february, 2019 | Th e HealtH
Opinion
that out of all the people who entered their resolutions,
a measly 9.2 percent actually pulled through. Th at
means 92.8 percent failed to keep the promises made to
themselves.
I fi nd it a bit ironic when we make resolutions, we
desire to break out of our damaging habits. Yet, not keep-
ing up with our own resolutions has become a damaging
habit on its own.
Perhaps we need to dive deeper into ourselves to see
what needs to change. Be it smoking, drinking, spending
too much money, or just being too caught up with work –
these habits cannot be broken if we can’t break our habit
of n ot breaking habits.
Perhaps what we need, is to start smaller.
norman Hussaini
Editor
Yoga,
the trend
e
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ageing with grace
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BY adi satria
after sports recovery Adi Satria, a veteran
of the communications
industry was introduced
to yoga by a law lecturer
during police detention
due to his university stu-
dent activism in the 70’s.
Th e yoga exercises helped
him and other detainees
to face the stressful days
of interrogation and
fi ghting boredom during
periods of idleness.
Regular practice keeps
him focused and strong as
it can be easily practiced
anywhere.
Each of us who are active in sports needs at least
two to three days a week of rest, maybe even
more
• Active for 150 minutes a week
29
Seaweed for bone health
Osteoperosis is a dangerous degenerative
disease. Two students from Monash University
are looking into the prevention through their
scientifi c project
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Diff erent
Strokes
Portion control in food is the ideal way for us
to eat healthily, and it rings especially true for
cancer patients
• Almond milk recipes
Th e wonder woman of Malaysia
Linora Low is on a journey to smash stereotypes
that strong isn’t feminine
03
Yoga helps
release stress
and keep
one’s wellness
at optimum
level.
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25
03
VERYONE have heard of yoga. But like every-
thing else that involves the improvement and
health of body and mind – most people don’t
really bother.
In my condominium there is a regular yoga
session at least twice a week. It started with about
12 women but it went down to a regular six or sometimes
three person. No matter what, the instructor continues as
she feels it is part of her daily health routine anyway. And the
regulars have benefi tted from this consistency.
I have a former colleague who is now in her 60’s. When I
saw her again after over 15 years I was surprised to see that
she has not aged. In fact she looked even more radiant and
confi dent. He secret was her yoga practice which she took
up after she almost suff ered a heart attack.
Yoga is a practice that connects the body, breath and
mind by using physical postures, breathing exercises and
meditation to improve overall health. In our stressful envi-
ronment, some turn to prayers and exercise to reduce stress.
However yoga does more. It helps you to relax, improves
self-confi dence, concentration, coordination, lowers blood
pressure and heart rate and aids digestion.
All these will help one to sleep better.
Th e yoga gurus today are just like your average Joe except
that they look younger than their age. While material things
are not the ultimate goal in life, they don’t abandon them
altogether because it is still a nice thing to have. No need to
go to a cave and meditate. You can do it at home.
For those interested, there are many yoga centers in the
city and you can start with a beginners’ class. To enjoy yoga
you need to look for an instructor you can enjoy working
with and do not push you to do things you may not be
comfortable with.
Th ere are three basic things you need to do;
Breathing – this is important and training to breathe
right is key.
Poses – these are a series of movements that help boost
strength, fl exibility and balance.
Th ey range in diffi culty from lying fl at on the fl oor to
diffi cult balancing poses.
Meditation – A short period of meditation is usually done
at the beginning and at the end of the session as it quiets
the mind and helps you relax.
Yoga is usually done early in the morning or in the eve-
nings. (during sunrise and sunset is best)
Wear clothing that allows you to move freely. Start slowly
and learn the basics before pushing yourself too far. No need
to push beyond your comfort level. Listen to your body and
if you feel pain or tired stop and rest.
I realised that many of my friends who are beyond 50 have
many health problems. Most of it are related to nutrition
and inactivity. But attitude seems to be the dominating
cause of all this.
Th ey feel it is the age that they need to relax and not do
any physical activities whatsoever.
Th e reality is the older you get, the harder you have to
work on your physical and mental health. Spiritual activities
like prayers are only part of it.
It is quite a surprise that some religious people have even
declared yoga to be haram for Muslims.
It has nothing to do with religion or one’s faith. Mental
attitude, physical movement and breathing all contribute
to a healthier lifestyle, calmer personality and defi nitely a
happier disposition free of stress. Is this not what life should
be. — Th e health