September Newsletter 2020 - YourLifeAssist

Health is wealth

Good health is our greatest source of wealth. Without it, we would not have the energy, strength and confidence to succeed, to love and to enjoy life. Without it, we don’t really have anything.

Dear Heart

At the core of our being, our hearts beat every second, 24 hours a day, never resting, to keep us alive and well. World Heart Day on 29 September reminds us to take special care of this incredible hard-working organ that pumps life-giving blood containing oxygen and nutrients throughout our bodies.

How healthy are we? The grim facts

Heart disease is the number one killer worldwide, claiming approximately one million lives globally each year.
Approximately 225 people die of heart attacks or strokes in South Africa every day.
Not only do the elderly suffer; in fact, half of the people who die from heart attacks in this country are below 65 years.

The good news

Although the statistics are staggering, the good news is that 80% of heart diseases and strokes can be prevented by simple lifestyle changes.

Losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy weight
Eating healthy foods and beverages
Staying active
Managing blood pressure
Reducing blood sugar levels
Quitting smoking
Controlling cholesterol

Even small changes can make a huge difference to your health, such as:

Reducing salt, sugar and processed fat intake,
Increasing fruit and vegetables in your diet,
Sleeping 7-8 hours a day
Taking regular walks.

Know your numbers

Keep a check on your health by having your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar tested at least once a year. Your doctor may recommend medication to keep your levels healthy.

Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent chronic and debilitating illnesses and conditions. Make a decision to feel good and take care of your health. For more information and support, contact the LifeAssist National Contact Centre.

Keeping the momentum after lockdown

COVID-19 has had a mental and emotional impact on many of us. It has disrupted our lives, creating a sense of restlessness, uncertainty and new concerns. We may find we are easily distracted and unable [...]

Talking to your partner

Effective communication is one of the cornerstones of a happy and successful relationship. It is easy to get stuck in a rut with your partner where the only communication that happens is about the kids [...]

Consumer Tip

With all the chaos that 2020 has brought it may not have occurred to you that the festive season is rapidly approaching! With this in mind, it is always prudent to start planning for this time as early as you can. Here are a few tips to help you on your way.

Do a budget. Plan how much money you want to set aside.
Start buying gifts and non-perishable foods now. Take advantage of specials and avoid impulse buying at the last minute.
If finances are tight, a simple festive season can still be fun – there are loads of creative ideas on the internet! Talk to family and friends about how you can make it fun together!

Caring Families

Growing your own vegetables is a wonderful way to save money, improve your nutrition, and access your favourite produce.

No garden? No problem. Work with neighbours to create a garden in a shared area but if not possible, you can still grow your own food in your apartment!

Any plant can grow in containers with fertilised soil. Find a sunny spot in your apartment, buy some seeds and water daily. No room? Hanging baskets from ceilings are popular space savers.