HEALTH REPORT
needs one when the island is one big playground, filled with gorges, waterfalls, goat tracks and surrounded by the beautiful Aegean Sea? And while a walk to a neighbour’s house for dinner would easily provide our recommended 10,000 daily steps, Ikarians scratch their heads at the idea of structured exercise. Instead, ‘incidental exercise’ is a way of life. Professor Michael Woodward, Dementia Australia board member, claims 42 per cent of all dementia cases would be prevented if we moved regularly for just 30 minutes a day. No wonder there is only one nursing home on Ikaria, with a mere six residents. Get outdoors There is little public transport on Ikaria, and cars are a luxury. So, the locals walk, which means they’re exercising, getting quality vitamin D, and breathing fresh air.
Just do it ... tomorrow Ikarians are one of the most relaxed communities you will ever find. Tourist shops sell T-shirts which play on the Nike slogan: “Just Do It ... Tomorrow”. However, Ikarians are not lazy. They simply prioritise spending time with loved ones when
they go home after work, knowing that their job will still be waiting for them ... tomorrow. Nor does the community fall apart with this attitude. Maybe your coffee order takes 10 minutes instead of two, but it’s because the waitress wants to chat with you. Marcus Pearce is director and CEO of The Wellness Couch, Australia’s #1 health and lifestyle podcast network with over two million annual downloads. He is the host of the Go Vita Podcast and the ageing well podcast, 100 Not Out.
The golden formula to help relieve stress
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5 If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. CHC73311-0918 ISSUE 53 • 2019
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