Almost 50% of Canadians would not want others to know if they had dementia, says new survey

Alzheimer Society campaign aims to end stigma

TORONTO, Jan. 7, 2018 /CNW/ - The Alzheimer Society announced today that while awareness about dementia has increased, stigma and negative attitudes around it continue to persist. The Society is releasing findings of a new survey to coincide with Alzheimer's Awareness Month in January and to kick off its new social awareness campaign – I live with dementia. Let me help you understand – to spark conversations and encourage Canadians to see dementia differently.

The Leger-led survey, which questioned 1500 Canadians between the ages of 18 and 65 online, also reveals that 46% of respondents would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had dementia, while 61% of those surveyed said they would face discrimination of some kind. The survey also shows that one in four Canadians believe that their friends and family would avoid them if they were diagnosed with dementia, and only five per cent of Canadians would learn more about dementia if a family member, friend or co-worker were diagnosed.

"These results validate our thinking, that stigma is one of the biggest barriers for people with dementia to live fully with dignity and respect," says Pauline Tardif, CEO at the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "The findings underscore the work we must still do to end stigma once and for all. There is no shame in having dementia. We can't let negative perceptions stand in the way of people with dementia seeking help and support. Life without discrimination is a right for anyone affected by this disease."

To tackle stigma, the Alzheimer Society is letting the experts do the talking—people living with dementia. People like Roger Marple. For this proud father and grandfather, who developed young onset Alzheimer's three years ago at age 57, his diagnosis was a tough pill to swallow. But with time, Roger overcame his initial shock and sadness. He had too many dreams to pursue. "I still do things that have meaning in my life, like getting out, playing golf and travelling. I'll continue to enjoy life for as long as I possibly can to the best of my abilities. Isn't that what we all aspire to do?"

Roger and others invite Canadians to hear their inspiring stories and take a few pointers from them on how to be open and accepting towards people with dementia.

Their stories are featured on a dedicated campaign website, where visitors will also find tips on how to be more dementia-friendly, activities to test their knowledge, and other resources to take action against stigma and be better informed about a disease that has the potential to impact every single one of us.

To help stop stigma and read the full survey, visit ilivewithdementia.ca – and use the hashtag #ilivewithdementia to help spread the word.

Additional survey results
Canadians believe that people with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia are likely to

be ignored or dismissed (58%);
be taken advantage of (57%);
have difficulty accessing appropriate services or supports (56%); and
feared or met with distrust or suspicion (37%).

Other highlights

56% of Canadians are concerned about being affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Of greatest concern is their fear of being a burden to others, losing their independence and the inability to recognize family and friends.
Only 39% would offer support for family or friends who were open about their diagnosis.
Three-in-ten Canadians (30%) admit to using dementia-related jokes.

Quick facts

Today, over half a million Canadians have dementia (including Alzheimer's disease).
In less than 15 years, an estimated 937,000 Canadians will have dementia
Alzheimer Societies across Canada provide programs and support services for people with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and their caregivers.
The Alzheimer Society is a leading Canadian funder of dementia research and has invested to date, over $50 million in bio-medical and quality-of-life research through the Alzheimer Society Research Program.

SOURCE Alzheimer Society of Canada

5 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin:

- Cover exposed skin when heading outdoors.

- Wash with lukewarm water. Hot showers strip oils from your skin.

- Humidify your home.

- Choose your moisturizer carefully; opt for gentile, natural products.

- Use SPF even during the winter.

DreamBelly Butter by Fairhaven is designed to help protect and nourish your skin as it stretches to accommodate your growing belly during your pregnancy.

Product Features + Benefits:

Combines the healing power of rosehip oil, aloe vera, honeysuckle and grapefruit, to protect and regenerate skin, and provide soothing relief from itchiness
Provides deep moisturizing from natural butters and oils with no greasy, slippery feeling
Has the mild, pleasant fragrance of milk and honey
Contains no petroleum products, parabens, artificial colors or artificial preservatives

Age range: Adult

MSRP: $9.95

Available online: https://www.fairhavenhealth.com/dreambelly-butter

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Chapped skin a real concern for winter athletics. Olen Cosmetics has created *the* best solution to this dilemma with their Baby Butz Cream. Not only the safest and most effective diaper rash treatment available without a prescription it’s perfect to use for chapped skin and to protect against the elements. 100% natural ingredients and 30% zinc oxide. Used in hospital neonatal units and many pediatricians hand out samples plus medical professionals have endorsed this cream. No Chemicals, no Alcohol, no perfumes and hypoallergenic.

Age range: Birth+

MSRP: $12.99 (4 ounces), $7.99 (2 ounces)

Available online: www.Amazon.com

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you still can’t get burned especially when participating in snow activities because the snow reflects the sun making sun exposure a real issue in cold climates. Olen Cosmetics and their Sun Blocz 100% natural sunscreen is just what you need to stay protected. 100% Natural Sunscreen, 24.5% Zinc Oxide (non-nano), SPF 50 - UVA+UVB Broad Spectrum, water resistant for 80 minutes, hypoallergenic, doesn’t sting eyes, and repels bugs!

No Parabens, No Phthalates, Reef Safe, No Animal Testing

Age range: Birth+

MSRP: $24.99

Available online: www.Amazon.com

Great for chapped baby & kid cheeks! Winner of the 2017 Baby Maternity Magazine Tocp Choice award and the 2016 Cribsie Awards Academy Star award, BabyIt is a must have for all pregnant moms! Doctor-formulated and paraben free BabyIt is a multipurpose gel that can be used to sooth and heal sensitive areas as well as to moisturize delicate skin.

Product Features + Benefits:

Safely helps reduce the risk of trauma during childbirth and eases postpartum recovery
Paraben, glycerol, oil and fragrance free
pH balanced for pregnant women's sensitive tissues

Age range: Adult Pregnant and Postpartum Women

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Available online: www.MyIsoLove.com

New Study Finds Swearing Aloud Boosts Physical Performance

LIU Brooklyn, Keele University Study Published in Journal of Psychology of Sports and Exercise

BROOKLYN, NY— A groundbreaking new study published in the Journal of Psychology of Sports and Exercise has found that swearing aloud can increase physical performance, strength, and power associated with exercise.

According to the study by Dr. David K. Spierer of LIU Brooklyn and Dr. Richard Stephens of Keele University (UK), swearing was shown to produce a 4.6 percent increase in initial power during a 30-second stationary bicycle test called the Wingate test, as well as an 8.2 percent increase in a separate test of maximum hand grip strength.

“Swearing appears to be able to bring about improvements in physical performance that may not be solely dependent on a stress response arising out of the shock value of the swearing,” Dr. Stephens said. “We know that swearing appears to be handled in brain regions not usually associated with language processing. It is possible that activation of these areas by swearing could produce performance improvements across many different domains.”

Dr. Spierer added, “Cursing may allow people to shut down their inhibitions and somewhat veil the effort and the pain of this really difficult task.” In this way, Spierer says, “using swear words might be helpful in any circumstance where muscle strength and a sudden burst of force or speed, is required.”

In the study, Dr. Stephens and Dr. Spierer asked participants to suggest a swear word they might use in response to banging their head accidentally, and for the non-swearing trials, a word to describe a table. Based on Dr. Stephens’ previous research showing beneficial effects of swearing in the context of physical pain, they expected to see nervous system arousal in the form of elevated heart rate and blood pressure correlate with the improvement in physical performance. However, this was not the case.

Dr. Stephens and Dr. Spierer have already begun their second study examining the effect of swearing on more common activities that are found in most exercise programs. Please visit their website at www.swearingmakesyoustronger.com to purchase t-shirts and hats, the proceeds of which will go toward furthering research in swearing and performance as well as breast cancer awareness.

Boost Basics Will Get Your Family Healthy for 2018

The fitness program is designed to get your kids excited about moving, eating healthier and leading mindful lives

Baltimore, Maryland. Jan. 3, 2018- BOOST BASICS (http://iamboost.com) launched a new family e-training course that teaches the fundamental skills of exercise, nutrition and mindfulness to families in a fun and rewarding package. The course consists of 15 videos for families to watch together: each video is linked to a quiz and printable worksheet full of recipes, exercises and challenges.

The Boost Basics program is designed to engage with children in order to teach them the importance and fundamentals of caring for their bodies. The quizzes linked to the educational videos provide points for successful completion which can be used to redeem gift cards to stores such as Amazon and DICKS Sporting Goods.

According to the CDC, childhood obesity remains at about 17% in the U.S. and affects about 12.7 million children and adolescents. Factors responsible for obesity stem from habits built from an early age (which are often inherited from parents) such as sedentary lifestyles due to the increase of digitalization and urbanization, as well as unhealthy eating habits such as consuming processed foods that contain refined sugar and high-fat content, or excessive caloric intake.

The Boost Basics program was developed by certified health coach, Alex Haschen, in order for kids and parents to learn together, take on a wellness challenge and make healthy normal again. This one-of-a-kind program is very easy to implement and quick to deliver results.

Built on three pillars: exercise, nutrition and mindfulness, Boost Basics offers the following benefits:

All the information in one place, compiled by fitness, nutrition and mindfulness experts, saving you time and confusion
Makes health education a game-like rewarding experience which increases children’s participation
Hearing the information from a trusted source reinforces encouragement from parents
A change in the way your children views, processes and participates in healthy activities
Unlimited access to the lessons

The Boost Basics program can be purchased for $44.95 and offers a money back guarantee.

Resolve to succeed in fitness this year

Many of us ring in the new year with vows to get fit, banish junk food and lose weight. But after weeks of holiday indulgence and trying to bolster willpower during the colder, darker winter days, those resolutions often fall flat.

Research from 2015 found that roughly 80 per cent of resolutions fail by the second week of February. Kelly Musovic, Personal Training Divisional Manager with GoodLife Fitness, says when it comes to resolutions, certain patterns emerge that keep people from succeeding.

• We try to do too much at once

• We set goals that are vague

• We try to do it alone

• We’re often too hard on ourselves if we have a lapse of willpower or we don’t succeed right away

By applying sports psychology principles, it’s possible to set realistic, achievable resolutions and train your mind to stick with them into the new year, even when the going gets tough. Here are some principles to help set – and keep – fitness and healthy resolutions for 2018.

Start small: It’s important to focus on gradual improvements and aim to change one behaviour at a time. Start with what you can manage and increase exercise levels slowly. Small successes help build confidence and soon your intentions will become habits.

Talk about it: Tell your friends and family about your plans to build in more physical activity or change your eating habits. By putting it out there you’re more likely to follow through, plus you’ll receive lots of encouragement and support.

Be kind to yourself: When it comes to fitness and healthier eating, it’s important to celebrate your successes and not dwell on the negatives. If you miss a workout one week, make it a point to follow through on your gym routine the week after. Don’t worry about tiny slip-ups, focus on the big picture.

Get an exercise partner: Being accountable to someone else is a huge part of showing up for your workout. Working out with someone else can be more enjoyable and make the time go faster, plus you get extra motivation from the positive feedback.

Be specific: Instead of saying “I’ll get into better shape,” or “I’ll only eat healthy foods from now on,” be more specific. Resolutions with timelines and specifics are easier to measure. For example, “I will lose 10 lbs to feel more confident on my beach vacation in March,” or “I will eat vegetables instead of potato chips at lunchtime to improve my energy levels in the afternoon at work.” Having a specific goal helps you know what to do when temptation arises and it’s easier to measure success and adapt to reach your goals.

Do it for ‘future you’: People are more successful at attaining their resolutions when they keep their future self in mind. Sign up for a 5K run in the spring, plan to look great on your beach vacation or aim to be active with your grandkids. You’re more likely to withstand pitfalls if you’re focused on future success.

Musovic and personal trainers in your area are available to talk more about the elements of resolution success. They can share nutrition strategies and demonstrate some exercises that will amp up the fun and results of your 2018 workouts and keep you motivated well past February.

Feeling Pain or Numbness? 4 Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

It’s easy to tell when you have a cut or a fever. A herniated disc can be more difficult to detect, as the symptoms can occasionally be vague. Sometimes they can be chalked up to simple aging. It’s important to pay attention to the signs, though, so you can seek one of the many herniated disc treatments quickly and feel better faster. Here are four symptoms of a herniated disc.

Arm or Leg Pain

Depending on the exact location of the herniated disc, you’ll feel pain in various locations. If the disc is in your lower back, the most intense pain will be in your buttocks, thighs, and calves. It may be only one leg or both. If the disc is in your neck, your shoulder and arm will feel the most intense pain. In either case, sneezing or coughing may cause the pain to shoot into your arm or leg, as can shifting your spine into certain positions.

Numbness or Tingling

Similar to the “pins and needles” feeling that you get when a body part has fallen asleep, you may feel numbness or tingling in the body part served by the nerves affected by the herniated disc. This numbness or tingling may not affect the entire body part. It may only affect a particular area, such as the thumb side of an arm, or the little toe and outside of a foot and leg.

Weak Muscles

The herniated disc affects the nerves that serve various muscles. Those muscles tend to weaken. Depending on the area of the disc, this can lead you to stumble or have trouble standing, or it could impair your ability to hold and lift items. Muscle weakness tends to be one of the more serious symptoms of a herniated disc and often requires surgical intervention as quickly as possible.

Back Pain

The back pain may be dull or throbbing, constant or intermittent, and possibly accompanied by stiffness. The disc may also cause muscle spasms, which might be alleviated by a couple of days of rest with ice and heat in a supportive recliner or lying flat with a pillow beneath the knees. Back pain is more likely to be present in the lower back than the neck.

A herniated disc can be a painful experience. If you suspect that your symptoms are caused by a herniated disc, it’s best to get it checked out quickly by a professional, like those at Southwest Florida Neurosurgical & Rehab Associates

12 Wellness Holidays to Make You Healthier in 2018

The New Year has just begun which brings more focus on health, fitness and well-being as you look ahead to a year of possibilities. Welcome the new year and make one of your resolutions to make time for a health or fitness holiday. Whatever your goals in 2018, Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists will find a break to meet your wellness needs; be it detox, meditation, yoga, sports or sleep, you can be as sociable or as solitary as you wish. With the support and assistance of experts available in some of the world’s most beautiful locations, choose a wellness holiday to make you healthier this year.

The Sports Performance Break – Palacio Estoril Sports & Performance, Portugal

Hitting an athletic plateau is demotivating, but unbelievably common. On the sunny coast of Cascais, luxury 5-star resort, Palacio Estoril, offers sports enthusiasts an opportunity to overcome physical and mental barricades, enhancing performance and refining skill. Utilising treatments such as physiotherapy and Chinese medicine, guests benefit from improved posture and well-being. In addition to an array of fitness classes, the programme focusses on nutritional performance enhancement, providing all the tools necessary to achieve athletic goals.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 5 nights at Palacio Estoril from £1,495pp and £2,100 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, programme, return flights and transfers.

The Luxury Beach Spa Break – Amanpuri Awareness Immersion, Thailand

Amidst palm-fringed, white sand beaches, and architecture inspired by ancient Ayutthayan culture, Amanpuri exudes timeless luxury. The awareness immersion programme, guided by a former Buddhist monk, is a meditative experience encouraging the renewal of internal focus, synchronising the mind, body and soul. Indulgent spa treatments such as cranial sacral therapy compliment the programme, along with unrivalled nutritional support. With spiritual guidance, a 5-star spa, and a private beach on your doorstep, Amanpuri is perfect for those looking for a luxury, yet authentic, beach and spa getaway.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Amanpuri from £6,210pp or £7,815 for single occupancy. Price includes full board with a choice of wellness programmes, return flights and transfers.

The Yoga Trip – The Retreat Costa Rica Yoga, Costa Rica

The Retreat is a Costa Rican haven set amid Quartz mountains and lush vegetation. Master the asana’s and find inner peace with daily private and group yoga practices. For beginners and advanced yogi’s alike, a week of seclusion and serenity will be beneficial both physically and mentally, improving flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as emotional clarity and stress. This healthy yoga escape also includes a hike, wellness workshops, a healing massage and a trip to a local farmers market.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at The Retreat Costa Rica from £2,960pp or £4,100 for single occupancy. Price includes full board with a yoga programme, return flights and transfers.

The Mediterranean Healthy Escape – Ayii Anargyri Healing, Cyprus

A boutique hotel amid a valley of mature trees in the village of Miliou, Cyprus, Ayii Anargyri promotes an idyllic location for a healthy healing escape. Restore well-being as you harness the time-tested, natural healing powers of the areas mineral-rich waters. Find profound calmness and tranquillity through hydrotherapy treatments such as underwater massage, and treat ailments in the phlebology, kinesiotherapy, and rheumatology pools. The healing waters are also utilised in spa therapies such as the indulgent mud therapy cocoons and massages.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Ayii Anargyri from £1,860pp or £1,580 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a choice of healing programme, return flights and transfers.

The Family Sports Holiday – Forte Village, Sardinia

A Sardinian paradise for sports loving families, Forte Village will leave guests spoilt for choice. In addition to a plethora of activities such as cycling, football academy, basketball, tennis and boxing academy, fitness lovers can get involved in various activities from Zumba to yoga. Located next to the beach, water babies can also enjoy a range of water sports including paddle boarding, windsurfing, and diving. The kids club can also keep the young ones (and teenagers) occupied whilst you indulge in some ‘me time’ at the spa.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Forte Village Resort from £1,090pp. Price includes half board, return flights and transfers.

The Detox and Pilates Break – Amatara Detox, Thailand

With stunning views out over Cape Panwa, Phuket, Amatara is an idyllic destination for a relaxing detox and Pilates retreat. Following a juice cleanse and healthy eating regime, achieve optimal well-being with treatments such as colonic hydrotherapy, coffee cleansing, manual lymphatic drainage, and detoxifying ayurvedic massages. Gain strength and flexibility with mat Pilates and private reformer Pilates in stunning surroundings. This healthy holiday will give you the chance to experience your most energised and most radiant self.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Amatara Detox from £2,845pp or £3,485 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a detox programme, return flights and transfers.

The Trip of a Lifetime – Ultimate Around the World 1 Year Wellness Trip

The Ultimate Around the World Wellness Trip is an unbeatable opportunity, both in terms of experience and luxury. Enjoy yoga on private island ‘parrot cay’ one week, then scuba diving in The Great Barrier Reef the next. Other highlights include ayurvedic therapy in India, hiking in Utah and a guided tour of Istanbul’s architecture. With over 20 stops on this year-long voyage you will become both vastly cultured and a master of your own health and fitness.

Pricing starts from £156,000pp with Business class flights for 12 months around the world wellness trip. Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com)

The Tennis Holiday – Pine Cliffs Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, Portugal

Whether your dreaming of Wimbledon, or simply getting the ball over the net, the Tennis Academy at Pine Cliffs in Portugal is guaranteed to improve your game leaps and bounds. With five group tennis lessons throughout the week, all of which utilise the professionally developed ‘movement and repetition method’ expect to see advances in skill, stamina, and style. Guests also receive an invigorating sports massage, the perfect way to unwind after a morning on the court.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Pine Cliffs from £1,325pp or £1,055 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a tennis training programme, return flights and transfers.

The Safari and Yoga Break – Karkloof Safari & Yoga, South Africa

Combining passions for yoga and nature, this wellness holiday takes you to one of the most exceptional and unspoilt areas of South Africa. During the Safari & Yoga programme at Karkloof Safari Spa, guests experience two game drives, observing wildlife such as giraffes, rhinoceros, and a plethora of bird species. With daily yoga classes, mountain biking, fishing, and guided hikes, finding your connection with nature and developing inner peace has never come more naturally.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Karkloof Safari Spa from £4,650pp or £4,770 for single occupancy. Price is all-inclusive, with a programme, return flights and transfers.

The Sleep Retreat – Lefay Sleep Well, Italy

Regain control over your sleeping pattern on an invigorating sleep wellness retreat overlooking beautiful Lake Garda. Find relaxation and pure bliss with a selection of indulgent, pampering, and holistic spa treatments. Improve your sleeping patterns as you are guided by the energy flow of Chinese medicine combined with locally grown healthy cuisine as you are taken through a journey to better health and peaceful state of mind, ensuring you get a good night's rest.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Lefay Resort & Spa from £2,155pp or £2,640 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, with a sleep programme, return flights and transfers.

The Winter Sun Fitness Holiday – BodyHoliday Fusion Fitness, St Lucia

If you’re looking for winter sun, it’s a struggle to comprehend a destination more perfect than St Lucia with an activity for every type of active traveller. From 7am beach workouts to 8am yoga along with daily spa treatments, enjoy a personalised Fusion Fitness programme designed for you. Achieve optimal well-being with a choice of private activities from tennis lessons, bike rides and sports weight training to ocean sports, Tai Chi, Pilates and meditation.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at BodyHoliday from £2,790pp or £2,810 for single occupancy. Price is all-inclusive, with a Fusion Fitness programme, return flights and transfers.

The Short-haul Health Booster – Six Senses Kaplankaya De-stress & Reconnect, Turkey

Give your health a well-deserved boost this year as you enjoy a selection of indulgent spa treatments including massages and body wraps at Six Senses, Kaplankaya. Disengage from the stresses of daily life as you find your calm with sunrise yoga or a morning coastal walk, then work out your tensions in an invigorating personal training session. Whether it’s a quick break or an extended getaway, this Turkish stay is guaranteed to help you take a step back, finding clarity in the process.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Six Senses Kaplankaya from £1,380pp or £2,300 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, with a wellness programme, return flights and transfers.

For advice, guidance and booking visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0203 397 8891

-Ends-

For further information and hi-res imagery please email: rebecca.mbogoro@healthandfitnesstravel.com /paul@healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0203 397 8891

Notes to Editors:

About Health and Fitness Travel

Health and Fitness Travel is a global luxury wellness travel company that originated in the UK in 2010 and is committed to providing healthy holidays that enhance and change lives. Created by Paul Joseph and Adam Heathcote as a result of their passion for health and fitness travel and offering bespoke holidays to improve people’s well-being to lead happier and healthier lives.

Health and Fitness Travel offers clients a tailor-made seamless service with the very best health and fitness holidays, handpicked by its expert team, together with exclusive and added value packages with the best deals. As leading specialists, Health and Fitness Travel has also created their own collection of trademark healthy holidays in various destinations which include Fusion Fitness™ BodyBreaks™ and Discover Recover™, offering clients the best value and holiday experience. For more information visit: www.healthandfitnesstravel.com

A NEW FACE FOR DAS MODEL MANAGEMENT IN MIAMI TURNS A SPARK IN TO A SOCIAL MEDIA FIRESTORM THROUGH THE ART OF BEAUTY

Colombian-born Natalia Lorenzo joins the agencys CURVE division and inspires women everywhere with a rebounding confidence that is shooting for the stars

Miami Beach, FL December 21st, 2017: The newest home-grown talent from South Florida to join DAS Model Management has become an unassuming role model for women around the country and oversees, attracting global media attention from as far as Australia, while becoming the latest social media sensation thanks to an independent exhibition during Miami Art Week.

The 19-year-old Miami native, Natalia Lorenzo, has quickly grown accustomed to having an image management team and public relations professionals around her, since she decided to rebound from her late teenage years as a timid student at Florida International University, to emerge as an aspiring new model with over 50,000 followers on social media. While studying to become a doctor during high school and college, Natalias mother, a seamstress by trade, always thought her daughter had a spark for the fashion spotlight. With a wealth of encouragement at home and from her friends, the Colombian-born teenager built enough confidence to submit a series of photos to local modeling agencies in October, while admitting to be extremely self-conscious about her body in the past. The tide of self perception would soon turn for Natalia when DAS Model Management, a full-service international model management agency based in Miami Beach, responded immediately upon seeing her photography and invited her in to their offices. Not knowing where this would lead, Natalia became excited but very nervous to meet a beaming management team who welcomed her with unanticipated delight on the very same day. Natalias initial experience upon meeting the world-class group of professionals at DAS Model Management gave her a level of comfort and a new surge of confidence that would subsequently establish her career as an emerging model after signing with the CURVE division at the agency.

We immediately jumped on this opportunity to sign Natalia, as soon as her photos came through, says Jennifer Gregory, Director of Client Services at DAS Model Management and its CURVE division. Natalia embodies the true essence of natural beauty and she has found a new confidence that goes hand-in-hand with becoming an emerging model at the beginning of her career. Through our combined decades of experience and expertise with guiding and managing very promising new Plus size models, emerging talent has been propelled to new heights establishing some of the biggest names in the business. With the right management style and personal guidance given with every step of the development process, these women were able to excel on the world stage. We look forward to working with Natalia and unleashing her true potential.

Within two weeks of being signed to the agency, a major national retailer requested Natalia for a booking in New York City where she would spend a day representing one of the largest department stores in the country. Several beauty and fashion brands have since been in contact with DAS, urging Jennifer and her team to field requests for suitable brand partnerships between Natalia and the agencys top clients.

During Miami Art Week in December, Natalia agreed to participate in an independent exhibit produced by a photographer friend, entitled The Art of Beauty. Natalia attended the exhibit in Miamis Wynwood Arts District on December 10th, after having some revealing photography in underwear taken that would be on display as a five-foot tall poster size canvas. The theme of the exhibition was around women embracing their bodies and individual beauty as an art form as a way of reinforcing the new social norm. Nataliass excitement at the positive response from those she met at the exhibit and seeing herself in full splendor came in the form of a personal tweet that was instantly shared more than 47,000 times and liked over 215,000 times to this day.

At a young age I developed self imagery issues about my body, Natalia tweeted after the exhibit. It later led to depression and anxiety which I suffered from for years. Recently, I finally broke out of my shell and my face and my body is on a canvas at Art Basel this year. I couldnt be any more proud of myself.

After moving to the United States at the age of 7 years old, Natalia started gaining weight and was very shy, while having difficulty managing her diet that continued for two years. During high school in South Florida, she would avoid wearing a swimsuit and feel anxious when going to the beach hiding in the bathroom or covering herself with a t-shirt. Natalia reveals how she often did not want to leave her bedroom. By the time Natalia turned 18, she finally had enough and refused to let a perception of her body hold her back from enjoying life. Natalia discovered the joy in social media and taking photos of herself, which helped her view her body in a completely different light, after opening up and sharing her experiences on Instagram to a loving audience.

I decided to not let the way I look or my insecurities hold me back in life anymore, says Natalia. I had missed out on so many good times simply because of my self-perception. I have finally overcome my fears. My goal now is to be an inspiration to other people who have the same issues and be a role model for men and women everywhere while enjoying my new self and outlook on life. Signing with DAS Model Management has been a thrilling turning point in my life and has become a major stepping-stone towards fulfilling my ultimate goal in becoming the best I can possibly be. I hope to change the lives and minds of others throughout the world.

Natalia plans to use her new career with DAS Model Management as a platform for spreading the belief in personal self-expression, body positivity and individual beauty in every shape and form particularly through her work as an emerging model while receiving the personal guidance by the best in the business. Natalias biggest role model continues to be her Mom, who is most proud of her daughter and looks back on a time when she felt compelled to push Natalia in the right direction.

5 Tips that help you to reduce weight quickly

Gaining few pounds has become a dilemma and you’re looking for some healthy, sustainable way to lose weight? There are plenty of ways to slim yourself down. You have to cut your calories, exercise regularly, resist junk food, stick on water instead of juice or soda, walk 30 minutes a day etc. loosing and maintaining a healthy weight can be tougher or you may find trouble to get motivated. Joshua C. Klapow, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham stated:

The key to staying motivated to lose weight is similar to the [amount of] fuel in a car—you don't need the motivation tank to be full to drive, you just need to prevent it from running empty. If you notice that your weight loss motivation is waning, give yourself a break from your diet or exercise plan for one to three days.

Cut your calories and appetite

It can be very difficult to stick to a low-calorie diet but it is essential to cut your pounds in an effective way to sculpt your best body. Try eating a bit less sauce i.e. ketchup and mayonnaise in your food, avoid sugar-sweetened drinks like soda, coke, and other beverages, avoid adding sugar in your tea or coffee, use a smaller plate, have a half glass of water and walk before dinner, eat more vegetables and chose whole fruits instead of juices. But make sure not to eat fewer than 1,000 calories in a day.

Walk 30 minutes a day regularly

You don’t need a super sweaty high-intensity workout daily. Just 30 minutes’ walk would not only help you to shed some pounds but also to have a healthy dose of cardio regularly. Moreover, it will also boost metabolism, improve blood circulation, lower LDL-cholesterol, and ward off heart disease. Walking is the best way to maintain a healthy weight, burns belly fat and tone the abdominal region.

Switch-off the TV at mealtime

The research found those who chew slowly, eat without distraction, and concentrate on the food and eat without any conversation, lose six times as much weight as other slimmers. Paying more attention to your meal would keep you overeating and mindful eating can help you to make healthier choices.

Sleep

This is surprisingly true that sleep and weight loss are interconnected. Lack of sleep alters the way your brain works. It increases appetite which stimulates hunger, makes you crave fat and carbs. Moreover, poor sleep makes the body’s metabolism work less efficaciously, leaves more unexpended energy to be stored in the body as fat. Research shows that people starved to sleep make bad food decisions. They want more calorie-rich food.

Drink a lot of water

Drinking water can help you to support your dieting efforts. It raises metabolism in your body and improves your fat burning rate. It will also make you feel full and consume less food at a meal. Drinking some water before a meal is also a good move that will pay off. Substituting all other beverages, coffee, tea, fruit juice etc. for a glass of water can help to burn calories.

Eating the right combination of food and make healthy changes in your lifestyle can help you to drop pounds and even drop them fast. It would be troublesome for some time to stop yourself when you may have a plate of brownies in front of you. If you’re struggling to stick with your weight loss motivation, choose an attainable or realistic goal. Never think that you’ll quickly lose 50 pounds in the next couple of weeks. Find a partner who may also help you out by cheer you on, and work out with will keep you on track. Be patient and give yourself small rewards (must not be food-related) to provide an incentive to keep going.

Author Bio

Michelle Hannan is a nutritionist, and she's on a mission to give you all the information you need to successfully lose weight. She also blogs regularly at https://www.hcgdietinfo.net/

How to Make New Year’s Resolutions that Stick

Every year we begin a new year resolving to do (or quit doing) something and expect to be the game changer in our lives. For some it’s to workout, lose weight, cut out all carbs and sweets. For others, it’s a promise to save more money and get finances on track. Regardless of what you resolve to do, according to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, there is a way to set yourself up for failure or success. The mindset we are in when deciding on a resolution determines it's stickiness. Below Dr. Hafeez, a New York based neuropsychologist affiliated with Columbia University, shares key insights on how to make New Year’s Resolutions that stick.

1. Envision the end result and reverse engineer it.

According to Dr. Hafeez, neural pathways in the brain can be changed through a combination of visualization and aligned action. She encourages people to journal about what it is they want. Write it all out. “How would life improve? What would all the benefits be? Cut pictures out of magazines of what you want and post them to a wall (or if appropriate, the refrigerator). Get very clear on what you think you will feel like once you see results,” she recommends.

2. Get clear on your triggers.

Set yourself up for success by understanding what may potentially get you off track. “Sticky resolutions come with planning. If you want to lose weight then begin with clearing out your fridge and cupboards of junk food. That in itself is an action that will tell your brain that you are serious. Get recipes and write out a new grocery shopping list. Writing plans, micro goals and ideas that serve the greater accomplishment you're reaching for creates “buy in” from your brain, says Hafeez.”

For the people resolving to save more money Dr. Hafeez says to evaluate when and why you spend. If you notice you spend $40 a week on coffee, think of alternatives. “You don’t want to cut yourself off from anything cold-turkey. The brain doesn’t respond well to deprivation. It sends brain chemicals that signal displeasure which is what makes resolutions lose their stickiness. Shift to a possibility or curiosity mindset. Asking yourself, what can I do to save $5 per day invites in inspired thoughts and creative ideas,” explains Hafeez.

3. Pace yourself.

“The reason why resolutions don’t stick is because people set the bar way too high and expect achievement way too fast. Think of every week as a win! Break it down into weekly chunks and train the brain to value quick accomplishments,” she advises. The people who resolve to lose weight and get more exercise won’t stick to it if they don’t celebrate small milestones and try to do too much too soon. Resolve to lose 1 to 3 pounds per week. Do this by cutting out soft drinks or juices and drinking water instead. After 10 weeks you''ll be 20 pounds lighter with great skin just because you did one thing week by week until it became your new normal.

4. Trick your brain by making it fun.

“Our language and self-talk is everything and determines if our resolution will fade or will become something we’re still doing in June,” says Dr. Hafeez. “When someone resolves to change their diet, exercise and lose weight they already envision how difficult it is going to be so they are already dreading it before they started. However, shifting the brain to doing something fun that is in line with the goal gets you more committed," she adds. Create a playlist of great music to work out to. Look up recipes on Pinterest to build your new shopping list. When you do the advance preparation that is more fun, and take small steps towards building the new lifestyle to support your resolution, you’re setting yourself up for a win.

5. Fuel your resolution with greater purpose worth committing to.

If you want to resolve to save more money, it’s is helpful to have a clear purpose for the money you plan to save. Resolving to save more money is vague making it hard to remain on track. Saving more money to take an amazing vacation or to purchase a home or car is something tangible you can stick to. “It’s common for people to commit to doing something when they connect it to a greater purpose beyond them or an experience they want to have. This explains why lifetime smokers can instantly quit when they learn they are pregnant. It’s not about them anymore. We see the man who is 75 pounds overweight lose weight when his daughter gets engaged. Whenever we can connect resolutions to a bigger purpose our minds get on board, and when the mind is all in, resolutions stick,” explains Dr. Hafeez.

About Dr. Hafeez:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens.

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.

Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com