Pharmacy brand strives to improve men’s health by launching industry first clinics

Looking to encourage Australian men to be more stringent in having key aspects of their health checked regularly, Discount Drug Stores is launching ‘Men’s Health Tune Up’ clinics in over 100 of its stores throughout July.

In an industry first, the Australian pharmacy brand is striving to improve health & wellbeing in men by providing a more convenient way for them to have a quick and non-invasive check-up of their blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.

“We wanted to provide another avenue for Australian men to have all of their key vitals checked without it seeming too confronting or too much of a hassle,” explained Professional Services Manager at Discount Drug Stores, Casey Clark. “Our ‘Men’s Health Tune Up’ clinics will only take 15 minutes but in that time, patients will have their BMI, blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol tested with instant results, as well as receive a lifestyle assessment and the opportunity to discuss other health concerns.”

While they may seem non-urgent, these small health checks are actually vital to picking up more serious health conditions before they become too far progressed, with Ms Clark continuing stating the clinics are aimed at encouraging men to be proactive rather than reactive with their health.

“Research has found that men visit their doctor less frequently than women and generally only when their illness is serious,” she said. “It’s this behaviour that needs to change in order to improve overall health in Australian men and to ensure they’re living longer lives.”

The pharmacy brand has a strong track record of picking up potentially serious conditions during its health clinics with close to 50% of patients tested during its bone, bowel and sun awareness clinics being referred onto their GPs or the pharmacist for further treatment or advice.

Acknowledging that many men don’t like talking about or seeking help when it comes to their health, Ms Clark states DDS’ ‘Men’s Health Tune Up’ clinics have been designed to make this process easier but that partners will play a pivotal role in keeping their loved ones healthy.

“Men’s health is always a challenging topic because we often find that men don’t generally make their health a priority,” she said. “This is where partners and family members can play a really valuable role.

“We strongly encourage anyone whose husband, boyfriend, son etc. hasn’t had a health check up in a while to book them into one of our clinics. It will ensure that any underlying issues are picked up before they become serious and will help bring much needed peace of mind to both the patient and their loved ones.”
Costing $20 for a 15 minute consultation with a registered nurse, most clinics will conveniently take place during lunch hours. Patients will also be able to discuss other key health and lifestyle issues that may be affecting them such as mental fitness, hair loss, sleep apnoea and weight. Ms Clark says the campaign is all about awareness and prevention and has been geared towards busy men, giving them no excuse to ignore their health.

“We’ve worked hard to remove the embarrassment factor behind men’s health,” she said. “Our clinics are designed to be quick and almost painless with no invasive exams.  The benefits of having a simple 15 minute check-up are huge and can make a real difference to overall wellbeing, so we hope to see a lot of men taking advantage of this service.”

Bookings are preferred. For more information, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au/health-clinics.

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

Campaign for Change unearths inspiring bright ideas

An ethical fashion line, a touch footy program for disadvantaged youth and an aquaponics program are among the bright ideas unearthed in the 2014 Wesley Mission Brisbane (WMB) Campaign for Change competition.  

More than 60 South East Queenslanders entered the unique competition that encourages local residents to share their bright ideas for improving the local community for the chance to win a $30,000 kick-start to get their project off of the ground.

WMB’s Executive Director Geoff Batkin says he was overwhelmed with the wide and varied entries that ranged from initiatives to combat bullying, to programmes aimed at encouraging Brisbane residents to grow their own produce.

“It was impressive to see the level of thought that people had put into the challenges facing their local community and into devising feasible solutions to those issues,” he said. “It made the judging process incredibly difficult as really, all of the concepts were fantastic initiatives for bringing about positive change and for helping those in need.”

Andrew and Leona Walker, finalists from Ipswich, want their program ‘Rise Above’ to break the cycle of self-harm, self-abuse and addictions among young people and encourage self-love and healthy living.

“Our idea is to create a base where young people can come to learn the life-skills that many of us take for granted,” explained Mr Walker. “We want to inspire disadvantaged youths to rise above their circumstances and empower them to break the cycle of negative behaviours.”

Helping marginalised people in the local Brisbane community to find work is the mission for Rebecca Sheehan who plans to offer work opportunities for skilled refugees through her eco-friendly fashion label, WayWard Community.

“WayWard Community aims to provide society with an alternative to immoral fast fashion production,” she said. “Targeting abuse of labour, WayWard will employ skilled refugees for pattern making and construction, paying award wages and ensuring safe working conditions while developing clothing using 100% salvaged fabrics and trims.”

Other finalists include: New Farm local Rebecca Sheehan, Geoff Wilson from Mt Gravatt Wooloowin resident Angela Harrison and Kate Baker from Petrie.

All five finalists will now enter the next round of the Campaign for Change 2014 competition where they will present a full breakdown of their proposed project and business idea to a selection committee on the 19th of July. The winner will be announced on July 28 and will receive $30,000 from WMB and campaign partners, tailored support from WMB and a short course from Foresters Community Finance. Two runners-up will receive $5,000 from campaign partners PBS Building and enrolment into a short course focusing on starting a social enterprise, sponsored by Foresters Community Finance.

For more information on Wesley Mission Brisbane’s Campaign for Change, please visit www.wmb.org.au 

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

DDS National Conference focuses on owners' bottom line

Discount Drug Stores has announced a number of new programs and two major initiatives to drive the bottom line of its franchisees at its 2014 National Conference, held in Melbourne from June 1 to 3.

Key among the initiatives, which include new product launches and improved e-commerce and loyalty strategies, was the announcement of an enhanced Medication Management Program, and a new partnership with DAA packing company MPS.

Discount Drug Store General Manager Douglas Kuskopf-Dallas said the initiatives will usher in the next chapter for the brand as the industry enters a period of consolidation as a result of the PBS reforms.

“This is an incredibly challenging time for pharmacy with PBS reforms having a significant impact on profit,” Mr Kuskopf-Dallas said. “At conference we announced a number of programs and strategies to address these challenges and give store owners not only new means to gain back some lost profits, but to achieve growth.”

The conference, which featured a keynote address from Pharmacy Guild of Australia Executive Director, David Quilty and was attended by Victoria Pharmacy Guild President Anthony Tassone, also saw a renewed focus on professional services.

In continued partnership with PharmEngage, DDS announced the enhancement of its highly successful TOP Medication Management Program (MMP), which will now deliver consumer information and patient support programs.

DDS also announced a new partnership with DAA packing company MPS, which will manage community Dose Administration Aids, preparing stores for growing consumer need and enabling pharmacists to spend more time in the front of store consulting with their customers.

Mr Kuskopf-Dallas said DDS would focus on driving both initiatives, which will improve customer health outcomes and drive customer loyalty.

“Our TOP MMP has been a significant success both for customers in improving medication compliance and health outcomes and for our stores in increasing loyalty and thereby profits,” Mr Kuskopf-Dallas said. "Our partnership with MPS will similarly help improve customer compliance and health outcomes, driving customer loyalty to the stores. Professional services continue to be one of our leading priorities and we remain firm that this will be the key differentiator for the future success of our business.”

Other initiatives announced at conference include an enhanced e-commerce platform designed to drive customer engagement with stores, new loyalty program strategies designed to increase brand loyalty, a DDS App designed to incorporate both the loyalty program and assist customers with accessing information from the MMP, an expansion of the brand's products in a number of categories, and a new focus on stocking control brands, with DDS taking on Premium Health Brands' goHealthy vitamin range.

Mr Kuskopf-Dallas said control brands will help stores compete against supermarket private label ranges, offering consumers better value and stores better margins.

“Through taking on pharmacy only ranges such as goHealthy we can both better compete with the supermarket chains and help our owners achieve a better gross profit,” Mr Kuskopf-Dallas said.

Mr Kuskopf-Dallas said all the initiatives aim to encourage owners to work smarter in order to combat the rising challenges in the industry.

“Our 2014 focus is about taking what we’ve done over the past few years to the next level,” Mr Kuskopf-Dallas said. “We need to be utilising our tools and resources more effectively, monitoring and measuring our business with much more precision and most importantly ensuring that our customers are receiving the highest possible level of care and attention at all times. This will be fundamental to our continued success and growth.”

For more information on Discount Drug Stores, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.

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

New partnership sees Parmia take on the Australian weight loss industry

Leading Queensland based insurance broker Parmia Insurance has secured market leading cover for the Australian Institute of Weight Loss Consultants (AIWLC) in a new partnership that looks set to help take the rapidly growing association to the next level.

A challenging industry to cover due to the wide and varied skills and services that professionals offer, Parmia has successfully developed a policy for AIWLC members that provides comprehensive public liability and professional indemnity protection.

Founder of the AIWLC, Sonja Bella says Parmia’s ability to provide coverage for multiple streams within the weight loss industry was one of the key reasons she engaged the award winning broker.

“The AIWLC covers all aspects of the weight loss industry from nutrition to psychology to personal training and physiotherapy so our members come from many different fields, all of which carry their own unique risks,” she explained. “We needed an insurance provider that would provide a tailored solution to meet all of these demands and Parmia was far and beyond the best choice.”

Established by the National Insurance Broker Association’s 2013 Broker of the Year Danny Gumm in 2002, Parmia is known for tackling hard to cover industries including the beauty and tattoo sectors.

Mr Gumm states he felt a strong need to help protect the weight loss market and specifically the AIWLC given the important role that professionals in this sector play in reducing obesity in Australia.

“Australia has one of the highest obesity rates in the world and fitness professionals, nutritionists and psychologists are vital to reducing this,” he explained. “We wanted to do our part to make sure that they’re able to carry out their jobs confidently and without worrying about whether their insurance adequately covers them. More to the point though, we wanted to help the AIWLC to carry out its important mission of helping Australians to lose weight holistically.”

The AIWLC was established by Ms Bella, who is a highly regarded weight loss professional, in 2012 after she became frustrated at the lack of associations and industry groups that covered all areas of weight loss and management.

“In my ten years of working in the industry both in Australia and overseas, I couldn’t find any organisation that represented all of the different streams of weight loss consultants,” she said. “I wanted to fill this gap because I believe weight loss and management needs to be approached holistically. Psychologists, trainers, nutritionists and all other allied health professionals specialising in weight loss need to work together to address our current obesity epidemic.”

It’s a unique approach that has been met with great enthusiasm within the industry with more than 200 professionals signing to the AIWLC since March. However, Mr Gumm states it’s the fact that the AIWLC focuses on assisting both industry professionals and members of the general public that really drew his attention.

“The AWILC isn’t just about supporting the industry, it’s also about showing the community all of the different lifestyle changes that need to be made in order to lose weight effectively,” he said.

The organisation does this through holding weight loss summits across the country, including the Global Weight Management Congress to be held in Brisbane in December which will teach Australians how to take a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss.

For more information on Parmia or its policies for the weight loss industry industry, please visit www.parmiainsurance.com.au. For more information on the AIWLC, please visit www.weightlossinstitute.com.au.

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

Road safety initiative to be launched at caravan show targeting Outback drivers

A road safety initiative, aimed at reducing fatal and injury accidents on outback roads, is set to expand across Queensland, with its launch at the 2014 Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show in Brisbane on June 5.

Called ‘Stay on Track Outback’ the programme has been developed by the Queensland Police Service and the caravanning industry in response to the increase in vehicles travelling on western Queensland roads.

Set initially to cover the Charleville, Roma and Longreach districts and surrounding areas the campaign will see police officers visiting caravan parks to warn tourists of the potential dangers they will face driving in the Outback and to give them advice that could possibly save their lives.

Senior Constable Sarah Grayson of the Charleville DCPC explains: “The aim of this initiative is to increase general driver education through conversation and by supplying tourists with informative education packs. By improving understanding of the challenges they may face whilst travelling they will be better equipped to avoid an accident.”

Snr Constable Grayson says some of the key hazards people need to aware of include how to deal with single track roads, wide loads or road trains. Also watching for stock on the roads and other wildlife, not driving at night because of kangaroos, and to always notify someone if planning to go off road and having a plan for assistance in the event of an incident.

A key supporter and CEO of Caravanning Queensland Ron Chapman says the initiative is an example of the caravanning industry looking out for its own, and ensuring that the pastime of caravanning is continually made safer and more enjoyable.

“We are proud to get behind Stay on Track Outback because it is an incredibly worthwhile cause for our customers, for Queensland tourism and road safety, and as an organisation we are concerned about the welfare of everyone who enjoys caravanning,” says Mr Chapman.

“The 2014 Caravan Show is the perfect place to launch the expanded initiative because it attracts both caravan and camping enthusiasts as well as those who are just considering their first caravan holiday, and all can benefit from learning about safer ways to travel.”

With the support of key stakeholders Santos, Imparja, Caravanning Queensland, Jayco, local councils and Queensland Transport the initiative will grow from a local to a state campaign, with Stay on Track Outback information being placed in all Queensland Transport Customer Service Centres across the state in the coming months.

The launch will be held on June 5 at the 2014 Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show and police representatives attending will include Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright (Southern Region), and Inspector Steve Kersley of the Charleville Patrol Group, with others yet to be confirmed.

The Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show will be held at the Brisbane Showgrounds from June 4-10. More information and tickets can be found at www.caravanqld.com.au. Pre-purchase your tickets online to receive free train travel to and from the event from any station on the Queensland CityRail network.

Media enquiries, please contact Kate Shuttleworth on 0418 723 841 or 07 3250 9400 or respond to this email.

About Caravanning Queensland    
Caravanning Queensland is the peak industry body for caravan dealers, manufacturers, camping suppliers, service providers and caravan park operators through two related associations. These are the Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Queensland and the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland Inc.
The Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show is the official industry event for Queensland, and has been running for 46 years. It attracts over 300 exhibitors and up to 70,000 visitors each year. Featuring the latest products and services the caravanning and camping industry has to offer, including information on tourism and holiday destinations all around Australia, this year’s event will be on June 4-10 at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
This year pre-paid ticketholders can take advantage of free train travel from any station on the Queensland CityRail Network. Catch the ShowTrain from Brunswick Street, Central or Roma Street stations to be taken directly to the Showgrounds. The ShowTrain runs every 20 to 30 minutes and starts at 9.30am each day with the last train leaving shortly after close.

Campaign for Change set to light up and connect the Queensland community

Looking to encourage South East Queensland residents to come together and share their bright ideas for improving the local community, Wesley Mission Brisbane (WMB) is running its incredibly successful Campaign for Change competition again in 2014.

To be officially launched at the State Library of Queensland on Saturday, May 3, WMB is aiming to build on the success of its 2012 inaugural competition which saw more than 80 ideas submitted for creating a brighter, more unified community.

A unique competition that gives residents in Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Logan and the Gold Coast the chance to win a $40,000 kick-start to get their concept for enriching the community off the ground, WMB’s Executive Director Geoff Batkin says he’s looking forward to seeing the entries in this year’s competition.

“We were overwhelmed by the response we received when we launched Campaign for Change in 2012,” he said. “It worked to inspire a new wave of community kindness and wellbeing. We really want to build on that further in this year’s campaign and to try and fill the many unmet needs that are facing our local community on a daily basis.”

Mr Batkin continues stating it’s all about highlighting the capability and positive change residents can make if they unite and take action against the issues facing their community.

“Campaign for Change is about motivating residents to make a difference, whether that is offering support services for disadvantaged youths, running a community clean up or providing initiatives to help reduce the stigmas around mental illness,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be a massive project; it could be something small that changes the community for the better. Any and every idea is welcome.”

Winners of Campaign for Change’s 2012 competition, Kath Coory and Tina Graham are just two examples of how everyday Queenslanders can make a big difference to their local community if given the financial backing and support they need.
Thanks to winning the competition, they were able to launch their concept, BestLife Sleepovers in 2013, a service that provides children with disabilities the opportunity to experience a sleep over and to form friendships, while giving their parents a brief break.

“It’s a different, unique kind of respite that you don’t get anywhere else,” explained Co-Founder Ms Coory. “It aims to help give children living with a disability independence and the chance to create networks and friendships. More than that though, it strives to give families a sense of hope, to give them the idea that maybe their child could be independent, and even be part of a community.”

Ms Coory continued saying that her dream would never have been realised if not for the support that she received from WMB, which she believes has been absolutely invaluable, not just in providing funding but also in educating her on how to run a community program. “I think if you’re passionate about an idea that you think is going to change lives then Campaign for Change can be the catalyst to help you to deliver those changes,” she said.

To celebrate the launch of Campaign for Change, WMB will be holding an event on Saturday, May 3, where it will strive to literally light up the community by encouraging residents to connect in a vibrant visual display that will officially open the competition.

Previous winners and finalists will also be in attendance to share their ideas for changing the local community and to inspire Brisbane residents to get involved in Campaign for Change 2014 and to make a difference.

Kids will also have the opportunity to witness and take part in the ‘Magic of Change’ magic show and meet Nova Boy from Nova Radio Station. Entries for Campaign for Change will open on May 1 and close on June 13, with the winner receiving $30,000 from WMB’s campaign partners PBS Building, tailored support from WMB and a short course from Foresters Community Finance. Two runners-up will receive $5,000 from campaign partners PBS Building and enrolment into a short course focusing on starting a social enterprise, sponsored by Foresters Community Finance.

For more information on Wesley Mission Brisbane’s Campaign for Change, please visit www.wmb.org.au 
Media Enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au. 

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2014
Time: 10am to 11am
Where: The Studio – The State Library of Queensland
       Cultural Precinct, Stanley Place, South Bank
       Brisbane, Queensland, 4101
Who: Open to Brisbane residents of all ages
Cost: Free

Notes to Editors:

About Wesley Mission Brisbane

Wesley Mission Brisbane (WMB) is a not for profit organisation that has been helping Queenslanders for over 100 years. WMB is a leading provider of innovative and responsive aged care, child care and community service programs that support those in need.

As part of WMB’s ongoing commitment to assisting and improving the Brisbane community, WMB has developed the Campaign for Change initiative, which for the first time, gives Brisbane residents the funding and support services they need to get their programs for improving their local community off the ground.

Discount Drug Stores adopts new online platform to streamline buying process

Discount Drug Stores has become one of the first major Australian pharmacy brands to adopt a new state of the art online portal that uniquely connects product buyers to potential suppliers.

Streamlining the lengthy and complex buying process, Discount Drug Stores has signed on to RANGEme, a new, free to join online marketplace for brands to showcase their products to Australia’s biggest retailers including Coles, Woolworths and Kmart that has been created by Marketing Executive Nicky Jackson.

Developed as a result of Ms Jackson’s own difficulties securing stockists for her baby skincare line, RANGEme aims to save category buyers time and to increase the chances of companies getting their products ranged sooner by bringing everyone together in one, easy to navigate space.

“It’s incredibly challenging to get your product in front of the major retailers for consideration, especially if you don’t have any existing connections,” she said. “RANGEme streamlines this process. Suppliers simply need to post their products on the site, specifying the categories they fall into and RANGEme will connect them directly to the appropriate retailers and buyers.”

National Merchandise Manager at Discount Drug Stores Adam Goss states the brand was immediately drawn to the one of a kind platform as it provided it with the opportunity to maximise efficiency and to better engage with a wider pool of product suppliers.

“Our buyers are often inundated with suppliers pitching their products and we want to make sure that we’re seizing every opportunity,” he said. “RANGEme is a fantastic tool as it sorts through all of the potential products and only highlights the suppliers that are best suited to our brand and categories. It saves our buyers a considerable amount of time.

“It’s also been great in introducing us to smaller, more niche suppliers that would have previously gotten lost through the old pitching process amongst the more established brands and in ensuring that Discount Drug Stores stays up to date with market trends,” Mr Goss continued. 

Free to join for buyers, since its launch only a month ago, over 150 suppliers have subscribed to RANGEme to connect with grocery, pharmacy and general convenience and lifestyle retailers. For more information please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au or https://www.rangeme.com.au.  

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