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TRAVEL TIPS - EXPLORE A PEACEFUL VACATION IN BEAUTIFUL ANEGADA LIFESTYLE.HEALTH.FITNESS.MAGAZINE

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TIEL’ ‘ESSENINTER FALL/W TION COLLEC

U A E | O c t o b e r/ N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 6

30

DAYS

30

WAYS

DO YOU

HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE?

RUNNERS

STRIKE A POSE LEARN HOW TO TRAIN LIKE A WARRIOR

XCLUSIVE DANIEL KALEB

DUBAI BASED YOGA & HEALTH COACH

* DO I NEED PERSONAL COACHING ? * SUPERFOOD FOR YOUR FACE *MENS FULL BODY WORKOUT * BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS

RECIPE AED 5.00

FOR

YOUTH BY KENWOOD

edi tor’s note

Dr Samiir Mohamed Editor in Chief/Founder

NOVEMBER A MONTH FOR ALL MEN NOT TO SHAVE

So here we are finally a month that is focused on Men to do something for a cause. As we are all aware this is a month of MOVEMBER. A month where all men have an opportunity to have the Rugged look with their beards and Moustaches. By not shaving and saving that money which in turn is donated towards a good cause for treatment of cancer such as prostrate cancer etc.

For those of you who dont know much about it, well its still November and we have many more in the years to come. So keep it up for the great cause.

An Xclusive Interview with one of the best YOGA & HEALTH coach who speaks about how different his program is to the rest in the region. Read on to get all the information where our readers have an opportunity to get in touch for a session with DANIEL KALEB on a one on one session and feel the difference in his way of combining yoga with breathing exercises. We recommend you to definitely give it a try!

Everything from Bonding with family, to eating right, to staying healthy are being featured for you to explore the thoughts that lie within you which would help motivate you in one way or the other.

The year has almost come to an end and yet another year has gone by.

Have you done what is right for your good health? Time to reflect...

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

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RUNNING

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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ATTITUDE

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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SUPERFOOD

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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COACHING

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 MEN STAYING IN THE GYM FOR HOURS IS NOT EXACTLY THE RIGHT WAY TO EXERCISE BY- AMY J FOX

DUBAI BASED YOGA & HEALTH COACH

06 Corrective & Functional Learn how poses help you train like a warrior

08 Mindset Attitude is very important and having the right one makes it even better

10 Nutrition, Diet & Supplements A natural way to improve Energy and Stamina in Men 14 Xercise Bring the child out in you and you will notice yourself get thin and lose weight 24 Internation Fitness Personal coaching mends your lives in many ways

32 Sr. Fit Citizen Wisdom takes you a long way.

Make sure to have the right knowledge

30 Food News Healthy delicious recipes created by KENWOOD.

DYSPHORIA A FEELING OF DISSATISFACTION, ANXIETY & RESTLESNESS...

36 Dental Check Denture, Bridge or an Implant - which way to go?

40 Womans World Everything you need to know about Gender Dysphoria

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

RUNNERS Strike a Warrior Pose R

emember the dance craze unleashed

by Madonna back in the mid-90s called Vogueing? The mantra went, “strike a pose” while the dancers twisted themselves into statuesque poses, some quite contorted and elegant. Their bodies were lithe and supple, flexible as rubber bands.

Posing is not just for dancers anymore, and if you’re a runner, listen up. Striking a Warrior pose could be just the ticket for taking your running game to new limits.

THE RUNNER’S TOOLBOX Serious runners know about the training toolbox, which contains the tools necessary for success: aerobic capacity (breath), strength (muscles, especially the legs), and flexibility (whole body). And the glue that holds the process together: the mind (attitude). Most athletes instinctively recognize the importance of developing both lung capacity and strength to carry them through those long-distance runs.

Flexibility, however, is often the ugly stepchild of the process. Sure, we all take a moment or two to stretch the hamstrings and calves during our brief warm-up sessions, but what we really want to do is rev up the engine and hit the road. So we’re often not as flexible as we could be in order to avoid injury, especially as we grow older.

I AM THE WARRIOR Think of a rubber band. Loose and supple, 6

stretches easily (within limits, of course), and quickly bounces back to its original shape. Now imagine that same rubber band after a few years of disuse on a cold winter day. A couple of tugs and what happens: it snaps, brittle and broken, beyond repair. You don’t want that happening to you.

Yoga is a key to staving off the negative effects of aging on athletic performance.

Through asanas (or postures) runners can improve flexibility, and as a result, sharpen the tools in their runner’s toolbox.

An excellent pose for the runner looking to improve his or her performance is called The Warrior, or Virabhadra. What makes this pose a natural fit for runners is that it naturally increases lung capacity, which helps you to breathe more efficiently. Next, the legs are strengthened and toned as you increase your ability to hold this pose for a longer period of time.

Finally, it works the abdominal muscles so that back pain can be reduced or virtually eliminated.

Loosen Up The Warrior pose improves the triangle of training: breath, strength, and flexibility.

Strike this pose, as the song goes, either before or after your workout sessions, and you will quickly discover that the warrior within you is raising your athletic performance to a whole new level.

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Corrective & Functional Training

Discover

the warrior that exixts within you...

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Mindset

Choose The right attitude to help make better choices...

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Mindset

How Attitude Affects Your

Y

HEALTH

ou may have tried numerous diets and failed. Alternatively, you may be curious as to why some people seem to be able to lose weight while others toil. There are various methods of weight reduction and some are better than others are.

However, it is not only the technique employed that can result in triumph or catastrophe, as attitude plays a colossal part in the process of becoming slimmer.

STAYING POWER Even if you buy superb diet ingredients and exercise equipment, you will not lose weight unless you are unswerving in using them. You need to be determined to lose weight consistently rather than on a part time basis. It is also important to recognize that successful weight loss involves an undeviating amendment of lifestyle.

WILLPOWER Exercise willpower and strength when

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selecting what to eat. There is no point eating fewer calories than usual and then indulging in a cream cake or splurging on puddings.

CHOICES Your attitude towards weight loss will be apparent from the choices you make. If you want to lose weight, and are prepared to do what is crucial to achieve your aim, you will take the stairs rather than the lift when the opportunity arises.

VISION Developing a long-term vision regarding losing weight will help you find the right approach to spur you on. If you regard weight loss as temporary, you will be sourly disenchanted and likely to give in to seductive candies and cheese-laden dishes. Seeing yourself in the future as a slim individual, rather than concentrating on existing in the moment regarding food, will be more useful to you.

MOTIVATION To lose weight you have to be exceedingly motivated. Some people lose weight effortlessly. They are biologically made this way or lead a lifestyle conducive to weight loss. People who struggle to lose weight are in the majority. They have to desire to do so more than they want a beef burger and fries.

When you feel inclined to eat, but know you cannot possibly be hungry, this is a sign that you have an emotional concern that needs to be dealt with. Converse with a trusted friend and walk in the countryside instead of overindulging in food. Soon you will associate communication and nature with feeling better rather than pushing down your emotions with ice cream.

It is clear that the way you think and your attitude can play a substantial part in your capability and keenness to lose weight successfully. If you want to lose weight you need to be sufficiently motivated, have staying power and make wise choices.

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Nutrition, Diet & Supplements

How To Eat

MINDFULLY

THESE DAYS, A LOT OF US HAVE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATING WITH EATING; OVEREATING, UNDER EATING, EATING TOO OFTEN, EATING TOO LITTLE, EATING JUNK FOOD, DRINKING TOO MUCH ALCOHOL – THE LIST GOES ON… HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TRICKS, TIPS AND ADVICE TO HELP COMBAT YOUR BAD EATING HABITS AND HELP SCULPTURE TO YOU INTO MORE OF A HEALTH AND MINDFUL EATER.

By LUCY OBEN PEPRA, UK CHOOSE YOUR FOOD MINDFULLY Become more aware and conscious of the quality, quantity and type of food you buy. Try and make sure your food is organic, fresh, locally grown, seasonal, nutritious and that it includes lots of raw vegetables. Make sure the quality of your food items and ingredients replace the quantity, allowing the food awareness to become your guide and help you in better making nutritional decisions for your meals.

WHEN YOU EAT, SIMPLY EAT, DO NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE Enjoy and taste your healthy and nutritious meals without external interruptions, and learn to enjoy the joy of taste and eating experience without TV, reading, working etc. Appreciate and savor your food while eating, become ‘mindful’ of your food, rather than just swallowing and chewing your food quickly whilst watching TV or chatting away on your phone…

DO NOT SWALLOW YOUR FIRST BITE, BUT CHEW IT FOR SOME TIME The first few bits of our food are arguably some of the most delicious! If we are aware of what is happening within our body, we will be able to control the hunger and enjoy and relish the taste of our 10

food a lot more. So stay aware of your hunger and what it feels like in your body and mind, aware of the different flavours and smells within each bite, aware of what it feels like not to swallow.

TRY / TASTE A WIDE RANGE OF FOOD ITEMS Trying and experimenting with different types of food is one of life’s greatest pleasures if you’re a self – confessed foodie. Try sweet and sour foods, liquids and solids, hot and cold foods, and combinations of foods that may seem different or unusual. Before you eat, smell your food, that way you feel as though you’re having more of an experience with your food, the same way that you may have when smelling wine at a wine tasting.

ACKNOWLEDGE WHEN YOU’RE NO LONGER HUNGRY AND STOP EATING This is one of the most difficult things if you’re someone who eats with their eyes rather than their stomach – knowing when to stop eating when you’re full! Eat slowly, chew properly, lift your fork gradually and thoughtfully, experiencing every movement fully. When you’ve finished eating, take a few moments to notice that you have finished.

Allow the feeling of gratitude to fill your mind – acknowledging that you’ve just had some wonderful, nourishing food to support you on your journey further whihc is beautiful! Bon appetite!

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Nutrition, Diet & Supplements

Be Aware

Smell your food and have and experience with what you eat...

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Nutrition, Diet & Supplements

Natural

Anti-Aging Treatment TO IMPROVE ENERGY AND STAMINA IN MEN

M

ost important and unavoidable part of nature is aging. It appears because of damages happening to body’s DNA. The causes could be unhealthy diet, genetic issues or inadequate exercise to the body, smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy working conditions etc.

Natural anti-aging treatment to improve energy and stamina in men is the best remedy in this regard.

Shilajit is the best natural anti-aging treatment; it helps in preventing the process of natural aging in both men and women.

Shilajit is extracted from the mountains of Himalayas; it reenergizes the body and improves stamina and vigor. It elevates longevity and prevents the process of aging successfully. When consumed regularly, these herbal supplements help in maintaining blood sugar and cholesterol levels, provide strength to muscles, make you look stronger and younger.

These supplements help in clearing all the toxins from blood and purify it. They also clear your mind from all the anxiety and stress and enhance your memory.

They increase immunity and strength of the body to a great extent which is necessary to fight the effects of aging. The improved immunity protects your body from many types of diseases and also improves energy and stamina in men.

Shilajit capsule makes your skin tight and tones your body and makes you look younger than your actual age. It also prevents fine lines and wrinkles and keeps the process of aging at bay. Your skin starts to appear shinier and healthier than before.

This amazing herb improves and enhances the reproductive organs, by removing all the issues associated with infertility.

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It helps in increasing the count of sperm.

It also treats infection in urinary tract and other issues associated with virility among men.

Shilajit capsules improve the power of oxygen consumption in cells, which provides strength to human body and prevents the process of aging. They also help in increasing the content of iron in the body. Consistent use of these supplements brings great results such as healthy liver, powerful bones and prevents arthritis as well. Bone marrow also remains in good condition which otherwise could go down because of aging process. They also treat piles problem.

Shilajit treats all types of weaknesses in the body , because of adverse effects of any type of sickness or surgery or any other reason. It is believed to be the ideal product to prevent the process of natural aging.

The supplements also help in controlling asthma and provide strength to your heart.

They stop the prostate enlargement and prevent kidney stones as well. The herbal pills also allow the production of various types of enzymes and fluids in the body that are needed for healthy metabolism.

Shilajit is a good anti-oxidant which prevents various types of damages to the human body and aging is one of them. The pills prevent erosion of the tissues in the body which is essential for good physical endurance. The stamina of the body increases and fatigue is also prevented. The vitamins and minerals found in these supplements get dissolved easily inside the body and provide non-stop energy in order to prevent the process of aging.

Written by Noel Tesla

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Nutrition, Diet & Supplements

Natural

Anti-Aging that prevents various types of damages to the human body...

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13

Xercise

How to use childhood activities to get

Thin and Lose Weight S

ometimes we make fitness and weight loss far too complicated. Do you remember when you were a child and you played outdoors most of the day?

Chances are you loved every minute of it and didn’t consider it to be a drugery. In your quest to get thin have you forgotten those happy childhood memories of long hours of pleasurable exercise and movement?

Does exercise have to be boring and monotonous to be effective? The reality is you can burn just as many calories engaging in lighthearted, fun exercise activities as you can pedaling away on an exercise bike in a gym. In fact, you’ll probably lose more with stimulating exercise because you’ll be having so much fun you won’t want to stop.

Why not go back in time to your childhood and consider some alternative ways to get thin and lose weight. Here are a few ideas: EXERCISE WITH A HULA HOOP. Did you know that vigorous twisting using the hula hoop for eight minutes is equivalent to running an eight minute mile? You can bet it’s a lot more fun too. Exercise with a hula hoop not only burns calories, which can help you lose weight, but also gives you an excellent cardiovascular workout. Plus, it strengthens the core muscles of the trunk and abdomen while still toning your legs. If you’re looking for a truly fun way to get thin, this might be it.

JUMP ON A MINI-TRAMPOLINE. This is another exercise that can potentially burn more calories than jogging. Studies

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have shown that an hour spent jumping enthusiastically on a mini-trampoline burns more calories than an hour spent jogging.

Trampoline jumping also helps to strengthen your cardiovascular system and lowers your blood pressure. Many people report this is an excellent exercise not only for losing weight but also for relieving stress.

DANCE TO A DIFFERENT BEAT. Vigorous dancing not only burns calories but gives you an excellent cardiovascular workout. Why not dance to some fast, silly, childhood music? The fast tempo will inspire you to work harder and it won’t feel a bit like work. If you’re looking for a truly fun and inspiring way to get thin, you’ll enjoy this fast, fluid workout.

MAKE A DATE WITH A BICYCLE. Bicycling can be an exhilarating and rewarding way to get thin and lose weight. There’s something very liberating about feeling the cool breeze whipping your hair around as your explore the country side. The scenery is always changing which keeps your workout interesting. Plus, bicycling at a moderate pace burns around 500 calories per hour.

Not bad for an hour of what could be sheer pleasure.

As you can see, there are ways to get thin and promote weight loss that are both fun and productive. Sometimes it’s just a question of recapturing some of those old childhood memories of afternoons spent in play and leisure. Give some of these ideas a try and you’ll never be bored with exercise again.

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Xercise

Childhood

Turn your memories into a reality once again...

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

Whatsapp orders: +971 50 73 74 752

Xclusive

DUBAI BASED COACH

YOGA & HEALTH DANIEL

KALEB The Power

lies within YOU...

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Xclusive

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Xclusive

A

personal trainer and yoga instructor for many celebrities who has also had an opportunity to act in various films, who believes we need to feed the mind and soul with healthy thoughts and food to have a better tomorrow….Daniel Kaleb shares his personal views exclusively with FIRSTFIT: So Danny, would you mind telling us about yourself and how did you get started in the fitness field?

Hi Samina, first of all I want to thank you for having me here. I feel honored to be part of First Fit magazine. I was born 1976 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Most of my life I spent in Croatia, Italy and India. It’s been little over 2 years that I’ve been here in Dubai.

Since the age of 7 I was involved in various sports. From swimming, water polo, basketball, martial arts to bodybuilding.

First time I entered gym was at the age of 14 and immediately fell in love.

At the age of 17. I was introduced to Yoga In Daily Life System and this changed my life forever.

Raw physical power and endurance movements combined with much more refined yoga movements in proper synergy with breath gave me better understanding of my own body and mind.

It saved me from injuries and gave me stability and power to overcome obstacles in the gym and in real life.

It is so inspirational to know how you started and how many people you have motivated through your transformationProgram. What is the #1 thing you like best about being into fitness?

Fitness gives health and satisfaction to move freely and think positively.

There is a Latin phrase which has been used since it was written in 1st century.

Mens sana in corpore sano which means healthy mind within a healthy body.

Human beings since their beginning know that nothing is more important than health.

Our body is our real sacred place. Without healthy body and positive mind we can’t enjoy our life.

That’s why fitness is so important.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the fitness field?

My biggest accomplishment is when I see people who practice with me happy and satisfied. That means that I was able to help them reach their goals and better understand themselves.

Who has been your motivation in this journey of fitness?

Like many kids in 80s and 90s I got really inspired by Arnold Schwarzenneger.

The ability to build the body into such perfection and overall life story it’s one of most inspiring stories.

It gives everyone hope and understanding that with hard work, discipline and dedication one can achieve great things in life.

Please tell us about the Fitness program you follow and how is it different from the others?

My program kept changing in past 20 years. In the beginning it was more of heavy weights and power movements combined with yoga and little bit of cardio.

Nowadays I keep training with moderate weights, more cardio and yoga.

Since I turned 40 goal is to preserve energy and keep health as main focus.

Due to my busy schedule sometimes I find difficult to have time for myself. Usually my days starts with yoga exercises (asanas) and breathing exercise (pranayama). This helps me prepare physically and mentally for my sometimes very demanding working schedule.

If I get time, usually I train in the gym in the afternoon.

Sometimes in the evening I will go for a run or brisk walk at Jumeirah beach.

Every day I keep changing my routine.

Overall I exercise 5-6 days in a week for about 1-2 hours.

Have you always wanted to be in the field of Fitness or did you have another career goal?

When I was a kid I wanted to be a tourist guide or an archeologist. Anything which is related to traveling and exploring. I was always, as people call free spirit. I love meeting new people and cultures. That’s the beauty of today’s global world. We can travel anywhere in the world within one day.

I have a degree in Economics though, but wasn’t able to sit in the office for to long.

For the beginners out there, what is your best advice to get started?

Just start. Listen to yourself and choose what you like. Nowadays we have huge choice of different activities. Be realistic and honest with yourself. If you didn’t train for long time start with something less intensive. Set small goals. Most of all give

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Xclusive

A Healthy

Mind within a Healthy body is what you need...

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Xclusive

yourself time. Body takes time to adapt and respond. Any visible result will take 2-3 weeks.

Don’t get discouraged. Exercise and healthy diet should become part of your daily routine.

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

Being is shape requires discipline. Healthy diet and exercise. After all these years my mind created a pattern in which exercise and diet play a big role. I’ve got so used to exercise. I don’t feel good, if I don’t exercise for more then 3-4 days.

On the other side whatever I eat I know how many calories it has, what is the ratio of protein, carbs and fat. Then I decide what will I eat? I love food, but I will choose wisely what i eat that particular day.

There are days when I let myself go and eat whatever I crave for, vegetarian though :-)) Next day I’ll train with more intensity and will do more cardio.

What do you do at your free time?

I love movies. On my free days I love going to cinema. Popcorn and movie is the winning combo for me.

Other than that I love coffee. Going for coffee it’s almost a ritual. Meeting with friends and chatting for hours. This was part of my routine when I used to live in Croatia and Italy. It still is.

What is your diet on a typical day to stay in shape?

With years my diet keeps changing.

Nowadays I feel best when I eat less. I’ll have my special shake in the morning as breakfast. I’ll put in the blender half liter of water, 2 scoops of whey and vegan protein powder, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds, 1 banana or 1 bowl of berries, one handful of nuts and 2-3 tablespoons of oats.

Sometimes if I feel like having extra sweetness, i add one spoon of honey.

As a snack before lunch I’ll have one fruit.

Usually apple or grapefruit.

Lunch keeps changing every day. Different vegetables, different variety of lentils and beans. As vegetarian it took me a while to study nutrition properly. How to combine nutrients to achieve proper combinations of amino acids, right amount of complex and simple carbohydrates and healthy fat.

After lunch usually I’ll go to gym.

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Right after workout I’ll have 2 scoops of whey isolate protein powder, one banana or handful of dry fruits (dates, apricots, figs and raisins).

My dinner is usually around 8pm. Due to busy schedule, sometimes I’ll eat later at night.

I keep it light. More proteins like light cottage cheese, light mozzarella or tofu with salad or boiled vegetables and few pieces of rice cake or dry bread.

This is my regular diet.

Would you mind sharing your fitness regime?

In the morning I regularly do my set of yoga exercises (asana) to activate and stretch the whole body, plus breathing exercises (pranayama ) to recharge and prepare myself for my daily duties.

In the afternoon I’ll workout in the gym.

I’ll warm up on the cross trainer for 5-10 minutes. Then I’ll hit weights for another 40-45 minutes. Usually I’ll train 2-3 body parts per day. Few power basic movements like bench press, squats, pull ups and deadlift. Followed by isolating movements on cable machine, smith machine plus dumbbells.

Nowadays it’s more about focus and details than lifting heavy weights and breaking personal records in weight lifting.

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

Be yourself. Don’t listen to others. Choose

the activity which you feel it’s best for you.

Don’t rush. Give your body time to transform.

Keep it simple. Start with basic exercises.

With time you’ll move to advanced level.

First you have to prepare your body.

Hire personal trainer to assist you, specially in the beginning. Think as investment in your health and wellbeing.

Keep healthy diet. Don’t randomly eat whatever is in front of you. Avoid processed food. It’s full of empty calories which are hard to burn later.

Where do you see yourself in few years from now?

My life has been incredible so far. I could never imagine that I’ll live in so many different places and meet so many interesting people. It just happened.

With years I stopped planning. I try to live one day at the time.

I love Dubai and feel there is lot of space for improvement, personally and professionally.

Time will tell if I was right :-)) Your projects so far? Are you currently working on any new upcoming projects ?

I am working on few projects here in Dubai.

One is Vent and Recharge exercise program which I designed personally. It consists of 3 main elements. 1. Cardio and resistance exercises to ventilate mental pressure and toxins out of the system. 2.

Yoga exercises and postures to stretch the whole body, improve blood circulation and activate inner glands. 3. Breathing exercises to recharge vital energy and balance nervous system.

There are few other projects for stress and health management, designed for schools and corporates.

Where can our readers get in touch with you?

All interested in trying my Vent and Recharge program, can find me in Yoga center “Yoga Ashram” in JLT, cluster X3 on 15th floor. Classes are every Friday at 10:30am.

Whoever is interested in personal training or consultation please contact me on my email: daniel.ironstone@gmail.com Any message to our readers of FIRSTFIT? Don’t loose your faith in achieving your goals. Nothing is impossible.

Make strong decision and just go for it.

Best wishes to all.

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Xclusive

“Our Body

is our Sacred Place...”

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International Fitness

Why Do I Need

Personal Coaching?

A

“coach” is defined as a private tutor, one who instructs or trains, and one who helps develop strategy.

Personal coaching is just that, on a one on one, personal level. The Personal Coach is not a therapist, counselor or consultant.

A Personal Coach is a motivator, inspirer and muse. There are many reasons why one might need a Personal or Life Coach.

Most times the necessity arises from a lifechanging event or decision. This could include job hunting after graduation, career promotion or change, marriage or engagement, health issues, creative or business development, lifestyle changes and more. The client, at some point decides that he or she is in need of “something more” to help them pursue, change or develop a life strategy.

Possibly the most common reason for needing a Personal Coach is job hunting, career change or promotion. In this day and age, jobs are hard to come by and the competition for specific careers is severe. Only applicants that stand out and make impressions will make the cut. A Personal Coach can help create the image necessary to make that impression in a job interview. The Personal Coach does not tell you how to get the job or promotion but instead helps to develop a strategy built around your own strengths and weaknesses to help you reach an ultimate goal. A Personal Coach also does not guarantee a successful interview or that you will get the job, only that you will be prepared to handle the interview in a professional manner. In the end, getting the job or promotion is up to you.

Another important reason for needing 24

a Personal Coach is due to a health issue.

This could be anything from the discovery of a life threatening disease to a debilitating injury that changes your lifestyle.

Sometimes a Personal Coach is just the thing to help put you in the right mindset to prepare the body for an uphill battle. A Personal Coach can help you develop a strategy like a Lieutenant aiding a General in battle. They motivate the mind while you are fighting the war. The mind can accomplish amazing feats when motivated in a positive direction.

Another way a Personal Coach can be beneficial is to inspire and motive creatively, to be a sounding board for which to bounce off ideas. A personal think tank or muse if you will. The coach does not tell you what direction to take but rather directs you to discover the right direction on your own. They empower the client to find their own direction, motivation and inspiration that jumpstarts the creative flow in a positive manner.

A Personal Coach can help develop a strategy that affects all aspects of one’s life, personally, professionally and spiritually.

Many Personal Coaches choose a specific avenue of coaching such as executive, corporate, life, creative or relationship. While others take the general approach of a true Personal Coach in that they strive to develop those all affective strategies. Regardless of your specific requirement, once you decide you need the services of a Personal Coach you are only steps away from a relationship that can benefit you in many ways and ultimately help you to reach your goals or dreams.

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International Fitness

TrueCoach

One who helps you get to your goals by yourself...

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Fitness Xpert

MEN’S FULL BODY WORKOUT

By AMY J FOX

I

f you’re the type spending hours at the gym - tricep dips, bicep curls, chest flys, repeat - it’s about time to reconsider your exercise routine. What man with a serious career has time for that anyway?

We are all conditioned to believe that results are only achieved by putting in countless hours in the gym. If you’ve been adhering to the muscle-isolating back-and-bi, chest-and-tri gospel, the truth is, in my opinion, you’ve been doing it wrong!

Your body operates like a machine, in movement patterns, five basic movements to be exact: push (pressing away from the body), pull (tugging towards you), hip-hinge (bending from the middle), squat (flexing at the knee), and plank (stabilising your core).

So really these are the only movements we need.

Pick one of each of these categories to do in your training session. Do 3 sets in total (12, 10 and 8 reps), increasing weight as reps decrease. (Ie. Your first set is a set of 12 reps, increase weight and do a set of 10 for your second set and then increase weight again for your last set of 8 reps).

Change up the moves from one day to another and throw in some cardio for extra credit.

PUSH

• The Ultimate: Bench Press • The Alternatives: Push ups, dumbbell shoulder press, single arm kettle bell press, push press

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PULL

• The Ultimate: Pull up • The Alternatives: Chin ups, cable rows, lat pull downs, dumbbell row

HIP-HINGE

• The Ultimate: Deadlift • The Alternatives: Romanian deadlifts, kettle bell swings, hex-bar deadlift

SQUAT

• The Ultimate: Barbell back squat • The Alternatives: Barbell front squat, Bulgarian split squat, goblet squat, lunge, reverse lunge

PLANK

• The Ultimate: Planche plank • The Alternatives: Standard plank hold, plank

push ups, side planks, suitcase carry, dumbbell/ kettle bell farmers walk

CARDIO FINISHERS To check cardio off your list too, and send your metabolism into overdrive, add sprints, rowing, box jumps, knee tucks or burpees to your workout. Either do these in-between sets or as a finisher at the end of your workout. Or rather get out of the gym and into the open for these… A fresh dose of oxygen is always good!

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Fitness Xpert

“Do it right

spending hours at the gym is not the right way to go...”

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Food News

Superfood For

Your Face MAKING SURE YOUR SKIN STAYS LOOKING HEALTHY, YOUTHFUL AND MOISTURISED CAN SOMETIMES BE DIFFICULT. LUCKILY SKINCARE EXPERT ‘THE BODY SHOP’ HAVE A GREAT COLLECTION IN THE MARKET OF DIFFERENT FACIAL MASKS – ALL MADE WITH A PARTICULAR SKIN TYPE AND GOAL IN MIND

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Food News

1 British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask What’s it good for?

Hydrating skin.

Infused with naturally derived ingredients, including essence of hand – picked British rose petals, omega – rich chilean rosehip oil and community trade organic aloe vera from Mexico. This refreshing gel mask is designed to give a moisture boost to help create a dewy glow.

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3

Ethiopian Honey Deep Nourishing Mask What’s it good for?

Keeping skin well moisturised and glowing.

Amazonian Acai Energising Radiance Mask What’s it good for?

Energising skin.

Formulated to help skin feel soft and smooth and inspired by African healing and soothing rituals, this indulgent melting honey mask blends community trade honey from Ethiopia, cold – pressed marula oil from Namibia and organic olive oil from Italy.

The rituals of Amazonian tribes influence this juicy fresh mask, blended to help combat signs of stress and fatigue. Ingredients include acai berry extract, guarana seed extract and community trade organic babassu oil, all from Brazil

4 Supercharge Your Routine Including The Body Shop Facial Masks into your usual morning/ beauty regime will most definitely rejuvenate your skin and help you achieve and maintain a clear complexion and healthy – looking glow. With a mask available to suit every skincare need (from oily skin, to dry, to patchy), make sure you choose the one best suited to your skin – or mix and match the masks to different areas of your face for an expert – style-at-home facial.

5 Make The Most of Mask Time Allowing yourself some ‘me – time’ will also give your wellbeing – as well as your skin – a boost. Whether you relax with a magazine, meditate or give yourself a DIY manicure or pedicure while your skin soaks up the goodness from your mask, The Body Shop Facial Masks are a guaranteed game changer when it comes to the way you look after, and maintain your skin.

We all know that your skin can feel different from day to day, and from season to season, so choose whichever mask meets your skin’s needs at any given time.

Simply apply a facial mask for 10-15 minutes, then sit back and relax while the mask does all the hard work for you! Using a facemask approximately two to three times a week will help you achieve the best version of your skin possible.

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Food Recipe

HEALTH IS

WEALTH

RAW ELIXIR OF YOUTH BALLS

Preparation Time: Overnight + 10 Minutes Makes: 12-14 Balls A great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin B6 INGREDIENTS 100g Medjoul dates, pitted 220g whole cashew nuts 50g goji berries ¼ tsp turmeric powder 2 tsp baobab powder 2 tbsp agave Himalayan salt, to taste 150g desiccated coconunt

l l l l l l l l

METHOD Soak the dates in boiling water for 10 minutes.

Add the cashews to the Blender.

To chop the cashews, select the coarse chop programme.

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Add the turmeric, baobab, goji berries – pulse until fully combined.

Drain the dates (save the water), and then add to the goblet with the agave – use the pulse function until a stiff paste is formed. If too dry, add some of the date water.

Put the dessiccated cocconut into another bowl.

Empty the mix into a separate bowl and form small, 3cm diameter balls with your hands, and then roll the ball around in the coconut until covered. Continue until the mix has made 12-14 balls.

Let the balls refrigerate for atleast 6 hours so the flavours blend. Then start to share the ‘Elixir of Youth’!

DID YOU KNOW? Baobab is bursting with antioxidants, vitamin C and polyphenols which will help to protect our cells from oxidative stress and also stimulates collagen production for healthy

skin, whilst antioxidants protect us from ageing free radical damage

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Food Recipe

WEST AFRICAN CHICKEN & PEANUT SOUP

l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

the goblet into the saucepan and then, sauté on a medium/low heat for 5 minutes (until the onions are soft).

Cut the chicken into 2.5cm chunks. Increase the heat and add the chicken to the pan, cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is white.

Peel the sweet potato, de-stalk and de-seed the pepper.

Cut both into 2.5 cm chunks and add to pan; cook for a couple of minutes, making sure to stir well.

Add the stock and chopped tomatoes to the pan, bring to a simmer. (2 minutes) Once soup is simmering reduce the heath and simmer for 15-20 munites – until the potatoes are soft and, the chicken is cooked through.

Add the peanuts to the goblet- chop using coarse chop programme.

Pour the chopped peanuts into a bowl and reserve.

Stir in the peanut butter, cayenne pepper and salt to the soup.

Transfer the soup to the Blender, purée by selecting the soup programme.

Serve in bowls and sprinkle with chopped peanuts and coriander leaves.

METHOD Peel the onion, garlic and ginger, and then cut each into quarters. Add them to the Blender and chop by selecting the coarse chop programme.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan, empty the contents of

Peanuts are rich in the B vitamins, niacin and folate which are important for you heart’s health. The monosaturated fats found in peanuts can also be found in olive oil and avocado.

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes Cooking Time: 30-35 Minutes Serves 4-6 A great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 and Mineral K INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp groundnut oil 1 medium onion 2 garlic cloves 2 cm piece ginger 300g chicken breasts 200g sweet potato 1 red pepper 750ml chicken stock, low salt 1 can tomatoes, chopped ¾ tsp cayenne pepper Salt, to taste 2 tbsp peanut butter 90g peanuts Small handful coriander leaves, chopped

DID YOU KNOW?

created by kenwood for the blend xtract range WWW.FIRSTFITNEWSLETTER.COM

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Sr. Fit Citizen

Get to it

The surface of your thoughts is where your true motivation lies...

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Sr. Fit Citizen

Wisdom Goes

BEYOND INFORMATION

By Peter Woronoff

W

hen you reach a certain age, you actually have gathered some wisdom.

You know there is ample information and you know that although information is essential, it is not enough. Being able to put what you know together into successful practice is more important.

This is especially important when it comes to staying or recovering your physical fitness. It is not only what you do, but also how to get yourself to do it and do it all, that is important. That is, not too much and not too little. And having it be enjoyable.

I used to be fit. I have known how to be fit at various times in my life. I have a lot of knowledge. Every 10 years or so, I have re-evaluated my needs and give myself a different system?.

Different exercises and different diet. My life style changes. My body changes. There really is body wisdom. But how do I organize what I know and how do I stay motivated? It is really the same problem I have always had. Not much different. I need to listen to my body. I need to learn from others. I need to put it all together.

There are many diets and much to be said for many of them. And there are certainly many exercise systems that make total sense. Once I have done the research, the issue is to stay on target and do what I have said I would do. At various times in my life, I have followed different programs. Most of the time, I have actually been quite fit. Periodically, I have needed to re-evaluate.

That is the issue I have needed to deal with at every life change. So, for example when I stopped working in a school where I was physically very active, my calorie burning decreased sharply. At first, I was not even aware. I never thought of that job as exercise. But being constantly on my feet and climbing stairs several times a day was good for me, even when I and other staff complained about it. At the end of each workday, I was physically exhausted.

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When I took on the next job, which was mostly at a desk and with little stair climbing, I hardly noticed the difference. It still took my attention and at the end of the day, I still felt I had put in a full day’s work. It was equally demanding and fulfilling, but I used my body less and burnt less calories. Slowly, my body adjusted by getting out of shape.

So after doing your research, how do you use what you have learnt? How do you organize it? When I recently started to take on my fitness again, finding current information was not the problem. With a little research, my questions were answered.

When it came to putting it all together, a friend gave me some important advice. It made all the difference. At first, it seemed too obvious to be of any use.

He said, knowing WHY I wanted to be fit provides the crucial motivation I would need. It sounded silly because it was so obvious. But after a conversation in which he skillfully and gently helped me rediscover this, I found this was indeed crucial. Like so many truths, it was obvious when I finally saw it. I thought I knew what motivated me, but did not realize it was something else. I was saying all the right things that should have been important to me, but really were not. I had to get underneath those surface thoughts, to where what really motivated lived. And that is more personal than I wish to share in this particular article.

But I mention it because you too may need to find your REAL motivating energy.

I invite you to discover this for yourself or with the help of someone else. It takes some discipline to get past the first surface answers to where you really are motivated. But it is well worth it.

About the Author: Peter Woronoff is a psychotherapist and a recovering fitness enthusiast. Get your questions answered personally at www.RecoverYourFitness 33

Doctor’s Say

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the recovery of

STROKE PATIENTS S

troke is the second highest cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of disability and these statistics are also seen in the UAE and MENA region. According to medical experts in attendance at the Middle East and North Africa Stroke Conference in October 2015; every year, there are 20,000 new strokes, 4,000 deaths and 8,000 disabilities seen in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the numbers in Egypt touching 820,000. In the UAE, the figures are more than 7,000 every year. Forecasts also put the rate of strokes doubling in the region in the next 15 years. Factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and disorders related to smoking, are among the primary causes of stroke.

“The onset of a stroke is always sudden: 34

a clot in or a narrowing of the blood vessels causes reduced blood flow, which then results to impaired brain function. Stroke, be it ischemic or hemorrhagic (where the blood vessels burst causing a blood leak in the brain), causes injury to the brain.

The chances of survival and recovery are stronger when patients receive immediate medical attention and rehabilitation.

“Stroke survivors often suffer from some degree of paralysis; they could have weakness on one side of the body or difficulty moving, talking, or carrying out cognitive functions,” said Srividhya Iyer, Business Head of Burjeel Neuro Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Center (BNRPC ) and Head of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Unit at Burjeel Hospital. BNRPC specializes in treating patients with neurological conditions

such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and sports injuries.

This is where rehabilitation becomes crucial, as it is aimed at restoring independence to the survivor – quickly and effectively. Rehabilitation commences in the hospital as soon as possible after a stroke.

In patients who are stable, rehabilitation may begin within two days after the stroke has occurred, and should be continued as required after release from the hospital. Depending on the severity of the stroke, patients could require inpatient or outpatient therapy, short-term or long-term treatment.

“A rehab program is set by a team of doctors and medical professionals, including a neurologist, who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of stroke,

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Doctor’s Say

Recovery is a process .

It takes time, it takes patience, it takes everything you got...

aided by a rehabilitation nurse, who helps and educates people with disabilities, and a physical therapist to teach and help patients with problems related to movement and balance. The therapist will also suggest exercises to strengthen muscles for walking, standing and other activities.

The program usually involves carefully targeted, repetitive actions to help a patient practice and learn better.

“Other medical professionals who can be involved are occupational therapist to help stroke survivors learn methods to manage daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, writing or cooking and a speech therapist who can coach survivors to relearn language skills. The team could be supported by a psychologist and nutritionist as well,” said Iyer.

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“Rehabilitation can aid stroke survivors in reacquainting themselves with skills that are affected due to damage to the brain. These can include coordinating leg movements to help them walk, or other actions linked to more complex activity.

It can also help patients learn new methods to perform tasks in order to compensate for weaknesses in the arms or legs; it could also target communicating when language skills are impaired,” said Iyer.

According to Iyer, physical therapists gauge the stroke survivor’s abilities, including their strength, stamina, range of motion, gait abnormalities and sensory weaknesses to create customized rehabilitation programs aimed at regaining control over motor functions. Techniques used by physical therapists could include selective

sensory stimulation (tapping or stroking, active and passive range-of-motion exercises), or even participating in goal-directed activities, such as playing games, to aid coordination.

These activities are part of the poststroke recovery strategy employed in the treatment of survivors. However, for some individuals, rehabilitation could be a constant process to maintain and improve skills and could entail working with specialists for months or years after the stroke.

The important factor is choosing a rehabilitation center or hospital with trained and committed professionals and the latest equipment and resources to complement the recovery process.

By Burjeel Hospital 35

Dental Check

FILL IN THOSE

GAPS TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MISSING TEETH

A

denture, a bridge or an implant — which way should you go? Dubaibased Dr Kathrin Trelles points out the best treatment option for missing teeth You’ve probably seen at least one commercial, television show or movie in your lifetime with the following scene: some poor old person sits glued to their chair, completely mortified, as their dentures sail clear across the room. Cue laughter from everyone. Except for the man or woman the dentures belong to — their confidence just hit rock bottom.

Although modern dentistry has negated many of the dental issues that cause teeth to fall out, tooth decay, gum disease and trauma can still necessitate the extraction and replacement of teeth.

“A few years ago, patients with missing teeth had no other option but to employ removable dentures or a fixed bridge,” notes Dr Kathrin Trelles, a Dubai-based implantologist, cosmetic laser dentist and founder of local state-of-the-art dentistry, plastic and aesthetic laser surgery clinic Vilafortuny.

But dentures come stitched on with many drawbacks: they must be removed and cleaned regularly to avoid infections or disease, including bad breath. Cheap or improperly fit dentures may be uncomfortable and can move around in the mouth, causing pain and chewing difficulties.

“Fortunately,” says Dr Trelles, “as dental technology improved, a new and stronger solution emerged: dental implants allow re-

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placement teeth to look, feel and function like natural teeth. Patients who have lost teeth regain the ability to eat, speak clearly and smile with confidence.”

A GROWING MARKET With the introduction of dental implants, many of the rules of periodontal therapy have been forever changed, with a paradigm shift from the practice of saving teeth at all costs to replacing them with high-end dental implants.

“Prior to dental implants, periodontists would strive to maintain periodontally compromised teeth. The goal was to preserve ‘natural’ teeth to avoid a removable prosthesis. Fortunately, with the introduction of dental implants, that’s completely changed,” comments Dr Trelles.

As per latest research , the global dental implants market is expected to grow to USD 6.81 billion by 2024. Growing aesthetic awareness amongst people is one of the primary factors leading to growth of the market, especially in the UAE, which is turning into a hub for medical tourism.

Contemporary dental implants — comprising artificial roots — are made from titanium; the metal is strong — it does not rust or bend — and it can capably support the bite when chewing or speaking. The implant bonds with the jawbone and a tooth, designed exactly to the patient’s liking, can then be screwed on to the implant surface, therefore restoring the patient’s natural smile.

MEDICALLY COMPROMISED PATIENTS Treatment planning for dental implants is a multidisciplinary process that takes into account many areas of dentistry and medicine. Foremost in the treatment planning is consideration of a patient’s medical history.

“Oral and maxillofacial surgery is unique in requiring a dual qualification in medicine and dentistry, and is often seen as the bridge between the two streams. Specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained

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Dental Check

Smile away

Restore your confidence...

in assessing their patient’s unique needs and working out an appropriate treatment plan,” explains Dr Trelles, who has on her staff a highly skilled, experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Professor Steen Sindet-Pedersen.

The professor uses his years of expertise in dental and maxillofacial implantology, bone grafting and reconstructive surgery to place dental implants at Vilafortuny, even in medically compromised patients —

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these are patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and patient on blood-thinning medication and immuno-compromised patients, whose medical conditions necessitate specialised care.

“Dentists are now confronted with an increasing number of medically compromised patients who require implant surgery for their oral rehabilitation,” notes Dr Trelles. “There are, however, certain steps

to be followed to ensure their success and to ensure proper pre and post-operative management.”

The comfort and long life of dental implants is well documented. So if you’re tired of high-maintenance and uncomfortable dentures, or simply want to avoid them all together, opt for dental implants instead, and restore the confidence to your smile.

Source: Grand View Research, Inc.

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Woman’s World

‘ESSENTIEL’

Fall/Winter 2016 Collection

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Woman’s World

E

ssentiel’s 2016 Fall/Winter collection exudes a modern, luxury appeal with a nostalgic twist. Its silhouettes strike a precocious balance between a boyish attitude and an ultra-feminine touch.

COLOURS & PRINTS The colours are remarkably tranquil, with muted pastels that nostalgically hark back to summery shades and vibrant autumnal hues featuring prominently. Signature elements, such as abstract flowers, picturesque tiger prints and pop-art polka dots, give the collection its unique Essentiel appeal.

MATERIAL & VOLUMES This winter, Essential is showcasing its femininity through its choice of materials and volumes. The wide range of coats is accentuated by removable faux fur collars, enabling a single coat to be worn in a variety of styles.

The dresses are based on the forties, with subtle A-lines, over-the-knee lengths and sophisticated cuts that allow the wearer to show off her ultra-feminine side. The wide slacks provide an interesting contrast to the collection. Cool blouses to be worn underneath sweaters, or turtlenecks for under more revealing tops create striking combinations, lending the traditional preppy look a decidedly modern twist.

ACCESSORIES Faux fur is widely represented in the accessories: from fluffy handbags to strokable key rings. The ultimate translation of the boyish look worn in a feminine way is the furry backpack. The textured sneakers have removable fake fur labels for instant adaptability to suit every occasion.

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Woman’s World

Gender

Dysphoria “D

ysphoria” is a feeling of dissatisfaction, anxiety, and restlessness. With gender dysphoria, the discomfort with your male or female body can be so intense that it can interfere with the way you function in normal life, for instance at school or work or during social activities. Gender dysphoria is a condition where a person experiences discomfort or distress because there’s a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity. It’s sometimes known as gender identity disorder (GID), gender incongruence or transgenderism.

GENDER DYSPHORIA IS NOT HOMOSEXUALITY. The first signs of gender dysphoria can appear at a very young age.

For example, a child may refuse to wear typical boys’ or girls’ clothes, or dislike taking part in typical boys’ or girls’ games and activities.

In most cases, this type of behaviour is just a normal part of growing up and will pass in time, but for those with gender dysphoria it continues through childhood and into adulthood. Adults with gender dysphoria can feel trapped inside a body that doesn’t match their gender identity.

They may feel so unhappy about conforming to societal expectations that they live according to their anatomical sex, rather than the gender they feel themselves to be. They may also have a strong desire to change or get rid of physical signs of their biological sex, such as facial hair or breasts.

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Gender development is complex and there are many possible variations that cause a mismatch between a person’s biological sex and their gender identity, making the exact cause of gender dysphoria unclear.

Occasionally, the hormones that trigger the development of biological sex may not work properly on the brain, reproductive organs and genitals, causing differences between them. This may be caused by: • Additional hormones in the mother’s system – possibly as a result of taking medication • The foetus’ insensitivity to the hormones, known as androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) – when this happens, gender dysphoria may be caused by hormones not working properly in the womb Gender dysphoria may also be the result of other rare conditions, such as Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) – where a high level of male hormones are produced in a female foetus. This causes the genitals to become more male in appearance and, in some cases, the baby may be thought to be biologically male when she is born.

Intersex conditions – which cause babies to be born with the genitalia of both sexes (or ambiguous genitalia). Parents are recommended to wait until the child can choose their own gender identity before any surgery is carried out.

A survey of 10,000 people un-

dertaken in 2012 by the Equality and Human Rights Commission found that 1% of the population surveyed was gender variant, to some extent.

Treatment for gender dysphoria aims to help reduce or remove the distressing feelings of a mismatch between biological sex and gender identity. This can mean different things for different people. For some people, it can mean dressing and living as their preferred gender.

For others, it can mean taking hormones or also having surgery to change their physical appearance.

Many trans people have treatment to change their body permanently, so they’re more consistent with their gender identity, and the vast majority are satisfied with the eventual results.

The assessment by a specialist will determine whether someone has gender dysphoria and what the needs are, which could include: • Whether there’s a clear mismatch between biological sex and gender identity • Whether there is a strong desire to change physical characteristics as a result of any mismatch • Coping with any difficulties of a possible mismatch • New behaviours have developed over time The assessment may also involve a more detailed assessment of your physical and psychological health before treatment is undertaken.

By: Dr. Monika Chawla, Fakih IVF Centre

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Woman’s World

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Family Health

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Psychological Impact on Family Caregivers 98% OF THOSE WITH BREAST CANCER CAN SURVIVE IF THE CANCER IS DETECTED EARLY. THE MOST COMMON AGE AT WHICH MOST WOMEN ARE DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IS 45-54. AROUND 170 WOMEN ANNUALLY IN ABU DHABI ARE DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER, ALONG WITH A MUCH SMALLER NUMBER OF MEN

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Family Health

T

he diagnosis of a life-threatening illness affects not only the patient but also close family members. It causes them to fear the loss of their loved ones while facing concern about the pain and suffering he/she will endure. In addition, there are other problems that come into existence; such as the stress of funding treatment, strength of commitment, readiness to react etc.

A family member’s psychological distress can be as severe as that of the patient. Studies show partners of women

with breast cancer (predominantly husbands, but also daughters, friends, and others) find that the degree of psychological distress the partners’ experience is very influenced by the anxiety, depression, fatigue, and symptom distress of the women with breast cancer and that the effects are bidirectional - i.e. how the woman reacts will influence how their family reacts and how the family reacts will impact the woman. Thus, helping family members manage their stress will have a beneficial effect on the patient.

Good communication is an essential part of positive coping. Accepting that some parts of life will carry on as normal whilst others will need to change, is a crucial step in accepting the reality of what is happening. Denial is unhelpful. Being positive whilst supporting each other is the best way forward. Talking about feelings to friends or

a counsellor outside the immediate family circle can be valuable.

Unfortunately, the remarkable advances in biomedical care for cancer are often not matched by achievements in providing high-quality care for the psychological and social effects of cancer. Numerous cancer survivors and their caregivers in the US report that cancer care providers did not understand their psychosocial needs, failed to recognize and adequately address depression and other symptoms of stress, were unaware of or did not refer them to available resources, and generally did not consider psychosocial support to be an integral part of quality cancer care.

Whilst psychological care is still not yet integrated into oncology services in the UAE, for reasons ranging from a lack of recognition of need among insurers and providers, to a lack of specialized staff, the psychological services located within private sector clinics can be accessed by both the person with cancer and their family. However, a lot more needs to be done in terms of mental health screening, referral and strategic planning, to make psychosocial support a reality within oncology services themselves.

The importance of doing so is highlighted in research suggesting that such support has a beneficial impact on recovery.

By Dr. Susan Partridge - Clinical Psychologist and Head of the Psychology Division at the American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology

Being Positive

Helps to heal faster than you can imagine...

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Kidz Fitness

Bonding

what may not seem much to you, would mean a lifetime memory to your child

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Kidz Fitness

30

DAYS WAYS

TO BOND WITH YOUR KIDS

T

ime with your children today could have a lifetime impact, but substituting the fluff of stuff for experiences is definitely easier – on schedules, not wallets! Parents who get wrapped up in giving kids the things they didn’t have might forget to give them the good times they did.

Events that seem inconsequential to an adult may become fond memories to children. In his journal one day, Charles Frances Adams, son of President John Quincy Adams, wrote “Took my boy fishing today.

A wasted day.” His son, Brook, wrote in his diary: “Went fishing today with my father.

Greatest day of my life.”

HERE ARE A MONTH’S WORTH OF IDEAS FOR GETTING CLOSER • Write poems together. Stretch language skills and vocabulary.

• Bake sugar cookies. Mold names, or a cookie face “family album.”

• Trace kids’ hands on paper or felt. Cut and assemble in a wreath for seasonal decoration (Red, yellow, orange for autumn, etc.)

• Make bead necklaces. Create beads from paper or clay. Or purchase beads reflecting individual interests.

• Picnic. Experience truly “casual dining.”

• Plant flowers. Teach patience and perseverance.

• Send postcards to friends. Shorter than letters; cheaper to mail.

• Take family pictures. Use props and costumes and create a calendar.

• Pretend you’re a tourist in your hometown. Make a map; draw landmark symbols. Take pictures at “tourist-y” places.

Live like a visitor and see the familiar with fresh eyes.

• Read a book together.

• Go on a nature walk, and talk. Everything looks different from your waist level.

• Make a dirt cake. Surround it with leaf-

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shaped sugar cookies.

• Talk about family history or research • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

genealogy. Prove Grandpa had teeth, and Mom has done more than dishes.

Sing together. Sing familiar songs or make up silly new ones.

Play an (unorganized) sport together.

Children get overscheduled too and need this release.

Write a story together. Or form a storytelling circle. Take turns every minute or sentence.

Make artwork. Frame and display proudly.

Let kids plan a meal and help with shopping and preparation.

Visit a museum. Even better, visit a children’s museum, which offers hands-on exhibits.

Volunteer together.

Conspire…to surprise a friend, a relative, an elderly neighbor.

Fly a kite.

Make paper bag or sock puppets and put on a show. Kids express feelings/concerns they can not share directly, while stretching their imaginations.

Go to the zoo and talk about the animal families. Dialogue about different kinds of families, including your own.

Plan how to decorate/re-decorate a room. Give your child a little control over his own environment.

Watch TV or a movie together and discuss.

Plan a vacation. Let kids choose some places to visit. Allow downtime. Do nothing. Rest afterwards.

Make a growth chart. Include friends and extended family to keep a record of your clan’s vertical and literal expansion.

Make a “wall of fame.” Include pictures, certificates, award ribbons etc. and one more thing…

Go fishing!

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Travel Fitness

CHARMING

ANEGADA AN ISLAND IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

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Travel Fitness

Self Time

A quiet and peaceful vacation to a place not explored before....

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Travel Fitness

A

negada is an attractive tiny island among the fifty or so islands and cays that make up the British Virgin Islands. This particular island is made up of coral and limestone. This small island rests only twenty-eight feet above sea level at its highest point and is only about eleven miles long.

The sea life on Anegada is spectacular and includes huge sea turtles, large lobsters, parrot fish, angelfish, star coral, and tiger grouper. Water sport activities are excellent throughout the year on Anegada.

Snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and swimming are excellent ways to wile away the day whose temperatures average in the mid eighties during the winter and the summer months.

Traveling to the island itself is typically done by boat and is rather tricky, since the island is difficult to see upon approach due to its small size and low elevation. The island cannot be seen easily from the boat; therefore, navigators must stay alert and on the look out, hopefully with binoculars, for any signs of land on the horizon.

Due to the islands small size, only a few hundred people actually live on the island year round. Tourists looking for a quiet, secluded, clean beach to vacation on with the family, are quickly discovering it.

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HOW

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Health Reporter

DID YOU KNOW ?

STRAWBERRIES

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Regulates Blood Pressure

Anti-Ageing

Fights Bad Cholesterol

Promotes good vision

Anti-Bacterial powers

Boosts Immune system

Anti-Inflammatory

Promotes Pre-Natal Health

Anti-Cancer

Maintains Blood Pressure

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