Alive Pharmacy Warehouse - Live+ October 2023

live+

Your guide to staying healthy, happy, alive

SPRING’S MOST WANTED

THE POWER OF A SMILE

How smiling can trick your brain into a state of happiness

6 MUST HAVES THIS SPRING

To keep you fresh and prepared

MAGNESIUM

Muscle function and recovery

NAIL YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME

With our spooktacular shades!

Image credit: Back Country Bliss Adventures

OCTOBER G’S EDITORIALS

Spring offers warmer weather and sunnier days that invite us to embrace physical activity outdoors, nourish our bodies with fresh food, and rejuvenate in nature. In this month’s Live+ Issue we discuss a range of topics, including mental health and spring allergies. While sneezing, itching, and congestion can be frustrating, there are many ways to manage symptoms.

Consult an allergist.

Seeking professional advice to manage allergies effectively can make finding the right medication and lifestyle adjustments much easier. Our pharmacists can also help guide you in the right direction to products that might help you enjoy the season with fewer symptoms. Allergies can manifest in a wide range of ways, from mild to severe. Hence the range of solutions to help control and minimise the impact.

Practice Mindfulness

Engaging in mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help reduce stress and anxiety triggered by allergies. Scientific studies have consistently shown that spending time outdoors also has positive impacts on our mental health. The sights, sounds, and scents can have calming and stress reducing cues. Finding an effective allergy plan means we can fully embrace being outdoors.

Social connection

Spending time with loved ones to help boost our mood can provide much-needed support during allergy season. Engaging in meaningful social activities, whether it’s spending time with friends, joining clubs, or participating in community events, all can have a profound impact on our mental health. These interactions provide emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and boost our overall mood.

Magnesium supplement

Magnesium is a powerhouse. It can help regulate the immune response and reduce the release of histamines caused by allergies. Histamines are responsible for allergy related inflammation and discomfort. Magnesium is also involved in a range of functions, including the regulation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood and happiness. A well-balanced diet and adequate nutrient intake can support both our physical and emotional well-being.

Encourage yourself to engage in activities that contribute to your overall health and wellbeing and enjoy the months in the lead up to the end of year festivities.

Managing Director

The power of a smile

The first Friday of October is World Smile Day. The day encourage people to make small acts of kindness and get people smiling. Being generous and kind encourages positive emotions. Studies have shown that generosity does offer us a range health benefits, and ultimately improves our wellbeing. Smiling also comes with several health benefits. When we smile our brain releases feelgood hormones like dopamine and serotonin, and endorphins. Smiling can also increase circulation and improve your resilience to stress.

The act of smiling can even trick your brain into a state of happiness. Adding a smile to your day might just help make it that little bit brighter.

A small act of kindness could be �� smile and say “hi” to someone ☺ give someone a compliment �� pay for someone’s coffee �� offer to help when you don’t have to �� donate things you don’t need �� send a text to an old friend

International Coffee Day 1 Oct

A special shoutout to International Coffee Day to show our appreciation for our trusty cup of joe.

Like many we’re sure, coffee is a part of our daily routine. a moderate intake of coffee may have the potential to improve mood, support certain aspects of health management, and possibly contribute to longevity. Its multitude of potential health benefits when consumed in moderation keeps it in our good books.

Our cover image

The crew at Back Country Bliss reckon you will be smiling for days after one of their river drift adventures along the Mossman River. It’s floating, swimming, snorkelling and a rainforest walk through the Daintree – pure North Queensland bliss!

MORE: backcountrybliss.com.au

6 MUST HAVES THIS SPRING

Spring is well and truly here, and we have just what you need to keep that pep in your step and spring into Spring.

Allergy Medicine

With so much pollen in the air, it’s good to pre-emptively stock up on a variety of antihistamines. The quicker you address the symptoms of hay fever, the sooner they’ll subside. Think tablets and nasal sprays.

Product recommendations: Dymista Allergy

Nasal Spray, Claratyne or Zyrtec Allergy Tablets, or Sudafed Sinus + Allergy Range

First Aid

Have some general first aid products handy wherever you go, whether you’re hiking, spending time at the beach or get a papercut at work. Pathogens can make their way into our bloodstream through open wounds so having access to a general antiseptic and bandage if required is always handy.

Product recommendations: Isocol Rubbing Alcohol or Band-Aid Range

Sunscreen

The UV index during spring is still high and it’s always a good idea to wear sunscreen to protect ourselves from damage and reduce the risk of skin cancers. Use a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or greater that’s also waterresistant. Reapply every two hours and yes, even on overcast days.

Product recommendations: Bondi Sands or Neutrogena Suncare Ranges

Eye Drops

Another symptom of allergies is itchy, watery eyes. The sensation might make you want to rub your eyes, and this will in fact make the situation worse. Eye drops are a great way to ease symptoms and discomfort.

Product recommendations: Visine Allergy Eye Drops or Naphcon A Eye Drops

Fragrance

A tropical Spring is warm, if not hot, so be prepared and wear deodorant. You might also feel like changing up your fragrance. Spring is a popular time to try a floral or citrus noted fragrance. We stock a large range of fragrance options, with new additions for you to try this season.

Vitamin B

A number of vitamins could be beneficial during this time of the year, and vitamin B grabs our top spot. Vitamin B supplements can play a role in maintaining energy levels and supporting the nervous system, especially in the warmer weather.

Product recommendations: Ethical Nutrients Super B Daily Stress or Thompsons B Complex x Herbs

Product recommendations: Victoria Secret Body Mists or Marc Jacobs Dot Edp

MAGNESIUM

Muscle Function and Recovery

The Key to Optimal Muscle Function and Recovery

In the quest for peak physical performance, athletes and fitness enthusiasts often focus on protein intake, hydration, and training regimes. However, one crucial element that is often overlooked, yet holds the key to unlocking optimal muscle function and swift recovery is magnesium.

The Magnificent Role of Magnesium

Magnesium is more than just a mineral; it’s a catalyst for countless biochemical reactions within the body, including those that directly impact muscle function. Primarily stored in the bones and muscles, this mineral aids in energy production, protein synthesis, and muscle contraction and relaxation.

Fueling Faster Recovery

The journey from strenuous workouts to muscle recovery is a tumultuous one, filled with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage. This is where magnesium emerges as a potent ally. Its antioxidant properties help soothe the inflammatory response triggered by intense exercise, acting as a repair crew for your muscle fibers, to ensure they bounce back stronger after every workout.

A Deficiency Dilemma

Despite its critical role, magnesium deficiency is surprisingly common, with many individuals failing to meet their daily magnesium requirements. This shortage can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, and hinder recovery. Active individuals are especially susceptible to deficiency.

Bridging the Gaps

To maintain optimal muscle function and recovery, it’s essential that you reach your daily quota for magnesium. Incorporate magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy greens, and bananas into your diet; and when diet falls short, magnesium supplements are here to bridge the gaps. That is why we recommend Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium. As always, for best results we recommend that you discuss your individual needs and requirements with your GP or Dietitian.

So, whether you’re hitting the gym, the track, or the field, remember that magnesium is your silent partner, working diligently behind the scenes to ensure your muscles perform at their very best. Embrace the magnesium advantage, and you’ll find yourself on the fast track to achieving your fitness goals while keeping muscle cramps and sluggish recovery at bay.

Written by Hayley Strano Accredited Practising Dietitian Health Management Dietitians www.healthmanagement.com.au

NAIL YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME

Although not typically an Aussie tradition, Halloween is always fun to get dressed up for and enjoy some treats. To spark inspiration and top off any costume, here are our top shades and nailcare go-to’s for the spooky season.

Beauty hack

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear ‘Sun Kissed’

This rich orange polish screams HALLOWEEN. This one is great if you’re simply looking to get into the spooky spirit. Opt for an all-black outfit and rock the bold orange nail - trust the power of a simple look.

Start and end with a base/ top coat. This will help prevent nail discolouration and yellowing. It’s nothing to worry about though, as it’s a natural reaction from the keratin.

Colour By TBN ‘Tamara-Rama’ or ‘Feather Bower’

Barbie pink, duh! Surely, we all saw this one coming. If you’re taking inspiration from the film and find yourself as one of the many Barbies, we’ve got the perfect pink to pair with your costume.

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear ‘Black Out’

Inspired by another popular and fitting on-screen character, Wednesday Addams, a black nail is bound to feature. If you want to spice it up, consider the shape, a coffin nail is rather fitting, you can also add nail to further compliment your costume.

Colour By TBN ‘Big Boss Man or ‘Raining Men’

Purple is another key colour that takes a top spot for our nail looks this year. Lilac purple has been all over the internet and a big fashion trend in the past. Later this year, the 2023 Willy Wonka film will be released. Director Paul King has created a new world of pure imagination with tasteful purples seen in the movie trailers. Purple could also tie nicely with other childhood characters like Buzz Lightyear, Telly Tubbies, Rapunzel, or Barney the dinosaur. You could have some fun with this colour-costume combo.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Dual Ended Nail Polish ‘Twinkle Whites’

The Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Duo Polish add all things glitz, glam and shine to your costume. While we’re on the topic of all things shimmer, cuticle oil will give your nails the extra glow. It can restore the nail bed, stimulate growth, and protect the cuticles from trauma. Dab it on and rub it in once you’ve painted your nails and voila-la: you’ve definitely nailed your look!

Rimmel London 60 Seconds

‘#320 Rapid Ruby’

There’s no shortage of characters and gory costumes to match Pantones colour of the year Viva Magenta. Described as an expression of strength and joy, we did our best to colour match it and think Rimmel’s Rapid Ruby is scaringly close.