But definitely need too.
But definitely need too.
These days it seems like there’s about 850 things we need to do each day to ensure optimal health mentally, physically and spiritually. Wellness websites tout apple cider vinegar shots, meditating for six hours a day, burning oil to help you sleep (not the cooking kind), all of the things we had never even heard of a few short years ago.
Of course, many of those things can help with your general health and wellbeing, prevention is indeed better than a cure and we absolutely support living your very best life, whatever that means to you but there are important health-related steps you should be taking, we bet you probably aren’t.
Here we are though, to give you a gentle nudge in that direction.
We’re talking about health checks and today in particular, diabetes checks. Now we know what you’re thinking, I’m too young to have a diabetes but YOU’RE NOT friends.
Read on please.
First of all (in case you’re not aware) diabetes is a chronic (long term) condition in which the levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood are too high. This can be because the pancreas is not producing enough insulin or there’s a problem with how the body’s cells are responding to it.
The two main types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2 – one of which is insulin dependent (type 1) and of which is not (type 2). Type 1 is more commonly seen in people under 30 years of age and Type 2 in those over 40 (although onset can be earlier) and also, anyone of any age can get either so there’s no real need for that entire paragraph.
The point is you’re not immune.
While we’re obviously not experts on the causes of diabetes, the disease often occurs due to consuming too much sugar which, as we said, can’t be broken down and stays in the system.
Sidenote: sugar can be found in SO MANY foods and often ones you wouldn’t think of so it’s important to be aware of where it’s hiding. That’s a good start.
But it’s equally and/or even more important to have your health checked. Which brings us back to the very-far-away-now introduction to this story.
Health checks. You know where you can get a quick, no fuss, FREE health check? Chempro Chemists that’s where.
Not only a chemist filled with any kind of health, beauty and wellness goodie you could possibly need, Chempro Chemists are a leading health care service provider and the only friendly neighbourhood chemist who offer such a thing.
It’s obviously handy in so many ways. The first of which is convenience, just getting a quick health check when you pick up your next prescription or run out of mascara. The second of which is not having to pay because there are so many other exciting things to spend your cash on in a chemist and the third of which is peace of mind.
Easy as that guys.
So you see, health checks are something we need to do more of, along with preventative health care and also consuming less sugar-filled goodies.
Make your health a priority Gold Coasters, it’s as simple as walking into a Chempro Chemist and asking the question.
Words by Kirra Smith.
STORY SPONSORED BY CHEMPRO CHEMISTS
Mums. The only people in the world who will love you unconditionally, still buy you Santa sacks when you’re on the other side of 30 and tell you you’re pretty after a 3am stumble in and 47 vodka sodas. Literally, the only people.
In return, we give them a lifetime of worry, maybe a grandchild or two and definitely more grey hairs than anyone needs or deserves. Oh and they get one day of the year unequivocally devoted to them.
Yes, it’s Mother’s Day this Sunday the 12th of May and you better go all out for Mum this year friends because a) she gave you life and b) we’ve got the perfect gift idea.
You know how Mum’s aren’t really around the whole ‘treat yo’self’ style of living we have somehow convinced ourselves we deserve? But really, they’re the ones who actually deserve things like saucepans made out of gold and one hundred silk scarves and tiny teacup pigs and the like. Dramatic but true.
But it’s also true, they don’t want all those things. You know what they do want? A hug from you.
And also a sweet signature scent that (as mentioned above) they would never buy for themselves but that it is now your duty to pick out for them.
Chempro Chemists have you well and truly covered with a range of perfumes Mum will absolutely adore.
Crowd (personal) favourite Marc Jacobs Daisy EDT is floral delight and you may as well get one for yourself while you’re at it.
Vera Wang Princess EDT is a vanilla-ish scent and one we used to spray with abandon back in the day. Mum will definitely love that one too.
Calvin Klein Obsession EDP spray is more of a casual, spicy perfume that’ll infinitely up Mum’s cool factor.
There are MANY more options of course and you’ll probably walk out with armfuls of perfume to dole out equally between yourself and your Mum. Or, stockpile for the next year or so of birthdays, Christmases and Mother’s Day.
You could also give them all to her at once because she obviously deserves that.
Chempro Chemists is where it’s at y’all.
Not only for Mother’s Day though, they have an extensive gift guide all year round and there’s something every single person in your life will enjoy.
How good.
Words by Kirra Smith
STORY SPONSORED BY CHEMPRO CHEMISTS
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
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
