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Do you have an inspiring story to share like Philip, Danny and Kari have done in this issue? If you would like to help and inspire another man by sharing your experience in a future issue of beingMAN, we would love to hear from you.
1. Submit your inspiring story
2. Include:
• The Beginning- how you felt stuck, challenged and/or in need of help.
• The Catalyst - what prompted you want to do something about getting unstuck.
• The Journey - how you started, what the journey looked like, and who supported you. Provide details about the process or steps that you took on your journey. Reaching the Goal- where are you today because of taking this journey.
3. Share your contact details - name, email and mobile number to help us respond to you.
4. Should you be 1 of the 3 winners, our team will work with you to have your story published
*Amazon vouchers are in AUD currency valued at $500 AUD each. 3 are available and ends April 15th.
beingMAN magazine captures inspiring human stories, lifestyle and body science for men to find ways to build new abundance into their lives. We believe living a full life starts when men become the hero in their own story no matter the place they start from. Get inspired reading feature stories from those who have discovered how you can live your best life, soak up insights from our health experts, and feel immersed in our lifestyle sections. Our team at beingMAN believes curiosity is a great catalyst to reimagine how you see yourself tomorrow. This is also our commitment to empowering men to live their fullest life
info@beingman.online e
Philip Robison
FOUNDER, SAVING BROTHERS
philip@savingbrothers.com
When I started Saving Brothers 2.5 years ago, I had a vision of a website, merchandise shop, coaching program and a Facebook group. Fast forward to today and I’m penning an editorial for the first issue of Saving Brothers’ beingMAN magazine!
Life’s funny like that. You think you’re working toward one goal, when you’re really paving the way for another route - or destination - entirely. It happened to me when my marriage ended in a divorce. It happened when my days of living it up with multiple homes and traveling business class came crashing down to where I was living in a tiny one-bedroom apartment. And it happened when I thought I was going to start a digital marketing business that ended up becoming a community aimed at improving the health, self and wealth of men globally. You can read all about the twists and turns that have led me here in this issue.
What happened to me isn’t unique. It has happened to men before and it will happen to men again. I can’t stop the events from happening. But I realised I can start a conversation with the men experiencing them. A conversation that encourages a response; a conversation that encourages an action, so that the impact has far fewer consequences on the men experiencing stress and the families that stand by them.
Talking and action took me from a very dark place to the world I live in now. The one where I have a chance to live a lot longer than I may otherwise have and create a greater impact than I could ever once have imagined. I invite you to flip through this magazine and see if you can identify any parts of yourself in the stories of these men. These are everyday men, each with their own battle scars, but every one has come out braver, stronger, and more focused than ever before.
beingMAN encompasses the broad spectrum that defines us. From relationships and health to cars and travel, we get to the heart of what matters. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the team of people around me who have helped bring the vision I had with this magazine to life. It took a village of talented writers, contributors, designers and photographers to create this issue - imagine what a village of supporters could help you achieve.
Until next month...
Philip
Happiness and health is a common desire that all people share but perhaps is only truly realised when your own personal health suffers or you watch someone close to you suffer. In our daily grind we are often consumed by the hectic nature of what life throws at us and demands from us, and resent it disrupting us from seeking out the happiness and health that we so desire and deserve.
This edition leans into the vision you have for yourself and where you want to be.
No matter where you are in your health right now (or what it has previously been), if you are craving more vitality you need to become the hero for yourself and surround yourself with those who want to see you succeed. In other words, you need to find your ‘cheerleaders’ and allow them to motivate you, inspire you, and hold you accountable.
Philip Robison’s feature article ‘How Saving Brothers Saved Me’ outlines how his own personal health challenges ignited his big vision for men’s health and to make self care a priority. Well done, Philip!
Danny Hamm’s feature article takes us on the journey of self destruction and overcoming addictions. So good you’re here with us today, Danny. And thank you for taking us on the journey with you.
Both men are true evidence that despite where you are today, there is always hope for tomorrow and the future. Never give up, simply back yourself and make it happen.
My 30-year career working dynamically across the healthcare industry has given me the opportunity to look through many lenses. It’s a journey that began from the young age of 15-years old, when I unexpectedly fell into the nursing space in Australia in 1993, followed by almost a decade in the United Kingdom working in the NHS, private and MedTech health spaces, and now making an impact globally. Sleep disordered breathing and gut health are the niche areas of health I focus on, and it lights me up to help men reclaim their health and wellbeing through simple but powerful changes.
My clinical background as a registered nurse has given me great perspective on how the body works, why it becomes dysfunctional, and what it requires to get unstuck and back on your feet again. No matter who you are, where you live, or your age, chasing great health is well worth the effort for how you live today, tomorrow and in your future days.
Enjoy our first edition of beingMAN and do reach out.
Catharine R.N. xx
Geraldine Georgeou
DIETITIAN
The cliche ‘you are what you eat’ is true; I see it every day as an accredited practising dietitian. And yet somehow, it’s never been explored from the perspective of skin. As the largest organ in the body, skin can benefit from the same nutrition we get from foods that have a positive effect on our heart and other major organs, and even on diabetes.
In the spirit of this month’s issue of vision, I’ve included two smoothie recipes to help you start seeing the opportunities available to you, to help boost your skin’s elasticity, encourage cell regeneration, and reduce inflammation.
“Look good, feel good” is my mantra. Many people who suffer from metabolic and gastrointestinal health issues, or conditions associated with dermatology, rheumatology, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, skin health and heart disease find respite in my practice through applying strategies that truly help them look good and feel good.
I hope to help take the heartache of what can be, for many, an upsetting and life-limiting problem, and I hope that if you’re reading this and feel like I’m talking about you, that you find the first step toward a reclaimed life throughout the following pages.
beingMAN is about being YOU. It’s about appreciating your journey, celebrating who you are today, and helping you master your mind, body, and health for a happier, healthier future.
I hope you enjoy and embrace the content within these pages.
GeraldineA marriage breakdown, financial stress, and prostate cancer diagnosis would be a melting pot for despair for many men. But for Philip Robison, it was the driving force in creating a supportive and action-oriented community for men facing similar pressures all around the globe.
WORDS BY VIVIENNE PEARSON
Philip Robison, founder of Saving Brothers, was outwardly successful in all aspects of his life. He had a big home and beautiful cars, a holiday home, went on extravagant overseas holidays, and he put his kids through private school education.
Yet, inside, he was hurting.
“I had all the trimmings but, internally, I didn’t really like myself,” Philip recalls. He shares that he’d become adept at wearing a mask so others were oblivious to his pain. “I walked around with a mask on - a mask I wanted people to see. But people wear masks to BS themselves and the world,” he says.
That mask hid his unhappy marriage and substantial financial pressure, resulting from the global financial crisis in 20082009 hitting his mortgage broking business hard.
This stress was followed by a diagnosis of prostate cancer at the age of 47. Philip is grateful that, despite his other troubles, he’d made the decision to have routine health checks via his GP every year. “My Urologist post surgery said ‘We made the right decision, I reckon you would have had two to five years before you would have been in a bit of trouble as there was a fair bit of cancer’.”
This was despite Philip considering himself healthy. “I ran marathons in my late-30s and played Aussie Rules football and cricket,” he says. “But I had a lot of stress. I’ve always believed that that made me vulnerable to cancer.”
Surgery to remove his prostate led to complications that resulted, ultimately, in Philip going under the knife five times over several years. It also left him with urinary and sexual health problems. Fortunately there are a range of drugs that help with this (see the box below for more details on this important topic).
Philip’s next challenge was the end of his marriage. Though he’d tried to keep the relationship together for the sake of their children, by 2018, it was clear it was over. After moving out of the family home, Philip went from living in a huge, beautiful home to renting a 1-bedroom apartment.
“I lived in a dog-box but my dog wasn’t with me,” he says of his beloved pooch,
Milo. “I had to go to the family home and ring the doorbell in order to collect him for our daily walk.”
Philip also had less time with his two sons, Josh (now aged 22) and Ben, (now 20), who he hasn’t lived with since the end of his marriage. “I’m still reasonably close to them but there’s nothing better than seeing your kids sitting on the couch with their feet on the table, playing their games and hanging out,” he says. All this, in addition to losing friends when they ‘sided’ with his ex-wife, led Philip to a period of intense loneliness. “I was very much on my own and I didn’t like myself,” Philip recalls. “I had very dark thoughts and definitely thought about checking out permanently on more than one occasion, I just wanted the pain to go away.”
Philip knew he needed time for healing and started seeing a psychologist to help give him some perspective and strategies on how best to navigate and deal with the end of his marriage and
‘‘That was the big one for me:
‘How will my boys remember me?’ I get emotional just thinking about that question…’’
Philip is frank and upfront when talking about his health, even when a topic is deeply personal and sensitive, like difficulties with urinating and getting an erection.
“You’ll find I’m very open and not embarrassed,” says Philip, who ultimately had five surgeries over a few years following a diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2014.
In that time, Philip’s ‘plumbing problems’ included being unable to wee easily because he had scar tissue inside his urethra.
“I had to self-catheterise for six weeks,” he says. “I’d put lubricant on one end of a tube, take a deep breath and insert it into my penis. It felt uncomfortable but it didn’t hurt.”
He also was unable to get an erection for almost two years, unless he self-injected into his penis or took Viagra or similar.
“I see it as jump-starting the engine, to get blood flow to the penis,” says Philip. “A man not being able to get an erection is so difficult as it’s part of how we define ourselves.”
“These things are deeply personal,” Philip acknowledges. “But I’m open about them because they’re real.”
separation from his boys. In November 2018 his journey from despair to helping others started with attending a conference on the Gold Coast with the organisation, the SFM, which stands for Six Figure Mentors. It wasn’t a straightforward path though.
“When I joined the SFM I thought I was going to become a digital rock star; to sit on a beach typing away and watch the money roll in through affiliate marketing,” Philip laughs. “But I realised that wasn’t my calling.”
The 3-day course Philip attended was about establishing your values and life’s purpose. This led to a great shift in his psychology. He thought deeply about what he cares most about and what he felt his purpose is. He asked himself: “What do I want my legacy to be? What will I leave after I go to my grave and how will my boys remember me?” That was the big one for me: “How will my boys remember me?” I get emotional just thinking about that question… He kept coming back to his knowledge that many other men are struggling
in similar ways to what he had been through. Relationship pain. Parenting challenges. Money stress. Health scares and worse. He thought of his four buddies from high school who have since taken their own lives.
You see, Philip knows he wasn’t the only man to not like the person staring back at him in the mirror. To have health problems that aren’t necessarily acceptable to talk about at a BBQ. To go through an acrimonious separation that negatively impacts relationships with kids. To feel so down that suicidal thoughts are no longer just something that happens to others.
Sitting there, on the Gold Coast beach, Philip had a moment of clarity.
“My calling is to impact millions of lives,” he says simply. “I want men to know it’s not weakness to say ‘I’m struggling, I’m not in a good place’. I want them to know that it’s ok to put the load down.”
And so, in November 2018, Saving Brothers was born.
“My mission is to prevent men from dying unnecessarily to live longer, happier, healthier lives.”
Ever since, Philip has worked tirelessly to create a global platform to support men’s health, a safe place packed full of resources to help men face their biggest life challenges, whether in the arena of health, self or wealth.
Philip’s mission is to have men’s backs and to encourage others to support the men (and women) in their lives. “Most men only go to a doctor when their leg is about to fall off,” he says.
Saving Brothers wants to educate men around their health in a way that’s fun and informative. Most importantly, they want men to be proactive and see their doctor at least once a year.
“Think of the body just like a car engine,” Philip advises. “If you don’t look under the hood and find out what’s going on, it may lead to a disaster down the road. It’s much better to sort something out before it’s too late! My mission is to prevent men from dying unnecessarily to live longer, happier, healthier lives.”
Saving Brothers has an element for everyone: information, articles, podcasts, membership, self-development courses,
NOT ONE TO BE SHORT ON BIG IDEAS, HERE’S PHILIP’S SNEAK-PREVIEW OF UPCOMING PROJECTS:
coaching, nutrition support, an active Facebook group, the Keep 5 Alive program (five steps for a happier life for you and 5 friends) and Sleeping Test. com (encouraging men and women to seek diagnosis for the common and treatable condition of sleep apnea).
And now, this magazine, BeingMAN, as well as an App coming soon, to help put men in the driver’s seat over their health. “It’s like Field of Dreams,” says Philip. “Build it and they will come!”
Saving Brothers is about making a difference. “I don’t have investors so I’m not pressured for a financial return,” says Philip. “I want to remain flexible in decision making.”
Philip stresses that, while he’s far happier now, he needs to continue to keep working on himself and have friends who check-in on his wellbeing.
“I still have days where I question myself,” he says, “But I don’t beat myself up for it anymore. Ultimately, I can look at that guy in the mirror and say ‘I like this person and what he stands for’.”
Saving Little Brothers: Focussing on mentorship and value systems to help 13-20-year-old males gain the clarity needed to become good young men.
SleepingBeauty.vip: For the many women who also follow and are inspired by Philip, this platform is not about sleep but about ‘awakening’ women in their 40s and 50s and perhaps experiencing menopause or having their children reach adulthood, to find the best version of themselves. It is being designed and run by the women in our team.
Buddy in the Bush: Partnering men - one from a city and one from a regional or rural area where access to doctors is not as goodfor mutual encouragement to get health checkups.
Sporting Club Competitions: In addition to the sporting scoreboard, this program will be for clubs to create healthy competition around members looking after their health.
For many guys, skincare isn’t overly high on their priority list. And the concept of a skincare routine? Well, that typically extends to a daily rinse and the occasional sunscreen application. C’mon fellas, it’s time you lifted your game!
To help you find the right skincare products for men, you first need to know your skin type. Understanding your skin type will not only make it easier to select a product, it will also highlight how much of the product you should be using. Here are the most common skin types for men:
If you’re someone with normal skin, this means your skin is neutral. In other words, your skin doesn’t get oily or dry out easily. Men with this skin type generally find it easier to maintain a clear face.
If you have oily skin, chances are you notice a consistent shine on your face. The downside to oily skin is, unsurprisingly, oil patches on your skin. This skin type is also more prone to breakouts.
Dry skin can lead your face to feel tight and dry during the day. Another sign of dry skin can be irritation that occurs in areas like your face and neck.
Exfoliating works to remove impurities from your skin - including dirt, sebum, and dead skin cells. In addition to providing your skin with a deep clean, exfoliating penetrates your skin’s pores, removing blockages that can cause problems like acne and blackheads. For this reason, exfoliating is essential to maintaining the health of your skin and preventing future breakouts.
When it comes to exfoliators, there are two types to consider:
1. Chemical Exfoliators, such as the VITAMAN Face Scrub
2. Abrasive Exfoliators (these can include a face mitt or a washcloth with a textured surface)
If you’re someone with sensitive skin that is easily irritated, it’s best for you to use a chemical exfoliator rather than the abrasive variety. And don’t let the term “chemical” scare you; many of the ingredients contained in these exfoliators are high in antioxidants and extremely beneficial for your skin.
When using a chemical exfoliator, massage a small amount of the product into your skin when washing your face. Leave for about 30 seconds (to absorb into the skin), and then rinse off. If you’re using an abrasive exfoliator, massage continually for around 30 seconds, focusing on problem areas, before gently washing away.
For most guys, exfoliating between two and three times per week is sufficient. However, if you’re someone with an oily skin type, you may find that your skin responds better to more frequent exfoliating.
For guys with combination skin (which is the most common skin type), the T-Zone of their face is often oily while the rest of their face remains dry.
VITAMAN’S range of natural men’s skincare productsincluding the Face Scrub, Face & Body Cleanser, and Face Moisturiser - are made from organic botanicals and are perfect for all skin types. Order yours today and revitalize your skin to its former glory! The pack value is $122, discounted to $95 with free delivery.
A high-quality, natural moisturizer helps to retain the moisture that’s already in your skin. By restoring hydration to the skin, moisturizer also replaces the nutrients lost during the process of exfoliating and cleansing, whilst firming and toning your skin. If that wasn’t reason enough to start moisturizing, these products also help to prevent dirt and bacteria from clogging pores, which reduces the likelihood of breakouts.
The amount of moisturizer that you should use depends on two factors: the season of the year and your skin type. If you have an oily skin type, you should use a small amount of water-based moisturizer, making sure that you work into the skin evenly. Using too much moisturizer (or a poor-quality, oil-based product), can clog your skin’s pores and lead to breakouts.
Over the course of each day, your skin is exposed to bacteria, dirt, and environmental impurities. To compound this, your skin produces sebum, which can build up on the surface of your skin. Cleansing removes these impurities, helping to clear pores and prevent breakouts. This makes cleansing one of the most important steps in any skincare routine for men.
To use a cleanser, apply a small amount of the product to damp skin (cleansers work best if they’re applied to your skin after exfoliating). Gently massage the cleanser into your face, leave for approximately 30 seconds, and then rinse away. For optimal results, you should use a cleanser at least once per day.
If you have a dry skin type, you can be more generous in your moisturizer application. Use enough to ensure that your skin feels thoroughly hydrated to the touch.
Regardless of your skin type, it’s recommended that you increase your moisturizing during the cooler months. This is due to the fact that cooler temperatures slow the production of sebum (the natural oils produced by your skin).
Excessive sun exposure not only increases your risk of skin cancer, it also causes premature aging of the skin. Regardless of the season, you’re at risk of suffering some level of skin damage any time you’re exposed to the sun. For this reason, always use an SPF sunscreen or SPF moisturizer before leaving the house to adequately protect your skin.
Have you heard of sleep apnea, a condition where your breathing stops briefly while you sleep, potentially many times each night? Sleep apnea affects around one in five people and is more common in men.
Traditionally, testing for sleep apnea required a time-intensive and costly overnight stay in a sleep laboratory. Advances in technology have created more portable and less-intrusive options, allowing you to test from the comfort of your own bed. One of the lightest and least sleep-disturbing options available is the WatchPAT, named because it feels just like wearing a watch (with the addition of a sensor that sits over one finger). You can have a WatchPAT delivered to your home, wear it for just one night and receive results within a couple of days, all without a GP referral.
Sleep apnea, even in a mild form, is a potentially serious condition. Treatments range from lifestyle changes and altering your sleep position to using a ‘CPAP’ machine that works to keep your throat and airway open so you can breathe easily all night long.
The team at Saving Brothers are so keen to prompt awareness and testing for sleep apnea that we’ve developed a whole website dedicated to your quest for a good night’s sleep: check out sleepingtest.com
Life is best when everything’s in balance, whether work-life, money-time or being able to stand on one leg! But there’s another important balance needed that many people wouldn’t know about: the ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your blood.
Getting this right can be a short-cut to health without running a single step. Omega-3s are an integral part of our cell membranes and are key to regulating inflammation. It’s ideal to have equal levels of omega-6s and omega-3s (1:1) but a ratio of 3:1 is within acceptable limits. Don’t panic if your initial results are not in balance; the average result before people start modifying their diet or taking supplements is 20:1 and ratios as unbalanced as 80:1 have been recorded.
The Balance Test, an example of cool med-tech, can be done from the comfort of your home using just a couple of drops of your blood, which is then analysed by Zinzino’s high-tech laboratory in Norway. Your individualised results give you both fine detail and overall results using a simple-to-understand ‘traffic light’ system. The Balance Test is one of Saving Brothers’ must-do health investigations. It’s ideal for people at all stages of life, from children to those in older age and high-performing athletes to those looking for ways to improve their health.
The team at GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) have something which may well prove to be the perfect tonic to help lift the spirits of one of your ‘Keep 5 Alive’ brothers - the all-new C8 Corvette. This eighth generation iconic sports car is on the road in Australia and has been impressing all who have driven it with its supercar styling, phenomenal power, plus mind blowing acceleration.
The Corvette is one of the world’s most recognisable sports cars and overdelivers with regards to performance expected of such a machine. It is the epitome of a true icon as it has heritage, performance, and unparalleled desirability - generation after generation.
The Corvette was introduced in 1953 and this is the first to feature a mid-engine configuration and—most importantly for Australian performance-car enthusiasts—is now, for the first time, available as factory-built right-handdrive.
GMSV offers the Corvette in 2LT and 3LT models, available in coupe and convertible body styles.
A myriad of comfort and convenience elements, including colour head-up display and a Bose Performance Series 14-speaker audio system, feature in both models.
Considering the performance credentials of the powerful 6.2-litre V8 Corvette, GMSV has elected to specify the new arrival with the Z51 Performance Package and Front Lift, providing even more agility and performance capability.
The Z51 package includes a performance dual mode exhaust, performance suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride Control, larger Brembo® brakes, electronic-limited slip differential, a front splitter, rear fascia-mounted spoiler, extra cooling provisions, and specific rear axle ratio.
The acclaimed Magnetic Selective Ride Control provides real-time damping that reads the road every millisecond and adjusts the suspension accordingly, resulting in excellent chassis responsiveness, poise, and control.
Corvette is an iconic car and the interest in Australia has been beyond expectation—it is more than living up to its legendary status.
The GMSV story started in November 2020 with the official launch of the new brand, the debut of a new logo, and introduction of a new model portfolio consisting of Chevrolet Silverado models and the legendary C8 Corvette. Two new models have been confirmed for launch in 2023, including the firstever Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 and the C8 Corvette Z06.
GMSV is represented throughout Australia by an extensive network consisting of 57 dealers.
Corvette is an iconic car and the interest in Australia has been beyond expectation— it is more than living up to its legendary status.
WORDS BY AMY MAHON
Danny Hamm vividly remembers his lowest of lows.
His family were gathering for their annual family reunion, and his sister-inlaw—who had recently suffered a stroke during labour—was venturing out for the first time since her ordeal. She had been prescribed medication to manage her pain, and on the first day of the weekend getaway, Danny stole her entire prescription.
He left her only one.
“Nobody saw me do it. I thought nobody knew it was me. But everybody knew it was me,” Danny recalls. “My parents were heartbroken.
Nobody yelled at me. Nobody was mad at me. But the look on their faces—they were helpless, and it broke my heart. They were watching me kill myself and they couldn’t do anything about it.”
It has been a long journey for Danny since that day; a journey of self-reflection and gratitude.
Danny was born and raised in Cape Canaveral in Florida, USA. “I didn’t grow up using drugs or anything like that. We drank a lot in high school because where I’m from, there wasn’t a whole lot to do. It’s a small town surrounded by water, but everybody around me drank a lot.”
Danny reminisces about his time at college in Gainesville – the epicentre of the party scene. He was likeable and popular and found himself easily falling into crowds that were comfortable with drugs. “I would drink and never do drugs. I was afraid I’d like it. I just knew,” he admits. “So, no surprise that when I eventually did take drugs, it took root.” He had taken drugs off and on, but it was after he was in a car accident and was prescribed pain medication (opiates) that his addiction took hold and he began to use almost daily. “I was married at the time and neither one of us was happy. Instead of dealing with it, I would just ignore it and go numb—so that’s what I did,” says Danny.
At the time Danny was working in sales, and pain medication suddenly felt like a solution. He could wear his suit and tie
every day and could function. He could go to work, and still feel normal.
“After our divorce, I was on the road all the time. A few people would ask me, ‘Don’t you make your own schedule, how come you’re never home?’ And I would think, ‘I don’t want to go home because it’s only me, and I don’t want to deal with me.’”
Danny didn’t have a traditional job where he went into an office every day; where people could see him and realise that something wasn’t right. As long as he was selling and doing his job well, everything was fine.
Danny’s taste for drugs only got more progressive.
“It got to the point where I started using drugs every day. Eventually, I moved out of Gainesville and back to my hometown. I still have the same friends I grew up with, and when you start to act out of character, they notice. Eventually, my work started being affected.”
Danny went to rehab for the first time on the recommendation of his boss and parents. “I knew that I needed to quit opiates. I knew I needed to get off the painkillers because they made me sick. I knew that I needed to eliminate that from my life” he says.
Though he admits that he had no intention of getting clean. “I thought, I’m going to go to this treatment centre and I’m going to learn how to use drugs successfully,” Danny chuckles.
“I still remember saying to my counsellor on the first day, ‘I can still drink and smoke maybe a little over the new year, right?’ and she shook her head and said, ‘It doesn’t work like that. It’s all or nothing.’ And I thought to myself, ‘You don’t know me.”
Danny always believed that if he really wanted to stop, he could just stop. “I thought I was different.” But it wasn’t that simple.
Danny went to rehab and stayed. When he got out, he drank on the first night, and life went back to the way it was.
“If you’re an addict and you quit—doesn’t
It was shortly after returning home that Danny decided he couldn’t do it anymore. He didn’t love himself enough to get clean for him, but he couldn’t hurt the people who loved him anymore, so he made the commitment.
matter for how long—whenever you pick back up, you don’t start at the beginning, you pick up where you left off. Unless we do something to change who we are, we eventually use again. That’s my belief.”
Soon after, Danny met a woman at a charity golf tournament and fell instantly in love. He described her as a good girl—she never did any drugs, and didn’t drink to excess. As fate would have it, her father was an ex-undercover narcotics officer.
“She didn’t know that I was an addict, and I knew that she deserved better. For the very first time, I actually tried, legitimately 100% tried to stop, but it wasn’t enough. I really thought that I could just wake up and stop taking drugs.
I couldn’t, and that scared the shit out of me.”
That was the first time in Danny’s life that he had the realisation that he couldn’t stop on his own. “Instead of admitting that I had a problem and that I needed help, I stole her stuff and pawned it off for more drugs.
I ruined it. And then I dealt with it like I always dealt with everything: I didn’t deal with it. I just avoided it.”
After Danny’s low point during the family reunion, he returned to the treatment centre with full commitment to changing his life. He admits that he wasn’t ready the first time.
A sponsor is a mentor in a twelve-step fellowship who is an ex-addict (now clean) and living a life of recovery. They guide someone through the twelve steps by sharing their experience, strength, and hope with their sponsees.
“I have a lot around me to be grateful for. I told myself to open my eyes to it, which completely changed my life.
I’ve heard Tony Robbins say, ‘You can’t be grateful and fearful at the same time. You can’t be grateful and angry. You can’t be grateful and anxious.’ But it never meant anything to me. It was just words.”
As someone who has always been a dedicated worker and able to accomplish whatever he sets his mind to, Danny learnt the hard way that this was not going to be like that.
It’s now Danny’s belief that if he practises gratitude, and continues to move forward, doing the right things for the right reasons, things just have a way of working out.
“I just had to have faith that if I take suggestions and live this way and do the work, eventually I’ll come out the other side and things will get better,” he says. In 2016, Danny finally got clean. He acknowledges that there are a lot of people out there that don’t know there’s a better way.
“I’m very fortunate that I did not lose any relationships during my addiction,” he admits. “All my friendships have grown closer, because once you get into recovery, and once you do some work on yourself, it deepens all your relationships. You learn how to be vulnerable, and you learn why you do the things that you do. Once you require some forgiveness, you become more forgiving.”
These days, Danny’s core motivation in business and in life is to make an impact on other people’s lives. Starting multiple online businesses to support people in building passive income, and sponsoring people who are in the throes of addiction like he once was. “The guys I sponsor have had a tremendous impact on my life.
Being able to pass on what was freely given to me is a great feeling.”
“I’m all about impacting lives and helping people create time freedom,” he says proudly. “As someone who has always been open to different opportunities and learning new things, now I try to look at things from the perspective of making people’s lives better.”
You can find more about Danny at livingrateful.com.
“I remember one of the first times I met with my sponsor, he said, ‘A grateful addict will never use.’ So, I needed to find a way to be grateful.”
Bovine colostrum has antiageing, gut health and immunity benefits. Colostrum (a.k.a ‘Liquid Gold’) is known as the first food of life and is fast becoming an emerging nutraceutical. Growth factors found in bovine colostrum increase endurance, strength, burn fat and build more muscle. Its prebiotic side feeds the trillions of gut bugs who make up your gut microbiome. And, if that’s not enough, it also stimulates the production of collagen. Consume it in edible powder form by adding to smoothies or have it straight up!
Inflation headlines are everywhere and we’re seeing the effects in our budgets. Everything is going up, including interest costs on our loans.
However, in my household, car, heating and insurance costs are dropping with minimal effort or sacrifice. And rising interest rates have led to falling bond prices, offering opportunities to buy quality debt at yields of 5-9% How can you offset major categories of financial pain to dominate your cash flow and reverse inflation? Read on.
US families spend an average of $5,000 on gas a year and as high as $10,000 for larger vehicles. After reading that a small change in driving speed has a big impact on fuel consumption, I put it to the test. How big? A remarkable 45%. Consider setting the cruise control a bit lower to offset the high costs of gasoline. Read more about my fuel saving experiment.
The average electric bill in my area is $180 (that’s more than $2,000 per year). Rates have risen but our bills
have dropped. How is that possible? With a few simple changes — replacing an aging dishwasher, switching to LED lighting and insulating our attic — we’ve halved our average monthly consumption from 1,390k kilowatt-hours to just 679. The costs will recover in a year or two and the savings will continue.
Use the ideas in my blog and book to rapidly repay debts, especially credit cards, to sidestep interest rates as high as 29%. If your debts are minimal, consider taking advantage of rising rates by investing. Here in the US, I-Bonds are government guaranteed and currently pay over 9% and each family member can buy $10,000 worth as can an LLC. While rising interest rates hamper stock prices, stock dividends in quality companies continue to rise. Consult with your advisor about the right investments for you.
Having recently moved to the US, I had to establish a credit rating to get a credit card. That led to a lot of learning about credit ratings and how they work. With some simple changes and a bit of time, we increased our credit score by 200 points, a move that can slash loan interest by up to 70% and reduce car and home insurance by up to 50%. We worked with an independent agent who re-shopped our insurance and saved us over $2,000 per year.
Each of your monthly expenses offers an opportunity to dominate your cash flow and reverse inflation. Dig in!
The average fatty acid ratio is now 20:1 and proinflammatory. This top heavy ratio of omega-6 vs omega-3 can lead to poor body performance. Reverse this by increasing your intake of omega 3s and reducing omega 6. What’s your 6:3 ratio?
Around the world we are facing a crisis. A mental health crisis! And one that we have not seen peak to its highest since Covid first struck our globe. One in four are struggling and five out of six suicides are men.
KERRIE ATHERTON FOUNDER, STORIES OF HOPE AUSTRALIA - WORLDWIDE
Kerrie Atherton Founder of Stories of HOPE Australia/WORLDWIDE and EMPOWER Life Solutions is a Keynote Speaker, Author, Event Host, Trauma and Addictions Recovery Coach/ Counsellor and School Program Presenter.
There’s more to ageing than simply gaining a few wrinkles and grey hairs. Ageing affects us inside and out – from our bones to our muscles to our minds. If you feel old, chances are you’re starting to look it, too. But what if we could take control not only of how we age but how we think about it too?
We’ve put together a list of 24 antiageing ‘biohacks’ and explained the science behind them so you’ll not only feel and look younger, but understand how they can revitalise your mind and body, effectively turning back that biological clock.
Collagen is an integral component to the structural matrix of our skin and works to promote elasticity and hydration. The amino acids found in collagen help to keep the skin looking generally smooth, healthy and youthful as they minimise the appearances of dark spots, acne scars and other skin issues. They also support the growth of new cells to replace the old, damaged ones, which ultimately leaves the skin looking younger and more vibrant.
As we age, however, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, leading to dry skin and wrinkles as
Melatonin, the sleep hormone, not only helps you fall asleep at night but also promotes skin hydration and helps fight the effects of UV damage from the sun. Not getting enough sleep can impact the body’s natural production of melatonin and leave your skin looking dull and dry, ultimately ageing you
moisture and elasticity is lost. Fortunately, collagen levels can easily be restored by the use of a simple supplement.
Studies show that collagen peptides or supplements containing collagen can help slow the appearance of ageing skin by reducing roughness, wrinkles and dryness.
Collagen supplements are readily available as a tablet or powder that can be added to your favourite smoothie or even mixed straight with water.
Stress impacts skin health and appearance in much the same way that reduced levels of collagen does: premature wrinkles.
The stress hormone cortisol has been shown to have a negative effect on the epidermal layer by decreasing the lipids and structural proteins (such as collagen), resulting in the same loss of elasticity
not bad, the overproduction of cortisol associated with intense or prolonged periods in ‘fight or flight mode’ has been linked to insulin resistance and a rise in blood sugar levels.
This increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a condition that affects the entire body’s glucose metabolism and accelerates the effects of ageing while impacting overall health and body function.
Our mind also bears the brunt of ongoing levels of high stress by negatively contributing to cognitive deficits and increasing the risk of conditions such as depression or Alzheimer’s disease. Actively seeking ways to minimise your cortisol
A good, restful night’s sleep is one of the key components to starting the day feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Ensuring that you get between 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night is crucial in the fight against ageing and how you feel about yourself.
Poor and insufficient sleep has been linked to chronic inflammation, health decline and accelerated ageing. In a recent study, a research team out of the UK discovered that participants who reported poor sleep were also more likely to feel older and experience more negative thoughts about their mental and physical health than those regularly receiving sufficient sleep.
If you’re a snorer, chances are your quality of sleep is not up to scratch as snoring can result in frequent waking –for you and your partner! It can also be an indication of a common yet serious medical condition called sleep apnea, where the airflow to your lungs is partially or completely blocked. Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep test and mild cases can be treated with lifestyle changes; however more serious episodes may require a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure)
A balanced ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is important for overall health. Our bodies cannot produce omega-6 or omega-3 on their own and instead absorb them through specific food or supplement sources. Keeping these fatty acids in balance is key to a healthy, anti-ageing diet.
Some omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation while omega-3s help reduce it. Omega-3s inhibit an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which produces the prostaglandin hormones known to spark inflammation. The action is similar to what happens when one takes an aspirin, where inflammation and pain are reduced by disrupting the COX-2 signalling pathway.
Because scientists believe omega-6s fatty acids to be proinflammatory, diets high in omega-6 (when compared to omega-3 intake) often result in weight gain, excessive inflammation throughout the body and increased risk of various diseases. The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is anywhere from 1:1 to 4:1. Up until about 100 years ago, fatty acid ratios less than 4:1 were the norm; however the typical modern-day Western diet now sees this ratio sit at approximately 20:1 in favour of omega-6. This significant swing towards higher levels of omega-6 in the diet perpetuates chronic low-grade inflammation throughout the body.
There are screening tests available today that can determine your omega 6:3 ratio from a few drops of blood.
Zinzino, a Norwegian company, offers a specific fatty acid ratio screening test kit called the ‘Balance Test’ to determine
We’ve spoken a lot about the importance of skin health when combating the effects of ageing and hydration levels play a key part in keeping your skin looking young and fresh. But supple skin texture isn’t the only impact hydration has on the body’s largest organ - it also works on a molecular level, impacting enzyme activities and cellular signalling within the epidermis.
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, relies on moisture to flush away toxins and carry nutrients to the skin’s cells. So, if we allow our skin to become dehydrated, it can sap away fluids, vitamins, nutrients and oxygen required to keep the skin looking and feeling smooth and soft.
While hydration levels are most commonly maintained by drinking water, other sources such as herbal teas, fruits and vegetables also provide our body with water. Not all beverages are equal, however. Alcohol and coffee have been found to draw moisture out of the body and while there’s no need to cut your daily coffee or the occasional wine out of your diet completely, it pays to be mindful of only enjoying these in moderation.
In addition to keeping up your fluids, applying a daily moisturiser can help alleviate dryness on the outermost, visible layers of skin.
If you really want to turn the tables on visible ageing then it’s time to make skin care as an important part of your daily routine as brushing your teeth.
Our skin is exposed to a variety of pollutants throughout the day and giving it a twice daily wash and moisturise helps keep pores clean, tight and hydrated, doing wonders for overall health and appearance of your skin.
As we age our skin becomes more fragile and the impact of years spent out in the sun starts to show in fine lines, uneven tone, texture and spots. Having an annual skin check with your doctor is an essential part of a good health routine and ensures that any nasty skin changes
such as skin cancers are caught early.
Taking the time to sufficiently apply sunscreen before heading out in the sun is integral to preventing premature ageing of the skin and reducing the risk of developing melanoma.
Giving yourself a morning pamper will also increase your confidence almost immediately, allowing you to start and end the day on the best possible note.
Check out ‘The Importance of a Basic Skincare Routine for Men‘ in this issue from Vitaman to get the latest on how to implement a daily routine and get your essentials pack.
How many times have we heard, ‘You are
Foods dense in micro- and macronutrients help keep you looking and feeling younger by:
• fighting oxidative stress and free radicals
• reducing inflammation
• removing toxins
• balancing hormones.
Eating a range of colours also provides maximum access to a variety of
flavanols, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. A good way to keep track of this is by aiming to ‘eat the rainbow’ every day.
At a cellular level, nutrients from foods rich in anti-inflammatories and antioxidants not only improve your skin’s outward appearance but provide anti-ageing benefits across every aspect of your body.
Anti-inflammatory food sources can be found in vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, legumes, raw nuts (varied and in
Stem cell therapy is leading the way in anti-ageing treatments as it promotes the growth of new, healthy skin tissue, stimulates hair development and enhances collagen production. Participants who undergo stem cell therapy can usually expect:
• Thickening and improved quality of hair
• A feeling of vitality and rejuvenation
• Increased libido
• Enhanced immunity
• A decrease in pain
• Improved capacity for physical activities
• Increased strength
What exactly is stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy, also known as regenerative medicine, promotes the repair of diseased, dysfunctional, or injured tissue by using stem cells instead of donor organs. Stem cells, or their derivatives, have natural antioxidant properties which nourish skin cells and increase the production of collagen. Collagen, if you recall, is essential for the elasticity and hydration of your skin which is how stem cell therapy results in younger, better-looking skin.
Recent studies have determined that engaging in a healthy sex life can have the added benefit of certain anti-ageing properties. Research has shown that having regular sex can make a person look up to seven years younger by contributing to the increase in the length of telomeres.
Telomeres, which are DNA components found at the end of our chromosomes, are thought to help us live longer and maintain our physical and mental health as we age. Unfortunately, telomeres naturally break down as we get older, a process that can also be accelerated by poor diet and high alcohol intake. New research, however, suggests that having sex can not only repair damaged telomeres but actually lengthen them, too.
There have been many documented studies into the relationship between an active sex life and the ability to live longer and look younger. Having regular sex can improve blood circulation, which pumps more oxygen to your skin, and also releases endorphins – the body’s natural pain reliever.
Due to these benefits, frequent sex has been thought to lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart diseases.
In women, sex also stimulates increased production of the hormone oestrogen, which can help protect against heart disease, osteoporosis and benefit from a little
balanced amounts) and fatty fish. Many of these foods also provide essential sources of soluble and insoluble fibre, omega-3s and antioxidants, which help neutralise the free radicals that cause inflammation.
Choosing foods with diverse and dense nutrition profiles also promote good gut health, which contributes to the overall health and wellbeing of your entire body. Keep an eye on our next edition of beingMAN to get your A-Z guide to the anti-inflammatory diet.
Partaking in more regular pampering such as facials or full body massages have been shown to improve the skin’s overall appearance, which we now know is integral for anti-ageing practices. Facial massages can improve skin texture, decrease puffiness and eliminate build up of toxins as the touch and movement of a massage boosts lymphatic drainage. It also stimulates the production of collagen, the protein responsible for our skin’s firmness and elasticity, which is naturally lost as we age.
Releasing muscle tension through massage promotes the relaxation of your facial muscles, increasing blood and oxygen flow to produce a brighter, healthier complexion.
In addition to that instant adrenaline rush, ice baths, cold showers and even a dip in an icy river or ocean are said to increase metabolism, promote circulation, good mood, and boost your immune system. But before plunging into an ice bath or other form of cold water submersion, it’s best to get a thorough check up by your GP to ensure you’re in good health. Although there are anti-ageing benefits to cold water therapy, it can put you at risk of cardiovascular stress if your blood pressure, circulation and heart rate aren’t within healthy ranges.
What’s the science behind cold water therapy?
Scientific studies have found that cold water therapy increases metabolic rate, which then stimulates your body’s
immune response. This increases the number of white blood cells in your body. Because these cells are responsible for protecting your body against disease, cold water therapy can be thought to promote overall health.
In addition to a stronger immune system making you less likely to contract illness, cold water can be especially beneficial for dry or acne-prone skin. Conversely, hot showers and baths can actually exacerbate chronically dry skin as it strips away sebum, the natural oils found in your skin.
If you’re already working on a skin care routine to fight the signs of ageing, try using icy cold water for your daily face wash to constrict blood vessels and pores, reducing redness for a healthier, younger glow.
In recent studies, swimmers who regularly partake in cold water therapy were found to have a protein that contained a possible link to preventing degenerative diseases such as dementia. While research on this connection is still emerging, the early findings are looking promising.
Regular participants in cold water therapy often report a euphoric feeling and a number of psychological benefits such as reduced stress and improved mental clarity.
Studies on professional athletes have also found cases of improved muscle recovery and reduced soreness when cold water therapy is incorporated into their post-exercise routine.
Studies are proving that practising gratitude can have dramatic and lasting effects on a person’s health and lifespan.
Some key benefits include:
• Increased brain function
• Improved hormonal balance
• Reduced blood pressure
• Improved immune function
Increased heart health
• Less stress
• More energy
• Better sleep
• Anti-ageing skin effects
Participating in expressions of gratitude can allow you to feel optimistic, happier, and more in control of your life. This new field of research is beginning to tap into health and anti-ageing prospects of simply having more positive thoughts.
Furthermore, exercises such as keeping a gratitude journal can help reduce the levels of stress markers such as cortisol and inflammatory proteins while having a positive anti-ageing effect on the brain. These benefits are also linked to improvements in the appearance and functions of the skin. Less cortisol and inflammation can also reduce the risk of
developing or exacerbating conditions like acne, rosacea, and dermatitis.
This biohack is one you can easily adopt and start reaping the benefits of almost immediately. You don’t need to keep a physical record of your gratitude practice in a written journal – simply taking a quiet moment to reflect each day is enough to feel the effects.
Red light therapy can increase collagen production, reduce wrinkles and significantly improve skin complexion and smoothness. This overall skin rejuvenation results in a more natural, youthful glow. Red light therapy is an emerging treatment that shows promise not only in treating the signs of ageing, but reducing redness, acne and scars. Red light therapy works by having red/ near-infrared light energy absorbed by
the skin. The process has been called ‘photobiomodulation’ and it can enhance mitochondrial ATP production, cell signalling, growth factor synthesis, and reduce the effects of oxidative stress. With the natural collagen boost of red light therapy, participants who undergo such treatment can enjoy a wide range of health benefits including younger looking skin and faster muscle recovery.
Controlled breathing exercises like pranayama can improve the supply of oxygen to the skin while also helping to detoxify the blood. The increased oxygen supply brought in by breathing deep from the belly can also aid in repairing skin tissue and boost blood circulation, replenishing the vibrancy and natural glow of our skin.
Alternate nostril breathing techniques such as the Anulom Vilom and Nadi Shodhan pranayamas can help improve oxygenation, clearing blocked energy channels in the body and purifying the blood.
Simple deep breathing is a wonderful way to reduce stress and can also lower inflammation in the body and improve lymphatic drainage. Both of these bring about luminous, de-puffed skin and, with the additional amount of collagen produced, slow down the visible effects of ageing.
The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s make them a key component of a healthy, balanced diet. This essential fatty acid cannot be produced by the body itself and so it relies on us consuming a suitable amount via natural food sources or supplements.
Oily, fatty fish, flax and chia seeds, avocados and walnuts are all rich in omega-3s but these can be topped up with high quality supplements to reach the levels that provide our bodies with the most benefit.
Omega-3s reduce inflammation, boost our protection against sun damage, increase the skin’s hydration levels and even work to improve your mood. They are the ultimate allrounder in antiageing diets so don’t be shy in filling up on lots of them!
Reduction of both external and internal inflammation is one of the great benefits of cryotherapy treatment. It helps calm skin redness and suppresses inflammatory symptoms of conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, as well as psoriatic arthritis. In addition to boosting mood and energy levels, it can also improve blood circulation and fluid retention that in turn reduces puffiness and swelling resulting in a younger, healthier appearance. How does cryotherapy work?
A machine-operated device pumps liquid nitrogen onto the face. This sudden shock of cold brightens the skin, tightens pores, and reduces the appearance of fine lines or age spots in as little as 15 minutes.
Cryotherapy boosts collagen production to keep the skin firm and elastic, delaying the appearance of crow’s feet and other signs of ageing. Many users of this treatment report healthier, more radiant skin after just a few sessions.
It’s no doubt that exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, with benefits spanning head-to-toe. But did you know it also helps your skin by:
• Improving blood flow and nourishing cells
• Removing toxins from the skin
• Reducing stress to lessen the severity of chronic skin conditions
• Preventing and reversing the signs of ageing
A good workout increases blood circulation throughout the body, giving your skin a great natural glow. It also promotes the secretion of feel-good
An alcohol detox can help skin look younger by reducing wrinkles, puffiness, and flare-ups of common skin conditions. Many people who abstain from alcohol notice that their skin looks fresher and healthier after just one week.
Is it true that alcohol can accelerate ageing?
Excessive alcohol intake can suck moisture and elasticity out of your skin leaving it saggy, dry, and wrinkly. Just one night of heavy drinking can make
lines and wrinkles more pronounced. So yes: alcohol can add years to your face, making you look far older than you are.
If you’re keen to retain your looks and keep your body fit and healthy over the entire span of your life, it’s best to remember the old adage – everything in moderation.
Limiting your alcohol consumption will see less bloating, clearer skin and eyes, a slimmer appearance and overall healthier glow. Who doesn’t want that?
hormones that reduce mental stress and anxiety, making it easier to unwind. Feeling more relaxed has been proven to reduce the likelihood or severity of skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis by suppressing the stress hormone cortisol.
If you really want to load up on anti-ageing health benefits, why not combine exercise with pranayama? This ancient breathwork technique from India helps focus the mind through breath regulation, increasing oxygen flow and mental clarity for an invigorating mind-body experience.
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals that damage skin cells and exacerbate the signs of premature ageing. Aside from the internal health impacts of smoking, cigarette smoke also wreaks havoc on the body’s supply of collagen. Smoking leads to increased production of an enzyme that breaks down collagen, which is responsible for your skin’s elasticity. Without collagen, your skin starts to sag, looking wrinkled and older. Furthermore, nicotine reduces the thickness of your skin, contributing to that fragile, drawn appearance
Smokers are also known for characteristic patterns of wrinkling in their skin, including crow’s feet and lines around the mouth. These are assumed to be caused by the repetitive motion of sucking on a cigarette and increased squinting due to rising smoke. Combined with the collagen-depleting properties of nicotine, this results in a
prematurely aged appearance known as ‘smoker’s face.’
Smoking cigarettes has a ‘vasoconstrictive’ side effect, meaning that it causes your blood vessels to restrict, reducing the blood supply to your skin. This deprivation of oxygen and essential nutrients, combined with the physical act of smoke drying out your skin, are some of the leading causes of the washed out, grey complexion of smoker’s face.
Smokers are also two to three times more likely to suffer from the chronic inflammatory skin condition psoriasis. The risk of psoriasis very much depends on how much you smoke. The more you smoke, the higher your risk; smoke less and the risk decreases.
Put simply, smoking makes you look a lot older than you are. If you’re dedicated to gaining the full effect of anti-ageing techniques then now is the time to quit.
Several studies have found a direct link between meditation and looking healthier and younger in terms of having better skin elasticity, controlled blood pressure, and improved hearing and vision. In fact, daily, intensive meditation can slow the ageing of the brain by as much as eight years.
Meditation is a great way to manage and alleviate stress through mindful, focused breathing. This relaxing outlet can improve the outward appearance of your skin while also reducing inflammation and heart rate inside the body.
Stress releases larger amounts of the hormone cortisol, which can have a range of negative effects on the body, particularly in regards to our telomeres - a part of our chromosomes involved in the biological age of our cells.
How does cortisol harm our telomerase and telomeres?
New research suggests that exposure to stress can accelerate the erosion of DNA segments called telomeres. These ‘caps’ on the end of our chromosomes depict our biological age and the length of a telomere correlates to our risk of disease morbidity and mortality. Basically, the shorter our telomeres, the older our cells, meaning that being exposed to telomere erosion early in life through childhood and adolescent stress can contribute to health problems later in life.
Stress-induced secretion of cortisol has been associated with a reduction in the activation of telomerase, which is an enzyme that prevents the ageing of cells by building upon telomeres. As such, higher levels of cortisol have been associated with shorter telomere length. Because cortisol can suppress the activity of telomerase, prolonged high periods of stress can lead to a more rapid erosion of telomeres.
Recent studies have determined that mediation has a favourable impact on telomere biology. Participants who practise regular mediation were found to have longer telomeres and an increased level of telomerase, suggesting that meditation might play an important role in preventing illness and resisting ageing.
Some people’s brains are ageing at a rate much slower than average. They are called ‘superagers’ and consist of men and women over the age of 80 who possess the mental faculties of people decades younger.
Older adults who fall into this category of superagers have increased performance in regions of the brain related to thoughts, emotions, decisions, dreams, sights, sounds, smells, perception, and memories. Dubbed the ‘superager ensemble’ this brain region is also responsible for the vital task of regulating your organs, hormones, and immune system. It also predicts your body’s energy needs in advance, to keep you healthy and alive.
Brain training is a non-pharmacological approach that involves following a series of regular mental activities designed to maintain or even increase a person’s cognitive abilities over their lifespan.
Some of the benefits of brain training include:
• An increase in motivation and productivity
• Reduced stress
• Increased focus and concentration
• Increased memory
• Enhanced mood
• Improved creativity and mental flexibility
• Increased self-confidence
• Enhanced thinking and reaction time
According to a 2021 study that followed superagers over the course of 18 months, one key differentiator was that they kept learning new things throughout their life.
When we learn something, our brain makes new connections between our cells. Our memories are housed in these connections and, as we age, we naturally lose some of them. However, brain training and employing the concept of continuous learning can help restore connections and prevent the breaking down of these networks resulting in improved memory and cognitive function even at advanced ages.
Sauna bathing can provide benefits such as detoxification, increased metabolism, weight loss, and increased blood circulation.
Infrared sauna bathing has been shown to decrease blood pressure, with some studies suggesting that long-term sauna use may lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension and improve the left ventricular ejection fraction in those with chronic congestive heart failure.
Infrared sauna bathing can flush out toxins in your body, resulting in smoother, tighter skin. Moreover, the red light exuded from infrared saunas can stimulate collagen and elastin production that reduce wrinkles and improve outward appearance.
Laughter can mitigate the effect of stress by limiting the secretion of stress hormones. Laughter also decreases the serum levels of cortisol, epinephrine, growth hormone, and 3,4-dihydrophenylacetic acid (a major dopamine catabolite), indicating a reversal of the stress response. Activity of the ‘happy hormones’, dopamine and serotonin, are also stimulated by laughing.
As such, ‘laughter therapy’ can offer a non-invasive and nonpharmacological alternative treatment for stress and depression. The therapeutic effect of laughter is mainly derived from spontaneous laughter (triggered by external stimuli or positive emotions) or selfinduced laughter (triggered by oneself at will).
The endorphins released by laughter are secreted whether or not the laughter occurs with or without humour as the brain is not able to distinguish between the two. Therefore, it is assumed that similar benefits may be achieved regardless of whether the laughter is ‘fake’ or a genuine emotional response.
Laughter therapy intervention can result in a noteworthy reduction in systolic blood pressure and heart rate, accompanied by a significant increase in serotonin. There is also a statistically significant correlation between laughter therapy programs and factors such as general health and psychosomatic symptoms like pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
If you’re feeling a bit blue, try having a good old laugh whether you want to or not and see if you can’t turn your mood around.
Investigations held by scientists at Harvard Medical School into why we age have identified a possible way to reverse it. The study revealed that epigenetic ‘software glitches’ drive the symptoms of ageing and therefore a ‘system reboot’ could reverse them, potentially extending the human lifespan.
Ageing is associated with a wide range of health disorders, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. These conditions are often agerelated and occur as the result of epigenetic changes, which are the environmental and behavioural factors that change the way our genes work.
Epigenetic changes are by definition reversible as they do not alter the DNA sequence. And so, given their potential for reversal, this exciting field of research provides promising avenues for therapeutics to fight against age-related decline and disease.
These studies offer exciting opportunities where the application of epigenetics may alter the trajectory of age-related disease by delaying or revising it all together. With protection against a range of often lifethreatening conditions, just how long could we potentially live for?
Gratitude journaling focuses on what you are grateful for. No matter how tough things may seem, when you focus on the areas of your life that you appreciate, you can improve your physical and mental health by practicing mindfulness.
TIME: 15-20mins per day to get started
“In the journal, I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself.” - Susan
Find a time that works best for you - it could be mornings to set your intentions or evenings to download. Get yourself in the zone and lean into the desire of wanting to feel more grateful.
Be comfortable journaling details for specific moments rather than a long list of bulleted points - this will help further unpack and cement the depth of gratitude.
Consider people around you whom you are grateful for - in other wordshumanise your gratefulness over what’s materialistic.
Lean into how things would look without the important people - and other things that matter to you - in your life for greater perspective.
Celebrate and journal important events, actions and outcomes. Random and unexpected moments and gestures also count here!
While digitally recording your journal is a great practice and is better than no journaling at all, we recommend picking up a pen and writing in a physical journal or notebook to be more connected with the experience.
There is no right or wrong way to journal - it just needs to work for you. Commit to the habit of journaling at certain times in your day, so you link the activity with journaling. It may be while you’re having your morning coffee, on your commute to work, or as you prepare for bed (or any other time during the day that works for you). Connect and see how you start to feel lighter and happier through the art of journaling your gratitude.
I look at Bob, eye to eye. His nicotinestained fingers were rubbing his chin. “You have to stop doing it Rob,” I say, with what I hope is the ideal balance of care and determination. “Or you will go blind.”
“I know Bernie,” replies Rob. “My old man told me that when I was a teenager.” Rob’s serious expression gives way to a grin.
“But he wasn’t talking about smoking!”
Rob suffers from high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. For each of these conditions, he takes a pill or two and they’re relatively under control. Not great, but under control.
Initially, he gave smoking a break but he’s since gone back to it. I’ll come back to ideas for how he can quit smoking again in a future article but, for now, let’s look at the impact of his smoking on his eyes and vision.
As his GP, I had his latest report from his eye specialist and, believe me, it wasn’t
a good read. He has eye damage called diabetic retinopathy. It’s directly caused by his diabetes but is hastened by his smoking habit.
This eye damage is not going to be fixed by a pill or two. The damage is permanent.
Not all eye conditions are severe or permanent as Rob’s diabetic retinopathy but any change in vision or any damage to your eye should be checked out by your GP or optometrist, who may refer you onto an eye specialist or ophthalmologist.
It may be that you have a primary eye condition, or changes to your vision could be a sign of a neurological condition or a blood supply issue. If in any doubt, get it checked!
It’s said that your eyes are the window to your soul. That may or may not be true but I know they are definitely a window into our health.
We mainly think about eyes as our way of looking out into the world. Yet, we can look into our eyes to gauge elements of our health, particularly of the vascular system (the one that carries our blood around the body).
As a GP, I get to look into people’s eyes using various instruments and see health conditions there.
What eye conditions do I see as a GP?
Dr. Bernie Crimmins, OAM, graduated from Melbourne University Medical School in 1980 and has been a General Practitioner for 40 years with a special interest in Men’s Health, Nutrition, and Sports Medicine.
His brother was the late Hawthorn AFL Captain in Peter Crimmins who died of testicular cancer in 1976. This led to his special interest in Men’s Health and being the author of two books titled Blokes Health 1 and 2. He was the Club Doctor at Hawthorn AFL Football Club for 15 years and he believes his greatest achievement in his life has been his family.
The most common health condition I see by looking at my patients’ eyes is infections. A less serious infection is conjunctivitis, caused by various bugs such as viruses and bacteria going splat against the outer covering of the eyes. A far more severe infection happens when the cold sore virus gets into your eye. Ouch! Called herpes simplex keratitis, this infection can lead to ulcers and scarring of the outer surface of the eye, known as the cornea.
The next most common conditions I see are allergies affecting the conjunctiva, which are the thin, clear membrane that covers the inside of your eyelid and white of your eye.
Eye allergies are caused by various environmental factors such as pollens, grasses and dust mites invading our eyes from the external environment.
Eyelid glands supply tears as well as oil that helps your eyelashes do their job of protecting the eye from your environment. These glands can get blocked up and conditions like styes develop, which, if severe, may need to be drained.
Foreign bodies such as grit from the garden or metal from grinding can get past the eyelashes, particularly if safety goggles aren’t worn! This grit can get onto the surface of the eye well as under the eyelids.
Direct trauma to the eye can be very serious as the eye is a very soft and squishy organ. Direct blows can scratch the cornea, burst blood vessels or detach the retina from the back of the eye. Any visual disturbance from direct trauma needs immediate assessment.
One of the scariest eye conditions is when the white of the eye has suddenly turned blood red. It is quite dramatic and scary when you look in the mirror but it’s actually not a serious condition, so don’t panic! It’s called a sub-conjunctival haemorrhage and is caused by a small invisible blood vessel in the white of the eye bursting. It may happen if you strain excessively or cough or sneeze violently. It’s just like a bruise so should dissolve over a week or so and shouldn’t affect your vision. If this happens though, it’s not a bad idea to get your blood pressure checked.
The eye lids and the surrounds of the eyes are not uncommon areas to get skin cancers like melanoma. Different cancers can also affect the eyeball or muscles and other tissues surrounding the eye (these are often called ‘intraocular cancers’.)
Eye cancer is rare but a good reason to
“One of the scariest eye conditions is when the white of the eye has suddenly turned blood red. It is quite dramatic and scary when you look in the mirror but it’s actually not a serious condition, so don’t panic!”
As we get older, the shape of the lens in our eye changes and then we start having trouble focussing on the near, the far, or both. This is where glasses come into play and some people look into the option of refractive or laser eye surgery to alter the shape of the lens to avoid the use of glasses.
Personally, I happily wear glasses for both near and distant vision. My arms were not long enough to get the newspaper in focus and hence the need for reading glasses. This is a 40s and 50s decade thing.
Oh, if you find a spare pair of glasses, they are probably mine!
Just as the shape of the lens can change as we get older, its clear, glass-like property can deteriorate too. The lens can go foggy and cloudy, like a frosted pane of glass. The change, known as cataracts, prevents the light from getting through, resulting in a dramatic deterioration in clarity of vision.
Cataracts tend to run in families and are more prevalent in people with diabetes, smokers and those who have had prolonged exposure to sun glare without wearing sunglasses. Fortunately, cataracts can be removed and a new lens implanted.
Glaucoma is a condition characterised by high pressure within the eye. You see, the eye is not hollow but fluid filled. Therefore, just like a tyre or a swimming pool, your eye has a ‘pressure’ created by that fluid. This fluid circulates through the eye and, if held up for any reason, the pressure builds up which slows the blood supply to the vision screen or retina at the back of the eyes.
Glaucoma is a common condition that may lead to loss of vision if not found and treated. Your friendly neighbourhood optometrist has the equipment to test for this as part of a good general eye check-up.
Fortunately, glaucoma can be controlled with eye drops and sometimes surgery is required. This condition also runs in families and is more prevalent in people
with diabetes – hence the need for all diabetics to get a regular eye check-up at least every two years (or earlier if any issues or concerns arise).
Macular degeneration is a chronic eye condition characterised by painless central vision loss. It’s a condition that’s come to the forefront of late as our population ages, as it’s particularly common in people aged over 75. The macula is the small area at the centre of the retina (or screen) located at the back of the eye. It has the most concentrated number of nerve cells and is the spot where the lens tries to focus vision onto.
For some reason, the cells here are prone to degeneration, resulting in blurred vision, difficulty seeing faces and reduced night and colour vision.
The usual culprits are smoking, obesity, diabetes, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Sometimes, injections into the eyes are required.
I can’t finish without mentioning probably the worst eye condition known to humankind. It’s peculiar to followers of AFL (Australian Football League) and is called the One-Eyed Collingwood Supporter Disease.
Sufferers of this condition are colour blind, so can only see their team’s colours of black and white. Sadly for supporters of all other AFL clubs, treatment is futile.
Now where did I leave those damn glasses?
Stay happy and healthy (and go Hawks!)
Cataracts tend to run in families and are more prevalent in people with diabetes, smokers and those who have had prolonged exposure to sun glare without wearing sunglasses.
Are you driving your partner, holiday friends or next door neighbours crazy?
Perhaps your snoring has become the topic of conversation at dinner parties?
While you may want to shrug it off as a bit of a laugh, snoring is no laughing matter. It does have a sinister side and can really impact those around you.
Partners are at risk of sleep deprivation and therefore at risk of developing a myriad of health issues. A study found partners lose on average an hour per night due to their partner’s snoring.
Men are typically stereotyped as the troublesome snorer, snoring louder and starting earlier than women who tend to go under the radar for being quieter and snoring later in life!
THE BATTLE OF THE BED
It’s estimated approximately 50% of the global adult population snores, causing many households each morning to voice complaints about the snorer who’s kept them awake all night with their tossing, turning, and grunting sounds, leaving them feeling exhausted before the day has even started.
Snoring can be a relationship breaker creating tension and reason for needing to sleep separately, or even separation or divorce, but it can be successfully treated which, in turn, can save and salvage relationships, bring health benefits, and improve sleep.
Given help is readily accessible, why do so many snorers continue to snore without help? Typically, when you ask a snorer if they snore, more than likely they will answer, “No way, not me”!
Denial plays a big part and has been the catalyst for many partners, friends, and family members becoming a private investigator, taking secret recordings in the night to prove otherwise.
Despite all good intentions, this is usually not enough to get all snorers into fixit-mode, and may even heighten the tension.
Perhaps understanding more about the potential health risks associated with snoring may warrant more desire and urgency to get answers and find the best fit solution.
THE RISKY SIDE OF SNORING
Have you heard of a common sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? Are you aware that approximately 50% of snorers have undiagnosed OSA? That’s one in every two people. Are you at risk? This common sleep disorder is also regarded as a serious medical condition.
Snoring is the audible sound of vibrating airflow moving over the soft tissues in the airway. Snoring indicates instability in the airway and the risk for airway narrowing and obstruction. An obstructed airway prevents the ability to breathe in and out freely. Interrupting oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, causing heart rate variability, causing surges in hormones, and inducing stress on the body.
Snoring is the most common symptom of OSA, a condition that is well researched and linked to many of today’s most serious chronic health diseases.
Taking a sleep test is the only way to diagnose OSA. Simple and pain-free, this test can be taken from the comfort of your own bed. Should you prefer to be supervised and in a lab style environment, you can arrange to take an overnight test in a hospital.
Keen to learn more about the impact of
OSA on hormones, metabolic health, erectile dysfunction, heart, immune, brain, and gut health? Be sure to read our upcoming OSA article in next month’s beingMan where we will be debunking treatment options.
Snoring can occur for other reasons separate to OSA though; it’s also linked to sleep deprivation which leads to negative effects in the body
Does this list resonate with you?
• Chronic nasal obstruction
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption pre bed
• Sedatives
• Weight gain
• Getting older
• Deviated septum
• Non-treated OSA (previously diagnosed with OSA)
Getting to the bottom of why you snore may require undergoing more than one test or assessment.
Best fit snoring treatments are dependent on the root cause of why snoring occurs. Getting assessed before trying treatments can therefore point you in the right direction for a fast, effective solution.
If you’re reading this as a snorer, it’s time to take the matter more seriously. If not, for your own health, then the mental and physical health of those who sleep near you!
If you snore, take a 1-night sleep test to discover if you have OSA: Don’t have OSA? You can move forward with treatments suitable for snoring without OSA.
Do you have OSA? A 1-night sleep test will give you the paperwork needed to access treatment options for OSA.
Denial plays a big part in why snorers don’t seek help
WORDS BY HUMPHREY CARTER
This is the story of why Kenya’s people, landscapes, and wildlife pull me back whenever I tried to leave.
I first came to Kenya in 1980 when I was 17, shy and self-conscious. I yearned for the self-assurance that flowed so naturally from my Papa and I wondered whether the Republic of Kenya, born in the same year as me, felt the same way! Apart from my father, who was at ease anywhere, my family were very much ‘wazungu’.
A Swahili word meaning ‘dizzy’ or ‘aimless wanderer’ - it’s used for white foreigners. This is perhaps because white visitors always seem to be rushing around in circles with nowhere in particular to go.
It was on my very first safari that I fell in love with Kenya. My siblings and I jostled our way into the back of a borrowed VW Kombi - the temperamental engine of which was regularly pushed into life by the strong arms and generous hearts of laughing tribesmen. Travelling through the foothills of the Aberdare Mountains, everything was lush, wet, and green. Then we rounded a bend and the great, golden vastness of the Rift Valley spread out beneath us; breath-taking, endless,
alien, and wild. From that moment, Kenya became forever magical and enchanting for me.
The most beautiful day of my life came soon after this - a horse safari with my siblings. Two African “sice” (grooms) showed us the warmth of the people of Kenya with the biggest smiles I’d ever seen. They opened our eyes to things we would never have noticed: “siafu” (soldier ants) moving through the bush like a single organism, dung beetles rolling giant, perfect globes and elephant herds on distant plains.
Further north, we walked with camels for three days, escorted by magnificent Samburu warriors, who cut us toothbrushes from the ‘toothbrush tree’ (salavadora persica) and effortlessly entertained and enthralled us.
Kenyan days were magical from the moment the sun swept into the hard blue sky until the Milky Way spread over us and a cool soft breeze told us it was night. Once you’ve fallen for Kenya, she’ll never let you go.
The Cradle of Mankind is where we all come from. I believe there’s something within us that recognises this truth. If we can stop ‘spinning around on the same spot’, she will heal us, until all our insecurities are gone.
I’ve been incredibly lucky to be able to use my army flying skills to show people why I love Kenya and, perhaps, spark the same love in them.
“Travelling through the foothills of the Aberdare Mountains, everything was lush, wet, and green. Then we rounded a bend and the great, golden vastness of the Rift Valley spread out beneath us; breath-taking, endless, alien, and wild. From that moment, Kenya became forever magical and enchanting for me.”
Image source: www.humphreycartersafaris.com
“Kenyan days were magical from the moment the sun swept into the hard blue sky until the Milky Way spread over us and a cool soft breeze told us it was night.”
Our skin is our largest organ but it cops a battering! Over our lifetime, the sun, environment, poor sleep, poor nutrition, and the ageing process can play havoc on the skin’s appearance. Not to mention the access we have to foods high in fat and sugar, which can upset the gut microbiome and impact our immune system. This can then lead to skin becoming inflamed and irritated.
Luckily though, we also have access to a copious amount of nutrients through fresh produce which can encourage cell renewal and help retain natural elasticity. People often think that skin conditions are due to bad luck or genetics, but gut health, hormonal or metabolic health, and where you are in your life stage also matters.
As we age, collagen production slows and the fat layer just under our skin can shrink. But what you eat can help skin hold water and keep it plump and looking more youthful.
So, what foods can keep your skin in the best condition, and what foods may be less helpful?
These contain omega-3 fatty acids that help keep skin hydrated and fight ageing. Studies have found a lack of these fatty acids can lead to skin becoming dry and scaly. Omega-3 fatty acids may also
These are a source of antioxidants such as vitamin C, that can help protect skin from the effects of UV rays. It also plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis. Other food sources include broccoli and parsley.
These foods contain vitamin E, another antioxidant, that helps produce sebum in the skin. This is a natural oil and a higher concentration of oil as we get older is
Copper is a mineral that helps stimulate collagen, a protein that gives skin structure and helps retain plumpness
Strawberries, mango and green beans: Silica is often called the building block of skin, hair and nails. It helps skin heal and helps retain its firmness by boosting collagen production.
Alcohol: Excess alcohol dehydrates skin and can aggravate flushing and rosacea as alcohol contains acetaldehyde that stimulates the release of histamine that can cause redness. Alcohol also contributes to enlarged and broken blood vessels.
Sugar: Too much sugar causes dull skin due to glycation – where sugar in the bloodstream combines with proteins to form Advanced Glycation End products or AGEs. AGEs damage collagen and elastin in skin so it becomes dry, dull and wrinkled. Sugar also causes spikes in blood sugar and insulin response that trigger inflammation and cause our body to make more sebum or oil in the skin that can cause acne.
Ingredients list
• 2 cups (250g) frozen raspberries
• ½ cup (50g) vanilla protein powder
• 1 cup (150g) diced watermelon
• 1 handful mint
• ice
1. Put all the ingredients in a blender with a handful of ice and blend. Add water, if necessary, to reach the consistency you like.
2. Pour into two glasses and enjoy.
Analysis summary
Energy 615kg (147cal), protein 14g, total fat 1g, saturated fat 0.25g, carbohydrate 15g, dietary fibre 8g.
Reasons why it’s great for your skin/anti-agingbenefits: Smoothies are a great way to pack in extra fruit and vegetables, which are full of fibre, minerals and antioxidants that are beneficial for the skin. Raspberries, in particular, are rich in Vitamin C and potassium, essential for cell regeneration. It’s important to combine the carbohydrates we eat with a source of protein, as this helps to reduce the glycaemic index of a meal.
Photographer Chris Chen
Ingredients list:
• 1 cup (45g) baby spinach
• 1 green apple, core removed, chopped
• 1 cup (260g) low-fat Greek yoghurt
• 4 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• Ice
Method:
1. Put all the ingredients in a blender with a handful of ice and blend.
2. Add water, if necessary, to reach the consistency you like.
3. Pour into two glasses.
4. Reasons why it’s great for your skin/anti-aging benefits:
5. This smoothie is great as a snack, or you can enjoy it alongside an omelette as a delicious balanced meal. It’s healthy in vitamin A and C, which help fight oxidative stress in the skin. Vitamin C can also increase nonhaem iron absorption, which helps to transport oxygen around the body and prevent iron deficiency.
Analysis summary:
Energy 795kJ (190cal), protein 19g, total fat 3g, saturated fat 1g, carbohydrate 18g, dietary fibre 6g.
WORDS BY AMY MAHON
At the age of 42, Kari woke up one Sunday morning and couldn’t breathe.
“As I was being wheeled into the ambulance, I saw my 2-year-old son in a nearby window and he was crying,” Ironman, Kari Martens, recalls. He had suffered a major heart attack. Kari considers this a defining moment in his life. He realised that he needed to survive so he could watch his son grow up, graduate, and have kids of his own. He recognised at that moment that he couldn’t take care of his family if he didn’t take care of himself first. I thought, “If I survive this week, I need to change my life.”
Now 65, Kari recounts how he fell into a cycle of poor health. “I suffered a bad injury in my early 20s and I had to quit playing football. My doctor gave me the
ultimatum that if I wanted to be able to walk when I’m 40, I had to skip football altogether. All I was hearing is that it’s dangerous to be training or exercising, so I can’t do that anymore.
“I stopped everything for 15 years. I didn’t do any exercise, worked crazy hours, travelled a lot sitting in my car, and became really unhealthy.”
After his heart attack, Kari made a commitment to himself and his family that he would change his life and become an Ironman finisher—that was the clear goal. He needed something to work towards, something that required discipline and routine.
“Do you know what the game changer was for me? The idea that all my friends and family didn’t think I could do it. They were sceptical because I weighed over 100kgs.”Image source: Kari Martens’ Facebook
“Do you know what the game changer was for me? The idea that all my friends and family didn’t think I could do it. They were sceptical because I weighed over 100kgs,” Kari admits.
“It was my belief that I needed to aim for something high to stay motivated and focused on, then share that experience with everyone. An important part of accountability is sharing your goals. That’s critical,” he says.
He believes that was one of the key things that pushed him forward; having his family as accountability partners without them knowing it. “It was the confidence booster I needed to stick to it.”
Growing up in Finland, Kari smiles as he remembers the childhood games that saw him racing around his family home on skis. His championship prize? A teaspoon. He now sees that those childish races were like a visualisation of his future.
“I believe in some way that it was always my intention to become good at something, even if it took me 50 years to get there.”
It took Kari seven months to finish his first Ironman race, and it was one of the top moments of his life, behind the birth of his son and his wedding day. “It was an amazing feeling.”
There are some critical pieces of time that I have reflected upon and realised that those moments are the turning
points that got me to where I am today. The promises and the commitments. I could have easily given up after the first ten minutes, but I didn’t.
A monumental step in Kari’s journey was when he decided to level up and hire a coach. “I didn’t believe that I was capable of reaching any higher wins.
The goal for me was to become faster, better, and to improve my performance. Surprisingly the positive side was that I began digging deeper into my mindset and my beliefs. Because the first thing he asked me was, “Why are you hiring a coach? Do you want to qualify for Hawaii?” And I thought, ‘That would be nice, but I’m not fast enough.”
“Immediately my limiting beliefs revealed themselves.”
It wasn’t always about physically putting in the hours and the training, but starting to believe in himself. “Once I started believing and dreaming, I began to see progress.”
Kari’s wife and son have been his support crew throughout his entire journey, attending almost all his races - except the first. “Maybe they didn’t believe I would make it.”
“When you do those long-distance triathlons, you need to have a crew to calculate when to eat and what to have, because I’m 100% in the zone. I’m also physically exhausted and unaware of when I last ate.”
Kari discovered his competitive advantage: Eating.
“I was having a double dinner, one at 5:00 PM and the next at 7:00 PM. I’d eat breakfast then eat again two hours later. My expertise was in my eating habits,” Kari laughs.
It may sound odd, but Kari strongly believes that was the critical element of his success. “My competitors weren’t recovering properly and consuming enough food to sustain them. There is a metabolic explanation for consuming enough energy in the right format, and how it processes in the body. Having a focus on your energy balance is critical.“
Kari competed in the Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii, a gruelling 515 kilometre race over three days - and won gold. But he admits that he still faced challenges. “I was overworked, working crazy schedules, 70-80-hour weeks and then I put 10 more hours on top of that in exercise and training, but I didn’t see the impending burnout.”
One of his biggest regrets is missing a lot of his son’s upbringing. “When he was 6 years old, he would ask me if I could play with him when I came home from work, and I would say, ‘First let me have 15 minutes on the couch,’ then I’d fall
He would say, “Daddy, you say you love me, but why don’t you want to play with me?” And I would explain that I have to work so much so we can afford nice things and to travel.
He then said to me, “Yeah, like travelling to your Ironman races.”
It was like a huge pain in my chest thinking, “Am I really making him feel like this?”
“My son saved my life, but at the same time, I missed the gun because I was stressed out working.”
The silver lining is that Kari and his son— now aged 25—are in business together. “It’s my time now with my son.”
Together, Kari and his son run their own coaching business, working towards helping people to become aware, gain clarity of what matters most, and find that ideal balance.
“The most important thing in life is knowing what matters, and I believe our health is the number one thing. Without our health, we have nothing,” says Kari. “The way many of us treat our health is appalling, and I will be the first to admit that I was the worst.”
“My passion is helping people to improve, grow, or reach the next level,
Involving family in your progress is a key element to success. “Get your kids out into nature instead of sitting in front of a PlayStation or device. Our kids can’t choose their parents, but we can inspire and empower them to make healthy choices.”
With no intention of slowing down, and 100 races under his belt so far, Kari is looking forward to launching a new program in 2023, and committing to another race—perhaps the World Championships in Germany.
and to challenge themselves—perhaps towards their first or next race. That can mean health, wellness, weight loss, or managing their aches and pains to avoid injuries.
“What I know today, I wish I had been aware of a long time ago.”
When asked what he would tell someone who was currently struggling with their weight and motivation, Kari said, “It’s never too late to make a change in your life, but it’s always too early to give up. I believe we are only one decision
away, and decision fatigue is killing our performance. That’s my mantra.”
He also recommends taking baby steps in the beginning. “If someone wants to run, never start running, start walking. Get some fresh air for 30 minutes. It’s good enough for anyone. Wherever you are, start where you are.”
Kari also encourages finding an accountability partner. “That is key. If you want to make a change, you need to have a plan, the right system, and the right help and support.”
“My main purpose in life is to stand up for others; to get them to appreciate themselves, to give them the courage to open their eyes towards becoming the best version of themselves. Because to become a better version of ourselves, we need to make changes.”
“It’s my way of giving back. I have been so fortunate to be able to learn the hard way, but failure is only learning.”
To learn more about Kari, visit: Kari Martens Coaching
“My main purpose in life is to stand up for others; to get them to appreciate themselves, to give them the courage to open their eyes towards becoming the best version of themselves. Because to become a better version of ourselves, we need to make changes.”
Is our life truly like the movie, ‘The Matrix’? Are we really living in the Matrix? And if so, how do we take the red pill (to know the real truth in life) or the blue pill (to continue life as is, blissfully unaware)?
Each one of us has something called ‘the subconscious mind.’ New research shows that programming of this mind starts at the moment of conception, but most of the current neuropsychology states it begins between 0-7 years old. This is why I often say, “Adults are just children with bigger bodies.”
The reason behind this saying is because everything we do, the challenges we face, the struggles, and the high points in our life are all based upon this conditioning of our subconscious from a young age.
After the age of 7, your brain believes it knows this world and how it operates. But the question is, how do we end up decoding our own Matrix to breakaway from this mental prison and truly experience the fulfillment and freedom that we desire?
This is the process of decoding the Matrix.
The first thing we must do is become aware of the patterns that show up in our life. These can be lack of money, rocky relationships, poor health choices, etc. No matter what we do, read, or follow, we end up with the same results. For example, you have a new relationship but have the same experiences. FYI, it’s not your partner.
The second thing to do is ask why do you do what you do? Why is something important? Why do you choose particular words to explain things? Why is this important? When you think of a millionaire, what shows up in your mind and why does that show up?
The last thing is, choose what you love to do. Get back into your body, become aware and truly feel within. We have lost this art and if we are truly seeking fulfillment and freedom, this is the door to accessing this. Choose to do the things you love just like a 3 or 4-year-old child does. Want to master this? Spend time with a child and watch how they do the things they love without care of what others think.
When we focus on these three things, we create awareness first, then we start to analyse our actions to understand how we have been doing things unconsciously. The last part is choosing what we love without the influence of the Matrix, which is living a life when you have taken the red pill. Now you step back into your power and choose what you want to experience consciously, rather than unconsciously. You are on the path to decoding your Matrix.
He hosts two podcasts, The Mindful Experiment (ranked in the top 1% globally) and The Mindful Chiropractor. He has written three books, the latest of which is ‘Decoding the Matrix.’
Dr. Vic Manzo is a Business Mindset Coach, Chiropractor, 3X Author, Podcaster, and Speaker.
WORDS BY ZEV HALPERN
We are not set up to spend our lives alone.
There are many inherent reasons we look for a companion. When we get together in the beginning most of us are not following a guide or a blueprint. We meet, we’re attracted, we hook up and maybe we marry or carry on together or maybe we look for someone different to fulfill our needs.
It’s important to remember that even through all the smiles, laughter, celebrations and adventures, a couple isn’t just one entity growing and evolving. There are always two individuals involved. Two individuals growing and changing in their own right.
It’s inevitable that one or both people will change and won’t be the same person the other met. One day you look at the other person and wonder, “who is this man?” “Who is this woman?”
If you’ve noticed the spark slipping away, the good news, it’s usually still there, hiding under the embers.
1. Find a way to let your partner know you want to reconnect
The first step is to open up about your feelings, and express your desire to have a happy and close relationship. Think back to the early days or years of your relationship and see if you can rekindle some of that romance. Did you do day or overnight trips? Have long discussions over dinner? Laze away in bed on a Sunday morning over a deep and meaningful conversation? Create moments that make conversation easy and natural again.
2. Communicate openly and wholeheartedly
One of the ways to overcome distance in a relationship is to start writing down the 5 biggest needs you want from your relationship and the activities you enjoy doing as a couple. Writing allows each person to reflect on their own needs without interruption. By including the activities you enjoy, you keep the conversation balanced, reminding each other there is a lot of good in the relationship too, not just unmet needs. When you come together to talk about your lists, use positive language to describe your needs. A good way to communicate that you’re unhappy about something is to say “I like it when…” instead of “I hate it when you always...”
“I like it when …” is a magic language of getting your needs thought about and met in a courteous and positive way, rather than leading with the negative “I don’t like it when...”
Here are a few “I like it when” examples:
• I like it when we hug, kiss, listen and talk to each other
• I like it when you chip in and help with the chores
• I like it when we go on trips together
• I like it when we sit together and watch TV
3. Work on a plan
When you first meet, you come up with lots of plans. Will you travel? What career do you want? Do you want a family? Along the way, we forget our needs change and often that means our goals do too. Get back on the same page, knowing how the other sees their future individually and in the couple. What do you both want to achieve? What do you both wish for? Communicate your complaints as well as your appreciations. Create a blueprint you both can follow that represents each of you as you are now, not who you were years ago.
When you have a mutual guide for the way you would like your relationship to be, you can both enjoy working toward that vision as a united couple.
www.linkedin.com/in/zevhalpern
Relationships: Today & Tomorrow
SEEK COUNCIL APPROVAL
30 years ago, entertaining outside wasn’t what it is today. Houses were built with a 2-foot roof overhang with concrete steps to the yard. Now? Every homeowner wants a deck or somewhere to entertain. It not only suits the Aussie outdoor culture, but it increases the value of your property.
Before you set foot in a hardware store, follow this step-by-step guide to make sure you’ve set the foundations the right way and won’t run into any hiccups along the way.
Make this your first point of call. You don’t want to find yourself in a sticky situation where your application is denied. Speak to your local council about what you need to do.
MAKE A PLAN
You know the age-old saying: Failing to plan is planning to fail. You need to consider the positioning of the deck, how excess sunlight could impact the boards, what electrical and pipework run under your deck and how will you access it, and whether the deck needs a roof to protect it from the sun, snow, rain, and hail.
There’s no point in starting a project if you don’t have the right tools. Make sure you have a powered saw, drill, spirit level, string line and stakes, screws, measuring tape, hammer, and spray paint.
There are many decking options available, and you need to select a material based on your environment. If you live close to the beach, treated timber might be the most suitable option as it fares well in coastal areas. If you live in a dry part of the world, composite decking is a wise choice as it requires no upkeep and won’t fade from continuous sun exposure.
4 5
This is one of the critical steps in the process. Measuring out your deck takes time and precision, but also saves time and heartache!
Bunnings has a great guide to get you started.
The longevity and structural integrity of your deck depends on how well the footings are installed, so refer to your council permit for the correct depth before digging the holes.
The final step is laying and securing the boards. The easiest way to tackle this is to start with the outer edge and make your way towards the house. Make sure the boards join directly over the centre of the joists. Learn how here.
6 7 8
Grab a cold one, call your mates, and sit back to admire your favourite new place in the house.
1. Last holiday location? Sydney, in September 2022
2. Favourite eating spot?
Ploy Thai in Werribee or Fresh Chilli in Wyndham Vale
3. Pets?
At my place, I have four budgies. At my ex and children’s place there are two dogs, 30 fish, a cat, and 12 canaries!
4. I unwind by…
Playing chess, cycling and walking
11. Men and women have differences but one way they’re just the same is… They want the best outcome for all concerned
12. What would I like to tell my 18-year-old self?
Don’t stress about the small stuff - all will be okay
13. One thing I find difficult to talk about?
Understanding life
14. My best habit
Known as ‘Hellsie’, a nickname bestowed upon him by his close circle of mates, Alex Hell grew up in a working-class family west of Melbourne before travelling extensively around Australia and the globe.
Hellsie has been involved in the music industry ever since he learned to play the guitar, a talent that led him to performing live and managing bands. He’s currently a co-director of Westside Talent, a leading consultancy and provider of entertainment to clubs, hotels and festivals, and runs Echuca PA, a Victorian-based sound and lighting business and Kartoon Promotions, offering tribute acts and shows.
Now aged 61, he lives in the Victorian coastal town of St Leonards, has a stepdaughter and three grown children. As well as music, Hellsie’s passions include family, friends, and life. He particularly loves road cycling - aiming to ride over 100 kilometers each week - and playing chess.
5. The last book I read was…
Play on by Mick Fleetwood
6. Favourite movie or TV show?
Shawshank Redemption and Boston Legal.
7. Greatest achievement?
Raising four beautiful children whilst running three businesses.
8. Music from my adolescence Madness (a Ska band) and Midnight Oil
9. Something on my bucket list?
Getting to my dream destination - the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
10. I think the biggest challenge facing men today is…
Not opening up and discussing their emotions. We need to stop trying to be brave constantly.
Being helpful and engaging
15. My worst habit
Going into a shell
16. Someone who inspires me is… Suzanne Vega
17. My last home handyman project was…
Building my veggie garden
18. The last time I helped a ‘brother’ was when I…
Sat and listened to their fears, dreams and aspirations
19. I’d like my legacy to be… Hellsie always had time and was Amicus Fidus (a loyal friend)
20. My favourite non-alcoholic beverage
Soda water with lemon and ice
