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The Charities - Why We Run Q&A - Voluntary Benefits Words from Our Friends - Caribbean Producers My Fitness – Yoga My Wellness – Living with Sickle Cell Mix it up - Healthy Juices Healthy Home - Color Psychology Health News - A Global Perspective on Health
Welcome Welcome to another issue of the Wellness eZine by Sagicor. In this issue, we highlight the 2014 Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run which was a tremendous success, raising over $21million for our children through our beneficiaries the Sickle Cell Unit (SCU), Jamaica Kidney Kids Foundation, and the Sickle Cell Trust. We thank all patrons and participants for their continued support. We hope you will be informed by our insightful articles about various wellness matters including Living with Sickle Cell and useful tips on making your home healthy. Wellness is a lifestyle that we all should strive to maintain. At Sagicor, we embrace a healthier way of life and encourage you to consider the tips featured in this issue.
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The Charities
WHY WE RUN
New research and technologies have changed the way sickle cell and kidney disease patients manage their condition and navigate through daily life. However, most Jamaican health establishments still lack variety in treatment options and up to date equipment to help patients brave these diseases. Still health professionals work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for their patients. One in 250 babies born in Jamaica has Sickle Cell Disease, which is characterized by blood disorders stemming from an abundance of sickleshaped red blood cells. In 1973 the life expectancy of children with sickle cell was 14 years, but today sickle cell patients live active adult lives with effective treatments to manage symptoms. This year the Sickle Cell Unit (SCU), Jamaica Kidney Kids Foundation, and the Sickle Cell Trust in Mandeville got an infusion of much needed resources to offer improved health services to patients in need, through the proceeds of funds raised from the 2014 Sigma Corporate Run. Under the management of the Tropical Medicine Research Institute, the Sickle Cell Unit (SCU) operates as the main comprehensive clinical facility for the care of persons with sickle cell disease in Jamaica. The unit coordinates neonatal screening of 40 per cent of births on the island at 3 major hospitals, allowing for early diagnosis in most cases. SCU’s efforts align with and contribute to those of the Sickle Cell Trust in Mandeville. The Trust screens newborns in the Manchester, Clarendon and St Elizabeth areas.
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The Kidney Kids Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that children under 12 receive the best care possible. The disease also affects the young among us and patients with chronic kidney failure require ongoing dialysis treatments to survive. The Foundation is assisting the development of a paediatric dialysis facility in Kingston that is estimated to cost $20 million. The development includes garnering funding or donation of necessary equipment to fit dialysis facilities, training of staff and paediatric nephrologists for major hospitals in Jamaica. Children in Jamaica affected by kidney disease can only receive treatment at the University Hospital of the West Indies, where they compete with adults for treatment delivery. Founder of Kidney Kids Foundation, Dr Maolynne Miller, says a dialysis unit dedicated to children under 12 is needed. This year, the charities can rest assured that the children they serve will have a brighter future. Touting the tag line “Save Our Children, Save Our Future” and more than a decade of tradition behind it, the 16th annual Sigma Corporate Run marked the biggest success in the event’s history.
“All three causes benefit kids in Jamaica and a lot of kids are at risk these days. We know that this year’s run will save lives not just this year but well into the future,” said Donovan Perkins, President & CEO of Sagicor Bank after the presentation of this year’s cheque, raised from the efforts of over 22,000 walkers, runners and wheelchair-abled individuals who participated in this annual initiative. The Sagicor Group proudly announced a total donation of J$21,679,075 presented to this year’s charitable recipients.
“Kidney Kids Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that children under 12 receive the best care possible. The foundation works to assist in the development of a paediatric dialysis facility in Kingston that is estimated to cost $20 million.” wellness
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Sagicor Ultra lifeline Press-8.5inx11in.pdf
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16 YEAR RUN The “Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run” is a 5K (3.4 mile) Run, Walk, Wheelchair event that began in 1999 in Downtown Kingston at Breezy Castle with a target of $500,000.00 for the Jamaica Foundation for Cardiac Disease.
downtown kingston
1999
breezy castle
target
$500,000
279 finishers
Jamaica Foundation for Cardiac Disease
THEME ‘straight from the heart’
Moved to emancipation park
beneficiaries over the years University Hospital Labour Ward
Sophie’s Place
Jamaica Aids Support for Life
Victoria Jubilee Hospital Neo Natal Care Unit
Mustard Seed Communities
Kingston Public Hosptial
University Hospital
The Renal Units of the Cornwall Regional
20,500 2014
non-corporate*
181
corporate*
151
individual
1,279
$121 Million Raised 1999 - 2014
Voluntary Benefits
Q:
Q &
A
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
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What are Voluntary Benefits?
are optional insurance benefits which you A: These may access through your employer but selected and paid by you based on your needs.
Q:
Who is eligible?
are eligible once you are covered under your A: You employer’s Group Life or Group Health plan insured by Sagicor.
Q:
What products are offered under Voluntary Benefits?
Life – This plan allows you A: a.to buySupplemental additional life insurance coverage. b. Parental Life – This is designed to assist with covering the final expenses for your parents and/or parents-in-law. c. Dependent Life – This allows you to buy life insurance coverage for your dependents. d. Critical Illness – This plan pays a lump sum on diagnosis of a heart attack, stroke, lifethreatening cancer, paralysis or major burns.
Q:
If my company is no longer with Sagicor can I continue my coverage?
the Group Health or Life coverage is A: Where discontinued, employees have the option to convert to an Individual policy within 30 days after the termination of the Group Policy.
Q:
Are benefits paid immediately once premiums are up to date?
are payable on the completion and A: Benefits presentation of the Death Claim form, Proof
of Death form, relationship is established where necessary, and a certified copy of beneficiary’s identification. Critical Illness must be in-force for 6 months, and Parental Life for 12 months. Dependent Life is payable once you present acceptable proof of relationship.
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WORD FROM OUR FRIENDS (CPJ)
we l l n e s s CARIBBEAN PRODUCERS JAMAICA ENSURING THAT THEY STAY WELL IN AND OUT OF THE OFFICE.
I
f you have attended walkathons in the Montego Bay area you are likely to have met and possibly been overtaken by members of the Caribbean Producers Jamaica (CPJ) team. The company’s employees frequent these events as a way to give back to the community and show off the brawn they have been building inside the CPJ plant. 5 years ago, CPJ decided to create a new embodiment of the company’s mission; ‘providing the best service to clients while creating a harmonious environment for employees’, through focusing on wellness. This included building an onsite wellness centre with a gym and canteen to serve healthy lunches. They focused not only on physical health but on the total wellness of employees. Under this premise they have engaged several health consultants to educate and offer services to their employees. These
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have included financial professionals, the Jamaica Cancer Society, psychologists, podiatrists and once or twice a year a general practitioner. These services are often facilitated through a co-pay agreement between workers and the company. Also on the calendar is the Sagicor wellness suite of events held in October each year which feature a number of health checks. Petra-Ann Williamson the HR manager reports that company morale has been boosted and more importantly a sense of camaraderie has been built among the staff through their interactions in the Gym. A friendly competitive spirit has spilled over into life outside the gym in the forms of departmental sport competitions and games. – Petra Ann Williamson
HR Manager CPJ
MY FITNESS -YOGA
DO YOGA AND ENJOY LIFE Simply Yoga – FREE Daily Workout Apps, LCC
E
arly mornings, hectic days, and late nights create tension in your body that can affect your productivity. High levels of stress and anxiety drains energy, builds tension in the muscles, constricts breathing and can ultimately result in insomnia. One of the most effective and convenient ways to slow down and take a breather is practising yoga. According to the Harvard Mental Health Letter (April, 2009), meditation and other stress-relief techniques are possible treatments for stress, anxiety and depression. Yoga promotes physical and mental stability while improving flexibility and respiratory, digestive, circulatory and hormonal functions. If you can’t make it to your nearest yogi, you can practise with the convenience of your smartphone or mobile device. Here are a few yoga apps to comfortably kick-start your journey to a calmer, healthier you: This free version of Simply Yoga consists of twenty, forty and sixty minute routines with over 30 poses, each demonstrated by a certified personal trainer through audio and video instructions. Compatibility: iOS 5.0 + iPad, iPhone, iPad touch, Any level Android OS Upgrade: Full Version Simply Yoga (Version 4.20) – US$3.99
Download from
The full version of Simply Yoga includes daily poses and yoga routines tailored for the user.
Office Yoga – US$0.99 Kardeo
Download from
Yoga Studio – US$2.99 Modern Lotus Download from
Download
Created by yoga enthusiast and instructor Darrin Zeer, this app brings yoga to the office with 75 simple, illustrated stretches and poses that can be done right at the desk. The poses are organized by time of day and incorporate typical everyday movements. Compatibility: iOS 3.0 +iPad, iPhone, iPad touch
Yoga Studio as the name suggests, is like a full yoga studio in your pocket. You can tailor your practice to your lifestyle by scheduling classes, downloading HD videos to watch whether you’re on or offline, and accessing the library of 280 poses at your own pace. Yoga Studio comes with over 16 hours of video classes that are good for beginners and experts. Compatibility: iOS 6 + iPad, iPhone, iPad touch
MY WELLNESS
“Living with sickle cell”
T
here was a time when children diagnosed with the sickle cell disease (SCD) weren’t expected to live through their teens. Their short life was painful, spent in and out of medical facilities with hundreds of thousands across Africa, North America and Europe being diagnosed at an alarming rate.
until we reach about a year old, at which point adult haemoglobin develops. Patients treated with hydroxyurea continue to produce fetal haemoglobin, which results in a milder strain of SCD. The drug also breaks down cells that are more prone to sickle, decreasing the rate of buildup.
The facts about sickle cell disease still hold true. The disease still occurs more frequently in those occupying tropical or sub-tropical parts of the world and their descendants (Africans, Hispanics, Mediterraneans, and those from the Middle East). Diagnosis occurs primarily in childhood, and life with the disease isn’t easy.
The drug is not a cure, and it has its own set of side effects. Hydroxyurea can suppress the bone marrow, where red blood cells are manufactured. Patients being treated with the drug need to monitor their blood count regularly, and may have to undergo repeated blood transfusions. However, with medical breakthroughs such as hydroxyurea, and adjustments to lifestyle- particularly diet- the future is looking brighter than ever for people living with SCD.
The disease itself causes red blood cells (normally oval-shaped) to sickle, forming a crescent shape. This is mainly due to a loss of oxygen. Because of the sickle shape, these red blood cells get stuck while flowing through veins. This results in a number of symptoms ranging from pain, fatigue and ulcers to heart failure, stroke, and death. But it is becoming more and more manageable. The drug hydroxyurea has been a breakthrough in the fight against sickle cell. The human body produces fetal haemoglobin from birth
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A sickle cell diet requires more thought and consideration in order to supplement deficiencies brought on by the condition. SCD patients require a much heavier intake of calories, vitamins and fluids. A concentrated effort to increase the daily intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables creates a more nutrient-rich diet which, combined with supplements, can compensate for any deficiencies resulting from the presence of the disease.
Dietary adjustments to better cope with Sickle Cell Disease
Staying Hydrated While most physicians recommend regular consumption of water and fluids to everyone, it is especially important that sickle cell patients remain hydrated. Red blood cells will sickle (take on the crescent shape) at a much faster rate when dehydration comes into play. Drinking water at regular intervals throughout the day helps to counteract this. *Tip: Coconut water is naturally rich in electrolytes and is nearly identical to human blood plasma. Drinking coconut water regularly will help keep you hydrated and may make pain attacks less frequent and more manageable.
More Calories Sickle cell symptoms range from minor to severeand include pain, fever and fatigue, resulting in the greater problem of low caloric intake. Those living with the disease should work with a nutritionist to develop a diet plan which incorporates 120-150% of the caloric intake recommended to an unaffected individual. Parents of children with sickle cell should be especially mindful of this, as children with the disease can suffer from impaired growth.
Vitamins and Antioxidants People living with sickle cell disease often have low levels of many essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and frequently in children, vitamin D. Sickle Cell patients also tend to be antioxidant deficient. Most of these can be supplemented and integrated into a dietary plan. Along with a high dosage of antioxidants, vitamin and mineral supplements can reduce the risk of flare-ups. Children with sickle cell should also be given folic acid as it aids in the development of red blood cells.
Anti-Sickling Foods Certain foods are particularly helpful in relieving the symptoms of the sickle cell. Some are natural blood purifiers (cayenne, elder berries, strawberry leaf ), some are rich in iron (parsley, spinach, kale), and some have anti-sickling properties- meaning they prevent and/or reduce the rate of sickle cell development. These include, but aren’t limited to bananas, chickpeas, raspberries and almonds. Consult a nutritionist for a more comprehensive list, as well as dietary suggestions.
With medical research making new strides every day, people living with sickle cell are able to do just that: live. wellness
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HEALTHY JUICE
Mix it up T
Healthy Juice Shakes
hey say prevention is better than cure and one of the best ways to be proactive in preventing disease is to pay attention to nutrition. There are a few foods packed with the vitamins and minerals that the body needs in high concentrations that help reduce the incidence of certain diseases. These super foods may be consumed in a variety of ways including juicing. Processing in a blender works well for foods that are safe for raw consumption because it preserves some of the nutrients which may be damaged by heating. Here are three super juicing recipes.
Beet
The dark red colour of beet root is attributed to a colour pigment called betalain, a powerful antioxidant, antiinflammatory, fungicidal and a detoxification substance. Research indicates that betalain might exhibit anti-cancer activity. People have also used beet juice to attempt to heal anaemia, liver, skin and kidney problems, lymphatic circulation and tiredness. Beets
contain an impressive range of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B, and C, which bolster the immune system, aid in the manufacturing of red blood cells, as well as the production of collagen.
Beets may be eaten in a variety of ways. Beet juice should be had raw due to its beneficial nutrents such as betalains, which are lost when cooked. The entire beet is edible including the roots plus the greens.
Beets are also packed with potassium, which helps vital organs run properly, and fiber, which maintains flow in the digestive tract. Another hidden benefit is the B9 vitamin, folate, which helps strengthen neural tubes and folic acid which can help prevent gray hair.
Beet & Berry
Smoothie
Ingredients: • 1 medium beet, steamed, roasted, or raw • 1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries • 1/2 cup fresh orange, sectioned • 3/4 cup almond milk • 1 tbsp hemp seed Optional: • dates to increase sweetness • hemp, rice, or pea protein for a protein boost • added nut butter/seeds for extra fat Directions: Blend all ingredients together. Serve with orange sections for colour.
Flaxseed
Preliminary research has shown that the tiny flaxseed may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke. The primary health benefits are found in its omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to have heart health benefits, lignans which boast plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities, and the soluble and insoluble fibres in the seed. Individually these components have been shown to inhibit tumor incidence and growth and provide some protection against cancers that are sensitive to hormones such as breast cancer, without interfering with treatment drugs. It’s antioxidant properties may also contribute to protection against cancer and heart disease. Research also suggests that flaxseed has blood pressurelowering effects and diets rich in flaxseed omega-3s help prevent hardening of the arteries and keep plaque from being deposited in the arteries. Consuming flaxseed can be made a habit by adding to regular meals such as oatmeal, yogurt or smoothies, it can also be added when baking or making soft dishes. Because of the size of a flaxseed it is possible for it to pass through the digestive tract unprocessed, so grounding before consuming is often recommended.
Creamy Chocolate Avocado Smoothie
with Flax
Seed
Ingredients: • 8 ounces almond milk • ½ cup crushed ice • 1 ripe banana • 3 dates, or 1 tablespoon honey • ½ avocado (about ¼ cup) • 2 tablespoons raw cacao • 2 tablespoons almond butter • 1½ teaspoon golden flaxseed Directions: Blend for 30 seconds until smooth.
From the cabbage family, kale is considered a “fat-free” vegetable, as it contains biologically significant quantities of essential fatty acids. In fact, it contains all 9 essential amino acids needed to form the proteins within the human body along with 9 other nonessential ones. Kale also contains omega-3 and omega-6 and the naturally-occurring fat-soluble antioxidants protect these fragile unsaturated fats from oxidizing. Kale is often referred to as the “new beef ” because of its 3:1 carbohydrateto-protein ratio which is an exceptionally high amount of protein for a vegetable. Kale’s health benefits are linked to its high concentration of antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains carotenoids and flavonoids which are antioxidants associated with anti-cancer benefits. Kale is also rich in the eye-health promoting compounds, lutein and zeaxanthin. The fibre content of kale binds bile acids and helps lower blood cholesterol levels reducing the risk of heart disease. Kale may be cooked or, eaten raw.
Kale
Revitalizing
Kale Smoothie Ingredients • 1 cup raw kale, chopped • 1 frozen banana, roughly chopped • 1 cup frozen mango • 1 squeeze of lemon • 1 cup almond milk • 1/2 bunch mint, for garnish • chia seeds Directions: • Add bananas, kale, and mango to your blender. • Squeeze about a teaspoon of lemon juice into the blender. • Add chia seeds and almond milk. • Blend until smooth. Add a few mint leaves as garnish, and enjoy! The smoothie is about 300 calories and serves as an excellent meal replacement or supplement.
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HEALTHY HOME
Colour Psychology
Home T Therapy
and the Home
he colours used in our homes are often chosen based on personal preference, colours however, possess the ability to manipulate our psychological state and knowledge of this may be used to create a feeling of emotional wellbeing in our homes. The starting point for making home decor choices, based on emotional effectiveness, is to consider the purpose of each room and then choose a dominant colour. The living room is often the hub of entertainment and conversation in the home. An atmosphere of connection and warmth is desired. Warm tones like reds and yellows, and earth tones like brown and beige often work well. Yellows are said to cause the brain to release more serotonin causing people to be more optimistic, while browns are soothing and convey security and stability. Restaurants are notorious for using reds in their colour scheme as it has been shown to stimulate appetite in most people and encourage sociable and lively feelings. Reds can also evoke strong emotions and raise blood pressure if used too much. It is often recommended to paint only one wall red or use it in accessories, cupboards etc.
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Bathrooms are traditionally coloured in white or warm tones, because they signify cleanliness and white fixtures are easier to clean. Bathrooms are also considered places to relax, so calmer blues and greens may also be suitable because of their calming properties, and also their association with water, nature and freshness. The bedroom is the go to place for relaxation and solace or connection with a partner. Blues, greens and lavenders are thought to be the best choices here because of their calming effect. But they can get a little bland for the amount of time spent in bedrooms. Choose highlight colours to add personality and style. Green is a great colour to be surrounded by for a long time. It is the easiest colour on the eyes and promotes concentration and relaxation making it great for home office spaces or other high productivity spaces. Darker hues of green are very conservative and are often used to signify wealth or finances.
Healthy News
A Global Perspective
I
on Health
n an effort to encourage and promote world health and welfare, global campaigns are instituted to educate people and improve their lives. These campaigns are commemorated through health observance days promoted by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), charities, the World Health Organization and active stakeholders. According to the World Health Organization, chronic non-communicable and communicable diseases are becoming threateningly common worldwide. In last year’s World Health Statistics report, it was discovered that 80% of deaths from malaria arise out of just 14 countries, 10% of the world’s adult population has been diagnosed with diabetes and children in low income countries are sixteen times more likely to die before the age of five. These global health problems stem from perpetual scarcities such as clean water, adequate food resources and medical care and attention. Here are three health observances that benefit people in developing countries and those in need here in Jamaica.
80% of deaths from malaria arise out of just 14 countries, 10% of the world’s adult population has been diagnosed with diabetes and children in low income countries are sixteen times more likely to die before the age of five
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World Kidney Month and Day World Kidney Month is usually celebrated in March, and as such great emphasis was being placed on the importance of kidney health. The kidneys, which are located in the lower back under the ribcage, remove toxins from the blood, regulate blood pressure and the production of red blood cells and circulate minerals throughout the body. Globally, 1 in 10 persons suffer from kidney damage and millions succumb fatally each year. Black men and women are 3 to 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with kidney disease because of their susceptibility to diabetes – which is the leading cause of kidney failure – high blood pressure, and hereditary kidney failure. There are 400 - 800 cases per million population of chronic kidney failure (CKF) each year. Over 2000 persons are currently diagnosed with the disease, 800 of whom are suffering from end-stage renal failure. With limited facilities, including the inadequacy of dialysis machines, local doctors are unable to control the growing number of CKF cases. Read more: World Health Day This year’s World Health Day in April was celebrated under the theme “Small bite, big threat” to raise awareness about vectorborne diseases. Vector-borne diseases, which are transmitted by insects and rodents, are more prevalent because of extreme weather conditions and reduced access to and availability of medical care worldwide. Globally, there are 500 – 100 million cases of dengue each year and 40% of the world’s population is at risk of contracting the disease. Of a similar extremity, there were 219 million cases of malaria and 660,000 deaths annually by 2012.
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Jamaica has had a tumultuous history of dengue fever with a record breakout of 60,000 cases in the first isolated outbreak of the disease in the country in 1977. Although significantly less, dengue fever still plagues Jamaica where there were almost 900 cases in 1995, over 500 in 1998 and 3,002 suspected cases in 2010 simultaneously occurring with an increase in rainfall. Learn more about protecting yourself and your family from vectorborne diseases: Child’s Month Although global statistics convey a reduction in child mortality, the average annual rates remain significantly high. Almost 75% of child deaths are caused by birth infections, pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria, HIV/AIDS and measles. The World Health Statistics Report 2013 shows that child deaths have decreased by 40% since 1990, and global death rates for children under five years old continue to drop by an average of 2.5% each year. Locally, our nation’s children suffer mostly from displacement, sexual offenses, and poverty, and are robbed of educational and welfare opportunities. Jamaica continues to encourage the protection of our children and have celebrated Child’s Month throughout May with several events for the kids. Spearheading the celebrations, was one of the country’s leading child protection organizations, the Child Development Agency, of which promised an exciting calendar for Child’s Month that focused on education, reformation, love and family. Read more:
Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited 28-48 Barbados Avenue Kingston 5, Jamaica.
Phone: 1-888-SAGICOR (724-4267) Fax: (876) 929-4730 www.sagicorjamaica.com
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