Wood

As obesity and other lifestyle diseases continue to cause international concern, health specialists are urging Jamaicans to commit to wellness in 2009.

Hadiyyeh Zohoori-Dossa, nutrition specialist at Downer Medical Group, says the adoption of healthy lifestyles prevents disease, keeps the body fit and internal systems in synch.

"If you eat nutritiously and in the right proportions, your organs will function properly, hence your body will be free from diseases," said Zohoori-Dossa.

She said eating balanced meals involved a diet rich in the six food groups, with strict adherence to nutrition principles. She further stated that there should be no limit on the amount of vegetables, fruits and wholegrain eaten in an effort to keep weight down, but advised Jamaicans to tamp down on salt, sugar and fat intake.

'Watch your portion sizes'

Peta-Gay Thompson, independent Herbal Life distributor, extends similar advice. She urges persons to moderate food proportions.

"Watch your portion sizes, and look at what you take in, making sure you are eating nourishing meals," Thompson stated.

In order to be healthy and fit, Thompson said persons should boost their supplement intake, which provides higher volumes of vitamins and minerals than a standard diet offers.

"These supplements are better for your diet, especially for persons who are overweight," explained Thompson. "The Herbal Life vitamins and nutrients are very good for your body, as well as adequate water and daily exercises."

In the meantime, Dwayne Hylton, chief executive officer at Body By Design, advises Jamaicans to treat their personal health as life's greatest asset.

"Health is your wealth and persons have to come to the realisation that they need a change of lifestyle for the good, and if they don't, not even their New Year's resolutions will be fulfilled," said Hylton.

Adding exercise to your daily routine, he said, will have physical, spiritual and psychological benefits.

Starting the procedure can be burdensome but taking the right approach will soothe the process.

"Finding a personal trainer who loves what he does and is willing to fit in your lifestyle will put you in a comfort zone to make exercising part of your daily routine," he said.

Exercise programme

After kick-starting an exercise programme, persons may switch to a less expensive routine later on.

Exercise is important to shape and tone the body as well as for loosing and gaining weight. With this Hylton implored persons to take up the challenge, as the returns are great.

"It operates at optimum, by making you fit and healthy. It makes you more energetic, more efficient, and puts you in the position to be respected based on how you look," Hylton said.

Dr J.D. Wood, naturopathic physician at the Jamaica Foundation for Natural Medicine, said persons should maintain health and wellness by using natural medicines. "Very importantly, you have to promote a healthy body by focusing on the restoration of the body's capacity to heal itself," said Wood.

Tips from Wood

Get massages done regularly. These facilitate the free-flowing circulation of lymph around the body.

Ingest the correct proportions of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Eat food which is mainly alkaline, not acidic.

Seventy per cent of the food eaten daily should be fruits and vegetables.

Avoid table salt

Avoid artificial sweeteners and carbonated drinks.

Avoid using the microwave.

Decrease the use of chlorinated water.