ClassiMag Issue Five by Greenheart Publications

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ISSUE # 5 August, 2012

CLASSIMAG “Where Everyone Gets to Know You !”

AUTO

ELECTRONICS

IN THIS ISSUE A Healthy Heart The Importance

Body Art

Brides are Crazy About

Happy Healthy Pregnancy Every Woman Deserves it

Wedding Planning Stress Sat No

Sleepless Nights Say Goodbye

Healthy Breakfast You Deserve It

The Best Milk For Your Baby

Tropical Smoothie Beat The Heat

Kitchen & Shopping Tips

HEALTH

MONEY

PERSONALS

PROPERTY

RENTALS

TRAVEL

Welcome Wow!

his issue commemorates a year since we have been in existence and admittedly it has been a tough but incredible journey. I remember last year when we started how challenging it was to convince clients to advertise in a new publication but it is evident that everyone loves ClassiMag or else we would have not survived.

As we embark on another year, we will strive to improve the quality and content of this publication as well as continue to meet the needs of our customers. ClassiMag continues to be unique and dynamic. We hope to grow in the number of pages so that we can provide more awesome content to avid readers. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the loyal and wonderful advertisers for supporting this publication and it would be an honour to have you on board for our upcoming editions. Also I’d like to thank the creative writers as well as photographers who provided us with lovely images. I would also like to encourage other advertisers to endorse this publication and capitalise on the substantially reduced prices. To everyone else, hope you are having a great year and thank you for supporting this publication!

Published By:

ClassiMag Guyana

Sales Manager & Editor Vanie Beepat

On The Cover Every girl dreams of a fantasy wedding but for Amanda Moonsam that dream materialised when she married Irish-born, Graham Dennison, in London on May 5th 2012. But it didn’t stop there, she subsequently had two other weddings in Barbados and Guyana so all her relatives could share that special moment in her life. Amanda is born to Guyanese mother and British father. She spent her entire childhood in Guyana after her mom passed away when she was merely six weeks old. She later migrated to Britain to pursue a career in nursing where she met her husband.

Warmest,

Vanie Beepat.

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Monitor your BP, blood sugar and cholesterol levels

The Importance of

a Healthy Heart Condensed from Times of India

pressure, which increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Watch your diet Try to have a balanced diet. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, starch foods such as wholegrain bread and rice. Monitor your alcohol Too much alcohol can damage the heart muscle, increase blood pressure and also lead to weight gain. Avoid intake of alcohol or at least limit it to one to two units a day, gradually decreasing the consumption.

strong heart is a result of healthy lifestyle choices. Be active and stress-free

Today’s fast-paced life and workplace pressures escalate stress levels, taking a toll on one’s heart. We must realise that the healing power of the body decreases when under stress, leading to many complications like hypertension and poor immunity. Today, even youngsters are prone to heart ailments. So, it’s very important to stay healthy and manage your stress levels by understanding the risk factors — high cholesterol levels, stressful lifestyle, smoking, and lack of exercise — following simple changes in lifestyle.

stop smoking, the risk of heart attack begins to reduce.

Get active At least aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Keeping yourself fit not only benefits the heart but also improves mental health and wellbeing.

Routine medical check-ups will ring an alarm, if you need medical help. Manage your waist Cholesterol deposition in blood vessels begins in the first decade of life. Carrying a lot of extra weight as fat can greatly affect your health. Make small but healthy changes in your diet. Manage your stress level If you find things are getting on top of you, you may fail to eat properly, smoke and drink too much. This may increase your risk of a heart attack. Practice yoga/meditation. Take a vacation. Check your family history If a close relative is at risk of developing coronary heart disease from smoking, high BP, high cholesterol, lack of physical activity, obesity and diabetes, then you could be at risk too. Laughter is the best therapy Laughter anytime will work wonders for you. It is an instant way to unleash the pressure and it makes you feel light.

Cut down on salt Too much salt can cause high blood

Avoid smoking Smoking reduces life expectancy by 1525 years. If you are a smoker, you are twice more likely to have a heart attack than a non-smoker. The moment you 6 / ClassiMag

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Brides are crazy about this

Body Art

ehndi is the art of applying henna to the hands and feet as a form of decoration and beauty enhancer. It is a very old custom which goes back to approximately AD 1200 in India. The ritual was used primarily for weddings to decorate the hands and feet of the bride. According to elders, long ago, applying the henna paste to the hands and feet of both brides and grooms determined how prosperous their marriage would be, for the richer the colour, the more successful the marriage. Today however, it does not retain the same meaning but is more fashion oriented. Today off course, in Guyana and across the world, Mehndi has evolved to

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be more than a bridal affair and is embraced by girls and women of all ages.

It can be considered more of fashion trend as many are awed by the rich, intricate designs especially on the hands, feet, forearms, upper and lower backs and sometimes the neck. It is now used as a temporary tattoo for both males and females and since it is strictly organic and it does not damage the skin. Also no harsh needle is used to pierce the skin and it looks stylish and is easily applied. The paste of the henna comes in deep red, brown and black, though black is

not as popular.

Apart from it being used as temporary tattoos, it is used as form of hair dye and for Muslim women nail polish as well. There are booths at many events that offer this service. It is also offered at the malls here in Guyana where skilled Indian national women are flocked on a daily basis as curious women and girls gather to indulge in this unique form of art. From indications, it is evident that the popularity of Mehndi will continue to grow as women from all walks of life are becoming crazed over it.

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Every Woman Deserves a

Happy, Healthy Pregnancy

hether this is your first pregnancy or you have been through this before, there is always that feeling of immense joy and nervousness. For both moms and moms-to-be, pregnancy can be a huge challenge but nothing compares to the joy that follows.

choices you make now in your daily life can affect both your health and the health of your unborn child.

There are many discomforts that accompany pregnancy and it is felt not only by the mother but the unborn baby as well. You need to start examining your health and lifestyle choices as an expecting mom. A healthy lifestyle is key for a successful p r e g n a n c y. The

Avoid Smoking: there are many harmful chemicals in cigarettes which can be detrimental to the health of your baby. For instance, the nicotine in cigarette smoke can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (miscarriage), vaginal bleeding, stillbirths (delivering a baby with no heartbeat), and delivering a low-birth weight baby.

For expecting moms and women thinking about getting pregnant, ensure you follow the following steps to allow you to have a happy and healthy pregnancy:

10 pounds or more is not an easy task. As a pregnant woman, ensure you get lots of rest and sleep as well, to allow your body to rejuvenate itself so you can carry on. Eat Healthy: The kinds of food you consume during pregnancy is crucial to the overall health of your baby. Since the baby is the developing stages you need to ensure you eat a balanced diet so that the baby can get all the essential vitamins and minerals to aid proper development especially of the brain and other vital organs. Keep your blood pressure down: Maintaining your blood pressure to an acceptable level is crucial to your health during pregnancy. Ensure you avoid stressful situations and avoid foods that would elevate your pressure. An elevated blood pressure can lead to a miscarriage or premature births.

Avoid Alcohol: Chronic alcohol abuse early in pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, an increased risk of a miscarriage, and delivering a premature baby. Avoid Drugs: Drugs in general is harmful to the fetus, especially in the first trimester since that is the time when rapid growth and development of the baby takes place and all the vital organs are formed. The chemicals in drugs can lead to long-term health problems, and your baby may need special care after birth. During pregnancy, drug use can stunt fetal growth as well as brain growth. You are also at an increased risk of delivering a premature baby. Get lots of rest and sleep: Pregnancy can be very exhausting for women. Having to fetch around an additional 11 / ClassiMag

• Choose your attendants • Make travel arrangements for the honeymoon 4 – 6 months before the wedding • Finalize the guest list with both families • Order invitations and thank you notes • Select a florist • Choose a cake • Reserve a location for the rehearsal dinner • Purchase wedding bands • Select attires for the groom and the ushers • Select the bridesmaids’ attire and invite the mothers to select the dresses as well • Reserve rental equipment (tables, chairs, tents, linens, etc.) if not provided • Arrange accommodation for outof-town guests • Arrange wedding day transportation

Say no to

Wedding Planning Stress

lanning a wedding can be one of the most fun yet stressful experiences for the bride and groom-to-be. The secret, however, is organization. Start by brainstorming and getting your ideas on paper.Once the planning begins, use this checklist as a guide to guarantee even the smallest detail is not forgotten.

• • • • • •

Hire a wedding planner (optional) Shop for a gown Book an officiant Book a photographer Select a caterer Book musicians for the ceremony and reception

2 – 4 months before the wedding • Secure the marriage licence • Write wedding vows (optional) • Select ushers • Select speakers/master of ceremony • Choose gifts for attendants and favours for guests • Discuss ceremony with officiant • Purchase shoes, hosiery, jewellery and hair accessories

• Confirm arrangements and reservations for out-of-town guests • Draw up reception seating plan; discuss menu details • Buy a wedding gift for your husband/wife-to-be (optional) • Attend a hair and make - up consultation 2 weeks before the wedding • Go in for your final gown fitting • Finalize arrangements with florist, photographer/ videographer, musicians and transportation • Write toasts/ speeches for the rehearsal dinner/ reception • Make appointment for eyebrow/ bikini waxing 1 week before the wedding • Confirm honeymoon arrangements • Prepare wedding envelops for officiant and other vendors • Delegate important day of responsibilities to trusted individuals • Pack for the honeymoon • Have dresses steamed and picked up • Pick up menswear • Wear your shoes around the house to avoid blisters on the big day The day before the wedding • Visit reception site to make sure all is in order • Get manicure / pedicure • Enjoy the rehearsal dinner The wedding day • Eat, no matter how busy you are • Don’t forget keys, payments, rings, speeches, marriage licence, airline tickets, luggage, passports and money • Do something special for YOU (massage, bubble bath, yoga or a walk) • Sit back and be pampered • Most importantly, have fun and enjoy this special day!

1 -2 months before the wedding • Have programmes printed • Obtain and prepare all paper work for official name change, change of address, etc.

1 year before the wedding: • Determine your budget • Select a time frame for the wedding • Draft a preliminary guest list • Reserve the ceremony and reception sites and finalize the wedding date. ClassiMag / 12

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You deserve the

Healthiest Breakfast the trivial amount of fat in oatmeal is monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, which are healthy fats that will not negatively affect cholesterol. Fills You Up Oatmeal is known for “sticking to the ribs.” The soluble fibre in oatmeal provides greater satiety---that is, it makes you feel full longer---than bran cereal, whole grain bread and eggs. If you struggle with feelings of hunger when dieting, a breakfast of oatmeal may be just the ticket, since it is more likely to keep you full until lunchtime than many other breakfast foods.

Say Goodbye to

Sleepless Nights

leepless nights not only leave you fatigued, they can negatively impact your physical and mental health. To help you get the rest you need, here are some expert sleep tips. TIPS TO HELP YOU GET TO SLEEP AND STAY ASLEEP 1. Set a schedule Go to bed at a set time each night and get up at the same time each morning. Disrupting this schedule may lead to insomnia. “Sleeping in” on weekends also makes it harder to wake up early on Monday morning because it re-sets your sleep cycles for a later awakening. 2. Exercise Try to exercise 20 to 30 minutes a day. Daily exercise often helps people sleep, although a workout soon before bedtime may interfere with sleep. For maximum benefit, try to get your exercise about 5 to 6 hours before going to bed. ClassiMag / 14

3. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, which acts as a stimulant and keeps people awake. Sources of caffeine include coffee, chocolate, soft drinks, non-herbal teas, diet drugs, and some pain relievers. Smokers tend to sleep very lightly and often wake up in the early morning due to nicotine withdrawal. Alcohol robs people of deep sleep and REM sleep and keeps

them in the lighter stages of sleep. 4. Relax before bed A warm bath, reading, or another relaxing routine can make it easier to fall sleep. You can train yourself to associate certain restful activities with sleep and make them part of your bedtime ritual. Adapted from “When You Can’t Sleep: The ABCs of ZZZs,” by the National Sleep Foundation

ver really wonder mom insists you eat oatmeal for breakfast when you’d much rather munch on eggs and sausages or better yet, pancakes. Mothers usually want the best for their families and by feeding them oatmeal, they know they are guaranteed the best. Oatmeal has tons of health benefits of which I’m sure not all of us are not too familiar with. Listed below is a summary of the benefits of this high-fibre, low-fat, fulfilling breakfast. Lowers Cholesterol Oatmeal contains soluble fibre, which attaches to cholesterol-containing bile acids as it moves through the body, causing your body to absorb less cholesterol. Eating two servings of oatmeal each day provides three grams of soluble fibre, which is the amount you need to lower your cholesterol by two or three percent.

Low In Calories A serving of oatmeal has only 150 calories. As long as you don’t add a generous pat of butter and several spoonfuls of brown sugar, it is an ideal low-calorie breakfast or snack. Oatmeal can be combined with other low-calorie foods to create a meal that is a nutritional powerhouse. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom can also add to the flavor of oatmeal without adding calories. Low In Fat Oatmeal has three grams of fat per serving, all of which is naturally occurring. Most of ClassiMag / 15

The Best

Milk For Your Baby

premature babies — breast milk is easier to digest than formula. The proteins in formula are made from cow’s milk and it takes time for babies’ stomachs to adjust to digesting them.

4. Breast milk fights disease – The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breast milk protect babies from illness. This protection is unique; formula cannot match the chemical makeup of human breast milk. In fact, among formula-fed babies, ear infections and diarrhea are more common.

ewborns are very tender and delicate and it especially important to pay extra care and attention to them. Infants are accustomed to the warm and comfortable environment of the womb so that is why they must always be kept warm because as humans we are warm blooded creatures and cannot readily adjust our body temperature to that of the environment. More importantly, for newborns, their food is just as essential as any other aspect of their lives. Though some moms choose to feed their baby milk and other baby formula, breast milk remains the ideal food for babies. 1. Early breast milk is liquid gold – Known as liquid gold, colostrum (coh-LOSS-trum) is the thick ClassiMag / 16

yellow first breast milk that you make during pregnancy and just after birth. This milk is very rich in nutrients and antibodies to protect your baby. Although your baby only gets a small amount of colostrum at each feeding, it matches the amount his or her tiny stomach can hold 2. Your breast milk changes as your baby grows – Colostrum changes into what is called mature milk. By the third to fifth day after birth, this mature breast milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein to help your baby continue to grow. It is a thinner type of milk than colostrum, but it provides all of the nutrients and antibodies your baby needs.

Beat the Heat with a

Tropical Smoothie

part from eating local fruits, there are lots of creative and exciting ways to utilize the fruits in the fridge. Don’t allow them to deteriorate. Instead, whip up a quick, delicious and healthy smoothie that is ideal for the summer’s heat!

Ingredients

• 3 passion fruits • 1 banana , chopped • 1 small mango , peeled, stoned and chopped • 300ml orange juice • ice cubes

Serves 2-3 Glasses Preparation Preparation Time 5 Mins

Method 1. Scoop the pulp of the passion fruits into a blender and add the banana, mango and orange juice. Purée until smooth and drink immediately, topped with ice cubes.

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Kitchen Tips 1. To keep celery fresh for a long time, wrap it in aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator. 2. Use a wooden board to chop. It will not blunt the knife. Don`t use a plastic board, small plastic pieces may go with the vegetables. 3. To ripen fruits, wrap them in newspaper and put in a warm place for 2-3 days. The ethylene gas they emit will make them ripe. 4. If the lemon or lime is hard, put it in warm water for 5-10 minutes to make it easier for squeeze. 5. To avoid crying, cut the onions into two parts and place them in water for 15 minutes before chopping them.

Shopping Tips 1. Always go with a list. If you go without a list, you may as well just throw away your money for you can end up buying things you don’t even need. 2. Don’t go when you’re hungry. This is a common tip, but it’s true: when you’re hungry, you want to buy all kinds of junk. You’ll end up spending a lot more. Eat a good meal first, and you’ll be more likely to stick to your list. 3. Have a budget. When you go to the store, know exactly how much you plan on spending. If you don’t do this, you may end up spending too much. 4. Buy in bulk when it makes sense. If you can save money, over the course of a month or two, by buying in bulk, plan to do so. But be sure that you’re going to use all of it before it gets bad — it isn’t cheaper to buy in bulk if you don’t use it. 5. Stick to your list. Avoid impulse buys. They are almost always bad, and even if it’s just a couple dollars. Tell yourself you will not buy anything that’s not on your list unless it’s an absolute necessity.

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