REDFEB at Padbury Pharmacy: Stress, Heart Health & Small Steps That Add Up

by Steven Litas

February is REDFEB

A time when Australians are encouraged to wear red and donate in support of Heart Research Australia, helping fund research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.

Here at Padbury Pharmacy, we like to keep things simple and community-first. You’ll see donation tins in-store (and at Alex Junior) throughout February, and you’re welcome to join in however feels right, even if it’s just wearing a splash of red and starting a conversation about heart health.

This year, we’re shining a gentle spotlight on one piece of heart health that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves:

Stress.

Not the “one busy day” kind, but the ongoing, build-up-over-time type that can affect sleep, routines, and the way we care for ourselves.

How stress can affect heart health (in everyday terms)

When we’re under prolonged stress, our body stays in a higher “alert” state. Over time, that can influence things like blood pressure, sleep quality, and day-to-day choices (what we eat, how much we move, whether we reach for cigarettes or alcohol to unwind).

The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life to take a step in the right direction. For most people, the most helpful changes are the small ones you can actually keep going with.

A simple place to start: the 4 M’s

If you’re not sure where to begin, we love this easy framework:

Move

A walk around the block. A swim. Gardening. Stretching while the kettle boils.
Movement supports overall wellbeing and it doesn’t have to be intense to “count”.

Meals

Aim for small upgrades, not perfection:
Add colour to your plate, lean into simple home meals where you can, and keep nourishing snacks handy for busy days.

Measure

Know your numbers where possible — especially blood pressure. It’s one of those things that can be elevated without you feeling “unwell”. If you’ve been meaning to check yours, ask our team next time you’re in.

Mindset

This isn’t about “positive vibes only”. It’s about practical nervous-system support:
a slower morning, a few minutes outside, a breathing reset, a wind-down routine, or talking to someone when it’s all a bit much.

(And if stress is feeling constant or overwhelming, it’s always worth having a chat with your GP.)

Other heart-health factors we’re chatting about this month

Stress rarely exists on its own — it often overlaps with other health factors. Throughout February, we’ll also be sharing gentle, easy-to-understand info around:

  • Elevated blood pressure

  • Elevated cholesterol

  • If you’ve been told you have an elevated coronary calcium score or arterial plaque build-up (and what questions you might ask next)

  • Diabetes / elevated blood sugar and how it can relate to heart health

  • Weight changes (without judgement — bodies change for many reasons)

  • Lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol

  • Long-term medicines such as statins — and what support is available if you have questions

We won’t ever diagnose or make medical claims online — but we can help you feel more confident and informed, and point you in the right direction.

Extra support in-store: Sharbel’s consults

If you’d like more personalised guidance around stress adaptation and lifestyle factors that can affect heart health, ask us about Sharbel’s consults in-store.

This can be especially helpful if you:

  • feel stuck in “survival mode”

  • want realistic changes that suit your routine

  • need help turning general advice into a plan you can actually follow

Front-of-shop focus: Omega-3 (questions welcome)

You’ll also notice a heart-health product focus out the front this month. We’ll be sharing simple education around omega-3 — what it is, what to look for on a label, and who might want to ask more questions.

If you’re unsure what’s right for you, that’s exactly what we’re here for. A quick in-store chat can save a lot of confusing Googling.

Join us for REDFEB

REDFEB is all about community: wear red, donate if you can, and help keep heart-health awareness moving in the right direction.

If you’d like to be involved, you can:

  • pop in wearing a splash of red

  • drop a gold coin into a donation tin at Padbury Pharmacy or Alex Junior

  • share the message with a friend or family member

  • or simply use February as your reminder to check in on your own heart health

Because small steps add up — and you never have to do it alone.

With care,
The team at Padbury Pharmacy

General information only. This article isn’t medical advice. If you have symptoms or concerns, please speak with your GP, and you’re always welcome to chat with our pharmacists in-store.

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