and pays dividends into the national coffers. The prevailing attitude she experienced was one in which the officials looked upon any claimants as potential rippers-off of the system and therefore to be denied assistance if at all possible, thus saving funds for the organisation. Much of her conclusions she applies to the personnel of other government agencies, and she is very vocal in her criticism of the National government during its last term of office. She is vehement in her condemnation of the treatment she received and her determination to achieve a change in the legislation governing, particularly, ACC. While many elderly people will read this book with great sympathy and relate to much it contains, Reviewed by Kilian de Lacy See also our letters, page 40 I found the endless repetition of medical misadventures, accidents and details of the way the author was treated by the authorities a deterrent to my enjoyment of the book. In addition, it could do with some tidying up with regard to grammar and spelling – it was self-published so presumably there was little or no independent editing. That being said, Mrs Crashley makes a very strong point, one which would resonate with anyone who has had problems obtaining their entitlements from the Corporation. Energy, Vitality and Maintaining Independence When we think about our energy and vitality, quite often we are thinking about being able to do what we want to do. It’s about maintaining our independence no matter our age and continuing to get out and about either locally or abroad. The challenge has always been, how do we maintain this independence as we age, how do we ensure that we don’t have to rely on others. This is where a healthy diet and keeping moving is important. The main reason for losing independence is the loss of our mobility from serious joint issues and inflammation. The inflammation of joints is one of the key areas to the degradation of our health and wellbeing, as it occurs we find we don’t move as much, weight is gained, social connections are harder to keep due to not being able to get out as much, simple activities become a chore, and our mood and outlook decline. We can also feel consistently tired, and in time inflammation can cause other serious conditions. The good thing is, rather than focusing on fixing each little piece in puzzle we can start with the route problem or prevent the problem in the first place. Here are some simple tips to reduce inflammation: DIET There are some foods that can increase inflammation, and some that help to reduce it. Here’s a little helpful list. Increase Inflamation: • Dried Foods • Deep Fried Foods • Refined carbohydrates • Excessive alcohol • Processed meats • Food Addatives Decrease Inflamation: • Fruit • Cruciferous Vegetables • Oily Fish • Turmeric • Nuts & Seeds • Garlic EXERCISE It’s not about hitting the gym, or getting out to run a marathon, but if that is your goal then by all means we applaud. For many, the simple act of getting out of the house for a walk, going shopping, or visiting our favourite places can be a challenge, little and often is the key here, especially if you haven’t done anything for a while. Using things around the home, like a couple of cans for resistance, and vacuuming for cardiovascular can help make a difference. STRESS LESS Reducing stress is important to help reduce inflammation. The more we stress the higher the levels of stress chemicals, like cortisol, course through our body. Though this is great when we are in fight or flight mode, its not great when we should be relaxing. Take time for you, do something you enjoy, even if it is only for a short time each day. Have a period where you can remove some of those things that increase your levels of stress. SLEEP Ensuring you get a quality night’s sleep is vital to helping the body combat all sorts of challenges. When we have broken sleep, or constantly wake up feeling tired, we can be sure that our body isn’t working at it’s optimum. Deep, restful sleep helps the body to regenerate, and do what we want to do during the day. SUPPLEMENTS There is a vast array of supplements out there. The thing to remember is that not all supplements are created equal, and consideration should be given to tried and tested products. Look for well researched, independently batch tested products that support your specific needs. Ensure what you are taking is what is described on the bottle, and always check the use by date.
NZ GREYPOWER MAGAZINE » SEPTEMBER <strong>2019</strong> 15 The Healthy Aging Trial Pack Our best selling products are now available in a handy one-month trial pack. Revitalise your life! Lester’s Oil is the only clinically trialled fish oil in NZ with proven results you can trust. Combined with therapeutic doses of CoQ10, Zeaxanthin, Lutein and Astaxanthin as well as Vitamin D3 and E, Lester’s Oil is powerful support for joint and mobility issues, heart and brain health as well as overall wellbeing. When taken with our famous Res-V Ultimate, a combination of powerful antioxidants, you are getting all round aging support. Not convinced? We also offer a 100% money back guarantee, not a offer we make lightly! ONLY $99! Use the code GREYPOWER Phone 0800 999 309 OR go online to www.abouthealth.co.nz
Change language