The school run is back with us, after a well-deserved break for kids. We can expect more and more academics in this last term of the year.But we must give kids more value for their schooling, emotional intelligence and health should always be in the mix. Emotional intelligence is for another day, let’s talk about how we can inculcate healthy behavior in our children. Integrating health as part of day to day learning reinforces long-lasting healthy attitudes. Healthy minds and bodies in turn become the backbones of a generation’s health.

We are on the final countdown to Christmas next week. The holidays mean different things to different people. But there are some unifying factors. Nothing to do with religious beliefs, it’s all about food and drink. Plenty will get consumed, and most of it will be unhealthy. Yes, we wait for a whole year to get to the Christmas festivities. You might argue that there is therefore some justification for excessive indulgence. You wouldn’t really be wrong, so long as you watch what goes down your throat. There will be lots of roasts, calories-laden carbs and, cool fizzling and alcoholic drinks to wash everything down. But there will be other choices too. Salads, greens, lots of vegetables and fruits will be aplenty. And so too will be freshly pressed juices and the plain old water. You will be spoilt for choice.

Dear doctor, I am now 36 weeks pregnant and too exhausted with my pregnancy. I want to be delivered early but my doctor has refused. What should I do? There is no doubt that pregnancy can be stressful in many ways. There is initial excitement when a desired pregnancy becomes a reality. But as pregnancy advances, many changes occur in your body. Some changes are undesirable; like poor sleeping patterns, easy exhaustion, and pelvic discomfort among others. Most of such symptoms are luckily of an innocent nature. But it can all get too much, hence the wish to get it all over and done with when you get too overwhelmed.