Dr Anna Rolleston The Cardiac Clinic

Be happy, do the things you want to do, love the ones you have around you and reap the benefits of improved wellbeing and good health. I write my column today in loving memory of Kevin Manuhiri Wehipeihana.

The journey to improved health and wellbeing is less about the physical attributes of a healthy body and more about less tangible factors like the way you see the world, your perception of your place in that world and the way you think.
People who need to eat better and exercise more probably also need to laugh more, worry less, have fun and focus on the simple things in life – family, friends, quiet times.
Kevin was a man who epitomised these things. To get to the end of ones journey in this life and to be able to say that you lived life the way you wanted to and did the things that made you and those around you happy, could be one of the greatest achievements a person could hope for.
If you live your life that way, every day, you are more likely to be happier, have a greater sense of wellbeing and in turn, your health will improve. My education has largely been structured by the western medical model of health care. It has its place, however, my experience has convinced me that the reality is, happiness is health.
Kevin loved Eva. Kevin loved Josh, Melody and Skye. Without condition.
Kevin loved his mates. He loved hanging out with his mates. In fact, he was often the ‘navigator' when it came to getting people together, be it fishing, golf, poker games, dinners, a ‘quiet' drink, anything that involved sharing time with the ones he loved, doing the things that he loved.
Health is not just about how your body feels and acts. It is not just about whether the numbers you get from the doctor are in the correct range. Health is not just about whether you eat enough veges and exercise every day. Health is so much more complex than that.
Kevin knew what health meant. He had not an ounce of malice in him. He loved and was loved by his mates. His whanau came first. He did the things he wanted to do. He was one of the healthiest people I have ever met. He lived the life I wish every person lived.
No reira e te hoa haere haaere haere atu ra ki tuaa o te arai.