About Us

Live Well Health Essentials is a proudly Australian complementary health care brand, now owned and operated by BE+MED, a family business based in Botany, Sydney.

Live Well Health Essentials was co-founded in 2014 by Kristina Coates and Kathryn Beaton, two professionals with over 45 years of combined experience in the healthcare space. Their vision was clear: to create a trusted brand offering proactive, high-quality health solutions that complement everyday wellbeing. From pain management and arthritis care to travel health and sports first aid, Live Well was built to serve real people with practical, evidence-backed products.

In March 2025, BE+MED acquired Live Well Health Essentials – a strategic and values-aligned move that marks an exciting new chapter for the brand.

A Proud Legacy

The story of BE+MED begins in 1970, when Michael Collins launched the business with a simple but clever idea: package scissors and forceps into bags and sell them into Sydney’s pharmacies. The concept took off, and by 1979, Budget Distributors was officially established. Michael ran the business with his wife Sylvie, and together they grew it for 48 years.

Their son Paul Collins joined the business in 1992, became Sales Manager in 1996, and oversaw the company’s relocation to its current site in Botany in 2000. Paul officially took over in 2018, continuing the family tradition with dedication, heart, and an unwavering hands-on approach. He expanded the company’s range to over 1,200 product lines, leading a team of 25+ staff, and developing well-known brands including MendAid, Beauty by BeMed, and BE+MED.

Now, Paul’s son and Michael’s grandson, Ryan Collins, has also joined the business – carrying forward the family legacy into its third generation. With fresh perspective and the same core values, Ryan is committed to building on the foundation laid before him and ensuring the business continues to thrive in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Our Values

Live Well Health Essentials is about more than just products – it’s about purpose. We conduct business with integrity, always putting people before product. One of the ways we show this is through our ongoing support of communities, both locally and internationally.

Over the years, we’ve proudly donated and supplied essential healthcare products to:

  • Terrigal Rugby Club, Manly United Football Club, and North Shore Marines

  • NSW bushfire relief – including masks and saline solution

  • International communities in Papua New Guinea, UN villages, Vanuatu Society for Disabled People, and aid for the Beirut gas explosion

Our Focus

We’re committed to delivering complementary healthcare products that genuinely improve quality of life. Our product focus areas include:

  • Back Pain Support

  • Arthritis Relief

  • Travel & Adventure First Aid Supplies

  • Everyday Pain Management

With the support of BE+MED’s team and family-driven leadership, Live Well Health Essentials is well-positioned to continue growing while staying true to its core purpose: healthcare that cares.

Live Well Health Essentials products are online and can also conveniently be found in over 1000 pharmacies and health care providers, Australia wide. Our stockists include: Health Save, Mega Save, Chemist Outlet, Cincotta, Chemist Works, Priceline Pharmacies. Discover your nearest stockist with our Find A Stockist Interactive Map.

 

Featured Products