Mental health is important. Modern society is increasingly more sensitive to mental health issues and the need to be mindful of one’s own emotional well-being. The encroachment of COVID-19, however, has brought with it societal restrictions and protocols that have triggered a rise in anxiety and depression around the world, including right here in Bermuda. 

Mrs Latisha Lister-Burgess, Executive Director of Bermuda’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) describes the sharp rise here: “The World Health Organization (WHO) states that approximately 1 in 6 people will have a mental health issue in their lifetime, but over the past year, approximately 1 in 3 people have struggled with anxiety. This is mainly due to anxiety around job security, finances, relationship problems, and various other stressors due to the impact of COVID-19.” 

Mrs Lister-Burgess continues, turning an eye toward the risks of shelter in place and working from home. “As we have been dealing with the impact of COVID-19 for over a year now, people may feel emotionally exhausted. 

“We are meant to be social creatures, and for some people the social distance measures may lead to feelings of isolation. I have encouraged people to remember that it is vital to find ways to stay emotionally connected during this time and seek creative ways (drive-by parties, Zoom happy hours, etc.) to continue to engage with others to keep connections strong. 

“During the past year, people have reported feeling additional stressors due to working at home while trying to home-school children, and often have a partner or other relatives working in the home at the same time. As their work/life balance dissipated, often relationship issues increased. The very real pressure of constant contact with their partner and/or children has been challenging at times and has highlighted the need for increased communication and conflict management skills during this time.” 

On the topic of treatments available through the EAP and other resources, Mrs Lister-Burgess offers the following: “EAP offers talk therapy and can assist people in developing effective communication and conflict management skills in order to communicate their wants and needs to others in a healthy way. 

“Some of the self-care tools that can assist with feelings of anxiety are: meditation, breathing exercises, affirmations, journaling, practicing gratitude and mindfulness exercises. Medication can also be helpful and can be prescribed through a GP or psychiatrist.” 

Executive Director Lister-Burgess closes by reminding us of the importance of taking care of our own mental health: “It is important that we normalize asking for support. In these challenging times, it is vital that people commit to improving their mental health, developing healthy relationships, and actively choosing self-care. 

“The same way we go to the doctor annually to have a check-up to make sure our physical health is good, people would benefit from having a ‘mental health check-up’ to make sure that they have the tools that they need to ensure that they are emotionally healthy.” 

Dr Gemma Harris, Director of Corporate Wellness Services and Senior Clinical Psychologist at Solstice, also asserts that anxiety and depression are the two most prevalent mental health issues both globally, and in Bermuda. 

On the effect of COVID-19, Dr Harris states: “Solstice has witnessed a significant increase in new referrals, and the return of past clients, as people try to understand and manage the impact of the pandemic. We have experienced that the situation is affecting our clients in quite diverse ways, however, common themes have related to uncertainty (for example, adapting to restrictions, having to change future plans, feeling unable to move forward, and concerns about future stability), heightened anxiety about job and/or financial stability, adapting to home working (often creating loneliness and isolation) and relationship/family challenges. 

“Whilst some people have presented with concerns specifically related to the covid19 virus, this has been a relatively small proportion of clients. Whilst these difficulties appear to impact our clients across the age range, we are noticing that young adults (18 to 25) may be more prone to feeling that their plans are on hold.” 

Dr Harris continues, “Working from home seems to have created quite a dichotomous response, with some people reporting that they love the freedom to work more flexibly and feel more focused. However, by contrast many are reporting that their work-life balance is poorer when they work from home, and that they are finding it isolating and demotivating. 

“Many times, clients feel disconnected from their teams after protracted periods of home working. We suspect that the range of experiences may be a product of the type of work, the suitability of the home environment and personality factors. 

“Solstice offers a Corporate Wellness Program that can support employers and their employees in thinking about the challenges of working from home. This includes employee assistance, as well as team building, psychological support for teams, and helping employers reflect on their systems and processes.” 

In closing, Dr Harris offers some strong advice for maintaining sanity during this surreal time: “The impact of the pandemic is significant, far-reaching and protracted. As such, we expect that most people will, at some point, be impacted emotionally. 

“It makes perfect sense for us to be anxious and fearful, and for our threat systems to be activated. When our threat systems are activated, it means that we are more vigilant to risk, and as such we may be anticipating future risk possibilities. Whilst this is very normal and functional, in the case of Covid19 (which is a protracted risk) we run the risk of being anxious and on alert for long periods, which is likely to be stressful and exhausting. 

“Counterbalancing this important and necessary threat response with self-care is really important. Hence, making time for hobbies, relaxation time, and self-care is vital. Give yourself time to switch off and reset. That might be taking a break from reading about the pandemic. Try to implement generally good care routines like getting decent sleep, exercise, eating healthily and managing a good work-life balance. 

“Be careful of more harmful coping strategies such as alcohol and drugs, gambling, and excessive spending. Stay connected socially as best you can, perhaps making contact via virtual means if physical contact seems risky. We tend to be social creatures, so social contact is important. Whilst we all want to protect our physical health, we cannot forget about our mental health in the process.” 

The post Anxiety and Depression Are Very Real Covid-19 Symptoms appeared first on RG Magazines.

by Tim Smith

Even peeling potatoes can cause some people to start wheezing or their skin to turn red. From tuna to tomatoes, from apples to almonds – the list of foods causing allergies or intolerance is now seemingly endless, while the numbers of children allergic to peanuts alone has more than tripled within a decade. 

Yet dealing with a food allergy isn’t as simple as typing your symptoms into Google and avoiding whatever possible allergenic foods appear on the screen, no matter how justified your fear of the reaction. 

Increased anxiety and nutrient deficiency are just two of the problems that can be caused by unnecessarily cutting numerous foods out of your diet. 

While scientists are still trying to fully explain the great surge in food allergies, dieticians are able to help people navigate through the minefield by offering advice on a one-by-one basis. 

Hannah Jones sees clients with food allergies and intolerances in her role as managing director and chief registered dietician at Island Nutrition in Hamilton. 

“Unfortunately some of these people are having tests which have not been proven by science and consequently may be unduly worried and unnecessarily restricting multiple foods,” Ms Jones said. 

“This excessive restriction comes with its own challenges, including stress, anxiety, expense and, of course, potential nutrient deficiencies. 

“If a food allergy is suspected, a person should seek medical advice and may require evidence-based allergy testing. 

“Registered dietitians can help ensure people can continue to consume a well-balanced diet and minimise the risk of deficiencies. Children should not follow restricted diets without the guidance of a registered dietitian.” 

Pollen-food syndrome (PFS), also known as Oral Allergy Syndrome, is now the most common allergy affecting adults. This condition causes the body to trigger an immune response in reaction to consuming proteins which are very similar to pollen. 

Ms Jones said: “People who suffer from seasonal allergies such as hay fever are most likely to be affected by PFS. The immune response of PFS typically results in immediate itching, along with other allergy symptoms including swelling in the mouth, tongue and lips. Most PFS symptoms are not life-threatening, although reactions may be worse in those people with uncontrolled asthma.” 

Foods most commonly linked with PFS are apples, kiwi, strawberry, stone fruit such as peaches, plums, cherries and apricots, and tree nuts, particularly hazelnut, Brazil nut, walnut and almond. 

However, Ms Jones warned: “It is important to note that there is no need to exclude all potential allergenic foods, and people should only avoid those foods which cause a reaction for them. In addition, heating or cooking the foods can denature the pollen-like proteins and so canned or cooked versions of these foods may be tolerated. 

“For any confirmed or suspected food allergies, people should consult their GP to ensure that appropriate, clinically reliable, tests are performed. A registered dietitian should be consulted to avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions which could lead to nutritional deficiencies.” 

The lists of allergenic foods goes far beyond those linked with PFS. 

Eight foods – cow’s milk, chicken eggs, shellfish, fish, soy, peanuts, wheat, and tree nuts – are thought to account for about 90 per cent of all allergic reactions in children, according to the British Dietetic Association. 

Ms Jones said: “Worldwide rates of food allergies have risen significantly in the last 20 years and scientists are not entirely sure of the reason. 

“Generally speaking, food allergies tend to affect younger children, and most will outgrow the allergy as their immune system matures, typically before they reach school age. 

“The most common childhood food allergies are related to milk, eggs, soya and wheat. 

“Allergies to peanuts and tree nuts are usually more long lasting, and any food allergies that persist into adulthood, or develop during adulthood, are likely to be lifelong allergies.” 

In medical terms, a food allergy is a condition in which exposure to a particular food protein triggers an immune response and releases histamine. The proteins that trigger the reaction are called allergens. 

The most commonly recognised allergic reactions usually show symptoms within an hour or two, ranging from an itchy mouth, rash, hives, or diarrhoea to severe anaphylactic problems such as the throat tightening and difficulty breathing. 

Meanwhile food intolerance, which can result in unpleasantness such as bloating and stomach pain, happens in people who lack certain enzymes to digest foods such as milk or sugar. 

Other people with food intolerance react to naturally occurring chemicals in food such as pork products, red wine, strong and blue cheeses, tuna, and caffeine. 

Island Nutrition, located on Victoria Street, has a team of dieticians offering advice on diet and lifestyle changes ranging from general healthy eating and weight management advice to more complex areas such as cancers, gastrointestinal conditions, and diabetes. 

Ms Jones said: “Our advice is always individualised, based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s health, social and diet history, and hence very much tailored to each individual client. 

“There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dietary and lifestyle changes, yet we strive to optimize the diet of every client.” 

Grocery shopping can be a headache for people with allergies or food intolerance. 

Zach Moniz, manager at the Lindo’s Group of Companies, urged customers to know their own condition and learn how to read labels. 

Mr Moniz said: “We try to offer as many varieties as possible of products, but it is ultimately up to the allergy sufferer to know what foods to avoid and consider. 

“If you are unsure how to eat a balanced diet because of a food allergy it is best to seek the advice of a professional dietician.” 

“It may sound unsympathetic but knowing what you can and cannot eat is the responsibility of the allergy sufferer. Most things now are labelled well. Learn how to read the labels and when you are not sure or if a product is not adequately labelled then avoid those items when considering food options.” 

He said Lindo’s often imports items for individual customers. 

“Keep in mind it can take two to three weeks to get items here from the United States and at least eight weeks from the UK. Logistically, we must time our imports. 

“Once we see a pattern developing with specific customers, we often make sure we have the items they require but it is important in the early stages to communicate with us.” 

To make an appointment at Island Nutrition, call 295-4082 or e-mail [email protected]. 

The post Watch What You Eat! appeared first on RG Magazines.

If you want some excitement this summer, then look no further than the new local jet ski league. 

Jet skiers hope to take part in race days for the first time in a decade in the contest running from May to September – and organisers are promising some spectacular sights at Ferry Reach. 

Robert Cardwell, the commodore at the Bermuda Power Boat Association which is organising the competition, said: “We’re expecting as many as 20 racers by the time we kick off, so it’s going to be pretty exciting for spectators to watch them because they come with some really powerful jet skis. They can do 80 to 100 miles per hour. 

“Jet skis are just pure excitement.” 

Mr Cardwell added that jet skis would be racing inshore, so fans will be able to see the entire race, compared with powerboats, which race both inshore and offshore. 

Dakari White is in agreement. 

Mr White, who has been instrumental in setting up the jet ski league, has loved the sport since the days his father, Delton, was actively involved. 

“The Bermuda Power Boat Association sent an invite out for the jet ski racers,” Mr White said. 

“My dad used to race jet skis in Bermuda when was I was younger so I had a background in it.” 

Mr White reflected on an amusing memory from when he was aged 7. 

“He gave me a ride and me, without having any experience, I just mashed the throttle and left him swimming in the water. I went for a nice little ride for five minutes before I realised he wasn’t with me.” 

He fondly remembers the days of going down to Ferry Reach and watching his father competing and hopes to instil that love of the sport in others. 

Mr White also has first-hand experience of speed sports of his own, having competed in semi-professional motorcycle racing in the United States. 

“The jet ski racing will be more interactive racing, especially since we will be racing inshore,” he said. 

“The boats are like you see them, then they go offshore. But with the jet skis we can have events right in front of the spectators and they’ll be able to see everything that is going on.” 

Competitors will include former racers, some new to the sport, and at least two women. 

Racing will take place in the stock class and modified class. There will also be racing on the Round The Island date in August but, due to time constraints, the jet skis will be running along North Shore to Hamilton to Dockyard then straight across to St George’s. 

“We do plan on doing a circumnavigation race, but it just won’t happen on Round The Island,” Mr White said. 

Two early rounds of the league were called off due to Covid-19 restrictions imposed by the Government, but in late April Mr Cardwell remained confident the rest of the schedule would go ahead. 

Mr Cardwell said spectators would be allowed to park along Ferry Reach and watch safely from their vehicles under Covid-19 protocols. Powerboat race days will start at 10.30am with the Junior League with jet skis running at noon and 2pm, while powerboats will race at 1pm and 3pm. 

The post Pure Excitement of Jetskis appeared first on RG Magazines.

The key to staying safe in a hurricane lies in being prepared – and that includes getting the right insurance for your vehicle. 

Bermuda’s motor insurers provided advice on best practice, with the June 1 start of the Atlantic hurricane season quickly approaching. 

Damian Pitcher, assistant general manager at Coralisle Group (CG) said: “Review your insurance coverage prior to the storm. It is common for persons to believe they can claim from the property owner if the slate from the property owner’s roof is blown into their car and causes damage during a storm. 

“This is incorrect as the property owner is unlikely to be held liable due to a storm. This is why it’s best to insure your vehicle under a comprehensive policy to ensure you are fully covered.” 

Mr Pitcher also gave tips on what to do if your vehicle is damaged by high winds. 

He said: “Safeguard the vehicle to limit further damage, take photographs of the damage, notify your insurer in writing as soon as possible, and secure a repair estimate to submit to your insurer.” 

A spokesperson for BF&M said: “Should you need to make a claim about damages, take pictures of the damage if you can and include them with the claims submission form, along with a repair estimate. If you’re a BF&M customer, you can fill in the required form online and submit information via our website at any time. 

“If you cannot park the vehicle in a garage, park it away from trees and buildings to reduce the risk of damage from falling debris.” 

The property and casualty team at Freisenbruch-Meyer said: “When a hurricane passes through, most damage we are all familiar with happens to our homes or building structure. 

“But after every storm there are individuals who find that, despite best efforts to protect their prized possessions, something has happened to their vehicle that has caused significant damage. 

“What people need to know is that the damage would be covered under most local comprehensive motor policies. So they should contact their insurance company to report the claim as soon as they are able, and ideally with photos of the damage. 

“The insurer will advise whether they need to physically inspect the vehicle or if the vehicle owner should take it directly to a garage to obtain estimates – and if more than one estimate will be required. 

“Once estimates are obtained, the insurer will agree an amount with the owner to have the vehicle repaired, less any deductible. Depending on the circumstances, the insurer may pay that amount directly to the owner or, more commonly, would pay the garage for the repairs on their behalf.” 

Insurers also shared advice in response to at least six suspicious car fires that took place in Bermuda in March. 

Mr Pitcher of CG said: “Ensure your vehicle is serviced by a reputable mechanic/service technician regularly – at least once yearly.” 

He added: “Safeguard your vehicle as best as possible.” 

The BF&M spokesperson said: “Reduce the chances of your vehicle becoming a target by parking your vehicle securely on your property, or on a well-lit street if possible. 

As an additional general piece of advice, the spokesperson for BF&M added: “Vehicle thefts have been on the rise lately, and it makes sense not to leave keys in the ignition and not to leave valuables in the vehicle. 

“Should you ever need it, remember that BF&M offers 24/7 roadside assistance for bikes, cars and taxis to our motor customers who selected that service.” 

The post EXPERT ADVICE: Insure your vehicle against storm damage appeared first on RG Magazines.

Now Jane Smith knows how her own stepmother felt when she learnt to ride a motorcycle all those years ago. 

“My stepmom used to stay up when I was starting to ride my bike at 16. She said I just want to make sure you get home,” Jane said. 

“I didn’t understand it at the time. But oh my gosh, I get it now. You can’t sleep until your children are in the house.” 

It’s Jane turn to be worried now because her own daughter A’Mya is learning to ride her bike, a few weeks before she turns 16. 

Much has changed on Bermuda’s roads since Jane, now 51, first learnt to ride a bike back in the 1980s. 

More cars, faster bikes, unpredictable behaviour from road users and an increased sense of urgency from St George’s to Dockyard mean it’s never been scarier for a new rider – or their anxious parents. 

“You definitely have to have your eyes everywhere,” Jane said. 

“You have to think for yourself and everyone else. It’s very dangerous now because they just don’t respect the rules. 

“People overtake on corners, they seem to think nothing is going to happen to them. Just the other day, I was looking at this guy on a bike – he slowed down, and up he went on his back wheel. 

“It’s going to be an extreme worry, especially for new riders. They may not always know what to look out for. You have to have your eyes everywhere.” 

Jane realises getting that first bike is a rite of passage endured by thousands of Bermudian 16-year-olds over the years. 

“I was 16,” she recalled. “I had a Yamaha V50 which my boyfriend at the time – he’s now my husband – fixed up for me. 

“I loved being able to go out when I felt like it. You didn’t have to ask anybody to take you. Hanging out with your friends and stuff. It was nice. 

“But my stepmom used to really worry a lot. When my eldest daughter went 16, I finally understood what my stepmom meant. 

“It’s hard to believe A’Mya is going 16. You have to let them go. You can’t protect them from everything forever. You have to trust them.” 

Like Jane 35 years ago, A’Mya is looking forward to one thing most of all: “Independence!” 

She has had to rely on the bus or her parents giving her lifts when she wants to meet friends or go to church meetings, but will soon be making those trips on the Piaggio Liberty 50cc she received as a gift from a cousin. 

“I like hanging out,” she said. “I like looking at nature. I will be able to just go anywhere now. I can go to St George’s, I can go to Dockyard. It will be really nice to do that.” 

Jane is comforted that A’Mya has been taking part in the Project Ride safety programme designed to give teenagers basic skills so they can get a Bermuda Youth Licence. 

A’Mya has already been practising how to stay within a tight space, turning, braking and making hand signals, which she described as “a little difficult”. 

By the end of the course, A’Mya will have completed 12 hours learning about general road use, traffic laws and safe procedures on Bermuda’s congested roads. 

A’Mya acknowledges it’s not been easy. 

“Especially on Bermuda’s roads,” she said. “They’re often narrow and there’s lots of corners. You have to learn to slow down on the corner, especially if it’s slippery when it’s raining, so you don’t get into an accident. 

“I still ride my pedal bike. I think that helps you with balance.” 

Project Ride, sponsored by the Road Safety Council, is directed by the Transport Control Department in partnership with the Department of Education. 

Students are taught the art of strategic riding, and shown how to be caring and responsible with a defensive attitude towards the road. 

It includes advice on basic bike maintenance, common traffic offences and licensing a bike, and by on completion of the course students are given a 10 per cent discount on their bike insurance. 

It’s all a far cry from when Jane learnt to ride. 

“When we were young, I knew how to ride a bike. My daddy taught me how to drive as well,” she said. 

“He let me on the road when I was 14. We were taught how to ride. It was just different back then. Everybody taught each other how to do stuff. 

“Today we are trying to teach them to be streetwise and to know what’s going on. Look around you. 

“I think a lot of children probably do get on the road and they don’t have any real experience. 

“I rode a couple of years ago. I couldn’t believe how bad it was. I was dipping and slipping. I think you have to try to find a balance, be in the centre of your lane.” 

She added: “I have to pray and ask God to protect them. If they are sensible and have their wits about them, for the most part they are pretty safe.” 

A’Mya can also count on expert advice from her father, Josonne Smith, a former rider of Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club. 

Josonne said: “This came too fast! I wasn’t prepared to be honest. She reminded me a couple of months ago and I was like, she’s going 16! 

“For us, it’s nerve-wracking but at the same time it’s recognising that they are able to have some kind of independence. 

“In Bermuda, that’s the first step of growing up I guess.” 

The post Rite of Passage: Teenager A’Mya learns to ride a motorbike – just like her mom 35 years ago appeared first on RG Magazines.

The trusty Kia Picanto has undergone a “facelift” that brings a fresh look to the island’s top-selling car. 

While its racy new image does catch the eye, there are a couple of features that take this upgrade beyond the mere superficial. 

The display unit is bigger and better at eight inches, and the rear view camera with parking guidelines is now a standard feature along with the existing iPod USB port, and Bluetooth hands free. 

It’s “fully loaded”, I’m told by my rep at Bermuda Motors, the car’s exclusive dealer which expects to shift about 20 Picantos per month. 

The leather-look seats (or real leather if you fancy spending just over a thousand extra) are especially comfy with their sleek feel and hugging design. 

It is as much the little city slicker as its predecessor: manoeuvrable, compact, obedient and a cinch to steer – all you need to get you through Hamilton’s tight spots. 

The Kia Picanto’s mini makeover is largely cosmetic but one that that makes for a more sophisticated look overall. 

The distinctive, alternatively-coloured accents on either side of the front grill are gone. A pop of colour instead comes from a horizontal slit between the headlights. The car has retained its coloured stripe along the side for those who care about these details – I have to admit, the contrast between some combinations is quite striking like the white accent on a red body. 

The back end of the new model is decorated with two chrome faux exhaust pipes whose sole function, seemingly, is to emit an air of bravado. The actual exhaust is concealed under the car. 

The lower taillights have been revamped and are now thin strips to no obvious benefit other than to look chic. 

The aquamarine highlights inside some of the cars, on a mostly black interior, adds a futuristic touch. 

The Kia Picanto 2021 provides a refreshing change from its 2017 counterpart which has basically dominated Bermuda’s roads since its release. 

There are many reasons for its popularity on an island like Bermuda. 

Small is good for those wishing to save a buck – 2020 was a brutal year for many financially and this car doesn’t break the bank. It’s Class B, so cheap to license and at $22,995 ($24,200 with leather upholstery) it’s reasonable. The five-year warranty is a particularly welcome perk. 

The driving itself is comfortable. It’s not too nippy on the speed front or too sensitive on the brakes – the car just stops comfortably. 

It’s a smooth and quiet drive with wide open view. 

The Kia Picanto’s racy image defies its attention to safety detail. As is standard nowadays, it comes with an anti-lock braking system which helps reduce the risk of skidding under a hard brake. This safety feature is coupled with electronic stability control: wheel sensors that can detect the beginning of a slide and automatically apply light braking to individual wheels to help regain stability. 

When you stop on a hill, if you take your feet off the brake, you won’t reverse and there are dual airbags. 

The car offers comfort and security. 

The Kia is practical but fun and can accommodate a small family. While it has the advantage of being small, it most certainly doesn’t feel cramped on the inside. There was more than enough room for my 15-month-old daughter and her car seat on the test drive, and it can accommodate a second child seat, with a third child with a seatbelt. The 60/40 backseat fold down options means it is adaptable – you can carry large luggage or fit in a good day’s worth of beach gear and the car still accommodates a little one comfortably. 

The post TEST DRIVE: Kia Picanto – Comfort & Security appeared first on RG Magazines.

Looking for that SUV, state-of-the-art, feeling but not all that big of a fan of large cars that can make driving on Bermuda’s roads a bit hard to handle if you aren’t… um, all that good at handling large cars? Well, have I got the car for you! I got a chance to test drive the Hyundai Venue. 

(Did you know it was supposed to be said like “Sun-day”? Yeah, me neither. Learn something new every day and this is yours for today. You are welcome.) 

Back to the car. The details. So, it’s a class E (this is always important to me to know). It has 1,600cc which, from driving it, I’m going to assume means it can go fast. It comes in all those amazing and fun colours I am never brave enough to get my cars in, like red or white… or is that really lava orange? Acid yellow? 

What colour is acid yellow? You can even get it two tone in combinations like a normal grey and acid yellow mix. I mean, OK. But the piece de resistance for the outer stuff? A sunroof option. I’ve never had a sunroof. I’m not even sure what a sunroof is actually used for besides those ones in limos that you see prom girls squealing out of in movies, but it is pretty cool. 

It has all those fun things on the inside as well, like the touchscreen/ Bluetooth stereo system and the fob key system thingy so I no longer constantly lose my keys… unless, of course, I actually lose my bag. It has the rear-view monitor too so my husband might even learn how to parallel park. OK, no he won’t but its still a great thing to have. 

For safety, it has like 18,000 airbags (OK, five) and that ISO anchor for kid seats (and the space in the back seats for one of those AND a couple more regular kids without having to make them squish up). 

It has all the light options to see when you are over the middle line, even at night which yeah, some people may need more than others. Anti-braking, various stop and drive controls, disc brakes, you know, the boring but totally necessary stuff. Oh, and a front cup holder and that place to put your sunglasses. 

It even has heated seats! According to sales guys, there are cars out there with air condition seats, which, beyond having no clue how that would work, I’m totally one of those always cold people (read: a woman) so heated seats seems like the biggest luxury to me. Even more than the sunroof. Oh yes, another cool thing, so you know that trunk cover thing that you remove that one time you need to put anything larger than a suitcase into the back and promptly lose to the ether? It slides away! Slides! How has this not always been a thing? It really should have always been a thing but hey., this car has it so I guess now it is. A thing, that is. The trunk also drops down, which is just as cool, I guess. 

All in all, it is a great car with all the bells and whistles you could conceivably want with a rather attractive cost of $35,000 standard and an SUV feel without overdoing that. It also has enough colour options for those people who aren’t as scared of “bright” as I am. I really enjoyed driving this car and if it sounds like the car for you, you will too. And if anyone wants to let me know how the heated seats work for you, I can live vicariously through your warm tushy. 

The post TEST DRIVE: Hyundai Venue – Luxurious But Safe appeared first on RG Magazines.

Us Bermudians, we get a lot of things right in my opinion. Like our music, our unique holidays, our community-based culture. Our fishcakes. In a word, for the most part, we are kinda awesome.

Things we do not get right? Banana flavouring in cocktails, occasionally customer service and painting our houses in gaudy fluorescent colours. There are more on both sides, but the big one? Driving. We are really quite bad at driving. Not all of us mind you, but some of us really need to get our licences revoked. And our hands smacked. Or glasses… could it be that maybe some of us really need to get glasses? Whatever the reason, Bermudians en bloc are notoriously bad at driving. But hey, don’t take my word for it. Just spend one moment on our roads.

OK, let me roll that back a bit. Not ALL Bermudians. It just seems like all of them at times. Not me, though. It goes without saying, I am obviously the best driver on the roads at any given time. No, you don’t have to ask around, trust me, it’s totes true. Narrator: *it isn’t*.

But yeah, I suppose that there are some of us that do notice that the middle line is actually a thing and that “making the nip” shouldn’t need the opposing vehicle to literally stop in the middle of the road.

There may be even some of us that don’t believe that stopping on a roundabout to let traffic out is ever a good idea or even that slamming your brakes to let just about anyone out onto the main road will not be a hazard to the poor unfortunate soul who happens to be behind you (hopefully not tailgating). To that point, there are definitely some of us that believe that driving literally one inch away from the bumper of the guy in front of you will not actually result in them going any faster nor will it give you a better chance of overtaking them the minute you see a hint of a clear stretch (even if that stretch includes a blind corner). Oh, and do not let me get started on the whole overtaking on a blind corner thing. I value my life and I value my no claims discount so that’s never a good idea.

There are even some of us that have the presence of mind to understand that if I have an issue keeping my car on my side of the road already, it’s probably not going to be a great idea to drive at speed down Harbour Road. Understand your and, by extension, your car’s limitations. Probably more your car’s, to be fair. A good driver could make those curves. If you can’t then, and not to be the bearer of bad news or anything, you are not the good driver of that example.

But oh, the pet peeve, the biggest pet peeve. If you in your need to be somewhere ten minutes before you actually left your house (as being late is pretty much in the DNA of Bermudians), is under the impression that inching out into traffic from a side street as a visual hint that your vehicle rights matter more than mine on the main road… rest assured, I will veer around you and give you Cheryl’s patented dirty glare. I saw that glare too many times as her daughter growing up and, believe me, it is not something to be ignored.

I could offer more examples but unfortunately I really do have to get going so that I can double park outside of KFC. It’s takeout night! Now, where did I put my glasses again? 

The post Stick to Your Lane! appeared first on RG Magazines.

He spends his weekdays battling in Bermuda’s courtrooms as one of the island’s most high-profile defence lawyers. 

At the weekend, Charles Richardson recharges his batteries by doing Next to Nuffin. 

Mr Richardson says relaxing on Bermuda’s beautiful waters on his 30-foot Sea Ray Weekender is the perfect way to wind down from his pressurised job. 

“Life can be very demanding, and that’s why I enjoy my boat so much in the summer,” he said. 

“When I’m on my boat I’m just the guy who owns Next to Nuffin, sitting there with a cold beer in my hand, dangling my feet over the edge.” 

And while the strains of the modern world have taken an increasing toll on many people, Mr Richardson believes the antidote is within our immediate surroundings. 

Escaping on to the water is a great stress reliever,” he said. 

“It’s pretty strange but, when we are on the water, there’s an artificial dislocation between you and whatever is happening on land in Bermuda. 

“You can use that in a positive or negative way. You can indulge those sides of yourself that you don’t want anyone to see, or you can absorb the peace that is all around you. 

“There’s nothing as soothing as floating across the water at a comfortable speed, enjoying the peace around you, hearing that liquid lapping at the side of the boat, the sound of the splash. 

“It’s a combination of the sights, sounds and motions of the boat that all come together in an alchemic mix that creates such a nice environment.” 

Mr Richardson bought the vessel two years ago at “a very friendly price” – hence its name. 

It has a full sound system, 32- inch TV, fully operational bathroom, microwave and fridge and can sleep four people. 

Mr Richardson, 49, said: “It’s not too big where I can’t run it by myself if I want, but I can also use it to entertain a number of people. 

“I have always been interested in boats but this only came at a time in my life when I was able to afford to break into the market. 

“I’m like a lot of middle aged black men. It isn’t until later in our lives that we are able to finally have the money to do it. 

“We are finding that more and more of us are running boats now.” 

The lawyer, who has also sealed an agreement to operate a 34-foot Phoenix this summer, expects more people to take advantage of the water as the impact of Covid-19 continues into a second year. 

“People seem to feel a sense of restriction being on land,” he said. “If you have a bubble, you can literally move that bubble from wherever it is to a boat and have a great time and still maintain a sense of safety.” 

Police have stressed that social distancing is required on the water, while the Water Safety Council has been campaigning for tougher rules on drink boating. 

Mr Richardson added: “I just want people to stay safe. It’s very beautiful on a boat and you can be lulled into a false sense of security. 

“I thoroughly encourage people to go out and have a good time, but don’t ever forget that one little momentary lapse in attention can cost you your life out there. 

“You either have to limit the amount of alcohol you consume or bring another designated driver who can take over the boat if you’ve had a few drinks.” 

The post Unwind by doing next to NUFFIN appeared first on RG Magazines.

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