www.womanthismonth.com 53 August 2014 If current observations are anything to go by, famous personalities who have stepped over the 40-year threshold far outshine their younger counterparts when it comes to looking and feeling like a million bucks. Think Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep…it’s a lengthy list of divas who have shunned the surgeon’s knife, but still manage to toss age out of the window. Woman This Month has gone the extra mile to round up experts around the island for firsthand information on how to best enjoy your body and mind when you’re 40 and beyond. The bonus? They know exactly what they’re talking about — they’re all women. Beautiful Within Our Expert: Nada Jawahery, nutritional therapist and dietician “Menopause brings about significant changes in a woman’s hormones and body composition. After menopause, fat deposits tend to accumulate more around the abdominal area and waist circumference increases,” says Nada. So if that muffin top doesn’t budge easily, you know why. These changes in metabolism cause women over 40 to be at risk of heart disease, bone fracture and dry skin. Regular blood tests during and post menopause help track changes in blood chemistry. Your cholesterol and blood lipid levels should get the doctor’s ‘OK’. BMI and waist-hip ratio measurements provide an estimate of one’s body fat. A low BMI and waist-hip ratio indicates good health. Diet and exercise: A woman’s caloric needs tend to decrease over her life cycle, especially after menopause. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources and healthy omega 3-rich fats go a long way to maintain great health. Fibre, calcium, and vitamins A, C and D are some of the most beneficial and essential nutrients that shield women against macular degeneration, heart disease, colon cancer and osteoporosis. Unfortunately many people don’t consume the minimum recommendation of five servings of fruits and vegetables per day to gain the benefits of a balanced diet. Super foods and supplements: There are numerous super foods that health experts and celebrities swear by. Our expert simplifies the concept for us. “For those without medical problems, dark leafy greens are the best super foods. Spinach, watercress and parsley are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that can prevent cancer. They are also high in heart-healthy folate. Two cups of these vegetables in salads or smoothies give over 200 per cent of your vitamin C and K needs,” Nada says. Don’t tear your hair over which supplements to swallow. Nada believes that a well balanced diet is usually more than enough for individuals over 40 to get all they need for good health.A suitable form of exercise is important too. According to studies, fit and active people tend to live longer and healthier than their sedentary counterparts. It’s not too late. A change for the better can help repair previous damage to a certain extent and improve health. Looking Good to Feel Great Our expert: Dr Samira Almatrook, consultant dermatologist at Dr Samira Almatrook Skin and Laser Centre Face: Fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and skin laxity rapidly progress through the forties. Facial skin can develop both dryness and acne at the same time. This occurs due to many physiological changes inside the body that manifest on the skin. Sun exposure, genetics, skincare routines and general health contribute to graceful ageing. A consistent regimen: Now is the time to take the cleanse-tone-moisturise routine very seriously. Hormonal changes after 40 can cause even the oiliest skin to become dry. Therefore, deeper moisturising products should be used. Dr Samira advises using antiageing products once you are 30 as prevention is easier, and better, than cure.“Cleansing is the key to remove make-up and dirt that clog up the pores causing blackheads and acne. It clears the skin from dead cells, making it smoother and fresher. Toning finishes the cleansing process and hydrates the skin. Finally, moisturising is the most important step to prevent wrinkles,” says Dr Samira. A woman’s caloric needs tend to decrease over her life cycle, especially after menopause
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