News
Read articles and our latest media releases about our efforts
Cannabis use bad for lungs and heart
New evidence linking cannabis to heart and lung disease is challenging long-held beliefs that the drug is a harmless recreational substance.
Occupational respiratory disease: What you can do to protect yourself
Every year in New Zealand, hundreds of people die and thousands are hospitalised after being exposed to harmful contaminants at work.
NZ teenage daily vaping rates almost double, new data reveals
New Health Survey data shows daily vaping among 15 to 17-year-olds has nearly doubled, exposing the escalating scale of New Zealand's youth vaping epidemic.
New Zealand’s first quit vaping guidelines for youth released
New NZ guidelines to help rangatahi quit vaping have been released, aiming to support health professionals as youth vaping addiction rises and dedicated cessation services remain limited.
Discontinuation of Respigen inhaler in New Zealand
Respigen salbutamol inhalers are being discontinued in NZ. Patients can switch to fully funded SalAir or partially-funded Ventolin through their pharmacist - no GP visit needed.
The science of vaping
From nicotine to long-term health effects, explore the science behind vaping and what researchers currently know about its impact on the body.
Understanding oxygen therapy
Oxygen therapy helps people with persistently low blood oxygen, often caused by lung conditions like COPD or bronchiectasis, where damaged airways can't deliver enough oxygen.
Physiotherapy for asthma
Your doctor or nurse practitioner may prescribe inhalers (“puffers”) to help open up your airways so breathing is easier, but what other things can you do to help with your asthma symptoms?
RSV: What you need to know
Each winter, RSV circulates widely, increasing the risk of serious illness for young children, older people and those with respiratory conditions. In this article, we answer your key questions.
Understanding biologics
Biologics are a relatively new type of treatment available to treat severe asthma. In this article we look at how biologics work and who can access them in New Zealand.
Stress incontinence and cough
Sometimes when you cough it can make you leak a bit of urine accidentally. This is known as stress incontinence. This article explores why stress incontinence can occur and what you can do about it.
Understanding spirometry
Spirometry is a simple breathing test that measures the flow and volume of air entering and leaving the lungs to find out how well your lungs are working.