October 2015 Partner Tips
Each month we feature a short editorial from one or more of our strategic partners containing useful information related to work and life.
In October, organic beauty salon, Elana Jade, and fitness club, Club 360, offer tips on curing sun damage and looking after your heart
1) Elana Jade – 3 important steps to cure sun damage
Sun rays can damage the DNA and the genetic material of the skin cells deep in the dermis layer. As a result, these cells become dysfunctional and may not adequately produce collagen causing the skin to sag, which creates lines and wrinkles. If these damaged cells do not renew properly the skin becomes thick, dull and sallow. Trying to protect itself from the sun, the skin produces the melanin pigment to absorb ultraviolet light, which results in sunspots. So how do you avoid this?
Step 1: Exfoliation
Exfoliation or peeling rids the skin of damaged cells and allows it to absorb moisture and nutrition more readily. Exfoliation of the skin’s top layer has also shown in many studies to stimulate production of new collagen in the deeper dermis layers thus helping to improve the signs of photo-aging.
Step 2: Daily Concentrated Serum
When skin becomes dehydrated its barrier against environmental hazards and free radicals is very low. This makes the skin more susceptible to damage and ageing. To boost your skin’s moisture and protection level you can choose a serum with a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants act as a magnet for moisture and creates the ideal environment for healthy and beautiful skin.
Step 3: Improve your Diet
Beautiful skin comes not only from cosmetics, but, also from a healthy diet rich in vitamins. In fact, whatever sophisticated topical treatments you apply, you won’t get high quality results without providing your skin with the vitamins and minerals vital for its function and youth from within. Your diet should include fruits, vegetables and “good” fats like fish, olive oils, and flaxseed oil. Please avoid processed foods, especially those high in sugar.
2) Club 360 – Looking after your heart!
Show your ticker a little love with these strategies:
*Get at least 7 
hours sleep- Those who have an average of 6 or fewer hours have higher levels of inflammatory markers than those who are well-rested.
*Keep up with your exercise– not every session has to be the hardest but it is important to keep moving every day by incorporating more walking (e,g walking up the stairs or to work) with regular weight and cardiovascular training.
*Eating more thoughtfully– having the right nutrition plan can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease. Here are some tips on how to improve your food intake: Controlling your portion control. eating more vegetables and 1 to 2 pieces of fruit per day, be selective with your grains, limit unhealthy fats and eating more healthy oils.
*Embrace your ‘time out’– stress management should be a part of your daily life as chronically elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol is linked to cardiovascular disease. Try different ways of reducing your stress levels, such as meditation, deep breathing, or reading something not work related to help cool the stress.