As the medical director at PALS Cancer Care, Dr Alikhani is tasked with visiting patients and families as they grapple with the devastating news that their cancer is terminal. 

“I sometimes go and see patients, and honestly I feel like I’ve done absolutely nothing,” she said. 

“I’ve gone and sat in their living room, and I’ve spoken to them for 20 minutes and oftentimes symptom-wise they’re OK, but they’re just quite anxious. 

“We end up talking about let’s say the colour of the sea – mundane things – and I leave thinking, I didn’t do anything, and I’ll sometimes apologise and say I’m sorry I didn’t have anything concrete this week. 

“And they say, ‘You have no idea what your visits mean.’ 

“That’s because it’s a lonely road sometimes, especially in Bermuda. You can feel very isolated, very alone and quite scared, and so when the nurses and I go and say, ‘Would you like a cup of tea?’ and you sit down and you take time to talk about just normal things, they say, ‘You have no idea the difference that made.’” 

Coming to terms with traumatic news is an immensely difficult part of the journey for terminal cancer patients and their families. One of the best ways of coping is contact with other people. 

“As human beings we live and thrive on connections,” Dr Alikhani said. 

“If you can keep a social connection, if you can make cancer not that taboo Big C, and find your people, find the people who give you joy. 

“I visited a lady yesterday – she is the most inspiring person I look after. She’s in her 80s. She said, ‘I have two or three friends that visit me every week, and they’re the only people I let visit me other than family because they are joyful and positive, and they fill my life with good things. Anybody who hasn’t got that hasn’t got room in my life.’ 

“It’s amazing. She has figured that out. She doesn’t need people who come and say, ‘I’m so sorry, it must be terrible.’ 

“We need to remind ourselves we are on this earth to hopefully lead a good life to enjoy. Despite having cancer, you can still do that, even if you’re limited.” 

All this might be easier said than done, however, for families of terminal cancer patients. How can they provide that vital support and positivity while, underneath, they are gripped with their own sudden wave of fear and anxiety? There is no easy answer to that question. 

Colleen English DeGrilla, executive director at PALS, said: “If it’s your loved one, you’re like, ‘What can I do? How can I help What do they need?’ There are so many questions for the patient and then for the loved one. 

“Oftentimes the family are thinking, ‘What can we do to fix this? Is there a cure? We want to try every treatment we can to keep our loved one alive.’” 

As well as critical health-related decisions, you might have financial worries, especially if the patient is the breadwinner or the treatment is costly, as well as the dilemma of breaking the news to family members and countless practical decisions. 

Unsurprisingly, one of the early coping mechanisms is denial. 

“We see this often, where people flip-flop from denial to complete reality and acceptance, back to denial, all within the space of maybe half an hour,” Dr Alikhani said. 

Yet generally, according to Ms DeGrilla, most families get there in the end. 

“You can’t argue with what’s happening in front of you,” she said. 

The good news for patients and families in Bermuda is that PALS is there to help. 

“We have six nurses, we have a doctor, we have a social worker, we have a whole team,” Ms DeGrilla said. 

“We also have connections in the community if someone needs therapy or anything else going forward. 

“We try to be there as early as possible. We can support whenever and however they need. Medically, psychologically, financially. Anything they need, we try to help with. And we don’t charge them for anything we do.” 

Dr Alikhani said: “If I was in a position where I had a cancer diagnosis, I would find it very scary and I would want a lot of people to help me through it, hopefully to my cure. 

“If my cure does not happen, which unfortunately does not happen for many people, then we are there with them, for however long with whatever needs they have. 

“If those needs evolve change, our input and how we are involved in that particular person’s life changes as well.” 

Coping strategies are individualised and seek to take advantage of Bermuda’s cultural and natural environment. 

Ms DeGrilla said: “In Bermuda, there’s a strong sense of religious belief. A lot of people get incredible security and comfort from those beliefs and will tap into their specific churches or ministers. Those communities can be incredibly helpful. 

“I don’t think you need to broadcast it to everybody, but if your nearest and dearest know what’s going on, it will help. Tell people what you need. 

“Bermuda is beautiful. If you can get out there in nature, we know that helps calm people. There are also lots of other strategies like mindfulness medication, music and art.” 

One of the hardest things is telling young children that they will lose a loved one. 

Ms DeGrilla said: “We use a lot of therapists in the community that help with kids, but we also try to encourage families to be honest. 

“The kids are going to see it, they are living in the house, they see what’s going on. Be as honest as you can according to their age.” 

For all its patients, PALS is in it for the long haul. 

“Once you’ve been referred to Pals,” Ms DeGrilla said, “you remain in our family forever. Our family just keeps growing and growing.” 

For more information, visit www.pals.bm 

The post In your darkest hour, PALS are here to help appeared first on RG Magazines.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women in Bermuda, and this year there is an ambitious goal.

“We have a mammography machine that is coming to the end of its life,” explained Deborah Titterton Narraway, CHC’s chief marketing and fundraising officer.

“The breast cancer walk and everything we do in October will go towards that.”

October’s events usually raise around $200,000. The goal for this year however, is $400,000.

While a lot of fundraising happens during October, it is only one month in a busy year full of events. These include the Relay for Life, AXA XL Man on the Run 5K, MOvember Bermuda, St Baldrick’s and a host of other initiatives driven by organisations and individuals who have either been affected by cancer themselves, know someone affected, or simply care.

CHC has no government funding, but it receives insurance reimbursements. There is, however, no co-pay and no patient is turned away if they are uninsured or underinsured.

“No one should have to pay for their cancer care. They should be focused on wellness, not how to pay for something,” continued Ms Titterton Narraway. This is why their fundraising initiatives are so crucial.

Each year, the centre raises around $1.6 to $1.8 million, $1.1 million of which is restricted to the Equal Access fund. This fund covers care costs for those not adequately insured. Ideally, however, the annual sum raised needs to be $2.5 million.

“That would cover equal access, plus our education and wellness programmes, which are not fully funded at the moment. We run them anyway,” she explained.

“What that would leave us is any revenue we make off our clinical services, we could be investing in the future.”

Like the mammography machine, other valuable equipment needs to be replaced from time to time. There are also unexpected costs: for example, if a machine is not working, that patient has to go abroad for treatment instead.

“All we need is one hiccup with radiation therapy,” she said. “We have been very fortunate that our machine has stayed up and running.

“But, should a hurricane cause an issue, whether you can no longer physically access the building or we are without electricity for more than a certain period of time, we would be putting people on airplanes and sending them to Boston.

“For those who are not insured, we would cover all that. That would change our cash flow tremendously. We try and keep a healthy reserve for that.

“Every piece of equipment has a life span. Our radiation machine is coming towards the end of that life span. We will have to replace that equipment.”

They have also outgrown their building and need to acquire more space.

Most of the funds raised come from the community and this is why their events are so crucial.

“When you look at our events, that’s all peer to peer fundraising,” explained Ms Titterton Narraway. “We get people to register for the event. They’re the ones who go out and host fundraisers or send their URL to friends and family.”

The largest fundraiser by far is the Relay for Life, which takes place in May. This year, nearly 5,500 people helped to raise more than $800,000 and Ms Titterton Narraway puts its success down to the fact that it involves the whole community.

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate and cancer doesn’t sleep, which is why it’s an overnight event. It effects everybody, from families, community clubs, businesses.”

The guests of honour are the survivors, which makes it particularly poignant, especially as many have previously keep their cancer diagnosis to themselves. 

“Every year, we’re surprised at the number of people who come in and say they don’t know someone with cancer. We ask them why they’re there.

“It’s a community event and they keep coming back now, year after year, because they may have walked in the gate not knowing someone with cancer, but when they watch the people who walk the track and wear the survivor sashes, they’re usually surprised to see a colleague, a neighbour, who maybe hasn’t made it public outside of that event.”

Two more big events focus on cancers that affect men. The AXA XL Man on the Run 5k will take place on November 10 and MOvember, throughout the month of November. The latter is where men fundraise by growing a ‘MO-ustache or beard’ for 30 days. Last year, MOvember Bermuda raised more than $26,000 towards both the Equal Access fund and prostate cancer education and prevention.

2023’s AXA XL Man on the Run 5K raised over $36,000, which went towards free men’s health screening events, men’s health presentations and financial subsidisation for radiation therapy.

The CHC also works with the United States-based St Baldrick’s Foundation, which helps fund research into childhood cancer cures, and 10 per cent of the funds raised from Bermuda events stay on the island. Those funds go towards their SunSmart programme, which is primarily aimed at children.

While these large events make up the bulk of CHCs fundraising successes, there is a particular need for “unrestricted fundraising”, where funds can be used wherever needed, such as running costs or personal care products for patients. The Annual Appeal supports this. 

Whether it’s restricted or unrestricted funds, every little helps. Tiles can be bought for their Commemorative Tile Wall, women can host Girls Night In where the cost of a night out is donated, or you can simply organise your own fundraising initiative.

There are also very personal donations. Ms Titterton Narraway shared a story about a man who lost his brother to cancer: “They were avid golfers. He now donates $50 for every birdie he makes. 

“The donation doesn’t have to be big, but the continued support is what keeps us going.”

For more information visit cancer.bm 

The post Fundraising targets grow appeared first on RG Magazines.

Q: Does what you eat matter? 

A: Maintaining a healthy weight is a key player in reducing your overall risk of developing cancer. Diets that are higher in fast food, saturated fat or sugar significantly increase your risk of being overweight or obese, which in turn increases your risk of developing cancer. 

When reading about foods and cancer risk, consider who is writing the article, what their references are – are they based on large studies or good evidence? – and importantly, are they trying to sell anything? We’re looking at you, “superfoods”! 

Q: Do certain foods increase the risk of cancer? 

A: It is very difficult to determine a specific food that “causes” cancer as our diets are, for the most part, varied. There are some foods that research shows do have a higher risk associated with them. We know that components of red meats and the cooking methods we use can damage the cells of the bowel in a way that can increase cancer risks. 

Processed meats carry some of the same properties, and invariably are higher in fats and compounds from the preserving process, which is thought to be cancer causing. Try to limit red meats to once a week and processed meats to very special occasions. 

Alcohol consumption also comes with a risk. Regardless of the type of alcohol we choose, they all contain ethanol which is a cancer-causing compound. The benefits of alcohol that we often see touted in the news are misleading and, the higher the number of alcoholic drinks you consume, the higher the risk of cancer in the head, neck and oesophagus, stomach, liver, kidneys and the bowel: basically any part of the digestive system that has a role in the consumption and processing of the drink. 

Too much refined sugar in our diets can make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight which, as above, can increase our risk of cancer. There is no scientific evidence to suggest a link between artificial sweeteners and cancer. 

Q: Do certain foods limit the risk of cancer? 

A: There is no magic bean to prevent the development of cancer, and no one food or diet will guarantee that you will not get cancer at all. 

There is evidence that diets rich in wholegrains, which are high in fibre, as well as dairy foods, can reduce the risk of bowel cancer. 

A healthy, balanced diet is one that is rich in wholegrains, including wholegrain pasta and multigrain bread, lean proteins such as plant-based like beans, pulses and lentils, or eggs, fish, chicken and turkey, as well as fruits and vegetables. Dairy is also a good source of protein and nutrients, especially if lower in fat and without added sugar. Dairy alternatives, especially soya, that are fortified will have some of the same nutrients but there is not enough research to suggest that they have the same risk-reducing effects. 

Q: Is it realistic to think a person can organise a diet around those foods? 

A: Absolutely! A Mediterranean-style diet is not only associated with reducing risks of cancer but is often cited as the healthiest dietary pattern going. 

Success won’t happen without some thought and planning. Start small, think about tweaks you can make to breakfasts or snacks, or choose one night per week to try a new recipe. 

The internet is bursting with inspiration. Find one or two simple recipes to try per week or use meal prep services or prepared meals based on a more plant-focused approach. Ideally, use seasonal products from farm stands or frozen bags of mixed vegetables. 

The post Choose your diet wisely appeared first on RG Magazines.

Of course, preparation for the journey toward a teaching certification is key, and there are several avenues that students can explore before they embark on a full collegiate excursion toward a career in education. For Thaao Dill, director of programming at the Adult Education School (AES), it’s vital to get your ducks in a row prior to looking at scholarships.

“AES learners with an interest in becoming teachers have a clear, accessible path to completion. To start with, they’ll be furnished with our GED Plus Programme. This includes individualised, one-on-one academic instruction in each of the four subjects, partnered with ‘success skills’ training such as time management, study habits and online application resourcing and completion, and a deep analysis of their values set, career aptitude and unique learning style.

“If these results map on to a career in education, we support them through the process of being accepted into the Bermuda College Associate of Science in Education Degree Programme, including bespoke prep for the College Placement Test, and outlining a short list of universities they can transfer the significant majority or entirety of their Bermuda College credits into.”

Once a path is blueprinted, and students are ready to put cement and stone into their chosen discipline, scholarships become very significant indeed, especially the grassroots ones.“The state scholarships, specifically the Teacher Education Award, are the most valuable financial support options for this particular training and professional journey, but we guide our learners to pursue some of the smaller bursaries offered by their parish council, area churches, sports clubs, for example, to reach their goals. There is so much money on the table available for committed Bermudian students, and AES does our best to equip our learners with the skills needed to successfully earn these awards.”

There are numerous scholarships and awards available to students who want to teach. Teaching itself demands a strong, near comprehensive grasp on a specific discipline, which opens many doors, to many opportunities.

Several scholarships are provided for non-specific study and, once a student knows what they want to pursue, they can apply to as many as they want. The Ministry of Education, mentioned by Mr Dill as the “state scholarships,” provide numerous general education awards, up to $35,000 per annum, and several Teacher Training Awards, up to $20,000 per annum.

The trick is to know what you want to teach. Know what discipline fills you with enough passion and drive to see it through, because college life will be challenging at times.

Cedarbridge Academy Counsellor Angelita Outerbridge advises students who are interested in becoming teachers to network with the professionals they work with every day:

“If I had a student wanting to pursue education, I would encourage them to begin networking; talking to teachers in the subject area, and age level that they are interested in teaching. I would assist in creating the connections to allow them to talk to teachers in the field. A part of future planning is research. The purpose of these links would be to find out different pathways that others may have taken, which would contribute to the development of their own pathway. There are many different pathways that students can take.”

The path to teaching will, almost always, start before tertiary education, but going into tertiary education with a clear understanding of what may be ahead of you is always a good idea. As far as scholarships go, Ms Outerbridge highly recommended students get on bermudascholarships.com early.“In regards to scholarships, bermudascholarships.com lists all available scholarships. Students are able to search specific scholarships that align with their interest. Students should make use of the website to research what is available. There are scholarships that are available specifically for students pursuing education.”

Most local scholarships and awards are listed on bermudascholarships.com. So, once you’ve made the monumental decision to bless the world by teaching, you should tap into this resource by registering your profile on the site.

From there you will find Parish Council scholarships, club bursaries, funding provided by the Bermuda Union of teachers, including the Angela Swan Memorial Teacher Training Award, and the Ellen-Kate Horton Teacher Training Award, further education Awards, privately provided scholarships like the Green Family scholarship and the Debra and Dudley Butterfield scholarship, and dozens of others.

These financial contributions are ready and waiting for dynamic young applicants who want to use their talents to mould Bermuda’s students into future leaders.

The Ministry of Education Teacher Training Award, as well as their numerous general undergraduate and postgraduate awards can all be applied to through bermudascholarships.com. The deadline for application is Monday 8 April and applications are live now.

Applicants must have completed five years of schooling in Bermuda, but this requirement can vary with non-government scholarships.

The Teacher Training Award also requires applicants to be enrolled in an approved programme of study at an accredited school, and maintain a 3.0 GPA. This requirement also varies.

Fortunately, because this award is also designed to meet the needs of the Bermuda Public School System (BPSS), post-scholarship employment is not only possible, but required. Successful applicants will be expected to return to Bermuda once they have obtained their degree, and teach in the BPSS for an equal amount of years that they benefitted from the award.

Lastly, the Teacher Training Award requires applicants to submit an essay answering three simple questions, which are questions students who decide to pursue a career in education should ask themselves anyway: Why do you want to be a teacher? What does comprehensive education mean to you? And, what contribution will you make to the Bermuda Public School System?

The post Pathways into Teaching appeared first on RG Magazines.

But Lady Luck was certainly not smiling down on the island’s fledgeling gaming industry at the start of the year. 

The omens were not good after The Royal Gazette reported in the previous month that Jean Major, the head of the Bermuda Gaming Commission, which was set up to oversee the industry, had resigned under mysterious circumstances. 

The industry was dealt a major blow in mid-January after a US gaming company developing a casino at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club pulled out of the project blaming ongoing time delays. 

Peter Hoetzinger, president and chief executive of Century Casinos, which was working in partnership with the hotel for the previous eight years, said that under the existing legislative framework, the company could not foresee the project being completed in a reasonable time, if at all. 

Mr Hoetzinger said: “For the last five years we have tried to get this project up and running, but with the current legislative framework we do not assume this project can be realised in a reasonable time frame or at all. 

“We have therefore decided not to continue our attempts to implement casino operations in Hamilton any further and to leave the casino project.” 

The decision by Century Casinos to finally wash its hands of the plan effectively torpedoed any hopes that 2023 would see the opening of the first casino at the iconic hotel. 

A Hamilton Princess & Beach Club spokesman said: “We are disappointed that our designated casino partner no longer wishes to pursue the project. 

“While we continue to believe that gaming represents an attractive amenity for Bermuda’s visitors, we have paused our search for a new operator while we await a clearer road map from the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission on a viable path forward to seeing a casino open its doors.” 

Mr Hoetzinger’s remarks prompted an angry response from shadow tourism minister Craig Cannonier, who said that David Burt owed the country an explanation. 

Mr Cannonier said: “The Premier needs to come clean on what went wrong here. The lack of transparency speaks volumes to the incompetence of the current government.” 

Days after the shock announcement, a leading business source told The Royal Gazette that the gaming sector was in jeopardy because of government incompetence. 

The source said the Government’s relationship with the renamed Bermuda Gaming Commission was putting off US investors and banks from becoming involved in setting up casinos on the island. 

They said: “The US banks want gaming to be independent, and the BGC looks anything but. A major disincentive is that Bermuda gaming regulation just does not look independent.” 

The future of a casino opening at a second hotel — the St Regis in St George’s — came under question towards the end of the month. 

Senior representatives of the resort’s owner, along with staff from their chosen casino operator, flew in for emergency talks with the Government. 

A government spokesman later described the talks, in which Mr Burt and tourism minister Vance Campbell took part, as “frank and extremely useful”. 

Mr Burt poured scorn on “idle and irresponsible media speculation around gaming”. 

He said: “It is ridiculous to suggest that the Government has not invested time and effort into achieving gaming for Bermuda. 

“I continue to be impressed by the commitment of St Regis to introducing a casino at the hotel and our discussion examined legislative and practical ways to achieve that shared goal. 

“Those efforts will continue as we collaborate with all parties to deliver on this economic imperative for Bermuda.” 

But in the past 11 months, there appears to have been no movement in the sector — apart from an announcement by Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, that gaming was no longer a government priority. 

As the year comes to a close, Bermuda appears no closer to having a 

The post January: Gaming looks as far away as ever appeared first on RG Magazines.

You’ve seen it. That image of a fully relaxed human body lying face down with hundreds of metal needles penetrating the skin at strategically focused points. It’s an image that will evoke feelings of great anxiety, or memories of total relaxation, depending on your cultural heritage.

Western children are routinely traumatised by injections in early childhood, making the mere thought of acupuncture an anxiety-laden engagement. Yet Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that acupuncture can loosen tight joints, relieve chronic pain and correct the flow of blood throughout the body. Acupuncture is also said to induce a feeling of deep relaxation that will last for hours after a session.

But… the needles!

As defined by the Mayo Clinic, “acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management.

“Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.

“In contrast, many western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. Some believe that this stimulation boosts your body’s natural painkillers.”

Local practitioners like Coha Health, where the highly regarded Sifu Dr Reginald Cann practices, and the Pearson Clinic offer targeted acupuncture to treat specific ailments and aid in overall health. Spine and Sport Bermuda, which is a chiropractic and physiotherapy office, uses acupuncture in a more ‘western’ manner.

Acupuncture, applied in a traditional Chinese medicine style, can be used to treat specific ailments such as dental pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, labour pain, lower back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, respiratory disorders such as allergic rhinitis, and tennis elbow. Acupuncture can also be good for emotional and even spiritual well-being, as these are components of the Chi.

Emma Pearson, licensed acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, calls acupuncture a natural approach to healing: “Acupuncture is one of the longest established forms of healthcare in the world, originating in ancient China over 2,000 years ago. It works by inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points on the body to release blockages and promote a natural healing response.”

Offering a wide array of acupuncture treatments at the Pearson Clinic in Hamilton, Ms Pearson is trained in acupuncture, cupping, guasha, moxibustion, electroacupuncture and massage. She starts with a consultation, after which she will expertly tailor a treatment plan to bring healing and balance to your body and mind.

Bermudians suffer from many chronic ailments, so Ms Pearson treats a wide array of medical conditions with acupuncture daily.

“I have special interest and training in acupuncture for female health and fertility, so I would say that I attract a large number of clients seeking help in that area. Acupuncture helps to treat and manage a range of health conditions though, so I really will see people requesting help with all sorts. Some of the more common complaints that I frequently see include musculoskeletal conditions, anxiety and depression, insomnia, allergies, autoimmune conditions, chronic headaches and digestive complaints.”

If you’re still a staunch supporter of western medical processes, you may question the effectiveness of regular acupuncture treatments. Many patients who have sought relief through acupuncture swear by it. Ms Pearson offers her expert opinion on the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments:

“Acupuncture is effective in treating most ailments, but the degree and time it takes can vary hugely, depending on the condition being treated, as well as the individual. Acupuncture initiates the body’s self-healing response, and works on treating the root cause, rather than solely alleviating various symptoms temporarily. This can take time and multiple treatments. Those with more acute conditions will often find symptoms resolve more quickly than chronic cases. I usually suggest clients adjust some aspect of their lifestyle to assist in their healing. Willingness to work with me in this area will also contribute to the level, and time-frame, of recovery.”

Mahatma Gandhi once chided the philosophies of western medicine due to the tendency of modern medicine to allow excess, and thereby encourage unhealthy lifestyles. The untenable flaw was that modern medicine paved the way for poor dietary habits, reckless life choices and irresponsible experimentation because it simply fixed ailments instead of promoting healthy habits that would prevent chronic conditions from ever developing. Traditional Chinese medicine shares a similar philosophy and acupuncture is very much a part of that.

Folks who aren’t accustomed to, or interested in, needles will still be skeptical though. Ms Pearson discloses a common thought path she’s noticed in her clients:

“First timers will sometimes be a little fearful of needles and wonder whether it’ll be painful. Acupuncture needles are incredibly fine and clients are pleasantly surprised to find that it is painless, and usually describe it as very enjoyable. The only other comment I hear frequently is that clients would prefer to be going home rather than returning to work after treatment, as they find that they get into a deeply relaxed state during sessions.”

Ms Pearson closes by reinforcing Gandhi’s age old avowal about the medical superiority of active prevention in relation to quick-fix cure:

“The immediate benefit of acupuncture treatment is that you will almost always feel a little more centered and relaxed, regardless of what we are treating. Pain can be quickly resolved or improved during, or shortly after, treatment. With a committed treatment plan, you can not only expect to see an improvement – or cure – of your main complaint, but also an improvement in overall health. This includes emotional wellbeing too. Acupuncture has traditionally been used as a preventative tool, to stave off ill-health through regular ‘tune-up’ sessions throughout the year, which means less trips to your doctor, and less need for medications.”

The post Healing Needles: Acupuncture can solve the root cause of an ailment appeared first on RG Magazines.

The vitamins and minerals section of most pharmacies is an overwhelming experience. How do we know what’s good for us? We spoke to two expert registered dieticians, Hanah Cannon, at Island Nutrition and Mellonie Furbert, Service Provider at the Department of Health, who answered our questions and explained how to find the right vitamin or supplement for you:

What age should you start supplementing your diet?

We would not recommend a specific age where we all need to start supplementing. It is more about what our health status is, or our goals. For example, being pregnant, having a recent medical diagnosis, or frequent alcohol consumption has various supplemental needs. It is more about the stage in life than specifically our age that indicates our need to supplement or not.

What are some signs of certain vitamin deficiencies?

Deficiencies can present in many ways. You may notice signs such as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, cuts or wounds that are slow to heal, headaches or joint pains, changes in the health of our skin, hair or nails and even tooth or bone density problems. The best way to know for certain is to take a blood test with your GP.

How can you know which supplement is right for you?

Always be sure to ask your doctor or the pharmacist who can guide you based on your other supplements, medications and health conditions. They’ll be able to assist you with the various types of supplements you may need, along with the size of the dose that’s best for you.

Can we get everything we need by simply following a healthy diet?

Typically, a person who eats a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, wholegrain carbohydrates and lean proteins including oily fish and legumes, can get all the nutrients they need. Others may require additional supplements if they have increased needs due to a diagnosed medical condition, if they have had certain types of surgery, or if they have certain dietary preferences such as eating a plant-based diet.

How do we know what we should take?

If you suspect a deficiency, the best way to know what to take is through a blood test. Vitamin supplementation is only usually recommended to replace a deficiency and the best way to diagnose this is with a simple blood test from your doctor.

Can certain vitamins or supplements actually do more harm than good?

The main cause for concern day to day is going to be from interactions with medications. We do have to be careful when taking certain medications with vitamin supplements. It is very important for your doctor or pharmacist to be aware of any supplements you take.

People on chemotherapy or radiation therapy should not supplement on their own and should inform their oncologist of all dietary supplements and alternative therapies. This is because certain vitamins or antioxidants in high doses may interact with the treatment, lessening the effects.

Can we take too much?

Yes. We need to be aware of dosing and risk of vitamin build up in the body or toxicity. With water soluble vitamins, excess is urinated out so goes to waste and is not usually harmful in the long term. That said, if you are experiencing nausea, abdominal cramps, or diarrhoea it may be worth taking a look at whether you are exceeding your needs for Vitamin C, Zinc or Magnesium. Fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K can build up in the body with time and become toxic in high doses. Check that you are not doubling up here.

Ms Furbert explained how to find the correct supplements, should you need them:

Vitamins and minerals are divided into three groups:

1. Broad Spectrum: Contain all or most vitamins and minerals and do not exceed Dietary Reference Intake for nutrients according to the children, men and women, pregnant persons, and seniors.

2. High Potency: Contains amounts of some vitamins and minerals substantially higher than Dietary Reference Intake and might include other nutrients and botanical ingredients.

3. Specialised vitamins and minerals: These combine several vitamins and minerals, botanical and specialty ingredients for specific conditions such as energy, athletic performance or weight control.

If you feel your diet is below par, you could take a general A-Z in the short term but may want to consider getting to the root cause and finding ways to meet your needs through your food choices.

In terms of the options, we can choose from gummies, chewables, capsules or liquid versions. Gummies may be more appealing but contain less vitamins and minerals than tablet form.

Chewables might be better than tablets for those prone to reflux as they are chewed up before they meet the stomach. Liquid versions are good for swallow problems or mixing into drinks but may need higher doses. There is no right answer as long as you consider the pros and cons of each and find one that suits your lifestyle.

The post Do you really need that supplement? appeared first on RG Magazines.

Five years on, Mustafa lives in Sydney, Australia, works as an account manager for a prestigious legal technology firm, and has been involved in every global sailing event on his bucket list, except for the America’s Cup itself – and that opportunity has sniffed at his door, having done trials with American Magic and Stars and Stripes. He loves playing rugby, surfs most weekends and speaks with a hint of an Australian accent.

RG Mags: What’s the secret of your success?

Mustafa Ingham: Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. I learned that from Laura Cutler, TeamBDA manager, who mentored me. After Youth America’s Cup I was interested in the Volvo Ocean Race and Laura convinced me to just go for it. She told me to write to the race CEO, to find his email and tell him why I was keen to join, and I did it! It was long days and long nights of learning, putting boats together and meeting sailing legends; and it all played a part in my journey here. Most of my achievements, including working with SailGP Spain and crewing in the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, came about because I showed up and gave it my best shot.

RG Mags: Who else do you credit for your success?

MI: I grew up with my grandparents and my mom, she was a single mother, and they instilled in me the old school manners, to be kind, be respectful, be honest, be socially intelligent, and always present yourself well even when nobody’s looking. It takes you a long way. Here in Sydney, people love a ‘Good Morning!’. That’s the best part about being Bermudian, when you say good morning, you take people by surprise!

RG Mags: It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for you. How were you impacted by the pandemic?

MI: The shutdown made me rethink my sailing career. I was working with SailGP Spain, my passport and visa were all sorted, we were booking flights and next minute, it’s all over. I had no income, I had to move house because I had no job and couldn’t pay the rent; I didn’t know where to turn. It was a very tough spot to be in mentally, physically, and emotionally.

It was the moment in my life when I realised I was growing up. I was 23 and I wasn’t going to ask my mom to bail me out, I needed to figure it out on my own.

I’m usually a positive person but this put me in a very negative place, and I didn’t see any way out. I felt stuck, I couldn’t feed myself, I couldn’t pay rent, I couldn’t do nice things for my partner. I learned a lot and I came out of it a better person, 100%.

RG Mags: Any advice for other young Bermudians seeking opportunity?

MI: I worry about young black men, my peer group. There’s always a shooting, a robbery, a stabbing, I just wish they’d think before they act. These are people I went to school with, and it’s one of those things that hits you in the heart every time.

Life is so valuable. Honestly, if you take time to think about it, you can go wherever you want. It’s not worth all the violence. It just takes one second to make a different choice.

Opportunity only presents itself when you’re ready and if you want something that bad, you will make it happen. Anything’s possible, I didn’t think I’d be living in Australia at any point of my life, content and very thankful. I just wanted to do the Youth America’s Cup and that’s as far as I wanted to go but if you keep working towards it, things just keep presenting themselves and doors keep opening. n

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Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? Many of us don’t. But it’s important to educate ourselves, as fire extinguishers can save lives and homes. As too many people know, fires can happen unexpectedly and escalate quickly, becoming out of control if we don’t act fast. 

While it’s not possible to cover an entire course in one article, it’s helpful to have some tips in the back of your mind as hurricane season approaches. You never know when you might find yourself needing to put out a small fire. They can be caused by things you have in your home—like candles, cooking oil, home heaters or smokers. They can also be caused by things like malfunctioning electrical outlets or even lightning in a storm. 

To begin, make sure you have smoke alarms throughout your house. Check them regularly, every six months, so they can do their job in an emergency. Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home or office? Make sure you have one and that it’s in working order. While this piece of equipment doesn’t work for every type of fire and can be used to put out small fires, it’s still a good idea to have one handy. 

Let everyone know where the extinguisher is and how to use it. Keep it near an exit so you can make a fast escape. If you don’t know how it works, schedule some training. Call your fire department for more information. Then you can train others or invite them along for training. 

In the event of a fire, make sure everyone in your home or office has an escape route and that the exit is clear. Don’t block it with boxes or doors that are locked. If someone is going to use the extinguisher, are they capable? Children should not be left in charge. Call 911 immediately and alert others to leave the building. 

If you need to use a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS. This will help you if you can’t think clearly during an emergency. PASS stands for: 

• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism. Face the fire, staying six to eight feet away from the flames as you prepare to use the extinguisher. 
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Keep your back to the exit so you can leave in a hurry. 
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. 
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side. 

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The homeless population is more vulnerable than anyone else when a hurricane approaches and an all-hands-on-deck approach is required to ensure their safety. 

About 50 people are estimated to sleep rough in Bermuda on a regular basis, with many more living in insecure housing. Many of these find temporary shelter with families in the hours before, during and after a major storm, while charities, churches and the Bermuda government all play a part in ensuring everyone is kept safe. 

In recent years, The Salvation Army complex has not been deemed a suitable accommodation during a hurricane, so the emergency shelter at CedarBridge Academy has typically catered to about 60 people during a storm. But as the homeless population has continued to grow in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, services providing shelter have upped their game. 

The charity Home aims to provide shelter for 24 people at its facility at Boaz Island, while The Salvation Army will be able to accommodate 60 at its new premises being created on North Street. 

Steve Cosham, Bermuda’s national disaster coordinator, hopes this will mean fewer people need the CedarBridge shelter. “Unsheltered people have traditionally only had available The Salvation Army emergency housing facility located at North Street,” Cosham says. “During Covid-19, their capacity to house was reduced from about 40 people to 24 people. There was never enough to house all those people that looked for housing from The Salvation Army.” 

He explains that the government granted The Salvation Army a large sum and work is ongoing to build the new facility at North Street. This is a great stride forward. “We also know that Covid-19 has increased the population without shelter. If we see a hurricane this year, The Salvation Army and Home will take 84 people, which is fantastic.” 

Cosham says nobody knows how many people will show up at the shelter at CedarBridge Academy’s gymnasium, but they are not expecting as many as in previous years. 

The CedarBridge shelter is advertised across the media in advance of a storm and opens 12 hours before the hurricane is forecast to arrive, but Cosham notes: “There is no power to order people to use it.” 

The Salvation Army plays a key role in ensuring people take advantage of the shelter. Business manager Chandra-Lee Bascome says: “A lot of homeless people are able to get shelter with their families for the storm even if they can’t stay with them permanently. We work to get the other people into the shelter. We are already going around to the known locations to provide people with soup anyway. When it comes to a hurricane, we look out for those who haven’t moved to the emergency housing complex and take them up to CedarBridge.” 

Bascome explains that Maxwell Assing, their street ministry driver, knows where to find homeless people and says he has a critically important relationship with them. “Maxwell knows his people out there and knows who he needs to look for. The people are also trusting of him so will listen to his advice.” 

At CedarBridge, beds are set up in the gymnasium, family rooms are provided and measures are made to cater to those with special medical needs or who are oxygen dependent. The Department of Child and Family Services staffs the operation, assisted by voluntary organizations such as The Bermuda Red Cross, churches, St. John Ambulance and the Royal Bermuda Regiment. Private security is provided because many in the homeless community have stated they would not be comfortable with a police presence. 

Food is supplied by The Salvation Army and Cosham adds: “There is Wi-Fi at the shelter and the Red Cross donates games to keep people happy. The Red Cross also takes up a large supply of clothes to allow the unsheltered to change clothes where needed.” 

The shelter stays open until after the Emergency Measures Organization confirms it’s safe to go back outside. Bascome says The Salvation Army is looking forward to being able to accommodate people at the new North Street complex, which features refurbished shipping containers, fortified by the Bermuda Housing Corporation to ensure they are hurricane-proof. 

“At the moment our complex isn’t suitable during a hurricane, so all our clients have to go up to the emergency shelter,” she says. “With our new complex, our people should be able to remain at the emergency complex. Everybody wants to be in their own place during a hurricane, where they can protect their own belongings no matter what may come. I don’t want to leave my belongings behind and I’m sure they all feel the same.” 

Cosham suggests more shelters could be set up across the island in the future. “There are discussions in place to have more shelters, utilizing the churches, so we have them at more locations around the island,” he says. “At present, the demand is just for CedarBridge. If we saw a bigger demand, then we would look at opening more shelters.” 

Bascome pays tribute to the volunteers who step up and reminds the public that we all have a part to play in helping our fellow brothers and sisters. “We have some families who have volunteered in this role for years,” she says. “Some of those people get lead roles in planning the menu for three or four days. We are very grateful for their help.” 

She says she always finds that those who have experienced hardship themselves tend to be the more compassionate and generous. “I would ask the general public to consider the possibility that it could happen to any of you. None of us knows what the future might hold.” 

She says the everyday person came for support during the pandemic when pretty much everyone had stopped working. 

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