I ABSOLUTELY guarantee that this New Year will be very similar to the old one, if you do not make some changes in your life. As one of my mentors would say, 'For things to change, you have to change.'
Your health is your greatest wealth. You need to give it the care and attention it deserves. As you go over your plans for 2006, consider this list of health resolutions that I now recommend to you.
1. Lose weight if you need to. The World Health Organisation has announced that for the first time in the history of mankind, there are as many overweight people as there are underweight people on the planet. Obesity is now our biggest health problem. Excess fat, particularly around the waist, places you at a big risk for several serious illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes and heart disease, and even some cancers. I recommend a very effective, doctor-approved, weight-loss programme called Shapeworks, that is readily available right here in Jamaica. Contact me and I will direct you to a qualified weight loss consultant in your area.
2. Stop smoking. Cigarette smoking is the commonest preventable cause of death in the world. Every cigarette you smoke shortens your life, and puts you at risk for many major diseases. I offer 'stop smoking' programmes for individuals as well as groups.
3. Eat more healthily. I recommend a simple plan emphasising fresh fruit, vegetables, soy products and whole grains. Avoid highly processed and fried foods. Reduce fats and refined carbohydrates, especially sugar and flour. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily. I will be happy to give you my dietary guideline sheet.
4. Take supplements. The modern 'balanced' diet will not provide all the nutrients you need of optimal health. I recommend a simple nutritional supplementation programme called the Cellular Nutrition Programme. You will feel the difference in how your body functions in just a few days. Give us a call. My book An Ounce of Prevention offers valuable advice and information on supplement use.
5. Start exercising. Use it or lose it. Your body is like a machine. If you do not move and exercise it, then it will malfunction and deteriorate before your very eyes. Even 30 minutes of brisk walking four days per week (only two hours each week) will have great benefit to your health.
6. Get enough sleep. Your body repairs and heals itself while you sleep. Without enough sleep you will not enjoy optimal well-being, and you will be prone to a wide variety of mental and physical illnesses. If you have insomnia, don't just take a sleeping pill; discover the underlying cause and deal with it.
7. Learn stress management. Stress is not a person or thing. It is the reactions that we have to circumstances around us. Learning to control our reactions is the key to stress management. There are many things around us that we may not be able to change, but we can always change ourselves and how we react. Stress management is really self management. I also offer stress management programmes for individuals and companies.
8. Develop spiritual support. Medical research is d emonstrating how important our beliefs and connection to supportive relationships are. Develop and nurture healthy relationships in your personal and spiritual life. Remember, you are not just a body, but a body connected to a mind and a spirit.
Make a commitment to yourself. Take on even three of these top eight health tips for this the first month of the New Year, and you will be amazed at the difference. Three new habits for 30 days! What do you have to lose?
Email Dr. Vendryes at Vendryes@mac.com, visit the website at www.anounceofoprevention.org You may also listen to 'An Ounce of Prevention' on Power 106FM on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
