Alive Pharmacy Warehouse - Live+ April 2024

Your guide to staying healthy, happy, alive GREATEST GIFT

HEALTH BY MILESTONE

As women age their health needs change

GET THAT GORGEOUS GLOW Collagen: the best kept secret

BEAT THE FLU IN 2024

Talk to one of our pharmacists or scan here to book online

HAPPY APRIL!

This month’s Live+ Catalogue is a special edition dedicated to Mother’s Day. We send our appreciation to all the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures for their unwavering love and support. As Mother’s Day approaches let’s recognise the profound impact mothers have on shaping who we are and the world we live in.

Next month the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation will be hosting their annual Ride For Isabel Event on the 12th of May. Alive Pharmacy has been a proud sponsor of the event since 2019 and look forward to participating in the bike ride journey from Norman Park to Giangurra. Participants are raising money to support the Special Care Nursery at Cairns Hospital. The event aims to raise awareness and offer support to mothers experiencing stillbirths. You can register for the event online at rideforisabel.org.au

April is also a significant month for getting our Flu Vaccinations. The primary purpose of flu vaccinations is to prevent people from getting sick with influenza, a contagious respiratory illness commonly known as the flu. When a large portion of the population gets vaccinated, it creates a level of immunity that makes it more difficult for the virus to spread. Vaccination is particularly important for protecting highrisk population, this includes elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions. These groups are more susceptible to severe illness and complications from the flu.

Vaccinations are free for all Queensland residents thanks to the 2024 Free Flu Vaccination Program. All Alive Pharmacy Warehouse stores are accepting bookings online at alivepharmacy.com.au. We recommend getting your flu shot before the cold and flu season. The timing and duration of the flu season in Queensland varies year to year but generally occurs between May to October. Commonly flu cases will peak in August.

This month is all about community immunity as we roll full steam ahead on providing free flu vaccinations to the Cairns and surrounding area. Also, an early Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers out there!

Managing Director

DID YOU KNOW?

Men don’t experience the sudden drop in oestrogen levels that women do with menopause, meaning their bone mass reduces at a slower rate until the age of 65-70

HEALTH BY

MILE STONE

As women age their health needs change. Here are some general health tips women should focus on in each decade of their life.

Terrific Twenties & Flirty Thirties

Physical activity in your twenties is important in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, strength in your bones and a healthy cardiovascular system. While working out your muscles it’s never too early to start focusing on keeping your pelvic floor muscles healthy and strong.

Strong, well activated pelvic floor muscles help support your bladder, uterus and bowel and allow the muscles around the urethra to function properly. Brush up on your nutrition knowledge. Eat a wide range of healthy foods and drink plenty of water. Be breast aware. Know what looks and feels normal for your breasts throughout your cycle. Be familiar with your vulva. Let your doctor know if you find any changes in appearance or begin to experience sensations like burning, itching, or stinging.

Fabulous Forties & Nifty Fifties

During your forties, your metabolism can slow down, and you might notice changes in your menstrual cycle as you head towards menopause. Your metabolism slows as you age which can make it easier to put weight on and harder to lose it.

Along with eating healthily, being active can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Besides maintaining bone mass and blood pressure, it will also help with your cholesterol levels. As you get older heart health becomes more important.

Once menopause begins, your bone density begins to decrease as your body produces less oestrogen.

You can have bone density tests to monitor your bone, especially if you have family history of osteoporosis. At this time in your life your doctor will likely advise you to have breast screens every two years, and you should start to complete a bowel cancer screening. It should be sent to you every two years in the mail when you are in your fifties.

Featured Products+

Thompson’s Skin, Hair & Nails

45 Capsules

Supports the healthy formation of collagen for the skin, hair, and nails.

Swisse Ultivite Women’s Multivitamin

Contains 45 vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and herbs to support general health and wellbeing.

Sexy Sixties+

Age should not be a barrier for doing all the things you want in life however poor health might be. Continuing to live a healthy lifestyle will help you stay fit and well and get all you want out of life.

As you age, your risk of developing some cancers increases. You should continue with regular cancer screening, and let your doctor know if you are feeling any other symptoms that seem unusual or notice any unexpected changes in your body.

Keep your brain busy by learning new skills, engaging yourself with puzzles or crosswords, socialising, volunteering or pursuing creative interests. Keeping mentally active is one way to ward off diseases like dementia as well as looking after your mental wellbeing at the same time.

GET THAT gorgeous GLOW

A healthy amount of collagen offers a more youthful complexion. It’s the best kept secret among mermaids and fairies as it is often associated to “the fountain of youth” kind of mythology. It boasts beautiful skin, long hair, and strong nails.

Collagen is an abundant substance in our body and makes up about a third of our body’s protein. Unfortunately, by the age of just 25, our collagen production starts to decrease dramatically. This causes our bones, joints, and skin to feel tired. To avoid signs of aging as much as possible, supplements and skincare can support a collagenrich diet. Foods like bone broth, kiwi fruit, avocados, and oysters can boost our collagen levels.

Air pollutants and sun UV rays are major stressors on our hair and skin. Collagen can help fight cell and hair follicle damage as it contains strong antioxidant properties. Incorporating collagen into your routine can slow down the appearance of wrinkles, creases, cellulite, and stretch marks. Since it is protein-rich, it will also promote healthier, stronger hair. Another potential benefit is that it can slow down graying since it stimulates hair folliclespotentially improving your hair pigmentation.

Our bone mass peaks in our twenties so it’s important to keep our bone tissue strong to prevent them from becoming brittle. Our joints, tendons, and ligaments can benefit from collagen because it is made up of amino acids that encourage bone turnover. It will help you to glide around with ease, and you might even start to see greater flexibility too. Glycine is one of the amino acids in collagen that will not only support your bones and joints but your liver as well. This is particularly helpful for those who like to consume a casual drink of alcohol every so often. This amino acid will cleanse your body of toxins and filter repaired cells through your body. It’s also beneficial for those with digestive issues since it helps break down proteins in food and sooth the intestinal lining.

Did you know?

By the time we reach the age of 40 we slowly begin to lose bone mass*

The fountain of youth also offers enticing promises of living young and beautiful forever. Now as much as we’d love to believe this true, realistically beauty hacks and tricks might just help us reach the next best thing. Our beauty hack of the month is to try increasing your collagen intake. Collagen could leave your skin glowing, hair shinier, bones stronger, stomach calmer - all while encouraging brain function and heart health for a long happy life. Its abundant benefits might just have you feeling 21 all over again.

POST WORKOUT MUSTS

To most exercise isn’t something all that new, however what you do after your workout can be just as important as the workout itself.

Cool Down

After you finish that last set with the dumbbells, you don’t want to completely stop. There are a few different ways to slowly bring your heart rate back down. Many opt for a light jog, walk or a couple of pool laps. You should cool down over 10 to 15 minutes to bring your workout to a finish.

Use a foam roller

This is a roll made of foam that you can use to help work out all the kinks or knots you may have. You do this by rolling around on it on the floor. This can help soothe fatigued muscle after a workout. They vary in firmness and some have a grid textured surface which is more targeted, however these may not be good for those without a good pain threshold. If you’re a beginner, stick to a soft roller then work your way up in firmness.

A gentle ride for the whole family and catch a breather with a barbecue lunch. There is a longer-ride option for people who want a challenge.

Many use their cool down as an opportunity to stretch. Sometimes you don’t feel like jumping on the treadmill for 10 minutes after a workout so a targeted stretching routine could be just what you need. Stretching will help you build flexibility and mobility.

Fuel Up Stretch

Many experts recommend getting a solid dose of protein soon after a workout. This helps kick off the muscle rebuilding process. Most find a protein powder the easiest way to get their recommended 20 grams of protein after their workout. There are other foods you can also eat after your workout like Greek yoghurt, low-fat cottage cheese or even beef jerky. Some also utilise other supplements to get the most out of their workout. Creatine super-hydrates the muscle cells and boosts the production of adenosine triphosphate aka. ATP. This is the main cell that carries energy. L-Glutamine supports your body’s ability to recover from strenuous training and increases protein synthesis which aids in gut health and enhances your immune system.

EXERCISE INJURIES

There are ways to minimise injuries like choosing the right workout for you, using proper technique, and using the right gear like comfortable sneakers with good arch support. However, sometimes we get a little overzealous and push ourselves too far. When sustaining an injury, you should seek professional advice. There are some products that can help with your recovery or support you as you continue to exercise.

Kinesiology tape+ lifts the skin away from the muscle and fascia below, creating a decompressive effect.

Tubular bandage+ provides moderate compression and warmth to help reduce swelling and support joints during physical activity

Purchase online at alivepharmacy.com.au

Nailed it!

Girls, it’s time to get your nails in good shape! Keep them clean and tidy with all the essentials: from manicure nail files, cuticle healers, to colourful polishes.

Nail hygiene is important. Changes to your nails can be a sign of an underlying health problem. For instance, peeling or splitting around the nail implies that they are dry and/or you could be low in vitamins like iron or calcium. Moisture is stripped from your hands when you wash them often, are experiencing colder weather, and even when doing household chores. Chemicals and water soften and weaken your nails, causing wear and tear.

LET’S TALK ABOUT NAILING YOUR MANICURE…

SHAPE

The first step is to shape your nails. Use a nail file to achieve the ideal look and use cuticle oil afterwards. Oils will replenish moisture in the base of your nails. With time, this will strengthen your cuticles and allow them to support longer, healthier nails.

TO SHAPE: hold your hand in a high five position, nails facing towards you. Use light stokes with the file on each side of each nail. A round shape is the easiest to maintain. Shape them to a square initially and follow with the natural curve of your fingertip.

TRY: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Coarse Nail File

PAINT

Protect you nails with a base coat. This shields your nails from stains and helps keep the colour pigmentation of your nail polish. A topcoat (after applying your colour of choice) will keep your nails strong by preventing chipping and keeping your nails looking fabulous for much longer.

TO PAINT: apply a light layer that doesn’t have to be neat or cover the entire nail. This gives you a good starting canvas to go over with an extra layer or two to perfectly cover the nail. Make sure they dry completely in between coats to prevent clumps.

TRY: Sally Hansen Nail Polish Range

PRESS-ON NAILS

MOISTURISE

Moisturising will protect your nails from peeling, cracking, chipping and all the mishaps that ruin a good manicure. Although moisturising your entire hand is a good start, applying certain creams or ointments to the base of your nails can help them grow faster and strengthen them over time.

TO MOISTURISE: apply nail cream that is formularised to suit this area. Preferably, they should contain vitamin E. Gently massage into the base of your nail to stimulate blood circulation and promote nail growth. Doing so can also soothe hangnails.

TRY: Dermal Therapy Very Rough Hands 100G

Press-on nails can be a great alternative if your nails are shorter than you like or you want to give them a break from your nail polishes.