My Routine

I have a good breakfast in the morning and a healthy dinner when I get home at night with my family and then I snack throughout the day – which is not always the best plan as the snacks are usually more on the fatty, unhealthy side. 

I’ve found that my new uni routine of minimal exercise and bad snacks has had an impact on my wellbeing. I find my blood sugar can get quite low after snacking so that I’m pale, shaky and grumpy! So I need to find some new snacks and implement more exercise like kick boxing or dancing lessons. 

I take b12 and berrocca when I need them to keep my b12 levels up and I don’t drink coffee or energy drinks – but this may change if I’m trying to stay awake in my lectures after a late night doing assignments. 

I go to the doctor if I’ve noticed something’s not quite right and I have the usual checkups as I need. I also have regular blood tests to monitor my b12 levels.

 

Nutrition and Supplements
Dr Tony Edwards, Wellness Director at Radius Pharmacy recommends that every girl, no matter what their age, should be eating a variety of healthy foods within a well-balanced diet. You should try and achieve at least 3 servings of vegetables, at least 2 servings of fruit, up to 6 servings of whole-grain foods, no more than 1 serving of lean red meat, no more than 2 servings of fish, poultry or eggs, up to 3 servings of nuts, seeds and legumes.

Dr Edwards also warns against meal-skipping – whether you miss the odd meal here or there or just graze throughout the day. He says these habits can lead to the storage of fat at the next meal, because the body sees a missed meal as a sign of starvation and will store as much fat as possible as a survival mechanism.

In terms of supplements, now is the time to get into good habits and invest in your wellness.  This is the age where your busy lifestyle and many life changes may reduce the efficiency of your immune system and you might suffer from nutrient deficiency – such as zinc, which manifests itself in white spots on your nails and is important to avoid because of Zinc’s important role in growth, healthy skin and the immune system. 
 
Most of the recommended products are available from Radius Pharmacy. Click on the products to buy now from the Radius online store!

We recommend:
Multi-vitamin & Anti-Oxidant:  Kordel’s Teen-Time Multi Vitamin Tablets  
Kordel’s Teen-Time has been designed for the nutritional requirements of under twenties.  It helps provide nutrients needed for healthy, clear skin, good digestion, and healthy energy levels. An advanced multivitamin, mineral and antioxidant formula, Teen-Time is specially designed for the needs of busy, active nzgirls.  It’s high in anti-oxidants including selenium, vitamins A, C, E and Zinc, to protect against free radicals which reduce the efficiency of our immune system.  Optimal zinc levels will also support growth, healthy skin and the immune system

Fish Oil: Natures Own Fish Oil 1000mg  
EPA (found in fish oil) helps to limit production of Arachidonic Acid, which contributes to inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and dandruff.  Essential Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids promote healthy skin.  It’s also beneficial for improving skin moisture and may reduce premature wrinkles. The odourless formula is easily absorbed and does not leave a fishy aftertaste.

Iron Supplements: Iron Melts or Thompson’s Organic Iron.   
If you’re feeling tired, low on energy or your concentration span is short, you may be iron deficient.  To avoid becoming iron deficient, make sure you include iron rich foods in your diet (like lean red meat, fish, dried fruits such as prunes, figs and raisins and your greens like spinach, silver beet and lettuce).  While there are a range of supplements you can take, the best way to be certain you have an iron deficiency is through a blood test from your doctor.  Your doctor will then advise what the best course of action is for you.
 
Healthy Sex
The only form of fail-safe contraception is abstinence – but if you’re having sex that’s not much fun! Try these contraception options and be aware of the risks…

We recommend Condoms:  Durex Classic Durex Fetherlite from the Durex Play range.
These are available without prescription and are the only contraception that protects against both unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you choose to use a lubricant, use one specially designed to work with condoms.  Don’t use anything with oil in it, as this can easily dissolve the condom –we like the 

Oral Contraceptive (See your doctor)
This can only be provided after a consultation and on prescription from your Doctor or with a visit to your local Family Planning Clinic.  Once you’re on the oral contraceptive you’ll need to watch that your vitamin C intake doesn’t spike as it may render the pill ineffective. Also, you’ll definitely want to take a multi vitamin like Kordel’s Teen Time – as taking the pill may deplete your body of particular minerals.  

Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) (See your pharmacist)
Accidents happen, and whether it’s a broken condom, or a missed pill – you need to be aware that you may be at risk of an unplanned pregnancy and you do have options.  You can visit your local Radius Pharmacy without an appointment to discuss options and if suitable, take the ECP.  Your pharmacist will talk through all the options with you and recommend seeing your Doctor where neccessary.

Stress
Uni exams, boy dramas or a new job – it’s a time of change and stress may start to impact your usually sunny outlook on life.

We recommend:
Berocca Performance
For exam stress, when you need increased stamina and focus – try Berocca Performance – these effervescent tablets dissolve in water and with added calcium, magnesium and zinc, they will improve energy levels, reduces tiredness and increases alertness.

Bach Rescue Remedy
If you’re feeling stressed and anxious in general, you may like to keep Bach Rescue Remedy on hand.  This product restores inner calm, control and focus. It has a unique combination of five Bach Original Flower Remedies to calm the mind and work on emotional imbalance – a completely natural formula can be taken by almost anyone as often as you want.

• Wellness At Any Age Homepage
• Wellness Through the Ages
• Wellness in your Twenties
• Wellness in your Thirties
• Wellness in your Forties