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
Takeaway could well be the greatest thing ever invented and if wasn’t so bad for you, you’d probably get it every day right? WELL GUESS WHAT! According to this very article, takeaway food doesn’t have to be bad for you and that could be the greatest news ever not invented.
Here’s a list of the top 9 restaurants offering healthy takeaway options. Happy days.
Raw Energy, Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads
Located on the corner of Marine Parade in Coolangatta is Raw Energy, a healthy food and lifestyle café that started on the Sunshine Coast. Their focus is on fresh food, served fast in a funky environment. Raw Energy’s got you covered, offering anything from healthy smoothies or juices to macadamia and lentil burgers, YUMM!
Where: 110 Marine Pde, Coolangatta
The Pocket
If you haven’t been there yet, put this one on your ‘to do’ list! The Pocket in Burleigh’s Connor Street is an absolute favourite amongst locals and offers a great range of healthy take away options (with an extensive vegetarian/gluten free menu). The Pocket aims to be a conscientious restaurant serving locally sourced, wholesome food, often using produce grown by owners David and Michelle.
Where: 13 Connor St, Burleigh Heads
Marie Anita’s Gluten Free Health Cafe
Marie Anita’s offers a solely gluten free and sugar free menu designed to provide dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, and raw alternatives. With the aim to source from local suppliers and to use as much organic produce as possible, Marie Anita’s challenges the image of healthy eating.
Where: 2364 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Greenhouse Canteen & Bar
A personal favorite is Greenhouse Canteen & Bar, the holy grail of all healthy food. With the motto ‘anything you can do, we can do vegan’ they’re onto something, because they are busy every day of the week. But not to worry, they do take away, too! All produce are sourced from trusted suppliers and farmer’s markets – food is medicine and it should nourish the mind, body and soul. Amen!
Where: 1916 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami and 1/140 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
BSKT Cafe
BSKT Cafe (Biscuit) was founded with the belief that people care about their health. They just needed the right place to deliver these health options in an indulgent and accessible manner.
All products are designed to inspire through nutritional quality, taste and a global conscious. Made from high quality plants and free from refined sugar and anything artificial. All products are hand crafted with love using traditional methods busting the myth Vegan and Paleo products can’t be delicious as well as nutritious.
Where: 4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach
The Shack Superfood Cafe
The name says it all, the Shack Superfood Café in Nobby’s is a health freaks paradise with real and fresh food that tastes great and is nutritious! On offer is quinoa, acai, smoothies and juices, breakfast, takeaway lunch and dinner boxes, plus tea and coffee. If you are looking for a hassle free, convenient and easy takeaway option look no further and go give the team at the Shack a visit.
Where: 2221 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Cardamom Pod
Cardamom Pod in Broadbeach is a vegetarian and plant-based restaurant inspired by the art of creative and tasty cuisine. With an extensive salad bar and delicious hot meal options such as curries or lasagne, Cardamom Pod is the perfect place to get some tasty and healthy takeaway, and word on the street is there are opening one in Brickworks! But be warned, their desserts are out of this world, especially the raw peanut butter cups.
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
Govindas
Govindas is without a doubt one of the most popular vegetarian, eco-friendly take-away restaurants on the Gold Coast. They offer a variety of pure vegetarian foods (vegan and gluten free options available) including vegetable dishes, basmati rice, dhal, potato bake, samosas and a variety of salads, desserts and drinks. Veggies are sourced locally and all dishes are prepared daily using the freshest produce. The buffet style approach lets customer create their own meal at reasonable prices. YUM.
Where: James St, Burleigh Heads
Giri Kana Cafe
The Giri Kana Cafe is a fresh take on vegan and vegetarian food, with a wide selection of freshly made vegan / vegetarian items (many organic and gluten free options also), including an extensive dessert menu. Their emphasis is on fresh and wholesome foods, which are good for the body, as well as the mind and spirit – and to this end, food is cooked with love and devotion. Try one of their signature tofu or vegie burgers served on turkish bread or as a gluten free option the Open Burger on rice. All so good!
Where: Cnr of Nind St and Gold Coast Highway, Southport
Words by Kirra Smith
