Dear Counsellor:

I have a weight problem. I am diabetic and obese. The doctor says that if I lose weight my blood sugar level will come under better control and my heart will be in better shape.

- Maria

Dear Maria:

A healthy lifestyle is important. Weight management is just a part of the problem. You need to think of your health as the whole. This involves physical, emotional, social, spiritual and financial. When our life is in balance then our weight will not be a problem. Losing weight can be considered as eating less than we need so that the body can use up some of its reserve. We need to view food as a drug that is taken to treat various conditions. People eat to relieve tension, to celebrate life and to treat anger and depression.

Food is an essential item as we need calories, vitamins, minerals, nutrients and supplements for our body to function well. There are carbohydrates, proteins, fats and water as basic essentials. We also need enzymes and a functioning metabolic system. The hormones are important and play a part in the functioning of the body. Our body needs to partake of these items to produce other chemicals which are needed in the brain and other organs.

The body detoxifies itself and we should take nutrients that help the body to clean itself. Some food items help with the metabolic functions while others are important as allies. Therefore, the quantities and qualities of food are important. We need to educate ourselves about the caloric content of the foods that we eat. Some foods are low in calories whereas others have a high caloric content.

Exercise is also important as this helps to burn calories, tone muscles and improve the function of our heart. It is also a good antidepressant and an energiser. Walking for half an hour each day will help an individual to function well.

Our emotions are important to our appetite and food intake. Our food intake varies with our emotions. Our emotions can increase or decrease our appetite. Therefore, control of our emotions and its management is important in weight management.

Last, but most important, is our spirituality. We serve a God and we need to have a healthy relationship with Him. We need to fast for a morning each week and during this period we communicate with God. Daily worship and praise is important.

Financial stress

Dear Counsellor:

I am having a difficult time. This is because I am undergoing financial stress. My salary is small and my expenses are great. Could you make suggestions as to how to cope?

- Elaine

Dear Elaine:

Financial problems have always been with us. In today's world one needs to make a budget and work with it. In balancing our finances, we need to feel in control and on top of things. Making a budget can be easy. Make a list of your expenses - daily, weekly and monthly. We have mortgage to pay and car loan each month. Food and entertainment can be reduced according to our discretion. When you have itemised the expenses you will see clearly where the money is going.

Income is important and we should try to find ways to increase our income. Some people turn their hobbies into money-making ventures. Brainstorm with others to see ways of increasing your income. Many people are going back to school to prepare themselves for other jobs. It is good to educate yourself in order to increase your income.

Saving is a reality, no matter how small. Saving can be either for the short term or the long term but the money will be useful some time in the future.

Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson; 9274824; yvonniebd@ hotmail.com