I know of many people who are looking at cutting down on their spending and when budgets are tight we look at cutting down on non-essentials. Very often cutting down on the grocery bill and the gym membership can also be on the chopping block.

In the Gulf countries there are many health concerns due mainly to the sedentary lifestyle and climate. The Gulf climate can age the body very quickly, as I know, having lived in the Gulf for many years. It is very important to invest some of your time and money in your health for the future.

There is no doubt that we are living in fast changing times and you need to be extra strong to cope. It is now that you need to invest in your health because without good health you will not be going anywhere. The time that you put in today will determine your health in the future.

In a recent survey in the Gulf many people were found to be in denial about their weight gain and were shocked to learn that they were obese. Many people also do not see heart disease as a threat despite heart disease being the number one killer in the region.

You can improve your health by changing your eating and exercise habits.  Even small changes have a huge effect on the body and can reverse damage. Many solutions are natural and the food you eat matters. You are what you eat.
 

Physical work used to be part of everyday life but not anymore: But your body needs to move. Like a car will seize up and rust. If not used you body will stiffen up and lose muscle and grow weak.

A sedentary life style makes your body age faster. Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your physical and mental health and your quality of life as you get older. Walking, stretching, and keeping your muscles in good condition will help you to maintain a young flexible body. I have seen ladies in their 60s turn their life and health around through taking up exercise, and you can do it too.

What you need to do is to develop successful habits. If you are very overweight and have wanted to make positive changes for some time the first step is to recognize that dramatic change will not happen overnight. Big changes happen because you start with baby steps.

Start the day with ten minutes of gentle exercising for each part of the body, include a daily walk in the fresh air and visit the gym for half an hour at least twice a week. If you prefer privacy you can exercise in your own home; just e-mail for a free copy of my mini-morning workout to [email protected]. It does not matter where you exercise, just do it for your body. Invest in your health.

Make time for exercise and invest your time in planning and making simple healthy meals.
 

I’m in my late thirties and during recent months my skin has started to look dry and dark I don’t wear much makeup and have tried lots of expensive face creams. Am I asking too much to be able to buy something that will simply give my skin a boost?

— Angela

You can’t expect your skin to look the same now as it did in your twenties. However, there are a number of products around that help combat the signs of ageing.  I suggest that you try Permea Plus supplement, taken once a day. Designed for long-term use it really does provide effective nourishment to your skin cells and it is also beneficial to your hair. You also need an effective moisturizer, at night and it is not always the most expensive ones that work the best. During the day you should always use sun protection on your skin with a SPF 30.

— Alva