Friday, July 26, 2013

The Lady Musgrave Trust seeks community support for goal to raise $500,000 for homeless shelter

The Lady Musgrave Trust's efforts to raise $500,000 to fund a new shelter for young homeless women have not gone unnoticed by Queensland journalists and our supportive Brisbane community.

Here is a snapshot of some of the media coverage we’ve attained:

96FIVE FM - with Pete Hill

97.3FM - with Paul 'Campo' Campion

4BC Drive
4ZZZ
http://www.4zzzfm.org.au/news/audio/2013/jul/20/shelter-needed-homelessness-rise

City North News (available Monday 29 July at
http://quest.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx).

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Discount Drug Stores joins the Cerebral Palsy League’s Picnic in the Park

Looking to provide additional support to thousands of Queenslanders with cerebral palsy, community pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores is joining the Cerebral Palsy League’s Picnic in the Park on Sunday July 28.

Coinciding with Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week (July 28 to August 3), the pharmacy brand will give people with, or who have loved ones with cerebral palsy, health care advice at the Cerebral Palsy League’s first ever Wellness Centre.

Pharmacist at Discount Drug Stores Casey Clark says the brand felt compelled to help at the Cerebral Palsy League’s biggest annual fundraising event which aims to celebrate the achievements of Queenslanders with physical disabilities.

“At Discount Drug Stores we have customers either with cerebral palsy or who are caring for someone with the condition,” she said, “so we felt it was important to support those who help people with cerebral palsy, so they can lead fulfilling lives regardless of their condition.

“By supporting the Cerebral Palsy League, we feel like we are achieving this,” Ms Clark continued. “The Cerebral Palsy League offers fundamental support to people with cerebral palsy by providing therapies that help them to communicate, to move and to do many of the day to day activities that we take for granted.”

It is estimated that 34,000 Australians have cerebral palsy, 7,000 of which are Queenslanders, with the condition the most common childhood physical disability in Australia.

Affecting the way the brain controls the body’s muscles, resulting in speech, movement and posture difficulties, the severity of cerebral palsy varies from case to case depending on the area of the body affected and the type of impairment.

Four pharmacists including Ms Clark will be on hand at Discount Drug Stores’ booth at the Picnic in the Park to advise people on managing their medication and to ensure they’re taking it correctly and getting the most benefit from it.

In addition to having one on one consultation with pharmacists, picnickers will also be able to search through 3,500 different health topics on Discount Drug Stores’ Health Point touch screen computer.

“The Health Point is an incredibly useful free device for guests,” said Ms Clark. “It will allow people to not just learn more about a range of conditions but to conduct risk assessments as well. They can then print off their results or information and take it with them to use as a continual reference point.”

The Wellness Centre will also include massage booths where guests can go for relief or relaxation, information sessions on the Cerebral Palsy League’s Healthy Habits program and a special section where people with dietary requirements can prepare and enjoy their own food.

A community focused pharmacy brand that supports a number of charities including Assistance Dogs Australia and FreeToBeKids, Discount Drug Stores hopes that this year’s Picnic in the Park will be the biggest ever for the Cerebral Palsy League.

“It looks like the event is already going to exceed the 8,000 picnickers that turned up last year, which is fantastic,” said Ms Clark. “We hope that we can help to raise more money than ever before for the Cerebral Palsy League so that it can continue to provide its invaluable support and services.”

The Cerebral Palsy League’s Picnic in the Park will take place at Roma Street Parkland’s Celebration Lawn on Sunday July 28 from 10am to 3pm and will include gourmet food, live entertainment from Nick Jr’s Dora the Explorer and Pop Opera group Belladiva, wildlife displays and a kids’ sideshow alley.

Discount Drug Stores will also be giving away sample bags and running competitions throughout the day. For more information on Discount Drug Stores’ charity work please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au/charity or to learn more about the Cerebral Palsy League’s Picnic in the Park visit www.picnicinthepark.org.au.

Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

New use for beauty wonder oil has Australians buzzing

Known as a ‘wonder’ beauty product for its ability to rejuvenate, nourish and heal dry and damaged hair, Australians will now be able to reap even more benefits from argan oil thanks to the launch of ECO. Modern Essential’s Argan Face Oil.

Developed by the leading Australian natural skincare company to provide Australians suffering from skin conditions with a safe, organic treatment option, ECO.’s Argan Face Oil has helped to reduce skin inflammation, rashes, eczema and acne.

“Argan face oil is particularly effective because it packs a real ‘one-two’ punch,” said Chief Executive Officer of ECO. Modern Essentials Claire Mitchell. “Firstly, it is high in essential fatty acids Omega 6 and 9 which work to naturally heal damaged skin cells. Secondly, it has a high absorption rate so often users will experience immediate affects.”

In addition to its rejuvenation qualities, Ms Mitchell continues stating that argan oil has also proven to be a powerful anti-ageing product due to it containing several antioxidants.

“Our face oil contains carotene, squalene and phenol which all work to brighten and smooth out the skin,” she said. “This results in our customers’ skin being more vibrant and youthful, without them needing to resort to harsh chemical based products or treatments.”

Originating from the south-western Morocco argan nut, ECO. Argan Face Oil is 100% certified organic, with the brand ensuring that the oil is derived from pesticide free argan trees in order to give Australians maximum benefits.

“There are brands that will say their product is organic when in fact the oil has come from an argan tree that has been treated with harsh chemicals which could cause some people to have an adverse reaction to the product,” warns Ms Mitchell. “That’s why Australians need to be careful when selecting an argan oil to make sure that it is 100% organic.”

At just $18.00 for a 15ml bottle, ECO’s argan face oil is a cost effective beauty buy that has already been a huge seller in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom for its simplicity and versatility.

“Our international distributor TJX sold out of our Argan Face Oil just weeks after it hit their shelves,” said Ms Mitchell. “I think this is because it is very economical. Just a few drops every morning and night after cleansing and toning can significantly improve skin hydration and quality so a 15ml bottle can last quite a long time.”

Ms Mitchell began developing the ECO. Argan Face Oil eight months ago and believes that, like its hair counterpart, it will be the next big thing in natural skincare.

“We are always on the lookout for powerful natural ingredients,” she said, “and after testing the product and hearing feedback from our customers that have already tried it; we believe that our Argan Face Oil is going to be incredibly popular.”

In fact, Ms Mitchell is so sure of the ECO. Argan Face Oil that she’s already developed an argan body oil, which will be launched later this year. Containing camellia oil, pomegranate kernel oil, vitamin E and fresh ginger, the body oil has been specially developed to rejuvenate dry skin, reduce stretch marks and to soften and heal tired and ageing skin.

ECO. Argan Face Oil retails for $18 and is available for purchase online at www.ecoaroma.com.au or through selected stockists.

Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or s.ross@graymedia.com.au

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Health experts advise on how to beat influenza as Australia’s flu season hits hard and fast

Despite flu season officially beginning last month, there have already been thousands of cases of influenza recorded nationally. Leading health experts are now strongly urging Australians to take extra precautionary measures to avoid being hit with the dangerous virus.

Pharmacist and Professional Services Manager at Australian pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores, Casey Clark, states that this year’s influenza strain is particularly aggressive and has struck down many young and healthy Australians.

“It seems that the strain that wreaked havoc in the United States earlier in the year has travelled to Australia and as a result we’re seeing people of all ages being bed ridden with the virus,” she said.

It’s why Ms Clark implemented over 100 flu vaccination clinics within Discount Drug Stores pharmacies earlier this year, helping to ensure that thousands of Australians were immunised against the virus.

The service focused pharmacy brand more than doubled the number of flu vaccinations from 2012 during the highly successful clinics and this year immunised thousands of their customers.

More businesses also took advantage of the service to ensure their employees weren’t affected by influenza with organisations such as C&K Childcare, Ikea, Lottery West and Holden booking into the clinics.

Ms Clark states the increase in the number of Australians getting the flu vaccine is positive to see and hopes that it’s a sign that people are starting to take the virus more seriously.

“I think the results of this year’s clinics have shown that there’s been a change in the way people perceive the flu,” she said. “There’s not so much of that attitude that, like a cold, you’ll just get over it after a few days. People are thankfully listening to their doctors and pharmacists and are realising just how dangerous and debilitating the flu really is.”

However, whilst Ms Clark states that more Australians getting vaccinated against the flu is a step in the right direction, she adds that people need to also better understand the other smaller, but still fundamental, preventative measures they must take as well.

“Getting the influenza vaccine is absolutely important but what people need to realise is that it’s only the first step to avoiding the flu,” she said. “They need to also be proactive during flu season about keeping their immune system strong.

“So this means making sure you’re drinking lots of fluids, are washing your hands frequently and are avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth as germs spread this way,” Ms Clark continued. “These small things can make all the difference.”

In addition to these small steps, Ms Clark also advises that Australians avoid visiting or being around people who have the flu, use alcohol-based rubs when they can’t wash their hands and clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

Through heeding this advice, Australians will be giving themselves and their loved ones, the best chance of beating influenza this flu season. However, should people still come down with the virus, Ms Clark states there are a number of ways to tackle it before it becomes dangerous.

“Simple recovery tactics such as getting more sleep and drinking plenty of water will help lessen the intensity of the flu, while taking zinc supplements or garlic can help boost your immune system, as well as many other vitamins,” Ms Clark says.

“Many people may not realise that their toothbrush can be a breeding ground for germs, so sterilizing it or replacing it is another way to help fight the flu.”

For more information on how to avoid or beat the flu, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au or speak to your local Discount Drug Store pharmacist.

Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Local pharmacist launches Orange’s first major diabetes expo to mark National Diabetes Week

A group of local health experts will come together next week at a major diabetes expo in North Orange that looks to give residents who have, or know someone who has, diabetes invaluable guidance and a greater understanding of the prevalent condition.

Organised by pharmacist at North Orange Discount Drug Store Tim Denham, the expo will for the first time, bring dieticians, exercise physiologists, optometrists, pharmacists and diabetes educators together in one place to discuss and give advice about diabetes.

Mr Denham said he felt compelled to host the event to raise awareness of Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease and to ensure local people diagnosed with diabetes had a comprehensive understanding of their condition and its potentially deadly risks if not managed properly.

“It is estimated that the total number of Australians with diabetes and pre-diabetes is 3.2 million, meaning that even if a person isn’t affected by the condition, they most likely know someone who is,” he said. “It’s therefore absolutely vital that everyone is educated about diabetes and understands the symptoms, risks and how to manage the disease.”

Causing severe health complications when not managed properly including vision impairment, heart disease and kidney disease, Mr Denham continues stating that the event will show diabetics how to take a more holistic approach to their treatment.

“Diabetes management is not just about blood sugar control,” he said. “It’s also about living a healthy lifestyle so exercising regularly and eating properly. That’s why I’ve invited health practitioners from many different fields to present at the expo.”

Running in conjunction with National Diabetes Week (July 14-20), the event will include exercise demonstrations with exercise physiologist Kate Butler, meal planning with dietician Emma Gardiner and one on one consultations with diabetes educator Wayne Burgess, optometrist Jake Hansen and with Mr Denham himself.

“I want people to walk away at the end of the day not just with a greater understanding about diabetes and the tools and treatments needed to manage the condition but with a new perspective on the disease,” said Mr Denham, “because I think once people see how easy the treatments and lifestyle changes are and how beneficial they are to not only their condition but to their overall wellbeing, they’ll have a brighter outlook of having diabetes.”

A pro-active young pharmacist who is deeply invested in his local community, Mr Denham has been the manager and pharmacist at North Orange Discount Drug Store since it opened in late 2011.

It is through his initiative that the major diabetes expo, which is set to be the largest event of its kind in Orange, came to fruition.

“I did a call around to see what or if other health providers in the community were doing anything to mark National Diabetes Week,” Mr Denham explained. “When I realised nothing was happening I decided to put something together but I never imagined it would be a big as this. I was overwhelmed with the positive response I had from everyone I asked to be involved. I hope it’s going to be a really beneficial event.”

The diabetes expo will be held at North Orange Shopping Centre on Wednesday July 17 from 10am to 4pm and will be free for all residents. There will be diabetic friendly giveaways, as well as a live yoga session from Integra and taste tests of Medical Vita Diet’s latest shakes.

Mr Denham will also be taking bookings for attendees to come back to North Orange Discount Drug Store for free, personalised Meds Check appointments.

Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au

The Lady Musgrave Trust investigates land for new shelter amid escalating demand for services

Queensland not-for-profit The Lady Musgrave Trust is on the hunt for land in inner north Brisbane to build a homeless shelter for young women as it strives to meet escalating demand for services.

Findings from the Australian Community Sector Survey released last week paint a grim picture for Brisbane’s homeless services, as expensive housing forces more young Australians into poverty and funding for homeless services shrinks.

This recent spike in demand for homeless services has only galvanised The Lady Musgrave Trust’s resolve to raise one million dollars to provide accommodation, care and long-term support to young homeless women and mothers.

The Lady Musgrave Trust, currently in negotiations to procure land, needs to raise $500,000 by this year to be on target to decrease the number of young women collecting on Brisbane’s streets, a goal that President Ms Isobel Annat says has never been more important.

“We’ve had an unprecedented number of young women seeking our services,” said Ms Annat. “We fill an important niche in Brisbane’s homeless sector because we not only provide long-term shelter; we offer counselling services and instil these young women with the courage and opportunities to find education and employment to turn their lives around.”

The new shelter, to be built in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, will gift young women with education and employment opportunities, and give mothers in TLMT’s care privacy with their families.

“Studies show that it’s important to break the cycle early on,” Ms Annat continued. “Young people thrust into homelessness are more likely to become homeless later in life and raise families who in turn become homeless. We equip young women with the resources to escape the poverty trap and thus save future generations of families from suffering the same fate.”

With sixteen per cent of homeless services currently struggling to fill demand, Ms Annat is realistic but firmly positive that TLMT can reduce homelessness in Brisbane if the local community bands together to keep its homeless services afloat.

“The Trust has been helping young women in need to build a better life for themselves for over 125 years,” Ms Annat said. “We are not going to stop now.”

To donate to The Lady Musgrave Trust’s new shelter, please visit The Lady Musgrave Trust website at http://www.ladymusgravetrust.org.au/ or support them on Facebook and Twitter.

For further information on The Lady Musgrave Trust please contact Graymedia.

Media Enquiries: Please contact Melissa Payne at Graymedia on 07 3250 9404, email gms.admin1@graymedia.com.au.

About The Lady Musgrave Trust

The Lady Musgrave Trust continues to change the lives of many young women in need in Queensland every year through the provision of essential and often life changing accommodation. The young women who use these services, aged between 14 and 25, often come from violent or abusive backgrounds, and are in desperate need of shelter. As these women also often have young children, TLMT provides them and their young families with a fresh start in life that would otherwise not be available. It is through the provision of accommodation and other vital support services, such as pastoral care and counseling, that the primary mission of TLMT is achieved.

The History

TLMT has a long Queensland history having been established in 1885 by a group of community-minded women under the leadership of Lady Jeanie Lucinda Musgrave, wife of the then Governor of Queensland. Established by women, to help women, TLMT has supported the Queensland community for over 125 years, keeping alive the vision of the Trust and keeping many young girls and families from sleeping on the streets.

The Board

The Lady Musgrave Trust is governed by a carefully selected board of directors who donate their time to giving women at risk of homelessness and their children a chance in life. They have a passionate commitment to the work of TLMT and are dedicated to saving and enhancing the lives of young women in Brisbane.  The Trust is proud to have Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley, AC, Governor of Queensland as its patron.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Australian pharmacy industry gets behind Discount Drug Stores' bowel health awareness campaign

National pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores has received extensive coverage in industry media lately for its bowel health awareness campaign which aimed to reduce the high number of Australians who are losing their lives to bowel cancer every year.

Professional Pharmacy, Post Script, Retail Pharmacy and Pharmacy Daily all covered the story. Take a look at just some of the highlights below.

Professional Pharmacy:
http://www.professionalpharmacy.com.au/bowel-health-screening-offered-by-discount-drug-stores/

Post Script:
http://www.postscript.com.au/health-and-wellbeing/articles/dds-speaks-out-bowel-cancer



National pharmacy brand launches major bone density awareness campaign to combat osteoporosis

Currently more than one million Australians are affected by osteoporosis, a serious condition that can result in chronic pain, hospitalisations and even premature death and with an ageing population this number looks only set to rise.

It’s why next month Australian pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores is launching bone density awareness and testing clinics across the majority of its 112 stores.

A bid to better educate customers about osteoporosis which is often referred to as the ‘silent disease’, the pharmacy brand hopes to get more Australians testing for and taking preventative action against the debilitating condition that has no cure.

Discount Drug Stores’ Professional Services Manager, Casey Clark, stresses that with osteoporosis often showing no symptoms until it’s too late, prevention is absolutely vital.

"Bone density can deteriorate slowly and silently over many years,” Ms Clark explained. “As bones become thinner and more brittle, even a small bump or minor fall can cause a fracture and since you cannot see or feel your bones getting thinner these tests are important to determine if an individual is at risk.”

Predominantly affecting Australians over the age of 50, osteoporosis is caused by bones losing their density and thereby increasing risks of fractures with the hips, ribs and spine most commonly affected.

A debilitating condition that can result in a loss of functionality and independence, the loss of density is often attributed to a person’s diet and lifestyle, which Ms Clark says will also be addressed in Discount Drug Stores’ clinics.

“It’s not just about testing a customer’s bone density to see if they have or are at high risk of developing osteoporosis,” she said. “It’s also about evaluating lifestyle and diet factors such as if they have low vitamin D levels, low calcium intake, are smokers or are on any medications that may increase risk of osteoporosis.

“This assessment is just as important as the bone density testing itself because it’s here where people can take real preventative action against the disease and where we can help them to make positive lifestyle changes before it’s too late.”

At the clinics each person regardless of age and level of risk receives information about the benefits of calcium, vitamin D and exercise, and also fills out a questionnaire so their specific risk factors can be determined.

A simple and quick ultrasonic bone density test is then performed, with customers only needing to place their heel on the comfortable machine for one minute to gain a result.

Customers will then sit with a clinician who will go over their bone density result and personal risk factors and discuss the best preventative measures and treatments.

“The bone density test is quick and painless and allows customers to gain completely tailored advice on their risks of osteoporosis and how to prevent the disease,” said Ms Clark. “It’s also very convenient as it doesn’t require the customer to book in to see a doctor or wait for any test results.

“Our pharmacists will also provide vital information on preventative measures and recommend relevant products to assist in the maintenance of healthy bones.”

Bone density testing is highly recommended for anyone over the age of 50 or who are concerned about bone health, with Discount Drug Stores strongly encouraging Australians to book any family members or loved ones that are at risk of osteoporosis into the clinics.

“In order to reduce the number of Australians affected by osteoporosis we need to break the silence surrounding the disease,” said Ms Clark. “That is what we are trying to achieve through our clinics. We hope to get more people thinking and talking about bone health and taking preventative action against osteoporosis.”

Discount Drug Stores’ bone density testing and awareness clinics will run throughout August across the majority of the pharmacy brand’s stores. Bookings are recommended in order to secure an appointment. For more information, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.

Media enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross on 0488 441 589 or 07 3250 9406 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Graymedia appoints senior graphic designer Julia Afflekt for new marketing department

Graymedia has been getting a lot of media attention recently for its appointment of a senior graphic designer to lead our new marketing department.

Here is a snapshot of some of the media coverage we’ve attained:

B and T Online
http://www.bandt.com.au/news/marketing/news-in-brief-wednesday-13-march

Mumbrella:
http://mumbrella.com.au/julia-afflekt-appointed-as-greymedias-head-of-marketing-160219

We also featured in the B and T Today Newsletter, Brisbane Business News Magazine and The PR Report (June Issue).

Monday, July 1, 2013

Pharmacists trade in their white coats for lycra for this year’s MS Brissie to Bay Bike Ride

It was both a family and team affair for leading Australian pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores in last Sunday’s MS Brissie to the Bay Bike Ride, with Director John Clark taking his wife, daughter, and 42 other riders along with him to compete in the charity sporting event.

Highly regarded within the Queensland healthcare sector for co-founding the successful pharmacy franchise, John and his family are known for giving back wherever they can to their local community with the family of pharmacists again going all out to help raise awareness of multiple sclerosis.

Competing as its biggest team yet, Discount Drug Stores raised an impressive $5,000 for the annual bike ride that raises money to help search for a cure for the debilitating disease. Mr Clark’s wife Sharyn was even chosen as one of the ‘top fundraisers’ for the 25km ride and invited to lead the pack from the starting point.

“Being in the healthcare industry, we’ve seen how multiple sclerosis can take its toll and wanted to help in any way we could to give sufferers some form of relief,” said Mr Clark. “This is our third year taking part in the bike ride and we were incredibly proud to have so many new riders join our team. It really helped us to raise more money than ever before.”

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that affects more young Australians than any other neurological condition with over 20,000 Australians currently suffering from the illness.

One of the biggest fundraising initiatives for the disease, the annual MS Brissie to Bay Bike ride saw thousands of riders band together to fight for a cure when it kicked off Sunday, June 23.

Whilst not looking to break any records, the Discount Drug Stores team well and truly gave the event a go with four riders competing in the event’s 25 kilometre course and 31 riders riding the 50 kilometre circuit while ten brave team members, dared to take on the 100 kilometre track.

 “I think it’s really important to get behind events like this that raise awareness and more importantly money for research,” said Mr Clark. “I hope the MS Brissie to Bay Bike Ride broke all its records this year and that our contribution makes a real difference to Brisbane residents suffering from MS.”

No stranger to united charity efforts, with John’s wife Sharyn and daughter Casey both heavily involved in increasing Discount Drug Stores’ community involvement, the national franchise also provides year round fundraising support for its two main charities Assistance Dog’s Australia and Free to be Kids.

For more information on Discount Drug Stores’ involvement in the MS Brissie to Bay Bike Ride please visit http://www.discountdrugstores.com.au/charity.

Media enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or s.ross@graymedia.com.au.