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3248 days ago

Smoke not dangerous, but can trigger asthma attacks. Please look after yourself.

Shannon Beynon Reporter from Christchurch Mail

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ urges those with asthma and respiratory conditions in the Christchurch area to be prepared – as bush fire smoke can trigger asthma attacks, allergies and shortness of breath.

The smoke from bush fires contains small particles that can cause irritation to the lungs, eyes, nose and throat.

People are advised to minimise their exposure to smoke and time spent outdoors. Windows and doors need to be kept closed, air vents blocked, and air conditioning set to a recycle setting.

Tips for asthmatics during bush fires:
- Continue taking asthma preventer medication as prescribed.
- Always carry asthma reliever medication, and use it as soon as asthma symtoms are present. When possible use a spacer which enables more medication to be delivered into the lungs.
- If asthma reliever medication is not working, or is required every 2-3 hours or more, seek medical advice by calling 111 for an ambulance.
- Elderly people, children, and people working at the fire front are most at risk. Access help fast if someone appears unwell.
- If you don’t have an Asthma Action Plan or are unsure of what to do in an asthma emergency, follow the Asthma First Aid procedure.
- It is important to remember that people who aren’t in affected areas are also at high risk, as winds can carry smoke and ash particles for long distances. Smoke and air pollution can linger long after the fires have subsided, so it is essential to remain prepared.

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is a not-for-profit organisation committed to those affected by asthma and respiratory illness. Free resources are available at asthmaandrespiratory.org.nz.

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More messages from your neighbours
15 days ago

Today’s Mind-Bender is the Last of the Year! Can You Guess It Before Everyone Else? 🌟🎁🌲

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I dance in the sky with green and gold, a spectacle few are lucky to behold; I’m best seen in the south, a celestial sight—what am I, lighting up the New Zealand night?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

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3 hours ago

Scamwatch: How to recognise, avoid and act against scams.

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A scam or a fraud is any scheme designed to con you out of money or steal your personal information. If someone contacts you unexpectedly – whether over the phone, through the post, by email, on a website, in person or on social media – always consider the possibility that it may be a scam.

Scammers target lots of people, often for small amounts of money. They constantly evolve their approach making scams harder to spot. Most scams come from overseas, but they may pretend to be locally based — from a reputable company, bank, or government agency, or even from your friends on social media if your account has been hacked. It is very difficult to get your money back once it is sent overseas.

Scams hurt us all. You can protect yourself and others by learning how to spot scams, share what you see and report them.

Figure out if you are being scammed: Use these questions to help figure out if you have been targeted by a scammer.

Article compiled from information kindly supplied by ConsumerProtection.govt.nz

Q&A regarding Neighbourly data breach

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23 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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