Cold and flu season may be ending, but it is still important to stay vigilant. We are reaching the end of the 2025 season, but the viruses have not disappeared. Influenza has hit Queenslanders hard this year, and if you have not had your flu shot, it is not too late. It might help protect you from extreme sickness or even hospitalisation.
SMART SKIN
In North Queensland, we have also seen more cases of melioidosis and mosquito-borne diseases. Melioidosis is caused by bacteria that live in soil and water. Transmission occurs through skin contact with contaminated soil or water, inhalation, or ingestion. It can cause anything from mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia and skin or organ abscesses. Prevention measures include wearing waterproof boots and gloves when gardening or working in muddy conditions, wearing a mask when using high-pressure hoses, cleaning and covering cuts, and avoiding unnecessary exposure during heavy rain, particularly as we head into the wet season.
Mosquito-borne illnesses such as Ross River virus and dengue fever can cause fever, chills, joint pain, rashes, and muscle aches. Avoid bites by wearing protective clothing, using repellents with picaridin or DEET, and removing breeding sites around your home.
Last month’s Ride for Isabel fundraiser bike ride was a great success. Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, or came out to support. The event raises funds for the Special Care Nursery at Cairns Hospital and builds awareness around stillbirths and premature babies.
With Father’s Day on September 7, I would like to wish a happy day to all the dads, grandfathers, and father figures. It is also a reminder for men to check in on their health, both physical and mental. Regular check-ups, staying active, eating well, and speaking out can make a difference.
Here is to stronger bodies and quality time with family.
-G Managing Director
SHIELD HIS SKIN FROM SUN, SWEAT AND STRESS
Men’s skincare is a growing topic – especially for dads who spend their weekends fishing, hiking, biking, or perfecting their BBQ skills. Outdoor activities are great for body and mind, but not always for the skin. Let’s break it down.
SUN
UV rays are the biggest culprit for accelerating ageing, causing dryness, and increasing the risk of skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, the sun can take its toll. The Cancer Council recommends sunscreen with the highest SPF available in Australia – that’s SPF50+. Apply it 30 minutes before heading outside, using at least one teaspoon per limb, one for the front of the body, one for the back, and one for the head.
WIND AND SWEAT
Wind and sweat can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry or irritated. Look for signs like redness, rough patches, or premature wrinkles. To prevent windburn, apply a thick moisturiser before heading outdoors, and cover up with a face cover, scarf, or hat. To reduce sweating, wear loose, breathable fabrics like cotton, change out of damp clothes quickly, and use antiperspirants.
POLLUTION
After time outdoors, your face can collect pollutants that clog pores and trigger breakouts. Free radicals damage skin cells and accelerate ageing, while natural oils are stripped away. It’s important to cleanse at the end of the day and follow up with a moisturiser to strengthen the skin barrier. Antioxidants like vitamin C or E serums can also help fight free radicals.
Did you know?
Free radicals are naturally produced by the body through breathing, exercise, and inflammation, but external sources like pollution, UV rays, smoke, alcohol, and fried/processed foods dramatically increase them.
If you’re outdoors often, a skincare routine that protects against these factors is essential. Natio makes it easy with Father’s Day skincare gift packs. Still not sure what’s right? Chat with one of our staff in-store – we’ll help you build a great routine for Dad.
World Pharmacists Day, 25 September 2025
Every day, pharmacists across the globe help meet critical health needs. World Pharmacists Day is our opportunity to celebrate and make visible the profession’s contributions to better health outcomes. It is also a time to advocate for the full integration of pharmacists into health strategies and to remind governments, institutions, and stakeholders that investing in pharmacists is investing in a healthier future for all. - International Pharmaceutical Federation
Heart Check
Why early action matters for long-term health
When it comes to your heart, lungs and that growing waistline, ignoring your health can do more harm than good.
Heart matters (no, not the romantic kind)
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health risk for men. High blood pressure, blocked arteries and heart attacks are common signs that your heart and blood vessels are struggling. Men often experience these issues earlier than women due to lifestyle factors and the tendency to store more abdominal fat – a key risk factor.
Asthma and heart health
You might not think your lungs have anything to do with your heart, but they’re part of the same team. Asthma, which causes your airways to tighten and become inflamed, might play a small supporting role in heart trouble – especially if it’s not well-managed. Chronic inflammation is great when you’re fighting off a cold, but when it lingers (like in asthma), it can affect your blood vessels, too. Still, asthma isn’t a heart villain – it’s more of an annoying side show that could stir up some drama if left unchecked.
The weight of it all
Let’s talk belly fat. Extra pounds around your middle put pressure on your heart, lungs and pretty much everything else. It increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes – all major risk factors for heart disease. In men, abdominal (visceral) fat is especially dangerous, as it contributes to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Obesity is a top risk factor for heart disease and can make asthma symptoms worse, too.
Take action
For men concerned about their heart health, the first step is awareness. Managing weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity is essential. If you have asthma, keeping it well-controlled with prescribed medications and avoiding triggers is crucial.
Regular checkups, blood pressure screenings and cholesterol tests can help detect problems early. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about tools and support available to help manage weight, asthma and cardiovascular risk.
DID YOU KNOW?
Alive Pharmacy Warehouse Prescribing Pharmacists can assist you with reducing asthma symptoms, cardiovascular disease risk reduction programs, and treatment/ management for overweight and obesity.
Improved asthma symptom program and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) monitoring program
Cardiovascular disease risk reduction program
Treatments and management for overweight and obesity
FIT TOGETHER
TRAIN WITH DAD AND DOUBLE THE BENEFITS
Skip brunch – get your sweat on with Dad! Whether he’s a seasoned gym-goer or dusting off the dumbbells, training together is a great way to stay motivated and strengthen your bond.
Training with a partner does more than keep you accountable. Here’s how it levels up your fitness game.
We push harder People naturally work harder when someone is counting on them or raising the bar. It’s known as the Köhler Effect. Fewer injuries, better form A training partner can spot you during heavy lifting, helping you improve your form, preventing serious injuries. Workouts feel shorter Time flies when you’re having fun. Chatting between sets, hyping each other up, sharing a common goal helps the grind feel more like a hangout.
Try new things It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when left to our own routines. A partner can introduce new exercises or machines, leading to faster progress and more fun.
TRENDING PRODUCTS
Max’s Protein is new in our stores and already a popular choice on the market. They offer a range of proteins to help support sports nutrition for maximum gains and a creatine that promotes effective energy for lean muscle gain.
A new launch to market, Famous Nutrition, also has a great new protein and creatine combo!
Lifting weights isn’t just about muscle – it can also be about community.
Appropriate strength training supplements can help fill nutritional gaps our bodies require. A mix of protein and creatine could be the perfect duo.
Creatine and protein work even better together because they support your body in complementary ways: strength and recovery. Creatine helps produce more energy for intense exercise (like lifting weights or sprinting). You’ll be able to lift heavier, do more reps and push harder. Protein helps build your new muscle as well as repair them. Without enough protein, you won’t recover properly or build new muscle tissue.
If you’re lifting weights, trying to build muscle or want faster results, utilise creatine + protein and train with a buddy. Two proven combos, one simple truth: we’re stronger together.
