Forget a total life overhaul. Encourage your man to begin his journey to good health, wealth and wellbeing by taking these small steps.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,'' the Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu once said. This is especially true when it comes to changing your diet and lifestyle from a neglected one to a healthy one. Although by now most New Year's resolutions are distant memories, it is never too late to take the first step. But which step, and in what direction should you go? We ask the experts for their key pieces of advice.
ADVICE: “WATCH THE FLUIDS YOU PUT IN YOUR BODY''
Who: General surgeon and gastroenterologist Dr Suhail Kasim, Medcare Hospital
Why? “In the UAE especially, people simply do not drink enough fluids, especially clear fluids such as plain water. Men should be drinking two large 1.5 litre bottles each day, which will keep the kidneys and digestive system healthy. Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and fizzy drinks. If you have digestive problems, avoid milk, as it releases hormones that stimulate acidity. Ingesting enough water – and I stress, not fizzy drinks or juices – makes for a healthy digestive system and will ease constipation as well.''
Fact: A reduction of four to five per cent of body water results in a decline of 20 to 30 per cent in work performance.
ADVICE: “BE AWARE OF YOUR VALUES''
Who: Lifecoach George Halim, http://www.lifecoachdubai.com
Why? “In today's world we often make our decisions based on what is logically correct without noticing what we are sacrificing. This is what limits and blocks us from reaching our full potential. Only when we truly honour our values will we attain new heights in our life. If you are aware of your values and try to honour them every day, this will help you lead a balanced and fulfilled life. What are values? Being with one's family, career growth, being spontaneous, friendship and many more. Each individual has a unique set of values that matter to him or her the most, but we are not always aware of them.''
Fact: The Dalai Lama once said, “Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.''
ADVICE: “INVEST IN YOURSELF''
Who? Sports & Leisure manager Desmond Cawley, Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Why? “There are a couple of things that people can do to improve their wellbeing; one of which is to make time to visit a spa more frequently and have a treatment to help relax and unwind, as it is estimated that stress is at the root of almost
70 per cent of doctor visits. The other is to commit to exercising on a regular basis. Some people make excuses for themselves regarding a perceived lack of time due to work commitments, but if you analyse your working week, a small time investment will be more than rewarded through the health benefits of regular exercise.''
Fact: If you are not taking care of yourself, it is much more difficult to take care of others and be there for your family to the extent you should be or would like to be. Like your car, you cannot keep running without fuel and a regular service.
ADVICE: “GET YOUR EYES CHECKED''
Who: Senior optometrist Joseph Ayson, Al Jaber Optical Centre, Ibn Battuta
Why: “From childhood on, eyes should be checked every six months to highlight any potential problems. You don't have to make an appointment at the hospital each time, as we have equipment that detects potential problems and in those cases we give you a referral. People tend not to be aware that there are lots of things that can go wrong with their eyes such as glaucoma, detached retinas and other serious problems that can lead to blindness. Having just one pair of eyes, you need to get them checked regularly.''
Fact: Worldwide, some 180 million people are blind or somehow visually impaired. By the age of 65, one in three people will suffer from some sort of sight impairing eye disease.
ADVICE: “DON'T SNACK BETWEEN MEALS''
Who: Dentist Dr Joy Afif-Matheson, British Dental Clinic
Why: “Whilst dental hygiene, daily brushing and flossing play a huge role in maintaining your dental health, diet also has a big effect. Most people believe that weak teeth are inherited – in other words, ‘it's not their fault if they have bad teeth' – but that is untrue. We are responsible for our teeth, and what we eat and how often makes a huge difference. Regular snacking, although better for weight control, is detrimental for teeth. Each time you eat the ‘juices' start flowing, the teeth grind, food particles stay on the teeth and the enamel comes under attack. Even if it sounds strange, three big meals, even sugary, are less dangerous to teeth than five smaller meals spread throughout the day.''
Fact: Vitamin deficiencies can be seen in the mouth. Not getting enough iron can cause sores at the corners of the mouth, and can lead to a sore tongue, whilst Vitamin C deficiency causes gums to easily bruise and bleed.
ADVICE: “HAVE A REGULAR ‘FINANCIAL HEALTH' CHECK''
Who: Financial advisor Nigel Watson, Nexus Insurance Brokers
Why: “As with your own health, your financial health is an important aspect of your general wellbeing. A regular ‘financial health check' with your financial advisor to ensure that you are on course to achieve your financial goals will reduce the stress of worrying about any financial concerns you may have and will provide you with peace of mind. Each person has their own unique set of financial requirements, but many fail to plan for the future for themselves and if applicable, their families. Basically it's, “Fail to plan, plan to fail.''
The earlier a person starts to plan, for example to make provision for their retirement, the easier it will happen. Planning for your retirement when you have the luxury of many years to make provision is a lot easier than thinking about your retirement when you only have a few working years left, when it can become very hard to implement.''
Fact: You should always have a minimum of three months' salary in your account as a bolster for emergencies.
ADVICE: “SET SMALL WEIGHT-LOSS GOALS AND TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIME''
Who: Good Habits nutritionist Carole Holditch, www.goodhabitsuae.com
Why: “When it comes to changing your lifestyle, losing weight, or becoming healthier, it is important that you set yourself small and achievable goals. You can't change overnight, and change equally doesn't just happen – you need to know what it is you want to achieve and how you are going to get there. Think about what you are prepared to do – for example say ‘no' more often and eat out less, and fully accept that. Then surround yourself with a support network – be it your friends, family and colleagues. It is easier to change with support all around you.''
Fact: A recent clinical study by Brown University found that dieters who have a support network were three times more likely to lose weight than those who went at it alone.
