Firstfit dec 2016

TRAVEL TIPS - EXPLORE THE BEAUTIFUL ALPS OF GIARDINO MOUNTAIN IN ST. MORITZ LIFESTYLE.HEALTH.FITNESS.MAGAZINE

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VER’ A FORE ‘ESPOS RIDAL

B TION COLLEC

UAE | December 2016

SLEEP WELL

WITH SNORE3 - A SNORING REDUCTION THERAPY

ART OF

SADNESS

DO YOU ENJOY IT?

AQUAFIT

SPA BIKE

A NEW & ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE IN DUBAI

XCLUSIVE YASIR KHAN AED 5.00

WBFF FITNESS & FASHION MODEL

* ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ISOFLAVONES * UNCONTROLLED DIABETES IN DUBAI *WINTER CAMPS IN DUBAI * A KEY TO HEALTHY AGEING

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN

HOLIDAY TO GREECE

BY GRK

edi tor’s note

Dr Samiir Mohamed Editor in Chief/Founder

ENJOY THE CHILL THRILLS The much awaited weather has finally arrived. The beautiful winters in Dubai is stepping in. No matter where we are the winters always bring the best out in us. In most the romantic side and if you are not the romantic type then surely you would allow the cool weather to make you more sluggish and get into the warmth of your bed and laze around more than usual.

Let FIRSTFIT help while you are in the comforts of your home. With some healthy cooking at home, why not indulge in some good reading too. We have got you some nice stories from people who make a difference either with their lifestyle change or simply with their writing skills. Some tips on how to spend time with your family right here in Dubai and still feel the winters of Europe.

December is a month of festivities leading all the way upto the new years.

Be careful with your choices and as we always say stay fit, stay healthy and bring in the new year in your life with positive changes that will last forever.

Instagram: msamiir5 | Twitter: @msamiir5| Snapchat: drs-firstfit

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WORKOUT

Dr. B.K. Yusuf Chairman Years of practicing experience in medicine as general physician and held a position of a Managing Director for over thirty eight years in an Internationally renowned Pharmaceutical Company.

bkyusuf@firstfitnewsletter.com

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STRETCH

Samina Yusuf Managing Editor Over 12 years of working experience in HR, Events and Management within the region and internationally.

Actively involved with the Dubai International Film Festival as Head of Volunteers. samina@firstfitnewsletter.com

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BRIDAL

Lucy Oben Pepra Celebrity Fitness Writer Fashion and Celebrity writer with over 10 years of experience in London, UK. Lucy has a very strong communicative style of writing and understanding in journalism in an online environment. follow @LucyObenPepra

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AGEING

Bhumicka Singh Int’l Celebrity Fitness Writer Bhumicka is an Actor / Founder of Bollywood Sundowner Party (Goa’s biggest) and International Celebrity fitness writer. She is also the brand ambassador for perfume GIOVANNI BACCI. follow @BhumickaSingh

Maryam Usman Khan Assistant Editor A PR Professional based out of Dubai with 5 years of experience in the UAE; working across PR, Marketing and Events. Enjoys writing scripts and working towards making a full time career out of it. Maryam is also a cooking enthusiast.

Maryamuk@icloud.com

What’s Inside TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES. STAY HEALTHY.

A WBFF WINNER, FITNESS AND FASHION MODEL 04 Corrective & Functional Early morning workouts can get you better results and even better with fasted cardio 06 Mindset Do we all secretly enjoy being sad at times?

08 Nutrition, Diet & Supplements High Isoflavones are good for your health. Read all about it

32 Sr. Fit Citizen Prevention against infectious disease

10 Fitness Xpert A low impact and easily tailored water exercise for all age groups

24 Fashion a beautiful collection of the latest bridal wear

14 Xercise Real Pilates reveals quick and effective fullbody work out on the go

A SILENT NIGHT IS JUST MINUTES AWAY WITH THE NEW SNORE THERAPY

36 Dental Check All you need to know about sensitive teeth and gums

38 Womans World Bio Revitalization Skin Rejuvenation, a non-surgical treatment

Follow us on Facebook.com/FIRSTFITUAE. Instagram: FIRSTFIT_NEWSLETTER. Marketing information: marketing@firstfitnewsletter.com For all your advertising queries, email: info@firstfitnewsletter.com. Printer Details: Express Printing Services LLC, P.O.Box 10263, dubai, UAE

Corrective & Functional Training

Endorphins

are released to better prepare you for the day...

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Corrective & Functional Training

Will You Get Better Results If You

WORKOUT IN THE

MORNING?

F

or many people trying to get into shape, time is an important element.

With so many work and family related obligations, it can be difficult to find time to schedule a regular workout .If your schedule does permit you the flexibility of choosing when you exercise, a morning workout routine may be the best for you both physiologically and psychologically. Here’s why: Morning exercise can increase your metabolism for the entire day.

By performing a fast paced morning workout, your metabolism gets the boost it needs to run at full capacity for the remainder of the day. You may end up burning more calories for the day if you do an early morning workout.

An early morning workout will help to relieve stress throughout the day.

When you do a fast paced early morning workout, you get release of endorphins which act as stress relieving chemicals.

The release of endorphins is what gives the classic “runner’s high” you hear so much about. These stress relieving endorphins can make you better prepared to handle the pressures of the upcoming day.

If you do it when you wake up, you’re less likely to skip your exercise routine.

An early morning workout done immediately after your wake up gets it out of the way so you don’t have to worry about it for the rest of the day. If you lead a busy, hectic life so many things can happen that will in-

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terfere with your workout. This won’t be an issue if you get your morning workout done as soon as you wake up.

It may improve your mental clarity and your energy level.

If you tend to be sluggish for hours after your awaken and feel worthless before you have your first cup of coffee, morning exercise may help. Exercise gets your heart pumping which increases blood flow to the brain, making you more alert.

People who do morning exercise also report having a higher energy level throughout the day.

You’ll have a sense of accomplishment.

When you complete your morning workout, you’ll have an incredible sense of accomplishment and will feel more competent and capable of tackling the upcoming day. There’s something very satisfying at having completed an important task before you even get to work.

An early morning workout may suppress your appetite.

Many people who do early morning workouts, report feeling less hungry throughout the day. Intense exercise can have an appetite suppressing effect which works in your favor if you do your workout in the morning.

As a bonus a brisk workout in the morning will help you get out of bed instead of resetting your alarm and falling back to sleep. Who knows? You may actually become a morning person.

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Mindset

Turn Sadness

into a better feeling and let it bring the best out of you...

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Mindset

The Art of

SADNESS DO WE SECRETLY ENJOY BEING SAD?

By Naomi Kent

W

e all love to be happy, after all, happiness creates energy, eliminates anxiety, and makes all of our troubles seem trivial and insignificant. Yet, being happy all the time is not only impossible, it’s just not human.

Human beings possess a wide range of emotions that define our behavior, performance, and thinking patterns. While our lighter emotions encourage our minds to relax, it’s the darker emotions that make us so complex, so fascinating and so very creative.

Think of the feeling you get when you hear your favorite happy song. Happy songs give people a rush of adrenaline that stimulates a feeling of euphoria – although there isn’t much to them lyrically, and the musical arrangements are simple and repetitive. The happy song can temporarily erase concern, and for a brief moment we do not care. We become momentarily dumb, and it’s an excuse to act silly – we dance! The happy song provides a release – an escape that allows our overworked brains a temporary vacation from anxiety and stress.

On the flip side, think of the feeling you get when you hear your favorite sad song. Sad songs resonate deeper than your average happy, fluff song. Lyrically intricate and mysterious, they are chock-full of minor notes that provoke painful memories and allow us to relive heartbreaking feelings. But for some odd reason, judging by the song collec-

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tions of most music enthusiasts, people seem to enjoy feeling that melancholy over and over again. It’s a craving for something that is “bad,” but like your average run-of-the-mill addiction, it feels “oh so good.”

When it Hasn’t Hit You Yet… Greg Keelor conceptualizes this hidden gratification in sadness in Blue Rodeo’s, Hasn’t Hit Me Yet, when he sings: You say that you’re leaving Well that comes as no surprise Still I kinda like this feeling Of being left behind…

He later compares the emotional shock of being left behind to the “stoned” feeling you get when watching a sunset. You experience sadness, but it’s that feeling of sadness combined with wistfulness that causes some sort of enlightenment or transcendence. And it’s that transcendence to a higher level of consciousness that produces an odd, yet unique form of melancholic bliss.

What Lies Beneath…

The Beach Boys’ 1966 hit, “God Only Knows What I’d Be Without You,” is regularly mistaken for a conventional love song; but not many love songs begin with the words, “I may not always love you…”

Musician and chief songwriter, Brian Wilson, had an interesting way of artfully intertwining a cheerful ditty with deep melancholic undertones, revealing through simple confessions a sur-

rendering acknowledgement that life is full of frustration and disappointments.

Listen to the music and lyrics on the album Pet Sounds (written by Wilson in collaboration with lyricist, Tony Asher) and notice that the arrangements on the surface appear jovial and good-humored. But behind the facade the playfulness is relentlessly taunted by premonitions of torment and suffering. It’s this eccentric mix of happiness and despair that give the songs that bittersweet harmony that Pet Sounds is best known for – a far cry from the carefree simplicity of their earlier music.

Sadness Spawning Creativity…

Some of the world’s greatest music, sculptures, paintings and written texts have been the products of deep depression and melancholy. When we are sad or down in the dumps, we are forced to take a look inside ourselves. We become introspective, and reflective, when we temporarily shut out the outside world and delve into the confines of the self.

There is a peculiar kind of satisfaction that sometimes emerges when we experience sadness; it’s that distinctive mix of emotions that can stimulate a burst of creativity. Perhaps this is why Elton John declared in Sad Songs (Say So Much), “It feels so good to hurt so bad.”

So the next time you’re feeling blue, instead of wallowing in self-pity, try your hand at something creative. You may just come up with a masterpiece – and that’s something to be happy about.

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Nutrition, Diet & Supplements

What Are

ISOFLAVONES?

By Tiffany Anthony

M

any low-carb products advertise their soy protein and isoflavone counts on their packaging as a means to entice buyers. But many people do not understand isoflavones and the health benefits that they provide.

Isoflavones are shown to fight disease and boost the immune system, prevent arterial plaque buildup, block the cancercausing effects of human estrogen, fight osteoporosis, relieve menopause symptoms, and prevent stroke.

Isoflavones are chemical compounds found only in plants. Their makeup resembles that of estrogen, but on a weaker scale. Isoflavones are found not only in soy, but also chick peas and other legumes.

Soy, however, contains the highest amount of these phytonutrients. The most potent and beneficial isoflavones in soy are genistein and daidzein.

Just one serving of soy per day has been associated with reduced risk of cancer!!

Genistein, a powerful antioxidant, has been shown in over 100 studies to reduce the growth of dangerous cells in cancers such as breast, colon, lung, leukemia, uterine, and prostate. Genistein can be found in its highest concentration in fermented products such as miso, natto, and soy sauce. Soybeans, soy milk, and tofu con8

tain less than the fermented soy. Japanese research in 1987 showed that Genistein inhibited the activity of the enzyme Tyrosine Protein Kinase. This enzyme is involved in controlling and regulating cell growth, and targets some of the same issues as chemotherapy drugs!

Daidzein has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries as a means to treat alcoholics because it inhibits the metabolism of seratonin and dopamine in the brain.

Ingesting soy daily can cause significant changes in women. It can lengthen the menstrual cycle. It also helps fight breastcancer because it fights the estrogen produced by the human body.

SOURCES OF ISOFLAVONES INCLUDE: Tofu Bean Curd Tempeh Soy Milk Miso Soy Sauce Veggie Burgers Soy ice Cream Soy Yogurt Soy Hot Dogs and more!

Next time you see a product touting their high isoflavone content, you’ll know how beneficial that product is to your health!

• • • • • • • • • •

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Nutrition, Diet & Supplements

Go SOY...

the most beneficial isoflavones in soy are genistein and daidzein

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Fitness Xpert

AQUAFIT

Bringing the ultimate spa bike experience to dubai

H

ailed as the new workout phenomenon, the UAE has just launched its first dedicated spa biking fitness centre, with the arrival of AquaFIT. The health benefits of water have been well documented, dating back to the ancient Greek and Roman times, but more recent advancements in the understanding of the bodies’ weightlessness and resistance in water, together with the force of hydro-jets, has given rise to a whole host of benefits that has seen the spa bike concept become the fastest growing fitness regimen across Western Europe.

The spa bike session with AquaFIT involves cycling movement in water with 16 hydro-massage jets. By combining the power of hydro-massage and the benefits of aqua biking, each session can be one of the most effective and natural ways to reduce cellulite, burn body fat, aid micro peeling, reshape the lower body and abdominals, improve circulation, rehabilitate healing muscles and joints, as well as improve cardiovascular endurance, strength and flexibility.

Specifically, the water acts as a form of built-in resistance, increasing the intensity of the workout and challenging muscles to work harder than on a regular bike. In 10

fact, each work out can burn an average of 500 calories per 30 minute session. Also, because water lessens the effects of gravity, you’re able to work out with a lower impact on the knees and joints. AquaFIT is the only individual spa bike which fills 720 liters of water allowing the user to be more submerged in the water, maximizing resistance and giving a fuller range of motion, which can be especially helpful for those undergoing rehabilitation. What’s more, the powerful hydro-jets massage the lower body, boosting blood circulation and firming the skin via micro peeling.

Because it’s low-impact and easily tailored to your fitness level, anyone can benefit from water exercise, regardless of age or agility.

AquaFIT’s state of the art spa bikes have a top-of-the-line water cleaning system insuring maximum hygiene standards beyond required regulations. They are also have a quick water filling and drainage action to allow a pleasant and quick session, thus no time wasted between sessions.

AquaFIT is the exclusive distributor for the Gulf Region. Come visit our dedicated centre at Sunset Mall, Jumeirah 3, to try our individual spa bikes and make every drop count!

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Fitness Xpert

500 calories

a 30 minute session can burn an average of 500 calories....

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Express Yourself Place your orders: Majesticf lowers7@gmail.com

Whatsapp orders: +971 50 73 74 752

Xercise

Stretch Your Way to

Better Health this Holiday Season with Pilates REAL PILATES REVEALS THESE QUICK AND EFFECTIVE FULL-BODY PILATES WORKOUTS ON-THE-GO TO STAY FIT DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON INDULGENCES

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he holiday season is upon us. There is shopping to be done, gifts to be wrapped and parties to host, and yet, are you getting your workouts in? It’s natural to put your workouts on hold during the holiday season. Starting with Halloween and all the way to New Years Eve, most people put it off till the New Year, adding exercise and fitness to a long list of New Year resolutions.

Unknown to most, falling out of a regular exercise cycle can lead to a plethora of health-related problems including, weight gain, higher stress levels, poor eating habits, and it is much harder to get 14

back into a regular routine after the holidays are over.

For many UAE residents, globetrotting off to an exciting winter holiday destination is the definition of a perfect festive season.

However, Reza Alavi, Founder and Managing Director revealed that exercise during the holiday season could be challenging, but totally worth it. “Even during the holidays there will be days when you one can indulge in one too many pieces of cake and you will miss your workouts. Don’t kick yourself, instead, follow easy to do home mat exercises and follow a routine to stay on track,” says Reza.

What can you do to maintain routine and enjoy the holidays?

• Schedule your exercise sessions every day and make sure you go!

Early morning workouts are the perfect tactic to ensure that you get your workouts out of the way first thing in the morning. It is so easy for other holiday obligations to interfere with your exercise routine when you wait until the later day hours.

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables every day.

Eating a huge salad filled with you fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts before you leave for a holiday dinner has amazing ben-

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Xercise

efits. It can leave you feeling full and makes it less likely you will over indulge on those Christmas goodies.

• Don’t hang out at the food table during a party.

You are less likely to over indulge if you get a plate and walk away.

• Don’t drink all your calories.

Avoid drinks that are high in calories, like- Eggnog, Apple cider, and Christmas beverages, since these can quickly add to your daily caloric consumption.

• Schedule some of your family excursions to include a little movement.

Exercise with the entire family. Take them for a Pilates class; take the kids out to the park and involve them in games, etc.

Your at home Pilates moves for the holiday season: • Swimming Preps: Swimming Prep is an excellent exercise to improve core stability and strengthen shoulder girdle.

To begin, kneel down with hands directly under shoulders and knees under the hips, keeping your spine in a neutral position. Reach one arm forward and the opposite leg back, gently engaging the abdominals to keep the spine neutral.

Bring yourself back to the initial position and repeat the exercise with opposite

hand and leg. Watch for not sinking in the lower back or between the shoulders or rotating the body. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Side Kicks: The sidekicks are great for building core stability while strengthening your thighs, especially your glutes.

This exercise is not about how far or high you can kick your leg, but how still your body can remain while your legs move freely. To begin, lie on your side with ribs and hips aligned, and

bring your legs slightly in front of your body (bend your bottom leg for extra support if needed). Rest your head on your bottom arm and place your top hand on the mat in front of your abs, making sure your shoulders are relaxed and stable. Next, raise your top leg to hip level. Keeping your torso stable and muscles around your waist tight, inhale as you flex your foot and swing your leg forward, and exhale as you point your foot and press your leg back. Repeat 8-10 times and then switch sides.

• Tricep dips: The tricep dip uses your body weight to strengthen and tone your triceps, which are very useful muscles needed for everyday functional movements such as lifting yourself out of a chair, getting up from a lying position, and pushing a heavy door. When done correctly, this exercise will help reduce stubborn underarm jiggle, and can also strengthen your shoulders and improve overall posture. To begin, sit on the floor with your knees bent, and feet and hands flat on the floor with your fingers facing forward. Next, lift your hips off the floor, and slowly and gently bend your elbows directly behind you and as far as comfortable to lower your body, keeping your chest lifted, your shoulders down and abs engaged. Push yourself back up by fully straightening your arms and not just lifting your hips.

Repeat 12-20 times.

Real Pilates has two locations: Palm Strip mall in Jumeirah and ONE JLT building in Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Classes start from AED85 and packages are available. www.real-pilates.com

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Xclusive

Push yourself

to the limits where one will look upto you and say, I can too...

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Xclusive

XCLUSIVE WITH

YASIR KHAN AT A YOUNG AGE YASIR KHAN WHO IS IN HIS TWENTIES AND KNOWN FOR HIS GOOD LOOKS AND PHYSIQUE HAS BEEN ON THE COVER PAGE OF MOST FITNESS MAGAZINES. WITH HIS COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION, HE HAS NOW ATTAINED RECOGNITION AT AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL WHERE HE WON THE 1ST POSITION IN THE FASHION CATEGORY AT THE WBFF CHAMPIONSHIP THAT TOOK PLACE RECENTLY IN GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA. HAILING FROM BHOPAL AND LIVING IN DUBAI, YASIR KHAN SPEAKS TO US ABOUT HOW HIS PASSION HELPED HIM ACHIEVE HIS GOALS AND MADE HIM WHAT HE IS TODAY.

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Xclusive

Hi Yasir, Thanks for giving us your time.

Firstly, I would like to congratulate you on behalf of all our readers for Winning the FIRST position in the Fashion Category at the World’s Best Fitness & Fashion Competition 2016 that took place recently in October at Australia.

Could you give us a brief introduction about yourself and how did it all begin for you to get into this competition?

I’m Yasir Khan, 27 years of age from Bhopal India. Fitness has been a way of my life for the past 15 years working as a fitness professional, fitness & physique model, brand ambassador. I’m always pushing for my personal best. One of my goals for 2016 was to compete at an international level as

a fitness model, the ideal platform to work with was the WBFF competition on the Gold Coast of AUSTRALIA. Defeating 200 contestants in the 1st phase is no doubt a great challenge won already. What were the other challenges you faced in the final round and how did it feel to win the first place?

The mental and physical preparation are the strongest to over come. Once I was on the Gold Coast of Australia its the belief in yourself, knowing you have done the best you can to reach this point. Each competitor wants to win. I just kept reminding myself to remain focused and enjoy the experience. I was totally elated in winning the best dressed man and proud to have worn

my sherwani (Indian formalwear) representing my country.

Have you always been into fitness and/or What does fitness mean to you?

My father has always been an inspiration for me. I started training with my father when I was 13 and have never looked back since. Fitness is not only my lifestyle but the true essence of who I am as a person.

What kind of training and diet is required to prepare for such a competition?

I did 6 months preparation in leading up to WBFF Gold Coast austrailia. The focus on my diet was protein for muscle mass, carbohydrate for fuel, vegetables for fibers vitamin and mineral content and healthy fats for better functioning. My workout program varied over the 6 months consisted of weight training, cardio and stretching.

What is the most challenging thing you deal with about consistently staying in top shape?

Controlling my diet and remaining focused and positive through the challenges of changing my body.

What or who has been your inspiration?

My father Sylvester Stallone Arnold Schwarzenegger Salman Khan LaZar Angelov

• • • • •

Could you share some of you major achievements in life?

• Front cover of Men’s Health magazine India (2011) • Men’s Health fitness DVD (India) • Splitsvilla 7 • Reps cover page • Limitless supplements - Brand Ambassadors • Train strength and fitness gym-brand ambassador • Under Armour - Brand Ambassador • WBFF Australia If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

I’m so proud for my first international competition to have taken place . In the preparation for my next competition, I will focus more on my diet.

Please describe a typical day for you.

What is your daily routine like?

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Xclusive

“To Prepare

the mental and physical preparation are the strongest to overcome...”

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Xclusive

• I have a 4:30 am start with a light break• • • • • • • • • • • • •

fast and black coffee 5:15am: I head to the gym-fasted cardio, 6am: train my clients at Train SF, 8am: light snack 8:30 - 11:00 training clients 11:30 snack 12 noon I head home for a nap, 1 hour 1:30 lunch 3:00 i do my weight training 5:00 - 7:00 training clients 7:15 Have dinner 7:30 -8:30 client training 8:30 - 10:00 connect with online clients I usually consume 6 well balanced meals throughout the day.

Where do you see yourself in few years from now?

• I will be competing in WBFF Australia in may 2017.

• Undertaking further education in biome20

chanics.

• Will compete in London WBFF august 2017.

• Grow my business in fitness industry.

• Create my very own brand ‘Yasir Khan’.

What are the top 5 tips you recommend for staying motivated on a fitness plan and truly making a healthy lifestyle change?

• Initiate change • Set realistic goals both short and long term.

• Find positive actions to reinforce achieving your goals.

• Surround yourself with like minded people.

• Never give up on yourself.

Would you like to share you fitness regime?

My fitness regime is for extreme sport but

for my general fitness program it is a mixture of cardio and strength training. I train 6 days a week, 30 minutes fasted cardio everyday in the morning and 1 -2 hours weight training in the afternoon. I train one body part at a time per day.

Where can our readers get in touch with you?

They can contact me at ykbodyfitness@ gmail.com What in your opinion is the magic formula for one’s success?

Mental strength and commitment to follow through with actions.

Any fitness tips or message you would like to share with our readers?

Define your personal definition of fitness as a way of life and remain committed to it. Be it a sport or being a gym rat.

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Xclusive

Magic

Formula

Mental strength and commitment to follow through with your actions...

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Fashion

Esposa Forever WITH ESPOSA, EVERY LOVE STORY IS DESIGNED TO LAST FOREVER, EXACTLY LIKE THE RELATIONSHIPS THE LUXURY BRIDAL BRAND WEAVES WITH ITS CLIENTS. TRUE TO EVERY WOMAN’S STYLE AND FANTASY, ESPOSA CREATES UNIQUE PIECES THAT INSPIRE BRIDES TO EMBRACE AND CHERISH THEIR BOLDEST DREAMS 24

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Fashion

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Fashion

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Fashion

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L VE LIFE www.timalovelife.com

Health News

A ‘SILENT NIGHT’

is Just Minutes Away with Snore3 SnoringReduction Therapy YOU OR A LOVED ONE CAN FINALLY HAVE A SILENT NIGHT AFTER UNDERGOING A 20-MINUTE SNORING REDUCTION TREATMENT WITH THE LATEST STATE-OF-THE-ART SNORING REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY - SNORE3 WHICH IS NOW AVAILABLE AT EUROMED CLINIC CENTER IN DUBAI

T

hose who have snoring issues, or have a loved one who snores; understand just how challenging the situation can get. After all, some studies indicate that about 40 – 50 percent of males snore regularly while 20 to 30 percent of females do the same. This shows that snoring is a problem of both genders and it can occur intermittently or every time someone sleeps.

According to Dr Sofia Aravopoulou, General Dentist, Implantologist and Dental Lasers Specialist at Euromed Clinic Center in Dubai, snoring is one of the major causes of sleep deprivation and if not taken care of, it can lead to some major problems in future.

“Snoring basically starts after you sleep and the muscles of the throat relax leaving the throat narrow, leading to turbulent airflow hence vibrations which cause snoring,” explains Dr Sophia. She adds that the noise you hear when a person snores arises from that effort of pushing the air through the narrowed passageway between the larynx and the nose.

Sometimes, the snoring can lead to reduced oxygen supply, which may lead a person to stop breathing. “This is why it is important to treat snoring and at Euromed Clinic, we have a new and latest anti-snoring therapy known as Snore3 by elexxion, to treat that problem,” she states adding 30

that this treatment can successfully help people who snore in as little as 3 sessions, with each session taking less than 20 minutes. “You can even have it over your lunchhour, and then head straight back to work!”

What is SNORE3 Anti-Snoring Therapy?

Snore3, explains Dr Sofia, is a non-invasive anti-snoring laser therapy that is considered fairly safe. “Most of the other snoring solutions involve invasive/surgery to reduce the soft palate. This includes cutting off the excess tissue which leads to a longer downtime (healing) after the surgery as well as scarring.”

With Snore3, the technology is non-surgical, pain free and without any downtime.

“This is because the technology uses laser to stop the snoring and the system is a patented laser protocol manufactured by Elexxion – Germany.”

How does SNORE3 Anti-Snoring Laser Therapy work,?

After consultation and the patient fits the profile, the treatment begins whereby the laser is directly aimed at the palate, uvula and pillars of the throat,” explains Dr Sofia. She adds that a specially designed handset is used, which shrinks the collagen, leaving more room for airflow. At a later stage, the collagen regener-

ates and as a result the muscle tone of the tissues increases, meaning less sagging, more tightening and less blockage.

The procedure is painless, hence no use of anesthesia, and the patient only feels a little bit of warmth during the treatment; even though high-powered laser is used.

Number Of Sessions Only three sessions are required, with each lasting under 20 minutes. “The procedure is quite effective, and patients start to experience change after the first session,” notes Dr Sofia.

And with Snore3 going digital, very soon patients will be able to monitor their snoring before and after the treatment with the use of a mobile app. “This will also help them track their snoring treatment period to see the difference caused.”

At Euromed, Dr Sofia is offering free consultation to determine if one is a candidate for the Snore3 anti-snoring therapy or not.

Price for each session is AED 2000, which totals to AED 6000 for the entire course.

About Dr Sofia Dr Sofia has 14 years of experience working with lasers & recently added the Snore3 certification to her extensive repertoire and can provide you the relief you are looking for.

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Health News

SLEEP WELL

It’s time to chase the snore away and get a peaceful sleep afterall...

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Sr. Fit Citizen

KEY TO

HEALTHY

AGING

PREVENTION AGAINST INFECTIOUS DISEASES

T

he quality of immune response may decline with advancing age, resulting in increased susceptibility to infections.

• Incidence of pneumococcal disease

begins to increase in middle-age, with a marked increase in those 60 years and older. It has been estimated to cause 1.6 million deaths per year worldwide, of which an estimated 600,000 - 800,000 are adults.

• The annual number of invasive disease cases worldwide is estimated to be at least 1.2 million, with 135,000 deaths related to invasive meningococcal disease.

• In the UAE, the MOH gives an overall bacterial meningitis incidence of 3.7 cases/ 100,000 in 2001 based on 123 total cases.

Even if you were vaccinated at a younger age, the protection from some vaccines can wear off or the virus or bacteria that the vaccine protects against changes so your resistance is not as strong. As you get older, you may also be at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases due to your age, job, hobbies, travel, or health conditions. Decreased birth rates and longer lifespans indicate that the global population is aging, although rates of aging differ between countries. In 2010, the proportion of the population aged >60 years in the general Arab Region was 7%, and this proportion is expected to rise to 19% by 2050 for the region as a whole.

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Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Staying healthy is a priority for all of us - and it’s especially critical for those with chronic conditions. Vaccination provides the best protection against diseases that could result not only in serious health problems, but missed work, medical bills, and not being able to care for your family. Take the following steps to make sure you have the best protection.

• Step 1: Learn about vaccines recommended for adults based on age and other factors.

• Step 2: Talk with a healthcare professional about which vaccines are right for you. > Your doctor or other healthcare professional can advise you on which vaccines you need and why – as well as which vaccines may not be right for you based on certain factors such as allergies to vaccine ingredients or health conditions.

• Step 3: Get vaccinated.

• Step 4: Keep track of your vaccinations and make sure you stay up-to-date. > Make sure to keep track of your vaccines to ensure you are up-to-date and have maximum protection against vaccinepreventable diseases.

• Step 5: Encourage your friends and loved ones to get vaccinated. > All adults need immunization to help them prevent getting and spreading serious diseases. After getting your vaccinations, talk to your friends and loved ones about getting protected.

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Sr. Fit Citizen

PROTECTION As we get older the effect of vaccine protection can weasr off...

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Doctor’s Say

UNCONTROLLED

DIABETES How It Affects Your Body

> ALMOST ONE IN FIVE PEOPLE, OF THE UAE POPULATION BETWEEN THE AGES OF 20 AND 79 HAVE TYPE 2 DIABETES. > INDIVIDUALS WITH DIABETES TEND TO DEVELOP HEART DISEASE OR HAVE STROKES AT AN EARLIER AGE THAN PEOPLE WITHOUT.

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iabetes, the leading healthcare challenge of the 21st century, has today reached epidemic proportions. World Diabetes Day marked annually on November 14th, aims to create awareness and address the growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by this condition.

Did you know? If you have diabetes, your chances of having a stroke are 1.5 times higher than in people who don’t.

The connection between diabetes and stroke has to do with the way the body handles blood glucose to make energy. Your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which helps glucose enter the cells in your body to be used as energy as well as control the levels of glucose in your blood. If your body isn’t able to produce insulin, or the insulin it does produce doesn’t work properly, diabetes is developed.

A diabetic patient has high levels of glucose in their blood, this can damage blood vessels, making them harder and narrower, with a tendency to get blocked. If this happens in a blood vessel leading to your brain it causes a stroke.

Not only is it vital to understand the link between diabetes and stroke but one should also be aware of the risks involved and the necessary steps that can be taken to avoid this disease.

RISKS Some of the main risk factors for developing diabetes are: • Being overweight or obese • A family history of diabetes • Already having had a stroke or heart disease 34

• Being overweight • Smoking WHAT CAN YOU DO? Diabetes cannot be completely cured, but there are ways in which blood glucose levels can be maintained within the ideal range. This will help control symptoms and prevent any long-term complications: • Eat a healthy, balanced diet • Get active • Control your weight • Don’t smoke • Take prescribed medications and check blood glucose regularly as recommended by your doctor Some people are only diagnosed with diabetes after they have had a stroke, as per 70% of post-stroke patients at Amana Healthcare; a specialized hospital of long-term care, postacute rehabilitation, home transition care, and respite care services.

“One of the common causes of stroke is diabetes, being important the early diagnosis.

Diabetes can be controlled and stroke can be preventable,” said Raquel Neves, Stroke Coordinator at Amana Healthcare. “Coping with diabetes as well as the effects of stroke can be tough, and it can take a while to adjust and manage the condition. The key to overcoming this is to take one step at a time and begin making healthy lifestyle choices. Diabetics can live long, healthy lives, free from health problems, including heart disease and stroke.”

Article by Amana Healthcare

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Doctor’s Say

Sweet Choice

is now upto you for a better and healthier lifestyle...

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Dental Check

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Dental Check

Do you have

SENSITIVE TEETH AND GUMS?

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ome people assume this comes from aging - If you have sensitive teeth and gums and your dentist doesn’t know why, talk to your doctor. It could be related to your stomach and esophagus.

Other Causes of Sensitive Teeth and Gums Sensitive teeth and gums can also come from receding gums that go along with aging. When gums recede, it exposes the underlying dentin to the environment, which can trigger pain. Other causes of sensitive teeth and gums are gum disease, use of tooth whitening products, tooth grinding, and tooth decay. There’s another cause of sensitive teeth that few people are aware of and dentists are less likely to recognize – gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD as a Cause for Sensitive Teeth and Gums Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a common condition where the flap that separates the stomach and esophagus is weak, allowing acid to travel backwards into the esophagus. People with this condition often experience “heartburn” type symptoms, frequent burping, and a sour taste in the mouth. These symptoms are usually worse after eating a heavy meal or when lying flat in bed. This condition is surprisingly common, affecting up to forty percent of people.

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How Does GERD Cause Teeth Sensitivity?

When acid refluxes back from the stomach into the esophagus, it also enters the mouth, usually at night when a person is lying flat in bed. This can trigger a persistent nighttime cough. This acid gradually wears away the tooth enamel, which leaves the nerve-rich dentin exposed. This leads to tooth sensitivity to cold – especially when eating cold foods, such as ice cream, or drinking a chilled drink. Some people have sensitivity to heat and cold; but heat sensitivity is more likely to be a sign of more serious dental problems such as inflammation of anerve root due to deep decay.

Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth sometimes helps, and there are treatments your dentist can do to reduce tooth sensitivity to heat and cold - but it won’t solve the problem if you have chronic GERD. Not having heartburn and other classic GERD symptoms doesn’t rule GERD out either, since some people have “silent GERD” with relatively few stomach-related complaints.

If you have a problem with tooth sensitivity and your dentist can’t find the problem, talk to your doctor – especially if you have symptoms of heartburn. In some cases you may not need a dentist, but a doctor to treat sensitive teeth and gums.

References: J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 133, No 6, 734-737.

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Woman’s World

Turning back the

CLOCK

WITH BIO REVITALIZATION SKIN REJUVENATION TREATMENT

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ometimes aging or premature aging of the skin needs a little bit more than just topical creams and gels. There are quite a number of skin treatments that can slow down the aging process or reduce visibility of wrinkles and fine lines. Bio revitalization, which is available at Dubai Cosmetic Surgery clinic, is one of these treatments, and it is more than just an antiaging skin treatment. Not only does it leave the skin looking youthful, it gives it a silky, radiant and supple look.

Lola Ali Muhammad – Medical Aesthetician at Dubai Cosmetic Surgery clinic answers the burning questions surrounding Bio revitalization, which might not be a new treatment in the market, but its hype keeps growing by the day.

What is Bio revitalization?

Bio revitalization is a non-surgical anti-aging treatment that is used to turn back the clock on one’s skin as well as treat many other aesthetic skin issues. This technique involves the use of unmodified non-animal hyaluronic acid in very small doses, which is targeted and injected into the dermal layer of the skin.

Hyaluronic acid, which is produced naturally by our bodies, begins to diminish as we age. Its purpose is to naturally stimulate skin cells which in turn triggers collagen production and is responsible for a number of things in the body including skin elasticity, hydration and tightness. Hyaluronic acid is also used in dermal fillers for volume restoration or the face and lips among others.

How does Bio revitalization work?

After injecting hyaluronic acid into the skin, the stimulation of collagen begins, which is followed by skin hydration and slowing down of cell fragmentation. These hyaluronic targeted injections also slow down the degradation of the body’s own hyaluronic acid and restores skin elasticity and moisture hence a huge reduction of pre-existing wrinkles and fine lines.

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How long does the treatment last in the treatment room?

Depending on how big your skin aesthetic issues are, Bio revitalization skin treatment can last anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour.

The treatment can also be categorized as a lunch-hour procedure, whereby you can continue with your activities after the treatment.

During the administration of the targeted hyaluronic acid injections into the skin, a topical anesthesia is used, which also depends on one’s pain threshold. Afterwards, for some people there can be visible redness which last for a couple of hours.

How many sessions are required to see lasting results?

Normally the sessions can range anywhere from 2 sessions which have to be repeated every 3-4 weeks. The results can last up to 6 to 12 months depending on your lifestyle considering most skin aging is caused by exposure to UV rays.

What are the skin conditions that are aesthetically improved by Bio revitalization?

Aesthetic skin issues that can be treated using Bio revitalization include dehydrated skin, deep wrinkles and fine lines, sagging skin, aging skin due to UV rays, smoking and stress, age spots, scarring, skin folds and dry skin.

What are the expected results?

Hyaluronic acid restores skin moisture, so the skin will be naturally moisturized which will promote skin renewal. Deep wrinkles will also be less visible while the aging process of the skin will be drastically slowed down leaving the skin looking youthful, vibrant and healthy.

Which areas of the body does Bio revitalization target?

Bio revitalization targets mostly the face but it can be used on the hands, neck and décolleté.

At Dubai Cosmetic Surgery clinic, Bio revitalization cost starts at AED 1500 per session.

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Woman’s World

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Family Health

WINTER CAMP IS BACK AT GRAND HYATT DUBAI PREPARE FOR THE COOLEST PART OF YOUR CHILDREN’S CALENDAR!

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rand Hyatt Dubai lights up the festive season with the return of the popular Winter Camp at the Kidz Club. Let our dedicated team brighten up your holidays from 18th to 22nd December.

Campers aged five to 12 years can look forward an array of activities. Young ones can take part in arts and crafts to nurture their inner-Picasso and unleash their imagination with lots of indoor and outdoor fun.

There are plenty of ways to stretch their legs with water games and sporting activities as well. Lunch will also be provided as children experience all the excitement from 9:30AM till 4:00PM. Enjoy a whole week of camp for AED1,000 per child or AED300 per child per day, with special discounts available for early bookers and siblings.

For more information, please contact The Kidz Club at +971 4 317 2449 or visit dubai. grand.hyatt.com or by email at kidsclub. grandhyattdubai@hyatt.com 40

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Teen Fitness

Nutrition for Your Active

Female Teenager

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our teenage athlete might be active and happy — but unless she’s receiving adequate nutrition, she might be setting herself up for health problems later in life.

Eating healthfully can help fuel active teens’ performance and growth.

That means eating enough food each day and making healthy food choices.

However, some research indicates that girls’ caloric intake appears low for their activity levels.

Female teenage athletes are encouraged to get 60 percent of their calories from carbohydrates, 15 percent from protein and 25 percent from fat.

But telling your teen that might not make a difference – most teens’ nutrition know-how doesn’t affect their diet. Many female athletes are afraid to gain weight, so they under eat despite their high activity levels. Parents and coaches can help active teens by encouraging healthy eating.

The Weight-control Information Network (WIN) offers these tips to keep teenage athletes healthy: - Pay attention to food choices and serving sizes. Choosing healthy foods in appropriate portions will supply adequate nutrients for teenagers. For example, one healthy food

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choice for teens is six one-ounce servings of grains every day, like whole-grain cereal.

- Provide protein. Protein repairs body tissue and builds muscles. Teens typically need five and a half oneounce servings a day. Very active teens might need more. Lean meat, beans, tofu, eggs, veggie burgers and nuts and nut butters all provide protein.

- Pack some iron in your teen’s lunch.

Iron replenishes the body, so it’s especially important for teen girls. Try eating seafood, lean beef, legumes, spinach and fortified cereals and breads.

- Make sure your teen eats healthy fats. A low-fat diet isn’t necessarily healthy. Fat is an important nutrient that helps the body grow and develop properly. It also serves as a source of energy, but be aware that some fats are better than others. Instead of saturated and trans fats, aim to provide 25 to 35 percent of her calories in the form of healthy fat. Unsaturated fat can be found in olive, canola, safflower, corn and soybean oils, avocados, salmon, whitefish, trout, tuna and tree nuts, such as almonds and walnuts.

For more information, download “Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers,” fromwww.win.niddk.nih.gov.

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Travel Fitness

GIARDINO

MOUNTAIN IN ST. MORITZ

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Travel Fitness

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Travel Fitness

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iardino Mountain is ready and raring to help guests plan the perfect itinerary for a snow-filled and festive holiday in St. Moritz. Sporty activities, lifeenhancing Ayurveda, traditional cuisine and plenty of festivities are on the schedule to make this an unforgettable getaway.

In the build-up to the festive season, evenings at Giardino Mountain can be spent with live music around a crackling open fire, being spoilt for choice for entertainment and dining, and innovative tipples from the bartender, such as the Mama Watu, which includes a scoop of Indian herbal-tea ice cream that changes the flavour of the drink as it melts. Hearty appetites from exciting days are easily satiated at Stüva, where traditional Swiss meals are served at the ultimate destination for visiting gourmands, two-Michelinstarred Ecco by chef Rolf Fliegauf.

Giardino Mountain is ready to host a lively festive season, if it’s a white Christmas that piques the interest. On December 24, the hotel begins to get into the holiday spirit with creative festivities in the main restaurant, or something more rustic in Stüva; and on Christmas day, one of the hotel’s annual highlights, an exclusive celebratory dinner is held in a glittering atmosphere.

A high-altitude New Year’s Eve celebration entices guests to stick around until 2017 as well, with a vibrant atmosphere in the lounge terrace along with champagne, fireworks, a gala dinner in the restaurant, and live music by soul singer Heather Walker.

During the day, one of Engadine’s top

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draws is its Alpine slopes, and there are few better ways to experience them than taking the first gondola up to Corviglia and skiing down the untouched “white carpet” as the sun rises brilliantly from behind the peaks. Alternatively, stay cosy inside the hotel with a healthy Ayurveda breakfast to warm the body outside and in. Now that you’re warmed up, hike to the Surlej crags – one of Nietzsche’s favourite spots – to take in spectacular views, or discover the region’s landscape through the eyes of an artist by visiting the Segantini Museum, showcasing the eponymous painter’s 19thcentury pastoral pieces.

Upon returning to the hotel, take in

the region’s 322 annual days of sunshine along with a beverage on the sun terrace with mountain views. It’s a difficult spot to tear yourself away from, but it’s worth it to freshen up in Giardino Mountain’s salon, where Aveda products and stylists create an aperitif-ready look for the evening ahead – obtain an extra glow by booking in an indulgent treatment at the hotel’s dipiù Spa, such as an Ayurvedic Abhyanga whole-body massage. As the only five-star hotel to offer Ayurveda cures in Switzerland, it’s an experience not to be missed.

To book a stay, visit www.giardinomountain.ch or call +41 (0)800 333 313

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Seasons Special

FUJAIRAH’S DECEMBER 2016 SPECIALS LE MERIDIEN AL AQAH BEACH RESORT

> Christmas Eve & Day Stay Special starting AED1199++

> New Year Stay Special starting AED 1780++

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Seasons Special

JEBEL ALI PALM TREE COURT Get into the festive spirit and unwind at JA Palm Tree Court, a lavish five-star property situated on the shores of a palmlined beach, provides an array of family-friendly features in a casual luxury atmosphere.

The Residence is the epitome of luxury, comfort and choice at JA Palm Tree Court; housing a limited collection of spacious two bedroom suites, one bedroom suites and junior suites where guests can enjoy special complimentary amenities and preferential treatment.

PACKAGE: > RATES STARTING FROM AED 1,350 ++ PER ROOM PER NIGHT

> GARDEN VIEW JUNIOR SUITE

> PACKAGE BENEFITS: RATE INCLUDES BREAKFAST

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

> PROMOTION DATE VALIDITY:

24TH DECEMBER TO 26TH DECEMBER 2016

> RATE IS SUBJECT TO MUNICIPALITY FEE AND SERVICE CHARGE AND 20 TOURISM DIRHAM FEE ROOM, PER NIGHT

10% 10% AED PER

For bookings or more information, please call +971 4 814 5800 or email at : reservations@jaresorts.com

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Health Reporter

DID YOU KNOW?

AVACADOS A single Avocado tree can produce about 500 avocados a year

They are rich in fiber

An Avocado Has More Potassium Than A Banana

There are 10 grams of fiber in one medium-sized avocado

You Can Swap Them Into Baked Goods Recipes For Butter

They lower bad cholesterol

1.5 servings half of a medium avocado has 130 calories

They are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, vegetarian and cholesterol-free

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An Avocado Is A Fruit, And More Specifically A Berry

Avocados Are Loaded With Powerful Antioxidants That Can Protect The Eyes

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