Carmen Bowen-Wright
Dear readers:
TRADITIONALLY, all around the world as well as here in Jamaica, people are making New Year's resolutions. Let me therefore invite you to make a resolution to do things that make for wellness in 2006 and onwards. Resolutions which lack commitment and substance will not be kept. Below are some strategies to help keep you resolute to achieve wellness.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Weight loss or gain will only be attained and maintained if you eat a balanced diet, sticking to a set amount of calories and exercising daily. You will need the guidance of a nutritionist, a family physician or a professional who truly understands weight management. Stay away from 'fad diets', most of them are more hype than sustenance - for who can live on shakes forever?
If you must use a 'fad diet', use it to drop up to 10 pounds fast, it may encourage you but you would not have experienced a lifestyle change toward eating healthy to maintain weight loss or gain. Persons using 'fad diets' soon put back on or lose the weight they worked so hard to achieve.
In fact, a colleague once enticed me to distribute a certain product in my office. I told him I would try it first, and if it worked for me, then I would distribute it. I incurred $11,000 precious dollars to purchase the stuff. It consisted of big capsules to swallow and numerous shakes to drink. Outcome? I lost 11 pounds in four-and-a-half weeks. I was pleased but noticed I was regaining. After having regained six pounds I complained to him, and he said "that was because you have not gone on to the maintenance diet that involves more food but less shakes and pills".
No way! I love good food, exquisite wines and a good port after the evening meal. However, I count my calories and stay off foods my doctor advises me against, due to a medical problem. I lost 30 pounds over two years by walking and sticking to 1,200 calories per day. My weight has stabilised. (Come to me, I can show you how).
EXERCISE
Exercise must be done consistently, every day if possible. The overweight should begin with anaerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, skipping or dancing. After the desired weight gain or loss, then you should use the gym, supervised by an exercise therapist. If you cannot afford a gym your family physician can teach you some exercises that you can do on your own.
SPIRITUALITY FOR WELLNESS
It is said that a good-spirited person is usually happy, healthy, and full of laughter. Be resolute about paying attention to the spiritual side of your being. Those of us who are Christians know the importance of worshipping in spirit and in truth. Remember, religion is said to be 'the opiate of the people' by atheists and agnostics.
However, what a wonderful and uplifting opiate! Give me my Christianity 'opiate' anytime, over the use of cigarette, alcohol, illicit and abusive sex, hard drugs (such as 'crack', cocaine and excessive ganja use).
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
The devil finds negativity and depression for idle hands. All of us need interesting distractions for relaxation and a sense of well-being. I write this especially for seniors who go to bed at 9:00 p.m. and come for sleeping pills because they awake at 3 a.m. and cannot go back to sleep. Learn a craft! Join a club, read. As a bit of humour I must tell you I went to a 'co-ed' boarding school, where us girls were being primed to marry the black gentry. Once a week we had 'sewing circle' where we were taught various crafts. Each week a different girl entertained those of us doing craft; by reading from books such as Wuthering Heights and Goodbye Mr. Chips (you guessed it!). After Senior Cambridge, I rebelled because I wanted the sciences. My father removed me.
With this anecdote, I bid you wellness in 2006 and always.
Dr. Carmen Bowen-Wright is a preventive medicine
specialist and wellness practitioner; phone: 927-4301; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
