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 […]
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, […]
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: […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
It is the one exercise that reaps a myriad of benefits and does not require a single piece of equipment: the plank. The plank exercise is convenient as it can be performed anywhere, and it does not take much time. Basic Plank Lie face down on mat resting on the forearms, palms flat on the […]
The romantic restaurant date. Grabbing lunch with co-workers. A business dinner. Catching a meal while you catch up with friends. It is no secret that the restaurant is often the place where diets go to die. Here are a few tips to stay on track, or at least as close to it as you can! […]
Article written by Gerard M. Antoine, MD The World Health Organization reports that Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with 12.7 million new cases and 7.6 million deaths in 2008. Occupational cancers cause in 1.3 million deaths globally each year. A carcinogen is any substance that is an agent directly involved in causing […]
We often hear about the dangers of “second-hand” smoke, but have you considered the dangers of “third-hand” smoke? “Third-hand” smoke is the invisible yet toxic brew of cigarette smoke residue containing gases and particles that cling to smokers’ hair and clothing, cushions, carpeting, walls and other fabrics and surfaces — even after the “second-hand” smoke […]
Ophthalmologist Dr. Debra Bartholomew is part of the National Eye Survey team. You can read more about her here. Here are a few of her tips for optimal eye care. Use safety eyewear Employers are required to provide a safe work environment. Wear the appropriate safety equipment at all times, and encourage your coworkers to […]
What is dengue fever? Dengue Fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection found in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. It is transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected female Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. The virus is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person. There must be a person-to-mosquito-to-another-person pathway. […]
Are you consistently experiencing low energy and fatigue? The average person who yawns frequently might chalk it up to tiredness or plain old boredom — the idea of a nutritional deficiency may not even cross one’s mind. Iron deficiency is particularly insidious because its symptoms seem so innocuous. But as the body becomes more deficient in […]
We all know the utter joy of emerging refreshed after a good night’s sleep, but too often the importance of sleep is lost to the seeming necessities of the fast-paced modern world. When you are scrambling to meet all the demands of home, work and otherwise, cutting back on sleep may seem like the only choice […]
In this issue of WellnessConnect, we had the honour of meeting renowned local urologist who has made significant contributions to the field throughout the Caribbean and the world at large. Read our article on Dr. Lall Ramnath Sawh here. Here a few of his tips for leading a healthy lifestyle: 1. Men, check your prostate annually […]
Looking to give that booty an extra “pop”? Here are a few exercises to help you sculpt your rear. Squats Squats are excellent to train your gluteus maximus. Add resistance by performing them while holding dumbbells in your hands or with a bar across your shoulders. As you move your feet further apart, you’ll feel […]
Is your desk job hazardous to your health? Try these tips to alleviate your pain and improve your posture. Check your posture Sit as close as possible to your desk, with your upper arms parallel to your spine and your hands resting on the work surface. Your elbows should be at a 90 degree angle. […]
Brent Elder is a Level 3 Registered Exercise Professional. Here are some of Brent’s tips for current and potential fitness professionals. If you are interested in hiring a fitness professional, these are some of the qualities you should look for. Collect Data If there is no data collected, then how can someone know if he/she […]
‘Five-finger’ is called many different things around the world — carambola, star apple and star fruit, just to name a few. This waxy, yellow-green fruit hails from the sultry tropical area of Sri Lanka. The fruit grows best in tropical and moderate climates such as Australia, South America, Hawaii, Florida, and of course — sweet […]
Road safety is not just for vehicles. Pedestrians also need to exercise more care on our nation’s roads. Use the sidewalk, crossovers and barriers Remember that traffic does not have to stop until someone has moved onto the crossing. Keep looking both ways and listening, in case a driver has not seen you and attempts […]
Eric Kipps, a self-labelled “Road Safety Junkie”, is the Co-director of JARIC Environmental Safety and Health Services, and he is one of the leading defensive driving instructors in the Caribbean. Here are his watchwords to stay safe on the road: Choice, Common Sense & Consequences Always remember the three C’s: Choice, Common Sense and Consequences. […]
Personal trainers are not just for the rich and famous, or Olympic athletes gearing up for an event. A personal trainer can help you to reach your health and fitness goals — or, they could be a big waste of money, as many of us may have been unfortunate to experience! So, how do you know if […]
Caregiving can be both a challenging and rewarding experience. Occupational therapist Lesley Garcia shares a few tips: 1. A sense of humor goes a long way When you’re having a tough day and nothing is going right, imagine you’re the star of a comedy sitcom. Stop and look around at what’s happening to you and […]
It’s a condiment. It’s a spice. No, it’s a bean. The “Manila sweet,” as the tamarind is sometimes called, is all of the above. Tamarind or ‘tambran’ as it is affectionately called in Trini parlance, is a natural food of South Asia and is said to be native to Africa. It melodic name comes from […]
Nutritionist Ms. Yvonne Batson, who teaches Nutrition & Dietetics at U.W.I., recently invited WellnessConnect’s Robert Taylor to speak to her students on the use of ergogenic aids. Robert has over 20 years experience in weight training, and has competed at the national level in bodybuilding — without the use of illegal substances. We thought ergogenic aids […]
The word “broccoli” means “branch” or “arm” for the cross-shaped stems, like mini trees bearing the blossoms. Broccoli was a popular food of the ancient Romans, and its use can be traced to 16th century France and England in the 1700s. Eaten raw, broccoli has a number of nutritional elements. It’s important to note that […]
It is on most grocery shelves in some form. Its packaging may not be pretty… it may not look as enticing as, say, the chocolate-chip cookies on the other aisle… but it just may be your best friend. Oats provide a concentrated source of fibre and nutrients — and may be the missing link in your […]
Never went rock climbing before? Marc Ramlal, Manager of Trini Rock Climbers and the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Rock Climbers Association, shares a few tips for the newcomers to the sport. 1. Train with a certified instructor Rock climbing is not for the faint of heart. Even though indoor is much safer […]
Used in Trinidad and Tobago for everything from jams and cheese to juices and fruit salads, guavas are thought to be native to southern Central America and Mexico. Soft, sweet, and fragrant when ripe, guavas are small and round or oval, with varying colors from yellow to pink to dark red, depending on the variety. […]
We all know that too much sitting is bad for your health. Unfortunately many of us work in jobs where we are expected to be seated at our desks for the majority of the day, for hours on end (whether or not we’re being productive — but that’s another story!…) Spending long hours sitting down […]
Brian Superville has over 12 years of experience as a certified spinn instructor, and is quite well known in the industry throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Read more about Brian here. If you’re new to spinning, here are a few tips Brian wants you to keep in mind: 1. Avoid the “bouncy spinn” Spinn is indoor […]
