By Domenic Chindamo – Pharmacist, Lygon Everyday Chemist, Brunswick East

The days after Christmas are a reset - not a restart.

At Lygon Everyday Chemist, we see the same thing every January: people want to feel better, healthier, and more in control - but they don’t want extremes, pressure, or guilt.

The truth is, lasting health change doesn’t come from doing everything at once.

It comes from focusing on a few key pillars of health, and making realistic changes that fit your life.

The Four Pillars of Health We See Make the Biggest Difference

You don’t need to work on all four at once. Even choosing one is a powerful start.

• Smoking Cessation (When You’re Ready)

Quitting smoking remains one of the most impactful health decisions anyone can make — but it’s also one of the hardest.

What many people don’t realise:

• Most successful quitters try more than once
  
• Cutting down is often part of the journey
  
• Support matters more than willpower
  

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Pharmacist support, nicotine replacement options, and realistic planning all improve success.

We’ll be sharing a dedicated smoking cessation blog in early January for those ready to take the next step.

• Sustainable Weight & Nutrition

Post-Christmas health isn’t about “undoing” December.

It’s about:

• Getting back into regular meals
  
• Supporting blood sugar balance
  
• Avoiding crash diets and extremes
  
• Making food choices you can maintain long-term
  

Nutrition works best when it’s practical, enjoyable, and sustainable - not restrictive.

We’ll explore this further in an upcoming nutrition-focused blog.

• Better Sleep (The Foundation of Everything)

Poor sleep affects energy, mood, weight, pain, and immunity.

Over the holidays, routines slip - late nights, heavy meals, alcohol, and irregular sleep patterns all add up.

Small changes can make a big difference:

• More consistent sleep times
  
• Lighter evening meals
  
• Reviewing medications that affect sleep
  

A dedicated sleep health blog is coming soon.

• Managing Pain & Everyday Aches

Pain is one of the most common reasons people struggle to stay active and healthy.

Whether it’s:

• Joint pain
  
• Back pain
  
• Headaches or migraines
  
• Ongoing inflammation

Managing pain properly - and safely - helps people move more, sleep better, and stay engaged in daily life.

We’ll be covering pain management in a separate January blog.

Why Simple, Supported Goals Work Best

From our experience, health goals succeed when they are:

• Realistic
  
• Supported
  
• Adjusted over time
  
• Based on evidence, not trends
  

Health isn’t about perfection - it’s about progress.

Your Pharmacist Is Here to Help

Your local pharmacist is one of the most accessible health professionals available.

We can help with:

• Smoking cessation support
  
• Sleep and medication reviews
  
• Pain management advice
  
• Nutrition and wellbeing guidance
  
• Making sense of health goals

Sometimes, a short conversation is all it takes to get started.

A Kinder Way to Start the New Year

You don’t need to become a “new person” in January.

You just need to take the next right step - and we’re here to support you.

At Lygon Everyday Chemist, we’re here for good - every day.