Alive Pharmacy Warehouse - Live+ Sep 2023

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Your guide to staying healthy, happy, alive

SPRING INTO HEALTH

STUFF IT

Tackle hay fever head-on

MEN’S HEALTH

Crack the code

AWESOME HAIR FOR SPRING FLAIR

Tips to beat the frizz

WORLD PHARMACY DAY

World Pharmacy Day is on the 25 th of September, and so I would like to take a share how proud I am of the entire Alive team, that continue to work hard to deliver high quality services to our patients and community. I look forward to celebrating this day and recognising their achievements.

Our pharmacists have been undergoing extensive training these past months. I’ve mentioned before but our team is taking part in the Full Scope of Practice trial which enables pharmacists to prescribe and treat patients for minor ailments such as ear infections and skin conditions. This is particularly helpful for people who have trouble getting an appointment to see their GP.

Congratulations to the winner of our front cover July Colouring Competition. Havilah has created a very beautiful artwork that is featured on the front cover of this issue. It was so lovely to see so many people getting involved, and all the submissions. We had great engagement from the community and hope to do something like this again soon.

It’s tourism season in Far North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef is one of the top bucket list items to tick-off. When you’re out on your next reef experience make sure to pack sunscreen and a water bottle. The UV levels are still high even during cooler weather. Prevent sea sickness with over-the-counter medicines and try to find an outdoor seat on the boat if possible. The fresh air and breeze will help ease motion sickness.

On pages 14-15 we discuss how to tame your hair this Spring, and touch on allergies that are more prevalent during this time of year. Without proper treatment, seasonal allergies can be extremely disruptive to our sleep, mood, and focus. Dymista has recently moved from prescription only to an over-the-counter medicine – we recommend this to anyone with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis and hay fever. You can chat to your friendly Alive pharmacist for more information on Dymista.

Lastly, I want to say a belated Happy Father’s Day for the 3rd of September. Mitch from Health Management has shared some insightful points about Men’s Health on page 3. It’s a great read.

A lot of exciting things happening this month.

Have a great September – G

Stuff it!

Managing Director

When hay fever strikes and leaves you with a stuffy, runny nose, the battle can feel endless and frustrating. Fortunately, there are options available to help alleviate a variety of symptoms and ease your struggle. Spring allergies can also trigger an array of other uncomfortable sensations. Here’s how you can effectively address them.

Stop a runny nose

Antihistamines can be great for quick relief and last up to 24 hours. Alternatively there are also nasal sprays or washes, designed to clear the sinuses of irritants. Try not to pick or overblow your nose as this can damage the nasal cavity, cause further irritation and introduce contaminants.

Prevent outdoor allergies

The primary outdoor allergen is pollen, and it tends to be most prevalent between 10 am and 4 pm. If you’re susceptible to hay fever, consider spending more time indoors on windy days, and taking note the times of day when your symptoms worsen. As plants flower at various times of the year, it’s also worth tracking to help identify which types of pollen are affecting you.

Stop itchy eyes

Eye drops can be a great option for targeted long lasting relief. During allergy flare-ups avoid wearing contact lenses as they can trap more irritants. It’s recommended to wash your pillow slips, bed sheets, and clothes more often during spring season. If you have pets, bathe them weekly as their fur also collects spores, pollen and dust.

Prevent indoor allergies

There are various ways to reduce allergen exposure and build up at home. Reduce clutter and use a damp cloth weekly to remove dust and mould that settles. As many of us are in warmer climates, avoiding the use of wool and down bedding is also recommended. Choose washable upholstery where possible, and remember to clean and regularly change filters of air conditioning and dehumidifying units.

New Top Product Recommendation

The Dymista Allergy Spray is now available.

Dymista Allergy will be the first 2 in 1 antihistamine & corticosteroid combination therapy. Previously only available via prescription. This is the No.1 prescribed allergic rhinitis product now available over the counter*.

* Reference: 1. IQVIA IMS Sales YTD 2022

MEN’S HEALTH

Men are from Mars and women are from Venus, and when it comes to looking after ourselves, men can fall by the wayside and live up to that trope. Everyday life is so busy these days with work, family, friends and whatnot, how can we achieve this balance and healthy lifestyle that everyone bangs on about?

No matter where you come across it, you often hear suggestions to cut down on alcohol, be more active, practice mindfulness, reduce fast food intake, avoid excessive sugar, and so on. And they’re not wrong! In fact, I encourage you to give it a shot and pick three that you’d like to run with for the next 30 days, and see how you go.

Your three things could be to

+ Moderate alcohol Consider reducing the number of days on which you’re drinking every week.

+ Start walking Add regular walks or other light activity to your routine.

+ Prioritise nutrition Aim to include at least 2 pieces of fruit in your daily diet and increase your vegetable intake.

+ Pack your lunch Start bringing your own lunch to work. Not only can this help you make healthier food choices, but it’ll also save you money. By making these adjustments, you’ll be taking meaningful steps toward improving your health and lifestyle.

A simple way to give you peace of mind if you’re struggling to achieve a balanced healthy diet is to take a daily men’s multivitamin. It certainly doesn’t replace a healthy diet but as blokes we struggle to reach our vitamin A, zinc and vitamin D requirements, so a good quality men’s specific multivitamin can help tick a few more boxes.

A brand that I recommend is Blackmores. As always, it is best to discuss with your GP or Dietitian to determine your individual needs and requirements.

Product Recommendation

Blackmores Vitamin D3 1000IU 300 Capsules

Blackmores Bio Zinc 84 Tablets

Blackmores Vitamin A 5000 150 Capsules

It could be exercising more, drinking less, spending more time with loved ones, or even putting that SPF on (like we’re always told to do). There’s no doubt it’ll be a challenge, but all the good things in life are.

It’s safe to say that no one has a perfect lifestyle, and we all have barriers to overcome so my advice is to write down what you want to improve on and keep a tab on how they make you feel throughout the month.

Written by Mitch Smith Accredited Practising Dietitian and Managing Director Health Management Dietitians www.healthmanagement.com.au

Awesome Hair for Spring Flair

Warmer days are upon us and so is the humidity and frizz! Spending more time in the sun, pool and by the ocean means our hair needs a little more attention to keep it at its best. Here are our top tips!

CONDITION

Talk to an ocean lover or boatie and you’re likely to hear about their bounty of trial and errors before finding what worked for them. Whether that’s a leave in conditioner, spray, or serum, it’s worth exploring to ensure maximum hydration and integrity. UV from the sun can also leave your hair feeling brittle and vulnerable to breakage so always rinse your hair after salt and chlorine exposure, especially if it’s in the sun. Don’t forget to let your conditioner sit for a few minutes in the shower, this will give it a chance to work its magic. Try Schwarzkopf Extra Care Conditioner and Mask Range

PREPARE

Before swimming apply an oil-based product to prevent hair breakage. If you’re spending significant time in the water, tie your hair in a bubble ponytail to reduce the risk of tangling. This also makes it more manageable once dry and without the risk of knotting. After your swim, rinse your hair with fresh water and use a leave-in-conditioner or a hair mask to.

WASH

Wash your hair with a hydrating shampoo with glycerine, it helps to lock in moisture. Avoid rubbing your hair aggressively with a towel afterwards to avoid breakage and extra. Avoid the twist and flip towel drying trick on top of your head as it can pull at and damage hair follicles. Reduce the amount of heat you use, including drying and styling tools, and even hot water. Try Dermaveen Oatmeal Shampoo for dry, flaky or sensitive scalps

SLEEP

When you’re tossing and turning your hair moves with you and is susceptible to friction. This means more frizz and that bed head look. To reduce friction, tie your hair back with a scrunchie rather than elastic band, as they’re softer and cause less breakage. You can also use a silk pillow slip as it won’t absorb oils from your hair, along with minimising friction.

STYLE

Gels, creams, mouses and sprays are great for locking your hair place. Look for ones with polymers and copolymers as they are great at combatting humidity. If you’re applying styling products frequently, remember to wash your hair regularly to prevent build up.

Try Garnier Fructis Styling Range

BRUSH

Choose a brush with less bristles, like a wide tooth comb to minimize friction and breakage. Brush from the ends and work your way up to the scalp to reduce pressure and tugging. Your hair is weaker when its wet and more vulnerable to breakage so only brush it when it’s dry.

THE CURLY GIRL METHOD

The curly girl method has been all the rage across social media designed to enhance and celebrate naturally curly and wavy hair patterns. Top tips are to avoid certain haircare practices and ingredients like sulphates, silicones and heat styling, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and disrupt curl patterns. The method also suggests scrunching, plopping, and diffusing to enhance waves and curls.

Try Aveeno Shampoo and Conditioner Range

HAPPY WORLD PHARMACISTS DAY!

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