Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we reflect on the successes so far. The pharmacy industry has seen tremendous growth, and we’re thrilled to welcome the next generation of pharmacy students. This is your chance to make a real impact on patient care and community health. You are entering a dynamic profession that will continue to play a key role in healthcare advancements.
I’d like to congratulate Shylee who won the National and State Student of the Year award amongst other JCU awards last year. You can follow Shylee’s journey as a first-year graduate on Instagram @theprescribingpharmacist_.
I’d also like to congratulate our interns that registered as pharmacists in 2024: Ozzy, Joanna, Jean, and Bianca. For those interested in studying pharmacy in 2025, explore James Cook University’s course option across their campuses in Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay.
Over the past few months, our stores have been transitioning to a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, a significant step towards improving the overall patient and customer experience. This upgrade is designed to enhance our operational efficiency, ensuring that we continue to provide the highest standard of service to all our valued customers.
Another highlight from last year was the opportunity to spread some festive cheer. During December, we initiated a special surprise for some of our regular customers. Each Alive Pharmacy staff member chose a customer who had brought a smile to their face throughout the year, and we paid for their shopping at checkout. It was our way of giving back to those who continue to support us and make our work so rewarding.
On another note, in this month’s Live+ Catalogue we delve into new year goals and Valentine’s Day fragrances. Perfumes are a popular gift during this season, and our staff can help guide you towards the right choice. All Alive Pharmacy stores have tester perfumes for you to sample.
See you in-store and thank you once again for being a part of the Alive Pharmacy family in 2024 - we can’t wait to see what 2025 has planned!
Managing Director
Let’s
drink to that
HYDRATION IS KEY!
As the New Year rolls in, many of us take the opportunity to set resolutions, especially when it comes to our health. The key to success lies not just in setting goals but in finding the motivation to achieve them. We’ve all been there, those days when motivation feels like it’s just out of reach. One of the simplest ways that could help us find motivation is drinking enough water.
We often think of hydration and electrolytes in terms of physical health, keeping our body cool, ensuring proper organ function, and preventing dehydration. However, they also play a vital role in mental performance, energy levels, and motivation. Our brains and bodies rely on proper hydration and a balanced electrolyte profile to stay alert, focused, and driven.
When our brains are even slightly dehydrated, cognitive abilities such as focus, decision making, and memory can be impaired. This can make it harder to stay motivated or be productive throughout the day. If you find yourself feeling sluggish, mentally foggy or unmotivated, it’s worth checking your hydration levels and ensuring you’re getting the right balance of water and electrolytes.
Water alone is essential, but when you’re sweating, exercising and losing fluids throughout the day, you also need electrolytes to maintain balance. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are minerals that help regulate various functions in the body, including nerve signalling and muscle contractions. They are essential for maintaining fluid balance, preventing cramping, and ensuring cell function.
Did you know?
THE HUMAN BRAIN IS ABOUT 75% WATER, AND HYDRATION IS CRUCIAL FOR OPTIMAL BRAIN FUNCTION.
Daily goals for staying hydrated
1. Ensure you drink water regularly throughout the day. For most people a good goal is around 8 cups/2 litres a day.
2. Replenish electrolytes by drinking sports drinks containing electrolytes or taking supplements such as Hydralyte.
3. A balanced diet can help ensure you get key electrolytes to support hydration.
Water and electrolytes are not only vital for physical health, but they also play a significant role in maintaining mental clarity, energy, and motivation. This New Year, give your body the support it deserves, water might be the key to checking off your new year resolutions.
START YOUR QUIT SMOKING JOURNEY THIS NEW YEAR
Nicorette® helps relieve nicotine cravings to give more power to your willpower
Quitting smoking is one of the most incredible things you can do to transform your life. It can not only benefit your physical health and social life but quitting smoking can also help save one a lot of money. In fact, you can save up to $7,000 a year if you quit with help from our fastest craving relief - Nicorette® QuickMist1
However, quitting smoking is also one of the hardest things to do which is why Nicorette® is here to help. Nicorette® offers a range of quit smoking aids that offer fast relief from nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. With a wide range of product formats in varying strengths and flavours, Nicorette® can help support you on your personal quit journey.
Quit smoking with Combination Therapy
If using one nicotine replacement therapy product isn’t enough to help you quit, using combination therapy may offer you a better chance of quitting for good. Research shows that in some cases using two quit smoking aids at the same time, often referred to as combination therapy, can increase your chances of quitting compared to using just one2. With combination therapy, two stop smoking aids are used:
• Slow release patches are used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings throughout the day in conjunction with;
• Fast release formats such as Gum, Lozenge or QuickMist Mouthspray are used to relieve breakthrough cravings.
Be sure to reach out to your healthcare professional to seek guidance on the right products and quit plan to help you on your quit smoking journey.
Quit smoking for good this New Year with the support of Nicorette - the #1 Stop Smoking brand in Australia3
Why Weight Loss Matters!
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for individuals with health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Shedding some excess weight can be life changing.
Weight loss and diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is often linked to excess weight and poor lifestyle habits. When you carry extra weight, especially around your abdomen, it can lead to insulin resistance. This means your body doesn’t respond to insulin as effectively, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Over time, this can lead to more severe complications, including nerve damage, kidney issues, and heart disease. Losing weight, can improve insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar.
Weight loss and high blood pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is another condition that can be improved through weight loss. Carrying extra weight puts a strain on the heart and blood vessels, which can raise blood pressure over time. Research has shown that losing even a small amount of excess weight can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure.
Losing weight helps to lower the resistance in blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. This can lead to improved circulation, lower blood pressure readings, and a decreased risk of heart disease and stroke. Along with weight loss, regular physical activity and a healthy diet can further enhance the benefits.
How to get started
If you’re living with diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s important to approach weight loss with a holistic plan and start with small achievable goals. Focus on a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing processed foods and sugar. Incorporate regular exercise, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity per day. Remember to always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.
Weight loss is a sustainable lifestyle change that can help improve the management of diabetes and high blood pressure. It’s never too late to take charge of your health, so start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the long-term benefits of a healthier, more active life.
Neutrogena Suncare
THE RUN DOWN ON TUBING MASCARA 3
REASONS TO LOVE IT
Smudge-proof and long-lasting
If you’ve ever struggled with mascara that smears under your eyes or gives you raccoon eyes by the end of the day, tubing mascara might be just what you need. It promises not to smudge or flake, even in the heat or on rainy days. It is ideal for anyone who needs a mascara that can keep up with their busy lifestyle.
Tubing mascara is all the rage lately. It’s the new go-to formulation on the market, giving you voluminous lashes without smudging or flaking. If you haven’t yet discovered this game-changer, here’s everything you need to know about tubing mascara.
What is tubing mascara?
Tubing mascara uses a polymer-based formula to coat each lash with a tiny, flexible tube. Unlike traditional mascara which coats the lashes, tubing mascara wraps around each individual lash like a tube, creating a longer-lasting, clump-free effect.
How does tubing mascara work?
Once applied, the mascara forms a tube around each lash, rather than sitting on top of the lash like traditional mascara.
How to apply tubing mascara?
Applying tubing mascara is just like applying regular mascara. Since tubing mascara is gel-like, you’ll want to apply a few coats to build the desired length and volume. Wait a few seconds between coats to ensure it dries.
Voluminous and defined lashes
Unlike some regular mascaras that can clump or weigh down your lashes, tubing mascaras offer beautiful defined lashes with natural volume. Because it coats each lash individually, it creates a more separated, fanned-out effect.
Fun Fact
Tubing Mascara is water resistant and won’t smudge, but is easily removed with warm water.
Gentle removal
One of the standout features of tubing mascaras is how easily it comes off at the end of the day. Traditional mascaras often require makeup remover or cleansing oils, which can sometimes leave residue or irritate the skin. With tubing mascara, all you need is warm water and gentle pressure to slide off the mascara tubes. This makes it a great choice for those with sensitive eyes or skin.
TOP RECOMMENDATION: MCoBeauty Tubing Mascara
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
1
Cook a gourmet meal together
Instead of the usual dinner reservation, why not get creative and cook a gourmet meal together at home? Cooking together can be a fun bonding experience and gives you the chance to collaborate and get a little messy. Choose a recipe that excites both of you, whether it’s a fancy Italian pasta, a decadent dessert, or sushi. Afterward, you can enjoy your delicious creation.
3
Take a dance class together
For something fun and active, why not take a dance class together? Whether it’s salsa, ballroom, or even swing, moving to the rhythm of music can be both romantic and energizing. Many dance studios offer beginner classes, or you can find online tutorials to follow from the comfort of your home. It’s a unique way to connect with each other while also learning something new.
Outdoor picnic in a scenic location
If we’re lucky enough to have beautiful weather, an outdoor picnic is a perfect way to enjoy each other’s company in nature. Pack a basket with your favourite snacks, some fresh fruit, chocolates, and perhaps a bottle of wine. Find a scenic spot at a park or the beach and enjoy the fresh air.
2
Spa day at home
If you’re looking for a relaxing pampering experience, create a spa day at home. Set the mood with calming music, candles and essential oils, and take turns giving each other massages. Prepare a warm bath with bath bombs or bubbles and indulge in some face masks skincare treatments. A spa day is not only a great way to unwind, but it also promotes closeness, making it an intimate and soothing way to spend the day together.
4
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and the pressure to plan the perfect date can be overwhelming. But fear not! We’ve put together seven creative date ideas to help you get in the mood. Whether you’re looking for something romantic, adventurous, or laid back, there’s something here for every couple.
Get outside your comfort zone
Movie night
You both might have had a big day and don’t want elaborate plans or to spend lots of money. Pick a movie, make some popcorn, and snuggle up with blankets and pillows. After all, all you need after a long day is each other. Put the kids to bed early and unwind over a film, it might just be what you both need.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about grand gestures or expensive dinners, it’s about creating meaningful memories and enjoying time with someone special. Whether you’re opting for an adventurous dance class, a relaxing spa day, or a romantic picnic, the key is to do something that feels special to both of you.
With these seven date ideas, we hope you find a way to make Valentine’s Day a special one, with many more to come!
Maybe you and your significant other, have become comfortable. You both carry on with daily activities like always and need to spice things up. Valentines’ day might be the perfect excuse to do something a little different. Perhaps a little friendly competition playing trivia at your local pub, taking a scenic drive together to somewhere new, or complimenting each other in new ways. It doesn’t take a major overhaul or huge effort, just a little attention, creativity, and thoughtfulness.
Stargazing and a cozy fire
If you’re looking for a simple yet romantic date idea, head outside for a night of stargazing. An ideal location for star gazing is away from the city lights and distractions. If you have a fire pit or a fireplace, make it extra special by roasting marshmallows or sipping hot chocolate by the fire. Stargazing is a lovely way to relax and enjoy each other’s company in a serene setting.
