Ever considered pursuing a career in natural health? Well, that’s exactly what Tia Miers, owner of Whole Health Studio, did – thanks to Endeavour College of Natural Health.

With six campuses nationally and a range of online offerings, Endeavour College is the largest private Higher Education provider of natural medicine courses in the Southern Hemisphere. And they’re the best at it because it’s all they do (and they’ve been doing it for over 45 years)! Read on to get to know the avid Gold Coast local and her journey to becoming a qualified Naturopath.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have been a local at the Gold Coast for 8-9 years now! I grew up in North Queensland in a small town called Tannum Sands and moved to the Gold Coast for university.

Tell us a bit about you.
I am a qualified Naturopath and owner of the Whole Health Studio. As a practitioner my focus is on reconnecting my patients with their bodies. I do so by utilising up-to-date research, lab testing and evidence based naturopathic medicine, including individualised herbal tonics and compounds. Being based on the Gold Coast my physical reach is quite small, so I have started developing my own supplement range that address many of the common ailments I see presenting in my clinic every week. In my personal time away from the studio I am usually taking my dog Wilma for a walk or spending time at the beach!

For those who aren’t aware, what exactly is Naturopathy?
Naturopaths are experts in whole health and wellbeing, and provide evidence based natural health care that is effective, safe and meaningful to their clients. Through an in-depth understanding of human bioscience, emotional and social factors, and as prescribers of natural medicine, Naturopaths are able to help prevent disease, provide optimal health and wellbeing and relief of symptoms by treating the whole person and the root causes of disease.

What initially drew you towards perusing a career as a Naturopath?
I have always loved science and understanding how the body works. I initially started studying nursing, however I wasn’t agreeing with time scheduled medication and what patients were being fed in hospital. I was personally seeing a Naturopath for treatment of my Endometriosis and acne and was amazed at the benefits I experienced. I then transferred to Endeavour College where I completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy).

How did you go about getting qualified?
I completed a Bachelor of Health Science at Endeavour College of Natural Health. Coming from a large university where I was studying nursing I loved the holistic learning environment that Endeavour offered. The classes were smaller which I personally found more engaging. Endeavour also provides the flexibility to study some subjects online, lectures can be accessed at any time of the day, this was really beneficial for work and personal commitments.

Explain to us what study looked like for you?
I studied full time at Endeavour College, contact hours were 24 hours per week. I spent A LOT of time at the library studying, I personally found it easier to stay focused on study at the campus rather than in my home environment. The library also offers great resources that help for assignments and exam study!

How has Endeavour College contributed to your career success?
The Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) contains more than 40% clinical or practical subjects, this has contributed significantly to my career success. The Endeavour Wellness Clinic puts theory into practice. As a student I completed practical hours in the public-facing clinic, this prepared me to enter the industry with skills, experience and confidence.

The Natural Health industry has recently become a thriving sector in recent years, why do you think there is now a stronger demand than ever before for professionals with expertise in these fields?
Yes! Absolutely, the natural health industry is growing so quickly and there are so many career opportunities. Many Naturopaths work independently in private practice, setting their own hours and managing their own businesses. They also regularly write for journals or work for natural product companies formulating new products, conducting literature research and providing product support.

Why should someone, who has never been to see a Natural Health professional, consider visiting one?
Having a consultation with a Naturopath goes for a duration of approximately 60 minutes, allowing the practitioner to treat the root cause rather than providing symptomatic relief.

How rewarding is it helping people on a daily basis?
It is so rewarding helping people on a daily basis. My work is so fulfilling and I look forward to coming to work every day. The results that I get in my patients’ health with my clinical practice puts the biggest smile on my face. It is so rewarding helping someone with their fertility so they don’t have to go down the path of IVF. Or improving someone’s skin/clearing their acne and improving their confidence. Follow me here for more insights into my Whole Health Studio practice.

What is some advice you would give people looking at perusing a career in Natural Health?
It will be the best thing you do!! Find a job you love and you will never have to work again!

What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café: Next Door Espresso Burleigh, they have the best avo on toast!
Coffee spot: Canvas coffee house
Restaurant: Etsu! I LOVE Japanese food.

How do you choose to spend your days off?
I love spending time outdoors. On my days off I am usually at the beach or going for a hike! On Saturday mornings I head to my local farmers markets to get stocked up of fruits/veggies for the week and grab a coffee!

Endeavour College of Natural Health offer Bachelor of Health Science degrees in Naturopathy, Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture Therapies, as well as a Diploma of Health Science, Diploma of Health Science (Chinese Remedial Massage), Diploma of Remedial Massage (HLT52015) and Certificate IV in Massage Therapy (HLT42015), as well as a range of online short courses.

You too can turn your passion into your purpose at Endeavour College of Natural Health. Discover more.

STORY SPONSORED BY ENDEAVOUR COLLEGE OF NATURAL HEALTH.

No matter how you’re feeling right now or what you’re current situation is, there’s no doubt we can all use a little bit more health and happiness in our lives. So we’ve collected the five top tips to ensure your week is that little bit healthier from now on in. Take care of yourselves Gold Coasters.

Get up an hour earlier
It doesn’t seem like much but you’d be surprised how much you can fit into an hour. There’s nothing worse for your brain than waking up, going to work, going home, watching TV and going back to bed – where’s the relaxation? Instead of reaching straight for your phone the minute you wake up, roll straight out of bed and into some sort of exercise or stretching routine, play with the dog, cook yourself a healthy breakfast and ease into your day. You’ll soon see that starting your morning in a slower, more relaxed way sets the tone for the rest of your day.

Plan your meals
It sounds a little bit like something your Nanna would do but trust us, planning your meals will make life a million times simpler and healthier. Everyone knows what happens when you go to the supermarket after work, usually on an empty stomach and with very little willpower – you end up with an entrée of cheese and biccies followed by garlic bread and a big old bowl of spaghetti bolognaise. Delicious sure, but not so much on the healthy side. Planning allows you to choose healthy options, buy everything you need at once and not be tempted by the lure of excessive carbs.

Sleep enough
Ahh the ever elusive shut eye. It’s highly likely you aren’t getting enough of it what with work, exercising, eating and those all-important Netflix binges taking up so much of your time. Something’s gotta give though and usually that thing is your health, or your sanity. They say you need at least eight hours but in truth, you need as much as you need. If you’re tired, sleep more, it’s imperative to both your mental and physical health (and the people who have to put up with you). If you need a nap through the day, go for it, this is your permission slip.

Take time out
You’ve been hearing people bang on about the miraculous benefits of meditation for awhile now and those people aren’t lying. It is one of the best ways to calm your mind, find out the answers to life’s big questions and generally just take time out from the chaos of day to day life. Seems overwhelming though right? Sitting down in silence and trying not to think. It can be simple though, start with five minutes of deep breathing and don’t be discouraged if your mind wanders, just stay there and enjoy the serenity, before you know it you’ll crave that time out.

Move your body
Although it’s easier said than done to get up off the couch when it’s cold out, the benefits are about three million fold. Even if you just go for a short walk around the block or do some easy stretching, your body will absolutely thank you. There are plenty of online workouts and yoga classes to choose from too so you don’t need to spend money on exercising to see the benefits. Morning is probably the best time of day to move, it’ll make you feel good all day but anytime will do. You’ll be happy you did.

Words by Kirra Smith

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