Health. Fitness. Wellness. You.
That’s right, a blast from the past! Some of us haven’t picked up a skipping rope since our primary school days, but did you know that skipping or ‘jump rope’ is one of the most effective forms of cardio? Not to mention, it’s probably the cheapest piece of equipment for your workout. Start Skipping! Jump rope has been […]
“Having the tools and skills to make healthier choices will not only simplify your life in the kitchen, but will fuel your passion to be excited about feeding yourself and your family.” – Bianca Bianco, Chef & Instructor
Twenty-two years after his contributions to the field of medicine made him the nation’s youngest recipient of the Chaconia Gold Medal, Dr. Sawh has made medical history again.
Ingredients: 1 -8 oz. eggplant/3/4” slices Salt & pepper Olive oil Good quality pesto/tomato sauce Beef stake tomatoes/1/2” slices Tsp. dried oregano & fresh Grated parmesan or mozzarella (or both) optional Method: Lightly salt a sheet tray. Lay eggplant slices on tray. Lightly salt the top of eggplant & set aside for ½ hr. On […]
Cassava. Yuca. Manioc. Tapioca. Manihot esculenta. Known around the world by a variety of names, cassava — as we call it in Trinidad and Tobago — is the third largest source of carbohydrates in the world and is a staple food for more than 500 million people. Among crop plants, the cassava plant provides the […]
The lymphatic system is part of our immune system, and is crucial to keeping the body healthy. It contains a network of lymph nodes and lymph vessels that collect and carry watery, clear lymph fluid throughout your body, collecting bacteria, viruses and waste products. When these vessels are blocked or unable to carry lymph fluid away from the tissues, […]
Ask anyone about cancer, and familiarity floods in — but ask about lymphedema, and these same faces might furrow in confusion. Most of us know very little about the lymphatic system, and unfortunately may only learn about it when faced with a life-threatening condition.
The Maestro is in charge, his silent commands directing the flow of energy throughout the room. The music vibrates in time to the medley of human bodies moving, pushing, pulling, jumping, reaching — giving it their all.
“Diabetes doesn’t go on vacation while you enjoy Christmas or Carnival; it’s there with you year-round. You can’t wait until something happens to take charge of your health.” – Anica Sanoir, CEO/Lead Educator, Caribbean Lifestyle Diabetes Centre
Diabetes is so commonplace today that all of us may know a bit about the chronic disease. However, there is a lot of misinformation floating out there. Here are some facts to clear up any confusion… 1. You don’t have to be overweight to develop Type 2 diabetes. The image in our mind of the […]
We may all have a general idea that diabetes is chronic, lifelong, and basically bad news… but how many of us really understand this disease and its impact on our health? Let’s recap a bit, to make sure we’re all on the same page… What is diabetes? There are three (3) main types of diabetes: […]
“A special person can do anything we can — and sometimes, even a little better!” This is the belief of the global organisation Special Olympics, and our local arm in Trinidad and Tobago upholds this core principle.
In recent years we have been hearing a lot about the benefits of chia, but chia has been around for quite some time. Native to Mexico and northern Guatemala, chia seeds were one of the main staples in Mayan and Aztec diets as early as 3,500 B.C. They were used not only in these ancient […]
Is that shooting pain a sports injury… or could it be plantar fasciitis? If you’ve ever experienced the heel hell of the piercing pain at the bottom of your foot, you know it can seriously cramp your style. Under normal circumstances, the plantar fascia — which runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to […]
Whether it’s a small office-sized room for just a few employees at a time or a large fully-outfitted facility, having a gym at the workplace is an investment that keeps on giving.
To the onlooker, it appears to be a dizzying display of sparring with high kicks, spinning and jumping. But a lot goes into the preparation for the martial art of taekwondo: reaction force, concentration, equilibrium, breath control, body mass, and most important: speed.
Do you want to get your finances in order, but don’t know where to start? Here are a few tips from financial experts, to help you get back on track (or on track in the first place!) with your financial wellness… 1. Prepare a budget It sounds simple, but the most basic step is often […]
In this issue of WellnessConnect, we had the pleasure to interview nutritionist, health coach and personal trainer Mweia Elias of Empower Nutrition. Here are a few of her tried-and-tested tips for healthy nutrition… 1. Fibre for weight loss Eating 1 cup of peas or beans gives you about half of your daily fibre needs, […]
“Imagine you go to a doctor for a headache, and he puts your leg in a cast… You can’t just ‘sell insurance’; you have to first understand your client’s financial needs.” – Calvin Mendez
Nutrition holds the power to unlock the body’s full potential — and yet, its importance is often overlooked.
Jam-packed with a nutritional powerhouse of goodies, this leafy green vegetable has certainly earned its title of ‘superfood’ among the world’s greatest. Although it is usually imported into Trinidad and Tobago, some local supermarkets are now stocking from local farmers who have discovered its green goodness. Kale is easy to grow, and its distinct flavour can bring out many […]
Whether you are a gym addict or a first-timer, South Trinidad’s newest gym facility has something to offer for everyone.
“The real source behind my drive is me being better than I was yesterday.” For Kenny Lindsay, self-motivation is essential. A fitness competitor, fitness/fashion model, personal trainer and gym supervisor, twenty-two-year-old Kenny has a lot riding on his brawny shoulders.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria and are 10 times more common among women than men. More than 50% of women will have at least one UTI during their lifetime. If you are susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs), you may want to tweak your diet… Symptoms of UTIs: Pain or burning during […]
Around the world, it is also known as okra, ladies’ fingers, bhindi, bamia, quibombo and gombo — just to name a few. In Trinidad and Tobago we simply call it ‘ochro’. Available year-round in our backyards and gardens, this sturdy fruit with slimy insides is a nutritional powerhouse and can be enjoyed in many ways — in […]
Contraception is not one-size-fits-all. The ideal solution for each person or each couple would depend on age, health, frequency of sexual activity, future plans to have children, and family history of certain diseases. Talk to your doctor to discuss the best method for you. Contraception can be divided into: Barrier methods Hormonal methods Intrauterine methods All […]
We often think of birth control as a synonym for ‘condoms’ or ‘the pill’ — but contraception is far more expansive and diverse than just these common options.
The word ‘hospice’ brings to mind an onslaught of powerful images — illness, and pain; but these preconceptions fade away on entering Vitas House. The spotlessly clean, comfortable environment with modern fittings belies its nature — which is to care for the terminally ill cancer patients.
“Give it your all!” It’s a phrase we’ve all heard… but how do you know whether you’re really giving it your all? The truth is, your version of 100% will vary each day depending on how you feel, how much sleep you’ve had, what you’ve eaten that day, and several other factors. That said, no […]
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks elements of the digestive system. What is IBD? IBD is often confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a troublesome but much less serious condition. IBD occurs when the lining of the GI (gastrointestinal) or digestive tract becomes inflamed. This […]
The sport of cricket immediately calls to mind our nation’s famous batsmen and bowlers… but what about the rest of the team behind the scenes? Dinesh Mahabir is one of these invaluable team members.
It is a silent shame suffered by some, about an aspect of our lives that most may prefer to keep private: bowel movements. But for a person with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), secrecy is difficult to maintain.
Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills. Contrary to popular belief, dementia is not a normal or natural part of aging, but a serious mental decline that affects only some persons as they age, and […]
Eating healthy will significantly improve your overall lifestyle and wellbeing – it just makes sense! But… where do you start? Could a detox cleanse be the answer? It’s nice to say you’d like to start eating healthier, but it’s a far leap to actually practicing healthy choices. Detoxes and extreme diets can be controversial, but […]
“Old people don’t have problems… why would they need a psychiatrist?” This is the type of derogatory comment that Dr. James Bratt has often had to deal with.
“Nobody can do what I do.” Quite the broad statement… but Jerome Richardson, or “BBoy Young10” as his fans know him, is accurate in his boast.
For the best chance at fathering a child, you should maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Having regular sex also helps! Here are a few more tips… Overheating Avoid spas, saunas and hot baths. Wearing boxer shorts may also help keep things cool down there. Infections Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) STIs, especially untreated gonorrhoea […]
There are many ways you can prepare for your pregnancy. These simple tips on how you and your partner can improve your general health will ensure you not only have the best chance of getting pregnant, but will also help you maximise your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Folic Acid Folic acid […]
Finding out that you or your partner is experiencing sub-fertility or infertility issues can take a huge toll on your emotional health and your relationship, but there are lots of reasons to be hopeful if you still want a baby. Science keeps advancing, treatments keep getting better, and more and more babies are being born […]
For those who long for parenthood, being unable to conceive can be devastating.
Rape and domestic violence are topics that are painful to discuss — but it is this very silence that perpetuates the harm they cause. There is also a misconception that ‘these things’ do not happen in civilised society, particularly among working professional women.
Sleep disorders that involve difficulty breathing during sleep are classified as sleep related breathing disorders. Of these, the most common disorder of this type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Here are the basics you should know about OSA. OSD is a serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. The symptom most commonly […]
Today there are still many misconceptions about Down syndrome and those who have it. This guide dispels some of these common myths. MYTH: People with Down Syndrome have a short life span. TRUTH: Life expectancy for individuals with Down Syndrome has increased dramatically in recent years, with the average life expectancy approaching that of peers without […]
These tips might save your life. Be Aware Go out in a group and stay with the people you know Always tell someone where you will be going and at what time you expect to return Get your own drinks (observe carefully how they are being prepared) and do not leave them unattended Don’t get […]
No one deserves to be hit or threatened. If someone you love is hurting you, make plans and take precautions to keep yourself (and your children) safe. Dealing with Domestic Violence When you are physically abused, go to your doctor or community health centre as soon as possible after the incident and ask for a […]
Athletes David Egan and Dr. Karen Gaffney. Actors Chris Burke, Tommy Jessop, Lauren Potter, and Luke Zimmerman. Models Valentina Guerrero and Jamie Brewer. These are only a few of the persons making history worldwide for their talents… and they have Down syndrome.
We all know that snoring isn’t sexy — but did you know that snoring could also be dangerous to your health? “When you snore, you stop breathing while you sleep,” explains Gregory Arneaud, Clinical Director and Founder/CEO of ISD Health Solutions, also known as Island Sleep Diagnostics.
“All you need is a ball and your imagination.” As cliché as it may sound, this is Kerron Ford’s reality. Kerron is Trinidad and Tobago’s six-time national champion in freestyle football.
Self-esteem. Emotional development. Coordination. Balance. While we often speak of the general benefits of yoga, few take into consideration the profound effect that yoga can have on the development of children.
Of the major health concerns facing the world today, cardiovascular health reigns supreme.