MEDIA RELEASE: FRIDAY 7 MAY 2010

SOCIABLE SCIENCE WINS TOP PRIZE
Students break down information barriers to natural health

New to YouTube, the winning Comvita Science Challenge video entry announced last night, Omeganation, did what some would find surprising – it made an entertaining link between fish* and the human ability to form connections.

Challenged with creating a short video that explains the science behind some of Nature’s healthiest foods, Jacob Monash, Tessa Monash, and Carlos Espinoza Tapia took out the $5,000 prize, successfully showing how Omega 3 promotes healthy brain activity in a fun clip relevant to all viewers – not just those in lab coats.

To see the winning clip and runner-up: www.comvitasciencechallenge.co.nz

“One of the barriers to natural health is that the science is not understood. Unfortunately, this means that people don’t benefit from the health enhancing properties of foods right at their fingertips,” said Dr. Ralf Schlothauer, Chief Technology Officer at Comvita.

“That’s why we challenged Auckland University Students to present a short clip that makes the science behind the wellness properties of natural foods relevant to general consumers.”

Announced on Thursday 6 May at 6:00pm, Omeganation was the clear winner with a 10 point margin. Tapping into our human need to be sociable, the Omeganation clip highlighted the role Omega 3 plays in creating more connections in the brain and the health effects.

“We were really impressed with the Omeganation clip. It was professional, had a very clear message that was easy to understand and it grabs your attention. It was snappy, catchy and cool,” said the judges.

Winner Jacob Monash and his team were looking for an opportunity like the challenge when calls for entries went out: “We really enjoyed the challenge of presenting information in a way that everyone can grasp it. With Omeganation we took a solid analogy that everyone could get and made that the basis of our story.”

About the Science Challenge
The Science Challenge was a joint initiative run by Comvita, the University of Auckland, and the student initiative CHIASMA, and judged by Nikki Bezzant (food writer and founding editor of the Healthy Food Guide); Peter Griffin (founding manager of the Science Media Centre and former Technology Editor of the New Zealand Herald); Brett Hewlett (CEO of Comvita); Dr Ralf Schlothauer (Chief Technology Officer of Comvita); Kerry Loomes (Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry within the School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland) and Dick Bellamy (microbiologist and molecular biologist and the former Dean of Science at the University of Auckland).

Entrants could choose from Manuka Honey, Broccoli, Propolis, Omega 3, Olive Leaf Complex and GreenTea as the Natural food subject for their clip.
* Fish refers to Omega 3

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Media Release: 09 November, 2009

Naturally, we’ve got you covered – Comvita’s latest addition to their all-natural Winter Wellness range

Cold winter months and financial stress can put extra pressure on the immune system, leaving you feeling run down. However, the good news is, Comvita has added a new, great tasting, natural elixir to their iconic Winter Wellness range.

The Comvita Manuka Honey and Blackcurrant Elixir combines UMF®10+ Manuka honey, Blackcurrant and Zinc in a natural formulation that is designed to support the immune system.

Blackcurrants contain high levels of anthocyanins which are an excellent source of healthy fruit flavanoids. Manuka honey has been traditionally used to support the body’s immune response, while Zinc has been proven to play an important role in supporting the immune defences.

Most of Comvita's Winter Wellness products include either UMF® Manuka honey and/or Propolis. UMF® Manuka honey has a soothing action and displays antioxidant properties not found in ordinary honeys. Propolis is created by Honeybees who collect natural resin from certain deciduous trees and carry it to the hive where they mix it with enzymes and beeswax to create this 'superfood'. Bees line the hive with a layer of propolis which helps to keep it, not only warm and wind-proof, but also free of bugs. Propolis has also been shown to have antioxidant activity.

Comvita Propolis Herbal Elixir combines UMF® 10+ Manuka honey and propolis. The combined power of Propolis and UMF® 10+ Manuka honey work to support the immune system. Comvita’s Propolis Herbal Elixir is part of Comvita’s original winter wellness product range and continues to be a favourite amongst the natural health trade.

Comvita’s Manuka Honey Syrups and Comvita’s Throat Lozenges are great for 'tackling the tickle' and helping support the throat. The syrups are available with Marshmallow or Mullein and the Lozenges are available in Lemon and Honey, Coolmint, Original (Aniseed) and Menthol (without Propolis).

The Winter Wellness range also includes products for children, all of which are free from artificial colours or sweeteners. The Children’s Comvita’s Lemon & Honey Elixir and the Comvita Children’s Natural Lollipops (also for the young at heart) offer support for the immune system.

All of Comvita’s Winter Wellness products are suitable - and affordable - for the whole family and will keep you going until spring!


Comvita’s Winter Wellness products are available in all leading natural health stores, selected pharmacies and www.comvita.co.uk

• Comvita Propolis Herbal Elixir, 200ml, RRP£9.20
• Comvita Manuka Honey & Blackcurrant Elixir, 200ml, RRP£9.20
• Comvita Manuka Honey with Marshmallow, 100ml, RRP£7.82
• Comvita Manuka Honey with Mullein, 100ml, RRP£7.82
• Comvita Throat Lozenges, 12’s, RRP£3.97
• Comvita’s Lemon & Honey Elixir, 200ml, RRP£8.96
• Comvita Children’s Natural Lollipops, 10’s, RRP£4.25

Always read the label and use only as directed.
If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.


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1st July 2008

Medihoney™ Barrier Cream on UK Drug Tariff
50g Tube on FP10 from 1st July 2008

Medihoney™ Barrier Cream helps maintain the skin’s barrier properties, skin moisture and pH. It will be available on Drug Tariff from 1st July 2008.

Medihoney™ Barrier Cream can be applied to intact and at-risk skin to provide protection from body fluids and moisture. It can be used around wounds and under skin folds where a protective barrier will help prevent skin breakdown. The Cream can also be applied under wound dressings and incontinence pads where the skin can be at-risk of damage.

Changes to the skin’s pH can allow normally harmless enzymes to breakdown the skin. The use of Medihoney™ Barrier Cream helps to maintain the skin's protective pH.

Medihoney™ wound care products from Comvita, the worlds’ largest producer of Leptospermum sp. honey, are supported by over 15 years of international research. Launched in 1999, Medihoney™ Antibacterial Honey was the first medical honey developed specifically for advanced wound care. A recent study published in the Journal of Wound Care¹ concluded that Leptospermum honey supplied by Comvita was "effective in eradicating MRSA from 70% of venous ulcers¹.

Medihoney™ Barrier Cream contains 30% Medihoney™ Antibacterial Honey and is specially formulated with a range of natural ingredients.

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¹ Journal of Wound Care Vol 17, No 6 June 2008

Contact:
Jane Scott
Medihoney (Europe) Ltd
UK Toll free: 0800 071 3912
Int Tel: +44 1753 70 1617

Notes for Editors:
Medihoney™ Barrier Cream 50g will be available from 1st July 2008 and listed in the Drug Tariff in part IXC, Skin Fillers & Protectives - PIP COD E 338 -7644

Indications for Use:
· Protects at-risk skin from breakdown associated with incontinence and can be used under incontinence pads

· Can be used around wound edges to protect the skin from irritation or breakdown caused by wound exudate

· Helps protect the skin from damage caused by friction or shear

· Helps prevent maceration

· Helps prevent excoriation

· Helps maintain the skin pH

· Helps prevent damage to skin caused by frequent hand washing.

About Medihoney™:
Medihoney™ products are setting new standards in advanced wound care. With current international research showing up to 28% reduction in healing times over conventional dressings along with a significant reduction in wound pH, the evidence has never been more compelling. Comvita, owner of Medihoney is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of Leptospermum (Manuka) honey. A recent study published in the Journal of Wound Care¹ concluded that Leptospermum honey supplied by Comvita was "effective in eradicating MRSA from 70% of venous ulcers.¹" Few advanced wound care products can match its broad range of modalities and still be suitable for long term use on some of our most vulnerable patients. Medihoney products have both US FDA approval and European CE mark conformity assessment.
¹ Journal of Wound Care Vol 17, No 6 June 2008
www.medihoney.com