According to Dr Paul, at around 35, the body becomes more prone to significant changes such as declining metabolism, muscle loss, and fat redistribution.

These changes can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other health complications.

Dr. Minado Paul said women should visit the gym at least three times a week to build muscle strength and maintain overall physical fitness.

The doctor, who personally attends the gym three times a week, said many women often avoid gyms because they feel shy around men with well-built bodies or feel intimidated by the large gym equipment.

“Women sometimes think the equipment looks too big, masculine or heavy, and they worry that people might judge them,” she said.

“But that should not stop them from going to the gym. By maintaining physical fitness we can actually slow down muscle decline,” she said.

The doctor also warned that lack of exercise can lead to weaker bones and higher risks of fractures as women grow older.

“One in two women experience fractures or broken bones after the age of 30 because of less exercise, and most of these women die only at 60 or after 60 years of age” she said.

“So it is very important that we have strong muscles.”

She reassured women that strength training will not make them overly muscular unless they intentionally train to become professional bodybuilders.

“You will never be big or bulky like men unless you want to be a professional,” she said. “I encourage girls to get strength and lift weights to maintain muscle mass and strong bones to reduce the risk of fractures later in life.”

Dr Paul added that stronger muscles also help the body regulate sugar levels more effectively. She compared muscles to a sponge that absorbs sugar from the blood and helps maintain healthy sugar levels.

She recommended strength training through calisthenics or weightlifting at the gym as effective ways to build muscle.

The doctor also stressed the importance of starting regular exercise at a young age. S

he said children should begin physical training as early as 10 years old, noting that narrowing of the blood vessels can begin at that age through a process known as Atherosclerosis.

She urged parents to encourage their children to stay active and eat healthier foods from farms and gardens rather than processed foods.

She also highlighted sleep as another key factor in maintaining good health, recommending that people get eight to nine hours of sleep every night.

“A person who gets good sleep can be healthier than someone who does not smoke,” she said.

According to Dr Paul, the Vanuatu National Hospital records an average of three to five hospital admissions daily, sometimes reaching as many as 11 cases.

The most common causes of death include stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and Sepsis, which are often linked to unhealthy lifestyles.

“If you sleep better, your sugar is well controlled, your weight is better and your general health improves. You will live longer,” she added.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST