AIMA NZ is delighted to announce the topic for the next AIMA Auckland Monthly Meeting is...

Dopamine: The Forgotten Neurotransmitter In Mood, Motivation and Sleep

with Martin Harris - Leading Pharmacist and Nutrition Medicine Expert

There is a lot more to mental health than neurotransmitter balance. However, our current medical model for mood disorders mostly utilises drug therapy. These drugs are designed to alter serotonin and noradrenaline levels. These medicines are only effective in about a third of patients. Great news if you are a pharmacist, but not so great for patients. So, the answer must lie beyond just serotonin and noradrenaline. Where are we missing the mark? How important is dopamine for mood, motivation and sleep?

In his talk, Martin will review:

The actions of dopamine on mood, motivation and sleep.
The signs and symptoms of deficiency (including Martin’s 5-minute dopamine assessment screening tool).
Environmental factors that may affect dopamine levels.
Nutritional strategies to boost dopamine levels, including potential drug-nutrient interactions.
Case studies (positive and negative) diagnosing and treating low dopamine levels.

When: Wednesday 28th August, 7pm networking and light refreshments, 7.30pm start (presentation will be for 1 hour from 7.30-8.30pm)

Where: Marcellin Room, St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby – parking available onsite

Tickets: $20 adults $10 students with ID. Tickets must be pre-booked. Herbal tea and light refreshments included.

BROADCAST LIVE ON FACEBOOK:
We will be broadcasting the presentation live on the AIMA Facebook Page. This is the last chance to enjoy this service free of charge – from September these broadcasts will be available to AIMA Members only. To view the live stream, visit our Facebook page at 7.30pm on Wednesday 28th August 2019. Become and AIMA member now to ensure you never miss out!

About Martin Harris

Martin is a Nutrition Medicine Pharmacist at Massey Unichem Pharmacy in West Auckland with over 30 years’ experience. His own health crisis in the 1990s forced him to search for alternative health solutions. This led to formal studies in Nutrition Medicine at RMIT University working with some of the world leaders in Nutrition Medicine. He has written a book about the vital importance of nutrition in health, which can be purchased in many pharmacies or downloaded free of charge from www.MartinHarris.co.nz.

After completing his post-graduate qualifications in Nutrition Medicine, Martin started a clinic within his pharmacy to help people to achieve optimal health through nutrition and lifestyle modification. He has also developed a Nutrition Medicine training programme for pharmacists. Currently, over 150 pharmacists have completed his course. Martin has won numerous industry awards for his work including the Supreme Award at the NZ Pharmacy Awards in 2015.

Martin is also a qualified yoga instructor and has run yoga classes in his clinic for patients with mood disorders.

Join us and learn about this fascinating topic. It's a great opportunity to meet and network with like-minded practitioners and students in an informal setting.