The festive season is upon us, and although it can be a time to indulge, there are still small changes you can make or continue doing to keep some balance and set yourself on the path to a happier and healthier 2024.
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Create a healthy routine
Health Direct have some great suggestions on creating healthy habits in your life, building healthy habits will lead to an overall healthy routine. Even if you get slightly off track at Christmas time, with too much food or alcohol, make sure that you’re walking for at least 15 minutes every day, getting at least seven hours sleep a night and taking time out for self-care, whether that’s resting, catching up with friends to exercise, spending time with family or reading a good book. Simple changes don’t have to be expensive or hard to stick to and once they have become a habit, they won’t take a lot of thought to do.
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Stay hydrated & moderate alcohol
This summer’s going to be a hot one, so it is even more important you stay hydrated. The recommended standard amount of water intake for adults, according to Australian Guidelines is approx. 6-10 cups a day. Water can also be supplemented with herbal teas and other fluids. It’s also a good idea to moderate alcohol consumption, to reduce your risk of dehydration. The recommended alcohol guidelines for Australia are no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four drinks a day.
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Prioritise your mental health
We live in a busy world, but it is important to make sure that you take time out to check in on your mental health. Managing stress is important and Health Direct have some useful tips. Pharmacy 777 Pharmacist Carly Thomson suggests, “Prioritising time for rest, even during the busy festive period”. She also said “It’s a good time to speak to your Doctor or Pharmacist about the options available to you for mental health support.”
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Eat well
Your body needs the right nutrients to perform optimally, so make sure you’re giving it enough fruits, vegetables, fibre and protein to be the best it can be. It’s not always going to be easy to stick to healthy choices, but if you can make them 80% of the time, you’re well on your way to looking after yourself. Nutrition Australia suggest to try challenging yourself to make something new at home once a week or a vegetarian meal to mix things up a little.
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Vaccinations & Immunity Support
We’re currently experiencing a Covid surge in Australia, it continues to be important that your COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date. As well as COVID-19, it is also important you stay up to date with all of your vaccinations. If you’re travelling overseas you can check in with your 777 Pharmacist to find out which vaccinations are recommended to get before you go. Carly suggests being mindful of others varying immune health when celebrating this festive season, “Ensure you are well when attending gatherings, regular washing of hands and wear a mask if in doubt.” These actions are not only for you to take care of your own health, but also ensures you are protecting your loved ones when celebrating this year.
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Book regular health checks
It is a great time to get ahead of your health for the year and pharmacist delivered health checks are a quick and convenient way to do this. A Pharmacy 777 Health Check involves measuring your blood pressure, height, weight and total/HDL cholesterol. It is also important to have a yearly check in with your GP. Setting these kinds of appointments up in December or January is a great time so that you have a plan for the year ahead.
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Reach out for further support
When taking care of your overall wellness, it is important you can recognise when it is time to seek further professional advice, this could be your GP, a psychologist or another specialist, or an organisation like Lifeline, there is support available to you, whatever the health or wellbeing concern you may have. Carly said, “Your 777 Pharmacist is an accessible support for you to speak to in the community and we can suggest other health professionals for you to see where required.”
At Pharmacy 777 we are here for your health for life! Check in with your local 777 Pharmacist today.