Wellbeing Articles

[{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=HowToBeGreenAtWork","articleTitle":"How To Be Green At Work Every Day","articleSubTitle":"Adopt more efficient and sustainable practices","articleCreatedDate":"November 13, 2018","articleDesc":"Green habits at work can make a bigger impact than you might think. Adopting more efficient and sustainable practices can actually increase your productivity, improve your health, reduce costs around the office and, of course, help protect the environment.<\/p>\nHere are four ways you and your coworkers can green your routine at work every day.<\/p>\n1. Help Conserve Energy<\/b><\/p>\nIt\u2019s unusual to leave all of your lights or appliances on at home when no one is there, so take the same approach at work:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Turn off the lights when you leave your office or any shared meeting spaces.<\/li>\n<li>Use power-saving settings on your computer to minimize electricity use \u2014 especially when you\u2019re away from your desk.<\/li>\n<li>Completely shut down and unplug your computer, monitor and laptop at the end of the day. \u201cStandby\u201d settings and electronics plugged into outlets will still use power, even if they\u2019re not in use \u2014 often referred to as \u201cPhantom Energy Draw\u201d. If you connect all your desk electronics to a power strip with an on/off button, you can easily turn everything off with the switch of a button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n2. Recycle, Reduce & Reuse<\/b><\/p>\nRemember these three R\u2019s as you navigate your daily work routine. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Brew your morning coffee at home and bring it with you to work in a travel mug. Many office coffee machines use individual plastic cups that can be difficult to recycle.<\/li>\n<li>Use a reusable water bottle. These are much better for the environment and can keep your water colder for longer. Bringing in reusable lunch containers, silverware and plates can also help reduce plastic waste in the office.<\/li>\n<li>Use recycling bins when disposing of paper, plastic, glass or metals. Sorting recyclables helps ensure that items don\u2019t end up in landfills.<\/li>\n<li>When purchasing office supplies, choose eco-friendly brands, and buy in bulk to reduce shipping and packaging waste.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n3. You\u2019ve Heard it Before, But Go Paperless<\/b><\/p>\nThere are so many alternatives to paper today. Take a closer look at your processes and see where it\u2019s possible to digitize them:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It may sound obvious, but instead of storing papers in physical filing cabinets, move your files to online folders \u2014 these take up less physical space, can be easier to share with team members and more secure.<\/li>\n<li>How do you receive your paycheck? Check with HR to see if you can set up direct deposit, which not only reduces paper use, but can also reach your bank account faster. You can usually request a digital pay stub as well, to track your income.<\/li>\n<li>If you must use paper, be more mindful about it. Printing double-sided with black and white cartridge settings is one way to be more efficient. Also, use any misprints as notepaper.<\/li>\n<li>Only purchase recycled printer paper or envelopes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n4. Green Your Commute<\/b><\/p>\nA high percentage of greenhouse gas (GHS) emissions come from transportation \u2013 a major contributor to global warming and poor air and water quality.<\/p>\nHere are ways you can make your daily commute greener:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Carpool with a colleague or family member or opt for public transit. This choice is better for the environment, and gives you the opportunity to read or socialize, decreasing stress from driving every day.<\/li>\n<li>If you must drive, think about getting an electric or hybrid vehicle \u2014 they run cleaner and are much more fuel efficient.<\/li>\n<li>If your commute allows and climate is not too harsh, biking or walking to work may be a great option for you. With an active commute, you can also improve your cardiovascular and mental health.<\/li>\n<li>If there is any, take advantage of your company\u2019s work from home or flexible work policies. You won\u2019t have to travel to and from the office, and you can still easily collaborate with colleagues by using video chat, instant messaging or other teleconferencing tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nA few smart changes in your daily work routine can make a big impact. Share these tips with a colleague and help your workplace become greener today.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Family & Community","articleTagLink":"family-and-community.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Green at Work_686x514.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=How-AI-is-transforming-insurance","articleTitle":"Welcome to the Future: How AI is Transforming Insurance","articleSubTitle":"Artificial Intelligence and Insurance: A Guide On Current And Future Development","articleCreatedDate":"November 4, 2018","articleDesc":"Whether it's talking to Siri or <a>asking Alexa<\/a> to play your favorite song, artificial intelligence has become a part of our daily lives. Looking ahead, it's coming into play in the insurance industry too. Understanding AI\u2019s benefits and where it might be used will ensure that the industry is ahead of this next tech wave.<\/p>\nThe technology is in limited use so far, primarily powering chat bots and helping automate the claims process. But Brian Hemesath, managing director of the Des Moines-based, Global Insurance Accelerator, says it's an area ripe with opportunity\u2014one that startups and big tech companies alike are exploring.<\/p>\nHemesath notes that AI's biggest potential\u2014deriving insights and then making decisions for the benefit of the business, all without human input\u2014has yet to be fully realized. In the insurance business, you should view AI products as potential resources and tools.<\/p>\n\u201cIn the foreseeable future, AI will be more of a complement to what brokers and insurance companies do, not necessarily a threat" he explains.<\/p>\nArtificial Intelligence 101:<\/b><\/p>\nAI refers to a broad category of machines that can efficiently analyze large amounts of data and then make decisions based on that analysis.<\/p>\nA few different concepts regularly come into play:<\/p>\nMachine learning: <\/b>An AI application that allows computers to learn from their analysis and then make improvements, without additional programming.<\/p>\nBig data analytics: <\/b>The process of collecting and analyzing the vast quantities of information that companies can now access.<\/p>\nInternet of Things: <\/b>The world of connected devices that companies use to gather data.<\/p>\nHere are five ways AI stands to impact the insurance industry, in some cases sooner rather than later:<\/p>\n1. Personalizing the Customer Experience<\/b><\/p>\n<a href=\"http://leadersedgemagazine.com/articles/2017/10/meet-algorithm-your-new-partner/\">Leader's Edge recently noted<\/a> that technologies such as Robotic Process Automation will make it possible to essentially outsource the most tedious tasks, such as data entry, to computers. AI adds another level of efficiency, insight and possibility, especially when it comes to deepening client engagement, relationships and spurring growth. As a start, insurers have already been using AI to power customer service chat bots that help answer basic questions and route inquiries.<\/p>\nIn the future, specialized chat bots that offer personalized advice, whether its fitness related or medical concierge, could even be an added benefit offered by employers. The takeaway, Hemesath notes, is that the technology can automate portions of your jobs, so that you can focus on growing and scaling your business.<\/p>\n2. Understanding Customer Behavior<\/b><\/p>\nAI combined with other technologies such as Internet of Things devices and machine learning can also help insurers better understand their customers' behavior, and ultimately risk. For example, some auto insurers are offering customers the ability to put sensors in their cars to monitor driving, and then providing discounts to those with safe habits.<\/p>\nIn the benefits space, health and life insurers are making use of wearables to track subscribers' daily habits. AI can take these initiatives a step further, drawing on that information to increase engagement or personalize services. For instance, the data might reveal that a client could benefit from some health and nutrition coaching. \u201cWe're at the earliest cusp of discovering how AI can help analyze all that data and then put it use," Hemesath says.<\/p>\n3. Streamlining the Claims Process<\/b><\/p>\nFor many companies, the claims process still involves information handled by multiple people. <a href=\"https://www.lexisnexis.com/risk/downloads/whitepaper/touchless-claims-white-paper.pdf\">A<\/a> study recently done reveals that a traditional auto claim involves three to four touches\u2014that's human interaction\u2014and takes 10 to 15 days to complete.<\/p>\nA touchless claim process draws on AI and robotic process automation to eliminate people from the equation, from reviewing photos of damage to communicating with customers and issuing payments. The potential for AI to speed up the claims process extends well past auto insurance, into life, disability, health and more.<\/p>\nOne tech startup, Captricity, is using AI to help carriers digitize and then analyze the information held in historical claim records, hand written applications, death certificates and other legacy data. Insurers can then draw on that information to optimize their claims process, risk management and revenue.<\/p>\n4.<\/b> Preventing Fraud<\/b><\/p>\nOne of the most promising uses of AI across the industry is in preventing fraudulent claims. Thanks to AI and machine learning, computers can determine\u2014and then become better at\u2014identifying fraud.<\/p>\nFor example, Shift Technology, a startup based in France, helped a European coalition of insurers analyze 13 million claims. The technology identified <a href=\"http://www.shift-technology.com/case-studies/\">3,000 new cases of potential fraud<\/a>, including a large organized crime scheme that impacted nearly all the coalition's members. The scam had \u201csiphoned millions of Euros" from the group's insurance company members over the span of many years, according to a Shift Technology case study.<\/p>\n5. Improving Underwriting<\/b><\/p>\nAI technology also has the potential to disrupt and likely improve the underwriting process. Hemesath offered the example of Tyche, one of the GIA's portfolio companies, that is using machine learning to analyze unstructured data in the casualty space. There are also potential applications in medical and life insurance according to a Financial Times report . Machine learning could replace, and most certainly improve on, traditional statistical models used to assess risk, and potentially save the industry hundreds of millions of dollars.<\/p>\nReady or not, AI, chat bots and other emerging technologies are primed to impact the insurance industry.  Brokers and carriers that embrace these technologies will be able to gain a level of customer insights and engagement not previously available to them.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/AI_Insurance_686x514.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=healthier-financial-decisions","articleTitle":"How Can We Make Healthier Financial Decisions? ","articleSubTitle":"MetLife Foundation\u2019s Evelyn Stark talks behavioral economics","articleCreatedDate":"October 23, 2018","articleDesc":"Why don\u2019t we start saving for retirement sooner? Why do we spend our bonuses and tax returns impulsively? Why don\u2019t we go to the gym after buying a membership?<\/p>\nEvelyn Stark, MetLife Foundation\u2019s Assistant Vice President and Financial Inclusion Lead, shares how financial services providers are innovating with behavioral science, helping customers choose saving over spending in a discussion with NextBillion, a non-profit organization dedicated to highlighting financial inclusion efforts across the globe.<\/p>\nClick on the link below to listen to the podcast on innovation through behavioral science: <\/p>\nNextBillion\u2019s article: <a href=\"https://nextbillion.net/why-gyms-love-january-leveraging-behavioral-economics-for-financial-health/\">https://nextbillion.net/why-gyms-love-january-leveraging-behavioral-economics-for-financial-health/<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Financial_686x514.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=IsitRiskytoDropLife","articleTitle":"Is it risky to drop life insurance coverage during tough financial times?","articleSubTitle":"Don't be unprepared. Keep your family's financial future secure. ","articleCreatedDate":"October 10, 2018","articleDesc":"Most people buy life insurance with the same objective \u2014 to help keep your family financially secure if you\u2019re no longer around to provide for them. It can be difficult to put money toward something that you hope never happens, especially if you and your family are going through a difficult time financially. It may be tempting to drop a life insurance policy when you\u2019re working hard to stick to a budget, but it's smart to keep your policy if you can. Here are a few reasons why.<\/p>\n \nPrevent an unplanned return to the workforce<\/p>\n \nIf a surviving spouse is staying home to raise young children, a lack of financial coverage could force an unexpected or unwanted return to the workplace. This could also lead to unplanned childcare costs and other expenses that haven't been factored into your family's household budget.<\/p>\n \nPrevent the loss of your family\u2019s home<\/p>\n \nIf your family is unable to afford the cost of your home without your income, they may have to make the difficult choice of selling it. Your life insurance policy, however, can help your surviving family members cover expenses like a home loan or other outstanding debts.<\/p>\n \nPrevent your family from taking on loans for schooling fees<\/p>\n \nA life insurance policy can help your children cover the costs of their higher education if you were no longer around to pay for school. This may help them create a stronger financial future.<\/p>\n \nDealing with financial struggles is stressful \u2014 but dropping your life insurance policy to try to save money may not be the best long term plan. See how you can <a adhocenable=\"false\" href=\"https://www.mymetlife.net/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=howtokeepyourfamilyrecessionproof\" target=\"_blank\">adjust your family\u2019s spending habits<\/a> to save money in other areas of your household budget. And keep this important protection in place so you can help keep your family\u2019s financial future secure. \n \n<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/029_686x514.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=HowtoFinanciallyPrepare","articleTitle":"How to Financially Prepare for Your Second (or Third, or Fourth) Child?","articleSubTitle":"Plan ahead, be informed and get your finances in order.","articleCreatedDate":"September 20, 2018","articleDesc":"The common saying that \u201ceverything's easier with a second child\u201d is true \u2014 to a point. Sure, you're confident about your diaper changing skills, you understand how to set up feeding and sleep schedules and you know when a fever just calls for fluids and rest versus a visit to the Emergency Room.<\/p>\n \nBut when it comes to money, life can get more complicated as your family grows. When it comes to planning for more children, here\u2019s what you should know.<\/p>\n \nReduce Your Debt<\/b><\/p>\n \nEliminating debt is important at any stage of life, but when you're expecting more children, it becomes even more critical. After all, kids are expensive. On average, each child adds a hefty cost to the annual family budget \u2014 and that's not counting college expenses.<\/p>\nSit down with your partner to talk about what you owe, and how you're going to pay down existing debt, as well as avoid future debt. Look at your household budget to see if there are places where you can trim expenses, redirecting some of that money to debt repayments.<\/p>\nHave a Chat with HR<\/b><\/p>\n \nBoth you and your partner will want to know what benefits are available to you as you welcome your new child into the world. Checking in with your HR department is especially important if you've changed jobs, as your benefits might not be the same as they were at your previous workplace. You'll probably want to ask how the new additions to your family will affect your health insurance. Be sure, too, to confirm both the paid and unpaid family leave benefits offered by your employer so you can get ready to spend quality time with your growing family.<\/p>\n \nGet Your House in Order<\/b><\/p>\n \nGo digging through the store room to look for those essential items you need to get your home ready for your new addition. You might already have a crib, car seat and stroller, all big ticket items that translate into big-time savings when you hand them down from your first child to his or her new siblings. You might also have infant clothes, a breast pump and bottles. Make a list of any items you need to update or replace so you can budget for them accordingly.<\/p>\n \nEvaluate Your Life Insurance Coverage<\/b><\/p>\n \nIt's not just your health coverage you need to check when you're expecting new children. Take a look at your current life insurance plan. You want to be sure all of your loved ones will be covered if you are unable to care for them, and any time your family grows, you should evaluate your life insurance coverage and determine if it meets your expanding family\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n \nConsider Long-term Costs<\/b><\/p>\n \nRight now, your home or your car may work just fine for your family, but with more children entering the picture soon, it might be time to think about upgrades. Your children (and you!) will need more space to live and thrive, so even if you think you'll be okay in the short-term, plan out any long-term costs such as a new home or new car. That way, when the time comes, you'll be able to manage the costs of additional monthly payments.<\/p>\n \nOther "upgrades" might include child care. Can your current child care situation expand to cover all of your kids, and what will that cost? Would moving closer to family help reduce expenses? It\u2019s important to evaluate your options, and think about what\u2019s best for you and your family.<\/p>\n \nMake a Time Budget<\/b><\/p>\n \nYour time is valuable. Doctor\u2019s appointments, social and educational commitments increase with each child, so plan ahead to help avoid unnecessary stress between you and your spouse. Will either of you need to ask for more flexibility at work? Will one of you need to change your work situation, or stop working altogether? These are big questions that may be hard to answer, but talking openly with your spouse can help you plan ahead and ease into a transition. \nPlanning for a new baby can be thrilling, but it's also a challenge. Anticipate and ward off some of the potential stress by planning ahead and getting your finances in order before your new little one arrives. \n \n<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Family 686x514.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=howtokeepyourfamilyrecessionproof","articleTitle":"How to Keep Your Family\u2019s Finances Recession-Proof","articleSubTitle":"Be aware. Be thoughtful. Be prepared. And you will be pretty much in control.","articleCreatedDate":"August 13, 2018","articleDesc":"In an ever-changing world, economic uncertainty can be stressful for you and your family. When there\u2019s so much outside of your control, here are the things you and your family can focus on to keep your financial future secure.<\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\nCut Costs When You Don\u2019t Need to<\/b><\/p>\nIt\u2019s painful to cut costs when you\u2019re forced to do so because of financial circumstances. Sticking to a budget when you don\u2019t need to is the best time to make an honest assessment of where you and your family may be spending a little too much.<\/p>\nFor example, identify places where you can keep spending low without sacrificing happiness. Borrowing books and movies from the library and cooking at home with the family are cheaper than buying books, going to the movies or eating out. Leftovers make great work and school lunches, and learning to brew cappuccino expertly at home can save you money, too.<\/p>\nCreate an Emergency Fund<\/b><\/p>\n<a><\/a>[MR1] Start growing a <a href=\"https://blog.metlife.com/money/the-least-you-can-do-to-save-money/07-10-2017\">fund for emergencies only<\/a> so your family can be better prepared should the unexpected happen. You\u2019ll also protect yourself from the stress of emergency expenses.<\/p>\nEven putting a small amount into a separate account each month is a good place to start.<\/p>\nTake Control of Your Credit<\/b><\/p>\nOne of the best ways to keep your family\u2019s finances in order is to reduce or eliminate debt and keep your credit in good standing. Request your credit report and fix anything that\u2019s harming your score, like mistakes or an inconsistent payment history.<\/p>\nIf you use credit cards, check your interest rates. If the rates seem high, call the provider to negotiate a lower annual percentage rate (APR). Attempt to pay off your cards each month and once your debt has been paid down, avoid borrowing more.<\/p>\nThe less you spend per month on paying off debt, the more you can put toward savings.<\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\nInvolve the Whole Family<\/b><\/p>\nEncourage your kids to start saving money as early as they can. A part-time babysitting gig or after school job can empower them to manage their own money and learn to be smart about spending.<\/p>\nTalk to adults in the family about how you\u2019re dividing responsibilities for existing bills and how you might handle family finances if a tighter budget became necessary.<\/p>\nKeep Check on Maintenance and Repairs<\/b><\/p>\nStaying on top of car repairs and maintenance can prevent major expenses later. Make sure your car is up to date on all servicing needs, like oil changes, tire rotating and balancing or full tune-ups. Keep up with home projects like annual air conditioning and pest control to help prevent unnecessary issues and expenses.<\/p>\nBe sure to put these tasks on the family calendar and note who\u2019s responsible for each one.<\/p>\nEvaluate Your Family\u2019s Life Insurance Coverage<\/b><\/p>\nSaving money is important, but it\u2019s also important to protect your finances and feel confident that your family is taken care of should the unexpected happen. <a href=\"https://www.metlife.com/insurance/life-insurance/\">Life insurance<\/a> can help to make up for lost income, pay for children\u2019s education, clear any outstanding loans or credit cards or pay off the mortgage.<\/p>\nTake some time to think about how you and your family can navigate the unexpected when it comes to economic uncertainty. With the right strategies and coverage in place, you\u2019ll help keep your finances and your future more secure.<a name=\"_msocom_1\" id=\"_msocom_1\"><\/a><\/p>\n [MR1]Better to delete this if we partially use the stat. it may not look right and it is not really added value.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/howtokeepyourfamilyrecessionproof_545_686x514.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=Howcanemployersdrivefinancialwellnessfortheiremployees","articleTitle":"How employers can drive financial wellness for their employees","articleSubTitle":"Financial health is an important part of employee wellness","articleCreatedDate":"May 2, 2018","articleDesc":"Few things in life generate as much stress as financial worry. Employers have likely sought to address other causes of stress for their employees with health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, wellness programs and other benefits.<\/p>\nNow, a growing number of businesses are acknowledging that helping their employees achieve financial wellness can deliver the same positive impacts as those established benefit offerings. Financial wellness helps employees gain the confidence and knowledge to successfully manage day-to-day finances and unplanned expenses, as well as plan and save for future milestones. Research from specialist provider Nudge Global found that the number of organizations now providing or implementing financial education programs was 40%, with a further 48% considering introducing a program.<\/p>\n \nBrokers are uniquely positioned to help their employer clients understand how a financial wellness strategy will achieve their talent management goals. Through expert guidance, you can connect employee needs with benefit strategies to drive conversations that will create mutually beneficial relationships.<\/p>\nThe advantage for employers<\/b><\/p>\n \nIt is rare to find an employer that doesn\u2019t care about the wellbeing of its employees. For instance, a large number of employers think that caring for their employees\u2019 wellbeing was part of the job.<\/p>\n \nHow employers can drive financial wellness in three steps<\/b><\/p>\n \n<\/b>Of course, financial wellness is not solely dependent on the employer. The economic landscape and unique family situations play a huge part. At the lower-wage end of the spectrum, job security and the predictability of likely income levels often creates concern for financial wellbeing. For middle income employees, a range of other considerations creeps in \u2014 from financial security in the event of a crisis, to paying for a child\u2019s education, to maximizing their choices in retirement. \nThe beauty of financial wellness programs is that the general principles can apply equally to employees in very different situations, even if the specific interventions diverge greatly. A financial wellness strategy shouldn\u2019t be one size fits all. But any program can be broken into three steps.<\/p>\n \n1. It begins with education: Employers, as the principle source of income for families, can have a powerful role in improving employees\u2019 financial knowledge and skills, while also driving business impact. \nEffective financial wellness programs help employees develop skills based on their life stages \u2014 such as the early years of work, building a family, home-making and caring \u2014 to balance short-term needs against long-term goals. For example, financial wellness education can help employees understand the downsides of taking loans and hardship withdrawals \u2014 especially to meet non-urgent situations \u2014 from their retirement plans.<\/p>\n \n2. The next step is assessment: Assessment of employees\u2019 financial aptitude and preparedness is also critical to a financial wellness program and its ongoing success. When employees have an accurate picture of their personal financial health, it\u2019s more likely to drive them to take action. \nFor employers, an analysis of their workers\u2019 financial wellness can be instrumental when designing \u2014 and building internal support for \u2014 an effective financial wellness program. Understanding employee age, gender, earnings, lifestyles and interests can inform the approach too. The insights gathered from the assessment will help determine which elements of a financial wellness program are most needed \u2014which employee and retirement benefits to offer and which delivery options are most likely to drive employees to action.<\/p>\n \n3. The final step is enablement: The critical third step is ensuring that financially aware employees can act to address their needs. \nThis is about employees taking ownership of their financial wellness. Employers can help here with the right mix of employee benefits. That means offering benefits tailored to them \u2014 like employee assistance programs, income protection products, life insurance, retirement benefits or some other tangible way of alleviating financial stress. Making those benefits customizable through voluntary or flexible benefits packages allows employees to tailor them to their specific needs. \nHelping employers make the connection between benefits, educational resources and a healthier, more engaged and productive workforce will provide insurers and brokers with new opportunities to strengthen client relationships.<\/p>\n \n \n<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/686x514 Financial wellness for employees.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=WhatYouShouldKnowAboutTheUAEValueAddedTax","articleTitle":"What you should keep in mind about the UAE's value added tax","articleSubTitle":"Impact of VAT on your household budget","articleCreatedDate":"March 14, 2018","articleDesc":"The UAE\u2019s Value Added Tax (VAT) imposes a 5% duty on import and supply of certain goods and services at every stage of production and distribution. This is the first step in the plan to bring the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region under a uniform tax regime by January 2019.<\/p>\nThe GCC countries have always enjoyed a tax-free regime. With the VAT, this has changed, but the UAE still remains the least taxed region in the world.<\/p>\nThe Ministry of Economy in the UAE estimated that the introduction of the VAT could generate around USD 3 billion in the first year and USD 6 billion in the second year. This stream of revenue will help improve the government's social ventures \u2013 schools, hospitals, roads, parks, waste management, police and safety services. It will also reduce their dependencies on oil and petrochemical products, which in turn would help the country fight climate change.<\/p>\nIn August 2017, the UAE announced the Federal Decree-Law No 8 that lays down the intricacies for the new VAT regime. It states that most supplies of goods and services would be taxed at a standard and fixed rate of 5%. It also states that certain social supplies would remain exempted from this tax. Here\u2019s what you should know:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>There is no VAT imposed on public transport or residential real estate.<\/li>\n<li>A group of items, such as airline companies\u2019 tickets, education services, medical services and gold are rated at zero percent VAT, which means no tax as before.<\/li>\n<li>Businesses, including manufacturers and sellers would be responsible for installing adequate tax and IT systems to continue operating legally and avoid penalties.<\/li>\n<li>Tax experts have been explaining that households need not worry about increasing product prices or grocery bills because changes in price of products and services have been minuscule.<\/li>\n<li>In October 2017, the UAE already imposed a 100% excise tax on tobacco products and energy drinks, and a 50% tax on sugary drinks. An additional 5% VAT has been levied on these products from January 1, 2018.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nOverall, the new VAT is meant to propel the UAE\u2019s economy toward further development. Be sure to keep in mind these changes, so you can make sure your household budget reflects any increases in your regular spending.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Savings_686x514.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=5WaystheUAEVATLawMayAffectYourMonthlyBudget","articleTitle":"5 Ways the UAE VAT Law May Affect Your Monthly Budget","articleSubTitle":"Important things to consider for your financial wellbeing upon such a big change in policy.","articleCreatedDate":"January 30, 2018","articleDesc":"The UAE has implemented 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods and services since January 2018. For a country that was previously tax-free, residents have been understandably worried about it adversely affecting their monthly household budgets.<\/p>\nThe new VAT is a consumption-based tax imposed on your expenses, not your income. Does that mean you are now facing a 5% jump in your monthly expenses? Not necessarily.<\/p>\nHome rental payments are exempt from this tax, along with expenses related to local transport and international travel.<\/p>\n<a href=\"http://babyandchild.ae/for-mums/news-and-views/article/1031/this-is-how-the-uae-s-new-tax-will-affect-your-monthly-bills\" target=\"_blank\" adhocenable=\"false\">According to Shiraz Khan<\/a>, a Senior Tax Advisor at Al Tamimi law firm, \u201cThe monthly bills of an average expat are likely to increase by around 2%, given that residential rents will be exempt from VAT and other costs such as education fees and medical costs will be subject to VAT at zero rate.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\nYou may need to take a closer look at these areas of your household budget moving forward.<\/p>\n1. Groceries<\/b><\/p>\nWhen it comes to your household groceries, most food and drinks are indeed subject to tax. How much or little the VAT affects your budget depends on your family\u2019s eating habits.<\/p>\nThe government has taken this opportunity to encourage a healthier lifestyle amongst the residents. On October 1st<\/sup>, 2017, the price of carbonated drinks increased by 50%, while energy drinks and cigarettes received a 100% price hike. Since the VAT has been introduced, prices for these items increased by an additional 5%.<\/p>\n2. Utility Bills<\/b><\/p>\nElectricity, water, and your telephone bills are also subject to five percent VAT.<\/p>\n3. Fuel<\/b><\/p>\nThe VAT was already announced for petrol and diesel, so from January 1st<\/sup>, your fuel expense increased by 5%.<\/p>\nIf filling up your car's tank used to costs AED 95, now the price will likely go up by AED 4.75.<\/p>\n4. Entertainment<\/b><\/p>\nAs a UAE resident, you have lots of choices when it comes to entertainment. Whether it's eating out, going to the cinema or opting for any of the numerous entertainment options available to you and your family, expect these prices to also rise if you didn't experience that yet.<\/p>\n5. Retail Shopping<\/b><\/p>\nFrom clothes, shoes, cosmetics and accessories to appliances, furniture, and electronics \u2013 expenses are also seeing an increase because of the new VAT.<\/p>\nIf you're planning on making a big purchase this year soon, the smartest thing to do may be to look for some discounts or promotions, such as the "VAT on us"  implemented by some businesses is to buy before January.<\/p>\nAs with any big change, there will be an adjustment period for everyone. Don't worry too much about it. Plan your family\u2019s budget for the upcoming year carefully, and watch your expenses closely so you can make any necessary changes to your spending habits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/5waystheuaevatlawmayaffectyourmonthlybudget1"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=485975","articleTitle":"Supplements or Sunshine? The Best Ways to Take Your Vitamins","articleSubTitle":"Are you getting all the nutrients you need?","articleCreatedDate":"September 24, 2017","articleDesc":"Read the label of a multi-vitamin pack and you'll see a compelling case for taking supplements every day. Benefit claims range from boosting energy to bolstering immunity. But are supplements the best way to go, or does nature offer you and your family better alternatives?<\/p>\nAccording to experts, the best way to ensure maximum intake of all the nutrients required for a healthy body is to eat a varied diet. Eat rainbow colour fruits and vegetables daily and avoid fast and refined food. Keep sugar consumption to a minimum and avoid carbonated drinks.<\/p>\nBut many people aren't necessarily willing to eat their greens or their yellows or reds either. So here are some ways beyond diet for everyone to get the vitamins they need:<\/p>\nChildren:<\/b>  Poor appetite, highly selective diet (sometimes bad diet) and simple fussiness in children are all factors that can easily lead to deficiency in fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K and water soluble vitamins like B and C.<\/p>\nIron, while not strictly a vitamin is also commonly lacking in children's diets and can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Low presence of B12 can lead to impaired cell division, especially if your child is a vegetarian. In both cases, supplements can fill the gap.<\/p>\nIt is also very much advisable to avoid junk food as it does not provide any essential nutrients and it does more harm than good to children's health. <\/p>\nPregnant Women:<\/b> Expecting moms are particularly subject to heightened nutritional needs, including more B9 and folic acid. Research suggests that pregnant women should consume supplement with 400mcg of folic acid daily.<\/p>\nOlder Adults:<\/b>  For all adults, getting quality protein and multi-colored vegetables in your diet should always be the first line of attack. But when diet is compromised or restricted, a daily multi-vitamin should be considered.<\/p>\nFor those over 50, the production of gastric acids begins to decline, which reduces the absorption of vitamin B12, affecting about 30% of older adults. Other vitamins like vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B9 (folic acid), and vitamin E tend to be lacking in the majority of elderly people.<\/p>\nCertain ethnicities:<\/b>  Some ethnic groups, including many in the Middle East, are genetically prone to vitamin D deficiency. It is recommended to absorb at least 10 minutes of sunlight a day. When heat is intolerable, eating plenty of oily fish like fresh tuna or salmon and dairy products like milk and butter can have the same effect as the sun. And if you're looking for a supplement, cod liver oil is a good way to go, as well as under-the-tongue vitamin D3 melts.<\/p>\nGetting through the day in the healthiest way depends on a full dose of nutrients and this normally means a considerate, well-advised and varied diet every single day. But when getting there through natural means proves very challenging, adding supplements to the mix can be a good alternative.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Supplements-or-Sunshine-The-Best-Ways-to-Take-Your-Vitamins-small.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=485755","articleTitle":"PTO: Use It Before You Lose It","articleSubTitle":"Time off work is not just an option, it is indeed of great value and benefit to you and your wellbeing.","articleCreatedDate":"September 14, 2017","articleDesc":"Despite all the photos of tropical places, infinity pools and beautiful mid-week brunches you see on social media, most professionals aren't actually taking enough time away from work.<\/p>\nYou might pass on taking your personal days for a lot of reasons, like being overwhelmed at work, or feeling like a vacation is financially out of reach. But you don't need a cash windfall to reclaim your time off. Here are five creative and cost-effective ways to use your PTO.<\/p>\n1.<\/b> Schedule quality time with your kids. <\/b><\/p>\nAlign your PTO with your kids' school breaks, not only can this save you cost of expensive day camps, but you could also spend quality time with your little ones. By looking at the calendar (yours and the kids') early in the year, you can ensure your days off accounted for the entire year.<\/p>\nThis will hugely impact your work/life balance and may also be a good opportunity to recharge your batteries while spending precious time that, if you choose to sacrifice your PTO, you will never get back: you will go back to work more energetic, relaxed and ultimately happy. In the meanwhile, you will have saved quite some money, too.<\/p>\n2. Be a tourist in your town. <\/b><\/p>\nTake the opportunity to rediscover why you love where you live. Explore the local lifestyle, cultural, family and community events or make a reservation for weekday brunch at a restaurant you can't always get. <a href=\"http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/features/how-to-be-a-tourist-in-your-own-hometown/\">National Geographic<\/a> magazine even suggests booking a hotel for a night in your own city. You can see your home through new eyes, and reap the benefits of a vacation without the hassle and expense of travelling far.<\/p>\n3. Take off to give back. <\/b><\/p>\nSqueezing volunteer time into an already tight schedule can be tough. Devote your unused PTO to the causes you support! Research shows that volunteering offers a myriad of benefits, including a revitalized feeling that <a href=\"https://hbr.org/2012/09/youll-feel-less-rushed-if-you-give-time-away\">you do have time to spare<\/a>. Devote a paid day off each quarter to a favorite nonprofit organization or cause to improve the lives of others and reconnect with your own values and feel the benefit to your spirit and morale before deep diving into work once again.<\/p>\n4. Explore a home swap. <\/b><\/p>\nTraveling isn't cheap. But what if you could eliminate your lodging costs? Home exchange programs let you do just that by swapping homes with families in other towns, states or countries. In recent times many businesses, sites and apps have been born that provide guidelines to facilitate the process and make it safer. If staying in a stranger's home isn't for you, try swapping houses with relatives or friends who live in a place you'd like to visit.<\/p>\n5. Tackle your to-do list. <\/b><\/p>\nWe all have projects that never seem to get done, like finally organizing that box of family photos, cleaning out the store room or redecorating.  Take advantage of your PTO to check off pressing to-do items, while still earning your salary. You could end up saving money on home improvements, tap into your creative side or, at the very least, complete those projects that have been nagging at you for years.<\/p>\nIf the pressures of work are preventing you from taking the time off that you've earned, you're not alone. It happens to more professionals than you can imagine. But it's worth finding new and creative ways to spend your PTO days. You'll return to work feeling refreshed, energized and ready to tackle whatever professional challenge you may find along the way.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Career Growth","articleTagLink":"career-growth.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/PTO-Use-It-Before-You-Lose-It.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=485050","articleTitle":"The Magic of Tea","articleSubTitle":"Learn about the benefits of the most consumed beverage in the world.","articleCreatedDate":"August 23, 2017","articleDesc":"Tea is the most widely consumed drink in the world (after water). From China to Europe to India, and to the rest of the world, drinking tea has long history. Black tea is the most common variety and it's packed with heart-friendly and cancer-fighting anti-oxidants. However, it's high in caffeine (42mg per cup), which can affect your health adversely if consumed in large quantities. If you're looking for healthier alternatives to your usual morning cup, here are some tea varieties to choose from.<\/p>\nWhite Tea<\/b><\/p>\nWhite tea is the least processed of all types of tea. The leaves are picked when very young, which gives white tea a subtle colour and flavour. The caffeine content is also low (28 mg per cup). White tea has the same health benefits as black tea, though some studies have shown that white tea actually has better cancer-fighting properties than processed teas. Drinking white tea can improve glucose tolerance, which is good news for diabetics.<\/p>\nGreen Tea<\/b><\/p>\nGreen tea is slightly more processed than white - the leaves are dried and heat-treated (either steamed or pan-fired) to stop fermentation. Depending on how it's treated, flavours vary from grassy to smoky. Green tea is known for several health benefits, especially fat-burning properties that help in weight loss. The antioxidants in green tea can reduce risks of cancer, stroke and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Green tea is not caffeine-free, though the content is low (25mg per cup).<\/p>\nOolong Tea<\/b><\/p>\nOolong tea is similar to black tea but it's fermented for a shorter time, which gives it a complex yet fresh flavour. Some of the best oolongs come from China and they can be steeped as many as eight times, each time giving a different flavour dimension. Oolong tea has moderate caffeine levels (37mg per cup), but it's as rich in anti-oxidants as other tea varieties. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.<\/p>\nChamomile Tea<\/b><\/p>\nChamomile is a plant from the daisy family, whose flowers are used to make herbal infusions. Chamomile tea contains no tea leaves, just the dried flower heads, sometimes mixed with other herbs. It has numerous health benefits from soothing stomach-aches to calming muscle spasms. Its anti-bacterial properties help in fighting colds and infections. Chamomile tea is caffeine-free and also soothes the nervous system, enabling a good night's sleep.<\/p>\nRooibos Tea<\/b><\/p>\nAnother caffeine-free variety, rooibos tea is an herbal decoction made from the leaves of the red bush tree that is native to southern Africa. The tea has a distinctive reddish-brown colour and a nutty, full-bodied taste. Rooibos tea is known to relieve stress, and also helps in fighting skin conditions, from sunburn to acne. It's rich in calcium and can lower the risk of osteoporosis.<\/p>\nSo, now it is probably the right time to brew yourself a refreshing cup of tea and take a step towards improving your health.<\/p>\n1 cup = 8 fl oz, or 237 ml<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/tea-types.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=485049","articleTitle":"Yoga and Stretching for Relaxation","articleSubTitle":"Try these Yoga poses and instantly feel rejuvenated!","articleCreatedDate":"August 17, 2017","articleDesc":"If you feel stressed, achy or stiff at the end of the day, your body might need a little Tender Loving Care. This 10-minute stretching routine is ideal after a hard day at work or looking after your kids. It focuses on all major muscles and mobilises your spine and other joints to help you feel rejuvenated, relaxed and ready for sleep.<\/p>\nTo get the best out of the routine, work on a mat, only go as far as you comfortably can with the stretches, never push into pain and combine with deep breathing to help your muscles and mind let go.<\/p>\n1. Cat/Cow Stretches<\/b><\/p>\nGood for:<\/b> Mobilising the joints in your back<\/p>\nGet into an all-fours position on a mat, with your knees and feet hip-width apart and hands directly beneath your shoulders. Take a deep breath in and arch your back up towards the sky with your head down (cat position), holding this position. Next, breathe out and sink your chest and lower back towards the floor and lift your head up towards the ceiling (cow position). Try six each way.<\/p>\n2. Downward Dog<\/b><\/p>\nGood for:<\/b> A rejuvenating all-over stretch. In particular, it will help you to develop flexibility in your hamstrings and calves<\/p>\nGet into an all-fours position on a mat, with your palms spread and index fingers parallel or slightly facing outwards. Take a deep breath in and lift your knees away from the floor, initially keeping the knees bent and the heels lifted away from the floor. Then - if you can -try to straighten your knees (though avoid locking them) and push down into your heels. Straighten your arms (avoid over-extending your elbow joint) and keep your head in alignment with your arms and shoulders. Your body should ultimately form an upside down 'V' shape. Hold the pose for one to three minutes.<\/p>\n3. Reclining Twist<\/b><\/p>\nGood for: <\/b>Stretching the trunk and neck muscles<\/p>\nLie on your back with your knees bent and your arms straight out to either side. Let your knees drop to the right and if it's comfortable, turn your head to the left. Try to keep your right shoulder down against the mat. Breathe in and bring your knees to the center. Next, breathe out and let your knees drop to the left, turning your head to the right, if comfortable. Try six each way.<\/p>\n4. Child's Pose<\/b><\/p>\nGood for: <\/b>Easing tension in the arms, shoulders and upper back<\/p>\nStart by kneeling on a mat with your legs hip-width apart, and then sit down onto your heels. Lean forward slowly so your torso lies between your thighs and extend your arms out in front, palms down and relaxed. Keep your head facing downwards, in alignment with your out-stretched arms, or relax your forehead on the mat. Move your hands forward gently to feel a stretch in your upper back muscles and lower your tailbone at the base of your spine to help lengthen your lower back. Stay in the pose for one to three minutes.<\/p>\nJust 10 minutes of gentle yoga and stretching at the beginning, middle or end of your day can help you relax and improve focus and flexibility.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Yoga.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=484604","articleTitle":"Take the First Step toward a Healthy Lifestyle","articleSubTitle":"Wait no more. Keep moving. Body and mind will hugely benefit from working out.","articleCreatedDate":"July 18, 2017","articleDesc":"Feeling good and leading a long and healthy life are things most of us want - and there's a lot we can do to increase the chance that we'll have them. The beneficial effects - both physical and mental - of exercise are proven. You're never too young, too old, or too out of shape to get started.<\/p>\nExercise can help people at any stage of life. Physical activity provides benefits, regardless of your age, gender, or current fitness level. The benefits of regular exercise include:<\/p>\nImproved Health<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Increased efficiency of heart and lungs<\/li>\n<li>Increased muscle strength<\/li>\n<li>Reduced cholesterol levels<\/li>\n<li>Reduced blood pressure<\/li>\n<li>Reduced risk of major illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease<\/li>\n<li>Weight loss<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nEnhanced Sense of Well-Being<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Increased mental acuity<\/li>\n<li>More energy<\/li>\n<li>Improved quality of sleep<\/li>\n<li>Improved ability to cope with stress<\/li>\n<li>Reduced tension<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nTo improve overall condition, health experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity on all or most days of the week. Examples of moderate activity include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or doing home repairs or yard work. If you can't get in 30 minutes all at once, aim for shorter periods of activity - at least 10 minutes - that add up to a half hour per day.<\/p>\nStructured exercise programs bring obvious benefits, but most people can move toward better fitness by changing their daily lifestyle to incorporate more activity. Muscles used in any activity, any time of day, contribute to fitness. Here are some suggestions for incorporating more activity into your daily life:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Take the stairs instead of the elevator.<\/li>\n<li>Park at the far end of a parking lot and walk to your office or the mall.<\/li>\n<li>Get up from your desk during the day to stretch and walk around.<\/li>\n<li>Take a brisk walk when you get the urge to snack.<\/li>\n<li>Increase your pace when working in the house or yard.<\/li>\n<li>Carry your own groceries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhen you're ready for more vigorous activity, set realistic goals and expectations. Fitness and a healthy lifestyle are long-term endeavors, so start slowly, and work toward your goal gradually. As your fitness level improves, you can increase your time or distance or change to a more energetic activity.<\/p>\nTaking care of yourself with good nutrition, regular exercise, and conscientious preventive health care can provide tremendous benefits. The most important step is the first one: committing to a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating physical fitness and sensible nutrition into your daily routine can yield a long lifetime of positive results. So, the next time you think about getting fit, don't ask, "Who has the time?". Instead, ask yourself, "Who wouldn't want to feel better?"<\/p>\nCheck with your physician before undertaking a vigorous exercise program, especially if you have chronic health problems (e.g., cardiovascular disease) or if you are a man over 40 or a woman over 50 with risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity.<\/i><\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Take-the-First-Step-toward-a-Healthy-Lifestyle.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=484499","articleTitle":"Secure Ways to Send Money Back Home","articleSubTitle":"How to transfer money back home if you're living in the UAE?","articleCreatedDate":"July 12, 2017","articleDesc":"Gulf countries have long attracted citizens from all over the world. In the UAE, the expat population is a staggering 88.5%.<\/p>\nIf you're an expat in the UAE or other Gulf country, you may be concerned about sending money back home securely. Here are two reliable ways to do so.<\/p>\n1. Banks<\/b><\/p>\nMost banks offer international transfers, but account-to-account transaction fees may vary, unless you're transferring money to an account in the same bank, or a partner bank. In that case, the transaction fees can be comparatively low.<\/p>\nWhen choosing a bank, a good option may also be to select one that has a branch or partner bank in your home country. <\/p>\n2. Exchange Houses<\/b><\/p>\nMany expats prefer to send money through exchange houses. These can offer lower transaction fees and better exchange rates, with two ways to transfer:<\/p>\nCash to Cash<\/b><\/p>\nAn easy option, you provide the exchange house with the amount to transfer and the details of the recipient. The exchange house provides a code at an exchange house in your home country so the recipient can receive the cash. Transactions are usually completed within minutes, among the fastest of international money transfers.<\/p>\nCash to Bank<\/b><\/p>\nExchange houses can also transfer money to bank accounts. <\/p>\nThings to consider<\/b><\/p>\nThe best option for sending money depends on your home country, as well as considerations like these:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Exchange rate: <\/b>Banks and exchange houses offer different exchange rates for different currencies. Depending on where you go, you may find a good rate for the Indian Rupee but not for the British Pound. The only currency not affected by exchange rate is the U.S. Dollar, which has been pegged to the Dirham at AED 3.672 since 1997.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Service or transaction fee: <\/b>Like exchange rates, service or transaction fees differ among banks and exchange houses.<\/li>\n<li>Transaction time: <\/b>Depending on the chosen service, some transactions happen almost instantaneously or on the same day, while others may take 2-5 business days.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nBefore you choose to send money back home, compare currency exchange rates, transaction fees, and the time it takes to make a transfer. That way, you'll ensure this process is secure, easy and affordable. <\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Secure-Ways-to-Send-Money-Back-Home.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=483834","articleTitle":"Say No to Smoking","articleSubTitle":"Learn more about the impact of smoking on your health and how tobacco usage can be avoided.","articleCreatedDate":"June 22, 2017","articleDesc":"The proportion of the world's population that smokes has gone down from 41% in 1980 to 31% in 2012 for men and from 11% to 6% for women. Which is great news! But if we look at the figures closely, we notice that while smoking rates have leveled off or declined in developed nations, in developing nations, including the Middle East, tobacco consumption continues to rise.<\/p>\nThere is NO safe form of tobacco use.<\/b><\/p>\n All forms of tobacco contain nicotine, and can cause addiction and health problems. Here are some examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Chew and snuff<\/li>\n<li>Cigarettes<\/li>\n<li>Cigars, cigarillos and little cigars<\/li>\n<li>Electronic cigarette or e-cigarette<\/li>\n<li>Shisha or hookah<\/li>\n<li>Pipe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n7 million people each year lose their lives because of tobacco, and it can also affect one's life in many different ways:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Icky, yellow teeth: <\/b>How about using that $1,000 of tooth whitening costs for your next trip to New York instead?<\/li>\n<li>Loss of natural glow: <\/b>Nicotine hampers the blood supply that keeps the skin looking healthy. It also depletes vitamin C, which helps protect and repair skin damage.<\/li>\n<li>Relationships: <\/b>Smoking can affect your relation with family, friends, or partner.<\/li>\n<li>Quality of life: <\/b>Tobacco increases your risk of living with chronic diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, reproductive health issues, osteoporosis, crohn's disease, among many others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThinking to quit, or help a beloved one quit?<\/b><\/p>\nFood & Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatments that come in two types:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li> "Nicotine Replacement Therapy" <\/b>(NRT): the patch, gum, inhaler, nasal spray, and lozenge, and<\/li>\n<li> Non-NRT medications, <\/b>namely the bupropion SR (brand name Zyban) and varenicline (brand name Chantix)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nCessation counseling and medications are effective in increasing quit rates when used separately and even more effective when used together.<\/p>\nWarning: Please do not use any medication before consulting with your doctor to see if it is the right treatment for you.<\/b><\/p>\nUseful hacks for quitting:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Select your outings<\/b>: if you are in a determined mood to quit, try for the initial period to stick to outings that do not put you in a situation where you are vulnerable for relapse<\/li>\n<li>Time it right<\/b>: going all in on a tough diet and exercise program while trying to quit is not a great idea. You might be biting off more than you could chew.<\/li>\n<li>And last but not least, put your mind to it<\/b>. Your will power is always your best savior.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n*You may need to check if above treatments are currently covered under your insurance benefits<\/i><\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/No-smoking.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=483716","articleTitle":"Edutainment for your children - What (and Where) Is It?","articleSubTitle":"Fun and learning can be pursued together. Follow this guide.","articleCreatedDate":"June 19, 2017","articleDesc":"If children are part of your life, you know they may find learning and having fun to be two entirely different experiences. But there's a way to bridge that gap. Educational entertainment - or edutainment - is designed to teach as well as amuse kids, and it can be anything that makes learning more enjoyable.<\/p>\nEdutainment is not new - the 16th century Czech educator and philosopher Jan Komensky was an early proponent of the "school as play" concept. In 1954, Walt Disney may have been the first to use the word "edutainment". Today, edutainment has broadened into the digital space, but there are local destinations where learning and play go hand in hand. Here are a few examples.<\/p>\nDubai<\/b><\/p>\nThe UAE is home to several edutainment spaces. <a href=\"https://www.theplaymania.com/little-explorers\">Little Explorers<\/a> has outlets in <\/u>Mirdif City Centre and the Dubai Marina Mall, and caters to children aged 2 to 7 with nearly 100 activity-driven exhibits across 5 separate zones. For example, at the 'I Experiment' zone, kids can find easy but fun scientific tests, while the 'I Can Do' section features balance beam exercises and letter games to improve cognitive skills.<\/p>\nIf you're worried about kids spending too much time in front of screens, bring them to <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thebeehive_uae/\">The BEEhive<\/a>, an edutainment space located at the Dubai Canal in Business Bay. The BEEhive offers activities in science, music, arts and crafts to help children explore, learn and acquire new skills. It's open to children from 1 to 12 years of age and has reasonably priced membership packages.<\/p>\nAbu Dhabi<\/b><\/p>\n<a href=\"http://alwahda-mall.com/orange-wheels/\">Orange Wheels<\/a> is an innovative centre located at the Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi. It's divided into two sections - Junior, for kids below 5 years, and Mega, for 5 to 12 year-olds. There are structured classes and free play areas, a climbing wall, a gym, a role-play section and more. Orange Wheels also houses a salon and spa, as well as a cafe where parents can relax while kids play.<\/p>\nQatar<\/b><\/p>\n<a href=\"http://www.kidzmondodoha.com/\">KidzMondo<\/a> is a unique indoor theme park at the Mall of Qatar in Doha. This kid-size city offers a simulated environment and immersive role-play activities such as being a doctor, pilot, firefighter, barber and many more.<\/p>\nComing up<\/b><\/p>\nKidZania is set to open in Abu Dhabi's Yas Mall in 2018. This 8,200 square metre complex will be a dedicated children's 'city,' complete with a hospital, bank, supermarket and television station, where kids can play and learn real-life professional skills.<\/p>\nAs centres continue to open across the UAE, more kids are discovering the fun in learning. For these children, and the adults who care for them, edutainment means new and exciting experiences to enjoy together.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Family & Community","articleTagLink":"family-and-community.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Edutainment.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=483579","articleTitle":"Common health concerns and ways to manage them during Ramadan","articleSubTitle":"Minimize complications and maximize the benefit of your fast","articleCreatedDate":"June 11, 2017","articleDesc":"The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to focus on bringing back a balanced and healthy lifestyle in your life. Through fasting you begin to learn how to manage your eating habits, how to improve self-control and discipline.<\/p>\nThis special Ramadan article is aimed at helping you understand the health issues related to fasting, so that you are able to make more informed choices, minimize complications and maximize the benefit of your fast.<\/p>\nHere are some common health concerns and ways to help prevent and manage them during the month.<\/p>\nHeartburn<\/b><\/p>\nPeople who regularly take medicine for indigestion you may want to continue taking them. A good time to do this could be with the pre-dawn meal.<\/p>\nHelp control heartburn<\/u><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Eat in moderation<\/li>\n<li>Avoiding oily, deep-fried or very spicy food<\/li>\n<li>Reduce your caffeine intake<\/li>\n<li>Stop smoking<\/li>\n<li>Sleep with your head raised<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDiabetes<\/b><\/p>\nPeople who regularly inject insulin are advised not to fast, as the potential risk to health - both in the short and long term - of not taking insulin is too great. If you have your diabetes under control using tablets, be sure to seek careful advice from your doctor before starting a fast.<\/p>\nRemember to continue to regularly self-monitor your blood glucose. Low blood sugar levels are dangerous, and it may lead to fainting or fits if left untreated. Feeling dizzy, sweaty and disoriented may all suggest low blood sugar. If a person with diabetes has these symptoms, they should immediately have a sugary drink, or place sugar or a sugar-rich sweet below their tongue.<\/p>\nA Headache<\/b><\/p>\nHeadaches during a fast could be due to dehydration or hunger, poor rest, or the absence of caffeine or nicotine.<\/p>\nPrevent or reduce the risk of headaches<\/u><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Follow a moderate and balanced diet<\/li>\n<li>Do not miss the pre-dawn meal<\/li>\n<li>Take in enough fluid<\/li>\n<li>Wear a hat and sunglasses when in direct sunlight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDehydration<\/b><\/p>\nDehydration is common during a fast. The body continues to lose water and salts through breathing, perspiring and urinating. If you don't drink sufficiently before a fast, your risk of dehydration increases. This risk is higher in older people.<\/p>\nIf you are unable to stand up due to dizziness, or you are disoriented, you should urgently drink regular, moderate quantities of water - ideally with sugar and salt.<\/p>\nIf you faint due to dehydration, your legs should be raised above your head by others, and when you awake - rehydrate.<\/p>\nConstipation<\/b><\/p>\nWhen you are fasting, being active, drinking water regularly and eating healthily (during the times when you are not fasting) will help you keep your bowel motions regular.<\/p>\nAvoid constipation<\/u><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Include fruit and vegetables in your diet<\/li>\n<li>Increase the fiber intake<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWeight Control<\/b><\/p>\nFood consumed during the pre-dawn and dusk meals may lead to some unintended weight gain. However, if you approach the fast with discipline, it can be an opportunity to lose weight and become healthier.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Common-health-concerns-in-Ramadan.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=483249","articleTitle":"Tips on Healthy Eating in Ramadan","articleSubTitle":"What we eat outside our fasting hours is crucial to our health","articleCreatedDate":"May 28, 2017","articleDesc":"When it comes to fasting, especially in the hot summer months, fluid replenishment should be your first priority. Your number one choice for hydration should be water. It is free of calories and quenches the body of thirst. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water throughout the night to ensure proper hydration. Other food items that contribute to fluid intake are soup, juice, yogurt and coffee in moderation.<\/p>\nBalanced meals are essential in Ramadan<\/b><\/p>\nWhat should a Suhoor meal consist of?<\/b><\/p>\nRemember - Suhoor is a supplementary meal after Iftar that should provide your body with the required sugar and energy for the long day of fasting ahead. A well-balanced Suhoor can reduce the effects of fasting such as headaches, fatigue and hunger.<\/p>\nAn example of a well-balanced suhoor:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A bowl of low fat milk with cereal<\/li>\n<li>A piece of brown bread with low fat cheese<\/li>\n<li>A boiled egg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAlso make sure to eat fruit like bananas, apples, dates & watermelon and drink plenty of water.<\/p>\nWhat should an Iftar meal consist of?<\/b><\/p>\nIftar is considered a reward after a long day of fasting. Iftar fulfills more than 55% of the body's nutritional needs and restores balance to sugar levels in the blood and brain. It is recommended to have Iftar over two phases: start with dates, soup and salad, take a break and then have your main course.<\/p>\nTips for a healthy and balanced Iftar meal:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Break your fast with a date. Dates contain beneficial minerals and fiber and help balance your blood sugar levels. Remember: everything in moderation, have up to three dates and don't overeat!<\/li>\n<li>Soups are a very important part of the Iftar table. They are warm and easy on the stomach and provide the body with fluid and essential minerals. They are a healthy start to your Iftar meal.<\/li>\n<li>Remember to include salads at every Iftar. Fresh vegetables contain fibers which are an essential part of the diet during Ramadan. They help to avoid constipation and help maintain a healthy digestive system. Be creative! Prepare salads using vegetables of different colors.<\/li>\n<li>Try to avoid fried food. Instead, prepare baked pastries or steamed vegetables.<\/li>\n<li>Remember to balance your plate by using the: "balanced plate split" method. Fill your plate with ¼ carbohydrates, ¼ proteins and the remaining half with veggies. This way you can fulfill all your nutritional needs in a balanced and healthy way.<\/li>\n<li>Desserts should be consumed in moderation. With each Iftar, serve only one dessert choice and keep your portion of dessert not more than three fingers in size. You can have fresh or dried fruits and nuts instead of dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/tips-for-healthy-eating-for-ramadan.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=483176","articleTitle":"What it Takes to Be a Good Manager at Work","articleSubTitle":"Help your team grow and succeed together","articleCreatedDate":"May 24, 2017","articleDesc":"Behind any successful organization is an engaged workforce, and behind any engaged workforce is a great manager. Here's what you need to move your team forward.<\/p>\n1. Effective Communication <\/b><\/p>\nGreat managers need to be able to inspire, inform and mediate. The cornerstone of productivity is clear communication of goals to your team members. Employees need a clear picture of the direction of their company, so any ramp-up of effort or shift in deadlines can be understood rather than resented.<\/p>\nBut communication is a two-way street. A good manager must also be an active listener. By addressing questions and concerns quickly, you give your team members a voice and an opportunity to help the team grow together.<\/p>\n2. Positivity and Warmth<\/b><\/p>\nEmployees don't want to work for a robot. You can acknowledge your team members as human beings by remembering to be one yourself. You must, of course, temper your output, finding a middle ground between clown and autocrat. The work comes first, but social events after hours are a time-honored method of getting to know the people for whom you are responsible, so that you can understand them as individuals.<\/p>\n3. Organization <\/b><\/p>\nDepending on your industry, organizational skills can take many different forms. You may find that as a manager, all you need to do is maintain rotas and hold weekly meetings - or you may find that you need to learn additional skills in project or people management. Look for management training courses, which might be offered by your HR team, or available outside of work.<\/p>\n4. Objectivity<\/b><\/p>\nConflict resolution can be tough to navigate at work. As a manager, it will be your responsibility to manage different relationships on your team, solve problems that come up and still maintain productivity. As these issues pop up, you'll need to be able to take a step back from any personal connections you've come to share with your team members. This allows you to take an objective, balanced approach that serves the organization and the team, rather than individuals.<\/p>\n5. Constructive Criticism<\/b><\/p>\nSharing feedback as a manager can be essential to enhancing the performance of your team. But you should only deliver criticism in a constructive way that inspires your team members. This can be tricky, but your approach should focus on helping each individual learn something new and put better habits and skills into practice.<\/p>\nGood management skills can take time to develop. Make sure your team understands your values as a leader, and nurture key competencies that will help you and your team grow and succeed together. <\/p>\n","articleTag":"Career Growth","articleTagLink":"career-growth.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/how-to-be-a-good-manager.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=483091","articleTitle":"Sleep Tips to Improve Your Work Week","articleSubTitle":"Could your sleep habits be affecting your performance at work?","articleCreatedDate":"May 18, 2017","articleDesc":"Could your sleep habits be affecting your performance at work? A good night's sleep may seem like a lower priority than catching up on emails (or binge-watching the latest Netflix show), but it's essential for focus and critical thinking. Sleep deprivation can affect your decision-making skills, hand-eye coordination and even your memory. And when you're not at your best physically and mentally, you can't bring your 'A' game to your job.<\/p>\nFollow these tips to start improving your sleep habits:<\/span><\/p>\nDon't Expect to Catch Up on Weekends<\/b><\/p>\nYes, you may be able to recharge when the weekend comes by getting a few more hours of sleep. But while sleeping in may help with some of the effects of sleep deprivation like stress and tiredness, research indicates it doesn't help your ability to focus and retain information - skills essential for peak work performance.<\/sup><\/p>\nNap Powerfully<\/b><\/p>\nTaking a nap doesn't mean you're lazy. Naps are a great way to reenergize and make up for that lost hour. The ideal time to nap is between 1-3pm, for no more than 30 minutes. Opt for a nap over sleeping in late, so your natural sleep cycle isn't disturbed.<\/p>\nSkip the Alarm<\/b><\/p>\nMake an effort to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, without an alarm - even on the weekends. If you're getting enough sleep, you should wake up naturally. If you aren't able to wake up without an alarm, it's time to set an earlier bedtime.<\/p>\nKeep your Melatonin Levels Balanced<\/b><\/p>\nMelatonin is a hormone controlled by light exposure that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Increase your light exposure during the day by spending time outside and letting light into your home and workspace. In the evening, limit your reading on backlit devices and try turning off computers, TVs and mobile devices at least an hour before bed.<\/p>\nChoose the Right Foods<\/span><\/b><\/p>\nTry to limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, foods that may be hard to digest, or anything that may cause a full bladder at night. Choose healthy food options throughout the day, especially more almonds, bananas, hummus, cherries and nut butters - all containing vitamins like magnesium, potassium, B6 and amino acids that promote and regulate good sleep patterns.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/sleep-for-work-week.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=482874","articleTitle":"How to Prepare a Personal or Family Budget","articleSubTitle":"Boost your savings by setting some financial goals","articleCreatedDate":"May 11, 2017","articleDesc":"When it comes to budgeting, many people don't. If you want to boost your savings, or find yourself struggling to make ends meet towards the end of the month, you need to create a budget.<\/p>\nHere are five steps to help you do just that.<\/p>\n1. Calculate Your Monthly Income<\/b><\/p>\nFigure out your monthly income If your pay varies from month to month, determine an average. Don't forget to include income from other sources like freelance work, rental properties, etc. Add everything and record the total.<\/p>\n2. Record Your Monthly Expenses<\/b><\/p>\nStart with your fixed monthly payments like your rent or mortgage, car payments, school tuition fees, and so on. Then add fluctuating monthly expenses, like groceries or credit card bills - this can also be an average of the past three months.<\/p>\n3. Subtract Your Expenses from Your Income<\/b><\/p>\nThis simple step will provide you with a snapshot of your monthly finances. If there's a positive amount left, determine how much of that you can move to savings. If you have a negative balance, look into areas of spending where you can cut back - are there services or subscriptions that you aren't using? Can you start to bring lunch to work instead of buying meals every day?<\/p>\n4. Plan for the Future<\/b><\/p>\nA budget that works toward a goal has better chances of success than one without. You could be saving for a vacation, your children's education, or paying off debt. Choose a goal that has personal meaning, and see how it motivates your spending vs. saving habits.<\/p>\n5. Use Apps to Help Support Your Savings Goals<\/b><\/p>\nTo keep track of your budget, you can go old school with pen and paper, maintain your budget manually in an Excel sheet or make use of online services and apps like <a href=\"http://wally.me/\">Wally<\/a>, <a href=\"http://www.mhriley.com/spendingtracker/manual.html\">Spending Tracker<\/a> or search and compare cheapest prices for grocery products through <a href=\"http://www.sallety.ae/?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1\">Sallety<\/a> . A budgeting app can help you save time, pays bills automatically, and reminds you of your savings goals.<\/p>\nBudgeting doesn't have to be scary. Take the time to look closely at your monthly spending so you can set important financial goals for yourself and your family - and work to achieve them.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/How-to-Prepare-a-Personal-or-Family-Budget.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=482517","articleTitle":"Vibrant Health Begins with Proper Digestion","articleSubTitle":"Nourish your wellbeing","articleCreatedDate":"May 9, 2017","articleDesc":"A well-functioning digestive system is the cornerstone of good health. It is connected to everything that happens in your body. Energy levels, immune resistance, mood and appearance are also directly linked to digestive health. In fact, almost every facet of your health starts with a good digestion.<\/p>\nDon't let poor digestion control your health<\/b><\/p>\nYou may feel some of the classic symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, pain and acid indigestion, but most people do not realize that many diseases that seem totally unrelated to the intestine, such as eczema, psoriasis or arthritis, are actually caused by digestive problems. Here are some of the factors that may contribute to digestive problems or aggravate digestive conditions that already exist:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stress<\/li>\n<li>Smoking<\/li>\n<li>Poor Diet<\/li>\n<li>Toxins<\/li>\n<li>Genetics<\/li>\n<li>Drugs<\/li>\n<li>Infections<\/li>\n<li>Inactivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDigestive complaints such as constipation, diarrhea, heartburn and bloating are very common and usually treatable with lifestyle measures.<\/p>\nThe way you lead your life can help you manage digestive illness.<\/p>\nHow food affects your body?<\/b><\/p>\nThe food you eat is not in a form the body can use the pieces are too large. One of the main roles of your digestive system is to break down food and liquids into tiny molecules of nutrients your body can absorb and use.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Protein rich-foods (fish, meat chick or eggs) digest into Amino Acids <\/i>turn into Muscles<\/li>\n<li>Carbohydrates rich-foods (rice, corn, wheat, barley) digest into Sugar<\/i> turn into<\/i> <\/b>Fat<\/li>\n<li>Fiber rich-foods (fruits and vegetables) digest into Energy and Fiber<\/i> turn into Wellness<\/li>\n<li>Healthy fat (avocados, omega 3, nuts) digest into Vital Molecules<\/i> turn into <\/b>Good Cholesterol<\/li>\n<li>Friend and fatty foods (frizzy beverages, chips, fried chicken) digest into Fatty Acids <\/i>turn into Fat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nFor optimal digestion, the World Gastroenterology Organization recommends eating small and frequent meals, choosing fiber-rich foods, consuming fish 3 to 5 times a week, opting for leaner meats (skinless chicken, turkey and fat trimmed chop), and lowering your intake of fried and fatty foods (butter, cream, margarine, mayonnaise and oil).<\/p>\nA balanced diet is composed of the right combination of:<\/b><\/p>\n1. Water<\/p>\n2. Carbohydrates<\/p>\n3. Lipids<\/p>\n4. Proteins<\/p>\n5. Mineral salts<\/p>\n6. Vitamins<\/p>\n7. Dietary fiber<\/p>\nHow do you keep your digestion healthy?<\/b><\/p>\nDrink plenty of liquids: <\/b>the most effective way to improve digestive health is to drink more liquids (preferably water). They are key for maintaining regular movement through the digestive tract. But do not hydrate with sugary drinks.<\/p>\nDon't overeat:<\/b> eating a lot puts excessive strain on your digestive system. Overeating not only causes discomfort but also heartburn, bloating or gas. Eat smaller meals and healthy snacks to keep your digestion from being overworked.<\/p>\nHave probiotics:<\/b> friendly-bacteria or probiotics are good for your digestion, so include yogurt and fermented food in your diet.<\/p>\nEat fiber:<\/b>  eating fiber (whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds) is an essential way of hydrating your large intestine as it helps to clean out your digestive system.<\/p>\nTips for good digestion health<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stop smoking<\/li>\n<li>Maintain a healthy weight<\/li>\n<li>Eat a balanced diet<\/li>\n<li>Get regular physical activity<\/li>\n<li>Avoid stress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Improve-your-digestive-health-today.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=482650","articleTitle":"Easy Recipes for a Desk Lunch ","articleSubTitle":"Eat healthy no matter how busy you are","articleCreatedDate":"May 4, 2017","articleDesc":"In today's fast-paced, multi-tasking professional world, the 'sad desk lunch' is a sad reality for many office workers. But eating a bland salad or a cold sandwich, or downing a latte midday will not give you the mental boost you need to tackle the rest of your work day. You need a good mix of carbs, protein and good fat to fuel up.<\/p>\nTry one of these portable, out of the (lunch) box ideas to liven up your lunch at work. All it takes is a bit of preparation the night before, and perhaps some assembly at your desk.<\/p>\nHummus & Veggie Wraps<\/b><\/p>\nHummus is a versatile pantry ingredient and an easy make-ahead, no-cook recipe. Rinse chickpeas from a can and blitz in a food processor along with tahini (sesame & olive oil paste), garlic, salt, lemon juice, olive oil and cumin or paprika (optional). To make the wraps:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Slather whole-wheat tortilla with 1-2 tablespoons of hummus.<\/li>\n<li>Place a mix of julienned vegetables down the centre (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers or cabbage all work well). You can add cooked shredded chicken or meat of your choice to ramp up the protein in this dish<\/li>\n<li>Roll up the tortilla tightly like a burrito, and wrap in cling film.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nSesame-Ginger Soba Noodles<\/b><\/p>\nBoth soba noodles and this sesame-ginger dressing can be made the night before:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cook the noodles according to packet instructions, toss in a bit of sesame oil and refrigerate.<\/li>\n<li>For the dressing, whisk together canola oil, sesame oil, chili oil, soy sauce, minced ginger and garlic, and salt to taste.<\/li>\n<li>To assemble, mix the noodles with seasonal vegetables of your choice (asparagus, bell peppers, bean sprouts, scallions, mushrooms, snap peas, carrots all work well), and toss with the dressing. Garnish with roasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nQuinoa Bowl<\/b><\/p>\nCook a batch of quinoa in advance and you can mix it with different veggies and toppings to make a variety of lunch bowls throughout the week. Here's one idea:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mix cooked quinoa with black beans (from the can, rinsed and drained), chopped avocado, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, cooked corn and cilantro.<\/li>\n<li>Dress with some lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and a dash of honey and voila, your colourful quinoa lunch bowl is ready<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPasta Salad<\/b><\/p>\nYou can cook the pasta the previous night, and the dressing is a make-ahead recipe as well. Use a small pasta shape for this recipe, like macaroni, farfalle, conchiglie or ditalini:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt & pepper.<\/li>\n<li>Mix the cooked pasta with white kidney beans (from the can, rinsed & drained), crumbled goat's cheese, rocket leaves, and thinly sliced onion (optional). Toss with the dressing and eat immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nGive these easy pack-and-go recipes a try - they're not only healthy, but will also help you look forward to your desk lunch.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/desk-lunch-recipes.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=482466","articleTitle":"Exercises Ideas That Take the Work Out of Workouts","articleSubTitle":"Think outside the gym","articleCreatedDate":"April 30, 2017","articleDesc":"If the word 'exercise' leaves you less-than excited - there are ways to move that can have the same benefits as formal gym sessions. You don't have to commit to a regimen you don't enjoy. These everyday activities can help you stay healthy, lose weight and tone up.<\/p>\nDance<\/b><\/p>\nHigh-energy dancing (the kind that leaves you breathing fast) is brilliant fun and great for burning calories, too. However you do it - even if just listening to music in your living room - it's an option available at any time.<\/p>\nCalorie burnt<\/b>: 153/30 mins calories<\/p>\nRide a bicycle<\/b><\/p>\nCycling is not just an exercise - it's exploration of the great outdoors at your doorstep. UAE has a diverse range of <a href=\"http://www.spinneys-dubai.com/taste/2016/september/top-6-spots-to-cycle-in-the-uae/\">cycling pathways<\/a> to meet your pedal-powered powered ambitions<\/p>\nCalories burnt<\/b>: Leisurely cycling (16-19kph) burns: 408 calories/hour<\/p>\nDIY<\/b><\/p>\nHome improvements often involve lifting, kneeling and extending that use a whole range of muscles. In fact, these strenuous activities can cause DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), a state in which your muscles are in the process of repairing and recovering. Many repetitive moves, such as lifting boxes or painting walls, can tone and help build muscle.<\/p>\nCalories burnt<\/b>: Moving furniture, 408 calories/hour; Cooking, 136 calories/hour<\/p>\nTeam games<\/b><\/p>\nFrom casual five-a-side football teams to local cricket, rugby or tennis clubs, look for local amateur clubs that are free to join. Team sports not only keep you fit, but are a great way to socialize and meet new people.<\/p>\nCalories burnt:<\/b> Playing singles tennis, 207 calories/hour; Golf, 204/hour; Cricket, 340 calories/hour<\/p>\nChild's Play<\/b><\/p>\nLooking after kids might not seem like exercise, but lifting and carrying them can be the equivalent of lifting heavy weights. Wear a pedometer for the day and you might be surprised at just how many steps you take while minding the little ones.<\/p>\nCalories burnt:<\/b>  151 calories/hour+<\/p>\nHow much effort?<\/b><\/p>\nHealth professional recommend <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/physical-activity-guidelines-for-adults.aspx\">30 minutes of moderate exercise<\/a> at least five times a week.  Moderate exercise, as a general rule, means your heart rate increases and you feel yourself breathing faster but can still utter a sentence or two. If you're a stickler for stats (which can be a great motivator) try wearing a pedometer or heart rate monitor to accurately track your activity and calorie burn.<\/p>\nWhen a workout feels like more fun than work, you're far more likely to stick with it.  Think outside the gym!<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Exercises-Ideas-That-Take-the-Work-Out-of-Workouts.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=481150","articleTitle":"Do You Need a Career Mentor?","articleSubTitle":"Identify someone you admire and respect","articleCreatedDate":"April 6, 2017","articleDesc":"How to identify and ask a mentor to help guide your professional development?<\/p>\nAsk most successful people if you need a mentor and their answer will likely be a resounding yes. A mentor can offer you guidance and support at every step of your career, whether you're just starting out and want help reaching your potential, struggling to find the right path or navigating the challenges of a new leadership opportunity.<\/p>\nWhile many of us instinctively understand how a mentor might help - from offering career guidance to providing support and professional connections - finding one can seem daunting. First, you have to know what you're looking to gain from a relationship with a mentor. Then you can identify the right person and cultivate a relationship you'll value for years to come.<\/p>\nWhat Do You Need from a Mentor?<\/b><\/p>\nBefore you seek out a career mentor, you need to do some soul searching of your own. If you've just accepted your first management position, you may want a mentor who can help you be a better leader. Or, if you've just left your job to start a new business, you might need a mentor with experience in your field and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\nTo start, you should ask yourself questions that will help you focus on your priorities, values and willingness to accept feedback. You might ask yourself questions like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What exactly do I hope to learn?<\/li>\n<li>What type of person can I take advice from?<\/li>\n<li>What are my values?<\/li>\n<li>What are my goals for this year?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe answers to these questions will help you figure out the right mentor for you - someone who shares or understands your values, and who can offer advice in a constructive, personal way.<\/p>\nFind Your Match<\/b><\/p>\nStart your search by investigating whether your current place of employment offers a mentorship program, or ask your HR department for assistance. If your employer doesn't provide a formal program, look for colleagues in your organization or industry who you admire and who inspire you. Ideally, your potential mentor is someone who you already know, who is several years ahead of you in their own career and able to offer advice from their work experience.<\/p>\nIf you've identified someone in your industry who you would like to reach out to, use LinkedIn to determine if you have any shared connections or know someone who could facilitate an introduction. Then take small steps to see if this person is truly a mentor candidate. For example, first email them to introduce yourself, and ask the person a specific question related to their work or career. You'll quickly get a sense of the person's interest in connecting.<\/p>\nCultivating the Relationship<\/b><\/p>\nOutside of formal mentoring programs, a lot of mentor relationships develop organically. Begin your conversations with a series of small asks, even with someone you know well. Instead of asking the person to be your mentor right away, ask them for advice or insight on a few specific career-related questions you may have. If you're meeting in person, set a time limit and respect the person's time by sticking to it. After your conversation, consider the following questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Did he/she seem willing to offer advice?<\/li>\n<li>Was he/she interested in being helpful?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIf the conversation was productive, and the individual is responsive after the fact, you [might] just continue with small asks. Or, you may reach a point where you feel comfortable asking this person to be your mentor in a more formal way.<\/p>\nIt's good to find opportunities to give back to your mentor from the very beginning, so that the relationship benefits both parties. There are many ways you can provide value, even if you're early on in your career. For instance, you could facilitate an introduction to someone your mentor wants to meet, share an interesting article regarding something your mentor was discussing, simply offer support or be a good listener for her/him.<\/p>\nOnce you've laid the foundation, your relationship with your mentor can be as formal or as casual as you would like. You might prefer regular meetings with pre-arranged topics of discussion, or choose to reach out on an as-needed basis. Regardless, taking the time to find a great mentor can help you achieve your career goals and find personal success.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Career Growth","articleTagLink":"career-growth.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/do-you-need-a-mentor.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=481149-bckup","articleTitle":"3 Quick and Nutritious \"Good Morning\" Breakfasts","articleSubTitle":"Prepare healthy breakfast in no time","articleCreatedDate":"April 6, 2017","articleDesc":"Starting your day with a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein and fresh fruit energizes your morning and can help with weight control and improved mental performance. But if you're a busy professional, making time for breakfast may seem like a chore, especially if you have a family with children.  <\/p>\nThe good news is that, with a little planning and preparation, you can whip up healthy breakfasts in no time. Stock your pantry with breakfast essentials such as bread, cereal, eggs, milk, juice, fruits, cheese, yoghurt, peanut butter, and lean meat, and check out these easy and delicious recipes.<\/p>\nOvernight Oats<\/b><\/p>\nThis is a great make-ahead recipe - just assemble the night before, refrigerate, and you're ready to go the next morning. The combination of peanut butter and oats has the right amount of protein and fibre. You can replace the peanut butter with any nut butter of your choice.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In a large bowl, mash half a ripe banana, and then add 1 cup rolled oats and 1 cup milk (regular or soy or nut milk, as per your preference). The oats should completely soak in the milk.<\/li>\n<li>Add 1 teaspoon of peanut butter (adjust quantity as per your taste), 1 teaspoon of chia seeds (optional), and ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder. Add 1 teaspoon of honey or agave if you like.<\/li>\n<li>Mix all ingredients well, cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.<\/li>\n<li>Eat as is, or add a sliced banana and some nuts for garnish.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nMicrowave Scrambled Eggs<\/b><\/p>\nEggs are the most versatile of breakfast ingredients and whipping up an omelette or scrambled eggs is a quick affair. If you want to save time (and the added chore of washing up), try this one-dish microwave scrambled egg recipe.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In a microwave-safe ramekin, combine 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons milk, and a dash of salt and cayenne pepper. Stir in 1 thinly sliced onion.<\/li>\n<li>Microwave uncovered for 45 seconds on high. Stir with a fork and continue cooking till the eggs are almost set (about 30-45 seconds).<\/li>\n<li>Remove from the microwave and grate some cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let stand for 1 minute. Top with halved cherry tomatoes and serve with wholegrain toast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nOpen-face Toast<\/b><\/p>\nThis simple but deceptively decadent breakfast is the perfect combination of protein, fibre, and healthy fat.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Toast wholegrain bread. Spread non-fat Greek yoghurt on the toast (about 1 tablespoon for each slice).<\/li>\n<li>Drizzle ½ teaspoon of honey on each slice, and sprinkle chopped pistachios on top. Serve immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThese easy power breakfasts, packed with the necessary nutrition for a high-energy day, ensure that every morning is a good one. Enjoy!<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/3-Quick-and-Nutritious-Good-Morning-Breakfasts-2.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=473551","articleTitle":"Tips for small business owners","articleSubTitle":"Important ways of delegating","articleCreatedDate":"March 27, 2017","articleDesc":"The idea of becoming a small business owner appeals to many - especially those striving to be their own boss. But many small business owners discover that it isn't always easy to manage a business. The number of to-do's an entrepreneur must tackle can start to add up and become overwhelming. Without delegation, some small business owners may run the risk of burning out.<\/p>\n"Delegation is one of the keys to success as your organization grows," says John Rampton, a serial entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of invoicing company, due. "You can't do everything, and if you try to do it all yourself, you are more likely to fail."<\/p>\nHow to delegate effectively as a small business owner<\/b><\/p>\n"The first thing you should do is figure out what you absolutely have to do, and what others can handle," says Rampton. "There are a number of mundane tasks that small business owners don't have to take care of, and that someone else might be able to do." He points out that an entrepreneur is more likely to be able to focus on big picture items and growing their business when s/he isn't distracted by endless day to day tasks that others could handle.<\/p>\nTom Drake, the owner of Canadian company, Drake media, agrees. "When I tried to do everything myself, I got slowed down. Things changed when I looked at all the tasks I was doing and identified the items that someone else could do just as effectively or maybe even more effectively."<\/p>\nStart by reviewing all of the tasks you engage in during your business day. Which items are taking up more of your time? Some tasks that both Rampton and Drake recommend delegating to others include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Social media management<\/li>\n<li>Accounting, payroll, and book-keeping<\/li>\n<li>Invoicing<\/li>\n<li>Content creation (memos, blog posts, press releases, and other items)<\/li>\n<li>Web design and development<\/li>\n<li>Scheduling appointments<\/li>\n<li>Administrative tasks like following up with clients, data entry, travel arrangements, and email management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIt may also be helpful to delegate the management of <a href=\"https://www.metlife.ae/en/business/products/sme-pre-packaged-solutions/\">employee benefits<\/a> to a broker or partner.<\/p>\nNot every business owner will delegate each of these tasks. Consider which items seem to take up most of your time and hold you back from taking care of more essential tasks that only you can complete.<\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\nHow to delegate tasks to others<\/b><\/p>\nThere are resources available to help you delegate tasks as a small business owner.<\/p>\nFirst of all, it helps to build a good team. "Look for people who can fill in the gaps," Rampton suggests. "While you can hire some employees to help with certain tasks, technology has made it much easier and less expensive to outsource some tasks. Use freelancers and virtual assistants to help with some of your content creation, social media, and web design."<\/p>\nRampton says websites like oDesk and Guru can help you find freelancers for a variety of tasks, and that resources like freelance job boards can also help you find qualified team members, either as permanent employees or freelancers.<\/p>\nWhile Drake partners with others to assign certain tasks to freelancers and assistants, he also uses a number of productivity tools and apps to help him delegate. For example, calendar software is a must for cutting down on the number of emails sent to schedule meetings.<\/p>\nThere are also several invoicing apps and accounting software available that can reduce the amount of time spent on these activities without the need to hire a team of book-keepers and accountants. Programs like Due, Xero, and Freshbooks can help you track hours, set up automatic billing, and manage recurring invoices. These programs integrate with Quickbooks, allowing you to quickly create reports and get tax information.<\/p>\nSocial media management software and scheduling apps can help manage online marketing campaigns. Tools like HootSuite and Edgar allow you to send bulk social media postings, or plan and coordinate campaign postings ahead of time. They also automatically post new information to various platforms, like Facebook and Twitter, so you don't have to take the time to do so.<\/p>\n"These tools help me delegate tasks without the need to hire additional people or manage more freelancers," Drake says. "It's a good way to help me manage my time so that I can focus on the most important business tasks I have on my plate."<\/p>\nThere are some activities that you have to do on your own as an entrepreneur. However, if you want to increase the chances of thriving as your small business grows, you might need to learn how to delegate. You can't grow your business alone. Savvy entrepreneurs know they need to spread the responsibilities to achieve sustainable success.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Career Growth","articleTagLink":"career-growth.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/tips-to-start-a-small-business.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=477965","articleTitle":"Healthy Heart","articleSubTitle":"Know the risks and take responsibility for your health","articleCreatedDate":"March 14, 2017","articleDesc":"The best prevention against heart diseases is to know the risks and take responsibility for your health.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Prolonged stress can weaken your heart<\/li>\n<li>If you tend to gain weight around your belly, you're at a higher risk for heart disease<\/li>\n<li>Women are more likely to lose their lives from heart disease than men<\/li>\n<li>Diabetics are at higher risk for developing heart disease<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\nKnow the risks<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Age <\/b>- the older you are, the greater your risk becomes.<\/li>\n<li>Family history <\/b>- if you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes or stroke, your risk is much greater<\/li>\n<li>Lifestyle <\/b>- luckily, a risk you can control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/b><\/p>\nTake responsibility<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reduce stress<\/li>\n<li>Eat healthy<\/li>\n<li>Maintain a physical activity routine<\/li>\n<li>Stop smoking<\/li>\n<li>Keep a healthy blood pressure<\/li>\n<li>Monitor your blood lipids (cholesterol & triglycerides), blood glucose, and BMI<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhat do you need to keep a close eye on?<\/b><\/p>\nBlood pressure<\/b><\/p>\nHigh blood pressure increases the heart's workload, causing the heart muscle to become stiffer and not work properly. It usually has no warning signs or symptoms, so you may not realize you have it.<\/p>\nCholesterol<\/b><\/p>\nPeople with high cholesterol have about twice the risk of heart disease as people with lower levels. High cholesterol typically has no symptoms; so many people don't know that their cholesterol is too high.<\/b><\/p>\nHeart palpitations<\/b><\/p>\nHeart palpitations describe the experience of feeling that your heart is racing, or skipping beats.<\/p>\nMany people experience palpitations at some point or another. They can be frightening, but they are not always dangerous.<\/p>\nThough not always a sign of a more serious condition, heart palpitations can sometimes represent an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), which does require medical attention and needs to be treated seriously.<\/p>\nPalpitations can be due to:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stress<\/li>\n<li>Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco<\/li>\n<li>Fever<\/li>\n<li>Overactive thyroid<\/li>\n<li>Anemia<\/li>\n<li>Low blood pressure<\/li>\n<li>Abnormal electrolyte levels<\/li>\n<li>Hormone changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy or menopause<\/li>\n<li>Heart disease or heart valve abnormalities<\/li>\n<li>Some medications, such as thyroid pills, or asthma drugs, among others<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStay in touch with your doctor if you have frequent palpitations.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/healthy-hearts.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=477223","articleTitle":"5 surprising ways to improve your gut health today","articleSubTitle":"Simple and straightforward advice that makes a difference.","articleCreatedDate":"March 6, 2017","articleDesc":"It\u2019s a page right out of science fiction: something living in each of us that has a big impact on our health, happiness and wellbeing — and it isn\u2019t even human.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s a colony of bacteria and other microorganisms that resides in our gastrointestinal tract, called the microbiome. As you\u2019d expect, it helps us digest our food, but it also plays a huge role in regulating our moods, boosting our energy and helping us fight disease.<\/p>\nDr. Leena Johns, MD, Global Medical Director at MetLife, puts it this way: <\/p>\n\u201cPicture the gut as a trash bin and the microbiome as the \u2018plastic\u2019 liner. We put all kinds of harmful things in that bin that we don\u2019t want to leak out, like undigested food particles, toxins and \u2018bad\u2019 bacteria. The microbiome is a physical barrier — a living liner — that prevents bad things from getting into our bloodstream and circulating throughout the body. If these reach the bloodstream, they can cause inflammation, disease, and problems not just in your gut, but in your brain, heart and possibly any other organ.\u201d<\/p>\nAccording to Dr. Johns, there are many ways to keep the integrity of this \u201cliner\u201d intact, so that it keeps the good stuff in and prevents the bad stuff from reaching the rest of your body. Try these simple steps today:<\/p>\n1. Hug someone:<\/b> Stress wreaks major havoc on the residents of our gut. Sensory touch, like hugging, can be an effective de-stressor. The brain releases oxytocin as a response to hugging, the \u201cnurturing hormone\u201d of nursing moms (although everyone produces it throughout the body). Oxytocin is a natural anti-inflammatory that heals the heart from the harmful effects of stress.<\/p>\n2. Give back:<\/b> Levels of oxytocin also increase when you do something that decreases your stress level and makes you feel good. So spending a day volunteering at a food bank is good for your community and your gut.<\/p>\n3. Catch a comedy.<\/b> Whether it\u2019s stand-up, a classic or the latest streaming hit, watch something that makes you laugh. Laughing is another great way to release oxytocin in the body.<\/b><\/p>\n4. Get your hands dirty.<\/b> Getting your hands in fresh soil introduces your immune system to the trillions of microorganisms on plants and in the ground, which makes you more resistant to disease. Gardening also eases stress and gets you outside in the fresh air – two important factors in a healthy gut.<\/p>\n5. Watch your meds.<\/b> Antibiotics and painkillers can destroy the good bacteria in your body, creating hormonal imbalance and weakening your immune system. Before you reach for a pill, stop to consider whether it\u2019s absolutely necessary.<\/p>\nBest of all, Dr. Johns says you can improve your gut health in as little as 24 hours. Take these simple steps today, and enjoy long-term improvements in your overall health and wellness.<\/p>","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/5-Surprising-Ways-to-Improve-Your-Gut-Health-Today.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=474845","articleTitle":"Money Talks Every Couple Should Have","articleSubTitle":" Financial compatibility is crucial","articleCreatedDate":"February 14, 2017","articleDesc":"Money affects everything - your career, lifestyle, even your children. It also tends to be at the root of many divorces. Opposites can attract but if partners are opposites in the financial arena, divorce may be more likely to follow. Imagine a conflict, where one is a saver and other is a spender. One is focused on the future while the other believes in living for today. Over time, such disagreements may cause couples to separate.<\/p>\nHere are some crucial topics that every couple can have to keep their hearts and wallets in blissful alignment:<\/p>\n1. Set financial priorities together<\/b><\/p>\nIt's important for couples to write their own sets of financial goals to compare where their goals may overlap. List your top concerns, for example, saving for retirement, travel, house rent or monthly auto installments. Once you have your own individual financial goals, you can compare them and create a shared plan but you don't have to share everything. Some people are spenders, some are savers, for instance, share a bank account, but consider having your own as well. This isn't a license to keep secrets - financial deception is as damaging as any other kind - but it offers some independence.<\/p>\n2. Expect the unexpected when it comes to career paths<\/b><\/p>\nTransition can happen due to loss of job or change in career paths. Suppose you are married to a doctor, who now wants to teach at kindergarten. Or what if one of you is laid off? Couples should ask 'what if?' If you build up your savings, you'll be able to address that question.<\/p>\nMany career changes are actually lifestyle changes; the choice may not be to make more money, but to shrink your budget down to match your salary. There are tradeoffs. If your wife wants to go from being a lawyer to a teacher, it may not be easy to accept, but happiness is as important as a paycheck.<\/p>\n3. Discuss kids - and finances concerning them<\/b><\/p>\nThe decision to have a child is one of the most significant decisions for all couples. Expectations differ: How many kids? What type of education? Most people want to give their kids the very best, however, experts say if you are spending every last dirham on them, you can't prepare for retirement or build an emergency fund. And that wouldn't be doing anyone any favors.<\/p>\nThe bottom line is 'Pick your battles' - or better yet, don't battle. Couples tend to run over the same ground, and they don't get anywhere. Go back to your shared goals list once a month or so. It's a safe way of broaching hot topics that you can then negotiate. And that shared approach is what marriage is all about.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Money-talks-every-couples-should-have.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=473550","articleTitle":"Identity theft","articleSubTitle":"Protect your personal information on mobile devices","articleCreatedDate":"February 7, 2017","articleDesc":"Smartphones are embedded into daily routines. Not only do the devices keep tabs on where people go, what they buy and what they search for, but they also store credit card information, passwords and emails with private information. Because smartphones have become a natural part of everyday life, it is easy to forget how much personal information is stored on the device.<\/p>\nFollow these steps to help protect personal data on mobile devices and prevent identity theft and financial fraud.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Guard against identity theft by protecting passwords.<\/b> Download a reputable password manager application to shield passwords from identity thieves. Weak passwords and practices, including using the same password for multiple accounts, can make it easy for identity thieves to access great amounts of personal information quickly.  A secure password manager allows smartphone users to protect and create a variety of strong passwords for different accounts without the hassle of having to remember it all.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid financial fraud by safeguarding payment information.<\/b> Though storing payment information on smartphones allows for convenient one-click checkouts while shopping online, saving financial information on mobile devices can lead to financial fraud. Opt out of "save password" and "save information"preferences to increase security during financial transactions. Mobile shoppers should also be wary of shopping online using public Wi-Fi, which is often an unsecure network that opens up channels for identity thieves to enter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Keep personal information and emails private through encryption.<\/b> Certain smartphones automatically encrypt data when passcode protection is turned on. Select devices even have the option to delete all stored data if the passcode is entered incorrectly 10 times in a row. Encryption can protect text messages, emails, attachments and application data, and special processes allow for even stronger encryption and security. Other mobile phones have an on/off switch for encryption. With encryption turned on, certain capabilities might run slightly slower than usual because the phone has to decipher an extra layer of information, but the additional wait signals stronger protection for private information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Prevent a stolen identity by not oversharing.<\/b>  Identity thieves are skilled at putting together pieces of the puzzle. Any information that cybercriminals can gather through social media statuses, photo uploads and location check-ins makes identity theft easier to carry out. According to a study by the <a href=\"https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/whats-deal-federal-trade-commission-study-mobile-shopping-apps-august-2014/140801mobileshoppingapps.pdf\">Federal Trade Commission<\/a>, names, mailing addresses and phone numbers are the most common data collected by shopping apps. The report also shows that between 48 to 67 percent of shopping apps collected location information, and 11 to 33 percent of shopping apps collected Social Security numbers. Since default settings on most apps divulge bits of personal information for a more convenient experience, smartphone users should make an effort to turn off or limit settings that increase the exchange of information, including location tracking and automatic synchronization for photos.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Protect personal data from afar.<\/b> No one anticipates losing their smartphone, but it is important to be prepared for such an incident. Smartphone users should consider downloading a trusted app to locate their smartphone in case it is lost or stolen. Official apps also allow the owner of the mobile device to remotely erase all personal data stored on the smartphone, which reduces the risk of stolen information leading to identity theft.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nTightening security settings is a great way to start safeguarding yourself from identity theft while using your smartphone.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/identity-theft.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=472223","articleTitle":"Cold or flu symptoms?","articleSubTitle":"Know the differences","articleCreatedDate":"February 6, 2017","articleDesc":"The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. However, despite some similar symptoms, they are very different diseases.<\/p>\nCold and Flu symptoms - <\/b>The flu usually has more intense symptoms than a cold, with potentially serious complications. The symptoms of a cold can develop gradually, while flu symptoms usually hit fast and are more severe. There is a vaccination for the flu, but not for the common cold.<\/p>\nHere is a list of symptoms occurring in cold and flu.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Fever: <\/b>while fever is rather uncommon in cold, it is a definite sign in case of the flu. High fever usually more than 38 C can last for 3 to 4 days in case of flu.  <\/li>\n<li>Headache:<\/b> rare symptom in cold but it is intense in flu.<\/li>\n<li>General aches, pains:<\/b> mild symptom in cold but it is very common, often severe in case of flu.<\/li>\n<li>Fatigue, weakness:<\/b> mild symptom in cold but it is intense and can last up to 2-3 weeks in case of flu.<\/li>\n<li>Extreme exhaustion:<\/b> it's not the case in cold but it is one of the most common early signs of catching flu.<\/li>\n<li>Stuffy nose:<\/b> it is common in cold but rare in case of flu.<\/li>\n<li>Sneezing:<\/b> it is very common in cold but rare in case of flu.<\/li>\n<li>Sore throat<\/b>: it is a common symptom in case of both cold and flu.<\/li>\n<li>Cough:<\/b> it is mild to moderate in cold, on the other hand, it is common and can become severe in case of flu.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nWhen to seek medical assistance?<\/b><\/p>\nPrevention is always better than treatment. But getting sick is a reality of our human systems. Most colds and flus cannot be treated by a doctor and just need to run their course. Bedrest and plenty of liquids may be your best treatment plan, and many over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms. As with any illness, however, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is best to go see your health care provider to determine what's making you sick and what you can do to feel better.<\/p>\nBe a smart health consumer - <\/b>should you take antibiotics for a cold or flu?<\/p>\nNo. Antibiotics are only useful in fighting bacteria<\/i>, and both the cold and flu are infections from viruses<\/i>. Sometimes, colds can lead to a bacterial infection in your lungs, sinuses, or ears. If that happens, your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics, but only at the time that a bacterial infection is suspected. Taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that may resist antibiotic treatment.<\/p>\nIn short, there is no cure for a cold or the flu. Both have to run their course. Any medicine or remedies you try would be to relieve the symptoms of the infection to help you feel better: Prescription antiviral drugs may shorten your illness by 1 to 2 days; over-the-counter products can also lessen some symptoms like a cough and congestion. Be smart about when to use antibiotics.<\/p>\nTips for looking after yourself<\/b><\/p>\nDrink plenty of fluids: <\/b>drink as much water and juice as possible - preferably two quarts per day - Fluids are important to help counter the dehydration that causes much of the discomfort associated with fever, and for removing stuffiness from the body. Fluids may also help soothe a sore throat. Alcohol and caffeine tends to dehydrate, so try to avoid it.<\/p>\nRefrain from smoking: <\/b>smoking makes it difficult for your body to eliminate mucus from the lungs and may predispose you to bronchitis <\/b>or pneumonia. This would be a good time to consider quitting.<\/p>\nRelieving a sore throat: <\/b>drink plenty of fluids. Gargle with warm water (you can add salt) to help reduce any inflammation. Keep your <\/b>throat moist by using a vaporizer or sucking on throat lozenges or ice cubes made from fruit juice.<\/p>\nFor congestion<\/b><\/p>\nTry sleeping on your back with your head raised on two or three pillows. You may find additional relief with oral and/or nasal decongestants.<\/p>\nFor sore nose and chapped lips<\/b><\/p>\nApply lotion soothing moisturizer or lip balm<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/cold-or-flu.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=469679","articleTitle":"Breathe in, breathe out","articleSubTitle":"Intake of oxygen clearly affects body and mind and it should be optmized at all times.","articleCreatedDate":"January 15, 2017","articleDesc":"Your breathing pattern can affect your body functions in many different ways. This includes your sleep, mood, digestion, heart, nervous system, muscles, brain and even the development of your teeth and face structure.<\/p>\nHow come?<\/b><\/p>\nBecause each and every element of your body depends on oxygen. Here are some of our most <\/b>work intensive organs:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Brain: 18.4%<\/b><\/li>\n<li>Skeletal muscles: 20%<\/b><\/li>\n<li>Heart: 11.6%<\/b><\/li>\n<li>Liver: 20.4%<\/b><\/li>\n<li>Rest of organs (skin, bones etc.): 29.6%<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nConsequences of improper breathing<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Less energy is produced: <\/b>improper breathing lessens the body's ability to deliver oxygen to the cells. The cells must then prioritize survival instead of development. Ageing and gaining weight are examples.<\/li>\n<li>The nervous system becomes unbalanced:<\/b> an improper breathing habit, like a short and forced one, increases levels of stress.<\/li>\n<li>The airways get tighter:<\/b> which makes it harder for the air to make its way to and from the lungs. To compensate, we have to work harder and breathe faster to get the needed amount of oxygen.<\/li>\n<li>The blood vessels constrict:<\/b> which can lead to higher blood pressure and which in turn makes the heart work harder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nYou can train yourself and flip the equation - 3 Easy ways to proper breathing<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Straight posture: <\/b>an upright posture gives a deeper breathing where the diaphragm gets more space to work. Your thoughts and feelings are affected in a positive way and at the same time it is easier to breathe through the nose.<\/li>\n<li>Breathe through your nose:<\/b> a closed mouth, with the tongue placed up the palate ensures that the breathing happens in and out the nose.<\/li>\n<li>Breathe consciously:<\/b> for optimal breathing, the inhale should be 2-3 seconds, exhale 3-4 seconds followed by a pause for 2-3 seconds, a total of 10 seconds per cycle. Do 4 breathing cycles, 1 to 3<\/i> times every day.<\/i><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=467419","articleTitle":"Make a positive change towards better financial wellbeing","articleSubTitle":"Take ownership over a fundamental aspect of your life.","articleCreatedDate":"December 19, 2016","articleDesc":"If you are worried about your finances, you are not alone. Financial stress can affect your health, so it is important to take an active role in understanding, planning and seeking support for your financial wellbeing.<\/p>\nFinancial wellbeing is one of the 9 dimensions of your personal wellbeing:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Financial<\/li>\n<li>Emotional<\/li>\n<li>Physical<\/li>\n<li>Social<\/li>\n<li>Intellectual<\/li>\n<li>Spiritual<\/li>\n<li>Creative<\/li>\n<li>Environment<\/li>\n<li>Career<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhat does financial wellbeing really mean?<\/b><\/p>\nFinancial wellbeing is a state of being where "a person can fully meet their current and ongoing financial obligations, can feel secure in their financial future, and is able to make choices that allow enjoyment of life".<\/p>\nFundamentals of Financial Wellbeing<\/b><\/p>\nSecurity:<\/b> Control over your day-to-day, month-to-month finances so there is capacity to absorb a financial shock in the future.   <\/p>\nFreedom of choice:<\/b> Use your financial freedom to make choices to enjoy life today and stay on track to meet your financial goals tomorrow.<\/p>\nSet financial goals<\/b><\/p>\nSetting financial goals puts you in charge of your money and your life. Your goals can be for the short or long term, small or large, but they all need to be achievable.<\/p>\nHere are some ways to improve financial wellness:<\/b><\/p>\nDiscover your values, goals and concerns.<\/p>\nAnalyze your situation, approach and accounts.<\/p>\nExplore best options and strategic solutions.<\/p>\nDesign a coordinated and comprehensive financial plan.<\/p>\nImplement income ideas, investment and insurance opportunities.<\/p>\nEnablers to reach your financial goals<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you are starting to pursue financial goals that are more ambitious than what you've achieved previously, picture what your life will be like after you achieve the goal to help keep you motivated. Put your list of long-term goals in a place where you can see them every day.<\/li>\n<li>Sometimes an appropriate photo illustrating your goal can be an effective motivator as well. Knowing what you are working toward will help provide additional purpose to your life.<\/li>\n<li>Even the most disciplined of us can use a little outside support from time to time. It might help you to let some of your friends or family know what your goals are so that they can help keep you motivated as well. Remember, though, that your goals are ultimately only your own, and not everyone may agree with your choices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDon't be discouraged <\/b>if the amount is overwhelming. The important thing is to have a set of tangible financial goals to work toward.<\/p>\nSteps to consider for building financial wellbeing<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Spend less than you earn<\/li>\n<li>Save for emergencies<\/li>\n<li>Take sufficient insurance coverage<\/li>\n<li>Save for out of pocket health expenses<\/li>\n<li>Plan sufficient income for retirement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Make-a-change.png.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=465995","articleTitle":"Financial literacy","articleSubTitle":"A crucial element to your child's development","articleCreatedDate":"December 8, 2016","articleDesc":"Educating your children from a young age on the topics of budget and savings tools will provide them with essential financial skills for the future.<\/p>\nFinancial literacy can be addressed at an early age. From the age of five, children are able to understand basic financial concepts such as value for money, prices or savings.<\/p>\nIt is important for them to be familiar with these concepts to understand the economic system in which they live and interact with it to make sound financial decisions in the future.<\/p>\nTalk to your children about money<\/b><\/p>\nYour home is your child's first learning environment. Have conversations with your children on the subject of money and teach them how to manage money efficiently. Start with introducing basic concepts and explain more details over time.<\/p>\nFor younger kids, you can tell simple stories with metaphors to give examples why effective money management is important. Classics tales such as "the Cicada and the Ant", "the three little pigs" or "King Midas", are great short stories to help little ones understand the basics.<\/p>\nSet a positive example<\/b><\/p>\nChildren tend to repeat observed patterns, so the best way of teaching is to set a positive example. If your children see you acting responsibly with money, they will emulate a similar way of managing their finances in the future.<\/p>\nInvolve kids in your day-to-day finances<\/b><\/p>\nPractice makes perfect. Involve your children in day-to-day finances by informing them about the family budget, expenses, and savings plans. Involve them in purchase decisions and ask for advice. This will help them to better understand the value of goods and differentiate between essential and non-essential items.<\/p>\nTeach kids how to manage expenditure<\/b><\/p>\nChildren ought to practice saving money as well as organizing expenses, so that they can develop an understanding of their own styles and capability of money management. As parents, you can encourage your teenage children to take part-time jobs to have them understand the value of money and the efforts required to earn it. Alternatively, an age appropriate allowance, perhaps in exchange for doing household chores can also help to install a good work ethic.<\/p>\nHelp children learn how to save and practice patience by saving up for what they want is also important. Or, help your child set a small budget in line with their savings, allowance or earnings, perhaps in relation to holiday spending or buying seasonal gifts.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Financial-literacy-development.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=464857","articleTitle":"Digital detox","articleSubTitle":"How to disconnect from your tech","articleCreatedDate":"November 29, 2016","articleDesc":"In today's digital age, we are constantly surrounded by technology. Beyond staring at computer screens throughout our work day, exposure to social media and email communication has become increasingly mobile through our smartphones, tablets and even watches. We are connected to our digital lives more and more, which ultimately affects our attention spans, our person-to-person interactions and even our sleep patterns and overall health.<\/p>\nHere are some tips to help you carve out dedicated time throughout your day to disconnect from your tech and refocus your energy on mindfulness and meaningful interactions.<\/p>\n1.<\/b> Use mornings to focus on yourself<\/b><\/p>\nTry scheduling in relaxing activities each morning, so you can start your day refreshed and energized. You might exercise or do yoga for 15-30 minutes, read a book or newspaper while you drink your morning coffee, or write in a journal before tackling any to-do's or checking your email and social media updates.<\/b><\/p>\n2.<\/b> Re-boot: Take Saturdays off<\/b><\/p>\nWhen Friday arrives, try shutting down your computer and leaving it off for the entire day, or better yet, the entire weekend. Leave your cell phone at home if you go out to run errands. If you're meeting up with friends and family, switch your phone to airplane mode and wait until you return home to check if you missed any calls, messages or emails.  <\/p>\n3.<\/b> Create boundaries in your daily life <\/b><\/p>\nConstantly checking emails, texts and social media is a habit that can be changed. To do so means separating yourself from your digital devices whenever possible. Try waking up to a regular, old-fashioned alarm clock instead of using your smartphone's alarm feature. You can keep your phone away from your bedside, and be less tempted to check it right before bed or as soon as you wake up in the morning.<\/p>\nInstead of eating meals in front of your computer at work, use lunch or dinner as an opportunity to sit down face to face with family, friends or coworkers and catch up.<\/p>\n4. Spend more time outside <\/b><\/p>\nGive your mind and body a break from digital screens and get outside as much as you can for some fresh air - a brisk walk can re-connect you with your surroundings, clear your mind and even improve your cardiovascular health.<\/p>\nA digital detox is a great way to reprioritize your time and focus on what's really important to you, including your personal interactions, leisure time and your overall health and wellness.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Family & Community","articleTagLink":"family-and-community.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Digital-Detox-How-to-Disconnect-from-Your-Tech.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449758","articleTitle":"Finding a Doctor in the UAE","articleSubTitle":"No more headaches to find the professional you need for your cures.","articleCreatedDate":"November 13, 2016","articleDesc":"When Zaara Khan first moved to Dubai, finding doctors wasn't on the top of her list of priorities. Finding an apartment and enrolling her kids in school took precedence over other things.<\/p>\nIt wasn't until she was struck by her first bout of flu that she thought about finding a doctor. Being new to the country, she naturally didn't know any.<\/p>\n"We searched on Google and made our decision based on experience, nationality, and online reviews."<\/p>\nZaara's story isn't unique. Almost every expat who moves to the UAE has trouble finding doctors in Dubai initially. After all, it's a new country, a new culture, and more than likely, you don't know many people here.<\/p>\nLuckily, there are a few sources that help new expats discover reliable doctors.<\/p>\nOnline Forums and Facebook Groups<\/b><\/p>\nBoth online forums and Facebook groups are extremely popular in the UAE. For many expats, they are their first source of information - kind of like your own personalized version of Google search - with user experience included.<\/p>\nSmitha Vinod, another Dubai expat is a firm believer in their effectiveness.<\/p>\n"I first tried the clinics and medical centers close to my home. When I wasn't satisfied with any of them, I turned to online forums and Facebook groups. They were a life saver! It took some time, but I now know the best doctors in the UAE."<\/p>\nOne of the most popular online forums for UAE expats is <a href=\"http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/\">ExpatWoman<\/a>. The forum is a wealth of information. You may not even need to ask your question because there's a good chance someone's already asked it because they were in the same position as you.<\/p>\nFor Facebook groups, <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/groups/UAEMUMS/\">UAE Mums<\/a> is popular and active. With over 12 thousand members, you can get the information you need in a matter of minutes.<\/p>\nSmitha hasn't looked back since discovering the UAE Mums Facebook group.<\/p>\n"I completely rely on UAE Mums as experienced mums recommend the best doctors. When two or three mums mention the same doctor we are a hundred percent sure we're making the right choice."<\/p>\nDubai Doctors - smartphone app<\/b><\/p>\nTo help expats find doctors, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) released a smartphone app called "Dubai Doctors" in 2014. The app allows users to search for a doctor by name, location (within Dubai), medical specialty, clinic, hospital, gender, and even nationality.<\/p>\nIt's particularly helpful if you want more information on a particular doctor, hospital, or medical center as the app lists each doctor's hospital/clinic address, email, and phone number.<\/p>\nWith over 7000 doctors in their database, there's a doctor and clinic for every medical need in the app's directory.<\/p>\nSocial and Professional Contacts<\/b><\/p>\nFor most new expats, their first point of contact after moving to Dubai is neighbours and colleagues. With almost <a href=\"http://www.bq-magazine.com/economy/socioeconomics/2015/04/uae-population-by-nationality\">90% of the UAE's population being expat<\/a>, your neighbours and colleagues have most likely been in the same position and are likely to have recommendations for family and specialty doctors.<\/p>\nMedical Insurance Company<\/b><\/p>\nAnother option is to do some research with your health insurance company. Under UAE law, <a href=\"http://www.thenational.ae/uae/health/dubais-mandatory-health-insurance-law-comes-into-force\">employers are required to provide medical insurance<\/a> to all employees and their families. Find out which hospitals, clinics, and specialties are covered under your plan. Follow up with your colleagues about which doctors or hospitals they prefer and make your decision accordingly.<\/p>\nWhile finding a doctor in Dubai can feel like a monumental task, choosing a medical professional is a personal choice for you and your family, and a little trial and error is probable. Try recommendations you receive, but keep your needs and comfort level in mind to find a doctor you trust.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Family & Community","articleTagLink":"family-and-community.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_finddr.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=463719","articleTitle":"Is a career change the right move?","articleSubTitle":"Five fundamental questions to ask yourself before deciding.","articleCreatedDate":"November 8, 2016","articleDesc":"We spend nearly a quarter of our adult lives at work, so it's perfectly reasonable to seek out a career path that helps you feel happy and fulfilled. But what does a \u201cgood\u201d career truly mean, and how can you know if it's time to search for a better one? If you're finding yourself in a rut or wondering what may be on the other side of the fence, ask yourself the following questions.<\/p>\n1. Do you have existing opportunities for advancement?<\/b><\/p>\nLinkedIn conducted a <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/research-reveals-real-reason-people-switch-jobs-fred-khachi\" target=\"_blank\">career study<\/a> of 10,000 people who recently changed jobs. When asked why they left, about 45 percent of those surveyed said that they didn't foresee any opportunities for advancement. If you want to climb the corporate ladder but feel like you don't have the ability in your current position, try exploring your options within the company before searching elsewhere. Talk to management about career development opportunities that may be available to you. You may be surprised at what a company will do to retain a good employee.<\/p>\n2. Is a potential salary increase worth it?<\/b><\/p>\nIn the LinkedIn study mentioned above, about 74 percent of participants received a salary increase in their new position. Clearly, more money is a huge motivator for career decisions across the globe. But it's also important to weigh up whether or not a new job might come with other costly changes. For example, a longer commute, longer hours, reduced benefits, a different work environment, or less flexibility in a new job are things to consider when deciding if a job switch is truly \u201cworth\u201d the money.<\/p>\n3. Does your job align with your interests?<\/b><\/p>\nMany people find that while they're good at what they do, they wouldn't be interested in doing this type of work outside of the office. While there's nothing wrong with this, it's possible that more fulfilment can come from a position that speaks to your personal interests, goals and passions. What makes you tick outside of work? Which elements of your current position truly excite you, and which elements do you find lackluster? These answers can help you figure out if you\u2019re truly satisfied with your job, or if a change is necessary.<\/p>\n4. Are you satisfied with your work-life balance?<\/b><\/p>\nWork/life balance is critical when it comes to career fulfilment. If your position calls for 40 hours a week on paper, but you\u2019re spending closer to 60 hours in the office, this is a sign that your work/life balance could use some care.<\/p>\nEmployees who feel balanced and well-rested experience a plethora of benefits, such as better productivity and a more positive outlook inside and outside of work. Are you putting in the amount of work that you expected to when you first accepted your job? Do you feel like work interrupts your personal life?<\/p>\n5. Do you like your company's culture?<\/b><\/p>\nCompany culture defines the daily environment of an organization. What are your company's values and goals? What are the daily expectations and rules? Is it a laid-back environment, or more corporate? How do employees interact with each other and with their superiors? Company culture will vary from workplace to workplace, even within the same industry. Ask yourself if your work environment meshes well with your personality, goals, and preferences, or if you\u2019re looking for something different.<\/p>\nTake the Next Step<\/b><\/p>\nBefore making a decision to leave your current role, schedule a conversation with your manager to express how you\u2019re feeling.<\/p>\nHere are some tips to help prepare for the meeting:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Schedule a discussion by sending an email or asking in person. Be clear about your intentions and what you'd like to discuss. This way, no one is caught off guard.<\/li>\n<li>Ask as many specific questions as you can. Is there a particular position you have your eye on, or are there any \u201cdeal breakers\u201d within your current position that you need to address? Prepare a clear direction for your conversation.<\/li>\n<li>Do your research. If you're asking for a new position, know what that job description entails and be able to show how you fit the bill.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAs you encounter times of change throughout your career, it\u2019s important to think carefully about your personal goals, and not make hasty moves. Take the time to ask yourself important questions about where you are, and where you want to go. Speak with management about opportunities for advancement in your current role. Taking these steps will help you make informed decisions about your career and your future.<\/p>","articleTag":"Career Growth","articleTagLink":"career-growth.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Is-a-Career-Change-the-Right-Move.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=463672","articleTitle":"Smile for Life","articleSubTitle":"Brush up on Oral Health","articleCreatedDate":"November 7, 2016","articleDesc":"Oral health is essential to overall health. Good oral health improves your ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow, and make facial expressions to show feelings and emotions.<\/p>\nDid you know - general health and oral health are inevitably connected. Here are the things that will simply show you why.<\/p>\nDiabetes and gum disease<\/b>: gum disease accelerates the progress of full-blown diabetes.<\/p>\nMouth bacteria and heart disease: <\/b>people with gum disease are more likely to experience heart diseases.<\/p>\nTeeth grinding and stress: <\/b>stressed and depressed people are at higher risk for dental problems.<\/p>\nPregnancy and gum disease: <\/b>pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to have a premature baby.<\/p>\nOral health can be compromised by a number of chronic and infectious diseases which show symptoms in the mouth. Oral diseases can lead to infection, inflammation, and other serious impacts on overall health.<\/p>\nDietary habits are factors for the development of chronic diseases and influence the development of dental decay and dental erosion<\/p>\nNothing but the tooth!<\/b><\/p>\nEstimates show that Oral Diseases are the fourth most expensive condition to treat if a curative approach is taken, rather than a focus on prevention.<\/p>\nFortunately prevention is economical and oral conditions are VERY responsive.<\/p>\nA healthy smile begins in childhood.<\/b><\/p>\nWorldwide, 60-90% of school children and nearly 100% of adults have dental cavities.<\/p>\nStarting early is critical to success in preserving a healthy smile for a lifetime. According to the World Health Organization, dental caries (cavities) are the most common childhood disease and non-communicable disease.<\/p>\nParents are a child's first teacher in life and play a significant role in maintaining their overall health.<\/p>\nEveryday Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay<\/b><\/p>\nAvoid fizzy, sports and energy drinks<\/b> as these drinks contain acid that attacks your tooth enamel, (including the sugar-free and 'zero' varieties) and most contain sugar, which causes tooth decay. Every time you take a sip throughout the day, you'll start a brand new acid attack that will last 20 minutes.<\/p>\nWhat can you do?<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cut down the number of sugarydrinks you have.<\/li>\n<li>Drink using a straw.<\/li>\n<li>Don't brush your teeth for an hour after you've finished one of these drinks - the acid in them temporarily softens your tooth enamel and brushing too early will harm it.<\/li>\n<li>Don't drink them before bed time.<\/li>\n<li>Swish water around your mouth after each bottle or can of drink.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStay informed - Brushing Basics<\/b><\/p>\nQ: What do I need to use for brushing my teeth?<\/p>\nYou need a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride.<\/i><\/p>\nQ: How much toothpaste will I need?<\/p>\nAbout the size of a pea.<\/i><\/p>\nQ: How long do I need to brush my teeth?<\/p>\nBrush for two minutes.<\/i><\/p>\nQ: Why do I need to floss my teeth?<\/p>\nFlossing can remove food and plaque that your toothbrush cannot reach.<\/i><\/p>\nQ: How do I floss?<\/p>\nUse about 18 inches of floss but leave about two inches between your fingers to use. Gently slide floss between your teeth, following the curves of the teeth.<\/i><\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Smile-for-LifeBrush.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=462665","articleTitle":"Quiz","articleSubTitle":"Are You Aging Too Fast?","articleCreatedDate":"October 30, 2016","articleDesc":"We can't avoid growing older - but we can take steps to help slow down the clock. Take this short quiz to learn more about how your lifestyle may affect how quickly you age, plus some simple steps you can take to start feeling younger.<\/p>\n<h3>1. What is your diet like?<\/h3>\nChoosing nutritious and minimally processed foods and keeping your portions in check can help you maintain a healthy weight - and play a powerful role in lowering your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.<\/p>\nA.<\/b> I don't give my diet much thought, but I guess I'm a meat-and-potatoes type.<\/p>\nB.<\/b> I try to stick to whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. But I like to treat myself to a glass of wine or dessert sometimes, too.<\/p>\nC.<\/b> I eat as healthy as I possibly can. I stick to a low-fat diet and I avoid sweets and alcohol.<\/p>\n<h3>2. How often do you exercise?<\/h3>\nPhysical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight and lowers your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and even certain cancers. But that's not all. A recent Australian analysis of nearly 50 studies on exercise and cognitive decline concluded that regular physical activity can <a href=\"http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2458-14-510\">lower your risk of developing dementia<\/a> by nearly 20%.<\/p>\nA.<\/b> I rarely exercise.<\/p>\nB. <\/b>I try to work in 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.<\/i><\/p>\nC. <\/b>I exercise every day for at least an hour - and sometimes more - no matter what.<\/i><\/p>\n<h3>3. How much sleep are you getting?<\/h3>\n A good night's sleep can help you feel your best. When you sleep, your body works to repair muscles, strengthen your immune system and process memories.<\/p>\nA. <\/b>I usually get 5 to 6 hours of sleep per night.<\/i><\/p>\nB. <\/b>I get a solid 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.<\/i><\/p>\nC. <\/b>I go to bed early and am able to get closer to 10 hours per night.<\/i><\/p>\n<h3>4. How stressed do you feel on most days?<\/h3>\nChronic tension and anxiety can damage your health by increasing your risk of depression, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Emotional or psychological stress may also cause you to age faster.<\/p>\nA. <\/b>I feel stressed most of the time.<\/i><\/p>\nB. <\/b>I get frazzled sometimes, but I feel that my stress is mostly under control.<\/i><\/p>\nC. <\/b>I almost never feel stressed.<\/i><\/p>\n<h3>5. How would you describe your social ties?<\/h3>\nSatisfying relationships with family, friends and community members can help reduce stress levels, which can benefit your overall health. Also, a study that looked at over 300,000 participants found having a robust social network lowered a person's risk for premature death by 50%.<\/p>\nA. <\/b>I don't have many close relationships, and I mostly keep to myself.<\/i><\/p>\nB. <\/b>I have family and friends that I spend time with on a regular basis.<\/i><\/p>\nC. <\/b>My calendar is jam packed with social engagements, and I'm always on the go.<\/i><\/p>\n<h3>6. What are your smoking habits like?<\/h3>\nIf you're a smoker, you might be up to four times more likely to have a stroke or heart disease. Your risk for many cancers is also significantly raised. In fact, tobacco is responsible for roughly <a href=\"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs339/en/\">6 million deaths each year<\/a>.<\/p>\nA. <\/b>I'm a smoker and I'm not currently trying to quit.<\/i><\/p>\nB. <\/b>I don't smoke or I'm trying to quit smoking.<\/i><\/p>\nFind out where you stand by tallying up your answers to all of the questions above. If you got:<\/p>\nMostly A's: <\/b>You may be aging faster than average and should take some time to reevaluate your overall health and wellness. Try to make healthier diet choices, be more active, and find ways to get more sleep and manage your stress. If possible, make an effort to reach out to others to form closer connections. And consider talking to your doctor about quitting smoking.<\/p>\nMostly B's: <\/b>You're right on track. You're likely aging at a normal or slower than average rate. Keep up the good work by continuing to eat and exercise moderately, get enough sleep, keep your stress levels in check and maintain your close relationships.<\/p>\nMostly C's: <\/b>It's possible that some of your choices could be causing you to age faster, so you might consider scaling back. Try being less restrictive with your diet and exercise at a more moderate rate. Savoring more of life's pleasures could increase your happiness, which could help you live longer.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Quiz---Are-You-Aging-Too-Fast.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=462672","articleTitle":"The New Mother ","articleSubTitle":"Taking care of yourself after birth","articleCreatedDate":"October 30, 2016","articleDesc":"Getting a good night's sleep can be hard when you're caring for a newborn. Throughout the night your sleep may be interrupted by breastfeeding, changing diapers, or perhaps just soothing your baby.<\/p>\nYou need to take extra care of yourself to get through the first few grueling months after childbirth. Here are a few tips to help you cope with sleep deprivation.<\/p>\n1. Eat healthily<\/b><\/p>\nWhen you're breastfeeding, you need more vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc. Choosing healthy foods will keep you energized through the day and help fight fatigue.<\/p>\nSome easy-to-prepare snacks include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Apple or carrot sticks with peanut butter<\/li>\n<li>Hummus<\/li>\n<li>Cottage cheese and fruit<\/li>\n<li>Beef jerky<\/li>\n<li>Nuts<\/li>\n<li>Hard boiled eggs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nMeet your nutritional requirements by choosing your foods wisely. You may want to try using <a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/\">Choose My Plate<\/a>, a food guidance platform, to ensure that you eat a variety of foods from all the recommended food groups - grains, vegetables, protein, fruits and dairy. Their <a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/moms-daily-food-plan\">MyPlate Daily Checklist<\/a> will give you a personalized food plan based on your age, breastfeeding status, height and weight.<\/p>\n2. Keep the baby close to you<\/b><\/p>\nThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you keep the baby close by the bed in their own bassinet to minimize sleep disruptions. When the baby is right next to you, you can simply roll over, pick the baby up and place them next to you for breastfeeding.<\/p>\n3. Avoid caffeine before bedtime<\/b><\/p>\nA <a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2008.02375.x/abstract\">study<\/a> in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that caffeine abstinence improves sleep quality and recommends that this should be a factor in sleep hygiene. Restrict your coffee to just one morning cup.<\/p>\nBefore bedtime, try a cup of chamomile tea which has traditionally been used for its sedative qualities. Chamomile contains the flavonoid apigenin, which binds to the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, resulting in <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/\">calming effects<\/a>.<\/p>\n4. Avoid using electronic devices before bed<\/b><\/p>\nWhen you use a tablet, smart phone, or computer before bedtime, you can disrupt your body's release of melatonin. Normal production of this key hormone prepares your body for sleep. So turn off electronics at least an hour before bedtime, and wait until tomorrow to post those cute baby pictures on Facebook.<\/p>\n5. Ask for help<\/b><\/p>\nTry not to shy away from asking for help. Ask your partner to take turns changing diapers and feeding the baby using bottled breast milk during the night while you sleep. If your friends and family members offer to help, ask them to cook meals that can stay in your fridge or freezer.<\/p>\n6. Help your baby sleep better<\/b><\/p>\nWhen your baby sleeps better, so will you.<\/p>\nMaureen Howard, a pediatric physical therapist and a mother of 4, struggled with her firstborn's sleep troubles. Drawing on her knowledge of pediatric therapy, she created the <a href=\"http://www.magicsleepsuit.com/\">Magic Sleepsuit<\/a> to help her son sleep peacefully. The "sleepsuit" swaddles the baby, providing a greater sense of security. It also helps muffle the jerks and startles that typically occur during sleep and sometimes wake the baby up.<\/p>\nAnother great tool is the <a href=\"https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/white-noise-baby/id337495029?mt=8\">SleepBabyOwl<\/a> baby app that plays relaxing sounds to lull your baby to sleep. Choose sounds like "heartbeat" "vacuum cleaner" and "ultrasound" of the womb.<\/p>\nIf you feel like a walking zombie because you're a new parent, just remind yourself that these sleep-deprived nights won't last forever. In the meantime, take these important steps to get as much rest as you can and stay healthy.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/The-New-Mother-taking-care-of-yourself-after-birth.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=462025","articleTitle":"Make good nutrition your new tradition","articleSubTitle":"Healthy eating is not about low fat or ingredients alone. Multiple aspects are to be considered.","articleCreatedDate":"October 11, 2016","articleDesc":"Healthy eating does not mean that everything you eat has to be low in fat, salt or sugar and high in fiber.<\/p>\nWhen it comes to maintaining a healthy weight for a lifetime - calories count<\/b>! Weight management is all about balance - balancing the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses or "burns off."<\/p>\nA calorie is defined as a unit of energy supplied by food. Caloric balance is like a scale. To remain in balance and maintain your body weight, the calories consumed from foods must be balanced by the calories used in normal body functions, daily activities, and exercise.<\/p>\nYour body is more than a machine that needs fuel. It is a complicated, self-organizing, agenda-driven human system. Therefore food you consume needs to have more than energy, it needs to have information in the form of essential nutrients.<\/p>\n \nWhy bother with breakfast?<\/b><\/p>\nThe answer has to do with your body. If you skip breakfast, your body usually runs out of the essential nutrient for energy by mid-morning, which means no more energy bursts.<\/p>\nThe National Weight Control Registry, which tracks people who have maintained weight loss of at least 30 pounds for more than a year, reported eating breakfast is one of the four most important behaviors that the study subjects share.<\/p>\nBreakfast eaters tend to eat fewer calories, less saturated fat and cholesterol and have better overall nutritional status than breakfast skippers.<\/p>\nSkipping breakfast could be the reason for your 10:00 a.m. craving for a sugary snack.<\/p>\n \nThe skinny on fats<\/b><\/p>\nThe name - fat - may make it sound like something you shouldn't eat. But fat is an important part of a healthy eating. So fat is not the enemy, but you want to choose the right amount and the right kind of fat. For healthy adults good fat should account for 30% of your daily caloric intake. You can derive the good fats from food sources rich in omega 3, 6 and 9. Eat fish at least twice a week and oils & seeds daily. Good fat can also be found in sardines, salmon, tuna, herring, flaxseed, canola oil, leafy green vegetables, sunflower, grapeseed, soya bean, cottonseed, corn oil, olive oil and macadamia oil.<\/p>\nAvoid foods with 'Trans Fat' (hard margarine, biscuits, pastries and crisps). Trans fats are man-made and don't occur naturally. Look for the words 'partially hydrogenated' on packaging to see if food contains this type of fat. \n \n Enjoy variety, balance and moderation!<\/b><\/p>\nUse <a href=\"https://www.choosemyplate.gov/\">ChooseMyPlate<\/a> <\/b>as a guide to creating meals to give your body the quality food for optimal performance.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Nutricious-and-delicious.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=462030","articleTitle":"MetLife partners with Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity","articleSubTitle":"Proud to be part of such an amazing initiative.","articleCreatedDate":"October 10, 2016","articleDesc":"MetLife announced partnerships with Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity to provide employees across its Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) markets with the opportunity to volunteer in community projects.<\/p>\nIn the UAE, 42 MetLife volunteers participated in activities with Special Olympics at Al Thiqah Club for the Handicapped on May 26th, 2016 during this special MetLife Community Service week.<\/p>\nThe initiative has been funded by MetLife Foundation, the philanthropic arm of MetLife. MetLife Foundation has a long tradition of supporting initiatives that engage MetLife volunteers in activities that improve quality of life and increase opportunities for the underserved.<\/p>\n Community Service week<\/b><\/p>\nMetLife\u2019s 5,000 employees in 26 EMEA countries were invited to participate in activities with one of the organizations during the region\u2019s Community Service Week which started on 23 May. Employees volunteered at a Special Olympics event to play sport with young people with intellectual disabilities or support local Habitat for Humanity initiatives to build or renovate buildings in disadvantaged areas.<\/p>\nTheodor Alexandrescu, MetLife Gulf General Manager<\/b> said: \u201cWe were delighted to be able to partner with Special Olympics in UAE. MetLife, with its long legacy of excellence, is committed to ensuring a future in which it can continue helping people, families and communities around the world. The idea for Community Service Week came directly from our employees and demonstrates their commitment and desire to make a meaningful difference in the communities in which we work, and we were delighted with the great experience and engagement with Special Olympics Young Athletes.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\nAyman Abdel Wahab, Special Olympics MENA President<\/b> added: \u201cThis is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved to do something to promote respect, acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. I would like to express our deepest thanks to our friends at MetLife and MetLife Foundation for this distinguished partnership\u201d.<\/i><\/p>\n MetLife Volunteers experiences <\/b><\/p>\n\u201cCommunity Service Week event was indeed a well-organized event that summed up the core values of MetLife as an insurance company, to provide care and protection to those in needed. It also allows us all to experience the \u2018doing something good\u2019 feeling together with the opportunity to reflect inwards towards the blessing of having our loved ones happy and healthy.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n\u201cThe event has touched me to no limit. It was a blessing to see the joy shining out of the children\u2019s eyes when you simply applaud their accomplishment. I also have hats off to those who work with these children on a daily basis, their patience, their perseverance, and their love.\u201d<\/i><\/p>","articleTag":"Family & Community","articleTagLink":"family-and-community.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/JBR_9694.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=461843","articleTitle":"Parenting in the age of internet","articleSubTitle":"It is not only about dangers, but you should be equipped to preserve the safety of your child on the web and make the best of his/her digital experience.","articleCreatedDate":"September 28, 2016","articleDesc":"1 in 3 teenagers in the UAE has been subject to <a href=\"http://whichschooladvisor.com/news/one-three-uae-teenagers-bulliedharassed-online-survey/\">cyberbullying<\/a> or some form of harassment according to a newly published survey. Around 20 percent of 883 respondents aged from 14 to 18 said that they had suffered cyber bullying while an additional 13 percent said that they had been harassed online. A further 15 percent said that they had suffered identity theft.  The study was carried out by the International Computer Driving License GCC whose Foundation advises children, parents how to ensure the safety of young people when using the web. A staggering 86 per cent of respondents said they did not know who to go to for help with cybercrime. 42 per cent turned to their parents, while 27 percent preferred to speak to their friends. Only 13 per cent said they reported the crime to the authorities and just 7 percent shared their concerns with teachers.<\/p>\nAs a parent in the age of the Internet, it can be difficult to know how to have a conversation around a sensitive topic like cyberbullying, but it is an important issue to discuss with your child. To guide you in such conversations, Dr. Bridget Green, Adjunct Faculty at George Washington University's Graduate School of Education and Human Development, who has studied and researched traditional bullying and cyberbullying, answers questions and provides conversation starters to help you initiate a dialogue about cyberbullying with your child.<\/p>\n1. What is the best way to start the conversation about cyberbullying with my child?<\/b><\/p>\nConversations about cyberbullying can occur at any time, and regardless of where the conversations occur, it is imperative that these talks happen. To support communication and the learning process, express to your child your opinion and/or view of the topic and the potential consequences you will implement if she/he participates in cyberbullying as the cyberbully.<\/p>\nWhen you talk to your child, it is important to ensure that he or she feels comfortable talking and asking questions about cyberbullying. Ask your child to define cyberbullying and if you feel the need to add to the definition, begin your response with the part of the definition in which you both agree. A potential exchange could be:<\/p>\nParent:<\/b> How would you define cyberbullying?                  <\/p>\nChild:<\/b> One person being mean to another person on the computer.<\/p>\nParent: Good point. I agree that cyberbullying is being mean to another person through the use of computers and cell phones.  I would also say that being mean online has to occur more than once because some people just have bad days and say things they don't truly believe. If you see that someone is being mean to a specific person again and again, you get the idea that they are trying to hurt that person's feelings.<\/p>\nIn doing this, you are providing an opportunity to understand how your child defines and perceives cyberbullying. This interaction also assists in building empathy skills for your child when you explain that others may say things because they are sad, frustrated, or stressed. Empathy training can prevent your child from immediately interpreting and reacting to something he or she thought might be cyberbullying.<\/p>\n2. Which are the common places my child might experience cyberbullying?<\/b><\/p>\nAs your child spends more time online, he or she increases the chance of experiencing cyberbullying.  On popular social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, teens can post pictures, videos, and comments, and send private, direct messages to peers. While these three social media sites attach an identity to a user, there are also apps (e.g. Yik Yak, Burn Book, and Secret) that allow users to be anonymous. Cyberbullying occurs on public sites and anonymous apps; therefore, it is important to discuss cyberbullying with your child before he or she uses technology.<\/p>\nWhile cyberbullying occurs on various social media sites, gaming, and anonymous apps, it is important to constantly communicate and reinforce positive online behavior with your child. Review news articles about cyberbullying with your child to better prepare him or her to respond to cyberbullying. Finally, remind your child that he or she should talk to you if any conversation makes them uncomfortable.<\/p>\n3. What are the signs my child is being cyberbullied?<\/b><\/p>\nThere are emotional and behavioral signs that can be related to cyberbullying. Individuals who have experienced cyberbullying expressed that they felt anxious, sad, and at times, felt depressed after using a smartphone, computer and/or smartpad. You may notice your child becoming quiet, distant, or tearful after using the computer. Your child may also suddenly close out of websites when you enter the room, and avoid conversations about online activity. Victims of cyberbullying may also refuse to go to school, refuse to use technology, and participate in traditional bullying on or off of school grounds themselves.<\/p>\n4. What should I do if my child is a victim of cyberbullying?<\/b><\/p>\nIt is important to be aware of how you respond to hearing that your child is a cybervictim and to effectively handle the cyberbullying, as your reaction will influence your child's future conversations with you. Do not take your child's computer and/or smartphone, and do not tell your child to "just turn off the computer if the words bother you." If you take away your child's technology because they disclosed to you that they were receiving cyberbullying-like messages, you are punishing them for appropriately responding to an event. To a teenager, simply turning off technology does not remove the potential social exclusion he or she may be feeling. It is important to discuss your child's emotions relating to the aggressive messages.<\/p>\nWhen your child confides to you that he or she is experiencing cyberbullying, ask to review the content with him or her.  After reading the content, reinforce your child did the right thing by showing the text to you.  Next, ask your child how he or she is feeling after reading the posts and how he or she would like you to handle the situation.  While the decision how to address the cyberbullying is up to you as the parent, it is recommended that you provide your child with an opportunity to have a say in how to address the cyberbully. Ask your child if he or she responded to or deleted any of the posts, and remind him/her to not respond to aggressive behavior online. If the cyberbully attends the same school as your child, alert the school as all states have adopted anti-bullying policies and traditional bullying can expand past the school and into cyberspace.  Finally, it is important that you always take screenshots of the cyberbullying in case the posts are deleted.<\/p>\n5. What should I do if my child is a cyberbully?<\/b><\/p>\nWhile it is important to know how to respond to potential victimization, it is also imperative that you teach your child not to cyberbully.<\/p>\nIf you discover that your child is cyberbullying others, it is important to stay in control of your emotions and not react in an aggressive manner. Review the posts, threads, or messages with your child. Ask them why they sent the messages, and how they would feel if these messages were directed towards them. This will build empathy skills, which can improve how your child interacts online. Finally, it is recommended that your child write the cyber victim an apology letter for his or her behavior.<\/p>\n6. What is the best way for me to scan my child's online activity without feeling like I'm intruding?<\/b><\/p>\nWhile you may not want to intrude on your child's life or development, you do want to ensure he or she is safe on and offline.  Consider this real-life example:<\/p>\nA mother takes her 15-year-old daughter and seven of her friends to an amusement park. The group arrives at the park at 10:00 am. After they enter the park, the mom reviews the amusement park map with the girls. The mother decides there will be a check-in at lunch, and while the mom is at the end of the table, she asks the girls if they are having fun and hears stories about what happened while she was away.  While the mother was not involved in every activity that her daughter and her friends participated in, she was able to ensure the girls were safe and not in any harm during their time at the amusement park.<\/p>\nParents should apply a similar check-in mentality to online activities. Online check-ins can be difficult because online communication cannot always be overheard or accessed by an adult. Some parents perform online check-ins by befriending their child on social media. While this is a great first step, a lot of communication will be missed through direct messages or private group chats.  Constant communication with your child can assist in protecting them from aggressive, online language.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Family & Community","articleTagLink":"family-and-community.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/parenting-in-the-age-of-internet.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=461745","articleTitle":"Natural energy boosters","articleSubTitle":"How to get a quick jolt without coffee","articleCreatedDate":"September 28, 2016","articleDesc":"With 3.4 billion cups consumed per day, coffee is undoubtedly one of the most popular beverages in the UAE. Internationally, the country occupies the 35th position in terms of <a href=\"http://www.khaleejtimes.com/lifestyle/food/the-rise-of-speciality-coffee-in-the-uae\">coffee consumption<\/a>, which is growing at the rate of 30% each year.<\/p>\nDrinking a giant coffee or energy drink can give you an instant lift. But it could come at a cost. While it's fine to consume caffeine in moderation, having too much can leave you feeling anxious and jittery. Heavy caffeine use can also irritate your stomach, make it harder to fall asleep at night and even cause a rapid heartbeat.<\/p>\nThe good news is that there are plenty of natural ways to boost your energy without caffeine. Here are six simple alternatives you can start using today.<\/p>\nComplex Carbohydrates and Protein<\/b><\/p>\nWhen it comes to natural energy foods, this winning combo delivers a fast boost that lasts. Try oatmeal with low-fat milk and berries for breakfast, a green salad with quinoa and grilled chicken for lunch, or a fresh fruit with a handful of nuts for an afternoon snack.<\/p>\nDrink Plenty of Water<\/b><\/p>\nBeing dehydrated doesn't just make you thirsty - it can also make you tired and unable to focus. The next time you start to try drinking a big glass of cold water. It might be all you need to perk up.<\/p>\nSniff an Energizing Scent<\/b><\/p>\nBelieve it or not, the right aroma can help you feel more awake. Refreshing peppermint can leave you more focused and alert, while the smell of citrus fruits like lemon or orange can increase your brain's production of the feel-good hormone serotonin.<\/p>\nGet Moving<\/b><\/p>\nInstead of a coffee break, lace up your sneakers and take a stroll around the block. <a href=\"http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21641846.2013.843266\">Studies show<\/a> that as little as 20 minutes of low-intensity exercise - like walking - is enough to fight fatigue and boost energy.<\/p>\nTake a Power Nap<\/b><\/p>\nDim the lights, silence your phone, and close your eyes. Twenty minutes of shuteye in the afternoon is enough to increase your alertness and productivity without leaving you groggy - or making it harder to fall asleep in the evening, according to the <a href=\"https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/napping\">National Sleep Foundation<\/a>.<\/p>\nAssess Your Sleep Habits<\/b><\/p>\nIt's normal to feel tired or sluggish once in a while. But if you regularly find yourself running low on steam in the middle of the day, that could be a sign that you're not getting enough sleep at night.<\/p>\nSo take a closer look at your regular sleep schedule. Most of us need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to feel our best the next day. If you're regularly getting less, take steps to improve your nighttime routine:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Instead of staying up late to watch another TV show or catch up on emails, go to sleep earlier.<\/li>\n<li>If you have trouble falling asleep, try calming nighttime activities to help you unwind before bed - like reading, listening to relaxing music, or taking a warm bath.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nSo next time you're feeling sluggish, instead of drinking another cup of coffee throughout the day, choose a healthier alternative. Chances are, you'll find yourself feeling equally energized and refreshed, without the downsides of consuming too much caffeine.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/natural-energy-booster.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=461741","articleTitle":"Ever wonder how insurance companies set the amount you pay for your premiums?","articleSubTitle":"Discover more more about prices and understand how underwriting impacts them.","articleCreatedDate":"September 27, 2016","articleDesc":"Ever wonder how insurance companies review your application - and how they come up with the amount you pay for your premiums? It's all about risk. Before an insurance company can accept your application for coverage, they need to determine what level of risk you present to the company's business. This process is called underwriting. Professional underwriters review the criteria on your application to see if it's possible to offer you a policy and if so, how much coverage you're eligible for and what you'll pay in premiums.<\/p>\n(Fun fact: the word "underwriting" originated centuries ago with British insurer Lloyd's of London, when bankers would literally write their name under the risk assessment for an undertaking such as a sea voyage.)<\/p>\nThere are several factors that are considered during the underwriting process:<\/p>\nMedical questions and exams<\/b><\/p>\nYour age and health status are the most important factors in determining insurability as well as the amount you pay for life insurance. Health status is assessed either through a physical exam, answers to questions about your health and medical history, or a combination of those things. It's important to be honest when self-reporting the answers to medical questions, as false statements can result in penalties and problems when benefits are to be paid.<\/p>\nOther factors used to determine your premium rate<\/b><\/p>\nHealth considerations play the most significant role in the underwriting process, but other factors may come into play, depending on things like your age and amount of coverage requested. These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Family health history<\/li>\n<li>Personal medical history<\/li>\n<li>Leisure activities<\/li>\n<li>Travel activities and risk<\/li>\n<li>Occupation<\/i><\/li>\n<li>Tobacco/alcohol use<\/i><\/li>\n<li>Immigration status<\/i><\/li>\n<li>Financial information<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nOnce the insurer has collected and verified your information, it will be determined whether they can offer you a policy, at standard premium rate or increased premium rate, postponed or declined based on the information received.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/Ever-wonder-how-your-insurance-compnay.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449775","articleTitle":"When Is The Best Time of Year to Job Search in the UAE? And More Helpful Tips","articleSubTitle":"Headhunters give advice on when your CV will most likely get employers' attention.","articleCreatedDate":"September 6, 2016","articleDesc":"Despite the UAE's significant oil reserves, economic diversification is a crucial component of the government's fiscal sustainability strategy. In the next decade, the non-oil sector is expected to account for 80 per cent of the country's GDP as industries outside of the oil and gas sector get more legroom.<\/p>\nThis is good news for job seekers - economic diversification also means more job opportunities in various fields, making the UAE a true magnet for global talent. If you're planning to look for employment in the country, executive search specialists from Robert Half UAE and Stanton Chase have some words of advice on when is the best time of year to hunt for jobs.<\/p>\nStart Early in the Year<\/b><\/p>\n"On the whole, businesses are constantly seeking professionals with skills that are lacking within the region," said Gareth El Mettouri, of Robert Half UAE. "Professionals would do well to search and apply for jobs in the first half of the year. In general, businesses tend to approve their budgets early in the year and will look to hire professionals to fill vacant or new positions soon after."<\/p>\nSo if you think you can contribute to the evolution of the UAE job market, here is El Mettouri's advice: start your job hunt early. "[Getting in touch with] an international recruitment specialist well before arrival to the UAE can provide candidates with the local contacts to start their job search."<\/p>\nMeanwhile, Wassim Karkabi, of Stanton Chase, said recruitment in the UAE usually picks up around the second quarter (Q2) of the year and immediately after summer, which falls on the end of Q3 and the first half of Q4.<\/p>\n"The reason for this is the fiscal and planning cycles of organizations. Companies tend to plan in Q4 for hiring that they need the following year. While there is some immediate action, the plan doesn't start to hit the ground until the financial results of the previous year are out, and so that happens around the first two months of the year," he explained.<\/p>\nThe Application Process<\/b><\/p>\nWhile applying online is well and good, Karkabi pointed out that candidates tend to gain more traction with their application if they schedule visits and meetings with headhunters. "Face-to-face meetings need to be done maybe two to three times per year. Remember, the GCC region is about the relationship first, and the work second."<\/p>\n"The majority of the UAE recruitment takes place in a hidden job market, where vacancies are filled through word of mouth or directly with recruitment firms that have suitable candidates on hand," he said.<\/p>\nIndeed, the UAE - like the rest of the Arabian Gulf region - is big on relationships. This is especially true in the business community where building trust and rapport is crucial, El Mettouri explained.<\/p>\nThe Interviewing Process<\/b><\/p>\nEmployers and recruitment firms in the UAE deal with candidates from all over the globe and sourcing candidates from overseas would require a preliminary interview. But thanks to technology, video chat can serve as a reliable alternative to face-to-face interview, at least in the initial stage of the recruitment process, said El Mettouri.<\/p>\n"Skype meetings [or] interviews can be conducted between the candidate and the employer without the need for travel. This is a great opportunity for both the candidate and the employer to ensure that the role is suited to the [candidate's] skills and values," he said.<\/p>\nFor senior and executive leadership level roles, the hiring process may be slightly different, according to Karkabi. "There is usually an initial phone call or video conference, then a fly over, where the candidate will go through a number of meetings and interviews [in person]."<\/p>\nEmployers who are really interested may also invite the candidate's spouse to come over for a two- to three-day visit to view schools and housing options so they can get a taste of the quality of life they could expect in the UAE, he added.<\/p>\nMore Points to Consider<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do your research.<\/b> If you're new to the UAE and unfamiliar with the average salaries in your industry, consulting resources such as the <a href=\"http://www.roberthalf.ae/salary-centre\">Robert Half 2016 Salary Guide<\/a> can help you learn about trends in the market and the specific industries actively recruiting for skilled professionals.  Aside from recruitment agencies' websites, there are also several job sites that you can visit, such as Bayt, Monster, Nadia, and GulfTalent, among others.<\/li>\n<li>Make your CV stand out.<\/b> Obviously, you should be ensuring that it is formatted properly, tailored to the job you are applying for and devoid of spelling and grammar mistakes, Robert Half's El Mettouri said. "Applicants should ensure their CV presents past experiences in a clear and concise manner, chronological order is often the best, with job history listed in reverse order. This will ensure that anyone who reads your CV is able to quickly understand your experiences and skills."<\/li>\n<li>Be adaptable.<\/b> Employers in the UAE, he added, are actively seeking professionals who can add value to their business, and ultimately their bottom line and market share. But they also want people who can adapt to different work environments and are open to developing their career.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","articleTag":"Career Growth","articleTagLink":"career-growth.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_besttime.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449752","articleTitle":"10 Facts About Diabetes","articleSubTitle":"The disease is rapidly increasing in many countries across the world","articleCreatedDate":"September 6, 2016","articleDesc":"Diabetes is currently the fastest growing debilitating disease in the world and the UAE has recently been ranked 2nd highest worldwide for diabetes prevalence. Today, an estimated 20% of the population lives with the disease and an additional 20% are at risk of developing it.<\/p>\nHere are 10 facts about diabetes<\/b>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>About 347 million people worldwide have diabetes<\/b>. There is an emerging global epidemic of diabetes that can be traced back to rapid increases in overweight, including obesity and physical inactivity.<\/li>\n<li>Diabetes is predicted to become the 7th leading cause of death in the world by the year 2030.<\/b> Total deaths from diabetes are projected to rise by more than 50% in the next 10 years.<\/li>\n<li>There are two major forms of diabetes.<\/b> Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a lack of insulin production and type 2 diabetes results from the body's ineffective use of insulin.<\/li>\n<li>A third type of diabetes is gestational diabetes.<\/b> This type is characterized by hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, with values above normal but below those diagnostic of diabetes, occurring during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and at delivery. They are also at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.<\/li>\n<li>Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes.<\/b> Type 2 accounts for around 90% of all diabetes worldwide. Reports of type 2 diabetes in children - previously rare - have increased worldwide. In some countries, it accounts for almost half of newly diagnosed cases in children and adolescents.<\/li>\n<li>Cardiovascular disease is responsible for between 50% and 80% of deaths in people with diabetes.<\/b> Diabetes has become one of the major causes of premature illness and death in most countries, mainly through the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).<\/li>\n<li>In 2012 diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths.<\/b><\/li>\n<li>80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.<\/b> In developed countries most people with diabetes are above the age of retirement, whereas in developing countries those most frequently affected are aged between 35 and 64.<\/li>\n<li>Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, amputation and kidney failure.<\/b> Lack of awareness about diabetes, combined with insufficient access to health services and essential medicines, can lead to complications such as blindness, amputation and kidney failure.<\/li>\n<li>Type 2 diabetes can be prevented.<\/b> Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days and a healthy diet can drastically reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n(Source: <a href=\"http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/diabetes/facts/en/\">World Health Organization<\/a>)<\/p>\nThe diabetes epidemic is rapidly increasing in many countries, however, a large proportion of diabetes cases are preventable. The risk of diabetes can be reduced by maintaining a normal body weight, engaging in regular physical activity and having a healthy diet. In addition, diabetes is treatable. It can be managed through diagnosis, self-management education and affordable treatments.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_articles_diabetes.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449765","articleTitle":"Preventative Medical Tests Everyone Needs","articleSubTitle":"Act now to always be on top of your health and wellbeing.","articleCreatedDate":"September 6, 2016","articleDesc":"Preventable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers are a leading cause of mortality. In fact, they're responsible for <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/\">seven out of ten deaths<\/a> in the United States. They're also costly to treat - according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they account for 86 percent of the U.S. national healthcare expenses.<\/p>\nOne of best ways to keep these ailments at bay is to exercise regularly. That's the first line of defense. Just half an hour of exercise per week can make a considerable difference. "There's at least a 15 to 25 percent reduction of a person's risk of these preventable diseases, "said <a href=\"http://www.ndph.ox.ac.uk/team/charlie-foster\">Charlie Foster<\/a>, an associate professor at the University of Oxford who is the director of a research group that focuses on disease prevention.<\/p>\nThere are also medical tests that you should include in your health regime. They provide you and your physician with early warnings and better and more precisely inform you about your general state of health. Most of them should be undertaken on a fairly regular basis. There are a number of places in the Emirates that offer an impressive and comprehensive arsenal of preventative medical check-ups, such as <a href=\"http://nmc.ae/hospitals/abu-dhabi/nmc-specialty-hospital-3/health-packages/3/\">NMC Speciality Hospital<\/a>.<\/p>\nMost of us should start taking these tests at age 20 or even before, said <a href=\"http://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff_directory/staff_display?doctorid=14218\">Dr. Samer Ellahham<\/a>, a chief quality officer and cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi. These checks measure the following: blood pressure, body mass index, blood glucose and cholesterol levels.<\/p>\nEllahham says these fairly basic and straight forward medical tests are very important for long and short term health. "The aim is to inform you about things you change like diet and life style," he added, "You can't control the other risk factors like ethnicity, age and family history, but these tests give you information about things we can do something about."<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Blood Pressure:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nMeasuring blood pressure is easy, simple and painless. That's why it should be done at least every two years, said Ellahham. If blood pressure levels are higher than average, he recommends more frequent testing. It's essential to keep tabs on blood pressure, because abnormal levels can increase the risk of developing heart disease, kidney disease or having a stroke.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Body Mass Index:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nCritics of the BMI test are numerous and many have <a href=\"http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21229387\">wondered if it needs reforming<\/a>. But weight remains important to keep track of, says Foster, because it impacts your overall health and risk of many preventable diseases. Because of this, Ellahham and governmental bodies such as the <a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/healthy-weight-basics/body-mass-index.htm\">United States Department of Health and Human Services<\/a> continue to recommend calculating BMI every couple of years or so. Your physician can help you determine your index and so can a number of <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Healthyweightcalculator.aspx\">online BMI calculators<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Blood Sugar Test:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThis measures the amount of glucose in a sample of your blood. It's a way to screen for diabetes and your risk of developing the disorder. "Unless there's a family history of diabetes, this should be checked every three years by age 45," said Ellahham.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cholesterol tests:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nTesting cholesterol levels in the blood should begin by age 20 to be on the safe side, but certainly by age 35. There are <a href=\"http://heartuk.org.uk/health-and-high-cholesterol\">two types of cholesterol<\/a> - LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL (high density lipoprotein) - both of which need to be monitored. High concentrations of LDL cholesterol in the blood is one of the major risk factors for heart disease.<\/p>\nIn general, we're more aware about the need for these data-driven check-ups than we have previously been, "People are more educated than ever before, which has been especially helped by the Internet," explained Ellahham. But he added that knowing your numbers doesn't immediately translate to better health, "Modifying behavior is difficult."<\/p>\nThat's why Foster, from the University of Oxford, advocates making simple changes that you can easily implement into your daily routine and commute to work. "If you go for the stairs instead of the escalator or get off the bus one stop earlier, it can make a difference," said Foster, "Just 30 minutes of exercise a week and you'll get a similar benefit to someone who does three times as much as that."<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_preventative.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449755","articleTitle":"5 Ways You Can Eat Better","articleSubTitle":"Advice from professionals that will improve your eating habits.","articleCreatedDate":"September 6, 2016","articleDesc":"How many of your New Years resolutions last into February? Studies have shown that <a href=\"http://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2013/01/01/just-8-of-people-achieve-their-new-years-resolutions-heres-how-they-did-it/\">just 8 percent of us actually make good<\/a> on our New Year's resolutions. We join gyms in droves, purge our kitchens of sugary snacks and renew the annual promise to be healthier, but many of us bite off more than we can chew.<\/p>\nThe key is to keep it simple.<\/p>\nWe've asked two nutritionists for some practical ways to eat better in 2016. This isn't about losing weight - it's about making sure you and your family are healthier versions of yourselves this year. Here are their top 5 tips.<\/p>\n1. Embrace whole foods.<\/b><\/p>\nFiona Halar, a nutritionist based in Australia, advocates introducing more whole foods into your diet. A whole food by definition is one that's been minimally processed. It should also be free of preservatives and additives. "It's like the difference between eating an orange and drinking orange juice that has been reconstituted from a concentrate and may contain preservatives," says Halar.<\/p>\nShe says many studies have shown that eating more plant-based whole foods can reduce a person's risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. "Whole plant-based foods are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants and other phytochemcials," explains Halar, "Processed foods, on the other hand, have been stripped of a lot of nutrients during the manufacturing process."<\/p>\n2. Failure to plan is planning to fail.<\/b><\/p>\nOne of the most important things to do, says nutritionist and author Michele Chevalley Hedge, is to make meal plans for the week ahead. "Why would you not plan for the single biggest investment of your life? Your health," she asks. "Otherwise you're at risk of eating grab and go snacks that are full of processed foods."<\/p>\nSpare ten minutes at the end of the weekend and sit down to make a list of meal ideas for the week ahead. Remember to incorporate whole fruits and vegetables into your meal ideas. Bonus: You'll see a benefit in your bank balance when you skip ready-made meals and take out.<\/p>\n3. Choose variety, not monotony.<\/b><\/p>\n"There's no 'new thing' I would encourage people to start eating," says Halar. Instead, make an effort to vary the whole foods you put on your plate. Shake things up - make sure you're not eating the same vegetables night after night. This can keep meals interesting, and help you stay motivated to eat well - it also means you're getting a broader range of nutrients. "I have a rule,"says Halar. "I try not to eat the same meal two days in a row." If you've got leftovers, freeze them and eat them next week rather than the next day.<\/p>\n4. Eat this, not that.<\/b><\/p>\nTo minimize the impact of processed grab and go items, get in the habit of choosing alternative options, says Chevally Hedge. Grab and go foods include things like cereal, health bars and store-made smoothies and muffins. Halar echoes these sentiments, but admits it's not as easy as it should be, "There are so many processed snack foods and drinks available that it makes it hard to avoid them when you are feeling a bit peckish," she says. "Instead of buying chips and chocolate, I recommend going for nuts, seeds, roasted beans, fruit and fresh veggie sticks with dips like hummus." Be strict with yourself when it comes to drinks too. Sodas, soft drinks and even fruit juices are high in sugar. "Try going for good old fashioned water. If you don't want to drink plain water all the time, then flavor it with a small squeeze of lemon," she adds.<\/p>\n5. Tech can help!<\/b><\/p>\nIf you want to keep track of your progress, there are lots of apps and websites out there to help. Halar's favorite is called "<a href=\"http://paprikaapp.com/\">Paprika Recipe Manager<\/a>," which aims to organize your food and health regime. "It allows me to store recipes, plan my meals and even put together a shopping list based on my meal plan." The app is available on most platforms and syncs across devices. As a MetLife customer, you also have access to content like monthly healthy recipes and fitness tips, so be sure to check those out, too.<\/p>\nThis year, instead of focusing on weight loss, resolve to create better and healthier eating habits for you and your family. By making small changes first, you'll see big changes in the long run.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_5ways.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449763","articleTitle":"Keeping Expat Kids Active in the UAE","articleSubTitle":"No Matter the Weather!","articleCreatedDate":"September 6, 2016","articleDesc":"Kids in the UAE get a spring in their step when winter rolls around because they know what those cooling temperatures mean - no more being cooped up indoors! They can go to the park, cycle, and play sports outside.<\/p>\nOf course, the excitement isn't just for the kids - parents get excited, too, because their children can finally get some much-needed physical activity outdoors - without the risk of heat-related health problems.<\/p>\nThere's no denying the importance of physical activity for kids. The World Health Organization recommends <a href=\"http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_young_people/en/\">children get 60 minutes of physical activity daily<\/a>. In addition to boosting general well-being, exercise allows children to burn off energy, encourages social interaction, and gives them ample opportunity for free play.<\/p>\nLuckily, even though the UAE is a desert country, it is still extremely well-equipped for an outdoorsy lifestyle. Many neighborhoods have parks with walking and/or cycling tracks. Sand pits and play areas for little ones, as well as shady picnic areas for families, are also abundant. Parks that cater to more populated areas even have football grounds, basketball, and tennis courts. It's very common to see kids playing in parks until closing time at night in the cooler months.<\/p>\nSummer months, though, offer a challenge, with temperatures averaging in the mid-40s (Celsius) and humidity hitting 90%. With such conditions, staying out for even a short time can pose serious health risks for kids. Fortunately, there are still plenty of indoor options for kids.<\/p>\nIndoor play areas, swimming pools, and covered sports clubs are in abundance all over the UAE. Most apartment buildings have their own pools and gyms.  And most schools also have well-established sports and PE programs that encourage exercise year round.<\/p>\nFor example, the <a href=\"http://uptownschool.ae/\">Uptown School<\/a> in Mirdiff, Dubai, offers seasonal competitive sports. Competitions for football and swimming are held from September to December, athletics and netball from January to March, and basketball and cricket from March to June, and all classes receive physical education and swimming twice a week. And the Uptown School isn't the exception when it comes to emphasizing sports and outdoor activities. Almost every school in the UAE strives to provide students with outdoor play in one form or another.<\/p>\nIf you're looking to diversify the kind of sports your kids take part in, then the <a href=\"http://dubaisportsworld.ae/\">Dubai Sports World<\/a> has facilities for football, basketball, cricket, badminton, techno gym, tennis, table tennis, rugby, volleyball, skateboarding, running, and even Parkour. For those in Abu Dhabi, <a href=\"http://www.zsc.ae/en/\">Zayed Sports City <\/a>has similar programs and facilities. For children interested in horse riding, the <a href=\"http://alahliriding.com/english/index.php\">Al Ahli Horse Riding Club<\/a> has riding lessons for kids aged 3 years and above.<\/p>\nIf your children love animals, there are petting zoos and farms in every emirate of the UAE. Smitha Vinod, a Dubai-based mum, has a daughter who loves farm animals. "My daughter loves going to the petting zoo and farms. During weekends, we visit Posh Paw Animal Sanctuary where she can get close to animals and pet and feed them. She loves it. After the park and beach, this is her favorite outdoor activity."<\/p>\nOther physical activities and sports that the UAE has taken indoors are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Skateboarding (The Zoo Skate Park, Dubai),<\/li>\n<li>Rock Climbing (Adventure HQ, Dubai),<\/li>\n<li>Ice Skating (Dubai Mall),<\/li>\n<li>Indoor Skiing (Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates),<\/li>\n<li>Trampoline parks (Bounce and Jump Boxx, Dubai),<\/li>\n<li>Paintball park (Sharjah Paintball Park, Sharjah), and<\/li>\n<li>Shooting (Shooter's Club, Ajman)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nKeeping kids active and physically fit isn't hard in the UAE, regardless of the season. You just need to find the right activity and place to suit your children's needs.  Try something new this weekend!<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Family & Community","articleTagLink":"family-and-community.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_funoutdoor.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449764","articleTitle":"Preserving Your Culture in a Foreign Country","articleSubTitle":"You can still be yourself and feel at home.","articleCreatedDate":"September 6, 2016","articleDesc":"Rinki arrived in Dubai four weeks ago with son Aman to join her husband who works here. Her first encounter with Dubai was ecstatic. Lately, however, she finds herself listless, fatigued and irritable. The heat and the tantrums of her young child seem relentless.<\/p>\nAlthough Justin from Toronto has already spent a few months here, there are hours during the day when he feels out of place, sad and homesick - in that order.<\/p>\nAre you also an expatriate settled in an Emirate city? And do you find yourself in similar conditions as Justin or Rinki?<\/p>\nDubai and Abu Dhabi, the two most popular cities in the UAE, are dream destinations for many around the globe. Yet, a period of homesickness and cultural shock is imminent at some point after you relocate.<\/p>\nTide over the culture shock<\/b><\/p>\n"For settling down in a new country, specifically in the UAE, it is very important that you familiarize yourself in advance with the customs, laws and the predominant culture," says Dipti Rane, Global Business Development Manager, at The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which claims to be the world's largest professional, not-for-profit Human Resource association.<\/p>\nDipti has been living in Dubai for the past 2.5 years. She states: "The first thing emigrants face when they land here is culture shock. The UAE is pretty much a melting pot of diverse cultures and has maintained the local culture as well. As such, it becomes a bit tough for anyone to adjust quickly to the diversified culture."<\/p>\nA little preconditioning, however, will go a long way in helping you deal with culture shock and here are some pointers to start with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the UAE is very tolerant to all nationalities and their behaviors, however, in certain limits, so that the local culture is still well maintained.<\/li>\n<li>The major religion here is Islam so remember to observe the same rules that apply to your Muslim friends. Most of the business dealings in the UAE fall under the Islamic 'Sharia'a law'.<\/li>\n<li>Alcohol and pork is banned here in the UAE and you won't find any retail outlets selling these. An expat (non-Muslim) would need to apply for a license to purchase these. However, alcohol is not illegal and is available in bars, pubs, restaurants, and outlets holding licenses to serve.<\/li>\n<li>It is essential for both men and women to wear respectful clothing (not too revealing) in the public areas. Although shorts, flip-flops and casual wear is well accepted, avoid these during the holy month of Ramadan.<\/li>\n<li>It is appreciated if women cover their heads while outdoors.<\/li>\n<li>Do not indulge in public display of affection as it is not permitted anywhere in the UAE.<\/li>\n<li>During Ramadan, the fasting month, smoking, drinking and eating in public, and using offensive languages are considered disrespectful and will land you in trouble.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid shaking hands or any form of physical contact with Emirati ladies, as this is considered disrespectful.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nBe prepared to beat the heat<\/b><\/p>\nDipti says, "considering all the problems that expats face here, including social culture shift, education systems, work culture, and distance from extended families, the most difficult to tackle is the weather condition. The rising mercury in UAE (sometimes touching 50°C+) results in numerous health problems, especially for those who are used to living in temperate zones. Also, the prolonged summer (usually 8 months of it) forces you to remain confined to closed air-conditioned spaces and that can prove sickening for many."<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Remember to drink 2-3 liters of water through the day to keep yourself well hydrated, even if you are indoors and in an air-conditioned space.<\/li>\n<li>Wear clothes made of breathable materials such as cotton.<\/li>\n<li>Include fruits, low fat curds or yoghurt and herbs like mint in your daily diet. These help you keep cool.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nFind your friends<\/b><\/p>\nOne way to deal with homesickness is to connect with people from your own community. Rent your house where there is a higher population of your home country residents. "We always suggest new expatriates to carefully pick the community in which they wish to live, "says Dipti.<\/p>\nResearch and join some of the numerous online forums and Facebook pages devoted to specific nationalities and communities. Interaction across communities during festivals and social activities also helps you gain a certain amount of assurance and confidence that is priceless in a foreign land.<\/p>\n"There are a number of social events and work-related groups like Inter-Nations, India Club, and AmCham that may connect people with their home communities. Specific ladies only groups like International Business Women's Group and Dubai Ladies' Club also offer membership at nominal fees. These can help you take that first step towards feeling 'at home'," advises Dipti.<\/p>\nThe UAE, being a tax-free country and inclusive of over a 100 nationalities from around the world, is one of the most economic and socially beneficial places for expats to live. Enjoy life in its safe, secure, and cosmopolitan cities.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Family & Community","articleTagLink":"family-and-community.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_preserving.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449757","articleTitle":"Exercise Routine of the Month","articleSubTitle":"Learn more about core workout and how it can improve your health.","articleCreatedDate":"August 31, 2016","articleDesc":"Are you happy with your stomach? If you are, good for you! But most of us might appreciate a little 'core' workout.<\/p>\nWhat is the core? It's the collection of muscles around your stomach and back, If you're after washboard abs, these are the muscles to target - but they do so much more than sculpt a six-pack. These muscles are responsible for all-important balance, posture, trunk stability and the foundations of movement, providing you with support day in and day out.<\/p>\n"Many people think the core simply equals the abs, but it's actually much more," says Dubai-based personal trainer Maria Savic. "The core also includes the transverse abdominals, diaphragm, pelvic floor and other deep muscles. These muscles support the back, the spine and surrounding musculature. They're not just important for sports, but help in everyday life too."<\/p>\nSo whether your day to day routine involves carrying kids or grocery bags, sitting at your desk or a daily run, your core muscles play a huge part in providing essential support that helps to power all your body's movements. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4395677/\">Studies show<\/a> that building a strong core can also help to alleviate back pain in certain cases, and strengthening this area can help to prevent aches and pains as you grow older.<\/p>\nOur exercise of the month routine focuses on five moves that will strengthen the muscles around the core. You can do the routine at home or in a gym - all you need is a mat and stability ball (a large rolled towel will work instead of the ball, too.)<\/p>\n<h3>1 routine, 5 core moves<\/h3>\nMove 1: Plank Tap Outs<\/b><\/p>\n1. Lie on your stomach, then lift up onto your elbows and toes so your body weight is resting on your forearms and toes - this is called the plank position. Keep your hips high so they stay in alignment with your back.<\/p>\n2. Keeping your abs tight, lift your left foot and move it out to the side, away from your body, then move it back to the center. Repeat five times then switch legs.<\/p>\nMove 2: Sliding Pike<\/b><\/p>\n1. On a wooden or uncarpeted floor, begin in the plank position (described in Move 1). Place a towel under your feet, which should help you slide your legs easily across the floor.<\/p>\n2. Straighten your arms so your upper body rests on the palms of your hands, in alignment with your shoulders.<\/p>\n3. With your legs straight, raise your hips and slide both legs toward your hands to form a pike position. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the start. Repeat 10 times.<\/p>\nMove 3: Oblique Reach<\/b><\/p>\n1. Sit upright with your knees bent.<\/p>\n2. Place your right hand behind your head then straighten and raise your left leg and left arm out in front of you, reaching forward to feel your oblique muscles, to the side of your trunk, contract. Hold for a few seconds then return to the start. Repeat five times then switch sides.<\/p>\nMove 4: Hands-Up Bridge<\/b><\/p>\n1. Lie on your back with your knees bent, hip distance apart. Raise your hands up in the air.<\/p>\n2. Slowly lift your buttocks up towards the ceiling, pushing through your heels so your body appears in a straight line from your knees to your shoulders.<\/p>\n3. Squeeze your gluteal and abdominal muscles for a few seconds then return to the start position. Repeat 10 times.<\/p>\nMove 5: Pass the Ball<\/b><\/p>\nUse a stability ball for this exercise, but if you don't have one a rolled up large towel will also work in a pinch.<\/p>\n1. Lie on your back with your legs straight, holding the ball above your chest.<\/p>\n2. Raise your legs in the air, then breathe out and lower your arms and legs away from each other, so you're now holding the ball over your head.<\/p>\n3. Breathe in and bring your arms and legs slowly towards each other, transferring the ball from your hands to your feet.<\/p>\n4. Lower your legs and arms away from each other once again then repeat, transferring the ball between your hands and feet. Repeat 10 times.<\/p>\nAdding this routine into your regular workouts will provide you with more core strength - try it next time you exercise and see how you feel!<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_excercise.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449760","articleTitle":"How Well Do You Balance Work and Family?","articleSubTitle":"A long talked-about issue that several professionals struggle to come to terms with.","articleCreatedDate":"August 31, 2016","articleDesc":"Dubai's ever-productive workforce has lived by an unofficial credo for years: "Work hard during the week, and party harder during the weekend." For those with families, the partying is most likely replaced with family time, but striking a balance between a demanding job and home life can be a challenge.<\/p>\nSaeed Siddiqui, an engineer by profession, thought he had a decent balance when it came to work and family. "I'd leave for work around 7 a.m. and return by 5 p.m. The schedule allowed me to spend time with my wife and kids every day."<\/p>\nBut then he decided to enroll in an MBA program and started attending evening classes four nights a week. "I thought two nights a week combined with weekend classes would get hectic, but I could still manage."<\/p>\nIn theory, his plan seemed workable. However, Saeed soon found out otherwise.<\/p>\n"I was unprepared for the sheer exhaustion that results from taking a 4-hour class after a full day of work. I'd come home late exhausted, eat dinner, and pass out. Weekends were no better because I had to study!"<\/p>\nSaeed's crazy schedule is something most Dubai expats are familiar with. If it's not evening classes, then it's added responsibilities at work, an important project, business traveling, or simple end-of-the-month office madness. In addition, there are also chores, meals, household management stuff, and countless other things that require your attention.<\/p>\nSo how are you supposed to find a balance between work and family stress?<\/p>\nMake the time you have with your family count. Saeed says that having a plan and scheduling regular time off helps a great deal. "I try to schedule time off every couple of months, even if it's just two days combined with the weekend. We plan picnics and outings well in advance. We've also established family traditions, like going out for breakfast every Saturday and then on to the library, and we all look forward to it. It also helps me unwind."<\/p>\nYou can also make the most of your time off by delegating. Try using services that take care of household chores for you, maximizing family time together.<\/p>\nFor instance, <a href=\"http://movesouq.com/\">MoveSouq<\/a> can connect you with the right service provider whether you're in need of cleaning or other home maintenance help. You provide a description of the service you need and the date you need it done, and then choose from service providers and request quotes, making the right help easy to find.<\/p>\nThe Siddiqui family found that using MoveSouq freed up time they'd have spent cleaning house and doing other household chores.<\/p>\nSaeed said another huge time-saver was having groceries delivered to their home. "We realized that when it came to groceries, more often than not, we needed the same items. We also found a service that can deliver nutritious meals to our house. It's an option we save for times our lives are insanely hectic, and we desperately need a break."<\/p>\nCompanies like <a href=\"http://dinnertime.me/\">Dinner Time<\/a> can assist with meal planning and shopping. They deliver a box of fresh groceries every week, as well as recipes that only require 30 minutes to prepare and cook, freeing up more family time. Customers who sign up for the service receive weekly menus, and the groceries provided are for four meals a week for a family of four. All menus include one chicken, fish, and a vegetarian dish, along with soup or pasta.<\/p>\nAnother alternative is <a href=\"http://right-bite.com/\">Right Bite<\/a>, which delivers prepared meals to your home. Personal preferences are taken into account, and on-staff dietitians help determine the best meal plans.<\/p>\nWhile these services can save you time, personal care has its place, too. Prioritizing meditation, listening to music, exercise and sports activities can help you de-stress from work, giving you the freedom to better enjoy your time away from the office.<\/p>\nOne thing that made a big difference in Saeed's daily life was disconnecting from all electronic devices when he reached home. "It was hard in the beginning but now I'm at a point where when I leave the office, I feel a certain amount of glee at not having to do anything work related for the rest of the evening. I can't wait to get home!"<\/p>\nIf you find yourself worrying about work even when you're with family, commit to making your evenings "work free." Not only does it improve the quality of time spent with your family, it also reduces work stress.<\/p>\nWhen it comes to balancing work and family, it's okay to ask for help and take time for yourself. Striking a balance between work and family life leads to less stress and more happiness.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Family & Community","articleTagLink":"family-and-community.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_balancefamily.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449754","articleTitle":"5 tips for networking as an expat in the UAE","articleSubTitle":"Connecting with like-minded professionals is critical in the Emirates' cosmopolitan setting.","articleCreatedDate":"August 31, 2016","articleDesc":"Starting a new job in a foreign land can easily feel like the first day of school all over again - exciting, yet daunting at the same time. But in a cosmopolitan environment such as the UAE, finding like-minded professionals outside of your workplace is a cinch.<\/p>\nDubai and Abu Dhabi are teeming with professional associations and groups that are crucial for expatriates looking to widen their career network, according to John Martin St. Valery. St. Valery is a founding partner of The Links Group, a Dubai-based company formation think tank.<\/p>\n"Expatriates account for 87 percent of the UAE's workforce, represented by approximately 200 different nationalities. While this diversity brings significant advantages to workplaces, it can also present challenges, especially in how we understand each other," he said.<\/p>\n"Professional networking can help overcome some of those cultural barriers and build mutually beneficial relationships," St. Valery said, adding that it's important to note that the UAE is a market where business is conducted on the basis of personal relationships and mutual trust. Therefore, it's vital that professional relationships are built and nurtured.<\/p>\nHere are some tips on how to network in the UAE:<\/p>\n1. Start online<\/b><\/p>\nLinkedIn is always a good starting point for any professional seeking to connect with his or her peers. Other online platforms are helpful as well. For Minu Chawla, Community Manager at Impact Hub Dubai, who recently moved to the UAE, Instagram served as a place to meet people who not only share her passion for photography, but have also connected her with other professionals.<\/p>\nBijay Rajnikantt Shah, National Director of BNI Middle East, the regional chapter of BNI International - a business networking and referrals organization - said online communities such as <a href=\"http://www.internations.org/\">InterNations<\/a> and <a href=\"http://www.meetup.com/\">MeetUp<\/a> are also very useful, especially for expatriates who have just arrived in the UAE.<\/p>\n"Social media is awash with events and happenings; it is easy to find something for everyone. It does require going out and making a point to meet and connect with new contacts," Shah added.<\/p>\n2. Look for your university alumni groups or professional associations<\/b><\/p>\nBecause of the UAE's multicultural environment, don't be surprised to find another expat who has gone to the same college or university as you, said Chawla. "A professional networking group that I came to know of is the <a href=\"http://www.idcn.info/\">International Dual Career Network<\/a>, which has a chapter in the UAE," she added.<\/p>\nBaiju Kurieash, Managing Director and Chief Executive of BUZ Management and Marketing Consultancy, noted that expatriates in the country have many choices of professional associations in various industries that can provide members with valuable services, trends and job opportunities. "Personally, I have benefitted greatly from my networking through the <a href=\"http://www.mepra.org/\">Middle East Public Relations Association<\/a>," he said.<\/p>\n3. Consider networking events<\/b><\/p>\nBusiness or social events organized by embassies and professional business groups such as the <a href=\"http://www.ibwgdubai.com/\">International Business Women's Group<\/a>, for example, are excellent ways to rub shoulders with fellow professionals. "Membership to these groups requires a nominal fee, and alternatively you can choose to attend events as a non-member for a slightly higher fee," St. Valery mentioned.<\/p>\n4. Broaden your start-up horizon<\/b><\/p>\nThe UAE government encourages entrepreneurship, which is why there are a number of innovation centers across the country, such as <a href=\"http://impacthub.ae/\">The Impact Hub Dubai<\/a> and <a href=\"http://infive.ae/\">In5<\/a>. OlSt. Valery also suggests business owners to join the local chapter of <a href=\"http://eonetwork.ae/\">Entrepreneurs Organization<\/a> or consider joining the <a href=\"http://ceoclubsuae.com/\">CEO Clubs Network<\/a>.<\/p>\n"There are also a good number of start-up networks like <a href=\"http://www.makebusinesshub.com/\">Make Business Hub<\/a> or <a href=\"http://www.shelter.ae/\">Shelter<\/a> for more creative industries. We also get immense value out of attending the SME 100 events, an initiative of Dubai's Department of Economic Development," he said.<\/p>\n5. Mind your manners<\/b><\/p>\nThe fusion of Eastern and Western cultures gives the UAE a distinctive charm - highly progressive, yet anchored in traditional values. But as an Islamic country, religion still plays a significant role in all cultural interactions, said St. Valery.<\/p>\n"Expats should remember to dress modestly and, when greeting a member of the opposite sex who is Muslim, do not offer to shake hands unless they extend their hand first," he advises. "Courtesy and hospitality are important values in the Arab world. Be sure to accept food and refreshments when offered and spend time building a personal relationship before moving onto matters of business."<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_networking.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=458261","articleTitle":"Is Breakfast Really The Most Important Meal of the Day?","articleSubTitle":"Myths and truths about the most discussed meal of the day.","articleCreatedDate":"June 15, 2016","articleDesc":""Eat breakfast like a king". For years, doctors and nutritionists have been telling us to eat a big meal at the beginning of the day. We're often told to never, ever skip breakfast. Why? Reasons range from weight loss to feeling fuller later in the day to reducing the risk of diabetes or heart disease. But really, the most important part of breakfast is what you choose to eat.<\/p>\nBreakfast Myth 1: Big Breakfasts are Best.<\/b><\/p>\nA big breakfast that is heavy in carbohydrates or fats is likely to be more detrimental than no breakfast at all. Beginning your day with a bowl of cornflakes, which are usually laden with sugar, is just going to spike your blood sugar level, leaving you craving a mid-morning snack. Seemingly healthful breakfast choices such as granola or protein bars also have the same effect. If your breakfast routinely consists of processed meats, such as sausages or bacon, you may be upping your cholesterol.<\/p>\nBreakfast Myth 2: Big Breakfasts Help You Lose Weight.<\/b><\/p>\nSeveral research papers have been presented over the past few decades about how eating breakfast is a surefire way to lose and maintain weight. However, more recent studies have found no proven cause-and-effect association. In 2013, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24004890\">a research paper<\/a> published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that there is no causal relationship between skipping breakfast and obesity. <a href=\"http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2014/06/04/ajcn.114.089573.abstract\">Another study published in the same journal in 2014<\/a> found that eating or skipping breakfast had no discernible effect on weight loss. The paper also stated that the shared belief in the importance of breakfast is a cultural phenomenon and that there isn't enough scientific evidence to support it.<\/p>\nBreakfast Myth 3: Breakfast is a One Size Fits All Meal.<\/b><\/p>\nIs breakfast really the most important meal of the day? It depends. There is no one way to eat healthy, and there certainly isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Personal preferences need to be taken into account. Not everyone can or wants to eat first thing in the morning. If breakfast at the beginning of the day makes you feel too full or makes you sluggish later, then it's probably not best for you.<\/p>\nNutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, in her book Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight<\/i>, advocates eating small meals at intervals of 2-2.5 hours, to increase your body's fat burning rate. Intermittent fasting is another pattern of eating that many people find beneficial for weight loss and overall health. It involves skipping breakfast and eating just two meals in a day. Of course, what may work for one person may not be appropriate for another.<\/p>\nStopping the Breakfast Madness<\/b><\/p>\nIn a world where obesity is rampant and lifestyle diseases are on a rise, moderation and common sense go a long way. Undue focus on one meal or one type of nutrient (e.g. going on carb-free or protein-rich diets), may result in weight loss for some in the short term, but probably isn't sustainable.<\/p>\nYour well-being depends upon a large combination of factors. Figure out what's right for you by talking to your doctor, and paying attention to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What you eat - fruits? Vegetables? Processed foods? Consider the ratio of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) in your food<\/li>\n<li>How often you eat - try different meal sizes and times to see what works best <\/li>\n<li>Whether you're getting enough micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)<\/li>\n<li>Whether you exercise and how often you do. If you don't, start!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhether you choose to eat breakfast or not is a personal preference. But if you are aiming for a healthy body and lifestyle, a simple rule of thumb is to eat all meals in moderation, exercise regularly and be mindful of how you treat your body.<\/p>\nPlease consult your doctor before making significant diet and lifestyle changes.<\/i><\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/breakfast2.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449772","articleTitle":"The Do's and Don'ts of Exercising Outside in the UAE","articleSubTitle":"Choose carefully but enjoy to the fullest.","articleCreatedDate":"May 12, 2016","articleDesc":"Do you like to feel the breeze on your face and your hair during your morning run? Can't go to sleep after a stressful day without your daily dose of outdoor exercise? If you've recently relocated to Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or another Emirati city, and miss your outdoor workouts in the hottest months, here's some tips about exercising outside in the UAE - and the best indoor options, too.<\/p>\nThe UAE supports and encourages sports and physical activities as part of official government initiatives, which are often backed by senior members of the ruling family.<\/p>\nLoshen Naidu, a senior HR professional with years of experience working in Africa and Middle East countries, advises numerous expatriates who have made the UAE their homes over the last decade. "The UAE has come a long way in terms of providing a conducive infrastructure for fitness practices and sports," he says. "The establishment of running, walking, and cycling tracks has been key in some of the prominent community projects."<\/p>\nNaidu gave us tips for some of the most popular work out spots in Dubai:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Jumeirah Corniche project has dedicated cycling and running lanes.<\/li>\n<li>In Al Safa and Al Wasl parks, these tracks are specially padded to reduce impact.<\/li>\n<li>The JBR Walk and Beach complex also have soft tracks for runners.<\/li>\n<li>Many of the locations above also have workout equipment for free public use.<\/li>\n<li>The indoor slope at the Mall of the Emirates offers year-long options for snowboarding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nOther Great Places to Exercise<\/b><\/p>\nIn Sharjah, water sports are very popular during summer. Locals prefer hiking, camping and desert driving in winter. The various beaches, bays, lagoons, and creeks offer facilities for wind-surfing, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, snorkelling, diving, and sailing.<\/p>\nIf you enjoy running or biking, Sharjah offers some exquisitely scenic routes. And if team games are your forte, you will love this city for its amazing facilities in basketball, volleyball, horse riding, golf, cricket, bowling, climbing, and more. Various clubs and hotels offer training in these sports as well.<\/p>\nIn Abu Dhabi, you can play football outdoors in peak summer. Simply find the shade at the huge inflatable dome on Airport Road, which contains an air-conditioned football pitch. There are several other indoor options for fitness classes, zumba, athletics, football, boot camps, and yoga.<\/p>\nYou might also be interested in these <a href=\"https://www.fitnesslink.me/articles/363/five-awesome-outdoor-workout-spots-in-dubai\">Five Awesome Outdoor Workout Spots in Dubai<\/a>.<\/p>\nWhat to Wear<\/b><\/p>\nIn the UAE, dress sensibly to honor both the weather and the mixed culture.<\/p>\nDiscretion and respect for the local culture is always appreciated throughout the UAE. "The dress code for exercising is the same for general living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, which is less conservative than other parts of the UAE. It's better to err conservative in your dressing style though," warns Loshen.<\/p>\nDuring exercise time or otherwise, "it is rare for any official to stop someone for wearing scanty clothing - they generally only act on complaints," reflects Loren. However, around neighborhoods that host street cafes and restaurants frequented by families, he recommends dressing modestly.<\/p>\nIn Sharjah, for example, modest dressing is more than appreciated. When you dress for exercise outdoors in Sharjah, remember to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keep yourself covered from the elbows to the knees<\/li>\n<li>Not wear very tight or figure hugging tops<\/li>\n<li>Not wear transparent clothes<\/li>\n<li>Not wear clothes that sport rude language or swear words<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhen to Exercise Outdoors<\/b><\/p>\nGenerally in Dubai, you can exercise outdoors in the middle of the night without anyone raising an eyebrow or calling the police. Follow the rules though.<\/p>\n"Dubai is a city that doesn't sleep - one can choose to exercise at any time of the day within proper reason and should not encounter any obstacles," says Loshen. He explains that during the summer months, outdoor exercising becomes a challenge due to oppressive heat and humidity, and people adjust by shifting to nighttime exercise. And this applies to other UAE cities as well.<\/p>\nSo if you enjoy the solitude of jogging in the middle of the night - and the cooler temperatures - feel free to head out.  Just remember to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Follow the rules that are printed and posted at each location.<\/li>\n<li>Stay within designated areas during work outs. There are no punitive fines if you deviate but you may be reminded to stay on the tracks by a security officer.<\/li>\n<li>If you are jogging on the road, follow the regular <a href=\"http://www.rta.ae/\">rules of the road<\/a> that apply to anyone using the public road system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIndoor Options for the Summer Months<\/b><\/p>\nDuring summer, many of the UAE cities reach up to 50 degrees Celsius and the humidity can be above 80 per cent. Dust storms strike and small dust particles may cause various health hazards. But these conditions do not deter Emiratis from physical exercise. "In addition to the outdoor exercise options," says Loshen, "there is a smorgasbord of indoor options as well - generally for the summer months but also available throughout the year. Adventure or action sports su    ch as skydiving, track racing, mountain climbing, etc. are also available, at higher costs though."<\/p>\nDuring the heat, be cautious - drink plenty of water, wear cotton clothes, and hit the following indoor spots for a fun exercise regime:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Massive shopping malls offer options for walking and running indoors.<\/li>\n<li>Vertical marathons are available at many spots, such as up the stairs at Emirates Towers, which reaches 52 stories high.<\/li>\n<li>Numerous fitness clubs and gyms, such as the Fitness First's outlets and the Flywheel Sports, which are famous for indoor cycling.<\/li>\n<li>The fitness centers in local hotels offer several economical packages available to citizens.<\/li>\n<li>Many bodybuilding and martial arts facilities are also available in the city.<\/li>\n<li>Swimming is a very popular sport in the UAE and Sharjah and Abu Dhabi top the list when it comes to world class pools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"For children, there are aqua play and classes, some of which are inside large malls, like in the Mirdiff City Centre. There is also a rise in the number of indoor sports facilities like soccer, basketball, and cricket pitches moving inside malls like Dubai Mall and Mirdiff," Loshen adds.<\/p>\nHopefully these tips will help you fully enjoy your outdoor exercise routine or encourage you to try something new!<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_dos.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449766","articleTitle":"Recipe of the Month: Sesame Peanut Noodles","articleSubTitle":"A delicious, healthy, simple meal for you and your family to enjoy.","articleCreatedDate":"May 10, 2016","articleDesc":"Every New Year begins with a barrage of magazine articles talking about this year's 'it' ingredient - kale one year, quinoa the next. Each of them is labeled a 'superfood', beneficial for everything from your skin to your heart.  While not all of these foods may easily be available where you live - like the goji berries that were all the rage last year - your kitchen pantry probably already has several superfoods for you to harness.<\/p>\nLike sesame seeds, for example.<\/p>\nSesame seeds are a staple in most kitchens. It's one of the oldest condiments and oilseed crops known to man, and production goes back to 1600 BC. The seeds add a delicate nutty flavor and a slight crunch to your food. In India they are used extensively in making sweets, especially during the harvest festivals of Makar Sankranti and Pongal.<\/p>\nNutrition Facts<\/b><\/p>\nThese tiny seeds pack quite a punch in terms of nutritional value. They are high in protein (17 gms per 100 gms) and dietary fiber (14 gms per 100 gms). While 100 gms of sesame seeds contain 48 gms of fat, they are mostly of the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated varieties (also known as 'good fat'). The seeds also contain phytosterols that block cholesterol production, reducing risks of heart diseases and certain cancers.<\/p>\nSesame seeds are a good source of calcium (980 mg per 100 gms), which is beneficial to women as it helps prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) and alleviates effects of PMS. The seeds also contain zinc, which is good for men's sexual health as it promotes testosterone production. Sesame oil can be used both for consumption and topical application. It improves hair and skin health, and is an excellent massage oil as well.<\/p>\nAdding Sesame Seeds to Your Diet<\/b><\/p>\nIncorporating sesame in your daily diet is fairly easy. Here are a few pointers:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Add a teaspoon of the seeds to your breakfast smoothie or in your bowl of muesli or granola.<\/li>\n<li>Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on your salad.<\/li>\n<li>The next time you make hummus or mutabbal, whip up your own tahini by roasting 125 gms sesame seeds and blending them with 75 ml olive oil. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.<\/li>\n<li>You can use the tahini to make a delicious salad dressing too - just combine tahini, lemon juice, honey, a small clove of garlic, salt and pepper, and drizzle over your greens.<\/li>\n<li>The Japanese seasoning gomasio can add a lovely umami to your soups - combine 8 tsp toasted sesame seeds with 1 tsp sea salt and grind it in a mortar and pestle.<\/li>\n<li>Use sesame oil when you're making an Asian-style stir-fry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nOr try these quick Sesame Peanut Noodles to brighten up your mid-week lunch or dinner. You can make the dressing in advance and can quickly toss up this salad when you like. Since this salad also works as a cold dish, you can make a large batch of it and refrigerate. It's a healthy and delicious option for your child's lunchbox as well.<\/p>\n<h4>Sesame Peanut Noodles Recipe<\/h4>\nIngredients (serves 4):<\/p>\nFor the Dressing<\/i><\/p>\n1.5 tsp sesame oil \n1.5 tsp olive oil \n1.5 tsp soy sauce \n1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce \n3 tbsp peanut butter \n1 tbsp lime juice \n1 clove of garlic, minced<\/p>\nFor the Salad<\/i><\/p>\n250 gms egg noodles, cooked as per packet instructions \n100 gms beansprouts \n1 spring onion, finely chopped \n1 small red pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips \n1 tbsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted \nHandful of chopped coriander<\/p>\nDirections:<\/p>\nWhisk together all the ingredients for the dressing and set aside. Refrigerate if you are making a batch in advance.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mix the noodles, beansprouts, spring onion and red pepper in a large bowl.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>Pour the dressing on the noodles and vegetables, and mix well so that the dressing coats everything well.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>Garnish with chopped coriander and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nServe and enjoy!<\/p>\nSome people may be allergic to sesame seeds. Please consult your doctor before making significant dietary changes.<\/i><\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_recipe.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449756","articleTitle":"Are You Teaching Your Children Healthy Eating Habits?","articleSubTitle":"One of the most important lessons of our legacy.","articleCreatedDate":"May 4, 2016","articleDesc":"Did you know that childhood obesity is on the rise worldwide? The World Health Organization (WHO) <a href=\"http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/childhood/en/\">estimated in 2013<\/a> that more than 42 million children under the age of five are overweight. Obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood, and are at a greater risk of developing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular ailments.<\/p>\nA rising obesity level, especially in urban children, is linked to the modern-day diet - high in processed foods, full of sugars and fats, and low in vitamins and minerals  - coupled with lack of exercise. Of course it's not always easy to get your child to eat healthily, and it becomes more daunting when you have just moved to a new country and are trying to settle down. Luckily you don't need a degree in nutrition to make sure your children are eating well. Here are some basic guidelines that will help your children to eat healthily:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Introduce your child to all food groups - fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and proteins. Children can be picky eaters, and if you indulge them too much, they can end up avoiding entire food groups.<\/li>\n<li>If your child rejects some food, try serving it again a couple of days later. Research shows that children need to try something new at least seven to ten times before they learn to like it.<\/li>\n<li>Involve your children in the kitchen. Get them to help you out in preparing their lunchbox. They will be more interested in eating if they feel involved. Also take them to the supermarket and help them learn where their food comes from.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid too much fruit juice, especially the packaged kinds, as they contain a lot of sugar. Instead encourage your children to eat whole fruits. This way they will not only get all the vitamins and minerals but also plenty of fiber.<\/li>\n<li>As an expat in a foreign culture, sometimes you may crave familiar foods, and your children will be no different. Instead of heading out to restaurants, try cooking some favourite recipes at home. Nowadays you can easily get all manner of exotic ingredients at most big supermarkets. If you're looking for organic ingredients, try <a href=\"http://www.downtoearthorganic.ae/products.php\">Down to Earth<\/a>, where you can buy online and get deliveries in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.<\/li>\n<li>When your child comes home from school craving a snack, instead of offering biscuits, chips or instant noodles, offer them healthier snacks such as fruit, nuts, unsweetened yoghurt or air-popped popcorn (without butter or caramel).<\/li>\n<li>Avoid using chocolates and sweets as a reward. Also don't offer dessert as an incentive for finishing dinner; your kids will naturally assume sweets are better than other foods. Instead make dessert an occasional treat, not an everyday affair.<\/li>\n<li>Eat together as a family, and not in front of the TV.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nHealthy eating habits should also extend to schools. In 2014 the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) came up with <a href=\"http://www.thenational.ae/uae/health/stricter-rules-for-dubai-school-meals-to-cut-obesity\">new health and nutrition guidelines<\/a> for school meals. The guidelines aim to cut out junk food from school canteens and focus on healthful foods. If your child's school has too many processed products in the canteen, make sure you speak to the school authorities to get that changed.<\/p>\nApart from healthy eating habits, also make sure that your kids stay active. A <a href=\"http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/68-uae-students-unfit-unicef-study-2014-04-26-1.546986\">recent UNICEF study<\/a> found that 68% of UAE students are unfit. WHO recommends that children between the ages of 5 and 17 years should engage in 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Enroll your kids into some fun extra-curricular activities. Instead of heading to the mall on the weekend, take them out cycling or go swimming or have a picnic in the park, where they can run about.<\/p>\nMost importantly, you are a role model for your children. Leading by example is one of the most effective ways to make a difference in what your children eat.<\/p>\nPlease consult your child's doctor before embarking upon significant diet and lifestyle changes.<\/i><\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_healthyeating.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449753","articleTitle":"5 Simple Tips to Improve Your Sleep","articleSubTitle":"Boost your energy and improve your creativity with these sleeping tips from experts!","articleCreatedDate":"May 2, 2016","articleDesc":"Recently, even <a href=\"http://fortune.com/2012/03/20/the-secret-of-success-needing-less-sleep/\">high ranking CEOs<\/a> seem to enjoy boasting about getting only a few hours of sleep each night. It's become a sort of badge of honor. But sleep expert James Maas says it's time to end this dangerous bravado.<\/p>\nMaas is the sleep doctor to the New York Jets football team and author of the book, Power Sleep<\/i>. "These people bragging about how little sleep they need may not actually be good estimators of how much they really need," he says. Maas also estimates that almost 80 percent of Americans could be classified as "sleep deprived."<\/p>\nDid you know that you could boost your productivity and creativity just by sleeping more and embracing better sleep habits?<\/p>\nResearch from the University of Cambridge this year used <a href=\"https://www.britainshealthiestcompany.co.uk/index.html\">data gathered from a survey of 21,000 employees<\/a> to assess workplace productivity. The same survey also asked questions about sleep patterns. They found a striking connection between sleep and productivity. Employees who slept for less than six hours a night were significantly less productive at work than their well-rested colleagues. Sleep deprived employees were also more likely to take sick days.<\/p>\nWe think more clearly after benefiting from a good night's rest\u2014enabling us to be at our most dynamic and innovative. "It's true that some people can get by on five hours or so," he says, "but they're not at their peak of performance," explains Maas.<\/p>\nSome even argue that lack of sleep should be considered a major public health concern. Earlier this year, Russell Foster, a leading neuroscientist at the University of Oxford, <a href=\"http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/11765723/Sleep-deprivation-as-bad-as-smoking.html\">equated sleep deprivation to smoking<\/a>.<\/p>\nHis comments come on the back of a growing body of research, which links a <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25805757\">lack of sleep with a disrupted metabolism<\/a> and a higher concentration of the stress hormone cortisol. Both of these things are thought to be linked with health concerns such as raised blood pressure and risk of stroke.<\/p>\nOther <a href=\"http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/10/sleepy-brains-drawn-to-junk-food/\">studies have shown<\/a> that sleepy brains are more likely to be drawn to junk food, placing those who are consistently sleep deprived at risk of developing diabetes and other obesity issues. "In addition to that, there's also a significant risk of heart disease, depression and certain types of cancers," adds Maas.<\/p>\n<h3>5 Simple Tips to Improve Your Sleep<\/h3>\n1. There\u2019s no one recommendation for how many hours of sleep we all should get.<\/b> \nIt's more individualistic than that - although most people require an average of seven and a half to nine hours of sleep every night. \u201cPremenstrual, menopausal and pregnant women in their first trimester could need up to 10 hours a night,\u201d adds Maas.<\/p>\n2.  "Keep track of when you go to bed and when you wake up,"<\/b> advises Maas. "Then ask yourself if you felt energetic all day long." If the answer is no, add 15 minutes of sleep each night. Then ask yourself the same question a week later. "Repeat until the answer is yes," he explains.<\/p>\n3.  Keep a schedule.<\/b> Go to bed at the same time each night and rise at the same time each morning. Try not to stray too far from this regime and you'll feel the benefit in the long run.<\/p>\n4.  Try to reduce stress before bedtime.<\/b> This will help make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Try different ways to combat stress in the evening, be it a hot bath, yoga, meditation or listening to soft classical music.  Don\u2019t check work email or have difficult conversations at night\u2014instead, focus on relaxing.<\/p>\n5. Consider new sleep tracking hardware and apps\u2014but take them with a grain of salt.<\/b> "I'm glad things like Fitbit are out there because it makes people want sleep data and makes them conscious that sleep is important," Maas explains, "But most wearables are based on the assumption that if you're moving you're awake. Most of us move a lot during our sleep." That said, some wearables show promise. Maas rates Beddit the highest, which consists of a strip of sensors that fits on a mattress and syncs data to your smartphone.<\/p>\nTaking steps to improve our sleep can improve daily brain function and our overall health.  It\u2019s never too late to start\u2014follow the tips above for a healthier, more rested you!<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_sleep.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449761","articleTitle":"If You Work At a Desk, These Exercise Tips Are For You","articleSubTitle":"Avoid bad postures and pains when sitting at your desk during long hours.","articleCreatedDate":"May 2, 2016","articleDesc":"On average, we spend 90,000 hours at work over the course of our lives \u2013 most of it sitting down. A recent survey of office workers in the UK revealed that 45% of women and 37% of men spend less than 30 minutes a day on their feet at work. And our bodies are paying the price.<\/p>\n\u201cThose who do office-based jobs often have more aches and pains,\u201d says UK-based personal trainer and rehabilitation specialist Stephen Mills. \u201cSit in a fixed position for just a few hours and you'll feel your muscles and joints creaking when you get up to stand. Repeat that pattern for days, weeks and years and you can see why certain muscles become tight.<\/p>\n\u201cOver time, the sitting position can make your hip flexor muscles become shortened and overly tight, while the gluteal and core muscles are often inactive and weak through lack of use, which will have an effect on your overall biomechanics,\u201d Stephen explains.<\/p>\nThe back and neck are common sites of pain, says Dr. Pamela Leader, Chiropractor at Emirates European Medical Centre in Dubai. \u201cSitting incorrectly at a desk, using laptops and [squinting at screens] can make people sit with their head forward which can lead to poor posture, neck strain and headaches,\u201d says Pamela. \u201cSimilarly, poorly adjusted office utilities and sitting in the wrong size chair can often lead to pain in the lower back.\u201d<\/p>\nLonger term, an inactive lifestyle can lead to more serious health implications. Sedentary behavior is the new smoking, according to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/216370/dh_128210.pdf\">recent studies<\/a>, which link sitting down for prolonged periods to heart disease, cancers, type 2 diabetes and poor mental health.<\/p>\nHowever, there\u2019s good news! With a bit of thought, we can all become healthier in the office. We recommend the following tips:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Set a reminder to move every hour.<\/b> According to research published in the journal <a href=\"https://www.acsm.org/\">Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise<\/i><\/a>, taking a five-minute walk every hour could help to prevent arterial damage in the legs caused by prolonged periods of sitting.<\/li>\n<li>Change the way you have meetings.<\/b> Take the chairs away, stand, or if it's a one-to-one, try a 'walk and talk'. Over an hour, standing instead of sitting causes you to burn an extra 50 calories. An average person could lose 2.4kgs by standing up for an extra 30 minutes a day for a year, according to research from the campaign group Get Britain Standing.<\/li>\n<li>Sit properly. <\/b>Make sure your desk, chair, keyboard, mouse and computer monitor are set up to suit your body. \u201cThe top of the screen should be just above eye level,\u201d says Pamela. \u201cSit so you have a gentle lumbar curve in your lower back with your head above your shoulders rather than rolling forwards. Strengthening your back muscles can also help.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAnd of course, there's exercise, essential for keeping your heart and lungs healthy and building strong muscles to prevent any aches and pains. Don't let time be a barrier. Here are three workouts under 25 minutes ideal to fit in at the gym before work or during a lunchtime break.<\/p>\n<h4>3 Time-Saving Workouts<\/h4>\nAll three of the workouts below are high intensity sessions that will give you maximum calorie burn in the least amount of time. The strengthening session will also help to build your core and back strength. Be sure to warm up for 5 minutes before each session with a mixture of gentle cardio exercise (brisk walking, for example), plus dynamic stretches (arm circles, high knee jogging and ankle circles, for example). Afterwards, cool down with a jog and some gentle stretching. Please note that if it has been a while since you exercised, it's wise to have a checkup with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.<\/p>\nWorkout 1 - Heart-raising run session: Speed Ladder<\/b><\/p>\nRun at your easy pace for 5 minutes at an incline of 1%. Every minute thereafter, increase your speed by 0.5mph until fatigue \u2013 when your legs feel like they can't go any further. If you don't have a treadmill, you can follow the same principles running outdoors and using a sports watch to monitor your speed.<\/p>\nWorkout 2 - Strengthening session: Tabata Circuit<\/b><\/p>\nUsing the method 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest, work through the circuit below (or swap in your own moves ensuring you have a full body workout). Repeat the circuit twice, before resting for 3 minutes, and aim to complete three rounds of the circuit.<\/p>\nCircuit:<\/b> Jumping lunges, the plank, bent over rows (using a dumbbell or barbell), burpees, dumbbell squat to shoulder press, box step ups, triceps dips.<\/p>\nWorkout 3 - Lung-busting bike session: The Pyramid<\/b><\/p>\nThese are 100 per cent all-out effort sprints on the bike followed by a short recovery. Make sure you warm up before doing these. Try two sets and give yourself a 5 minute recovery between the sets.<\/p>\n15 secs on / 45 secs off<\/p>\n30 secs on / 30 secs off<\/p>\n45 secs on / 15 secs off<\/p>\n60 secs on / 60 secs off<\/p>\n45 secs on /15 secs off<\/p>\n30 secs on / 30 secs off<\/p>\n15 secs on / 45 secs off<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re concerned about the amount of time you\u2019re seated throughout your work day, start being more mindful of your posture, and find opportunities to get up and move as much as you can. You can also try incorporating one (or all!) of these 25 minute workouts into your regular fitness routine to help combat aches, pains and other negative effects of working at a desk.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_desk.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449769","articleTitle":"Deep dive into saving money while working in the UAE","articleSubTitle":"Turn your tax savings into an investment strategy - financial discipline for the conscientious expat saver","articleCreatedDate":"April 27, 2016","articleDesc":"To read the part 1 of this article please click <a href=\"https://uat.mymetlifegulf.metlife.com/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=464223\">here<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\nSettling upon an investment portfolio is only half the battle; now you have to overcome the temptation to spend.<\/i><\/p>\nMany expatriates in Dubai are aware that disciplined saving and investment are key to a cushy retirement. But, surrounded by wealth and ostentatious consumption, savers can easily be wooed by the short-term gratification of spending.<\/p>\nExperts have weighed in how you can master the psychology of temptation and keep your finances intact, as you set goals and stick to your financial plan.<\/p>\n"Delaying the decision to commit to a financial plan is the major obstacle to making your money work for you," said Rabih Khalek, Head of Accident and Health & Unit-Linked - Fund Management at MetLife EMEA. "As an expat, this is the opportunity to improve your finances. It is not easy, one might argue, but it is also not impossible."<\/p>\nPlanning well and committing to achieving a goal - however small it may be at the start - is essential to gradually growing your cash cushion. By building an intimate connection between your financial goals and the things that matter to you most (for example, saving enough and investing wisely so as to have a financially secure future that will allow you to enjoy your retirement years with your family), you will be able to create a <a href=\"https://www.metlife.ae/en/individual/products/savings-investments/\">savings plan<\/a> that works for you.<\/p>\nRegular contributions into a saving and protection life insurance policy, for example, are not only an additional means of financial protection, but a good way of diversifying investments as well. Many people may have the misconception that life insurance is only good for providing your family cash when you pass away, but this product can actually do wonders in your asset diversification strategy.<\/p>\nCertain <a href=\"https://www.metlife.ae/en/individual/products/life-insurance/\">life insurance<\/a> products offer investment options based on your risk appetite (conservative, balanced or aggressive), providing different methods of growing your cash stash. In addition, it builds cash value over time, allowing you the option to withdraw part of your investment during or at the end of your plan, helping you to eventually streamline your cash flow.<\/p>\n"This provides the full flexibility that will help an individual start easily and build the desired schemes that are more suitable and sustainable based on his or her risk tolerance and financial aspirations. This comes along with the protection required to maintain the standard of living a person aspires for while accumulating wealth," he added.<\/p>\nCommitting to a financial plan<\/b><\/p>\nNot setting a clear financial plan is like getting on a plane without knowing your destination, said Dilip Manjunath, Senior Wealth Architect at Elixir Wealth Solutions and Compass Insurance Brokers.<\/p>\n"[Expats] may know their goals, but they have no numbers assigned to each goal. Creating a financial plan is as important as knowing your destination while boarding a flight," he explained. "The fact also remains that few people stick to their financial plans when a spending opportunity presents itself."<\/p>\nThe best way to stick to a financial plan, Manjunath suggested, is to attach an emotional goal such as children's education or retirement independence.<\/p>\n"Once you do that, the temptation to spend money in other areas may be reduced. If you know that a particular savings amount is dedicated to your child's future or your comfortable retirement, for example, you are less likely to spend the money elsewhere."<\/p>\nThere are often policies available for specific types of savings goals, too, like <a href=\"https://www.metlife.ae/en/individual/products/savings-investments/educare/\">saving for college<\/a>. This can help even further.<\/p>\nAnother way to stay on track is to hire a financial coach or an independent financial adviser, who can work with you and help you achieve your goals, he said.<\/p>\nStaying committed to a financial plan also boils down to having the right state of mind and building the right habits so you can make the most of your stay in a tax haven like Dubai, added Khalek.<\/p>\n"Again, it is about asking yourself what is best for you and what you can do to maximize your savings. For many people, it may be a two-step process, comprising 1) how much one can save, and 2) how much one must save. The second may look [sketchy] at the outset, [but] think again. It's [the one] that can make your money grow faster," he said.<\/p>\nTo illustrate his point, Khalek invites expatriates to compare the net effect of their regular savings and the tax liability they may have in their home country against the potential to set aside regular savings plus the tax savings.<\/p>\n"It makes financial sense and to justify that further, think of it this way: If you are to pay tax for working and living in the UAE, who should be the tax collector? The answer is simple - you."<\/p>\nExecuting the plan<\/b><\/p>\nOnce you have crunched the numbers and know how much you want to save, the next step is to determine what you must do in order to save that amount.<\/p>\nKhalek suggests the following options:<\/p>\nRegular saving schemes -<\/b> Bank deposits and similar short- and medium-term accounts are good examples. \nRegular savings and protection schemes - Mutual funds and life insurance programs give expatriates the opportunity to see their money grow, while protecting their standard of living.<\/p>\nLife insurance -<\/b> Protects expatriates and their family, and with additional living benefits (including critical illnesses and juvenile insurance), life insurance can also safeguard income and wealth.<\/p>\nDiversified instruments -<\/b> These helps in making funds more accessible and controlling an investor's risk exposure.<\/p>\nAutomate savings -<\/b> Instructing your bank to immediately take out the amount and lodge it in your preferred savings or investment instruments is a convenient way of saving regularly.<\/p>\nHave a monthly budget -<\/b> Only keep enough cash to meet your living expenses for the rest of the month so as to resist the temptation to spend impulsively.<\/p>\nReaching your financial goal may be as simple as saving with confidence.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_saving2.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=464223","articleTitle":"Introduction to saving money while working in the UAE","articleSubTitle":"Turn your tax savings into an investment strategy","articleCreatedDate":"April 25, 2016","articleDesc":"Tax-free wages mean tax savings; are you putting them to effective long-term use?<\/p>\nWith its competitive remuneration packages and tax-free environment, it comes as no surprise that the UAE attracts millions of expatriates from over 100 countries. Consider for a moment that income tax in one's native country could stand at anywhere between 10 per cent and 45 per cent, and saving while working in the UAE becomes a compelling proposition.<\/p>\nRegularly setting aside and investing tax savings is a good habit to get into and a sure-fire way to build up a healthy nest egg. Not sure where to park those hard-earned dirhams? Fret not because the UAE in general, and Dubai in particular, offers an array of <a href=\"https://www.metlife.ae/en/individual/products/savings-investments/\">investment and savings options<\/a> to suit various risk profiles, financial goals and time frames, said Rabih Khalek, Head of Accident and Health and Unit-Linked - Fund Management at MetLife EMEA.<\/p>\n"From a simple savings account, private placements and managed accounts [to] open-ended mutual funds, an expat living and working in the UAE has the opportunity to select diversified and flexible options," he said. "Strategies [may] vary, too, in terms of portability and being tax sheltered, [which] can be developed to accommodate people of various nationalities."<\/p>\nOther avenues including real estate and alternative investments (for example hedge funds, commodities and derivatives) may also be considered, but bear in mind that these types of asset classes may not be converted into cash so quickly, which will leave investors assuming what is known as a liquidity risk, Khalek warned.<\/p>\n"Individuals can choose to have their money placed in cautious investment strategies if they do not like to assume risk. [However,] they should recognize that in the present interest rate environment, cautious and conservative strategies do not offer much returns, and the growth potential for their savings may be limited," he added.<\/p>\nBut those prepared to expose their savings to greater risk and who don't mind tying up those funds, foregoing short-term liquidity, can approach specialized fund managers who can connect them with more exotic financial instruments.<\/p>\nDiversification is the name of the game<\/b><\/p>\nAccording to Dilip Manjunath, Senior Wealth Architect at Elixir Wealth Solutions and Compass Insurance Brokers, the cost of living in the UAE increases by three to five per cent every year, so if tax savings are not invested, expatriates' savings tend to lose three to five per cent buying power annually.<\/p>\n"The best thing to do is to invest money in a diversified portfolio. Protecting your hard-earned [savings] from market fluctuations is [the] same as building [a] bridge with many pillars, so that if one pillar gets damaged, the bridge does not collapse. You simply cannot have all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investment across different instruments, different organizations and different countries," he suggested.<\/p>\nDoing so ensures that, even if one asset class experiences turbulence, overall wealth remains relatively unaffected. "Do not put all your money in any one investment, no matter how good it sounds. If [diversified investing] is not your cup of tea, hire an expert to do it for you," Manjunath said.<\/p>\nThere are several investment instruments available in the market today that can be tailored to your specific needs and risk level, with some even providing protection for you and your loved ones. Life insurance products are ideal for this specific purpose. They not only offer life coverage or financial security for your family if something were to happen to you, but part of the premium can also be invested in one or a combination of various investment strategies to help beef up your coffers.<\/p>\nDepending on the type of <a href=\"https://www.metlife.ae/en/individual/products/life-insurance/\">life insurance<\/a> that you acquire, you may also have the option to borrow against the cash value of your policy for any immediate financial need. In addition, riders can be purchased and added to your policy, ensuring extra layers of defense for your hard-earned cash.<\/p>\nAssessing risk appetite<\/b><\/p>\nBefore making any investment decision, expatriates would do well to determine their risk appetite, according to the experts.<\/p>\n"When it comes to risk and reward potential, it is critical for each person to take a realistic look at her or his tolerance to risk," said Khalek, who added that there are two main tracks to follow in determining an investor's risk appetite.<\/p>\nThe first track is generally related to the investor's age and the length of time he or she wishes to keep the money invested or saved; the goals set in terms of what the money is intended for; the budget allotted to savings or investments; and the availability of diversified investment instruments to help achieve the goals.<\/p>\n"And the second equally important attribute [track] is [the person's] capacity for sustaining losses," he emphasized. "Expatriates' primary goal is to fly back home with a decent [nest egg] that can sustain their lifestyle. The approach people with various risk tolerance levels take is to maintain the 'cushion' that can support in adverse market conditions. This cushion should grow further as one nears the end of the savings duration and the timeline to maintain the capacity to generate further savings gets shorter."<\/p>\nManjunath believes that an expatriate's "capacity for loss", and "investment goals" are important, but he also maintains that "personal attitude to risk is hard to measure and [may change] - what feels comfortable one day, may not be [as comfortable] the next day".<\/p>\nKhalek agrees, adding that each individual may have unique needs and special circumstances.<\/p>\n"It is therefore recommended that expatriates seek professional financial advice and review their financial needs regularly in order to remain on course towards their goals, and [become] aware of the changes and developments that affect their financial status," he said.<\/p>\nRead part 2 of this article <a href=\"https://uat.mymetlifegulf.metlife.com/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449769\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Financial Wellbeing","articleTagLink":"financial-wellbeing.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_saving3.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449767","articleTitle":"Returning to Work after Having a Baby","articleSubTitle":"Not the easiest thing but certainly a big step for all new moms.","articleCreatedDate":"April 18, 2016","articleDesc":"As a going-back-to-work mother, you\u2019re probably already used to balancing work and home.  So, you already know the importance of being organized.  Plan ahead to make your maternity leave \u2013 and going back to the office \u2014 as easy as possible.<\/p>\nMaternity Leave in the UAE<\/b><\/p>\nIn the UAE, female employees get <a href=\"http://emiratesdiary.com/uae-tips/uae-labour-law-2013-pdf-download\">45 days of paid maternity leave<\/a> if they've been working with their company for a period of 12 months or more. For employees who haven't been there that long, the duration of maternity leave stays the same, but with half pay. Women working in the public sector get 60 days of maternity leave.<\/p>\nWhether you're in the private or the public sector, 6 - 8 weeks of maternity leave (paid or otherwise) may not feel like enough, considering recovery time and other related health issues, not to mention bonding time with the baby and making household adjustments.<\/p>\nIn addition, if the decision has been made to breastfeed, returning to work can be trickier. According to UAE Labour Law, Article 31, working mums receive two 30-minute nursing breaks. Unfortunately, most work commutes take a minimum of 30 minutes. So unless you have a child care facility in your office building or close to your office, it's not an option nursing mothers can avail themselves of.<\/p>\nTalk to Your Employers<\/b><\/p>\nMany companies in the UAE offer generous terms when it comes to maternity leave, and keeping the channel of communication open with your employers can yield solutions that please everyone.<\/p>\nFor instance, Gulneet Chadha, an HR professional in Dubai, found out that while her maternity leave was 45 days, her company offered the added perk of allowing her to go home mid-day to nurse her child.<\/p>\n\u201cIt made a huge difference to me,\u201d Chadha shared. \u201cI didn't have to wait an entire workday to see my baby. Being able to nurse him in the afternoon helped maintain our bond and allowed me to make sure he was happy, healthy, and thriving in the child care I'd provided for him.\u201d<\/p>\nRead your employment contract and company's maternity policy to find out what options you have and how you can negotiate a better solution for yourself. If you're unsure of the reaction of your management, talk to colleagues who've taken maternity leave to see how they coped and what worked for them. Many companies offer options like reduced hours, work-from-home schedules, and nursing breaks. Finding this out now will save you trouble in the future. You may also be able to combine your annual leave with your maternity leave.<\/p>\nGet Reliable Help<\/b><\/p>\nThere are some important questions that need to be answered: Who will take care of the baby while you're at work? If you are going to be breastfeeding, have you checked into flexible time to aid in this? Are you planning to use daycare or hire domestic help? And do you have a plan for doctor visits and unexpected issues that invariably come up? The answer hinges on getting reliable help and having a plan in place.<\/p>\nDon't wait until the last couple of weeks of your maternity leave to create a plan. Look into day care and domestic help options well in advance. Enlist the help of family members (if you have any nearby) in case you can't be there. Talk to your spouse about alternating hospital runs and other baby related errands.<\/p>\nWhile child care in the UAE may not be as widespread as in other countries, you can find either a reliable daycare center or domestic help to suit your needs.<\/p>\nManage Your Expectations<\/b><\/p>\nRemember, this is a big change for everyone. For an easier transition, set a routine to prepare yourself for the big change. You're going to go from devoting all your time to your baby to spending just a few hours a day with him.<\/p>\nYou might feel separation anxiety and an inability to concentrate on work in the beginning. Start preparing yourself for this a couple of weeks before returning to work\u2014if you can, begin spending some time away from your baby in small amounts of time so you can work up to the first full day back to work.<\/p>\nFinally, take a deep breath. Even though going back to work after having a baby can be a difficult transition, the right planning, negotiation, and reliable help can smooth the way.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_returnwork.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449773","articleTitle":"Things you should Consider When Choosing a Gym in the UAE","articleSubTitle":"A ponderate and delicate choice that may determine success and even failure at maintaining or getting back in shape.","articleCreatedDate":"March 29, 2016","articleDesc":"When it comes to finding a gym to work out in, UAE expats are often spoilt for choice. Irrespective of which emirate you live in, there's likely a gym in your neighbourhood, if not in your apartment or office building.<\/p>\nUnfortunately though, regular exercise is usually the first victim of the hectic lives of UAE expats. Between balancing work and family, driving everywhere and enjoying weekend brunches, most expats end up leading inactive lives. As a result, the UAE Health Ministry places particular emphasis on physical exercise and fitness by running various health drives throughout the year.<\/p>\nMany expats decide to go to a gym to make up for the lack of physical activity in their daily lives and get in shape.<\/p>\nHowever, the trouble starts when you're trying to decide which gym to join. Should you opt for big franchises like Fitness First or your neighbourhood gym? Or will the gym in your office or apartment building be good enough?<\/p>\nThe first two concerns for most expats are timing and proximity. A gym that's too far away will require driving. Not only will you need to set aside extra time to get to the gym but also contend with factors like traffic \u2013 which is a big hurdle, especially in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman.<\/p>\nA gym's opening hours are also an important factor. Depending on your schedule, you may want to work out early in the morning. Does the gym of your choice open early enough for you to exercise before heading to work? And if you prefer to work out in the evening, are they open late enough for you to fit in a session after your daytime commitments? Some gyms reserve evenings for female members only or hold various group and fitness classes.<\/p>\nFemale expats may be concerned about finding a gym that offers separate days or hours for women only. And if yes, do the hours fit their schedule?<\/p>\nThe good news is, the UAE is a Muslim country with traditional cultural values - most gyms offer separate programs and facilities for women. It's also helpful for women who aren't comfortable in co-ed gyms for other reasons.<\/p>\nGulneet Chadda, an expat in the UAE, was looking for a female-only gym for a specific reason. \u201cAfter having a baby, I needed to work out to get back in shape. The problem was, I wasn't comfortable working out in a co-ed gym. Finding a gym that catered to women only in the evenings was such a relief! There would only be a handful of women, and I felt more comfortable."<\/p>\nHaving personal trainers at your gym may also be important to you. Do these trainers have appropriate certification and experience? A quality gym will have trainers that can help chart a workout plan for you to help you reach your fitness goals.<\/p>\nSreejith Sreenivasan, a Dubai-based web-developer had multiple concerns when looking for a gym to workout in. \u201cWorking out in a group motivates me to exercise regularly. I knew I needed to find a gym that had fitness classes or group sessions that not only fit into my busy schedule but had trainers who had experience in working with complete beginners."<\/p>\nYou might consider signing up for a membership at one of the fitness franchises spread across the UAE. They come with the added benefit of allowing members to visit multiple locations. Some of the most popular gyms are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.fitnessfirstme.com/en-gb/uae/\">Fitness First<\/a> (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah),<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http://goldsgym.ae/\">Gold's Gym<\/a> (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah,<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.fitness360.me/\">Fitness 360<\/a> (Dubai, Al Ain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah), and<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.targetgym.ae/\">Target Gym<\/a> (Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhether you're a beginner or experienced gym goer, every expat's fitness needs are different. The smart thing to do is to visit a few different gyms before making your decision. When visiting a gym, check out changing areas and shower rooms for privacy and cleanliness, talk to the trainers, ask them any questions you may have and even observe other members to make sure you'll be comfortable working out around them.<\/p>\nWhen it comes to choosing a gym for your fitness needs, make sure you are happy before committing to a membership plan \u2013 making the right choice will ensure that you actually use your membership. Loving your gym can go a long way in helping you achieve your wellness goals.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_choosinggym.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449774","articleTitle":"Traveling During a Security Alert: How to Prepare","articleSubTitle":"Be ready for any kind of happening, no matter where you can be.","articleCreatedDate":"March 3, 2016","articleDesc":"Madeline Diaz was traveling with her severely allergic 7-year old son to Dubai from Toronto via Heathrow, when a security alert in the face of a terrorist attack was announced in the transiting airport.<\/p>\nSuddenly the airport staff that seemed quite professional and cordial became strict and suspicious. Passengers traveling to countries in the Middle East were separated for an additional grill. There were no announcements regarding the second leg of their flight to Dubai - the security procedures were getting long, stringent, and time consuming, and every special food item Madeline carried for her son was confiscated during the security checks. Madeline was angry, helpless, and nervous, and was about to break down.<\/p>\nHave you ever faced a similar experience while traveling?<\/p>\nTravelers across the globe must be prepared for emergency situations any time they are flying overseas. Your security is of the utmost importance, especially in the event of an alert, which can cause unforeseen challenges and inconveniences for passengers. Knowledge and compliance can help get you through the situation.<\/p>\nWhat is a security alert?<\/b><\/p>\nSecurity alerts or travel alerts are issued by a country to alert people in the event of unrest and threats foreseen in a particular country or across countries, for a short period. The <a href=\"http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html\">US Department of State<\/a> explains that "Examples of reasons for issuing a Travel Alert might include an election season that is bound to have many strikes, demonstrations, or disturbances; a health alert like an outbreak of H1N1; or evidence of an elevated risk of terrorist attacks."<\/p>\nWhat should you do during security alerts?<\/b><\/p>\nChris Goater, Assistant Director, Corporate Communications, International Air Transport Association (IATA) explains that passengers can find themselves in any of these situations, or more, when a security alert is issued:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>    You're travelling through an airport and suddenly the airport is closed because of an alert.<\/li>\n<li>You're in transit and the country of destination is considered unsafe by authorities.<\/li>\n<li>An aircraft is diverted because of a security alert at its destination.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nThe key is not to panic. Goater explains:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For scenario 1 - The airport will have to follow a well-defined emergency protocol and they will guide passengers accordingly.<\/li>\n<li>For scenario 2 - The US Department of State defines this as a warning. The passengers should decide if they must travel. If they do, they should check that their travel insurance is still valid and also check with their local embassy or consulate for the latest information before proceeding to travel.<\/li>\n<li>For scenario 3 - Again, there will be a procedure that will be detailed by the airline staff.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nHe adds that it is important for both passengers and airport staff that all procedures for scenarios 1 and 3 are obeyed to the letter.<\/p>\nFind Information about Security Alerts<\/b><\/p>\nIf you are traveling or about to travel, monitor the <a href=\"http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html\">US Department of State<\/a> website regularly for important information on every aspect of security concerns. If you are an US national living or traveling abroad, check the <a href=\"http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html\">Traveler's Checklist<\/a> for information related to your security.<\/p>\nBefore you take the flight, check for information about security alerts, warnings, and country specific information by checking these online resources:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For worldwide caution, <a href=\"http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html\">click here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>For travel warnings, <a href=\"http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html\">click here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>For travel alerts, <a href=\"http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html\">click here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>For country specific information, <a href=\"http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html\">click here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhat to do if you are stranded due to a security alert?<\/b><\/p>\nKalpana Talukdar, Manager and Cabin Crew in Charge, Air India has been flying all over the world with her cabin crew for over 30 years. She suggests that "in case of security alerts in the airport or in the airliner, you should try and understand and accept that you are in an unfamiliar situation and your usual support systems are completely absent. Given these additional challenges, it is not the time to fight, argue, or revolt. Cooperate with the authorities and know that they too are trying to help. Be calm and use your common sense."<\/p>\nDo's and Don'ts Before you Travel<\/b><\/p>\nKalpana pulls up a list of things you should take care of before traveling so that if you get into a situation where an alert has been issued, you will be comparatively less hassled.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Always share your itinerary, contact details, and copies of travel documents with family or people close to you.<\/li>\n<li>Learn about local diseases, general health issues, and vaccinations required for your destination country and seek adequate medical advice.<\/li>\n<li>Buy travel insurance to cover your travel and health issues during the trip.<\/li>\n<li>While packing your luggage, remember the rules related to carrying liquids, gels, and sharp items. Bottles of shampoo, moisturizer, and other products should not exceed 100 ml. Keep them in one zip lock bag and pass it through the security area separately.<\/li>\n<li>In cases of medicine and necessary clinical items, the 100 ml rule is usually relaxed, but carry prescriptions and doctor's certificates as is necessary.<\/li>\n<li>Be sure that your laptops and mobile phones are in working condition. In case of a security alert, you will not be allowed to pass the security check with an electronic gadget that doesn't operate.<\/li>\n<li>Never travel with a large amount of cash or gold.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIf you'll be traveling internationally any time soon, always remember to plan ahead and be as prepared as you can be. Keep these five key things in mind to help ensure your safety and the safety of your family:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Monitor the news about your destination or regions you pass through.<\/li>\n<li>In case of a security alert that affects your travel plans, reach out to your dear ones and inform them.<\/li>\n<li>Don't share personal information and don't accept food or drinks from strangers.<\/li>\n<li>Take care of your belongings and keep track of all your luggage items.<\/li>\n<li>Always obey procedures and specific instructions from the authorities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","articleTag":"Family & Community","articleTagLink":"family-and-community.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_traveling.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449770","articleTitle":"Set these Professional Goals this Year","articleSubTitle":"Learning is morei mportant than ever and should be considered a real business goal.","articleCreatedDate":"February 22, 2016","articleDesc":"8 goals to jumpstart your career: make your resolutions now with these steps for success.<\/i><\/p>\nEvery New Year brings with it a certain level of energy and optimism. Here are some ideas that you can consider when drafting your professional goals for 2016, as well as helpful tips on how to create a road map to fulfilling your career ambitions for years to come. \n  \n1. Never pass on an opportunity to learn<\/b><\/p>\nHazel Jackson, CEO of biz-group, a Dubai-based multi-million-dollar business strategy and corporate consultancy company, said taking control of what you learn can improve your performance and long-term career prospects.<\/p>\n\u201cI think we should stop waiting for companies to drive learning and development and take personal responsibility for how we grow,\u201d she said. \u201cMany solutions are now available online for free - thousands of books have been written to help you help yourself. If you work in a company that provides training, make the most of [those opportunities], too.\u201d<\/p>\n2. Give mentorship a chance<\/b><\/p>\nJackson also suggests seeking our mentors in your company or professional network. The UAE has a rich community of expat professionals eager to share their knowledge and experience with others. Non-profit organizations such as <a href=\"http://www.endeavoruae.org/\">Endeavor UAE<\/a>, <a href=\"http://www.reachmentoring.org/what-is-reach\">Reach<\/a> and <a href=\"http://dubai.tie.org/\">The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Dubai <\/a>provide invaluable platforms for entrepreneurs and professionals to learn from mentors, who have carved out a niche in their respective fields.<\/p>\n3. Create a vision for your career<\/b><\/p>\nHaving a clear \u201ccareer vision" means identifying crucial variables that direct your career path, according to Kamran Tork, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC). \u201c[Without these variables], our actions and decisions [become] reactive to certain market dynamics such as a volatile economy or industry changes," he said. \u201cInstead, you should aim to [create] intrinsic motivators that fuel performance and encourage resilience."<\/p>\nIntrinsic motivators are guided by your personal values \u2013 things that you want above all else. For example, if you value learning and intellectual challenge over financial reward, you might choose a job based on how intellectually stimulating it is \u2013 not based on salary. To help you determine your career vision, Tork suggests identifying your Top 5 values and ranking them in order of importance.<\/p>\n4. Identify key competencies for success<\/b><\/p>\nOnce your career vision is clear, identify skills that will help you do your job better and reach long-term goals, added Tork. \u201cWhile these [competencies] vary per individual needs, there are certain skills that are fundamental for every job and at every level, according to the Center for Creative Leadership. These are self-awareness, learning agility or speed to learn, ability to influence and motivate others, and ability to communicate effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n5. Get organized<\/b><\/p>\nIf taming your to-do list is a concern, there are several apps that can help you maximize your time and energy at work, so you can increase your productivity. Among these nugget-size programs include task management and scheduling apps such as <a href=\"https://www.wunderlist.com/\">Wunderlist<\/a>, <a href=\"https://www.easilydo.com/\">EasilyDo<\/a>, <a href=\"https://evernote.com/\">Evernote<\/a>, <a href=\"https://www.any.do/\">Any.do<\/a> and <a href=\"http://doodle.com/\">Doodle<\/a>.<\/p>\n6. Invest in sleep, meditation and creativity<\/b><\/p>\nOftentimes, people fail to appreciate the value of sleep, meditation and creative pursuits in boosting their work performance level.<\/p>\n"The beautiful thing about investing in sleep, meditation, and creativity is that one often feeds the other,\u201d explains Claire Higgins, a Professional Coach and Communications Specialist. \u201cThe more we meditate, the better we sleep. The more rested we are, the more our creative juices flow. It takes commitment, courage, and faith to keep taking one small step at a time. Ironically, the more steps we take, the more confident we become that we can keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n7. Practice mindfulness<\/b><\/p>\nHiggins said being present in each moment makes us aware of the choices we are making. \u201cWe catch ourselves on social media when it's in our best interests to be getting ready for bed, [for example]. We 'overpack' our daily schedules so that there's barely enough time to breathe.\u201d \nBut by pausing regularly throughout the day, you can become more attuned to the inner journey required to fulfill your goals. \u201cWe stop being driven by external factors and other people's agendas, and instead find our own impetus for being and living in this world," she said.<\/p>\n8. Eat healthily<\/b><\/p>\nChloe Elgar, a Dubai-based Holistic Nutritionist and writer at <a href=\"http://www.chloescountertop.com/\">Chloe's Countertop<\/a>, said a healthy and balanced person is a much more efficient, strong and consistent worker. But in Dubai's fast-paced work environment, eating healthily is a challenge many expatriates face.<\/p>\nHer advice: re-evaluate your value system. \u201cIf feeling good and overall wellness is a priority, then it's important to restructure your time in the day to fit those needs. [This means] going through your day and figuring out what activities you are dedicating your time to mostly, and deciding whether or not they are fitting your health and wellness intentions.\u201d<\/p>\nSimple things like preparing make-ahead meals for the week can help you save time and eat right. The key, Elgar said, is to look at your health and wellness choices as a lifestyle instead of a diet or a fad.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Career Growth","articleTagLink":"career-growth.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_goals.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=449759","articleTitle":"How to Get Back on Track after Holiday Weight Gain","articleSubTitle":"No time to waste. The good season will be coming soon.","articleCreatedDate":"January 20, 2016","articleDesc":"The end of the year is packed with multicultural celebrations and festivals. It's a time for festivals, friendship, family gatherings \u2013 and plenty of food. A bulging waistline is something you might come to expect once January arrives, but a classic study of holiday weight gain showed that most people put on less weight than they imagine over the holiday season. The study found that the average person puts on 1 pound (though this increases to 5 pounds in the overweight and obese). At a time of celebration, this holiday spread might seem okay when offset with all the fun you'll have, but the study also showed that this weight tends to stay, contributing significantly to creeping weight gain over the years. Beat the Bulge Before it Begins<\/p>\nHow can you avoid the bulge that's so common at this time of year? For Mona Joumaa, a Dietician at Mediclinic City Hospital, small changes to holiday eating habits can make all the difference. \u201cOvereating has become a tradition at this time of year that leads to weight gain,\u201d she explains. \u201cBut those extra pounds can be fended off by following some simple strategies.\u201d Below, Mona Joumaa shares her 6 tips to cut down on calories at holiday events:<\/p>\n1. Plan ahead. If you're going to a party in the evening, make sure your meals during the day are light and nutritious.<\/p>\n2. Sip wisely. Both alcoholic and soft drinks are loaded with calories. Have one serving of a celebratory drink and stick with water for the rest of the party to avoid drinking too many calories.<\/p>\n3. Set priorities. Instead of eating everything on the buffet, pick the foods you like the best, you don't usually eat, or the host's specialties. For example, pretzels are readily available throughout the year, while the dish from your secret family recipe is available only at this time of the year.<\/p>\n4. Bake healthier. Substitute calorie-laden foods for healthier versions. Use unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe bananas instead of butter for your recipes, for example. Try cutting the amount of sugar listed in recipes in half, and use spices such as cinnamon, allspice, or nutmeg instead of salt to add flavor. And look for low-fat dairy versions to cut down on calories.<\/p>\n5. Distract yourself. If you're prone to nibbling, avoid standing close to the buffet - socialize with friends at the other side of the room.<\/p>\n6. Make being active part of your holiday tradition. Have fun walking and talking with family and friends after a holiday meal and give gifts that encourage others to practice healthy habits such as workout DVDs, running shoes and reusable water bottles.<\/p>\nGet Back on Track after the Holidays<\/p>\nIf your healthy eating plans do go awry and your clothes are fitting a bit tighter come January, Carol Quelch, Nutritionist at Bespoke Wellness in Dubai, advises eating smaller portions every few hours to help balance out your macronutrients. She explains that it\u2019s best to eat around 40% complex carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% good fats. Eat whole grains, but pair with a large portion of vegetables or salad. The trick is to avoid 'empty calorie' foods, such as crackers, biscuits, crisps, sweets, chocolate and white grains (bread, pasta and rice). \u201cThese foods will not satiate you and will lead to you overeating,\u201d Quelch explains. \u201cOpt instead for nutrient-dense foods such as raw nuts/seeds, oats, avocados, lean meat, fish, eggs, brown rice, quinoa and green leafy vegetables.\u201d Exercise Your Way to Weight Loss Of course, eating isn't the only way to curb a creeping waistline, exercise helps, too. But if you think you're safe to tuck into sugary, high fat foods because you run every day, think again. \u201cYou cannot out-train a poor diet; diet will amount to 80% of any results achieved,\u201d warns Wesley Depass, Personal Trainer for Regime Fitness, located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Wesley, like many fitness experts, is an advocate of High Intensity Interval Training ("HIIT") cardio training for weight loss, which, if done correctly, will burn the most fat in the least amount of time. \u201cFor example, instead of going for a 60-minute incline walk on a treadmill, it would be of more benefit to do 6-10 30-second sprints,\u201d Depass explains. \u201cYou'll be burning more calories, and torching more of the stubborn body fat.\u201d You can also torch fat with strength exercise. \u201cIf you've ever tried to do a deadlift or a clean and press you'll understand the effort required to complete the movement,\u201d says Depass. \u201cTo then repeat this for 10 sets of 10 (or similar), you will [find] that [weight-bearing] exercises can be as good as cardio-based exercises to help shed pounds.\u201d And there's another reason why developing your muscle mass is good for weight loss: it increases your metabolic rate. Muscle tissue requires more energy from the body, even at rest, which means you'll be burning calories even while you're sleeping \u2013 and what could be better than that?<\/p>\nOverall, you want to enjoy this celebratory time with friends and family and not feel worrisome about eating and drinking at holiday gatherings. Start by adopting some new simple habits around this time of year and remember that a consistent fitness routine can help you stay healthy and feel great no matter the season.<\/p>\n","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_holiday_weight.jpg"},{"articleLinkUrl":"/polWeb/public/article.htm?article=371313","articleTitle":"Ten Ways to Make Your New Year's Resolutions More Meaningful This Year","articleSubTitle":"Don't let go. It's the right time to set goals and follow through.","articleCreatedDate":"January 19, 2016","articleDesc":"It's that time of year again when we are looking forward to new beginnings. We look inward and identify things about ourselves that could be changed or made better. This year, you might be asking yourself – how can I create meaningful New Year\u2019s Resolutions that will actually stick?<\/p>\nA good place to start is by asking – what causes us to fail at our resolutions? Dr. Vishal Indla, Psychiatrist and founder of VIMHANS, a neurological hospital in New Delhi, India, explains, \u201cMost often, resolutions fail as they are decided without planning for the nuts and bolts, that is, the finer aspects. For example, to quit smoking is a common resolution but often it fails as people fail to plan to handle cravings, weight gain, concentration lapses, etc., which occur when one stops smoking.\u201d<\/p>\nHow can you make realistic and achievable resolutions this New Year?<\/strong><\/p>\n1. Be specific:<\/strong> Making a New Year resolution is simply setting a goal. Be very specific about what you want to do to increase your chances for success. \u201cI'll reduce 10 kilograms in three months between January and March\u201d is a better, more specific resolution, as opposed to just \u201cI'll reduce weight\u201d. Being precise also implies that you have thought about your goal and preconditioned your mind about what you want to achieve.<\/p>\n2. Think big, plan small:<\/strong> Dr. Jyotika Chhibber, a registered medical practitioner in Alternate Medicine and Founder of The Light of Life Institute in Maharashtra, India advises, \u201cAlthough our goals should be reachable and achievable, one should always dream big. Our hidden source of potential is boundless and infinite, and our capacity is such that we can accomplish whatever we set our pointer at. The art is to follow it step by step, by following our heart and inner guidance, and making our dream our passion.\u201d<\/p>\nSo, break down your resolutions into smaller steps. For example, find out what you would need to do to reduce weight and create a series of steps, like cutting down on sugar, going for a walk thrice a week, joining a dance class or making time for exercise four days a week.<\/p>\n3. Think about what\u2019s doable:<\/strong> Instead of just going with the flow, think about what you can realistically achieve in each step. Stretch yourself a little at a time. If you are averse to exercising and are already 20 kilos overweight, reducing 10 kilos in a month may be too much. Start with a modest target that you know you can reach – say, one kilo a week, or exercising for 15 minutes a day.<\/p>\n4. Resolve to do something that you really want to do:<\/strong> Don't make a resolution because \u201ceveryone else is doing it\u201d. What really matters to you? Are you truly bothered about your weight or your well-being? Will a meditation class be more meaningful to you than strength training? Will you be happier doing voluntary work for an NGO more than anything else? Resolve to do just that.<\/p>\n5. Spread your tasks out over the year:<\/strong> Plan precisely and spread out small, attainable tasks in detail over your next year\u2019s calendar. Write to-do items for specific days and weeks. \u201cMaking realistic resolutions with proper mental preparation and planning enhances chances of success,\u201d says Dr. Indla.<\/p>\nYou are more likely to succeed if your resolution looks like this:<\/p>\nResolution 1: I'll reduce 10 kilograms in three months between January and March:<\/strong><\/p>\nJan 1 to Jan 5:<\/em> Learn more about living healthy and weight reduction. Make an appointment with a dietitian to discuss nutrition and diet.<\/p>\nJan 4 & 5:<\/em> Make a list of food items that the dietician recommends. Visit the grocery store to purchase items needed.<\/p>\nJan 6:<\/em> Begin new eating and fitness regimen.<\/p>\nJan 3 to Jan 10:<\/em> Identify a good place to train/work out and enroll. Try it out for a month and decide to drop or continue at month\u2019s end.<\/p>\nLast week of Jan:<\/em> Happy with current training and fitness situation? If not, start looking for alternatives.<\/p>\nand so on...<\/p>\n6. Remind yourself to stay the course:<\/strong> Write your resolution on A4 size papers in bold and hang them in your rooms where you can see them often. Remember it, think about it, and feel the motivation to work towards it. Make up your mind to not give up. If you can't work on your resolution one day, don't let it through you off track. On the next day, pick it up again. As Dr. Indla says, \u201cUsually it takes 21 days of sticking to a resolution or a new habit to bring about change.\u201d<\/p>\n7. Reward yourself on your successes, but don't punish yourself if you fail:<\/strong> If you oversleep one day and miss a workout, be happy about your extra snooze hours and work extra hard the next morning to make it happen. If you succeed in sticking to your training schedule for an entire week, reward yourself with a hot chocolate (or whatever treat will please you).<\/p>\n8. Involve your friends and family:<\/strong> \u201cInvolving significant others or family members, friends, or work colleagues, depending on the resolution, enhances chances of success\u201d, says Dr. Indla. \u201cSharing with friends and family and receiving accolades and appreciation from them is always very inspiring,\u201d adds Dr. Chhibber. What better way to stay on track than with the support of your loved ones.<\/p>\n9. Read for inspiration:<\/strong> \u201cSelf-help books are a great help. Reading biographies of successful leaders, attending workshops and forums\u2026helps better resolution,\u201d encourages Dr. Chhibber.<\/p>\n10. Finally, have faith in yourself.<\/strong> Dr. Chhibber explains it best - \u201cEverything can be conquered with faith. One has to allow oneself to trust the process. Any change needs time and as we know, patience is a virtue. So, we have to follow it through by taking one small step at a time after making [a] big leap of faith. We have to reinforce the desire to work on our targets often - rebuild our faith as often as it shakes \u2026 and revaluate, reassess, and restructure the process from time to time.\u201d<\/p>","articleTag":"Health & Fitness","articleTagLink":"health-and-fitness.htm","articleImage":"/content/dam/pursuitoflife/img_article_newyrs.jpg"}]