Health and beauty always seem to go hand in hand and when you think about it, it makes sense. When you look good, you feel good and vice versa. When a woman feels her best, she knows she looks her best and that probably goes for men too. It certainly goes a long way to explaining why we spend so much money on beauty products and pampering ourselves.
But it is not all just a waste of money because when we are feeling good, we are also much more healthy. A recent study has proven that the happier you are feeling, the more resistant you are to colds and other viruses.
As winter begins to set in after a magnificent summer, SAD syndrome (seasonal affective disorder) is likely to rear its ugly head for many of us. For the vast majority of us, this is a mild case of the winter blues but anything to keep up the spirits and make us feel happier and therefore healthier, can be pretty important.
There are a number of healthy ways of getting ourselves in shape and looking good, making us feel good too.
0
Starting from the basics, a good skin colour always makes you look good. We have had a great summer so we should all be glowing wonderfully. However, the winter is approaching and it will not last. So how about the fake tan option? That’s when health issues come in of course. The sun is bad enough but at least the majority of us use a high factor sunscreen as we are aware of the dangers of too much sunlight. However, the UV rays from sunbeds are not a good idea when overdone so continually visiting the sunbed to keep the tan up all winter is not advised.
A safe alternative is at hand though and it is quick – the Instant Tan. No lying for hours being painted with dye but just stand in a shower for six seconds and a few hours later your skin turns a lovely and even shade of brown. So feeling tanned with a healthy glow, you are well on your way to feeling good.
1
A new haircut will make a huge difference. And we are not talking trim here – get a whole new look and make sure you take advice to get a style that suits your face. You will come out of the hairdressers a whole new woman, feeling fantastic and well on your way to feeling a whole heap better.
2
We can all be bamboozled by the number of products out there and with every advert on TV encouraging you to try this that or the other anti-ageing cream or firming lotion; you could go mad trying to decide on one. One sure way, however of ensuring you have healthier looking skin is to de-stress, chill out and try and live a more relaxed life. Our frazzled lifestyles lead to early ageing and there is no point slapping expensive creams onto a stressed skin. Another tip for healthy looking skin is to take a probiotic supplement. In fact, these ‘good bacteria’ will help in all sorts of ways from irritable bowel syndrome to combating colds and ‘flu as they work on the toxins in the gut that cause a whole range of problems. So try and relax, take your probiotics and see a healthier-looking complexion as a result.
For sheer luxury of course you could also try facial massages, which will help relieve stress and leave you and your face feeling relaxed and calm.
3
For general relaxing of your entire body and therefore an ensuing feeling of well-being, there is nothing better than a warm bath, Jacuzzi, steam room or sauna. But are they good for you? They certainly clear the pores and rejuvenate the skin and remove aches and pains. Water therapy has been used for thousands of years to improve health, so it can’t be bad. However, the heat of the water draws a lot of blood into the skin, which causes a drop in blood pressure causing the heart to pump faster, so like exercise it has a positive effect, but pregnant women, children and those with high blood pressure should avoid spas and saunas for that very reason.
4
To look good, you have to be happy with your general appearance and weight, so a good exercise programme will help with keeping in shape. It will also promote a sense of well-being and achievement and help get rid of excess aggression. There are a million and one different exercise regimes that I could mention but perhaps the simplest is a brisk walk. Walking is promoted by all health enthusiasts and is a great way of exercising as well as building confidence and improving self-esteem or even letting off steam.
Source: Murray, K., Look Good, Feel Good, Scottish Health, Issue 32 (NB Media 2003) p. 32
Choose which of the headings A – G match each of the numbered paragraphs. Write the correct letter in the table below. There are 2 extra headings which you do not need to use.
Number
Heading
0 Example
A
1
2
3
4
Headings
A. First, the healthy glow.
B. Finishing touches.
C. Hair care.
D. Skin care.
E. Exercise.
F. Healthy eating.
G. Relaxation.
Activity 3
Read the rest of the article and answer the questions.
If however, you want something a bit more formalised, why not try yoga, tai chi or pilates. Pilates is advocated by many famous followers and certainly seems to work for those who follow the method. Developed in the 1920s by Joseph H Pilates, it is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body. It is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind and promoting physical harmony and balance for people of all ages and physical conditions. It also provides a refreshing and energising workout and can be done whilst pregnant or to tone up after pregnancy.
Eating healthily will naturally help you to feel good because not only will you be pleased with your new willpower to resist temptation and stay away from the biscuit tin, but you will begin to lose any excess weight; your skin will improve and you will feel on top of the world. You will look fantastic. So get your requisite five portions of fruit and veg. each day, combined with a balanced diet; cut out the rubbish and you will be well on your way to a better you.
Source: Murray, K., Look Good, Feel Good, Scottish Health, Issue 32 (NB Media 2003) p. 32
These statements are either true (T), false (F) or the text doesn’t say (DS). Circle the correct answer.
1. The Pilates method is named after the founder.
T F DS
2. It works by targeting specific areas of the body.
T F DS
3. Some followers have been disappointed with the results.
T F DS
4. It is not suitable for some people.
T F DS
5. It can help you get fit.
T F DS
Questions 6 – 8.
Which three things about dieting are mentioned in the article? Circle the correct letters.
If you eat a balanced diet:
a) You will be proud of your self-discipline.
b) You will put on weight.
c) You will feel more natural.
d) You will feel happier.
e) You will sleep better.
f) You may lose weight.
Activity 4
Complete the conclusion to the article with the words in the box. One has been done for you.
a) topping up b) touches c) keep up d) fitting e) face f) dress up g) healthily
Now you are eating (1) healthily, taking exercise, de-stressing and (2) ______________ with probiotics, as well as (3) _____________ in time for relaxation, you will be feeling very good. Add the finishing (4) __________ with a manicure and pedicure, treat yourself to some new make-up (girls) or a splash of expensive aftershave (boys) and (5) _________ in your finery. Now you are looking your best and feeling your best and are ready to (6) __________ the world. Looking in tip-top shape has improved your humour and your health, so (7) ___________ the good work.
Source: Murray, K., Look Good, Feel Good, Scottish Health, Issue 32 (NB Media 2003) p. 32
Activity 5
Fill in the missing verbs to complete these expressions about health from the article, as in the example:
promote, build, get, improve, feel, rejuvenate
Rejuvenate the skin.
__________________ a sense of well-being.
__________________ in shape.
__________________ confidence.
__________________ self-esteem.
__________________ on top of the world.
Activity 6
Look back at Activity 2 and the 3 phrasal verbs in bold. Check their meanings and then complete the sentences below with the correct form of the phrasal verb.
A period of decline _____________ when the new principal arrived.
We need someone who understands the new syllabus. This is where Mike _____________.
John’s far to anxious. He needs to learn to _____________.
Homework task:
Write a magazine article giving your opinion of the usefulness of dieting. (300-350 words).
