Health Plus Magazine Issue 28: Summer 2025 by Blooms The Chemist

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The pulse

The

latest from

the world of health and wellbeing.

Gender pain gap

Australian women don’t have to contend with the gender pay gap, they’re also treated unfairly when it comes to pain. A 2024 survey by Nurofen found more than half have had their pain ignored or dismissed by a medical professional and they’re 60% more likely than men to feel that their GP doesn’t take their pain seriously. That’s despite studies finding that women experience more pain than men.

Vaccinations to go

Groove away the gloom

New research has discovered that dancing is the most effective exercise to boost our mood and reduce anxiety. The study by four Australian universities found a session of salsa, disco, jive or any other type of bopping or twirling improves our wellbeing more than running or going to the gym.3

Some dance songs to get you going:

If you’re holidaying tropical overseas this Summer, understand what vaccinations you need before you go. Visit your local Blooms The Chemist or scan the QR code to find out about our in-store immunisation services. pavements or grass.

1 https://www.nurofen.com.au/see-my-pain/

https://www.health.vic.gov.au/inquiry-into-womens-pain

1. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson

2. Dancing Queen by ABBA

3. One More Time by Daft Punk

4. Hey Ya! by OutKast

5. Stayin’ Alive by The Bee Gees

We all know that eating lots of ultra-processed foods like breakfast cereals and fast food isn’t the healthiest of diets, but a major study has revealed that it can lead to 32 harmful health conditions.5

It’s important not to consume too many meals high in saturated fats, salt, artificial chemicals, thickeners and emulsifiers as they can lead to heart disease, obesity and even depression. Try switching to high-fibre, low-sugar cereals and dishes with fresh fruit or vegetables. And if they need seasoning, sprinkle them with pepper instead of salt.

Paw-some playlists

It’s not just humans who need more showers in hot weather – dogs also need to be washed more regularly in Summer, especially if they’ve been for a dip in the pool or the sea.

But if your pup hates bath time, playing a few Bob Marley tracks might help! Studies have shown that reggae is the best form of music to help your furry friend calm down.6 Spotify even has dedicated playlists for overanxious canines, including the 23-hour-long Dog Music 2024.

Menopause brain fog

Nearly two-thirds of women experience forgetfulness and confusion when they are perimenopausal, but a new study has revealed that such symptoms are caused by hormone imbalances and will only be temporary.7

Neuropsychologist Caroline Gurvich of Monash University in Melbourne reassures that it doesn’t mean our ability to engage in intellectual tasks has gone.

She says there are several steps women can take to get their mind back on track, including exercise, meditation and eating a Mediterranean diet that’s rich in antioxidants.

Pharmacist focus

I love being able to help when I can

Amy Owens from Blooms The Chemist Baldivis, Western Australia, has been a Pharmacist for six years.

What first brought you to Baldivis?

I was an intern Pharmacist in 2018 before I started working for Blooms The Chemist and moved to Baldivis to be closer to my job. It ended up being for the best because I love the area and it’s a great place to raise a family.

What’s the local Baldivis community like?

Baldivis is growing quickly – there are so many different people from diverse backgrounds and cultures here. It’s lovely to see as it gives a larger sense of community and makes everyone so friendly. I really get to know our local customers well because everyone is keen for a chat.

What’s the best part of your job?

Being the most accessible healthcare professional to our community is special. Pharmacists are available and free to talk to any day or time just by walking into the pharmacy.

It’s especially important in recent times, as many of our customers are feeling the pinch and can’t always visit their doctors.

“Being the most accessible healthcare professional to our community is special. Pharmacists are available and free to talk to any day or time just by walking into the pharmacy.”

I enjoy the feedback that the team and I get from our customers when we have helped in their time of need. Providing health care and servicing the community is why I became a Pharmacist. It certainly keeps me busy.

How does Blooms The Chemist Baldivis give back to the community?

We often donate to Make-a-Wish Australia through our regular fundraising activities. We’ve also provided free first aid supplies to several local sporting gwroups and a local daycare centre.

We’ve sponsored and donated prizes to various raffle events for sporting groups and other local businesses. Last but not least, each year we participate in the Baldivis Country Fair to conduct free iron screening and blood pressure checks at our stall.

Which regular customer would you most like to give a shout-out to?

Are you sure I can only choose one? At Blooms The Chemist Baldivis, we have so many regulars who know us so well.

I’ll give a shout-out to Hugh and Margaret. They’re so lovely –Hugh always spoils us with chocolates, and his wife Margaret handmade my little bub a beanie for him to wear. The beanie was even in our favourite AFL team colours (the West Coast Eagles). It’s now my toddler’s favourite beanie!

What do you love doing outside of work?

I love to spend time with my family. They’re so important to me, especially my partner and my toddler.

Being in business and raising a young family doesn’t always give me much downtime, so going out with family is my favourite thing.

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Here comes the sun!

As long as you protect your family’s skin, the Summer sunshine can bring a wealth of health benefits.

Fast facts

• As little as 10 minutes of sunlight a day is enough to improve your health.

• Wearing a bucket hat and sunglasses can reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching the eyes by 98%.1

• An Australian man has a one-in-206 chance of dying from melanoma by the age of 85. The figure for women is one in 389.2

Australia is the sunniest continent on Earth and many of our towns and cities have more blue sky days than almost anywhere else. For example, Port Hedland in Western Australia only averages 22 overcast days a year!3

It’s all that sun-drenching that gives us such lush and varied flora and fauna and the opportunity to harness solar power to help us reduce our carbon emissions.

Sadly, it’s also the reason why skin cancer rates in Australia are more than double those of any other country, with around →

18,000 diagnosed every year and two-thirds of us likely to be affected in our lifetimes.4 In 2021, melanoma of the skin killed 1455 people.5

With climate change expected to increase ultraviolet radiation further still, it’s never been more important to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on a pair of sunnies.

“It’s really important that everyone in Australia, apart from those with deeply pigmented skin, wears sunscreen daily whenever the UV index is forecast to get to three or above, which, for most of Australia, is most of the year,” says Professor Rachel Neale of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. “It should be just as routine as brushing your teeth.” 6

But sunshine also has a range of important health benefits, so where is the sweet spot of just enough, but not too much? A study led by Professor Neale in 2024 found widespread confusion among the public as to where that might be.

Let’s look at the benefits of our hot Summer days, and how we can best protect ourselves and our families.

“It’s really important that everyone in Australia, apart from those with deeply pigmented skin, wears sunscreen daily ... ”

Sunny side up

Catching a few early-morning or late-afternoon rays is surprisingly good for us. Here’s why:

1 Mood booster

When our eyes are exposed to natural sunlight, it increases the production of the hormone serotonin making us feel calmer, happier and more focused.7 Without it, we can be susceptible to a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

2 Strong bones

We get most of our vitamin D from sunlight and it’s essential for keeping our bones healthy by supporting calcium absorption. For most of us, five to 10 minutes of sunlight a few times a week is enough.8 As we age, our vitamin D needs increase, so taking supplements or eating vitamin-rich fish such as salmon and tuna can be a good solution.9

3 Better sleep

Going outside into the early morning sunshine helps reset our ‘circadian clock’ and teaches our body when it’s time to wake up and when we need some shut-eye.

Just a couple of minutes of bright light soon after waking up will increase production of the stress hormone cortisol, which means there’s less of it circulating around our bodies when we’re trying to sleep.

“My general advice for everyone is simple,” says Associate Professor Sean Cain of Monash University, who conducted a study that concluded not enough daylight can trigger depression and insomnia. “When the sun is out, get as much light as you can, but after it sets, keep it dark. Your body will thank you.” 10

4 Reducing blood pressure

Sunny days also lower our blood pressure, a US study of 342,000 patients found.11 The nitric oxide in our skin reacts to sunlight and expands our blood vessels and may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.12

5 Fending off bugs

Another great reason to get enough vitamin D is that it strengthens our immune system, making it harder for infections to take hold. It’s also thought to be why people who live in colder countries are at greater risk of developing multiple sclerosis, according to researchers at the University of Sydney.13 Sunlight can trap damaging immune cells in our lymph nodes, stopping them from damaging our brain and spinal cord. →

Step up!

These are the Cancer Council’s five SunSmart steps to keep us safe in the sun: 14

1 SLIP on loose, long-sleeved clothing. Some clothes have built-in UV protection.

2 SLOP on water-resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside and reapply at least every two hours or after swimming or sport. The average adult will need a teaspoon for their head and neck and seven teaspoons for their whole body.

3 SLAP on a wide-brimmed hat, ideally one that shades the neck as well.

4 SEEK shade, and be aware that reflected sunlight can still contain UV rays.

5 SLIDE on close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1067.

1 https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart

2 https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/melanoma/statistics

3 https://www.sunlitvibes.com/sunniest-places-in-australia/

4 https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/melanoma/statistics

5 https://www.cancer.org.au/about-us/policy-and-advocacy/prevention/uv-radiation/related-resources/skin-cancer-incidence-and-mortality

6 https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/news/new-sun-safety-advice-tailored-for-australias-diverse-population/

7 https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/benefits-sunlight

Safe sun checklist

Stick this handy reminder on your fridge so you never forget to take these essential protections:

Wide-brimmed hat

Wrap-around sunnies

Bottles of water

Sunsuit

SPF30+ lip balm

Zinc stick (for nose and ears)

Long-sleeved top

SPF50+ sunscreen

After sun gel

TOP TIP: At the beach, set an alarm on your phone to go off every time you need to reapply sunscreen (which is generally every two hours!).

Scan the QR code to view our suncare range:

How sunscreen can help prevent premature ageing

According to the Skin Health Institute, long-term sun exposure accounts for about of visible signs of ageing in Australians.4

90%

We all love to be outside enjoying the sunshine, but when it comes to maintaining our skin’s natural appearance without the risk of premature ageing, sun exposure is the skin’s number one enemy.¹

The sun’s UV rays can cause an acceleration of the ageing process, leading to premature ageing on the face, neck and décolletage.² This often appears in the form of dryness, hyperpigmentation (dark patches on the skin), fine lines, wrinkles and thinning of the skin.³

UV radiation can result in both molecular and cellular damage, which can then lead to skin cancer and photo ageing5 such as wrinkles, dark spots and loss of elasticity.

In fact, between 20 per cent and 30 per cent of UVA radiation penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin, which can result in prolonged dermal structure deterioration.6

So how can we help protect our skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays and help prevent premature ageing caused by the sun? The most important preventative measure we can take is sun protection, including the use of sunscreen.

One Australian study found that regular use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen can protect us against photo ageing. Researchers used

One Australian study found that regular use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen can protect us against photo ageing. Researchers used Always

microtopography to examine skin changes in more than 900 people and found that the group who applied sunscreen daily ‘showed no detectable increase’ in skin ageing after 4.5 years.7

To help protect against premature ageing caused by the sun, apply a good quality SPF50 sunscreen.

Sunscreen should be used at all times of the year, but especially during the warmer months and peak UV hours (10am-4pm).5

The Australian sunscreen specialists

to further reduce risk. Frequent re-application is required.

6 Improving skin health

It may seem odd to think that the harmful UV radiation that gives us wrinkles and melanomas can also be good for our skin, but it’s true. Sunlight has a powerful antiinflammatory effect on skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and vitiligo. And most teenagers know it also helps reduce acne.15

Vitamin D

As we’ve seen, this heroic vitamin has countless benefits and can be a useful health and wellbeing supplement if getting enough sun is difficult.

Sunscreen

All sun protection creams, lotions and sprays have a sun protection factor (SPF). The higher it is, the more it protects your skin. An SPF of 30 means it will take 30 times as long for the sun to burn your skin compared to having no protection.

Look for sunscreens that are water resistant and reapply them frequently. Pharmacies also sell kids’ sunscreen for sensitive, young skin and non-greasy sports formulas that are designed to be sweat-resistant.

Maintaining a healthy weight

Yes, really! Studies have shown that soaking up between 20 and 30 minutes of light before 8am can help us lose weight.16 No-one is certain how it happens, but one theory is that, as sunlight helps us sleep better, the hormone that causes hunger is suppressed.17 Others claim that the blue light of morning regulates our metabolism so we eat less.18

Lip balms

Our lips are very sensitive to the sun, so applying a moisturising balm with an SPF will prevent dryness and damage.

After sun care

These soothing gels and sprays won’t protect you from harmful rays, but they will ease the pain of sunburnt skin. Many contain aloe vera extract, which has a cooling effect on damaged skin.

Repair shampoo

It’s very easy for our hair to be damaged by the sun. In Summer, look for shampoos specially formulated to repair and moisturise.

Scan the QR code to view our suncare range:

Listen up!

Summer can be a hazardous season for our ears if we don’t protect them properly. Here’s the low-down on what can go wrong, and how we can keep them in perfect working order so everything’s loud and clear.

When we think about protecting our skin and eyes from sun damage during Summer, it’s easy to forget that our ears can also come under attack. Here are some of the dangers and how to treat them.

Swimmer’s ear

After a cooling dip, it’s common for a little water to find its way into our outer ear canal, but when it gets trapped, the warm, moist environment can lead to bacterial growth and infections.

It may be tempting to relieve swimmer’s ear with a cotton bud, but that can cause damage and push the wax and water further into the ear. If left untreated, the area can become inflamed and painful as the infection spreads.

Solution: Medicated ear drops prescribed by your Doctor will dry up any moisture and prevent bacteria from forming. Another option you might want to try is to insert malleable ear putty in the outer ear canal before swimming to stop water from getting in.

Wax factor

Did you know the main purpose of ear wax is to keep our ears clean? Dust and dirt gets trapped in the ear canal instead of moving into the inner ear.

However, problems can arise when ear wax builds up over time and starts to affect hearing. If water gets trapped behind a blockage of ear wax, it can lead to temporary hearing loss, ringing in the ears or the potential for infection.

Solution: Wax removal drops will soften the wax so it can be easily washed out. For more stubborn wax plugs, Blooms The Chemist sells reusable syringes to flush them out with warm water.

Keep your ears covered

Few parts of our body are exposed to the sun more than the tops of our ears, yet it’s all too easy to miss them as we smear sunscreen on our face. Around 7% of head and neck melanomas occur on our ears so it’s vital to protect them.1

Instead of a baseball cap, wear a wide-brimmed hat so they’re under cover and apply sun protection before long drives as UV rays can penetrate car windows.

Solution: Apply a SPF50+ facial sunscreen to the whole ear, including in all those creases and crevices. Get kids in the

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3337483/

2 https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Health_Aged_Care_and_Sport

3 https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/pollen-allergy

4 https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/seasonal-allergies

habit of putting some on their face and ears before they go outside all year round. If burning does occur, use an anaesthetic and antiseptic burn spray to avoid the need to rub tender skin.

Allergy agony

Pollen, dust and flowering grasses don’t just block our noses in Summer, they can play havoc with our ears too. More than four and a half million Australians are affected by hayfever alone, suffering runny noses, sneezing, itchy eyes and clogging of the Eustachian tube that connects our middle ear to the back of our throat.2

When temperatures soar, so do airborne allergens like dust mites, mould spores and minute grains released by trees and other plants.3

“Most people don’t have an immune response to pollen,” says Yale Medicine allergist Christina Price, “but a certain percentage of people’s immune systems see it as foreign and dangerous and they treat it like a pathogen or infection.” 4

To combat the threat, we release chemicals like histamines that cause mucus production and can lead to bunged up noses and ears.

Solution: Blooms The Chemist stocks antihistamine tablets to ease the symptoms. For children, flavoured syrups and chewable tablets are available. Sinus pain relief tablets may help with ear pain or headaches, as well as relieve any congestion.

Ask us your worst, and we’ll do our best!

Ask me

anything

Our friendly Pharmacists are always here to help. They really have heard it all so no topic is off-limits. Here, Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist Kylie Bond shares her expert advice on your most personal questions.

Sons’ smelly breath

My teenage sons have bad breath even though they clean their teeth twice daily. It’s getting embarrassing for them, and the younger one has been bullied about it at school. How can I help them?

– Tina, 49, Geraldton, WA

I’m sorry to hear that both of your sons have halitosis (also known as bad breath). It can be very embarrassing and affect your sons’ self-confidence.

Treating halitosis is all about finding the underlying cause. Your first step should be to visit the Dentist so your sons can have an oral health check. This will rule out bad breath caused by tooth decay and bacterial and fungal infections.

If that’s not the issue, you should see your Doctor, as other digestive disorders like gastric reflux can cause halitosis.

Working together with your Doctor and Dentist can help you find a solution to this problem. In the meantime, your sons must eat healthy diets. They can also try brushing their tongues and adding a probiotic mouthwash as part of their dental hygiene routine.

What’s causing my reflux?

For the last few weeks, I’ve had severe acid reflux during the night, which is very unpleasant and wakes me up two or three times a night. What could be causing it?

– Jeff, 64, South Yarra, Vic

Acid reflux can be painful, and often occurs at night after eating our largest meal and lying down to sleep.

Factors that can aggravate acid reflux include smoking, eating fatty or fried foods, and drinking coffee and alcohol. By avoiding these things, you may find your acid reflux becomes less severe. If it’s getting worse, you may want to visit your Doctor as they can recommend certain medications or

suggest lifestyle changes to help you get the sleep you need.

Will we be intimate again?

Lately, my husband has been struggling to get an erection during sex, and I can tell he’s very embarrassed about it. The situation is so bad that we’re hardly ever intimate, which is making both of us upset and depressed. Is it just old age catching up with him?

– Maggie, 71, Glenelg, SA

Losing intimacy in your relationship can be upsetting for both of you. As men age, it can be difficult to achieve an erection due to changes in the blood circulation system supplying the penis. Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and prostate issues can impact erectile function, as can some medications.

There is also an emotional component to this problem; the more depressed and upset he becomes, the more difficult it can be to achieve an erection.

As uncomfortable as it may be, it’s time to talk with your Doctor or visit a clinic that specialises in men’s health. They can do a general health check and recommend treatment for your husband. As this issue

Will we ever be intimate again?

affects the pair of you, seeing the Doctor together may help start a conversation about your intimacy issues.

Are injectables safe?

I’ve been overweight all my life and have tried every diet going with no success. I’ve heard about these new treatments that you inject into yourself, but are they safe? And will they actually work?

– Andy, 37, Ballina, NSW

You’re not alone in wondering this. Losing weight can be difficult, and these medications offer a potential helping hand. They work by slowing down the time it takes for the food you eat to leave your body, which helps you feel fuller for

longer and reduces the amount of food you consume.

However, these medications aren’t a magic bullet. For weight loss to occur, they need to be used alongside a healthy diet and exercise. Once the medication treatment ends, new healthy habits, such as eating less processed food or drinking more water, need to be formed to keep the weight off.

Like all medications, they can have side effects. Talking with your Doctor will allow them to assess whether this medication is right for you.

Painful sex

I’ve been perimenopausal for over a year and have experienced

Got a question?

increasing vaginal dryness, which makes sex uncomfortable. Is there anything I can do to relieve the symptoms?

– Erica, 44, Padstow, NSW

Perimenopause can cause changes in our natural lubrication, but you don’t have to live with vaginal dryness.

There are products that can be used daily that improve your moisture levels. You should also start using a waterbased lubricant, which will help with your comfort during sex.

If those don’t work, you can speak to your Doctor about hormonal replacement treatments if you are experiencing other symptoms of perimenopause.

If you’ve got a personal question you want our Pharmacists to answer, please email it to editor@blooms.net.au or scan the QR code to complete our online form. For expert advice you can trust, speak to your local Blooms The Chemist. Note: We can only answer questions through the pages of Healthplus. If your query is urgent, chat to one of the team at your local Blooms The Chemist.

TREAT NAIL FUNGUS

it!

We should all pay attention to our fingernails as even a small change could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Here are seven common things to look out for.

1 White spots

Also known as leukonychia, white spots are often caused by trauma to the nail. Although they’re usually harmless and tend to grow out on their own, they may also indicate a zinc deficiency or an underlying condition such as psoriasis

4 Beau’s lines

Horizontal grooves across the nails, known as Beau’s lines, may be a result of an infection or injury that temporarily interrupts nail growth. They’re often harmless and will grow out in time, but if they keep appearing, they

“Your nails can often reflect underlying health issues that are better addressed early on.”

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Bite back!

Don’t let mosquitoes, bees and ants spoil your outdoor fun. Here’s how to arm yourself with the knowledge to handle whatever nature throws your way.

At this time of year, it can feel like the insect world declares war on us every time we venture outside. Luckily, there are many ways to treat bites and stings, and a few clever tactics to avoid such painful encounters in the first place.

Protect yourself

Female mosquitoes need to suck blood to produce their eggs.1 Some species can drink their entire bodyweight in one sitting!2

Keep them at bay with an insect repellent spray or roll-on (which will also deter leeches and sandflies) and refillable wristbands that contain essential oils insects hate such as geranium, rosemary and clove. If you do get bitten, antiseptic gels and creams will soothe the area and reduce itching.

Ant bites can hurt and cause redness and swelling, so wash the affected area and gently press some ice or frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel onto the bite. An antihistamine tablet will also help to ease the itching.

Fire ant stings can be extremely painful and can lead to blisters. In some cases, multiple insects can attack at once. Most people won’t need medical treatment unless they have a known allergy.4 Once any affected areas have been washed, keep the blisters intact to avoid infection.

Ticked off

Bee prepared

Getting stung by a wasp or bee can be painful so it’s often a good idea to keep your distance. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times and even release a pheromone that triggers other wasps to join the onslaught.3 The best way to get them to buzz off is to remain calm because sudden movements can provoke them.

The pain from a sting usually only lasts a few minutes and topical sprays will ease the swelling and irritation. Washing the area with soap and water and applying a cold compress can also help. Anyone allergic to bee stings should carry an EpiPen.

Ant bites and stings

Nothing ruins a family picnic like an invasion of ants, especially if the hungry colony decides that ham sandwiches and fresh fruit aren’t enough and wants to take a bite out of one of us.

Parasitic tick bites can be harmless, unless they cause an allergic reaction. You can easily remove a tick with freeze spray, but avoid pulling the tick off your skin as it’ll inject more toxin!

First aid essentials

Cuts, bites and stings can happen anywhere so it’s a great idea to keep a first aid kit handy in the car for minor emergencies. To find out about our range of kits, visit your nearest Blooms The Chemist or scan the QR code.

Fit for life

Fast facts

• Pickleball is one of Australia’s fastestgrowing sports with over 20,000 regular players.1

• More than a quarter of Australian children are overweight or obese.2

• Less than a third of over 55s play sport at least once a week.3

The types of exercise that are good for our bodies change as we grow older. Let’s take a look at the sports and physical activities best suited to keep every age group in great shape.

Australia may have a proud sporting tradition, but we’re less impressive when it comes to staying active as each decade passes.

A 2022 government survey found over a third of us weren’t doing the recommended two-and-a-half hours of exertion a week, with that figure rising to nearly 60% for the over 65s.4 No wonder two-thirds of us are carrying more kilos than we should be.

Exercise is about more than maintaining a healthy weight. It also reduces the risk of some cancers, lowers blood pressure and boosts our mental wellbeing.5

So how can we motivate ourselves to get fitter if the thought of 30 long minutes on a treadmill or puffing our way up a hill on a bike fills us with horror?

Here’s what the science says about the best sports and activities for every age group:

Kids & teens: Team sports

Team sports such as netball, soccer and Australian Rules football teach children about camaraderie, following rules, teamwork and the importance of respecting authority.

Kids will be much more likely to want to do the recommended hour of physical activity a day if it’s fun and they’re doing it with their mates. Many sporting clubs have programs for youngsters from the age of five or six.

Jogging, gyms and virtual workouts

When we’re working our way up the career ladder and starting families, life can be hectic enough without the additional time commitment of organised sport. That’s why gym workouts are huge for this age group, followed by

Our bone mass peaks in our 20s so weight-bearing exercises are a great way to reduce the risk of

For parents looking after kids, online exercise classes in yoga, Pilates and circuit training are a terrific option as they’re usually cheaper than in-person sessions and are flexible so can be fitted into busy routines.

One sport soaring in popularity for seniors is pickleball. It’s like tennis, but played with

plastic paddles and on a much smaller court so there isn’t as much running involved.

40s & 50s: Walking, weights and swimming

Walking is the most popular exercise for this demographic –easy, no cost and a great way to socialise as you walk and talk with friends.

While exercises like swimming won’t prevent the hot flushes that perimenopausal women may experience, they can help maintain a healthy weight during menopause, which is when our bodies retain more abdominal fat.7

“The more muscle mass you have as you age, the more it’ll fight off a wiggly, jiggly body,” says Australian author and fitness expert Annette Spanski.8

Middle-aged adults who look after themselves are less likely to develop conditions such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease and diabetes in later life, a US study found.9

60s & 70s: Walking football, pickleball

As we approach retirement, experts advise we should aim for 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week because we’re more prone to piling on a few extra kilos than any other age group.10

One sport soaring in popularity for seniors is pickleball. It’s like tennis, but played with plastic paddles on a much smaller court so there isn’t as much running involved. It’s also a very

4 https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/physical-activity/physical-activity

social sport that can be played indoors and outdoors so is great for making new friends.

Another fast-growing pastime is walking football, designed as a fun, casual sport for older Australians as it builds strength and suits anyone with osteoporosis or joint problems.

80+: Aqua aerobics and Pilates

In our senior years, muscles and bones start to decline and our metabolism slows so we have to put in a bit more effort to get the same results as when we were younger.

The best way to do that is through group classes. An international study found the elderly are much more likely to stick with an activity if they’re doing it with others.11

Aqua aerobics burns as many calories as a brisk walk and is easy on joints while Pilates is good for mobility and bone strength and can be tailored to any age.

5 https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-adults-18-to-64-years

6 https://sweat.com/blogs/wellbeing/how-to-prevent-osteoporosis

7 https://www.everydayhealth.com/menopause/know-about-midlife-exercise-needs/

8 https://www.seniors.com.au/funeral-insurance/discover/exercising-over-50

9 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261408/

10 https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/physical-activity/physical-activity

11 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6756792/

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Take a proactive step towards better health.

Loosen up!

Simple stretches boost our mobility, reduce stress and improve our overall wellbeing. Here’s how to incorporate them into your daily routine so they go from hardship to habit.

Think stretching is only for athletes and gymnasts?

Think again! We can all benefit from gently flexing our muscles – and not just when we’re about to exercise. A daily stretch keeps our joints supple, increases blood flow and means we’re less likely to pull a muscle. But stretching itself can be dangerous if it’s not done correctly, especially if we’re not in the first flush of youth. So, here’s an easy 10-minute routine that can be done while watching TV or even reading a book!

1 Warm up for your warm-up

It’s common to see sportspeople stretching before a game, but stretching shouldn’t be considered a warm-up. When our muscles are cold, it’s easy to damage them, so it’s important to get the blood flowing by marching or jogging on the spot for a couple of minutes before we begin our first stretch.1

2 Neck and shoulder roll

Stand up straight and slowly look downwards. Rotate your head clockwise five times and then repeat anticlockwise. Next, with your arms hanging loose, raise your shoulders and roll them backwards twice before reversing the movement.

3 Tricep push

Stand with your left arm behind your head and your hand reaching down your back. Then hold the upper left arm with your right hand and gently press so your left hand goes further down your back. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat twice with each arm.

4 Thigh stretch

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Bring one knee up to your chest with your back pressed to the floor and hold for 20 seconds. Do it four times with each leg.

5 Hip rotation

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands on your hips. Slowly push your pelvis forward and rotate it clockwise and anticlockwise five times each.

6 Chair lift

Sit on a dining room chair with your hands on opposite shoulders, keep your feet flat on the floor and your back straight. Slowly stand up and sit down 15 times.

7 Child’s pose

This is a yoga position and a relaxing way to end your stretching. Kneel and sit back against your heels. Reach forward with your arms and slide them away from you across the floor until your chest is as low as it can go. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat three times.

Top tips

1 Don’t overexert yourself. Each stretch should be gentle and involve holding the position, not seeing how far you can push yourself.

2 Aim for no pain. If you feel a twinge or sudden ache, ease back. It’s okay to feel a slight burn as you stretch, but pain is our body’s way of telling us we’ve gone too far.

3 If a muscle feels sore, massage in a little pain relief gel. Some provide localised heat when rubbed in to help soothe discomfort.

Thirst

aid kit

It’s very easy for us to become dehydrated during Summer, especially if we’re exercising on a hot day. But how much fluid should we drink to stay safe? Here’s what you need to know.

Forty per cent of us admit we don’t drink enough water several times a week, but many of us don’t take steps to do anything about it. With Australia facing one of the hottest Summers on record, according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s weather modelling, it’s important to avoid becoming dangerously dehydrated when temperatures rise.

The most common symptoms for dehydration are feeling thirsty, dry lips, headache, fatigue and light-headedness. If we become severely dehydrated, we may become feverish, confused and feel our heart beating faster.

When that happens we need to go straight to hospital where we may be put on an intravenous drip to replenish our lost fluids.

It’s also more dangerous for some types of people to become dehydrated, including the elderly, young children and pregnant women, as they can lose fluids more quickly.3

8 glasses a day?

It’s not entirely true that we need to drink eight glasses of water a day, but plenty of people believe it. In fact, a healthy fluid intake depends on our body weight, how active we are, the food we eat, the temperature and a range of other factors

Vomiting and diarrhoea, drinking alcohol and taking some types of medication, including diuretics, can also mean we need to replenish fluids more often than usual.

It’s also a myth that if we’re thirsty, we’re already dehydrated. In fact, thirst is a good guide as to whether we need to drink more.4

Fast facts

• About 20% of our fluid intake comes from solid foods

• Dark yellow urine isn’t always a sign that we haven’t had enough to drink. Some vitamins and foods like beetroot can turn it orange or pink.1

• Drinking seawater makes dehydration worse as you have to urinate more water than you drank to get rid of the excess salt.2

How can I rehydrate?

If we feel dehydrated, the first step is to find somewhere shady and sip several small amounts of water.

While you may be tempted to drink as much water as possible as quick as you can, drinking slowly gives your body time to absorb the water efficiently.

There are other ways to top up fluids if you’re dehydrated: Using Hydralyte, either as effervescent tablets or powder dissolved in water or bought ready-made. It contains glucose and can quickly replace water and electrolytes lost through exercise, illness or a hangover.

• Eating fruit and vegies with a high water content, such as melon, orange and cucumber. Soups and milky drinks can also help.

• Avoiding caffeine, as it can act as a diuretic if taken in large amounts..

Making a home-made rehydration solution for an adult by mixing six teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in a litre of water flavoured with a little cordial.

If we become severely dehydrated, we may become feverish, confused and feel our heart beating faster.

Thirstquenching watermelon smoothie

This is a quick and easy watermelon smoothie recipe using only two fruits and ice blended in a food mixer:

• Seven cups of cubed watermelon.

• Juice from two limes. Three cups of ice.

Optional: Garnish it with chopped-up pieces of any fruit you have such as apple, orange or strawberry.

Tips for keeping kids refreshed

Kids are often way too busy playing to stop for a drink on Summer days. Here are seven clever tips to keep them hydrated:

1 Keep a jug of water in the fridge where they can reach it.

2 Make hydration fun with colourful paper straws and cups.

3 Give them frozen pieces of strawberry, grape or mango to suck on.

4 Get them to whizz up their favourite slushy drinks and smoothies.

5 Set an alarm on their phones or watches to go off every 30 minutes as a reminder to grab a drink (This works for adults too!).

6 Make sure they take a water bottle with them everywhere they go.

7 Teach them that their urine should be a pale yellow and to have a drink if it looks too dark. It could even be a game with special stickers on the fridge!

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Get back in the mood

While it’s common for our sex drive to dip as we mature, it might be time to seek help if it becomes a persistent problem. Here are the facts on low libido and what we can do to get our mojo back.

Around one in five men and nearly a third of women will find their appetite for sex slumping at some point in their lives.4,5

As we get older, those figures creep slowly upward, but a decline in the desire for intimacy is far from inevitable. There are plenty of ways to get the spark back.

For those concerned that they may have a problem, it’s important to realise that having a ‘normal’ sex drive is a myth. Some people might think that having sex once a week is way too often while others might crave it every day.

So, if someone says their libido is low, what they actually mean is that it’s lower than they’d like it to be.

It’s important to realise that having a ‘normal’ sex drive is a myth. Some people might think that having sex once a week is way too often while others might crave it every day.

Fast facts

• Libido fluctuates during the menstrual cycle, with sexual desire typically highest just before ovulation.1

• The secret to a happy sex life is accepting that your relationship requires a lot of hard work, according to Canadian researchers 2

• Men are more than twice as likely as women to rate their sex drive as above average.3

What causes low libido?

Figuring out the cause of a drop in our sexual desire isn’t simple as there are dozens of physical and psychological factors that may play a part.

For women, hormonal changes can have an impact, especially during menopause or when breastfeeding.6 In such cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely prescribed.

For both sexes, high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary heart disease may also negatively impact libido, as can antidepressants such as Prozac and Paxil.7

Studies have shown that weight loss alone increases sexual desire in men because fat cells produce oestrogen, which can cancel out the effects of testosterone.8

Switching to a low-fat diet with plenty of fruit and vegies can reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, helping boost our sex drive even if no weight is lost.9

Many people think a gin and tonic or glass of beer helps them get ‘in the mood’, but drinking alcohol can lead to an inability to get or sustain an erection if a quick drink becomes several.

And if we need yet another reason to stop smoking, it can also cause problems with arousal and breathlessness as,

1 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-am-i-hornier-at-certain-times-of-the-month

2 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161108085542.htm

3 https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/social-leisure/relationships/aarp-2022-sex-relationship-study/

4 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15216-low-libido-low-sex-drive

5 https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/loss-of-sexual-desire-in-women

6 https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/loss-of-female-libido

over time, it reduces blood flow to essential areas of the body. A 2022 study found smokers are more likely to have low libido and more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.10

How can I relight my fire?

The good news is that most people who seek help to rediscover their passion are successful.

A useful starting point is discussing the issue with our partner to resolve any problems and set aside time for intimacy.

“Relationship dissatisfaction is a top risk factor for low desire in women, even more than the physiological impacts of age and menopause,” according to a study of 299 Australian women by Swinburne University of Technology.11

Stress also plays a big part and can even interfere with our hormones, so it’s worth trying meditation, mindfulness and wellbeing activities.

If a Doctor finds the problem is physical, they may recommend additional testosterone or a sexual arousal booster such as Viagra for men and oestrogen for women.

Another option is introducing a water-based lubricant into your intimate moments as some post-menopausal women avoid sex due to vaginal dryness.

7 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sex-drive-in-women/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374561

8 https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/can-supplements-save-your-sex-life

9 https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/sex-and-weight

10 https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bju.15711

11 https://www.swinburne.edu.au/news/2022/08/dont-blame-women-for-low-libido/

Questions that may help

A healthy sex life is one that both you and your partner are happy with. If things aren’t moving the way you’d like, consider the following issues:

• Has there been stress in your lives lately? Stress, family issues, health issues and more can make it hard for your mind to switch off and focus on being intimate with your partner.

• Have you made time for intimacy?

Some people feel like their partner is only affectionate before they want to have sex. If this is the case for you, try to incorporate other forms of intimacy in your relationship, including hand holding, kissing and date nights.

• Have you noticed a change and bottled it up? Not talking to your partner about how you’re feeling can lead to resentment and discontent in your love life. Sit them down and explain how you’re feeling without blaming the other person, and try to workshop solutions together.

•

Don’t wait to meditate

From pain control to better sleep, here are five ways meditating can boost your health.

We’ve probably all heard someone rave about how meditation “changed their life”, but does sitting in silence alone with our thoughts really make that much of a difference? The short answer: absolutely! Research is now proving just how powerful a daily dose of meditation can be for both our mental and physical health.

Let’s break down some of the science-backed benefits to see why meditation is more than just a trendy wellness fad.

1 Stress reduction

Feeling overwhelmed? Meditation is a natural stressbuster. Research shows that mindfulness meditation often lowers your levels of the notorious stress hormone cortisol. A study by lead researcher Dr Madhav Goyal found that meditating can reduce symptoms associated with anxiety, depression and pain.1

2 Better sleep

If you’re having trouble sleeping, meditation might be the answer. According to the National Sleep Foundation, it can improve sleep by helping regulate the body’s ‘rest and digest’ system.2 Insomniac-turned-champion-sleeper? Yes, please!

3 Bye-bye anxiety

Anxiety is like that unwelcome guest who never seems to leave, but periods of quiet contemplation can help overcome it. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a structured eight-week program, has shown to significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety.3

4 Brain boost

Ever feel like your brain is in a fog? Well, a Harvard study revealed that regular relaxation techniques can increase the grey matter in your hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. It’s also been shown to increase attention span and improve focus.4

5 Lower blood pressure

It turns out that meditation is good for our heart too. Research has shown it can help lower blood pressure by relaxing the nerve signals that coordinate heart function and blood vessel tension.5

How to begin

Starting meditation doesn’t have to be complicated. Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed – it could be your bedroom, living room, or even your car (parked, of course!).

Gently heating essential oils such as geranium, lavender or chamomile in a diffuser can help relax the mind. Sit comfortably, close your eyes and focus on your breath. Inhale slowly, then exhale. Your mind will wander, and that’s totally normal.

When it does, just gently bring your focus back to your breathing. Start with three-to-five minutes a day and, as it gets easier, gradually increase the time. No need for fancy apps or sitting crosslegged like a yogi – just you, your breath and a little peace are all you need.

1 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1809754

5 https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/meditation-and-a-relaxation-technique-to-lower-blood-pressure

Dig in!

You don’t need a big backyard to start planting your own fruit and vegetables. See how growing your own food can benefit your health in these five surprising ways.

1 Let’s get physical

All that planting, hoeing and watering burns up to 550 calories an hour – around the same as playing tennis.1

As it moves our arms, legs, thighs and back, it’s a full-body workout routine that includes weights, resistance training and aerobic activities.

Just remember that it’s easier than you think to pull a muscle, so a few warm-up stretches are a good precaution. “Take the time to do a good, deep 10-to-15-minute stretch, particularly for your upper and lower back,” says US spine specialist Dr Deborah Benzil.2 “These areas get a lot of stress during gardening and without proper stretching you could be doing damage to your spine.”

2 Grow smarter

Encouraging residents of nursing homes or dementia patients to grow some of their own food is called ‘horticultural therapy’ and is a proven way to improve memory. It even stimulates new nerve growth in the brain, slowing decline and boosting self-esteem.3

3 Leave your worries behind

It’s no surprise that pottering around in the garden helps stress melt away, but Japanese researchers found that it also reduces blood pressure and makes us feel less angry and sad. Even just looking at a green hedge relaxes us more than seeing a concrete fence.4

4 Sow and glow

Tucking into vegies we pulled out of the ground just a few minutes earlier is a great feeling, but it’s great for our bodies too. Many of the ‘fresh’ carrots, potatoes and beetroots found in supermarkets may have been dug up weeks or even months earlier. And their nutrients will have been gradually breaking down ever since.5

5 Connect with nature

Walking barefoot on grass or lying down on bare earth may ease chronic pain, repair aching muscles and heal wounds according to the theory of ‘grounding’. Some studies have found that ‘electrically connecting’ with the Earth can restore our body’s natural defences.6

Even indoor gardening can help. Finnish scientists found that potting plants using a rich, organic soil instead of a lifeless soil exposes us to a greater range of bacteria that help fight allergies and autoimmune disorders.7

Easy edibles to plant now

If you’re a beginner, here’s our pick of the yummy fruits, herbs and vegies you can start growing from seed or seedling during the Summer months.

1 https://www.activetenniscoaching.com.au/calories-burn-in-cardio-tennis

2 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-gardening

Pharmacy picks

What’s in store

Discover our round-up of products to keep you and yours in tip-top shape this Summer.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid

A lightweight, non-greasy and fragrance-free facial sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin and with a broad-spectrum SPF50+.

Ego QV Gentle Wash

A gentle cleanser and soap alternative that can help dehydrated skin and is suitable for use with eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.

Nivea Sun Kids Ultra Protect & Play

Formulated for children’s sensitive skin, this sunscreen provides high sun protection with broadspectrum UVA and UVB filters.

Bio-Oil

Skincare Oil

Bio-Oil is a specialist skincare solution recommended for scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, ageing and dehydrated skin. Apply twice a day.

Gaviscon Dual Action Chewable Peppermint Flavour Tablets

A fast, soothing and long-lasting relief from heartburn and indigestion that reduces excess stomach acid.

Hydralyte

Effervescent

Electrolyte

Passionfruit

Punch Flavoured

Tablets

Relieves symptoms of dehydration and helps replace water and lost electrolytes.

Natalis Pregnancy Vitamins & Minerals

Supports a pregnant woman’s increased nutritional needs from pre-conception to pregnancy and breastfeeding.

DermaVeen® Daily Nourish This Sensitive Sun SPF 50+ with Body Moisturiser helps protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, while helping to hydrate dry and sensitive skin.

Flo Sinus Care Starter Kit

A non-medicated, isotonic irrigation solution for washing the nasal passages and sinus cavities to help thin mucus and clear irritants that cause painful congestion.

Zyrtec Hayfever & Allergy Eye Drops

Provides relief for hayfever and allergy symptoms such as watery, itchy and red eyes caused by hayfever and allergic conjunctivitis.

Omron Hem 7144T1 Blood Pressure Monitor

Simple onetouch operation and irregular heartbeat detection allows for an easyto-use blood pressure monitor for first-time users.

Allertine Bilastine

A non-drowsy antihistamine for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. Relieves sneezing, a runny nose and itchy skin rashes.

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion

Clinically proven and longlasting, this daily moisturiser provides instant hydration to soothe the skin and prevent dryness.

Fess Little Noses Nasal Spray + Aspirator

A non-medicated, preservative-free saline nasal spray for newborns and babies that provides natural relief for dry or blocked noses.

Meet our team

Get to know the friendly Blooms The Chemist team from Baldivis, WA.

Baldivis, WA, lies about a 45-minute drive south of Perth along the Kwinana Freeway. Masood and Renae from Blooms The Chemist Baldivis tell us more about living and working in this beautiful semi-rural town.

Baldivis has been expanding rapidly in recent years, with a clutch of residential estates and business precincts springing up. People from a hugely diverse range of backgrounds and cultures are settling in the area. In fact, it has more Afrikaans, Māori and Shona speakers than any other suburb in Australia. It’s also home to plenty of young families, retirement communities and FIFO (fly-in-fly-out) workers who love the many parks, sporting facilities and locally owned shops.

The word ‘Baldivis’ actually comes from combining the names of three ships that visited the region in 1922: BALranald, DIogenes and JerVIS

Masood

Our team at Blooms The Chemist Baldivis works really well together and provides the very best service and advice.

What I noticed first about the area is the strong sense of community. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly – it’s a wonderful place to work. I’ve got to know so many regular customers and it’s always lovely to chat and help them out.

Renae

It’s great to see our regulars stop by just to say hi when they’re in the area. Sometimes they even bring us little treats to show their appreciation for the help we’ve given them. We’re always here to lend an ear whenever they need to talk and never mind doing that little bit extra for them. In fact, we’re constantly brainstorming new ways to make their experiences even better as that’s what it’s all about.

Masood and Renae from Blooms The Chemist Baldivis.

numbers Health by

1 of Australian men will have skin cancer in their lifetime. The figure for women is 65%.1

73%

60%

4 cup of firm tofu will give adults aged 19–50 their entire daily recommended calcium intake.2

minutes more sleep are needed by teenagers per night compared to adults.3

Percentage of our DNA we share with bananas and chickens.4 types of bacteria are found in the average belly button.5 million Australian adults are deficient in vitamin D.6

1 https://www.cancer.org.au/about-us/policy-and-advocacy/prevention/uv-radiation/related-resources/skin-cancer-incidence-and-mortality

2 https://www.arthritiswa.org.au/health-and-lifestyle/can-you-meet-your-recommended-dietary-intake-for-calcium-from-diet-alone/

3 https://bemboka.com/australian-sleep-statistics/#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20that%2C%20on%20average,individual%20sleep%20needs%20may%20vary.

4 https://www.pfizer.com/news/articles/how_genetically_related_are_we_to_bananas#:~:text=Banana%3A%20more%20than%2060%20percent,(including%20 bananas)%20and%20animals.

5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3492386/

6 https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/vitamin-d#:~:text=Just%20under%20one%20in%20four,1%25%20with%20a%20severe%20deficiency.

FALL ASLEEP*

Ziziphus