Health Care Directory 2012 Part 3

SEPTEMBER 2012

HEALTH CARE

Directory2012

Part 3

a message for women in bermuda:

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healthcare directory Childhood obesity — a weighty issue a special advertising Supplement of the bermuda sun September 28, 2012 page 1

By Amanda Dale adale@bermudasun.bm

We live in an advanced technological and medical age but sadly, our children could lead even shorter lives than previous generations.

Why is this? Childhood obesity.

Its causes are simple, as are the solutions, but its repercussions are prolonged and complex.

Diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke — your child is at risk of a lifethreatening condition unless we take action now.

Children in Bermuda are among the fattest in the world. Overweight and obese 11 to 15-year-olds in 2005-6 ranked third in an OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) table, behind only the US and Canada.

n mct graphic by michelle kumata

worrying trend: Will the next generation have a shorter life span than their grandparents?

A report (Healthcare in Review 2010: An International Comparative Analysis of Bermuda Health System Indicators) has stated “… if the rate of increase in childhood obesity is not halted soon, this generation

of children could be the first to have a life expectancy shorter than their parents”.

A 2006 Health Survey found that 36 per cent of five to 10-year-olds in Bermuda were overweight or obese.

This year Government is

taking action to collect standardized health information on our primary, middle and senior school students for the first time, in the ‘Fitnessgram’ programme.

It already has several projects in place to reduce childhood obesity, through its Healthy Schools programme. But it is also down to us as a community to fight the flab.

As parents you can play an important role, by serving healthier meals and encouraging more exercise.

But we also need to look at our culture and cut down on the fried foods, sodas and calorie-laden snacks.

Too much time spent in front of the computer or video games also means less time keeping fit.

Our special feature in this supplement examines the causes of childhood obesity and what you can do about it, before it’s too late. n

Inside this supplement In focus: Childhood obesity.

Sara McKittrick of the Bermuda Diabetes Association explains the causes and how we can slim down our children Pages 2, 3, 5 and 6 Don’t blame the parents — Dr Annabel Fountain of the Bermuda Hospitals Board says there are other factors to consider when it comes to overweight youngsters Page 8 What is Government doing to stem the problem? Find out about the Healthy Schools programme and the ‘Fitnessgram’ Pages 9 and 11 Hypnotherapy — can you think yourself to lose weight? Monica Dobbie explains Pages 11-12 Ultimate Imaging Diagnostic Services offers advanced prenatal care on-island Page 13 How does colour affect our moods? Michele Smith of OBMI Bermuda

Bermuda Sun 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 10 Tel 295-3902 Fax 292-5597 E-mail feedback@bermudasun.bm This special supplement is produced and published by Bermuda Sun Limited and printed in Bermuda by Island Press Limited.

Publisher Randy French President Lisa Beauchamp Editorial Amanda Dale Layout Amanda Dale Advertising Sales Carlita Burgess (Deputy Advertising Manager) Olga French, Diane Gilbert, Claire James Creative Services Christina White, Colby Medeiros, Shay Ford Circulation & Distribution Nick Tavares

explains Pages 14-15 How to prepare for disaster, by the Bermuda Red Cross Pages 15-16 Angria Bassett of the Women’s Treatment Centre explains the causes of addiction and why substance abuse affects us all Page 16

The Bermuda Sun publishes twice weekly and is a subsidiary of MediaHouse Limited. We are members of the Inland Press Association, International Newspaper Marketing Association and the Newspaper Association of America. We are located at: 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton HM 10; P.O. Box HM 1241, Hamilton HM FX Tel: 295-3902 Fax: 292-5597. Visit our website: www.bermudasun.bm

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in focus / Childhood obesity

Families must face up to the facts

By Amanda Dale adale@bermudasun.bm

More than a third of children in Bermuda are obese or overweight, and unless families start taking action, their lives will be cut short.

These statistics may be shocking for some, but a combination of everyday factors come into play when it comes to diet and lifestyle.

Today’s youth spend hours in front of computers, televisions, cellphones and video games, and less time in physical activity outdoors with friends.

They also have more spending power and choices when it comes to food and drink, with many opting for sugar-laden sodas and fast food over water and healthier snacks.

Diabetes But as Bermuda’s youth get heavier, they face a shortened life expectancy through cardiovascular disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and the risk of stroke.

They are also more at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cancer.

According to the Department of Health and Bermuda Health Council report Healthcare in Review 2010: An International Comparative Analysis of Bermuda Health System Indicators, in 2006 64 per cent of adults in Bermuda were overweight or obese.

The figure in 1999 was 57 per cent.

The Well Bermuda Strategy report states that 40 per cent were overweight (with a Body Mass Index of 25-29.9) and 24 per cent — a quarter — were obese (with a BMI greater than 30).

The report states: “The situation for children and adults is equally alarming and the global increase in childhood obesity can be felt locally.

“The 2006 Health Survey

n image by alix leger

at risk: More than a third of children in Bermuda are overweight according to statistics, placing them at risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes and cancer. found that 36 per cent of five increasingly sedentary to 10-year-olds were overlifestyles, due to automated weight or obese, and in 2001 transport, technology in the 25 per cent of adolescents home and more passive leiaged 11-17 were found to be sure activities. overweight.

“The goal, therefore, “It has been estimated focuses on reversing these that if the rate of increase trends locally.” in childhood obesity Sara McKittrick, is not halted soon, a dietician and the this generation of Bermuda Diabetes children could be the Association’s diafirst to have a life betes educator, is at expectancy shorter the vanguard of the than their parents. fight against child“Bermuda, like hood obesity. many other counAs obesity rates mckittrick tries, has experiincrease, so do the enced in the past cases of Type 2 diacentury a change in dietary betes, formerly known as habits, which now include ‘adult onset diabetes’. more energy-dense, nutriIn the US, the Centers ent-poor foods with high for Disease Control and levels of sugar and satuPrevention (CDC) estimate rated fats. one in every three children “Substantial shifts born in 2000 will develop have also occurred globdiabetes in their lifetime. ally towards less physiMs McKittrick said: cally demanding work and “Obesity rates are on the

increase worldwide and this is leading to youngsters developing chronic diseases early, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

“We are seeing high cholesterol levels occurring in young children now, which you wouldn’t even expect to see in an adult.

“It’s typical now for a pediatrician to also check children for cholesterol, insulin and blood sugar levels, and blood pressure.

Children are being screened for lifestyle diseases, and Type 2 diabetes is very much on the radar.

“The number of children with Type 2 diabetes is on the rise, with some developing the condition as young as 11 or 12. We see it as just the tip of the iceberg.

“In Bermuda, 13-18 per See obesity, page 3

Healthcare directory: a special advertising supplement

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September 28, 2012 n 3

obesity

teenagers taking part in sports. After the age of 12, girls in particular tend to drop off in their level of participation.

“This lack of physical activity and exercise is a huge component in the development of insulin resistance — when your body doesn’t use the insulin properly which it is making. If you are pre-diabetic you can get rid of insulin resistance through activity.

“Children from families with an incidence of Type 2 diabetes are more genetically disposed, so a sedentary lifestyle and exposure to a high sugar diet and fast foods will make them more prone to diabetes earlier on in their lives.”

Consumer choice was another factor in the younger generation piling on the pounds, she said.

“Today’s children have more choices of food and drink on which to spend their money. Whether it’s in town at the weekend or

Continued from page 2 cent of the population has diabetes, but we’re estimating it could be as high as 25 per cent who are affected.

“If you catch people with pre-diabetes however, you can stop the condition from developing further, such as through exercise.

“An important way of targeting diabetes is to tackle the problem of childhood obesity.”

Technology Ms McKittrick said technology and lifestyle was partly to blame for children’s burgeoning waistlines.

“In the last 20 years there’s been an explosion in video and computer games, and also in the last decade, cellphones, BlackBerrys and hand-held games,” she said.

“This seems to have had a direct correlation with children leading more sedentary lifestyles. Children are

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healthy start: Encourage your child to get into good habits, by eating fruit and vegetables from an early age. spending a lot more time indoors, sitting down.

“Whether they’re on Facebook or are busy texting their friends, using an iPad or some other ‘tablet’ device, there’s an alarming amount of things to distract them from playing games

outside or going swimming.

“We have seen the effect of this in the past 20 years or so. As Nintendo, PlayStation and Wii games have grown in popularity, so we’ve seen a decline in the number of children and

See obesity, page 5

Don Peden, PhD

Over 70 articles published on health and fitness Let Don help you get started making those changes to your physical, mental and emotional health

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THE BERMUDA SUN

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Healthcare directory: a special advertising supplement

obesity

Top tips

Continued from page 3 after-school, they tend to buy sodas and sweet sugary drinks, not water.

“Even fruit juices can have a high sugar content, and if these high levels of sugar and calories are not burnt off, they get stored as fat.

“Children will stop at KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) to buy burgers and fries.

These are the food choices they make when they’re given money to spend.”

Ms McKittrick said: “The Bermuda Diabetes Association and other organizations are working very hard to reduce obesity. We can take the same steps to reduce obesity which we recommend for diabetes in general.

“The Department of Health and Department of Education also have a Healthy Schools programme, which encourages children to make healthier

September 28, 2012 n 5

n istock photo by robyn mackenzie

nutritious: Foods designated as ‘Diabetes Superfoods’, because of their low glycemic index and valuable nutrients, include beans, leafy green vegetables, fish, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, citrus fruit, whole grains, nuts and seeds, berry fruit, low-fat milk and yoghurt. choices. There are no soda machines allowed in schools, only water or 100 per cent fruit juice.

“The key is to lay the foundations of education on healthy eating, so they can

then make healthier decisions themselves.”

Ms McKittrick said there were a number of steps parents could take to help overweight children lose the pounds.

No sodas “Parents should be setting an example in the home,” she said.

“Don’t keep sodas or fruit juices high in sugar in the house. Instead, put water on the table, or a low calorie beverage.

“The first thing I do when I counsel a family with an overweight child is to find out what the child is drinking. He or she could be consuming up to 1,000 calories a day just from drinks.

“You want nutrition to come from food, not from the empty calories of drinks. For example, a 20 ounce Sunkist bottle can contain 300 calories and 75 grams of sugar, while Tropicana Grape Juice contains 290 calories a bottle.

“Children only need to drink three of these in order to consume almost 1,000 calories. A lot of homes in Bermuda also have drink mixes in the fridge, such as See obesity, page 6

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obesity Continued from page 5 Kool-Aid. So set an example such as just putting water on the table during meals.”

Portion size “What is a regular portion size?,” asked Ms KcKittrick.

“Portions served to children have increased over the years. If you look at what is being served now, it is much larger — sometimes up to 300 per cent. Research comparing portion sizes in the same restaurants over the decades has proven this.

“People used to drink an eight to 10 ounce Coke (Coca Cola), but now that can be 32 ounces.”

So why have portion sizes ballooned so much?

“People expect value for money, so a typical family is more likely to go to an ‘all you can eat’ restaurant where the portions are bigger,” said Ms McKittrick.

“It’s a result of people thinking ‘more’ means ‘more value’.

Healthy eating “As health professionals we are trying to combat the problem,” she said.

“Our chief objective is to create an across-the-board partnership with schools, food distributors, restaurants and Government, in order to create legislation which makes food, vegetables and healthier foods more accessible, as well as greater education for children and families.”

Family attitudes “If someone is overweight in your family, put steps into place so you as a family can tackle this,” said Ms McKittrick.

“It takes the responsibility, dedication and commitment of a family working together to reach your goals, and not to have a fatalistic approach.

“If you do things as a family to help your child, this will also help you as a family. You could purchase equipment such as an exercise bike for the house, or go walking together on a Sunday.

“You could also join a club. Sandys 360 has some great programmes you can do together, or encourage

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exercise: Take part in regular activities as a family to increase support and motivation. your child to take part in, either individually or with a friend. You’ve got to support a child with a weight issue, but you will also be benefiting the rest of your family along the way.”

Diet “There are many steps you can take to modify someone’s eating habits,” said Ms McKittrick.

“There’s lots of information on the Internet.

The Bermuda Dietetics Association (BDA) recently revised the EatWell ‘plate’, resetting it with daily dietary guidelines for Bermuda, and that’s available online.” (See colour advertisement inside).

“You can also see a dietician or nutritionist to discuss specific strategies, but the first plan of action is to count the calories and watch portion sizes.

“You can also start serving food on smaller plates.

For example, instead of large plates, why not serve dinner on salad plates in smaller portions?

“Also, make sure there’s a vegetable served every night. If there are some vegetables which your child doesn’t like, then persevere.

If you don’t put it on their plate then they will grow up not eating vegetables at all.

“You should aim for 50 per cent of the plate to contain vegetables, rather than high-fat meats and calorieladen starches.

“Also, encourage your child to have a piece of fruit as a snack, as this is much healthier than potato chips or cookies.

“In the Healthy Schools programme, it’s mandatory for schools to have fruit during recess times,” she added.

“People may think it’s more expensive to buy fruit, but you can buy local produce such as strawberries and bananas. And a bag of apples can cost the same as a $4-5 bag of potato chips.

“Making smoothies is another good way to get your child eating fruit. Or get them to make the fruit salad for dinner, as a way of introducing them to healthier eating.

“And if you find bottled water expensive then put a filter on your tap water.”

But Ms McKittrick said there should always be moderation in limiting your child’s calorie intake.

“The key is not to limit calories for children up to the age of 16, as they’re still growing. Just limit the extra calories — the easiest way to do that is to look at the calories they’re getting from fat and sugar.”

She warned: “If parents in Bermuda don’t make significant changes to their children’s lifestyles, with healthier eating habits and exercise, then this generation is expected to have a lower life expectancy.

“They will be at a greater risk of dying from hypertension or heart disease than their grandparents.”

Ms McKittrick advocates the SAFE motto for families.

S = Slow down or stop the sweet drinks. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

‘If parents in Bermuda don’t make significant changes to their children’s lifestyles, with healthier eating habits and exercise, then this generation is expected to have a lower life expectancy.’ sara McKittrick Diabetes educator, Bermuda Diabetes Association

Limit fruit juice to eight ounces (one cup) a day.

Restrict sports drinks.

A = Alter your snack habits. Large snacks between meals cause weight gain.

Keep snacks small and make healthy choices, such as popcorn, fruit or crackers.

F = Forget eating a lot of fast foods. Limit fast food to no more than two times per week. Don’t super size.

Reduce frequency of high fat/fried foods.

E = Exercise. Try to walk at least 10,000 steps a day (using a pedometer). Limit watching TV, video games, going on the computer, to two hours per day. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity daily. n

For more information go to www.bermudadiabetes.org or call 297-8427. For advice on healthy eating see the Bermuda Dietetics Association website at eatwellbermuda.org

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Healthcare directory: a special advertising supplement

September 28, 2012 n 7

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in focus / Childhood obesity

Don’t blame the parents for everything

By Amanda Dale adale@bermudasun.bm

‘It’s unfair to say obesity is all about responsible parenting.’

Having an obese child cannot be blamed wholly on bad parenting, according to a medical expert from the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB).

Dr Annabel Fountain, BHB director of endocrinology, said obesity can be triggered by a number of factors, including socioeconomic status and a child’s psychological state.

Although responsible parenting is important — with education on healthy eating an important weapon in the battle against the bulge — childhood obesity should not be blamed on parents alone.

Culture Dr Fountain, who specializes in obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other disorders of the endocrine system, said: “Culture plays a big part in obesity.

“Diet and lifestyle are very important, and this goes along with socioeconomic status as well.

“Parents who have to hold down several jobs will not have as much time for family physical activity and exercise.

“Another factor is whether a child’s school has mandatory exercise classes or not. In Bermuda, junior schools have physical education but in some of the senior schools, PE isn’t compulsory.

“And as children start focusing more on getting good exam results, PE tends to get dropped from the timetable.”

Physical education classes are held twice a week in schools, except for year S4 at the Berkeley Institute.

Dr Fountain added: “Obesity is also down to psychology. “If people are overweight they can have problems with self-esteem and depression, and they may even get bullied.

dr annabel fountain BHB director of endocrinology

n mct graphic by david steinlicht

choices: In today’s society, children are faced with multiple ‘fast food’ convenience products. Culture, psychological issues and socioeconomic status can all lead to childhood obesity.

“Sometimes a child may be seeking food because of some other problem, so it’s best to have an open mind as to whether there is something psychological going on as well. School counsellors may be able to help if this is the case.

“So, I think it’s unfair to say obesity is all about responsible parenting. But it is important to educate parents on healthy eating, as the way we eat is influenced by how our parents taught us.

“Even in the womb, malnutrition has been linked to obesity later on in a child’s life. It’s all about the nutrients you’re getting.

“So, if a pregnant mother isn’t eating the right foods, this can lead to diabetes and obesity in her child later on.

“There’s also an association that babies who are breast fed are less likely to be obese than formula-fed babies. So there are many aspects as to why a child might become obese.

“Parents do have to remember that they are setting an example for their

children. If you have an unhealthy lifestyle it’s probable that your child will have also, so that’s something we should focus on changing.

“Healthy living is drinking water and eating lots of fruit and vegetables each day, and making sure you do regular exercise.

“If a parent is concerned that their child is overweight then it’s also worthwhile to see a physician about it, and possibly also a dietitian.”

She said: “Some parents can develop Type 2 diabetes in their thirties but then their children develop it in their teens.

“That’s the knock-on effect of an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. It’s not genetic when children develop diabetes that early on.

“Childhood obesity is a really big problem in Bermuda. A Department of Health/Bermuda Health Council survey (Healthcare in Review 2010: An International Comparative Analysis of Bermuda Health System Indicators) showed

that in 2005-6, 19 per cent of children aged 11-15 were overweight or obese. The only countries ahead of us were Canada and the US. “We also have a significant number of children and teenagers with Type 2 diabetes.

“The Department of Health is very concerned about childhood obesity. There are lots of Government initiatives in place, such as Move More Bermuda! which encourages people to exercise more.

“Lots of different organizations are working together to look at what needs to be done, such as the Bermuda Health Council, Bermuda Diabetes Association and Bermuda Heart Foundation.

“Diabetes isn’t yet a ‘notifiable disease’ (where each case is logged for official statistics, such as HIV, tuberculosis and Hepatitis B), so we don’t really have accurate records.

“But we know it’s a big problem, with huge consequences for future public health and healthcare planning.

“Hopefully, Government will make diabetes a ‘notifiable disease’ so we can track it better.

“It would also be great if some of the ‘Well Bermuda’ initiatives were put into legislation.” n

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EatWell Bermuda Bermuda's Daily Dietary Guidelines

Calcium Rich Alternatives or Low Fat Dairy choices Choose low fat dairy or calcium rich alternatives.

Fruits & Vegetables Eat a variety of 5 or more everyday.

Starches/Grains Choose whole grains with each meal.

Meat/Meat Alternatives Choose lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dried beans, nuts and seeds.

Fat, Sugar & Salt Limit foods with added fats, sugar and salt. When using fats choose the liquid oils from vegetables, nuts and seeds.

www.EatwellBermuda.org www.health.gov.bm

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September 28, 2012 n 9

in focus / Childhood obesity

Government aims to turn the tide

By Amanda Dale adale@bermudasun.bm

Children may be getting chubbier but Government is taking action to reverse the trend.

Departments and agencies are working with healthcare providers, food vendors, schools, parents and children to faze out fast food in Bermuda’s schools.

Mellonie Furbert, a public health nutritionist with the Department of Health, said she is “optimistic” a turnaround is underway, thanks to greater education and awareness.

The Healthy Schools programme — a partnership between the Department of Health and Ministry of Education — is reaping positive results, with families ditching convenience foods in favour of healthier packed lunches.

Education Over the coming academic year, Government is to widen its educational reach and will initiate new student health assessments.

“Both public (Government) and private schools are creating a healthier environment for students through better nutrition and physical education,” said Mrs Furbert.

According to the Department of Health and Bermuda Health Council’s report, Healthcare in Review 2010: An International Comparative Analysis of Bermuda Health System Indicators: “Bermuda’s adolescent overweight and obesity rate remains higher than most OECD countries and is just below the rate of Canada.”

A graph of ‘Children aged 11-15 years who are overweight or obese, 2005-6’ places the island third in the OECD table, below the United States (29 per cent) and Canada (21.3 per cent), at 19 per cent.

The country with the least

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weigh-in: This year, teachers in primary, middle and senior schools across Bermuda will assess students’ health to gain a national picture of how fat we are really getting. The ‘Fitnessgram’ programme will collate data on an annual basis. children overweight was the Netherlands, at eight per cent. The United Kingdom was 12 per cent.

The report states: “Lifestyles in Bermuda, especially in terms of physical activity and diet, tend to most closely resemble those in the United States and Canada, so it is not surprising that Bermuda rates are similar to theirs.”

Looking at adult obesity rates, 20.1 per cent of men and 27.6 per cent of women were classed as obese in 2006.

Only the United States (34 per cent), Mexico (30 per cent) and New Zealand (26.5 per cent) topped Bermuda (24 per cent) in the adult obesity table. Japan had the lowest obesity rate in 2007, at just 3.4 per cent.

In Bermuda, 64 per cent of the adult population was either overweight or obese, in contrast with 57 per cent in 1999.

The report states: “Cultural, behavioural and environmental factors have contributed to Bermuda having such high overweight and obesity rates.

“There is ready availability of high-calorie but nutrient-poor foods, low levels of activity and a culture which supports and accepts lifestyle behaviours that promote weight gain and maintenance of overweight.

“This results in Bermuda comparing very unfavourably with OECD countries.

Indeed, Bermuda has among the highest obesity rates, regardless of gender of all OECD countries.”

Disturbingly, Bermuda was top of the OECD table for ‘Prevalence estimates of diabetes, adults aged 20-79 years, 2010’, at 13 per cent.

Mexico was second at 10.8 per cent and the US third at 10.3 per cent.

The report says: “Diabetes prevalence in Bermuda is at epidemic levels; it is more than twice the level of the OECD average, and is exceeding the prevalence in all OECD countries.”

Mrs Furbert told the Bermuda Sun: “Obesity is a problem. We looked at the 2004 ‘Household Expenditure Survey’ and discovered that the purchase of convenience foods,

or fast foods, was very high at that time.

“We’ve also looked at the blood pressure of five-yearolds and there’s a noticeable trend of an increased rate.

We know most fast foods and convenience foods are high in salt, sugar and fat so, in addition to being overweight, they’re starting to exhibit the beginnings of having some health issues — even at the age of five.

“We are trying to address that with numerous initiatives. We’ve developed new dietary guidelines and are working on other initiatives to promote healthy eating and the prevention of chronic diseases.

“We’ve been able to stabilize the rate but, in order to reduce it, it’s going to require more education, and that’s what our focus is on now.

“We are working very hard in establishing partnerships with schools and (food) vendors, and are looking forward to seeing the figures go down.”

Since 2006 — when 36 per cent of three to 10-year-olds were surveyed as overweight — the Department of Health has been assessing the weight of five-yearolds, as part of the Healthy Schools programme.

“When you’re assessing the five-year-olds, it’s a result of what has happened in nurseries and preschools, so we’re starting to work with them and hopefully will soon start seeing a reduction,” said Mrs Furbert.

The Healthy Schools programme sends out its Nutrition Policy to teachers and P1-S4 students at each school during the fall term.

Since 2009 it has also been circulated to pre-schools, and nurseries can obtain the guidelines on request.

Marie Beach Johnson, Healthy Schools coordinator, said: “We recognize See schools, page 11

10 n September 28, 2012

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THE BERMUDA SUN

Healthcare directory: a special advertising supplement

September 28, 2012 n 11

Can you think yourself to lose weight?

By Monica Dobbie Eight months ago a friend told me: “I want to lose weight.”

She went on a strict diet and worked out at the gym every day, and did indeed lose 30 pounds in six months.

But within dobbie

schools Continued from page 9 early intervention is very important, so I also do presentations in pre-schools and give them printed material.”

The Nutrition Policy states: “All foods consumed on the school premises will contribute to the health and well-being of students.”

All lunches have to provide nutrients from the five food groups (meat, milk, bread and cereal, vegetables, fruit) and must be consistent with the ‘Guide to Good Eating’, outlined in Bermuda’s ‘Guide to Daily Food Choices’.

Mrs Furbert said: “We encourage fruit and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein in lunches, as well as a low-fat calcium source.”

Foods high in sugar or salt are discouraged, and the policy provides a list of healthy alternatives to snacks such as cookies, chips and sugary drinks.

Government also sends out advice to P1 and P2 parents on how to prepare healthy school lunches.

Recommendations and recipes are available from Nutrition Services at the Department of Health or online, at www.health.gov. bm.

Students are encouraged to create their own lunches and can even enter the Healthy Lunchbox category at the Annual Exhibition, where they are judged on nutritional value.

food really elevate one’s feeling? Perhaps it is only half-an-hour or so.

And after that half-hour of feeling good, how long do we feel guilty or annoyed with ourselves — hours?

How long do we have to ‘wear’ the food? Months.

When we eat for emotional reasons — because we are bored, angry or frustrated — it has nothing to do with

two months, the weight was back on again.

Why did that happen?

Well, it could be as simple as this — none of us want to ‘lose’ anything.

If we do, we attempt to find it again, and she did.

So perhaps a change in terminology might be helpful. From now on, let’s say: “I want to become slim, trim and healthy.”

People who are overweight tend to be out of con-

trol with their eating habits.

That is to say, they are letting food control them.

Why is this? Often, we just eat “because it’s there” or snack between meals when we are not really hungry.

Teachers — as role models to students — must also follow the Nutrition Policy guidelines.

With school prefects they monitor students’ lunchboxes to ensure they contain healthy foods.

“If there’s an unhealthy choice in someone’s lunchbox, they won’t allow the child to eat it. They will also send home a note to parents outlining the Nutrition Policy,” said Mrs Furbert.

“We try to give a message that this is the expectation.”

Students who bring in healthy lunches receive lunchbox stickers in encouragement.

Charities which provide lunches to children in lowincome families must also follow the guidelines, while Public Health Nutritionists work with food vendors in the cafeterias to ensure compliance.

own primary data here in have to work together.

Bermuda.

“The Healthy Schools pro“We’ve measured stugramme is a cross-ministry dents in other ways over initiative. They are doing the years but this is the first a fantastic job in getting year we will have had an out to the schools, and we island-wide standardised are hoping the kids will system.” also encourage parents to The ‘Fitnessgram’ assesseat healthier and exercise ment will include height, more. weight, BMI (Body Mass “If children develop good Index), flexibility, strength habits early in life, then this and aerobic ability. It will should bode well for future measure students at the generations. start, middle and end of the “And if we have healthier school year. people, we won’t have to The Healthy Schools spend as much public initiative began in money on healththe mid-1990’s. The care. first Nutrition Policy “If you look drawn up in 1998 but around Bermuda, implementation was the level of obesity “fairly slow,” accordis concerning. ing to Mrs Furbert.

“It’s in our cul“Since we’ve ture, in the fried started the Healthy food, mac ‘n’ cheese de silva Schools Awards (in and cream pies of 2007) we’ve seen the our summer picnics. programme steadily adoptSo we need to turn this ed,” she said. around.

“More than 90 per cent of “But I think people are school are now compliant starting to exercise more with the Healthy Schools now. Businesses are startprogramme. We had a high ing to get more involved in number achieve the Gold promoting healthier lifelevel at this year’s awards, styles for their employees, so we are optimistic about and insurance companies reducing the childhood obeare also being supportive, sity rate.” by organizing walks and Since 2007, school vendpublic health screenings. ing machines have also “I think we are making had to stock healthy snacks headway but we have to instead of processed food, keep driving this and lookreplacing potato chips with ing out for our families. granola bars for example.

Education and awareness Sodas have been replaced — that’s the goal for everyby 100 per cent fruit juice, one.” n water and shelf-stable milk.

Zane De Silva, Health For more information Minister, said: “When it on Government’s Healthy comes to the promotion of Schools programme go to healthier lifestyles we all www.gov.bm

Fitness As part of the Healthy Schools programme, PE teachers will this year start gathering data on students, to assess them for health and fitness.

Information on P5, P6, M1, M2, M3 and S2 students in all public and some private schools will be collated, on a confidential basis.

The software will also print off graphs and provide goals and recommendations for parents.

Mrs Beach Johnson said: “It’s exciting. We’ve been following the trends of westernised countries but this will allow us to collate our

Emotions We eat to reward and to entertain ourselves. We eat ‘comfort food’ to compensate for an unpleasant experience or feeling.

But how long does the

See hypnotherapy, page 12

12 n September 28, 2012

Healthcare directory: a special advertising supplement

THE BERMUDA SUN

hypnotherapy: Gain control over your eating habits Continued from page 11 nourishing our bodies, it is placating our mind.

So how do we break this cycle? One way is to go to the root cause.

Address the feeling of boredom or anger and do something about it.

Another is to replace the emotional satisfaction that food provides, with an activity that serves the same purpose.

If you eat when bored, think of and engage in some other enjoyable activity instead.

It is not only sweet and unhealthy foods that create weight issues, but also sweet drinks such as carbohydrates.

The average tin of soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar or fructose.

We wouldn’t eat that much sugar in one go, so why are we drinking it?

I help people gain control over their eating and drinking habits.

I had a woman come to me recently who drank six sodas a day.

After one session, she had stopped drinking sodas and was on a new path to a healthy lifestyle.

Another client worked in a restaurant and they had French fries available for the kitchen and wait staff at all times.

Cravings After a few sessions she had no more cravings for French fries, even though she passed the enticing bowl dozens of times a night.

I myself had a craving for marshmallows. I couldn’t just stop at a few, however, and had an overwhelming compulsion to eat the whole packet. Which I frequently did.

Using techniques which I

teach my clients, I stopped the craving.

Now I can eat one or two marshmallows if I choose to do so and confidently put the remainder away. It can be done with chocolate too!

One of the biggest problems about dieting is that one often feels deprived, as one can no longer eat one’s favourite foods.

I help clients shed the weight they no longer need or want by using a ‘Hypnodiet’.

What’s so great about this system is that you can eat anything you like — you just eat smaller amounts because you feel full quicker.

It’s amazingly effective and, after a while, the change of food choices becomes automatic.

It can be useful to find a picture of yourself, when younger perhaps, when you were at your desired weight.

Put a copy on the mirror where you dress, one on the refrigerator door and one on the food cupboard, to remind you how slim you have been, and how slim you can be — as long as you resist these transient cravings.

Changing the way we think about ourselves is as important as changing our eating habits.

Take some time every day to imagine yourself at your ideal weight.

There is a slim you waiting to emerge, so don’t keep it locked away. n

Monica Dobbie is a licensed hypnotherapist living in Bermuda. She helps people to maintain motivation, and to change their eating and drinking habits, gaining a new healthy relationship with food. Contact 505-7531 or e-mail change@ hypnosisbermuda.com

THE BERMUDA SUN

Healthcare directory: a special advertising supplement

September 28, 2012 n 13

Advanced prenatal care for women of all ages

By Amanda Dale

adale@bermudasun.bm Pregnant women of all ages can now be screened for Down’s syndrome at Ultimate Imaging Diagnostic Services.

The digital imaging company offers advanced prenatal care for both low and high-risk women, of all ages.

Alaire Godfrey, managing director, said: “We are the only site on the island to offer the Maternal-Fetal Medicine programme, which women can access through their physician.

“It gives them the same level of care of that which is sought after in the US and Europe, without them having to leave the island or change their physician, as the perinatologist works with their obstetrician to help provide the highest level of care right here in Bermuda.

Standards “We are the only facility that provides nuchal translucency testing, also known as First Trimester Screening. We’ve also helped in making this Trisomy 21 (Down’s syndrome) screening available to all pregnant women in Bermuda — not just women over-35 or who have other high risk factors.

“Insurance companies have agreed to cover this screening, and also the anatomical exams usually done between 18 and 20 weeks’ gestation. These exams are interpreted by our perinatologist.”

Ultimate Imaging has three specialist perinatal sonographers based in New York and New Jersey. They offer the highest standards of care for moms-to-be.

Once referred by an obstetrician or gynaecologist, the perinatologist will read the scan and then consult back with the patient’s physician.

The perinatologist is also available to help coordinate other specialist services when necessary.

Mrs Godfrey said: “We are the only centre to have peri-

n Photo supplied

newborn: Celeigh Bridgewater, who was born to a mother of advanced maternal age on September 15. natology services. This is a more advanced standard of care in obstetrics, and is only available in Bermuda at Ultimate Imaging.

“At the hospital if you have a general ultrasound or obstetrical exam, it is read by a radiologist.

“At Ultimate Imaging it is read by a perinatologist with advanced fellowship training in providing medical care services for the mother and the fetus.

“This provides the patient with a much more comprehensive level of care. We also do nuchal translucency examinations, which are an early benchmark for fetal anomalies.

“People can relax, knowing they’re in good hands.”

The perinatal sonologists have completed their training under Dr Kypros Nicolaides, founder of the Fetal Medicine Foundation in the UK. They have 75 years’ combined experience and also have access to New York obstetrician and gynaecologist Andrew Garber for advice and consultation.

Mrs Godfrey said: “The Maternal-Fetal Medicine programme alleviates some of the stress that comes when someone is a mother for the first time, especially someone who may have delayed having a child until later in life.”

She said Ultimate Imaging moved to broaden the testing range for Down’s syndrome in order to better prepare moms-to-be and

their insurance companies.

“We can arrange the test for women of all ages for peace of mind, but also, the earlier testing begins, the more options there are available, so that women can make an informed decision,” said Mrs Godfrey.

“It is also advantageous to the insurance company to know early on, whether a woman is going to carry her pregnancy through with a Down’s baby.

“There are a lot of services that have to be provided and coordinated with pediatric specialists off the island, so the more prepared an insurance company is for a particular case, the better.

“We have spoken to the insurance companies on behalf of the women of Bermuda, to let them know that testing women of all ages is a small price to pay in order to save money later.

“Women over-35 are said to be at more of a risk of Down’s, but we’ve detected several genetic disorders among younger women, as well as other chromosomal disorders such as Trisomy 13, which have been diagnosed in the First Trimester.

“With our state-of-the-art 3D and 4D ultrasound technology we have been able to detect other malformations, such as Dandy-Walker variants and fetal heart disease, that may not have been as detectable as early with

other types of equipment, or without their level of expertise.

“You need to be prepared, and with ultrasound you now have a window into what your future holds, so you can prepare yourself.

“You may elect to discontinue your pregnancy, but if you decide you want to carry on, we can offer genetic counselling and you can start to plan for life down the road.”

Mrs Godfrey added: “We are finding that women of all ages are taking it up, and that our caseload for Trisomy 21 testing has increased.

“Not every woman over-35 has to have a Down’s syndrome test, but when you come to Ultimate Imaging for an ultrasound, if you elect for our services we will do a very detailed anatomy scan on your baby.

“We will look at everything, including the chambers of the heart, the brain, fingers and toes.

“We can even do fetal echocardiography on the baby’s heart. In-depth in utero examinations can all be done here on-island, so there’s no need to have to fly overseas anymore.

“You can retain the same relationship with your doctor, rather than having to start a new one with someone overseas.”

As well as prenatal scans, Ultimate Imaging also provides mammography and has a GE Senographe Healthcare Essential fullfield digital mammography unit.

Clients are referred by GPs for annual breast screening exams but there are also men-only hours set aside for chest screening.

Ultimate Imaging aims to provide a holistic, calm environment, with comfy sofas, magazines, wildlife TV documentary programmes and a chic, modern décor. n

Ultimate Imaging Diagnostic Services, International Centre, 26 Bermudiana Road, Hamilton. Contact 297-6863.

14 n September 28, 2012

Healthcare directory: a special advertising supplement

THE BERMUDA SUN

How colour can affect our emotions

By Michele Smith OBMI Bermuda

Colour is a powerful psychological tool. Start by asking yourself: How do I want to feel when I’m in this room? Calm and focused?

Energized? Relaxed?

Secure?

Once you have established what you want from your space, choosing the right colours can help you to create that feeling or emotion.

Before you settle on an interior colour scheme, think about how you will use the room in question, and at which times of the day.

Lighting makes a big difference to how a colour looks in a space, and how it will affect you.

For example, if you use your bedroom mainly to sleep and mostly in lamp-

light, painting the walls a deep velvety magenta can create a really luxurious effect, but painting all the walls magenta can seem claustrophobic.

Perhaps paint a single wall with this colour, with cream on the others. This will give you a feeling of calm with a focal wall on which to display art or the head of the bed.

Calming Blue is the favorite colour of both genders. Depending on the shade, blues relax, soothe, and make us feel more spiritual and centered.

Blue is intuitively chosen for bedrooms for just this reason. It also improves productivity, so a good blue might be the right choice for a child’s room where they will be studying or for a home office or study.

Blue is also considered

to be a clean colour, so it works well in bathrooms and laundry areas. But it works less well in kitchens — when used in connection with food, it can actually suppress appetite.

Red has the opposite effect of blue; it increases blood pressure and respiration rate. It also makes people lose track of time and stimulates appetite.

Red is a powerful colour so it is generally best used as an accent. However, certain shades like orange-red and brown-red; terracottas, brick, and cinnabar may be muted and are cozy comforting earth colours.

Using red makes a powerful statement. I always love a red wall and it is a great accent for artwork.

Yellows tend to cause more eye fatigue than any other colour. Yellow increases metabolism and

upsets babies.

People also tend to lose their temper more often in bold yellow rooms. Buttery shades of yellow are easier to live with long-term than bright, sunflower yellows.

A soft shade makes many people feel cheerful, energetic, and happy.

The range of yellows is vast and some lend themselves more readily to decorating schemes than others.

Yellows also frequently prompt more opinionated feelings than most other colours. People who like it, really like it, and people who don’t, dislike it intensely.

Greens represent a vast range of natural colours and, for that reason, appeal to many. Like blues, greens tend to calm and relax – it’s a healing colour.

See colour, page 15

THE BERMUDA SUN

Healthcare directory: a special advertising supplement

September 28, 2012 n 15

How to prepare for a disaster

By Petra Spencer-Arscott Bermuda Red Cross

We are at the height of hurricane season, and most of us already know how to prepare for it.

But hurricanes aren’t the only thing that can affect our lives.

Disasters come in all shapes and sizes — from fires, winter storms, sudden ill health, or a loved one needing to be cared for in hospital away from home.

This can mean upheaval

and stress, and the ability to react faster.

What would you do if your basic services — water, gas, electricity or communications — were cut off? Or you had to evacuate your home?

Learn how to protect yourself, and how to prepare and cope with disaster by planning ahead.

The next time a disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act.

Planning ahead reduces anxiety and stress.

There are three steps to

preparedness.

Get a kit A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day); Battery-operated or crank-powered radio; Flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs (do not use candles); First aid kit and manual — get trained in how to do first aid; Sanitation and hygiene items (toilet paper, feminine

colour Continued from page 14 For interior colour schemes, olive and sage greens are appealing because of their neutral character. Lighter shades of both are easy to live with for a long time. Both combine well with many other colours.

Oranges are warm, welcoming, and vital. Melon, tangerine and yelloworange mango are bright, cheerful, and tend to improve appetite.

Used in kitchens, breakfast nooks and dining rooms, orange shades can be very comfortable and appetizing.

Mystery Historically, purple is the colour of kings. It may arguably be the most opulent of colours, and often connotes mystery or spirituality.

Purples run the range from red-purple such as eggplant, to blue-purples of a summer sky at sunset. Saturated purple is a dense, dark colour that can provide a potent punch of colour with great impact.

As a tint, purple tends to lavender and is one of the daintier colours favored by many young girls. In certain shades, it can become a subtle, but a very flexible neutral.

Purple combines the stimulation of red with the

n Photo supplied

mood: When choosing a colour scheme for your home or office, consider how you would like to feel in each room. calming effect of blue — it possesses the ability to both excite and relax, motivate and rejuvenate. It all depends on which colour is more pronounced.

Dark colours generally make rooms seem much smaller than they are, so unless you enjoy cocooning, black might not be a great choice for background colour, especially on walls.

Too much black can cause depression and mood swings, and create a negative environment.

Combined with white only, it can create an argumentative atmosphere.

It is best to use some colour with black to lighten and brighten its energy. The number of colour combinations using black are huge though. Some, like orange and black, tend to have

holiday connotations that would be downright irritating year in and out.

One current trend is mixing a neutral room with some pieces of black furniture. The effect can be very elegant, and provides a contemporary twist for a traditional room. Black used with a mix of whites and brights often looks very modern.

Pink is an interesting colour because it has the cultural associations of being feminine, but it goes farther than that. Research shows that pink rooms reduce angry behaviour at least temporarily.

Some attempts have been made to use pink in prisons to control aggressive prisoners. Pink generally is a comfort colour and is favoured by many for its sweet,

products); Matches in a waterproof container; Cellphone with an extra battery and charger; Whistle (to attract the attention of emergency personnel); One change of clothing; Blanket; Manual can opener; Photocopies of personal documents/identification; Family and friends’ emergency contact information; See emergencies, page 16 childlike appeal. It´s a good choice for a child´s room; girls often like pink and lavender combinations.

Grey tends to enhance creativity, which can make it a good colour for offices and studios. It is also an executive colour.

As a neutral, grey provides an unobtrusive background for an infinite number of colour combinations.

Greys on walls are often very liveable for a long time, and will provide a flexible neutral background for furnishings. They can be extremely stylish.

Greys can be buttoned down and traditional, modern and contemporary, or beach house-friendly.

Brown is all about security, credibility and reassurance. It also tends to be soothing and comfortable.

Browns wear well and are good for rooms that get a lot of use, like family rooms.

Browns also work well with spicy or warm colours.

Like greys, browns span a broad range of neutrals and, depending on the shade, are appropriate for almost any room. Combined with unexpected colours like pale blue, fuchsia or chartreuse, browns can be exciting and sophisticated.

So go ahead, choose your room, choose your mood and choose your colour. n

Michele Smith is the managing director of OBM International Bermuda.

Contact 278-3550.

16 n September 28, 2012

Healthcare directory: a special advertising supplement

By Angria Bassett

In the US, “the annual total estimated societal cost of substance abuse is $510.8 billion”(Miller, T. & Hendrie, D. Substance abuse prevention dollars and cents: A cost-benefit analysis, 2009).

The World Health Organization (2004) estimates that by 2020, “behavioural health disorders will surpass all physical diseases as a major cause of disability worldwide” (Promoting mental health: Concepts, emerging evidence, practice).

For those unaware of the

impact and complexity of an addiction, please try to understand that there are many variables beyond our assumptions.

Drug use is usually preceded by physical and emotional pain (trauma), poverty, neglect and despair.

Most of us seek relief from pain and discomfort through comforting strategies, which can become habitual. Reliance on chemicals can become addictive.

Substances of addiction are not limited to illegal drugs such as heroin, crack cocaine and marijuana, but also include alcohol, nicotine and prescription agents such as sleep aids, pain medications and over-thecounter (OTC) agents like some cough syrups.

The detrimental effects are primarily located in the filtering organs of the body, such as the liver and kidneys, and control organs such as the brain, glands and the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

The extent of the damage caused by substance abuse varies depending on the substance, the mode, duration and quantity of use, and the individual.

Risks to physical health include HIV, sexually transmitted infections, heart attacks, strokes, asthma,

chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, stomach and intestinal disorders, hepatitis, and a myriad of brain and central nervous symptom disorders through the periods of use, and beyond.

These impairments result in the need for increased interventions, by health, legal, family, education and economic systems.

Bermuda is directly and indirectly impacted through the strong links that exist between drug addiction and our top social problems.

These include impaired driving, violence, crime, stress, family breakdown, and domestic and child abuse, all of which impact not just individual health but the health of the nation.

Therefore, the management of substances requires the committed effort of the entire community.

Incarceration has been disproved as a solution for criminal behaviour involving drugs and other behavioural disorders; however criminal justice is a large recipient of the addicted population.

The DTC (Drug Treatment Court) is one solution to rehabilitate offenders and to work in cooperation with Bermuda’s treatment network to reduce recidivism and protect the overall wel-

fare of Bermudians.

Effectively addressing problems requires an integrated public health and public safety approach.

Treatment decreases drug problems, crime, and recidivism while improving health conditions.

Alcohol and other drug problems place a huge burden on our economy — resulting in high healthcare costs, productivity losses and other expenses associated with crime and accidents (Belenko et al., 2005).

A large portion of this economic burden falls on the Government, and in this climate of fiscal constraints, treatment saves money and responds to the long-term rehabilitation of individuals addicted to drugs.

Join SAMHSA (US agency, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and Bermuda’s prevention and recovery efforts in support of this year’s Recovery Month’s slogan ‘It’s worth it’. n

emergencies

Make a plan

at all times; so that persons who may need assistance or who use equipment like walkers, scooters or wheelchairs can move easily and as quickly as possible.

has a new programme this fall geared to community response — Community Based Risk Reduction.

It includes family emergency planning, community-based first aid and emergency response.

Bermuda Red Cross feels it is vital for everyone island-wide to know how to respond to an emergency or an unplanned event.

We continue to make training in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid a big part of our programme. n

THE BERMUDA SUN

Why substance abuse affects everyone Women’s Treatment Centre

The impact of substance misuse is not just on the individual user but on their children, relatives, employer and the social and economic fabric of our community.

It affects all of us when one person is unable to contribute to the well-being of Bermuda.

In most communities, governments address substance abuse as a public health problem. In Bermuda it is being tackled through Government research, prevention, intervention, treatment, drug supply reduction and interdiction.

Despair

Continued from page 15 Insurance agent’s name and number; Cash and coins (ATMs may not be accessible).

Keeping your kit up-todate is important.

Review the contents at least every six months or as your needs change.

Check expiration dates and shift your stored supplies into everyday use before they expire.

Replace food, water and batteries, and refresh medications and other perishable items with ‘first in, first out’ practices.

When disaster strikes you may not have much time to act. Planning ahead reduces anxiety.

Remember to review your plan on a regular basis and update information that may change.

Make it a family affair — get together with family, friends, neighbours and other support or care givers and have them help you to put together a plan which works for you.

In case of emergency it’s a good idea to have a planned meeting place so that everyone knows where to go in the event of evacuation.

Make sure the routes out of your home are kept clear

Be informed What are the risks to your community neighbourhood or home?

Make a list of how they might affect you, thinking about natural hazards such as hurricanes, floods, and winter storms.

Also consider human hazards such as chemical or other hazardous materials, large smoky fires, transportation accidents and violence.

The Bermuda Red Cross

Angria Bassett is programme manager for the Women’s Treatment Centre, a Department for National Drug Control substance abuse treatment programme.

Call 292-3049.

Petra SpencerArscott is the education manager for Bermuda Red Cross. For more information contact 236-8253.

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