A chat with James Penman, managing director of holistic health specialists Minerva Health.
Who is your target audience?
Our target audience encompasses high achievers burdened by stress and seeking clear and attainable goals. They’re the wellness purists navigating the maze of internet advice, dedicated to nurturing both mind and body. They’re also the lifestylers who, with the evolution of age and family responsibilities, are in search of credible and genuine guidance on health and wellness.
If I needed help in all facets of my life with my body, my lack of exercise, my motivation – would Minerva be the right place for me? Do I come along for a consultation?
Absolutely. At Minerva, with our unique Warrant of Wellness, we delve deep into your mental and physical health. From understanding your mental wellbeing to analysing your heart, lung, strength, movement, and body composition, our goal is to pinpoint where your focus should lie for maximum benefits.
For a holistic view, we even offer a comprehensive blood test. If ever in doubt, we provide a complimentary discovery call to address any queries you might have.
Do you have specialty personnel to assist with diet, health, and fitness?
Over three transformative years, we’ve meticulously curated a dream team of exceptional professionals in their respective domains. Dr Jeanette, our dietitian, combines a PhD in nutrition with a fine arts degree, among other qualifications. Our performance coach, Jenna, is backed by 17 years of clinical experience as a registered psychologist and behavioural analyst. Additionally, our trainer, Will, is not only a sports scientist and functional movement expert but also on a continual learning journey while our clinical leader in respiratory physiotherapy, Abby, aids in deciphering and rectifying dysfunctional breathing patterns. But beyond their accolades, what makes them truly special is their unwavering passion and alignment with Minerva’s ethos.
If I’ve just undergone major back surgery, what rehab programme would you suggest?
Abby would be able to diagnose /assess/ treat this through holistic Musculo-respiratory physiotherapy and could give the “green flag” to support graded exposure back into meaningful activities post surgery.
How would you customise a programme tailored for managing blood sugars?
Dr Jeanette will thoroughly engage with you to determine an effective strategy, grounded in both your nutritional patterns and the data we gather. We value your involvement in this journey, ensuring the formation of sustainable healthy habits that serve you for life.
I’m a highly competitive individual with an extreme fitness obsession. How would Minerva balance me out?
Jenna, our exceptional performance coach, would be your anchor. While ambition is commendable, an extreme obsession can tip the scales towards an unhealthy lifestyle. Jenna’s bespoke approach will be rooted in understanding your intrinsic motivations. Every behavioural alteration, be it in diet, exercise, sleep, or stress management, circles back to psychology. We aim to harness your personal experiences and drive to benefit you.
How can Minerva help with inherited heart concerns?
Everyone has a narrative, stitched together by genetics and experiences. While an inherited risk doesn’t label you, Dr Jeanette would be the guiding light in sculpting a proactive plan to minimise any potential threat. Our core beliefs revolve around prevention through our four pillars of high performance: nutrition, mental health, exercise, and sleep. We also have the privilege of collaborating with SRW, industry leaders who provide cutting-edge anti-ageing nutraceuticals.
Suppose I had no health or mental or physical issues. What programmes would you propose?
Everyone’s story holds value. We’re here to hear yours and to co-create a plan to unlock your fullest potential. Our ultimate victory is in equipping you with the tools for optimal health, making our presence redundant.
I strongly believe that prevention trumps cure. What preventive programmes would you recommend?
Prevention is our mantra. Our mission is to galvanise New Zealanders to bolster their healthspan, tap into their latent potential, and combat preventable diseases that sadly account for nearly 39% of all deaths.
At Minerva, we don’t just aim for transformation; we envision a movement.
What is healthspan?
Healthspan isn’t just about living longer; it’s about living better. It represents the span of one’s life that’s free from debilitating diseases, allowing one to lead an active, fulfilling, and healthy life. At Minerva, we don’t just aspire for you to add years to your life, but life to your years.
What’s your vision for Minerva Health & Wellness?
Our vision, passionately shared with our stellar team, is to meld cutting-edge medical-prevention with the finesse of a luxury health club. We aspire to ignite a fervour within you about optimising your health. It’s not just about individual wellbeing; it’s about crafting a community of likeminded enthusiasts, where this invigorating culture doesn’t just thrive within our walls but radiates vibrantly into the broader community. At Minerva, we don’t just aim for transformation; we envision a movement.
Visit minervahealth.nz to explore more on Auckland’s holistic healing specialists.
