Is the Solution to Cancer Already in our Medicine Cabinets? The Cancer Research Society Launches UpCycle, a New Funding Program to Encourage Research in Drug Repurposing

SOURCE Cancer Research Society

Sandwich Generation: Growing Dilemma for American Women

It’s a Tuesday morning and you’re sitting at your desk. Your coffee is still hot, almost all of your emails from the previous day have been opened, and you’re prepping for your afternoon meeting. Then, in a matter of minutes, a call from the school nurse comes through. Your child is sick and needs to be picked up immediately. As you coordinate those plans, the doctor’s office calls to remind you of your mother’s 2:00 pacemaker appointment for later that day, one that may have slipped your mind. If this scenario, in any variation of it, sounds familiar, you are in what researchers call the “Sandwich Generation”.

The Sandwich Generation can be defined as individuals aged 40-59 to who are responsible for raising children while caring for the needs of their parents. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center shows that roughly one out of every eight Americans falls within this category. Mabel Yiu, licensed marriage and family therapist with Women’s Therapy Institute in Palo Alto, is all too familiar with helping individuals, particularly women, handle the day to day stresses of being a dual caregiver. As women stuck in the Sandwich Generation, the dueling lifestyles can create a number of psychological, emotional, and financial stresses.

According to Yiu:

• Though men can be in the Sandwich Generation,  families are more likely to adopt the “efficiency mentality”. This is the belief that since women are already taking care of children, taking care of aging parents may not seem as big a burden to add on. This mentality grossly underestimates the resources and time necessary to handle both responsibilities.

• One major factor that has played a role in the steady growth of the Sandwich Generation is that many couples are delaying the point at which they choose to start a family. This is in large part due to the ever-changing economic climate and student loan debt. Women are working to become more established in their careers and financially secure before opting to start a family.

• Single mothers are increasingly becoming the dominant demographic of the Sandwich Generation in comparison to married mothers.

•  Advances in the medical field have increased life expectancy, allowing aging parents the ability to live longer and healthier lives,  this means more resources is/are (need grammar help here) necessary to sustain living.Societal expectations of women caregivers in conjunction with the economy driving women to work have created emotionally and psychologically draining ‘round-the-clock lifestyles for women within the Sandwich Generation.

• It is very common for women in the Sandwich Generation to experience feelings of depression, anxiety, and other symptoms of emotional distress due to worries about outlook for the elderly parents, themselves and their own children (need grammar/syntax help here).

• The needs of the caregiver within the Sandwich Generation often go unaddressed, creating personal issues in areas such as health and finance.

• Despite the negatives, it is possible for the Sandwich Generation to meet the demands of child, parent, and self. This comes through support networks, communication, prioritization, and respite care.

• A positive that comes from Sandwich Generation is the familial bond created…strengthening the bond between elderly parent and adult children…grandchildren get to know their roots by being with their grandparents more.  (need grammar/syntax help).

• Planning, organization, and communication are three main skills that help those women within the Sandwich Generation to balance the constant needs of both children and parents.

How to Heal a Herniated Disc and Get Back to the Gym

Many people sustain injuries that result in a herniated disc. It can happen from lifting something heavy, or pushing or pulling something the wrong way. Fortunately, most herniated discs heal with time. However, it is best to consult a general medical doctor or a back specialist, who may want to have x-rays done to determine the extent of the damage. The following steps may lead to prompt healing.

Medical Exam

See your regular physician or a specialist for a thorough evaluation. In addition to the x-rays mentioned above, the doctor may restrict certain activities as well as recommend treatment like physical therapy or medication. It’s important to get the correct type of herniated disc treatment, if you find yourself in this position. Follow through with prescribed limits and treatments to ensure a speedy recovery.

Rest

Take it easy for several days to let the disc heal. This might include taking time off from work, depending on your job duties. The doctor will write you a note if needed. Avoid excessive walking or movement as well as any vigorous exercise. The doctor will advise you whether to sit or recline to provide maximum relief to the injured area, and may even suggest certain positions to use or avoid.

Medication

If medication is prescribed, take it as directed. Don’t take more than needed, as it may have adverse side effects or interact negatively with other medications you are taking. Over-the-counter medication may be adequate for treating pain and muscle soreness as needed. If physical therapy is prescribed, follow through with appointments to promote complete recovery.

Reduced Activities

Some people are eager to return to work instead of resting at home per the doctor’s recommendation. Others may miss their routine physical activities, like daily exercise, and decide they feel well enough to resume activities before healing is complete. The doctor can best advise you when to return to normal activities. Failing to follow his or her directives may slow the healing process of the herniated disc and possibly even compound the injury.

Drink Water

Water is helpful in lubricating the joints and promoting circulation throughout the body. Check with the doctor whether you should drink the usual amount of six to eight glasses of water per day, or if you should have less or more, depending on your overall health and other medications. Water is considered by some medical experts to be nearly a miracle substance in itself, so don’t neglect this important aspect of healing.

A back injury should be given serious attention, both medically and personally, to facilitate healing. Basic steps like these can help your herniated disc to heal quickly without complications. Be proactive for best results.

Dr. Merzenich Returns to Public Television

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) — The science of brain plasticity is the subject of special documentary program for public television entitled “Brain Secrets with Dr. Michael Merzenich,” which will begin airing nationwide next week. Dr. Merzenich is the co-founder of Posit Science, which makes the BrainHQ brain exercise and assessment apps.

The program will delve into Dr. Merzenich’s lifelong work in unlocking the secrets of a healthy and highly functioning brain. The program was developed as special programming for public television’s fundraising drives, and donors will receive a copy of Dr. Merzenich book Soft-Wired: How the New Science of Brain Plasticity Can Change Your Life, as well as an annual subscription to BrainHQ, and a DVD library of five prior “brain fitness” specials featuring Dr. Merzenich.

Posit Science and Dr. Merzenich began working with public television more than ten years ago. At that time, their first such special, “The Brain Fitness Program,” became the most successful fundraiser in PBS history.

“We are honored by the opportunity to support public television,” said Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science. “We share a mission of providing everyone with access to tools that can improve the mind and enrich human experience. While I grew up with Sesame Street and Mister Rogers, these days I’m thankful that my entire family is nourished by programming that includes Masterpiece, Sherlock, Washington Week, the Great British Baking Show and, of course, Nova.”

Hosted by Maria Shriver, the “Brain Secrets” program delves into the latest discoveries about improving brain function — through interviews with Dr. Merzenich and other noted experts, including Dr. Arthur Toga at USC, Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz at UCLA, Dr. David Bennnett at Rush, Dr. Judy Pa at USC, Dr. Rachael Seidler at the University of Florida, Dr. Jerri Edwards at USF, Dr. Emily Rogalski at Northwestern, and science journalist Sharon Begley at STAT.

Dr. Merzenich has dedicated his career to the study of brain plasticity – the ability of the brain to change chemically, physically, and functionally based on sensory and other inputs. Thirty years ago, scientists believed that brain plasticity ended with childhood, and that the adult brain was hard-wired and destined to wear out as you age.

Dr. Merzenich is credited with the seminal experiments that resulted in the discovery that plasticity is lifelong and present in nearly every part of the brain – from the cellular to the major systems level.  Based on the discovery that what you do changes the brain, Dr. Merzenich turned his attention to how plasticity could be harnessed to improve the human condition.

He became the first to apply plasticity to solve a practical problem, through his co-invention of the cochlear implant — which engaged the brain’s plasticity with new machine-made electrical inputs from sound waves, in order to restore hearing to hundreds of thousands of people.

Dr. Merzenich then pioneered how computers might be used to measure brain function, deliver the right stimuli, and drive the brain in a positive direction.

That ongoing work resulted in the creation of the brain exercises and assessments found in BrainHQ—shown to deliver benefits in more than 140 peer-reviewed journal articles. Across varied populations, those exercises have driven gains in standard measures of cognition (e.g., speed, attention, memory), in standard measures of quality of life (e.g., mood, confidence, health-related quality of life), and in real-world activities (e.g, balance, driving, maintaining independent living).

For his body of work, Dr. Merzenich has been honored by each of the US National Academies (Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering), and has been made a Kavli Laureate in Neuroscience, which is often described as the highest honor in his field.

Dr. Merzenich brought together hundreds of university-based scientists to help design, test, refine and validate the exercises and assessment in BrainHQ, and, on a daily basis,  oversees ongoing science and research efforts – including more than 200 studies now in progress – at Posit Science.

While best known among researchers for his admonitions to do “more, faster,” his advice to everyone else is to be mindful of the power and opportunity of lifelong plasticity.

“Your brain – every brain – is a work in progress,” Dr. Merzenich notably observed. “It is ‘plastic.’ From the day we are born until the day we die. It continuously revises and remodels, improving or slowly declining, as a function of how we use it.”

Gynecological Model Turned Naturopathic Doctor Hosts Vagina 101 Event on International Women’s Day in Support of Local Women’s Charity

All proceeds from The Vagina Dialogues event hosted at The Drake Hotel by Dr. Marnie Luck, ND will be donated to Toronto women’s shelter, Sistering

February 21, 2018 (Toronto, ON): Today, Dr. Marnie Luck, ND announces the Vagina Dialogues event series, where the gynecological model turned Naturopathic Doctor discusses Vagina 101 and women’s issues of the day with a panel of Toronto’s most inspiring women at The Drake Hotel on International Women’s Day, Thursday March 8^th in support of Toronto women’s shelter, Sistering.

“Vaginal and hormonal health often remains a mystery to most women,” says Dr. Marnie Luck, ND and host of the Vagina Dialogues. “The Vagina Dialogues is a two-way interactive conversation, as opposed to monologues, giving women the opportunity to ask the questions about their bodies Google just can’t answer and learn everything health class never taught you, on a day made to empower us all.”

Vagina 101 will discuss questions like, “How do I maintain my fertility?”, “What happens to my hormones as I age?” or “Is this normal?”. Followed by a panel dialogue with some of Toronto’s most inspiring women, including Dr. Chery Rowe, MD from Sistering, Viktoria Kalanteris, Founder of Playful Loving, and Joyce Lo, Creative Director from The Drake Hotel. The panelists will tackle women’s issues of today including the media’s coverage of sexual harassment, body image and how it relates to social media, and redefining traditional roles between men and women.

As a gynecological medical model during her studies, Dr. Marnie Luck, ND became well-versed in vaginal health from a patient perspective. Throughout her training it became apparent there is a gap in women’s knowledge about their own bodies. Now, her practice focuses on educating women while treating everything from menopause, to menstrual concerns, to fertility.

Women-themed cocktails and delicious appetizers curated by the award-winning catering team at one of Toronto’s trendiest destinations, The Drake Hotel, will be served. Guests will also receive a health-inspired swag bag, including items from Province Apothecary and Sweet Spot Labs.

All proceeds from the Vagina Dialogues event will go to support local Toronto women’s drop-in centre, Sistering. The multi-service agency that has been serving the Toronto community for over 35 years, helps at-risk, socially isolated women who are homeless or precariously housed. 

5 Surprising Things That Could Harm Your Fertility 

Sexual health expert warns about the hidden culprits which could prevent conception 

1 out of every 8 couples struggle with infertility. Over 7.4 million women have sought fertility treatment, and that number will continue to grow as medical advancements make these options safer and more successful than ever before.

However, before you seek these interventions, sexual health expert and relationship therapist Dr. Laura Berman advises hopeful couples to first consider these top 5 things which could be harming your fertility.

• Ibuprofen. “Many men think nothing of grabbing a handful of ibuprofen whenever they have muscle aches after the gym or they are battling a headache,” says Dr. Berman. “However, a brand-new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that men who take ibuprofen on a regular basis could suffer from hypogonadism, which is a hormonal condition that could cause infertility in men.”
• Low iodine. “By now, most women know that being a healthy weight is an important factor when it comes to getting pregnant. Hence, these women tend to focus on the calories and carbs they consume, and the number on the scale. But a new study suggests that these women need to be focused on the amount of iodine they are eating as well.  Women who are low in iodine have HALF the chance of conceiving as women who have a healthy level of iodine.”

• The wrong lubricant. “Couples know that they need to enjoy lots of love-making in order to increase their chance of conception, but when it comes to making babies, not all lubricants are created equal,” explains Dr. Berman. “There is only one lubricant on the market which has an FDA-cleared formula and is recommended for fertility enhancement, and that is ToConcieve.”

ToConcieve was created by ob-gyns in conjunction with Callitas Health Inc. (CSE: LILY, OTCBB: MPHMF, FWB: T3F2). The fertility enhancing gel is unlike any other fertility product on the market in that it actually encourages the woman’s body to create more of her own lubricant, which in turn may increase the activation of sperm and the woman’s chances of pregnancy. Unlike every other lubricant on the market, ToConceive doesn’t just add chemical lubricants to a woman’s body, it actually encourages her to make more of her own natural lubricant which not only adds to her pleasure, but also may improve her chances of natural conception.

“This ground-breaking product is going to change the way that couples approach their fertility journey,” says Dr. Berman. “Now they have something over the counter that they can use before they have to spend the time and money on interventions at the doctor’s office.”

• Too much red meat. “A new Greek study has found that women who eat a Mediterranean diet are more likely to be successful on their IVF journey than women who do not. In other words, eating a plant-based diet with lots of healthy fats (such as olive oil and avocados) and lean protein like fish could help you to become pregnant.”
• Air pollution and pesticides. “Shocking research has revealed that pollution in the air could actually lead to poorer quality of sperm and hence higher levels of infertility for many couples,” says Dr. Berman. “Other research has linked a high consumption of pesticides with a woman’s inability to become pregnant. These findings are good reminders that we need to eat clean and breathe clean if we want to have optimal fertility.”

For more on this topic or to speak to Dr. Berman about ToConcieve and how it can help improve a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant, please contact me.

About Dr. Laura Berman: 

Laura Berman, PhD, is a world renowned sex and relationship educator and therapist; popular TV, radio and Internet host; New York Times best-selling author; and assistant clinical professor of ob-gyn and psychiatry at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. Considered a thought leader in her field, Dr. Berman has helped countless couples build stronger relationships, improve their sex lives, and achieve a heightened level of intimacy through her TV and radio shows, books, columns and website, along with her private practice based in Chicago. Dr. Berman is a New York Times best-selling author of many books on sexual health and pleasure, a weekly columnist for the Chicago Sun Times, and host of the radio program “Uncovered with Dr. Laura Berman.” She has appeared on Fox News, CNN and the TODAY Show, as well as in The New York Times, USA Today, and every major woman’s magazine. Dr. Berman serves on the advisory board for The Dr. Oz Show and is a regular guest on The Steve Harvey Show.

International Curl Expert Shares Tips

For those with naturally wavy, curly hair of all coils and textures it may seem like an endless battle to find ways to tame the mane. Some may turn to relaxers, weekly blowouts or extensions. Others just want to master their natural hair in whatever mood it seems to be in. To help girls get a handle on their curls we connected with Maya Smith, founder of The Doux salon and product line of the same name both specializing in making the absolute most of the natural hair you’re born with. When it comes to healthy sculptured, cool looking curls of all types, Maya’s two decades of experience with curls worldwide makes her a true expert. Here she offers tips on how to calm crazy waves and unruly curls.

#1: My naturally wavy hair is flat at the top and then waves start in the middle with tighter curls at the back. HELP!

Genetics determine curl pattern and density. It’s totally normal, in fact, quite common for several different textures to exist on the same head of hair. These inconsistencies can cause the hair to look uneven, and are most apparent once the hair has dried. I created The Doux’s Mousse Def, to help define waves and curls in the less curly areas, and to combat frizz in the areas that are tightly coiled. To balance the look of curly and wavy hair, we recommend using a combo of a mousse on the straighter areas, and then a balm like The Doux’s Bonita Afro Balm Texture Cream for added stretch and control in the tighter areas. The goal here is to keep hair shiny, touchable, and soft. If shrinkage or frizzing remains an issue, don’t underestimate the power of a great haircut. Awesome products combined with a professionally-shaped set of layers is my signature Rx for accentuating curls that vary in texture.

#2: I have curly hair and let it dry naturally. The second it rains, I get frizzy at the roots. I find myself revolving my hairstyle around the weather report. HELP!

Thirsty hair will try to “drink up” moisture in the air if it’s not adequately hydrated.

The key to eliminating frizz due to humidity exposure is to make sure that the hair is thoroughly conditioned before styling products are applied. This exact problem is what inspired me to create a solution in the form of a Fresh Rinse Moisturizing Conditioner, followed by The Light Shine Mist helps to hydrate and stabilize the cuticle, making it less prone to reversion. For added control at the roots, we apply a small amount of Bonita Afro Balm, which is our secret weapon for keeping curly hair from swelling in harsh weather conditions. These products can be found at select Target stores nationwide and at TheDoux.com.

 #3: I often wear my curly hair slicked back into a tight low bun or ponytail. Will this damage my hair? 

Style in moderation. Traction alopecia is a major epidemic among women with textured hair. This is typically the result of too much tension being applied to scalp for an extended period of time, and usually occurs due to hair styling such as braids, extensions, and tight ponytails. To avoid irreversible thinning of the hair, it’s important to avoid hairstyles that place constant pressure on hair, particularly in the temple and nape areas. Ponytails and “slicked” styles should be taken down at night, and tight accessories, such as headbands or scrunchies should be worn less frequently. 

#4: I wear my naturally kinky hair twisted and braided. How long could I leave this style in and how best to shampoo my hair while in this style?

I recommend shampooing once per week for hair with fine-to-medium density. I urge clients with high-density or extremely long hair, not to exceed more than 10 days without cleansing the hair and scalp. This helps eliminate bacterial growth that causes itching, flaking, and dandruff on the scalp. We use The Doux’s Sucka Free Moisturizing Shampoo to remove product build-up and dead skill cells, and Fresh Rinse Moisturizing Conditioner to soften, hydrate, and balance the hair’s pH. We’ve incorporated Shea Butter and Sea Silk to smooth the hair shaft and aid in moisture retention.

#5: What are some ingredients to avoid that many products for curly hair contain? Why is this damaging? 

Petroleum-based “grease,” as well as products that contain mineral oil may be old-school favorites, but are often the cause of dry hair. Heavy products that aren’t water soluble can coat the hair shaft, disrupting the hair’s natural ability to retain moisture. This dryness may go nearly undetected, because the hair is covered in product, however, the underlying dehydration causes hair to be brittle and stubborn. We recommend cream-based products that shampoo out easily, and allow the hair to “breathe.”

About Maya Smith:

Maya Smith is an International Master Stylist and Founder of The Doux Salon and haircare line now available in Target. With over two decades of styling experience Maya dedicated two decades to cracking the code on curl care, maintenance and expert styling. When it comes to caring for one’s natural hair and styling it, according to NaturallyCurly, Maya is among the best there is.

While still in high school, Maya got her hair cutting license and graduated from beauty school. Soon after graduating high school, Maya began following her passion and worked as an assistant for celebrity stylist Tracy Johnson. She learned from Johnson and progressed as a hair stylist for celebrities and entertainers. Years later the military wife would relocate to Germany, where Maya opened up her first salon The HoneyComb, a mecca for textured hair care for women from all over Europe, The UK, and as far as Africa. Maya's unique system of textured hair styling sparked the development of The DOUX® haircare products, first launched overseas, and distributed throughout Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Currently, Maya leads a carefully selected team of stylists at The DOUX® Salon in Macon, Georgia and celebrated the arrival of The DOUX® in select Target stores nationwide. Maya Smith, wife, mom of 5 and savvy business woman is an example not just for women of color but for all women who believe their gifts can impact the world, striving for entrepreneurial endeavors with grace, ease and hustle.

Water Quality: How Does This Affect Your Body during Training?

Anyone undergoing athletic training requires a lot of water. Intense exercise leads to additional perspiration, and if your mouth feels dry, then you are already dehydrated. However, it is important to drink the right type of water to feel your best. When you are an athlete, you need the highest quality water to maintain your vital bodily functions. Here is how to choose the right type of water to improve your athletic performance.

Bottled Water from the Supermarket

If the water flowing from the faucets in your home doesn’t seem clean, then you should buy bottled water at the supermarket. You can find huge bottles of water, or you can buy small bottles of water to take with you to a local gym or other athletic venue. In addition to plain water, you can find water that has delicious flavors such as orange, berry or grape. The average person requires at least eight glasses of water a day, but as an athlete in training, you will need much more than that.

Enhanced Bottled Water with Nutrients

As an athlete, you also need additional nutrients, and fortunately, manufacturers make enhanced water that has added minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. When you are buying enhanced water, you may want to avoid the products that contain chemicals such as artificial dyes or sweeteners. With enhanced water, you can make sure that you are ingesting certain nutrients that are vital for improving your athletic performance.

Reverse Osmosis Water

Instead of buying bottled water, you can have a reverse osmosis-filtering device in your home to create water that is purer. The process of reverse osmosis will remove the minerals and ions from your home’s water. There are several ways to filter your water at home with reverse osmosis devices that attach to the main intake water system, or you can use smaller devices that attach to a kitchen’s sink. You can also attach a smaller device to your kitchen faucet, and there are pitchers available to make reverse osmosis water.

Water that Contains Carbohydrates

If you have trained for a longer amount of time, then it is essential to replace some carbohydrates. You can do this by drinking water that is sold as a sports drink. These watery beverages contain higher levels of magnesium, potassium and sodium along with sugar to replenish the minerals that you have lost while perspiring. Sports drinks are especially important beverages for athletes in training on a hot day.

You don’t need to drink the same types of water all of the time. Most of the time, plain water is enough to keep you hydrated while you are training, but you will enjoy drinking water more when you drink different varieties of water.

10 Active & Adventurous Travel Ideas for Easter Holidays

The world is the most exciting adventure playground, as the old adage goes. So, this year, why not make the most out of your Easter break and grab the opportunity to get away, get moving and improve your health.

The hunt is over as Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists round up their top Easter getaways for active travel enthusiasts looking for some spring-time sunshine. From sun-soaked surfing on the golden coast of Morocco, to discovering a verdant tropical jungle in Bali; swap the hot cross buns with a hot wellness holiday and fill your Easter with adventurous memories to last a lifetime.

Climb a Volcano in Bali: Bali Discover Recover

In recent years Bali has become the best named travel destination; naturally, given its iconic tropical coastline, beauteous aquamarine coral reefs and pristine crater lakes. Dripping in lush vegetation, experience early morning jungle trekking at the foot of Mount Batur. Embrace the calming, peaceful atmosphere as you enjoy a pleasant sunrise walk to the top and truly experience the mystical wonder of an active volcano. After collecting unforgettable memories outdoors, kick off your hiking boots at a tranquil wellness retreat in time for a new adventure the following day.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 10 nights at Bali Discover Recover from £2,015pp or £2,740 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a Discover Recover programme, return flights and transfers.

Try Treetop Spoga in St. Lucia: BodyHoliday Yoga

BodyHoliday is an outstanding destination for those looking to combine physical and spiritual practices whilst indulging in soul-soaring paradisiacal views. Experience the hottest new workout trend with Spoga; a hybrid fitness class combining dynamic spinning with calming yoga in a luxurious glass treehouse. This workout will completely change your outlook on high-intensity workouts as the soothing yoga will totally repair your body afterwards, meaning no next day stiffness. After having worked your body, enjoy a spa treatment overlooking the beach to make the most out of your healthy holiday.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at BodyHoliday from £3,330pp or £3,350 single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, all-inclusive, a range of wellness programmes, return flights and transfers

Train like an Olympian in Thailand: Thanyapura

Boasting the world’s top sports and fitness coaches, focus on pushing your fitness boundaries with training at Thanyapura. Created for triathletes of all ages and abilities, maximise your endurance and reach your health goals through education, sport and wellness. Apart from hosting iron man races for experimental and ambitious travellers, the retreat also provides other wellness activities such as swimming, cycling and meditative training to teach strict mental focus. Their philosophy stresses the importance of mind-body connection and will ensure you return home with new found strength and inner-balance.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Thanyapura from £1,355pp or £1,550 single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, daily breakfast, a range of wellness programmes, return flights and transfers

Boxing and Biking in Sardinia: Forte Village Fusion Fitness

Set on the sunny Italian island of Sardinia, famed for its magnificent beaches, Forte Village is the activity holiday that outdoes all others. Reach your ideal weight with intensive boxing to strengthen your mind and muscles, before finding inner-peace with relaxation techniques. Later, ride your way to good health with mountain bike tours over the glorious mountains behind Santa Margherita di Pula. Their outdoor cardio sessions will allow you to explore the region’s fascinating spots while burning calories and boosting endurance.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Forte Village from £2,453pp or £3,755 for single occupancy. Price includes half board, Fusion Fitness ™ programme, return flights and transfers.

Try Kite-Surfing in Mauritius: Shanti Maurice Fusion Fitness

Amongst heavenly beaches and sparkling turquoise water lies Shanti Maurice; an Indian Ocean jewel with an extensive leisure programme dedicated to fitness and wellness. Enjoy a variety of workout offerings, from endurance-boosting beach runs and intense aqua spinning to mindful meditations. You won’t want to miss out on the recently introduced kite surfing area at the renowned watersports hotspot, Le Morne. Allow your body to rest following these exhilarating activities and unwind with an Ayurvedic massage at the luxurious NIRA spa.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Shanti Maurice from £2,480pp or £3,440 for single occupancy. Price includes half board, Fusion Fitness™ programme, return flights and transfers.

Try Yoga in the Mountains: Ananda Yoga

Discover the true meaning of contentment when admiring the majestic Himalayan mountain range, just on the doorstep of Ananda resort. Guests will explore the benefits of a gentle yet powerful practice of yoga, building a strong, determined mind and long lean muscles. To intensify the spiritual, calming experience, make use of Ananda’s adventurous walks and treks in the mountains to sharpen your focus and reset your mind. Return home revitalised and relaxed, with a newly-acquired sense of balance, both mentally and physically.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Ananda from £3,480pp or £4,140 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a yoga programme, return flights and transfers.

White Water Rafting in Costa Rica: Costa Rica Discover Recover

Considered one of the worlds’ most bio-diverse countries, this outstanding South American region boasts abundant flora and fauna just waiting to be explored. Dance in the rain and cloud forests during a catamaran tour including interaction with howler monkeys and tasting of traditional food and beverages. The highlight of this adventurous holiday is white-water rafting on the Chirripo River, a high-energy activity that features stunning sites like the Irazu volcano and Braulio National Park. After receiving an authentic insight of this exotic country, reset for the next day at a luxury wellness retreat.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 10 nights with Costa Rica Discover Recover from £2,425pp or £3,415 for single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, a Discover Recover programme, return flights and transfers.

Meditate and Catch Waves in Morocco: Paradis Plage Surfing

Located on the stunning coastline of South Morocco, Paradis Plage combines thrilling surf class and beachfront yoga with Arabic design and contemporary facilities. This healthy getaway is a mecca for all surf-enthusiasts, regardless if they are beginners or professionals. Grab your surfboard and catch the waves within minutes of waking up, whether during a guided group or solo session with the surf school. Clear your head and unwind as the calming waves bring you inner peace and leave you feeling totally restored.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Paradis Plage from £820pp or £1,240 for single occupancy. Price includes daily breakfast, a surfing programme, return flights and transfers.

Fitness, Juice and Yoga in Thailand: Phuket Cleanse

With an array of fitness and sports activities, such as interval training and different variations of yoga, Phuket Cleanse is ideal for any type of fitness aficionado. After nourishing your soul at yoga, nourish your stomach with Phuket Cleanses wholesome, scrumptious creations that will leave you feeling satisfied and refuelled. Combine your cleansing break with detox juices and inspiring educational cooking classes that will provide long-term benefits. Return home energised, healthier and fitter with an increased awareness of how to continue a more balanced lifestyle.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Phuket Cleanse from £2,240pp or £2,415 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme, return flights and transfers.

Trail Running around Lake Garda: Lefay Fusion Fitness

On the West shore of stunning Lake Garda, explore the region during a 2.5km running trail around the idyllic landscape featuring lemon trees, olive groves and a motionless silver-blue lake. Experience ultimate wellness luxury, whilst secluded in the mountains of Riviera dei Limoni. During your active break, choose from a variety of fitness activities, from innovative cardio sessions and body-sculpting circuits to a spiritual Qui Gong lesson in the garden. Set the tone for your future fitness regime and reap the benefits of your healthy holiday.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Lefay from £1,560pp or £2,210 for single occupancy. Price includes daily breakfast, a Fusion Fitness programme, return flights and transfers.