Page 21 - Florida Sentinel 5-17-19

Health
Let’s state the facts. Cellulite is fat that accumulates under the surface of the skin. It occurs when the underlying fat deposits begin to push against the layers of connective tissue, giving it a dimply, less than smooth ap- pearance. Men and women can get cellulite but it’s most com- mon in women due to hormonal changes.
Cellulite can also be heredi- tary so chances are if your mother has cellulite you probably will too. Age is a factor as well be- cause as we get older, the skin loses elasticity. Cellulite is usu- ally but not always found on the thighs (sometimes referred to as “cottage cheese thighs”), hips and buttocks and can occur in people who are thin as well as overweight.
People with a higher percent- age of body fat versus having lean muscle mass are likely to have cellulite. Drinking water does help but is not the only answer.
What causes cellulite? There can be several contributing fac- tors.
1. A Sedentary Lifestyle:
People who are sedentary are more likely to have less lean muscle mass and more body fat. As the weight and body fat in- creases, it pushes against the fat underneath the skin giving it a “dimply” appearance.
2. Hormones:
As women age, the hormone estrogen declines. Estrogen is re- sponsible for keeping blood ves- sels flowing smoothly. As it declines, the result is poorer cir- culation and a decrease in new collagen production.
3. Dehydration:
It doesn’t directly cause cel- lulite but can cause other
changes that could lead to an in- crease in fatty tissue. For exam- ple, when the caloric intake increases it can lead to weight gain. Drinking water prevents dehydration and helps the circu- latory system’s ability to break down fat and eliminate waste.
4. Smoking:
This reduces blood vessel flow. As with the loss of estrogen, it disrupts new collagen forma- tion and allows for connective tissue to be stretched.
How much water should we drink? It is recommended that for an average size person we should drink 64 oz. of water daily. The more water one drinks the better. Your body needs to get accustomed to taking in more water on a regular basis.
Once this happens, it will eliminate the excess water which can be a contributor to cellulite. The results will vary among indi-
viduals and of course, depends on how severe your cellulite is, to begin with, to see results.
How can we reduce the ap- pearance of cellulite? Increasing our water intake is very impor- tant but we shouldn’t minimize the importance of a well-bal- anced diet which will decrease inflammation in the body and promote weight loss.
Incorporating fruits, vegeta- bles, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins are the way to go. This will help prevent new fat cells from being formed. We want to avoid processed and re- fined foods as well as high sugar foods and beverages.
Exercise is key to losing body fat and reducing the appearance of cellulite. A well-rounded pro- gram consisting of cardio and strength training will yield the best results. The cardio program, for example, HIIT (High-Inten- sity Interval Training) will burn a greater percentage of stored body fat. Strength training will create new muscle tissue which will tone and tighten the skin making cellulite less noticeable.
The bottom line is a healthy diet along with exercise and in- creasing water intake will always be necessary components to achieving results. Lastly, be pa- tient during the process. Stay consistent.
Connecting with someone romantically, emotionally, and physically can be really amazing. But there's a lot of work that goes into building a good relationship.
Take a (mental) vacation, everyday.
Life and work distractions can become paramount in our minds and that leaves little time or energy for our partner. Practice the art of “Wearing the Relationship Hat.” This means that (barring any emer- gencies or deadlines), we are fully present when we're with our mate. We truly hear what they are saying (instead of pretending to listen), we
leave our distractions behind and we don’t pick them up again until the sun comes up and we walk out the door.
Get it on.
Unless you have committed to an asexual partnership, sex, sexual contact and touching (kissing, hold- ing hands, cuddling etc.) are vital components of a romantic relation- ship. The frequency is of course, up to you and it's imperative that you discuss your ideas about it in order to prevent resentment. Rare are the moments when both partners are
“in the mood” at the exact same second, but that doesn’t mean that you have to decline their advances. Remind yourself that you will almost always “get there” after the first few minutes and that an intimate in- teraction of any kind builds connection and elevates your mood and health. Bear in mind that you are never required to say “yes.” If you truly don’t feel it, the best thing you can do is to postpone. Just make sure that you initiate or accept within a reasonable amount of time thereafter.
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9-B