Australia has one of the highest asthma rates in the world.
Australia has one of the highest asthma rates in the world.
The season of florals, pollen and thunderstorms is upon us and with it comes an increase in air pollution, allergies and asthma – a condition that affects one in nine Australians and can have irreversible consequences if left untreated.
You may never have been properly informed of the potential severity of the disease but understanding the triggers and symptoms could save your life, or the life of someone close to you.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that inflames and narrows the airways causing breathing difficulties. More often than not, asthma develops in early childhood but the disease can of course, occur at any age.
So are you at risk? Read on.
Anyone can be diagnosed with asthma at all stages life but women are the most likely to experience persistent symptoms after the age of 20. The first signs are often coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and trouble breathing and can occur due to infection (from colds and flus), exercise, allergens and air pollution.
Obesity can also be a cause of adult asthma but research shows 30% is triggered by allergies including seasonal (hello spring), exposure to irritants, dust, mould or reactions to animals. Fluctuations in hormones can be a contributing factor for women, as can pregnancy and menopause.
Spotting early signs and symptoms is the most important factor in treating asthma and of course, there are a few major ones to look out for. Breathlessness, wheezing, tightness in the chest and continuous coughing are the major ones. Symptoms occur most often at night, early in the morning or during and just after activity.
Colds that move into the chest that seem worse than usual, or persist for longer than 10 days also need to be monitored closely.
It’s also true that a person’s asthma symptoms can vary over time. Sometimes people with asthma will have no symptoms, especially when their asthma is well controlled. Sufferers may have all of these symptoms, or only a few, and they may come and go.
Symptoms can be controlled of course, or they can be very serious. But with the right management, people with asthma continue to live normal, spring-loving lives.
If you suspect you might have asthma or should symptoms arise in the future, it’s imperative you see a doctor immediately. The sooner you can get it under control the better.
While asthma is obviously not a direct result of spring and the change of season, symptoms can flare up more dramatically at this time.
Awareness is the key to both prevention and enjoying the magic that is a Gold Coast spring.
Words by Kirra Smith
STORY SPONSORED BY CHEMPRO
Oh summer on the Gold Coast how we love you so. Balmy afternoon BBQs, bikinis all day (covered by a rashie, see below), frosty cold beverages, what’s not to love? Nothing is what.
As you’ve no doubt noticed, the sweltering season has well and truly arrived and in celebration of that happy time, and the fact that we’ve got a few things to say (as always) here we are gathered together again.
So, while summer is the very best time one can possibly have on the Gold Coast, it does come with a few potential risks but never fear, we’ve got you covered with a few tips and tricks to ensure you beat the heat and come out the other side in style.
In no particular order, here are said tips and tricks.
WEAR SUNSCREEN
Yes caps lock because, important. Seems like a no brainer but it is in fact a decision requiring a brain. Not only do you need sunscreen whilst spending long summer days on the beach (about which we will nag you below), you must also wear sunscreen on regular days. Even if you’ll only be outside for a minute and even if you’re wearing makeup and even if you don’t really like the smell of sunscreen. We care not. Go for SPF50+ and get the very best quality brand you can find.
USE FAKE TAN
Do not, under any circumstances sunbake under the intense Aussie sun for a period of time that is longer than two seconds just to get a tan. Not cool. Buy yourself a sweet umbrella, practice putting that guy up in your backyard before you venture out in public (trust us) and, after swimming, apply fake tan so it seems as though you’ve spent an entire day soaking up sun beams but you have in fact, not. There are so many brands of fake tan these days that look absolutely stunning and you may choose your own adventure on that one but DON’T SUNBAKE. Sorry, passionate.
STAY HYDRATED
They say you should drink eight glasses of water per day but in summer up that to at least 12. We made that up but it seems legit because summer is a very hot time which means you sweat more, which means you lose liquid, which means you need to drink more water, geddit? Also, buy a reusable drink bottle and carry it around with you everywhere you go. That way, there can be no excuse to not be hydrated and you don’t need to spend heaps of cashola on drinks every day. You may also sip Hydralyte if, for some silly reason, you ignored our warnings and got yourself some sunstroke.
COVER UP
We know, it’s the Gold Coast, nobody covers up in summer (ever) but those people aren’t smart like you and they don’t know how important it is to beat the sun at its own game. Which is burning people. But we won’t let that happen will we? Get yourself a hat, one of those cool Cancer Council rashies with the hilarious Christmas patterns on it (they’re cool we promise) and you’re good to go. To the beach that is, maybe not out for brunch. Your call though.
Okay we’re done but don’t forget how important it is to take extra care when out in the sun over summer. Your local Chempro has all your summer essential needs covered, including sunscreen, fake tan and Hydralyte, pop in and grab what you need so we don’t have to scold you if we see you out and about not heeding our advice.
Happy summer.
Words by Kirra Smith
SPONSORED BY CHEMPRO CHEMISTS
Did you know there are over 85,000 Australian women living in poverty? Which can also mean they are homeless and without the basic day to day luxuries so many of us take for granted.
The reasons for this are many and varied; domestic violence, loss of work, any number of things that have happened throughout their lives they didn’t have control over. Any number of things that could also have happened to any one of us.
The Gold Coast isn’t exempt either – although poverty and homelessness may not be something you come face to face with on a daily basis, it’s happening and we’re here today to talk about how each of us can help.
Share the Dignity are a local not-for-profit organisation that collect thousands of pads, tampons and personal hygiene products for women experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Their ethos focuses on making a real, on-the-ground difference to homeless women and victims of domestic violence and that is something we can wholeheartedly get behind.
So what can we do? It’s simple really. Next time you purchase sanitary items, just grab a few extra and donate them to women who will be more grateful than we could ever imagine for something most of us have probably never thought twice about purchasing.
This August (how is it August already?), Share the Dignity asks the public to donate at collection points throughout the country and the Gold Coast collection point is conveniently at one of the 90+ Chempro Chemist stores.
At the end of the month, they donate thousands of packets of sanitary products to their partner charities. Each packet of pads and tampons, menstrual cups or online donation that you contribute makes a real difference for a woman in need in your community.
Imagine if someone you loved were in the position of not having access to a basic female need, you’d want to do everything you could to help out right?
Well, each of these women are someone’s daughter and possibly someone’s sister and mother and there’s nothing more incredible than people coming together to help those in need.
Next time you’re at the shops, purchase an extra pack (or two) of sanitary items and pop them in the Pink Collection Box at your local Chempro Chemist during the Dignity Drive.
Your donation is vital and of course, very much appreciated both by Share the Dignity and the women in need.
Should you not be able to get to a collection point, you can also donate online with the money donated to Share the Dignity’s partner charities.
We’ll do our part to help too.
Let’s stand together for women exactly like us who need a helping hand. It’s the least we can do.
SPONSORED BY CHEMPRO CHEMISTS
Words by Kirra Smith
Hands up if you’re in a toxic relationship with Uber Eats? You want to bite that hand feeding you, even though, technically, that hand is yours. So maybe this is a self-restraint issue? Don’t worry, this isn’t a therapy session- just a list of healthy takeaways that don’t require any restraint at all! Because, well, they’re healthy, obviously?
Here’s your cheat sheet for the best healthy takeaway eats on the Gold Coast.
As wholesome as it gets, Dalas Kitchen is a gourmet salad bar with two Gold Coast locations, online delivery and catering. They’re known for the most deluxe salads, but also serve sangas (on house-made focaccia), bagels and sodas too! Ran out of time to meal prep? Just order’ Dalas At Your Desk’ via their website!
Our pick: the vegan and dairy-free Bangin’ Cauli’ with panko-crusted roasted cauliflower, Asian slaw, mint, coriander, shallots, crushed peanuts and a creamy maple sriracha dressing!
Where: 2247 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach and 6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
Voted Gold Coast’s best healthy vegan eats, Govindas is not just a restaurant, but a mission. They’re a non-profit serving up feel-good, budget-friendly, and ethically made vegetarian fare. Every dish is as soul-nourishing as the next, with curries, salads, sides and more. They also run specials daily!
Our pick: Thursday’s Shepherd’s Pie– a classic!
Where: 20 James St, Burleigh Heads and 72 Griffith St, Coolangatta
This place is a plant-based paradise; every dish is a visual and nutritional masterpiece. If you’re yet to experience the best of vegan cuisine, let Cardamon Pod be your gateway! It’s as decadent and exciting as vegan dishes come- from raw cakes to globally inspired mains.
Our pick: Vegan Madras Chicken Tacos with tamarind popcorn ‘chicken’, bhuja, BBQ corn chat salsa, madras mayo and jalapeño cheese pakoras.
Where: 3/3 Brolga Ave, Brickworks Ferry Road, Southport
Quick, healthy and tasty- Just Fresh Made is your go-to for mouthwatering salads, spuds, wraps and fresh juices. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or a little heartier, Just Fresh Made has you covered every day of the week.
Our pick: Classic Fresh Veg Spud loaded with your choice of protein, smashed avo, tomato salsa, kale mix, sour cream and herb butter.
Where: Shop 1/84 Scarborough Street, Southport
They’re the Asian-inspired salad bar shaking up the fast-food game with zingy Asian bowls and rolls full of flavour and crunch. Banana Blossom is an East Coast favourite, serving in locations from the Sunny Coast to Bondi Beach. Their salads, rice bowls, and rice paper rolls are a fast, healthy and flavourful way to get your takeaway fix.
Our pick: Satay Salad with chicken, tofu or beef, plus pineapple, rice noodles, bean sprouts and a mouthwatering Malay-style dressing.
Where: Shop E117 Oracle East 6 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Come for the poke, stay for the roti wraps and smoothie bowls. This Mermaid Beach gem dishes up generous, customisable bowls with all the toppings your taste buds could desire. They offer plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options to suit all!
Our pick: Nacho Bowl with chilli con carne, smoked sour cream, guac, habanero jam, and crunchy wonton chips.
Where: 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Plant-based yum cha? What about take-home banquet packs?! Hell yeah! This little vegan restaurant in Mermaid Beach serves up mind-blowing Asian yum cha and meals that are so damn good it’s earned them a 92% recommendation on Facebook! This place is a not-to-miss, with insane hot pots, soups and noodles, and even vegan ‘meat’ and ‘seafood’ dishes.
Our pick: Any noodle dish (seriously, you can’t go wrong)- but don’t skip the entrees.
Where: 90 Market St, Mermaid Waters
Three words, well, dishes; donburi, okonomiyaki and sushi. Does healthy takeaway get much better than Japanese soul food? Okazu does it best- fast, fresh and in two locations. They also do poke bowls, burgers, bento combo meals and plenty of options for the kiddies.
Our pick: Teriyaki Beef Okonomiyaki with a side of miso soup.
Where: 1/2223 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach and 90 Markeri St Mermaid Waters
Don’t let the same put you off because this famed franchise is single-handedly making salads great again! They taste so damn good you forget you’re getting your entire daily intake of veg in one bowl! Build your own or pick from a menu of stacked bowls.
Our pick: The O.G. Chicken with poached chicken, kale, beets, crispy shallots, seaweed salad and roasted sesame dressing.
Where: Soul Boardwalk Shop T120B/4 Esplanade Surfers Paradise, Shop/4252 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina and 2 James Street Burleigh Heads
Your servo snack stop just got a serious glow-up. Fox’s Pantry is a gourmet grocer/café hybrid (also a servo) serving fresh and fab whole eats, including sandwiches, salads, soups and more. Whether you follow a vegan, gluten free, dairy free or, keto lifestyle or diet….they have something ya!
Our pick: whatever you get, just don’t leave without a smoothie!
Where: 468 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
This Currumbin spot is a treasure trove of health-conscious delights. While catering is their main gig, their in-house and takeaway eats are at the next level. They use only the highest quality ingredients to make only the best-tasting eats that will fill your belly and warm your heart.
Our pick: the Organic Handcrafted Tofu Burger
Where: Shop 2 – 30 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
