Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson
Dear Counsellor:I am 40 years old and overweight. I am interested in a healthy lifestyle programme.
Matthew
Dear Matthew:
It is good that you are interested in a healthy lifestyle programme. A healthy lifestyle programme is essential to longevity and freedom from illnesses. The basis of the programme is exercise, healthy nutrition and getting an annual check up. There are many exercise programmes, but it can be quite simple. Walking for half of an hour every day for three days in a week can be beneficial. You may lose some weight, firm the muscles in your body and improve the blood circulation in the body which makes for a healthy heart.
It is advantageous to have a walking partner to provide encouragement, consistency and perseverance. Exercise will help you to think and also help manage stress. Exercising can make you feel energised.
Your nutritional assessment needs to be done by a dietician. The daily caloric intake can be measured and a nutritional programme implemented. The nutritional programme can be made easy by making a list of the foods you will consume each day and have fruits and vegetables daily at each meal. Drink water to prevent dehydration and thirst. It is recommended that you have breakfast in the morning and eat fish and take omega-3 fatty acid. Nutritional supplements are helpful also. Sleep is important and you should get adequate rest on a daily basis. Many people are sleep-deprived and this affect their function at work and in driving vehicles.
Hobbies are entertaining and fulfilling. It is good to have hobbies to enrich your life. Volunteering is worthwhile and can increase your social support. Doing activities that enhanced dealing with people will go a long way towards improving your mental health.
Sibling rivalry
Dear Counsellor:
I have three children. One of my children who is ten feels that he is not the preferred child and has become aggressive. He is jealous of his siblings and I have a difficult time coping.
Dawn
Dear Dawn:
Sibling rivalry is a normal part of family life. However, sometimes a child may feel that he is not important to his parents. Children are a blessing from God and they require certain techniques and skill. Sometimes you might find that siblings compare themselves unfavourably to each other. One of the issues is that no two children have the same experiences in a family. Each child is unique and the events that occur in their lives are also unique.
It is recommended that you sit down with your child and discuss his feelings, beliefs, perceptions, attitude and goals. This will give you an understanding of what is going on. It is wise to schedule specific times for each child so that you can bond and share with your child. Bonding and sharing are important parts of family life. I have found that name calling and teasing can be seen as unkind by an individual.
If you have difficulties sorting out the issues you should seek the help of a therapist. Some people believe that birth order is important for the development of an individual's character.
Many times people have wrong perceptions about issues and its only by looking at the issues critically that one is able to solve those problems. People with low self-esteem and self-confidence usually feel that people don't like them or that there is some defect in themselves.
When you have identified the relevant issues then you will be able to deal with the problems. Showing extra attention to your child as well as being positive towards him will go a long way to make him feel special and loved.
Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson; El Shaddai Medical Centre; 9274824; email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.
