“I thought ‘that’ll get people talking’, it was hilarious.
“When I saw the Gut Foundation, I thought what a fantastic campaign, I’ll do a video about it to raise awareness.
“It’s a great cause that doesn’t get enough exposure.”
The Gut Foundation’s bold Gut Check campaign is running throughout May and also includes signage that touts the phrases: Salad Bowel, Lawn Bowels and Eau De Colon.
According to the foundation’s research, only 17% of Kiwis can explain why gut health matters and over 1 million adults feel too embarrassed to talk to their GP about gut symptoms.
Gut Foundation chief executive Alice Fitzgerald said New Zealanders are dying because they find their digestive systems too awkward to discuss.
“We’ve chosen to be bold because we must make this campaign a conversation starter.
“The gut isn’t just a bathroom issue, it’s our physical and mental command centre.
“It is our primary defence against chronic disease and a ‘second brain’ that influences our sleep, mood and mental clarity.
“Our research shows too many New Zealanders are unaware of these links.
“No matter your age, your gut health is the foundation of your wellbeing.”
New Zealand has one of the worst bowel cancer rates in the world, and the fastest-rising rate of bowel cancer in those under 50.
Every day, nine people are diagnosed with bowel cancer and three die.
Caught early, survival is 90%. However, embarrassment often stops people acting in time.
Fitzgerald said it’s not just cancer.
A healthy gut is critical for the entire body, yet most people are unaware of its role in defending against type 2 diabetes, obesity and autoimmune conditions, she said.
Real estate agent Milly Sabin is supporting the Gut Foundation’s gut health campaign.
“The research proves that traditional, clinical messaging isn’t working.
“The campaign’s core purpose is to normalise gut talk with friends, whānau and health professionals, so people recognise symptoms earlier and seek care sooner.”
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.