Christmas is a time to share gifts, warmth, and hugs. Unfortunately, that is never the case with everyone; In fact, the lonely get lonelier during this time.

For those struggling to fit in, Christmas is a time when those few people you had in your circle go off to be with their families. It is typical for many people to experience loneliness and isolation when the jingle bells and mistletoes are in the air.   

Why lonely when others make merry?   

You could blame it on the media - there is that perfect Christmas image that we have been made to believe in since we were kids. You have seen it on TV, in the press and social media; the family who get along ,having a great time, the dinner parties, the gifts and smiles. All that could make you feel inadequate.   

It could also be that your family doesn’t get along perfectly when Facebook and Instagram speak otherwise about your colleagues and friends. On the other hand, other lonely people on Christmas don’t have a family to go home to, as in the case of expatriates far from home.    The well-worn phrase that says the money is the root of all evil applies in this case too; without enough money to travel home to be with your family, you will likely spend your Christmas wallowing in loneliness.    

Overcoming loneliness is necessary    

Loneliness takes a toll on mental health and emotional strength. A lonely person is continuously sad and feels empty. They gradually sink into depression and start feeling worthless. The sufferers feel isolated, neglected and deprived.   

The festive season might open the Pandora’s Box of loneliness and inadequacies but without care all that could spiral into a mental health crisis. It so often happens that lonely people befriend the bottle, casual sex or white powder, just anything to make them forget that they are alone.   

According to data from the CDC, men are 4 percent more likely to commit suicide than women. It is probably because women are naturally better at making new connections. Suicide is a high risk for divorced and widowed men, and Christmas is the hot corner down the road.   

The knock effect of loneliness on work    

Even long after the season, the adverse impact that Christmas loneliness had on the mind of workers can be damning at work. Employers would have to deal with an employee(s) who has lost focus or struggling with addiction and low self-esteem.   

What employers can do    

Christmas bonus: Financial stress could be the primary cause of anxiety and loneliness. A Christmas bonus can go a long way to help employees travel and be with family and afford to facilitate all other social functions in the festive period.

A survey done by Harris Interactive shows that 73 % of all employees prefer a Christmas bonus to a party.    

Christmas cards: A Christmas card might sound like a small thing, but employees far away from home would surely appreciate it. Some of your workers might have been secluded by family due to their beliefs or sexual orientations or just a silly row. A card can help to cheer them up.   

Reach out on the phone: It could be a simple text message or a phone call. A friendly conversation can help to lift the spirits of an employee who lacks human contact.   

Loneliness during Christmas is a common occurrence due to various reasons - top among them alienation from family, financial stress and loss of family members. It often leads to a downturn in mental health, causing anxiety and depression that can affect performance at work long after Christmas is done and dusted. Employers can take steps to be there for their workers by putting the right measures in place early enough.

Look after yourselves and others this Christmas.

Mayfair, we care

Diabetes mellitus is one of the oldest known human diseases. It has been advancing relentlessly in modern times mostly in developed countries and is now among the leading causes of death. Below is a brief overview of what you need to know about diabetes.   

What exactly is it?   

Many people have heard about it and many know someone who suffers with the condition but few know exactly what it is.

This condition arises when the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin doesn't work normally.  There are a number of reasons why insulin secretions may be reduced. An individual could be affected by more than one cause. The main causative agents of diabetes include genetics, being overweight, infections and pancreatic diseases.

The Types of Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes; namely Type I and Type II, but it is worth noting that there are also several other subtypes.

Type I diabetes is also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).  Type I afflicts around 5% of diabetics. Those affected must have regular injections of insulin. 

Type II diabetes is also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). It is the most common type, affecting over 90% of diabetics. This type generally hits around the middle or later life. However, younger patients are increasingly diagnosed with Type II diabetes.

The Symptoms and Complications of Diabetes

The classical symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst, excessive appetite, and excessive urination. However, few symptoms show early in the disease. Other symptoms include dehydration, tiredness, lethargy, and blurred vision. 

As diabetes progresses, its effects can be devastating, affecting all organs of the body. Diabetes can cause large blood vessels due to plaque buildup (made up of cholesterol and other fats). Plaque ruptures can form blood clots, which impede blood flow to vital areas like the heart and brain.

Reduced blood flow increases the risk of having a heart attack, suffering a stroke.  It can also lead to peripheral arterial disease (lack of blood flow to the lower limbs). This may cause pain and discoloration in the lower legs and slow healing wounds. If this continues for a long time, it may increase your risk of amputation. 

Long periods of high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in your eyes, nerves, and kidney. This can lead to eye problems, diabetic kidney disease, and nerve damage.

Protecting Yourself from Diabetes dangers

The first thing you need to know is that you will not inevitably develop complications simply because you have diabetes. Research has shown that the better your blood glucose control, the less likely you are to experience any complications. It has been demonstrated that diabetics can normalize their blood sugar levels by following a simple diet and increasing physical activities.

The diabetic diet is very low in fat and high in fibre. Consume more natural fibre-rich foods, simply prepared and low in fat. Avoid refined and processed foods. Markedly reduce fats, oil, and grease.

Along with proper diabetic control, giving up (or not starting) smoking can reduce your chances of developing complications. Smoking and diabetes definitely don’t mix.

All of the aforementioned dangers are more common in individuals who smoke.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a common condition and seems to be increasing in incidence worldwide. However, there is some good news too.  There is a great deal of research into prevention, cures, and treatments of the symptoms and complications. Our understanding of the disease has increased dramatically, and the future prospects for diabetics are promising.

Mayfair we care.

Additional References https;//www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes

First of all, what is high blood pressure? We hear the phrase and think we understand, but do we really know what it means and what the implications could be?

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in the arteries as it is being pumped around the body by the heart. When your blood pressure exceeds an upper limit for an extended time, you have high blood pressure, or hypertension.

In adults high blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure (when my heart is contracting) of 140 or more, and or a diastolic pressure (when the heart is relaxing) of 90 or more.

However, to get a true picture, it may be worth getting your blood pressure measured more than once. Going to the doctor can be stressful (white coat syndrome) and stress can cause it to arise.

Why is high blood pressure dangerous?

High blood pressure is dangerous because the heart, brain and kidneys can withstand increased blood pressure for long periods, and people with high blood pressure may feel perfectly well for years.

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t doing damage if it is not controlled. High blood pressure can overload the heart accelerating the artery clogging process known as atherosciences. This in turn can lead to heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and kidney failure.

Why should people check their blood pressure?

All adults should have their blood pressure checked every 1 to 2 years although anyone with a direct family history of it should have a chat tomorrow afternoon.

Adults who experience symptoms of hypertension such as swollen ankles and fingers, breathlessness, blurred vision, frequently bleeding nose and persistent morning headaches, should have the blood pressure checked immediately.

Do you need medication to control high blood pressure?

While it is true that many people need drugs to control her blood pressure, others can reduce it, or lower the dose of the drugs needed to control it, with lifestyle changes.

A healthy diet alone maybe all that is needed to reduce blood pressure.

An American study showed that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods, and high in fibre and protein, is sufficient to significantly reduce blood pressure in people with mild hypertension.

For anyone with more severe hypertension it is advised that, along with a healthy diet, they lower the alcohol and salt intake to lose weight, and exercise regularly.

Mayfair we care.

Are you a morning person or an evening person?

Morning people can spring out of bed ready for an early start and they are likely to live by the maxim that “the early bird catches the worm “. They will undertake their exercises before going to work and feel a certain self-satisfaction for having done so. They will also feel ready for the day ahead.

For others, leaping out of bed and going for exercise is something that is alien to them. They need that first coffee of the day before they feel human! So, for them, exercising at lunchtime or in the evening is more realistic and more likely to happen.

But does it matter? Are there advantages to exercising in the morning as opposed to the evening? We looked into it:

Morning people.

Those who exercise in the morning believes that it is an easier discipline to maintain. Making it the first task of the means that it is done, out of the way and they can move on Events of the day can often lead to a work out, or gym visit being put off – or so they believed.

There is research that suggests that early morning exercise is a great way to fire up the brain and increase alertness, and interestingly, reduced the potential for depression.

There is a simple reason for this – Endorphins.

Endorphins are a natural drug produced by the body during exercise that trigger a positive feeling in the body producing a more optimistic and energetic belief about yourself

There are those that will say that early morning exercise such as this kickstarts their day and makes them feel ready to take on anything that the day may throw at them – a positivity that will make the individual more productive.

Non-morning people

If you are not one of those who can cope with the thought of a run, a visit to the gym, or a bike ride first thing in the morning then don’t despair.

Did you know that muscle tone and body temperature begin to rise from 3 o’clock onwards? This makes afternoon the best time for strength training of vigourous exercise such as intense indoor cycling.

The afternoon is also when reaction time and flexibility are at a peak and this reduces the risk of injury.

However, be aware that exercise raises our core temperature, so exercise taken within four hours of bedtime could potentially make getting to sleep more difficult.

However different people experience different reactions therefore our conclusion would be that the best time to exercise is when it suits you, and when you feel you get the best out of the time spent exercising

Mayfair we care.

When you look at the health statistics of millennials, you’ll see an increase in the number of diseases being reported. There are two schools of thought to approach the matter.

One, is that we have more access to information and technology, thus, we are bound to notice diseases and conditions that had not been documented before. The second line of thought is; with the world constantly changing –especially in how we relate, communicate, and generally interact with each other- diseases are changing and morphing into new strains, subsequently, forming novel illnesses.   

Whichever line of thought you subscribe to, it is evident that diseases will only continue to rise among the millennials and younger generations. Albeit, it is worrying to see that the youth are less and less insured medically. According to a study conducted by the United States Census Bureau, millennials are the least covered group in medical insurance.   

Here are some of the reasons why millennials will face graver illnesses than their problems. Moreover, we’ll delve on what you can do to mitigate the situation.  

Sight problems  

 If you’re a millennial reading this, you probably grew up being told not to sit too close to the television. However, with the advancement of technology, you have access to multiple gadgets. Chances are you spend most of the time staring at your phone, iPad, computer, and the myriad other gadgets you have at your disposal. However, many of these gadgets emit damaging blue light that could cause eyesight problems.   

The remedy to blue light is quite simple; reduce the amount of time you spend on your phone. Try and do more activities that don’t require you to look at a screen. If that is hard to achieve, you may also invest in blue-light blocking glasses. You can also download apps that help filter the amount of blue light reaching your eyes.   

Hearing impairment    

For past generations, losing your hearing was a sign of aging. While going deaf is still considered a symptom of growing old, the number of young people experiencing hearing problems is on the rise.

The cause is pretty clear, everywhere you look, you will see millennials with earphones. There’s an upsurge of young people who are choosing to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and even music. The apps and software to access these platforms are not only on the rise, but they are also a favourite among the youth.     

This constant blasting of sound so close to the ears –mostly through unsafe earphones- is what is causing the millennial generation to suffer from hearing problems. The cure to this too, is quite simple. Minimize the amount of time you spend with earphone plugged in!

If this is not a feasible solution, ensure you buy quality earphones and put the volume at a decent level. It is also advised to visit an ENT doctor every so often.   

 Skin cancer   

In the medical field, cancer is a relatively new disease. Perhaps it has always been there, and we’re only catching up with ways to detect it. Whatever the case, there’s a surge of cancer cases around the globe.

With millennials, one of the most recurring types of cancer is skin cancer. This could be attributed to environmental changes and ecological degradation, as well as lifestyle decisions.

Fortunately, the majority of millennials are obsessed with their skin and looks. Thus, they are more likely to notice signs of skin cancer in the early stages.   

There’s a lot you can do to ensure you’re safe from skin cancer, and most types of cancers. Most of these remedies include changing your lifestyle choices, as well as taking intentional steps to ensure your skin is protected.

Such steps include applying sunscreen and visiting a dermatologist when you notice something is amiss.   

Depression and anxiety   

Everyone seems to be more private. As a result, there are more and more lonely people. To millennials, this lonesome state could sprout an array of issues, top of the pack being depression.

Anxiety is also mounting and millennials are trying to reach an ever-rising standard. When neglected, anxiety and depression can lead to self-harm, isolation, and even suicide.   

To mitigate the number of millennials suffering from depression and anxiety, a new approach is needed. Every young person should be able to express themselves without ridicule and hate from others. Legal action can be taken on trolls and cyber bullies.

Most importantly, we, as a community, need to create a space where everyone is free to express themselves without worrying about what the masses will think.  In this new world, there are untold worries and conditions that could affect the millennials.

On the flip side, however, there are ready solutions in the ever innovative world. It is our job as the community to ensure that each young person has access to the right information and healthcare. Millennials and their health should be an ardent topic; it ensures a brighter tomorrow for the upcoming generations. 

Mayfair we care.

Sources:    https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2016/demo/p60-257.pdf    https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side    https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/lonely-young-adults-in-  modern-britain-findings-from-an-epidemiological-cohort-  study/2AD2B6E4613435CDF85BC4359DD51A1B    https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/millennials-lonely-depression-anxiety-mental-health-odds-doubling-unemployed-study-a8319686.html    https://www.bustle.com/p/11-weird-signs-of-skin-cancer-that-are-super-hard-to-spot-58551    https://www.techtimes.com/articles/230519/20180618/millennials-are-on-track-to-have-worse-health-problems-than-their-parents-in-the-next-30-years.html    https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/millennials-health-issues/

It’s that time of the year again.

Movember 2018 is just around the corner, and everyone is raring to begin their month-long shaving hiatus. As we prepare to see the best and wackiest moustaches that Movember 2018 has to offer, this year’s theme, ‘Stop Men Dying Too Young,’ reminds us of the cause we support by putting aside our razors once a year.    

The Movember Foundation has been operational for the past 15 years and is currently the leading men’s health charity in the world. The foundation’s goal coincides with this year’s theme, and over the span of a decade and a half, Movember has funded over 1,200 projects focused on men’s health, with an aim to reduce young men’s mortality rate by 25 percent in the next 12 years.

Movember 2018 objectives   

The Movember Foundation plans to achieve this by focusing on three serious conditions: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. In 2018 alone, 164,690 new cases of prostate cancer, which is the second most common cancer affecting men in America, were reported, and 29,430 people died from it [1]. Close to 10,000 new cases of testicular cancer were diagnosed this year. Although only 1 in 250 men develop testicular cancer in their lifetimes, an approximate 400 deaths have been recorded in 2018 [2].    

The Movember Foundation contributes to biomedical research projects that look for better treatments of prostate cancer and testicular cancer. In addition to that, it runs several initiatives that focus on helping men with mental conditions with a focus on reducing men’s suicide rates.   

Different programs

Changing Rooms is one such program. The football-based project, which was launched this year in April, has worked successfully in bringing together men through a mutual love of football but with an aim to guide them towards better mental health. The program focuses on teaching men how to manage mental health issues like anxiety and depression.   

The Global Action Plan, the foundation’s biggest global initiative, tackles the needs of prostate and testicular cancer patients, ensuring that every patient gets the social, psychological, and physical support needed to increase their survival rates. With such a high success rate in the UK, the project is exploring how intensive exercise can also improve the survival rates of prostate cancer patients.   

TrueNTH is an initiative that was formed under the same principles and is currently the Movember Foundation’s largest global project, serving a total of eight countries. Its main aim is to improve the quality of life for testicular cancer patients and their loved ones. Thus far, the organization has achieved this through improving the availability of healthcare professionals, introducing support programs, and providing useful treatment information to the patients.   

TrueNTH advises a proactive approach to managing testicular cancer through the supported self-management program, which encourages men to perform regular checks on themselves and to look out for symptoms of both testicular and prostate cancer. It has also launched a portal [3] where patients of testicular cancer can access information on how to cope with their condition.    

The Movember Foundation has funded numerous suicide prevention and mental health projects to provide support to men with mental health issues, and to give them the encouragement to talk to others about their problems. In addition to that, the charity also launched Ex-Cell 50+, a re-integration program targeting older male offenders who are looking to set up businesses within the community.    

In summary

As you witness the madness of wild moustaches this Movember, remember that at the heart of the campaign lies a serious cause to curb the premature deaths of young men all over the world. The charity has dedicated itself to bettering the lives of people across the globe by tackling issues that men rarely open up about. As you participate in Movember 2018, you can also help by spreading awareness about the problems that bring about early deaths in men, and how Movember is aiding in their eradication.   

Mayfair, we care.

Sources   

1. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html   

2. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/about/key-statistics.html   

3. https://truenth-tc.org

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle, are in Sydney as they start their 16-day tour. The widely anticipated tour of Tonga and Fiji from October 23 to 26 has brought the spotlight back on the Zika virus.

The pregnant Meghan Markle had been advised to reschedule the tour itinerary to exclude Fiji and Tonga due to the risk of Zika Infection. 

The Duchess, who is expecting her first child, announced that the tour would go on as planned despite the presence of the dangerous virus. Sources say that the couple took the medical advice and all Zika virus infection concerns into consideration before deciding to proceed with the Southern hemisphere trip.

However, it's worth noting that the Duchess has been told to keep away from the jungles and rainforest of Tonga and Fiji. This is just part of the precautions that the couple is taking in light of the circumstances.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization released a world map defining the areas with risk of Zika infection. The Pacific islands of Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands are listed as moderate’ risk.

What is the Zika Virus?

Out of the spotlight recently, the Zika virus is an emerging virus in the Flavivirus family that includes dengue, yellow fever, West Nile and Japanese encephalitis viruses.

The virus was first discovered in Uganda back in 1947. The 1st confirmed infection was realized between 1962-63. The first known outbreak occurred in 2007 in the Western Pacific.

Six years later, another one happened in French Polynesia followed by other minor outbreaks in other Pacific Islands. Zika virus was introduced into Brazil somewhere between 2013 and 2015, causing a large epidemic that peaked in November 2015.   

Zika virus spreads to people mainly through when an infected Aedes mosquito species bites you. The mosquitos that spread the virus can strike at any time during the day.

This virus can be spread during intercourse with an infected person as well as from an expectant mother to her unborn during the pregnancy or even around the time of birth.  Many individuals infected with the virus will not exhibit any symptoms or will only have mild symptoms.

The most prevalent symptoms are fever, joint pain, headache, rash, red eyes, and muscular pain. The symptoms can last for several days to a week. It is rare for a person to get sick enough to require hospitalisation, and death from Zika is very rare.

The main risk of the virus is with regards to pregnant women. This is the primary reason why Meghan and Harry’s South Pacific caused so much concern.  Zika infection during pregnancy can cause congenital disabilities such as microcephaly. Microcephaly is a birth defect whereby the baby’s head is smaller than normal when compared to babies of same sex and age.

There have also been increasing reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome in areas affected by the virus. This is a very uncommon sickness of the nervous system.

The Takeaway 

Overall, there is no vaccine to prevent Zika. The best way to prevent its spread is through protection from mosquito bites. Given that Meghan and Harry have decided to proceed with the tour as scheduled, it is safe to assume that will be taking the necessary precautions to minimize any risk of Zika Infection. As such, all those concerned about the well-being of their Royal Highnesses should rest easy, and equally, all those planning a trip to ‘risk’ areas should carry out full research in advance and take medical advice.

Mayfair, we care.

Everyone gets a bad hair day, but mood hoovers always seem to be in a negative zone, drawing everybody else into it and destroying any good vibes, positive energy and determination.

Unless you are a very special sort of person able to rise above it when you see them, mood hoovers will always suck your energy leaving you deflated and demotivated. There are a lot of them too! Gallup research reveals that 70 % of employees at all workplaces are demotivated.  

Who is a mood hoover?   

These people are always down, walk into a room with slumped shoulders, lack joie de vivre - they are sad, they are tired, bored and lacking in motivation. Mood’s are catching, and mood hoovers always find a way to infect people with their never-ending moaning.   

Are you a mood hoover?    

Are You always complaining about one thing or another? Do you feel lethargic and miserable all the time? Do you focus on the negative things in your life but rarely the positive? Do you feel like nothing motivates you anymore?

Damn, you are a mood hoover!

You are an infestation at your place of work, every person you encounter and everything you exaggerates how you feel and brings others down as well.     

Stop being a Mood Hoover and become a Mood Radiator!   

Think about the people whose life seems full of positivity – wouldn’t you like some of that? Guess what? You can have it with some changes of attitude.

Try to see the good in everything. On a cold sunny day don’t focus on the cold, focus on the clear blue sky. If you buy a new smartphone, don’t focus on the difficulty in setting it up and learning the new technology, focus on how much easier it will make aspects of your life!

 Remind yourself of your best talents and strengths, an achievement you accomplished, or the things you are benefiting from the job you say you don’t like.    

Hang out with positive and optimistic friends, go to the gym, eat a balanced diet and find recreational ways to let go.’ Always see the positive, feel the positive, and express the positive no matter what everyone else thinks.   

How to handle mood hoovers    

Three things you can do to avoid your energy sucked away by these people. But you will need strength especially when the office mood hoover happens to be your best friend.

Repel their negativity   

Brace for impact whenever you encounter mood hoovers. This is the time to remember all those quotes about positivity you ever read. Just don’t allow yourself to be dragged down by what they say.    

If they ask why?’ your reply would be why not? ’

It will never work’ your response would be what do you think would work,

’I hate my job,’ your response would be “what are you still doing here,’ or why don’t you find something that makes you happy?’

There are all manner of answers to throw them off balance, and win them over    

There is a curse of negativity all around. It is not imaginable either - wrong and unfair things are happening every day. Mood hoovers might not have the psychological stamina to withstand and weather the emotional hurricanes - but thank heavens you do.

You could do one better- become a mood radiator so that even the mood hoovers can benefit from your positive energy.   Or avoid them    

If you can do neither of the above, avoid them. Plain and simple. Walk the other way when you see them walking your way. Eventually, they will get the point. Surround yourself with positive , like minded people . It is survival.    Always seek to be the spark that inspires and motivates your colleagues at work.

Everyone hass a bad hair day sometimes; you can be the glue that holds everything together. It is in your best interest to do that.

Remember, Mayfair we care.

Sailors cruise for months on end before ever setting foot on land. If keeping physically and mentally fit is problematic on the ground, then it is a lot worse at sea.

There is no space and work out tools are limited. Motivation can be low, and routines can become dull too quickly. Seafarers must be creative to stay healthy.     

Below are some examples how seafarers, Marine Corps, and cruise vacationers keep fit.   

Stand-up paddle-boarding   

Stand up Paddling is a sea exercise that has been carried down through generations of island communities. This type of water sport / exercise was invented by surfers who were looking for a way to burn calories on board.

Today, many sailors take breaks from their vessels to hit the waters with a board and paddle.    Paddle-boarding engages all the muscles of the body, and all the while your brain will be at work keeping balance and maintaining course.

Your leg muscles and core will come in handy to stabilize your stance on the board. As you paddle, you will be engaging muscles of the arms, shoulders, and back. The fact that paddle boarding requires both mental and physical attention makes it a very useful exercise at sea.   

Kayaking   

Space is the biggest impediment to keeping fit afloat.

Kayaking has paved the way for many sailors and delivers similar fitness results as hiking or treadmill running would on land.

There are portable and inflatable kayaks that don’t take up much space on board but efficiently build muscles on water.

Apart from the foldable and inflatable kayaks, the long and slender hard kayaks are also small enough fit on deck. Kayaking is a moderate exercise that sailors use to relieve stress and strengthen their muscles.   

Kayaking engages muscles on the chest, arms, shoulders, and back. Your core muscles participate in the workout as you rotate your body pushing forwards on the paddle. For an intense exercise, sailors choose to kayak against a current. That is equitable to an extraordinary work out at the gym.  

Canoeing    

Most sailors keep carrying a rowboat on board for making short sea trips while fishing or as an emergency measure when something goes amiss on the big vessel at sea. This same rowboat can be the ideal workout machine at sea.

A daily morning routine on the canoe can help sailors burn calories and attain the right frame of mind.   

Swimming   

Just like rowing and kayaking, swimming is a relaxing exercise that sailors love to indulge. While at sea, you must find conducive waters with less stray currents to cool off the afternoon heat and engage your muscles.   

You can do laps around your boat or ship while racing with your fellow seafarers. That is a chance to have fun while burning calories.

Sometimes you will get a chance to spot beautiful marine life - that makes it more compelling.   

Seafaring is not the laid back and comfortable life that many like to imagine. So far away from home, and so far away from your doctors it falls on you squarely to do everything you can to stay fit both physically and mentally. Swimming, kayaking, and canoeing are some of the ways to stay fit at sea. Either that or you will fall victim to obesity, heart attacks and epidemics in the corners of the world that you traverse.    

Mayfair, we care.

Sources  

 https://www.26thmeu.marines.mil/News/News-Article-Display/Article/516565/exercise-in-creativity-marines-sailors-stay-fit-aboard-ship/   

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/best-cruises-wellness-health/index.html   

https://www.passagemaker.com/lifestyle/fitness-afloat

Obesity is in the news again and that is because it is more than a surface issue; it is an international, detrimental health risk.

Obese individuals are at higher risk of premature death as opposed to average-weight individuals.

Why?

Obesity is linked to numerous acute health risks among them:    

• ·       Diabetes   
• ·       High B.P
• ·       Stroke/Heart disease
• ·       Gallbladder disease and gallstones
• ·       Cancer
• ·       Sleep apnea    

Doctors unanimously consent with the fact that the more obese an individual is, the higher their risk to health problems. Individuals who are overweight may benefit from numerous health benefits by losing excess weight.

Many doctors recommend that anyone who is slightly above their normal weight limit (20 %) ought to work on shedding off excess weight particularly if they exhibit the following risk factors:    

Chronic ailments family history:

Individuals whose family has a previous history of diabetes or heart disease should be cautious since they are susceptible to developing these conditions especially if overweight.    

Pre-existent ailments:

High cholesterol levels of cholesterol, as well as blood sugar, or even high B.P are among various signs that can hint obesity-related diseases.   

 "Apple" shapes:

Individual whose weight is mainly concentrated just around the tummy might be at a higher risk of getting diabetes, heart disease, as well as cancer compared to other individuals of similar weight but who are otherwise ‘pear’ shaped (weight is concentrated more on their butt and hips).    

Fortunately, even the slightest loss of weight can inspire substantial health improvements like bringing down the cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

So here are some of the most common health risks of obesity:    

•  Stroke and Heart Disease     

Stroke as well as heart disease rank as among the most prominent causes of disability and even death for individuals in the USA. Obese individuals are more likely to suffer from high B.P, which is a significant risk factor for stroke as well as heart disease.    

Significantly high cholesterol levels may also result in heart disease not to mention it is often associated with obesity. Being overweight is also a primary contributor to angina (pain in the chest resulting from reduced oxygen to the heart.) as well as suddenly succumbing to stroke or heart disease without any symptoms or signs.     Luckily, shedding off a little weight can bring down your chances of developing stroke or heart disease. Cutting down your weight even by the slightest of percentages can bring down your chances of heart disease development.    

•  Diabetes  

 Type 2 diabetes compromises the ability of your body to regulate blood sugar. Diabetes is a significant contributor to heart disease, blindness, stroke, as well as early death. Overweight individuals are twice more susceptible to developing diabetes (type 2) as opposed to healthy weight individuals. To diminish your chances of getting diabetes, you should exercise more and lose some excess weight.      Alternatively, if you already have diabetes, shedding excess weight as well as getting in shape can help in regulating levels of blood sugar. Furthermore, boosting your overall physical activity can similarly help you minimize the diabetes medication you are taking.    

•  Cancer    

 •  Sleep Apnea    

This is an adverse breathing condition that is closely allied to obesity. This ailment can lead to heavy snoring not to mention a person stopping to breathe for short time frames during their sleep. Moreover, sleep apnea can also cause daytime sleepiness as well as heart failure.     Susceptibility to sleep apnea goes synonymously with the increase in body weight. Therefore, weight loss alleviates sleep apnea.    

Summary:   

While there are numerous health risks and risk factors associated with obesity, the good news, however, is that you can regulate them by changing your lifestyle. If you are suffering from obesity, you can benefit from a weight-loss program from your physician. With an objective of shedding between 5 and 10% of your present body weight, you can effectively reduce your risk of developing any obesity-related health risk.    

Mayfair, we care.

Source Links:   

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000348.htm    https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/health_risks_associated_with_obesity