Complete Wellness Guide: Health, Mental & Physical Tips

Health and Wellness

Family matters when times are tough

When Monica’s brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer, it shattered her world. But as she struggled to carry the emotional weight of the prospect of losing her brother, the responsibilities of life carried on. Monica became her brother’s full-time carer. Over the last months of his life, Monica was struggling with all her brother’s care needs, while also managing life’s usual responsibilities. At the same time, she was trying to deal with the emotional toll of her brother’s diagnosis. Monica was breaking. And she’s not alone. More than 450 Australians are diagnosed with cancer every single day, with almost two in five predicted to be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. One of the most challenging aspects of this difficult time is that despite their internal struggle, everyday life must go on. This leaves those people in a difficult and vulnerable position, forced to balance navigating their diagnosis with their other responsibilities, such as looking after their children, cooking, cleaning, or walking their dog. Unlike Kate Middleton and King Charles, your average Australian is not always backed by an established support system or with an abundance of resources at their fingertips. While research shows people with stronger social bonds have a 50 per cent increased likelihood of survival than those who have fewer social connections, even those with a strong social network can find it difficult to ask for help. Similarly, many well-meaning friends and family don’t quite know how to offer help. That’s where Gather My Crew comes into play, offering proactive support to break down the barriers of people needing to ask for help. Essentially, the Gather My Crew app is a free online rostering system, acting as a middle man between a person in need and their ‘crew’ – those people that want to help but aren’t sure how. After you set up your account, you can then select from hundreds of things you might need help with, including school pickups, washing, transport, even weekend activities for the kids. Basically, all the things that make living a normal life possible. After you’ve chosen these, you can then invite family and friends to join your crew, who can then choose the specific items they’re able to help you with. “As humans, we are inherently social beings. We thrive on community support, especially during times of crisis,” said Dr Susan Palmer, Psychologist, Founder and Clinical Lead of Gather My Crew: “During periods of heightened stress, cognitive overload can impair our communication and decision-making, making it harder to deal with challenging situations and think logically during this time. However, research consistently shows that individuals with robust social support systems fare better in times of crisis, experiencing lower levels of stress and greater resilience. “By proactively gathering our crew and fostering interconnectedness within our communities, we not only help our own well-being but also create a foundation of solidarity and compassion.” According to Dr Palmer, the issue with saying ‘Let me know how I can help’ is that it requires the person struggling to go back and ask for specific things which can sadly work as a barrier to receiving the help they actual need. “On the flip side, people are ready to give help and have the best intentions but don’t know how to go about it or what to offer,” Dr Palmer said.

Health and Wellness

Guard your energy at Christmas time

Christmas. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” so the song goes. It can be, but for many it’s a tough time with too much to do, too many places to be, and an enormous amount of obligation. Obligation is a huge energy drainer at this time of year—attending events you don’t want to, sharing meals with people you don’t like, buying gifts for people because you have to! Doing Christmas ‘your way’ is the answer. Find the joy in the bits you love and fa-la-la all the way into the New Year. There is a lot to love about Christmas. The upside of Christmas is yummy food, thoughtful gifts, time with people you love, celebrating the past 12 months, family traditions, and glittery decorations. The downside is overeating, wasted money, difficult people, and years of resentment all showing up in one day! The power of anything is in choosing what you love and leaning into that. The secret is to do more of what you love and less of what grinds your gears! We get energy when we do things we enjoy. When we hang out with people we love, when we visit places we enjoy. Christmas is an excellent time to be honest. You know it’s coming up, and you can choose how you respond and participate. Write down all the things that happen at Christmas in your world. Write next to each one what you love and hate about each activity or responsibility. Each of the things on your list will have an energy. Some will be a hell yes. Some will be laced with dread! Take notice of how you feel. Now make some decisions. What do you want to do? What do you need to do? What can you outsource? You can outsource just about anything these days. Get your house decorated, have meals prepared, and have your gifts wrapped. Have some conversations about what you do and don’t enjoy about the Christmas season. This doesn’t have to be expensive—swap jobs with people who enjoy different tasks than you! Maybe you cook and someone shops for your gifts! Maybe you clean while someone else decorates your house. Having a plan will energise you! Getting organised will make you feel good. There is so much that can be done ahead of time. Make lists of things that can be done in October and November so December has more space. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year to celebrate. You can celebrate yourself, the people who have supported and loved you, the people you support and love. It’s a time for generosity. A time to give—giving of ourselves creates more energy. Who could you give your time, your money, or your energy to this Christmas? Get Energy: Plan something that you want to do. Create something special for you and a loved one. Guard your energy by: Get clear and honest about what you want. Decide what you will and won’t do. Give: MAKE AN EFFORT .Do significant things for significant people! Be kind and generous doing things you do enjoy. Maybe this is the year to do Christmas your way. To honour your energy and celebrate how you want to!

Health and Wellness

Looking After Your Skin – Self-Love

How Looking After Your Skin is a Form of Self-Love By Kim Guseli, Cosmetic Chemist Self-care can sometimes feel like just another item on our endless to-do list in the busy pace of modern life. However, the simple act of looking after your skin can be a powerful way to practice self-love. Skincare isn’t just about maintaining a glowing complexion. Taking time for yourself builds confidence and connects with who you truly are. Each time you cleanse, moisturise, or apply a mask, you are carving out space to focus on your well-being, both inside and out. Skincare as a Moment of Stillness It is a rare chance to slow down, to breathe, and to be present with yourself. Whether it’s a five-minute routine in the morning or a more indulgent evening ritual, these moments are an opportunity to connect with yourself on a deeper level. Consider your skincare routine as a daily practice of mindfulness. The simple act of washing your face becomes a pause in the chaos of life—a time to reflect on how you’re feeling. Skincare becomes more than just an external act as it transforms into a powerful tool for grounding yourself in the present moment. Confidence Through Care Looking after your skin can be empowering because it builds confidence. When you take the time to care for yourself, you feel better about how you present yourself to the world. Glowing, healthy skin isn’t just about appearances; it’s about how it makes you feel. It’s a reflection of the care and love you give yourself. Confidence radiates from within, but the way we care for our outward appearance can give us that little boost when we need it most. When you know you’ve taken time for yourself, it shows in how you carry yourself. Skincare is Self-Love, Not Perfection It’s important to remember that skincare is not about achieving perfection. The beauty industry often pushes the idea that flawless skin equals happiness, but true empowerment comes from embracing your skin as it is. Your skin is uniquely yours, and your skincare routine should be about celebrating that. When you focus on nurturing your skin rather than trying to fix it, you shift the conversation from criticism to care. This simple change in mindset allows you to approach your skincare ritual with kindness and patience, rather than pressure or frustration. It’s a gentle reminder that you deserve to be taken care of, no matter what stage of life or skin journey you’re on. A Lifelong Act of Self-Love Taking care of your skin is a lifelong journey and a practice in showing yourself compassion. Your skincare routine can evolve as you do — reflecting your needs, your lifestyle, and your personal growth. It is a way to invest in yourself and your well-being, reminding you that you are worthy of care every single day. The next time you reach for your favourite moisturiser or mask remember that you are not just taking care of your skin, you are empowering yourself through a simple yet profound act of self-love.

Health and Wellness

The impact of vaping on your skin

Skin expert, Isabella Loneragan, breaks down the Impacts of vaping on Skin. While studies on the long-term health implications of vaping are ongoing, there is clear evidence that the damage extends to your skin too, exacerbating a bevy of skin conditions including acne, rosacea, fine lines and wrinkles, and even spurring the formation of ‘smoker’s lips.’ Award-winning skin and dermal therapist, Isabella Loneragan, says vaping may be the culprit behind a noticeable rise in skin complaints from young people in particular. “I have noticed an increase in younger people visiting my clinic who are fairly frustrated with their skin and now, one of the first questions I ask is whether they vape because, although vaping hasn’t been around for too long, its impacts on skin are proving just as bad – if not worse – than cigarette smoking,” explains Isabella. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in five Australians have tried an e-cigarette at least once, and almost one in ten aged 18-24 vape daily. “Akin to cigarette smoking, vaping incorporates an inhalation of toxins and so it’s inevitable that some of these toxins will be deposited in the skin, causing damage to the skin barrier and inflammation impacting the skin’s ability to function normally. “One of the most significant impacts of vaping is an exacerbation of acne. More and more studies are showing that the nicotine in e-cigarettes can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the skin, which leads to inflammation and the development of flares of acne,” she says. Vaping can also cause an overproduction of sebum, which is the oily substance that clogs pores and can lead to breakouts. The chemicals in e-cigarettes can disrupt the skin’s microbiome also contributing to the development of acne flares. “Another condition that is clearly impacted by vaping is rosacea – a chronic condition that causes redness and inflammation on the face. Vaping aggravates rosacea due to the presence of chemicals and irritants in e-cigarettes. The nicotine in vapes – like cigarettes – causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to a worsening of rosacea symptoms,” says Isabella. “While studies are currently quite limited, there are also viable scientific suggestions that vaping triggers rosacea flare-ups and may even make existing rosacea symptoms worse.” It should come as no surprise that vaping also can result in premature ageing and the development of fine lines and wrinkles. “The chemicals in e-cigarettes are known to cause oxidative stress, damaging collagen and elastin which are the proteins that keep skin firm and youthful looking. “I can confidently state as a fact that vaping spurs dull and uneven complexion – just as cigarettes do. Over time, this contributes to the development of fines and wrinkles. “Even the dreaded ‘smoker’s lips’ side effect of cigarette smoking is showing in those who vape. This is the formation of vertical perioral lines around the lips simply due to an overuse of the muscle to purse your lips to a vape,” says Isabella. When it comes to reversing the impacts of vaping on the skin, Isabella says this may not be possible. “Obviously, avoiding smoking and vaping altogether is my recommendation for radiant and healthy skin; but for those who do vape, I’d suggest keeping yourself hydrated and eating a healthy diet as a means of limiting the impacts of vaping. Of course, using sunscreen daily is also a must,” adds Isabella.

Health and Wellness

Luscious Locks on a Budget

Hairstylist Kylie Hayes shares her top 4 tips for keeping hair looking luscious and extending the longevity of coloured hair using at-home treatments. Tip 1: Use Semi-Permanent Toning Filters To intensify your colour’s tone and avoid discolouration at an affordable price point, Revlon Professional’s Nutri Colour Filters will be your favourite haircare colour treatment during financially tight times. The unique 3-in-1 product achieves flawless, vibrant hair colour and a silky shine finish in between salon visits, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing an extensive list of haircare products. Kylie says, “Unwanted hair regrowth is bound to happen when delaying a visit to your hair salon, but this pigmented semi-permanent treatment is perfect for enhancing dull-coloured tones and providing that refresh that you are looking for.” To remove unwanted brassy, yellow, and orange tones, use the Revlon Professional Re/Start Colour Anti-Brassiness Purple Drops, a gentle serum that enhances blonde, lightened, grey, or white hair tones. Tip 2: Use Nourishing Shampoos & Conditioners Soapy shampoos and conditioners might be the reason for your colour fading faster, leaving you to be a frequent customer at your hair salon. Kylie says, “Substituting your thick, rich shampoos and conditioners with gentler, more nourishing products will cleanse the hair more effectively and greatly extend the life of your colour.” Look for products that are free from sulphates, which are prone to strip colour. Tip 3: Maintain moisture As coloured hair causes dryness, thinning, split ends, and breakage, Kylie says, “Moisturising your hair with a hair mask weekly helps to lock colour in the hair’s cuticles while also preventing further damage.” Look for products that nourish, hydrate, and strengthen the hair, leaving it with a soft and shiny finish. Tip 4: Cut back on heat styling tools Your trusty straightener and curling iron may also be a leading cause for your hair fading quickly. Kylie says, “Heat opens up your hair cuticles, allowing colour to fade at a faster rate; instead, look to reduce your use of styling tools, and applying a heat protectant before styling will be a game changer in restoring the brightness of colour in between salon visits.”

Health and Wellness

Advanced beauty treatments that give results

Discover the ‘Art of Beauty’ at iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic is redefining what it means to feel confident and radiant. Founded by Dr Alex Chen, a passionate and highly skilled cosmetic physician, the clinic is dedicated to enhancing clients’ natural beauty while providing a luxurious and supportive experience. With a commitment to advanced techniques, cutting-edge technology and personalised care, iBeauty is quickly becoming a trusted name in the cosmetic industry. Advanced Treatments; Remarkable Results At iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic, every treatment is powered by world-class technology and designed to deliver real, lasting results. Whether you’re seeking to smooth fine lines, restore skin health or sculpt your body, iBeauty offers a curated selection of advanced treatments tailored to your needs. Clients looking for skin tightening and lifting love Morpheus8, which combines microneedling and radiofrequency to firm, rejuvenate and refresh the skin. For a complete facial transformation, the 3-Step Face Lift, featuring Morpheus8, Forma and MiniFX, provides non-surgical contouring that sculpts and enhances the natural beauty of your face. For pigmentation, redness or sun damage, Lumecca IPL and PicoPro laser therapy provide effective, minimally invasive solutions to even out skin tone and restore radiance. Those in need of deeper resurfacing can turn to the Alma CO2 laser, which targets fine lines, wrinkles and scars for smoother, more youthful skin. Gouri, a revolutionary Korean facial treatment, helps restore a plump, hydrated complexion by stimulating collagen production, while Exosome therapy accelerates healing and rejuvenates the skin from within. For a gentler treatment, Laser Genesis offers a calming approach to reducing redness, shrinking pores and boosting collagen for glowing, healthy skin. Body sculpting and contouring are also a specialty at iBeauty, with Accutite, Facetite and Bodytite offering minimally invasive solutions to tighten and refine areas of concern. Whether you’re interested in injectables, dermal fillers, or skin rejuvenation, iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic delivers personalised care and exceptional results for every client. A New Era in Aesthetic Care Originally located in Southport, iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic has recently relocated to a brand-new luxury space at 62 Ashmore Road, Bundall. This state-of-the-art clinic is designed to elevate every aspect of the client experience, offering a serene environment where comfort meets transformation. It’s not just about the results—it’s about enjoying a supportive, stress-free journey to becoming your best self. Special Offer: $50 Off Your First Treatment To celebrate the opening of their new Bundall clinic, iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic is offering $50 off any treatment when you mention this article in Get It Magazine while booking your appointment. From advanced facial rejuvenation to body sculpting, now is the perfect time to explore their wide range of services. Visit ibeautycosmeticclinic.com.au to learn more and book your consultation. Step into the art of bespoke beauty and discover confidence like never before. 62 Ashmore Road, Bundall P 07 5600 0191

Health and Wellness

Why Breast Screens are so Important

Ready to focus on your health? Be keen to screen and book your appointment today. A quick breast screen could save your life. Screening is recommended every 2 years for women aged 50 to 74, with free breast screens on offer for women 40 and over who haven’t noticed any changes to their breasts. Book your free breast screen online today at your nearest BreastScreen Queensland clinic or call 132050

Health and Wellness

What is a Health Kick?

The common mistakes with Health Kicks & how to avoid the usual hiccups that come with them. WHAT DOES A HEALTH KICK MEAN? A “health kick” is a period where someone consciously makes an effort to improve their health and wellbeing. This might include eating more nutritious foods, increasing physical activity, and making lifestyle changes to enhance energy, mood, and overall fitness. People often begin a health kick to lose weight, prevent illness, or feel better mentally and physically. Common activities include going to the gym, cutting back on sugar, trying new diets, quitting smoking, or starting yoga and meditation. When done with realistic goals and planning, a health kick can lead to long-term positive change. 5 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL HEALTH KICK 1. Create a Meal Plan Planning your meals helps you stay on track, avoid unhealthy choices, and make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need. Aim for a balanced mix of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you’re unsure where to start, a personal trainer or nutritionist can help design a tailored plan. 2. Start Small Begin with simple, achievable goals—like exercising three times a week or drinking more water. Small wins build momentum and confidence, making it easier to create long-lasting habits. 3. Exercise Regularly Exercise is a core part of any health kick. Include a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Using a fitness or personal trainer app can help you track your progress and stay motivated. 4. Stay Hydrated Drinking enough water supports digestion, energy, and hunger control. Aim for at least eight glasses a day, and more if you’re active or in a hot climate. 5. Prioritise Sleep Getting 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night is vital for recovery and overall health. A good night’s sleep supports your metabolism, mental clarity, and exercise performance. 6 COMMON HEALTH KICK MISTAKES 1. Going Too Hard, Too Soon Rapid changes in diet or exercise can cause burnout, injury, and side effects like fatigue, mood swings, and muscle loss. Ease into your health kick gradually. 2. Poor Planning Without a clear strategy, it’s easy to revert to old habits. Use tools like meal prep, fitness schedules, and health apps to stay organised and consistent. 3. No Balance A health kick shouldn’t mean constant restriction. Allow yourself flexibility and treats to maintain motivation and avoid the “all or nothing” mindset. 4. Ignoring Mental Health Wellbeing includes your mental state. Make time for stress relief—through meditation, journalling, walking, or simply doing things you enjoy. 5. Unrealistic Expectations Change takes time. Don’t expect overnight results. Be patient and celebrate progress, not perfection. 6. Inconsistency Forming new habits takes time and repetition. Establish a routine that fits your lifestyle and stick to it as closely as possible. By avoiding common pitfalls and focusing on small, consistent steps, you can turn your health kick into lasting, positive change. Remember: it’s not about being perfect—it’s about building habits that support your long-term wellbeing. Bundall Studio ph: 5538 4788 Southport Studio ph: 5679 2235 visionpersonaltraining.com

Health and Wellness

Turning back the clock with ULTHERAPY PRIME

At iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic in Bundall, the results speak for themselves, but it’s the passion behind the scenes that sets this doctor-led clinic apart. Practice Manager Bridgette Moss isn’t just knowledgeable about the cutting-edge technologies on offer, she’s personally experienced them, with Ultherapy Prime being her current go-to for natural yet transformative results. “I trust this machine implicitly,” Bridgette shares. “It’s one of the only non-surgical modalities on the market that genuinely delivers what it promises.” Known as the next generation of non-invasive facelift treatments, Ultherapy Prime uses ultrasound energy to target the deep foundational muscles of the face, stimulating collagen production and visibly lifting areas like the jowls, brows, and cheeks. Unlike surface treatments, Ultherapy goes deeper, reactivating muscles and rebooting collagen, minimal downtime and results that keep improving for months post-treatment. Bridgette first tried Ultherapy herself in 2016 and hasn’t looked back. “We’ve now upgraded to the latest Prime device, which works in black and white ultrasound and allows us to see the full scope of muscle system and fat in the face, making it even safer and more effective. It’s not a facial, it’s a muscle-targeting treatment. Think of it like a gym workout for your face,” she explains. Bridgette adds that you can expect to experience a ‘flicking’ sensation as the device gets to work across the 60-75 minutes session, so while it’s not completely pain-free, it’s a treatment that won’t require a week off work to heal. With every client, iBeauty’s approach is grounded in realism, safety, and empowerment. “Ageing is a privilege, but we can absolutely age well,” Bridgette says. “It’s not about changing who you are, it’s about enhancing what’s already beautiful.” Under the guidance of Dr Alex, who is on-site full-time, iBeauty stands confidently as a doctor-led clinic, offering peace of mind in an industry that’s seen recent regulatory shifts. “The way clinics are legally able to speak about injectables is changing, and we’re learning more about how they interact with our bodies,” Bridgette shares. “With the new laws in place, having a doctor involved in all treatments is essential. Our patients know they’re in experienced, medically qualified hands.” Bridgette and her team champion skin treatments like Ultherapy Prime as a longer-lasting alternative to injectables that allows your face to re-engage and reactivate muscles and lift naturally. Another standout offering at iBeauty is the Exosome Sprinkle, a regenerative treatment made from ethically sourced umbilical stem cell derivatives. This liquid gold expedites healing post-laser or CO2 treatments, reduces redness by up to 80%, and significantly brightens skin tone. Prices start from just $50, with more intensive options available. “Exosomes talk to your cells in a way nothing else does,” Bridgette explains. “They boost results, reduce recovery, and they’re part of how we customise every client’s journey, because no two faces are the same.” That tailored approach is at the heart of everything iBeauty does. From in-depth prep and photo tracking to thorough consults and post-treatment care, every modality in the clinic is carefully chosen for its safety, effectiveness, and long-term impact. “We’re not here to push high-cost treatment plans or make you look like someone else. Our goal is to stop and reverse time for your skin that makes sense for your face and goals. And we do it with honesty, heart, and a little Benjamin Button meets Cher magic,” Bridgette laughs. iBeauty isn’t just another skin clinic, it’s a destination for those seeking meaningful, visible change with integrity at its core. “When you walk into iBeauty, you’re not just a number, you’re walking into real hearts, and a team of talented people all focused on one thing: helping you feel like the best version of yourself.” 62 Ashmore Road, Bundall P 07 5600 0191 ibeautycosmeticclinic.com.au