Dr Ernest Peets Jr, a specialist in marriage and family therapy, urged men to take advantage of it.

“Paternity leave is important because it allows fathers to establish an early bond with their child during a critical period of development,” Dr Peets told RG Best Health.

“Research consistently shows that fathers who are actively involved from birth are more likely to remain engaged throughout their child’s life.

“Paternity leave also gives fathers time to support their partner’s physical and emotional recovery following childbirth, helping to strengthen the family unit during a major life transition.”
Dr Peets said paternity leave can also reduce stress and anxiety by allowing fathers to adjust to their new role without the immediate pressure of returning to work.

He added: “It sends an important message that fatherhood is valued and that caregiving is not solely the responsibility of mothers.”

Fathers in Bermuda are allowed five consecutive days paid paternity leave, provided they have worked for an employer for at least 12 continuous months, thanks to amendments to the Employment Act which were approved in 2019.

In each case, the time must be taken within 14 weeks of a child’s birth.

The 2019 amendments also increased a mother’s paid maternity leave to 13 weeks paid, up from eight weeks paid and four weeks unpaid. Similar conditions apply.

Develop confidence

Dr Peets is co-founder and therapist at MASC Bermuda Ltd, which provides counselling and mentorship for men by a team of qualified male therapists, from offices on Reid Street in Hamilton.

By offering “counselling for men by men”, MASC is the only practice of its kind in Bermuda with a male-centred focus.

Dr Peets said that many of the fathers he works with do not specifically seek counselling regarding paternity leave.

But he said: “I have observed that fathers who have the opportunity to spend meaningful time at home following the birth of a child often report feeling more connected to both their child and partner.

“They tend to develop greater confidence in parenting skills and experience less anxiety about their role as a father.

“Families also benefit when fathers are actively involved from the beginning. Mothers often report feeling more supported, which can reduce stress and improve overall family functioning. The early weeks following a birth can be challenging, and having both parents present often leads to a healthier adjustment for everyone involved.”

Dr Peets said the most important thing a father can do during paternity leave is to be fully present.

“Paternity leave should not be viewed as a vacation but as an opportunity to participate in caregiving and family bonding.”

He said some practical ways to maximise the benefit include:

• Spending uninterrupted time bonding with the baby through feeding, bathing, reading and skin-to-skin contact.
• Supporting the mother’s recovery by sharing household and childcare responsibilities.
• Establishing routines and learning parenting skills together as a family.

“The goal is to create a strong foundation for family life rather than simply helping for a few days.”

A good start

Dr Peets said that the statutory grant of five days’ paternity leave “is a positive starting point”.

However, he added: “It is unlikely to provide sufficient time for fathers to fully adjust to the demands of a new child or to provide meaningful support to their partner.

“The first few weeks following birth are often when families need the most support. Extending paternity leave would provide fathers with greater opportunity to bond with their child, contribute to caregiving responsibilities, and support maternal wellbeing.

“It would also better reflect our growing understanding that fathers play an important role in child development and family health.”

Private companies, of course, are free to grant benefits to their employees that exceed the statutory minimum. Hamilton Insurance Group, for example, offers a programme of enhanced parental leave, with 20 weeks’ full-time pay for maternity leave and six weeks for paternity leave.

Dr Peets said: “A programme that provides several weeks or months of leave creates opportunities that are difficult to achieve within a five-day period.

“For fathers, extended leave allows time to develop confidence and competence as caregivers. It reduces the pressure to immediately return to work and can improve overall wellbeing during a major life transition.”

However, he cautioned: “While programmes such as Hamilton Insurance Group’s demonstrate what is possible when organisations make a significant investment in employee wellbeing, it may not be practical or feasible to require all employers to provide leave at that level. Bermuda’s business community includes many small and medium-sized employers that face different operational and financial realities.

“Ultimately, programmes of this nature recognise that strong families are built through time, presence and meaningful involvement, not simply financial support alone.”

The post Establishing an early bond appeared first on RG Magazines.

Azuree Williams is the programme manager at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. She sat down with RG Best Health to explain which cancers affect men the most, the symptoms they should watch for, and what screening and treatments are available in Bermuda. And, the good news is, the dreaded digital rectal exam may no longer be necessary.

The most common cancers affecting men in Bermuda are prostate, colorectal, lung and skin cancers. For skin cancers, she explained, even though the overall rates are higher in men, these tend to be basal cell (BCC) or squamous cell (SCC) carcinomas as opposed to the more serious melanoma. However, they still need to be treated straight away.

Skin cancer

BCCs and SCCs can appear as new bumps, lesions, red nodules or sores on the skin, scaly patches on the lip, or wart-like sores on or inside the anus or genitals.

In contrast, melanoma tends to be a large brownish spot with darker speckles; a mole that changes or bleeds; a small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, pink, white, blue or blue-back; or a painful lesion that itches or burns.

For people of colour, Ms Williams warned, it could appear under their finger or toe nails as a dark line that gets darker and wider, or the palms of their hands or soles of their feet.

Regardless of skin colour, sunscreen and sun protective clothing is crucial to protect skin from these types of cancers because, she emphasised, “skin cancer is colour-blind.”

In Bermuda, people of colour tend to be diagnosed with late stage melanoma because, she said, they don’t believe skin cancer will impact them.

“Just because you have more melanin, doesn’t mean you’re not at risk for skin cancer,” she said.

In addition to checking their skin for symptoms, she also advised all men to start skin cancer screenings at a young age, especially if there is a family history, because skin cancer is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 20 to 29.

Prostate cancer

Most prostate cancers are slow growing so, in the early stages, symptoms may not be noticeable, so regular screenings are vital. If it is an aggressive type of cancer, symptoms could include trouble urinating, incontinence, blood in the urine, abdominal pain when urinating, or urinating regularly during the night when you haven’t drunk much.

Recommendations for prostate cancer screening vary depending on risk factors. The typical age to start is 50, however the rates are higher for Black men, so urologists may start screening at 40. For all men, it should start earlier if they have a family history of prostate cancer.

“We are seeing Black men under their 40s being diagnosed with prostate cancer locally, so if these men have a strong family history, having a first degree relative like a dad or brother, they should speak to their doctor about getting screened earlier.”

Screening for prostate cancer has also advanced.

“We now have the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing, which is a blood test,” she explained.

The Daily Male mobile-health clinic has made these screenings even more accessible by offering them for free.

Breast cancer

The percentage of men diagnosed with breast cancer is very low. Those diagnosed are primarily men with a strong family history, such as a mother who had breast cancer. Research has also found a connection between breast and prostate cancers in men.

If a man has either of these two risk factors, therefore, they should be checking their chest every month for new or unusual lumps in their breast area or under their armpits. They should also inform their doctor if there is a family history of breast cancer.

Colorectal cancer

Symptoms that could indicate colorectal cancer include blood in the stool and difficulty defecating. Sometimes however, “something just doesn’t feel right,” Ms Williams warned. “It could be something feels off about their body and they shouldn’t just dismiss it as, ‘Oh, it’s nothing. I’m just overtired or overworked.’ They should go and get it checked just to make sure.”

Like prostate cancer, however, the early signs of colorectal cancer might not be easily noticeable. Recommended screening in Bermuda starts at 45, but it’s good to know your family history and share it with your doctor, in case they want to start it earlier.

Traditionally, a colonoscopy is done to test for symptoms of colorectal cancer. For those who don’t have a family history, there is the option for “lab stool testing” as well.

Lung cancer

In recent years, lung cancer has been the third leading cancer diagnosis for men in Bermuda. Yearly lung cancer screening for people aged 50 to 80 who either smoke, or used to smoke and “have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking” is recommended. A pack-year is equal to smoking one pack per day for a year. In order to be screened, current smokers have to receive counselling to quit.

Cancer treatment

Almost 95 per cent of cancer cases diagnosed in Bermuda can be treated in Bermuda, either at BCHC for radiation therapy, or at the hospital for chemotherapy and immunotherapy. But finding cancer early is crucial.

“Finding out there’s a problem sooner than later means you have a better chance of survival and a better chance of solving the problem quicker,” Ms Williams said.

She added that lack of insurance shouldn’t stop anyone from seeing a doctor.

“Many people worry about insurance coverage but there are doctors who work with their patients. They can do payment plans. Some do work pro bono. It’s good if the men are upfront and ask those questions to their doctors rather than putting off getting screened or checked.”

The post Watch for the warning signs appeared first on RG Magazines.

One is constantly moving; the other may barely leave his chair. Yet both can end up with aches, pains and posture problems.

Betty Doyling of B Active for Life believes it is because they often make the same mistake: they separate fitness from everyday movement.

“When people think about fitness, they’re always separating it from everyday life,” she said. “But the trick of it is however we move from day to day, it affects our health.”

People in physically demanding jobs often assume that hours spent lifting, pushing, pulling and working in the heat amount to a workout. But physical labour, Ms Doyling said, is different from exercise designed to build strength, improve movement and protect the body.

After 15 years as a certified personal trainer, working with everyone from labourers to office workers, she knows changing that mindset is easier said than done.

It is an ongoing debate she has with a baggage handler at LF Wade International Airport, who insists the job provides all the exercise she needs. Ms Doyling disagrees.

“It is strengthening somewhat, but you’re not learning the correct form, you’re just yanking it. You’re not using your core, you’re just trying to get the job done,” she said.

She offers a similar warning to construction workers and other labourers: bending to lift heavy objects without engaging the muscles that support the spine increases the risk of injury.

Repetitive movements can also take their toll. Over time, favouring one side of the body, reaching with the same arm or lifting awkwardly can lead to wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries. Learning to use the legs and hips instead of relying solely on the back or upper body can help reduce that strain, Ms Doyling said.

Build your core strength

Core strength is where she starts with many clients, regardless of whether they work behind a desk or outdoors.

“A strong core helps protect the back,” she explained.

For labourers, that means building strength in the muscles that support the spine, as well as in the arms, legs and hips. The aim is not simply to lift heavier weights in a gym, but to help the body cope with the demands of work and reduce the risk of injury from poor movement patterns.

Office workers face a different problem. Tight hips, weakened glutes and rounded shoulders are all common complaints among people who spend eight to ten hours a day sitting in a chair.

“Your body adapts to whatever you do most,” Ms Doyling said. “If you’re spending most of your day sitting, then your body is just sufficient at that.”

Short walks, regular breaks from the desk and a consistent strength-training programme can help counter some of those effects. Men in particular, she said, often struggle with hip mobility and posture after years at a desk.

Her focus with clients is strength rather than cardio. While cardiovascular exercise has obvious benefits, maintaining muscle is essential for people to function well as they age because strength supports balance, mobility and resilience. The point is to make movement safer, whether that means learning how to brace before lifting, waking up the glutes after years of sitting, or correcting habits before they become painful over time at work and home.

“Strength is basically the building blocks of your muscle. You have to strength train,” she said. “If we have a fall and we have muscles, we’re not just going to break into pieces.”

Act now!

For many middle-aged men, fitness becomes a priority only after something goes wrong. She recommends strength training at least twice a week, beginning with the core.

“Most women work out because they want to lose fat,” she said. “Men, a lot of their focus tends to [come only] after something happens.”

Back pain, knee problems and high blood pressure are often what finally prompt a trip to the gym. Even then, exercising without instruction can create problems of its own.

Trying to lift too much weight too quickly is among the most common mistakes Ms Doyling sees. Skipping warm-ups, ignoring mobility work and relying on the same routines year after year can stall progress and increase the risk of injury.

“Their ego gets in the way of proper form,” she said.

Too often, men train only the “mirror muscles”, prioritising chest, arms and shoulders while neglecting the muscles that provide stability and support.

Strong legs and glutes are just as important, Ms Doyling said. Long hours sitting or bending over at work can weaken muscles and affect posture and mobility. If those imbalances are ignored, discomfort can build gradually until it interferes with ordinary movement.

Many men assume they already know enough and resist changing their routines. But bodies adapt, and what worked years ago may no longer deliver benefits. Her advice is simple: ask for help before pain forces the issue.

Her clients are guided according to their individual needs, including whether they spend their work hours seated or in physically demanding jobs. Designing workouts around how people move during the day is part of the process. Group classes, combinations of weights and cardio and different forms of exercise can all challenge the body in new ways.

“Our bodies are wanting change,” she said. “Consistency matters more than perfection.”

The post Fit for the job appeared first on RG Magazines.

So, for generations, a night out with friends followed a familiar script: a few beers after work, another round with dinner, perhaps a shot or two before heading home. The next morning often brought a pounding headache, a lighter wallet and the occasional regret.

While these patterns do still exist, new patterns around alcohol consumption are being noted by the global industry – and they are also hitting home in Bermuda.

Non-alcoholic beverage sections at off licence liquor stores reported sales of close to a billion dollars globally in 2025 – with online sales tripling in 12 months.

Younger consumers are boosting the sales of alcohol-free beers, wines, spirits, and blasting mocktails all over their Instagram pages, embracing what has become known as the ‘sober curious’ lifestyle. This is a compromise between living dry and allowing oneself to socialise without feeling left out.

In Bermuda, John Perinchief – who managed the Police Recreation Club for 22 years before retiring in 2024 – attests that he witnessed a steady increase in demand for non-alcoholic beverages during his time behind the bar.

“Offering non-alcoholic drinks at the PRC was one of my mandates,” he said.

In the early years, the options were limited. Perrier, Malta, and the occasional alcohol-free beer were among the few choices available. Finding a non-alcoholic beer that customers actually enjoyed was difficult.

“There weren’t too many non-alcoholic beers that tasted good, except maybe St Pauli Girl,” he recalled.

The club also introduced an incentive for designated drivers by offering free soft drinks, helping to encourage responsible choices among patrons.

More variety, better quality

Over time – as the mad scientists in those non-alcoholic beverage laboratories pushed harder to find new, flavourful concoctions – consumer demand and product quality both improved.

Mr Perinchief said that during his final years at the club, the selection expanded significantly, including three varieties of Malta and four different types of non-alcoholic beer.

The wider selection translated into higher demand, and the variety encouraged more consumers to buy off the bar.

“I would say it increased the number of patrons we had; because people didn’t feel that they had to drink alcohol when they came to the bar.”

While alcohol-free options are gaining popularity globally, Bermuda’s relationship with drinking runs deep.

Anthony Santucci, executive director of CADA – Encouraging Responsible Alcohol Behaviour – said alcohol has been woven into Bermuda’s social fabric for centuries.

“Bermuda has a long legacy and relationship with alcohol,” he said.

But Mr Santucci believes younger generations are beginning to challenge some long-established habits.

“Gen Z are definitely changing their drinking habits,” he said. “They’re changing the types of substances they consume.”

Internationally, younger consumers are helping fuel growth in the market for alcohol-free beverages. Statistics are not available in Bermuda, but the growing visibility of alcohol-free options is evidence that attitudes may be evolving.

For many people, reducing alcohol consumption is not necessarily about complete abstinence. Instead, it is about having greater control over how much they drink and avoiding some of the negative effects that can accompany a heavy night out.

Recovering alcoholic Tiffany – who spoke under a pseudonym to protect her identity – uses non-alcoholic beverages to help stay in control of her urges.

She says that there’s non-alcoholic tequila and vodka here now, and they taste close enough to be able to “trick your brain so that your urges are satisfied”.

The growing range of alcohol-free alternatives means people no longer have to choose between drinking alcohol and feeling excluded from social occasions. With the taste catching up as well, this trend may become the norm before long.

Fun without alcohol

Today’s consumers can find alcohol-free lagers, craft beers, wines and sophisticated mocktails designed to replicate many of the flavours and rituals associated with traditional drinking.

That shift is changing the atmosphere in bars and restaurants around the world. Ordering a non-alcoholic drink is becoming increasingly normal, particularly among younger patrons who are prioritising health, fitness and mental wellbeing.

Still, some sceptics question whether a night out can really be as enjoyable without alcohol. That answer may depend less on what’s in the cup, and more on the company sitting around the table.

Much of the social experience revolves around conversation, laughter, music and shared experiences rather than alcohol itself. Increasingly, many people are discovering they can enjoy those moments without the hangover that often follows.

Mr Perinchief believes the key is giving customers options.

“I think it’s a responsible option to have favourable choices of non-alcoholic beverages by the vendor, and in turn give the consumer a choice once they find they have reached their limit,” he explained.

Mr Santucci agrees that responsible choices should remain the focus – especially when it comes to traveling on our roads – regardless of what people choose to drink.

“If you’re going to go out, make a plan before you go out on how to get home safely,” he advised.

“That means arranging a designated driver, booking a taxi or organising transportation before the first drink is poured – we don’t tend to do designated drivers very well in Bermuda. Make a plan to get home safe.”

Whether alcohol-free drinking proves to be a lasting cultural shift or simply another lifestyle trend remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that consumers today have more choices than ever before.

In Bermuda’s bars, restaurants and social clubs, patrons increasingly have options beyond beer, wine and spirits. Whether it is a non-alcoholic lager, a sparkling water or a carefully crafted, Instagram ready, mocktail, people are discovering that a good night out does not necessarily require alcohol.

The post What’s in my cup stays in my cup appeared first on RG Magazines.

We avoid going to the doctor if we can get away with it, we miss or ignore the warning signs of disease, and we’re more likely than women to drink alcohol, smoke and eat unhealthy food.

Is it because we want to look macho? Do we honestly think we’re invincible? Are we more interested in the short-term fun factor than the long-term consequences of our behaviour?

There’s some truth in all the above but, according to Dr Chris Fosker, the reality is more nuanced than a world full of alpha males trying to look like the tough guy.

“Men aren’t choosing to get this wrong. They’re just getting it wrong,” said Dr Fosker, the CEO and medical director at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.

The difference in attitudes to health between men and women is stark.

According to the World Health Organization, about 45 per cent of cancers in men are tied to controllable risk factors, compared to 30 per cent in women. Studies have shown women across the globe are far more likely than men to undergo screenings that could detect cancer early.

Yet men and women are not innately wired very differently.

“When it comes to health behaviour, only about 10 per cent is actually down to the biological difference of men or women,” Dr Fosker said.

“That is fascinating, because it means 90 per cent of it is driven by societal behaviour, psychosocial norms, healthcare structure and workplace structure.”

Social factor

From a young age, boys are taught to act “like a man”.

“That really drives what we see 30, 40, 50, 60 years later in terms of male attitude to healthcare,” Dr Fosker said.

“It’s down to all of us. I’m not going to blame anyone. Parents, teachers, football coaches shout things like, ‘Toughen up and be brave and be strong,’ when we’re talking to boys.

“That translates into adult life. It also translates into the workplace and workplace structure.”

Partly due to societal norms, men are more likely to have physical manual jobs.

“These jobs are also less likely to have an employment structure that allows ad-hoc time off, that promotes taking breaks to go and see a doctor,” Dr Fosker said.

“Being a man is all about being tough, being resilient, being the best you can be, being the breadwinner. Men feel a huge amount of pressure to financially support their families and they fear any kind of time off, even if it means looking after their health, could put that at risk.”

Gender views

Many women become familiar with the healthcare system through pregnancy and reproductive healthcare.

“That experience for those women normalises their understanding of a healthcare system,” Dr Fosker said. They naturally have a lot of interaction through those moments.

“Following on from that, there’s good screening programmes, globally and in Bermuda, for cervical cancer and breast cancer, that start at an earlier age than it does for men.

“They are quite invasive – there’s no way to hide it. It’s a very personal and difficult experience.

“But women get used to that and accept it, whereas men have no exposure to that, and then start to fear it.”

Men also experience higher rates of premature mortality from conditions such as cardiovascular disease, which has been linked to a fatalistic attitude toward health.

Changing the dial

Evidence in Bermuda suggests men can get it right when intentional efforts are made.

“Men have got much better at getting screened for prostate cancer in Bermuda,” Dr Fosker said.

From 2010 to 2019, the pick-up rate of stage one prostate cancer increased from 75 per cent to 90 per cent. During that time, the risk of prostate cancer death dropped by 63 per cent.

“Making access easy makes a difference,” he said. “And it’s just got even easier for men as the dreaded finger test is no longer routinely used for prostate cancer screening. It now starts with just a blood test.

“It’s been shown that if the healthcare system is structured and accessible to men, they’re just as good as women.”

Prostate cancer is a sound example. If detected in the early stages, men have a 99 per cent chance of being alive a decade later; if detected at stage 4, the survival rate drops to 20 per cent.

“If you’ve sat on those symptoms like bladder problems, and you shift yourself from stage 3 to stage 4, that has changed your life.

“That is where we can make a difference with men: encouraging them not to ignore symptoms, not to be fatalistic, not to be macho – get that relationship with your GP so that you’re not just dismissing things.

“Men are not as well-versed as women in kind of just asking for answers and expecting to get answers, and not just dismissing it.”

How bosses can help

In many male-dominated industries, people feel obliged to work through the pain barrier to avoid letting down their teammates; they find it difficult to take time off for a medical check-up.

“If you look at working teams on a construction site, they’re really tight teams, but they’ve got to work together to get the job done,” Dr Fosker said.

“If you’ve got a team of five and you’re not able to pull your weight, then you’re letting down the other four.”

Many of these attitudes are gender-set in childhood, but Dr Fosker said: “It doesn’t mean you can’t work against it.

“So much of that is achievable through HR policies. You’re not going to change men’s behaviour overnight, but you can change the structure in which men access care.

“It’s simple things like having a policy that if you need a health check, you can do it in your working hours. Any organisation can tell their workers they’ve got to go and have their annual physical with their GP, just as part of good behaviour.

“You’re not talking about massive expense, but that’s the cultural shift that can make a difference. And if it keeps your workforce well, that expense is quickly repaid.”

Let’s talk!

Telling men to change has not worked.

“We need to be more innovative, more dynamic,” Dr Fosker said: “We need to empower men to change the conversation, making it normal.”

People are more likely to listen to someone talking about their own experiences than a message from a health expert.

“Men who’ve been through health challenges and come out positively can have a huge impact on their peers by talking about it,” Dr Fosker said.

“We see with men’s cancer groups, particularly prostate cancer, there is an increasing amount of trust because they’re talking to each other, and they’re talking to other people.

“If you’ve been through a cancer experience, talk about it. It would make other people feel much more comfortable talking about their fears and working their way through. That key change will have a positive impact on men’s health, and it is attainable.”

Talking seems to come naturally to women – but, Dr Fosker points out, it is a social agenda that has trained them to talk.

“Men are trained not to talk,” he said.

“We need to retrain men to talk, particularly after they’ve had a healthcare experience, because then it encourages other men to think about their health.”

The post We’re not all trying to be macho appeared first on RG Magazines.

We’re too busy to do the DIY tasks on our honey do list, meet our friends for dinner, take up a new hobby, sort out the garden or even cook a particularly healthy meal.

So how on earth can we find enough time for exercise?

One answer is to stop thinking of getting fit as yet another a chore to squeeze into your busy life. Consider it something fun that you can build your personal or family life around.

Scenic exercise, promoted by health professionals everywhere, is an approach that uses visually stimulating landscapes to boost your motivation and get you immersed in physical activity. It’s so effective that in some countries they use virtual simulations on treadmills and exercise bikes.

There’s no need for virtual simulations in Bermuda, of course, because we’re never more than a few minutes away from the real thing.

Check out our top scenic exercise spots – and get moving!

Bermuda Railway Trail

Absolutely no excuses on this one. Wherever you live in Bermuda, you’re not far from the Railway Trail, which is split into nine sections stretching 18 miles from East to West.

It’s long enough to cycle, but beautiful enough to walk, with a varied levels of difficulty ranging from flat pathways to rocky terrain. Views of the ocean, ancient ruins, pretty cottages and serene beaches will lift your spirit as you breathe in the fresh air.

Top tip: Don’t undo your good work by stopping for an ice cream along the way.

Warwick Long Bay

The clue is in the name. It’s a bay, it’s in Warwick – and it’s long. Half a mile’s worth of running, jogging, walking or trudging.

There’s a playground to keep the kids entertained while you explore the shoreline, with its jagged rocks and iconic waters. And your stroll will almost always be peaceful because this beach is rarely packed with visitors.

Top tip: Branch out to nearby Jobson’s Cove or Horseshoe Bay to keep things interesting.

Spittal Pond Nature Reserve

We don’t have many big wildlife areas in Bermuda – but Spittal Pond will always leave you feeling one with nature.

Lizards, skinks, toads, crabs and rare butterflies and dragonflies are among the inhabitants of the Smith’s sanctuary, known for its vast variety of wildlife, and officially a Wetland of International Importance. There’s lots of room for hiking, or just a joyous stroll around your favourite spots.

Top tip: If you’re lucky, you might see humpback whales make a graceful appearance off the South Shore. But you’ve got to clamber on top of Portuguese Rock to do it. All good exercise.

Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve

An amazingly quiet and scenic spot, boasting secluded beaches, trails through mixed woodland and a restored pond area with herons, kingfishers and giant crabs.

Revel in the history of the East End’s former American base and explore the abandoned bunkers or climb the Wildlife Observation Tower for spectacular views of the island.

Top tip: It’s a fair trek out to St David’s. Give yourself plenty of time to get there. Maybe even allow for an extra half-hour to stop for a fish sandwich on the way back. This time, you’ve earned it.

The post No excuses! appeared first on RG Magazines.

In Bermuda, where the high cost of living places added pressure on families juggling rent, groceries, electricity bills, many mothers and fathers are feeling stretched to breaking point.

For some, the stress begins before the day has even properly started.

Getting a child out of bed, fed and ready in the morning can be a challenge in itself. There are lunches to prepare, uniforms to iron and bags to pack. In between it all, working parents must somehow find time to get themselves ready and ensure their children arrive at school before attendance is taken.

By the end of the day, the pressures are still there, just in a different form. There’s ferrying to after-school activities, homework to supervise and groceries to buy — all while trying to remain emotionally available for children.

Mental health professionals warn that chronic stress can gradually affect both physical and emotional wellbeing. The effects are not always obvious at first.

According to the Family Centre many families in Bermuda are dealing with emotional, behavioural and social challenges linked to stress, pressure and instability.

People may dismiss exhaustion, irritability or difficulty sleeping as part of everyday life but over time, chronic stress can contribute to anxiety, burnout, headaches, digestive issues, high blood pressure and emotional withdrawal. Relationships can also suffer as patience wears thin and people become overwhelmed.

Children often absorb that tension too, even when parents try to shield them from it.

Family Centre provides free, weekly counselling for children, teens and families, along with parenting workshops and family support groups designed to help manage stress and strengthen home relationships.

As described on its website, the sessions “aim to guide families in problem-solving family challenges such as discipline issues, stress management, budgeting, bonding, co-parenting and blended families, etc, with a goal of creating healthier functioning home environments for parents and children alike”.

Tough balancing act

For many parents, financial pressure only adds to the challenges at home.

High housing costs, rising grocery prices and electricity bills leave many families with little room to breathe financially. For parents with children in private education, school fees can place additional strain on already stretched budgets.

For single parents or households supporting multiple generations, the burden can feel even heavier.

Over time, the constant balancing act of financial responsibilities, work and parenting can leave many mothers and fathers mentally and physically exhausted. Even for parents earning higher incomes, demanding careers and long working hours can leave little time to properly rest or recover.

That pressure to keep functioning despite exhaustion can make meaningful downtime feel almost impossible in Bermuda, where many parents associate true relaxation with leaving the island entirely.

A staycation can still involve errands, household chores and the mental pressure of unfinished responsibilities, but breaks overseas are not always realistic for families managing tight budgets.

As a result, some parents operate in survival mode for months — or even years — without meaningful rest.

Take care of yourself

Unicef, the United Nations agency focused on the wellbeing and protection of children and families around the world, encourages mothers and fathers to manage stress before it becomes overwhelming through simple activities such as walking, breathing exercises or taking short breaks during the day.

“A small amount of stress can even be useful in our daily lives – it helps us to focus and be productive. But stress can be harmful when it gets too much or goes on for too long, leading to exhaustion and burnout,” it states on its website.

“Taking time for yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. When we take care of ourselves, we can better take care of our children as well.”

Prolonged stress can gradually make even ordinary responsibilities feel overwhelming, the organisation warns, noting that parents “can begin to feel stressed with even the simplest of tasks”.

Unicef encourages parents to “be kind” to themselves, reminding mothers and fathers that “there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ parent”.

“It’s OK to have difficult days, and it’s OK to ask for help,” the organisation states.

For many parents, however, the pressure to constantly keep up — financially, emotionally and professionally — can make slowing down feel uncomfortable or even guilt-inducing. Social media can add another layer of stress, creating unrealistic expectations around parenting, success and family life.

Mental health advocates say recognising stress early and speaking openly about it can make a significant difference. Small lifestyle changes such as setting boundaries around work, maintaining supportive friendships and asking for help when needed can all improve emotional wellbeing.

Unicef also encourages parents to stay connected with people they trust and to make time for activities that help them feel calm and recharged, even if only for a few minutes at a time.

And while parenting has always come with challenges, the pace and financial realities of life in Bermuda have intensified those demands for many families.

For overwhelmed mothers and fathers, the message is increasingly clear: looking after their own wellbeing is not selfish. It is necessary.

The post When parenting pressure becomes too much appeared first on RG Magazines.

When something feels off, there’s little appetite for downtime. We reach for a quick fix like an over-the-counter remedy or the latest supplement promising fast relief.

But in our search for convenience, have we become overly reliant on these solutions? And, in the process, lost sight of our body’s own remarkable capacity to restore and rebalance itself?

More importantly, is there a smarter, more intentional way to approach supplements and midlife health – one that works with the body rather than simply masking symptoms?

Dr Ayesha Peets Talbot, co-founder and medical director of Ocean Rock Wellness, offered her perspective on achieving a more sustainable path to wellness.

“People – and even some doctors – often underestimate the body’s ability to self-regulate and repair itself,” Dr Peets Talbot said.

“I think it’s important to understand that each generation views their health, and even their relationship with their doctor, quite differently.

“In many cases, people in their 50s, who are at the tail end of the baby boomer generation, look to their doctor for advice and are often willing to take prescription medications for longer periods of time.”

She said people in their 40s tend to question more things and are often hesitant to take medications for the long term.

“In fact, the younger a person is, or the more tech-savvy they are, the more likely they are to do online research and question a doctor’s recommendations.

“They are also more likely to run to the pharmacy for a quick fix if they have a stomach issue, rash or temperature in an effort to cut out the middleman, and often only go to the doctor when these remedies don’t work.”

Knowledge is empowering

Humans were not designed to cope with the constant stress of modern life that people typically experience.

Invisible chemical and environmental stressors in air, products and food can further compound the situation.

“Due to the current state of the food industry, nutrient deficiency is a very common issue in Bermuda,” Dr Peets Talbot said.

“Most people need a combination of food and supplements for optimal wellness.”

She said about 80 per cent of people are magnesium deficient due to a lack of nutrients in the soil, meaning “just about everyone can benefit from taking it on a daily basis”.

Several different types of magnesium supplements are available, and it can also be found in everything from lotions and sprays to bath salts.

“It’s important to understand that all these products work in different ways, and to identify which type would be most beneficial for you personally.

“Magnesium citrate can aid constipation, for example, while magnesium glycinate can help relieve anxiety, PMS symptoms and support sleep.”

Be proactive

“It is really important for people to be proactive when it comes to their health and to recognise that the body can heal,” Dr Peets Talbot said.

“I love that people are able to manage their own small concerns. If they had more knowledge, they could get relief even faster and more effectively, because the areas that you focus on most are where you will see the greatest improvement.

“My advice would be to start your wellness journey sooner rather than later.”

For more information, visit www.oceanrockwellness.com or call 295-5100.

The post Rethinking midlife medicine appeared first on RG Magazines.

“People find it ‘boring’, or simply just forget, especially if they lead a busy lifestyle,” explained Rosanna Strickland, a registered dietitian and nutritionist with Island Nutrition Limited.

Others intentionally avoid drinking water because they do not want to make frequent trips to the bathroom — something specialists say can have the opposite effect.

“Concentrated urine irritates the bladder, which can make it feel like you have to go more often,” Ms Strickland said.

“The risks of keeping yourself deliberately dehydrated significantly outweigh the benefits of avoiding a few trips to the bathroom.”

Hydration becomes increasingly important with age. While there is no sudden turning point at 50, thirst signalling and kidney function can gradually decline over time, making older adults more vulnerable to dehydration.

Bermuda’s hot and humid climate can make the issue even more significant, particularly during the summer months when people lose more fluid through sweat.

“If you are feeling thirsty, you are already dehydrated,” Ms Strickland said. “The aim is to avoid that.”

Water plays a role in almost every major function in the body. Around 60 per cent of the human body is made up of water, which helps regulate blood pressure, support gut health, remove waste products and keep the heart and brain functioning properly, she added.

Good hydration can also reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, kidney problems and constipation while helping concentration, energy levels and even skin appearance.

Mild dehydration, however, can cause tiredness, headaches, dizziness and poor concentration — symptoms many people dismiss as part of everyday life.

“Dehydration is a leading cause of constipation, as our stool is made up of 75 per cent fluid,” Ms Strickland noted.

“If we don’t have the fluid to spare, there is not going to be a lot of movement.”

For people trying to build better habits later in life, Ms Strickland said small changes are often the most effective.

One recommendation is to pair drinking water with routines already built into the day — such as taking a sip every time you check e-mail, enter a room or finish a task.

Keeping a reusable water bottle nearby can also help.

“Some people prefer a large bottle that has their daily goal in one or two refills, whereas others like something small and portable,” Ms Strickland explained.

Hamilton’s public refill stations and businesses willing to top up reusable bottles make staying hydrated easier for people on the go.

While the often cited “two litres a day” guideline can vary depending on body size, exercise levels and climate, experts recommend drinking consistently throughout the day rather than waiting until thirst sets in.

Exercise, caffeine and alcohol can also affect hydration levels.

Both coffee and alcohol have a diuretic effect, meaning they increase urine production. However, moderate amounts of tea and coffee are unlikely to significantly impact hydration levels.

For those who dislike the taste of plain water, there are alternatives.

Ms Strickland suggested flavouring water with fruit or herbs, trying non-caffeinated teas or eating foods with high fluid content such as watermelon, cucumbers, soups and yoghurt.

“Drinking something is better than drinking nothing,” she said.

And while dehydration can contribute to serious health problems, the good news is that it is also largely preventable — often through small, manageable changes repeated consistently throughout the day.

The post Why hydration matters more after 50 appeared first on RG Magazines.

You feel more tired than usual. Your body hurts in places it didn’t before. Maybe you notice changes in your digestion or brown spots on your skin that appear out of the blue. It’s easy to shrug it off and say: “I’m just getting older.”

And often, that’s true. But sometimes it isn’t.

The challenge is knowing the difference – and knowing when your body might be trying to tell you that something more serious is going on.

According to Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s Azuree Williams, this is one of the biggest issues people face as they move into middle age.

“This can be difficult to identify because so many symptoms of serious conditions like cancer can also be caused by something much less serious,” Ms Williams explained.

“As people enter middle age, the key is to focus on what’s new, unusual or persistent rather than assuming all changes are due to ageing.”

In other words, it’s not about what you feel – it’s about how it shows up.

“Normal ageing tends to be gradual and predictable,” said Ms Williams, the health charity’s prevention, early detection and survivorship navigator.

“But symptoms that may signal something more serious are often different. They stand out and may appear suddenly. They don’t follow the usual pattern.”

Signs people ignore

One of the biggest risks is not the symptoms themselves – it’s how easily they are dismissed.

“It’s important to pay attention to changes that are noticeably different for you,” Ms Williams said. “Especially if they last longer than a few weeks, don’t have a clear explanation, or continue to get worse over time.”

She pointed to several early warning signs that people in midlife often overlook.

“Persistent symptoms are a key reg flag. Anything that lasts more than a few weeks should not be ignored.

“Unexplained changes are also important. That could be weight loss, pain or bleeding without a clear reason.”

Other warning signs include:

• Unusual blessing in your stool, urine, or even coughing up blood.
• New lumps or swelling that weren’t there before.
• Changes to your skin, like a mole that shifts in size, shape or colour.
• A cough or hoarseness that simply doesn’t go away.

These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but they shouldn’t be brushed aside either.

“The issue is not that every symptom is serious,” she added. “It’s that we often assume none of them are.”

When should you be concerned?

Many people try to wait things out. They tell themselves it’s stress, a minor illness, or just part of getting older.

But there comes a point when waiting is no longer the right call.

Ms Williams said: “These symptoms are often dismissed as stress, ageing or something temporary, but if they persist or worsen, they need to be checked by a doctor.”

She offers a simple rule that’s easy to remember: “If something doesn’t go away or feels out of the ordinary, get it checked right away.”

It’s not about panic. It’s about paying attention.

“Early evaluation helps rule out serious conditions,” she explained. “And if something is wrong, it gives you a much better chance of recovery when you catch it early.”

Warning signs people hesitate on

Some symptoms feel more serious than others – but even then, people hesitate.

A lump. A change in your skin. Unexpected bleeding. These are often the moments when people pause, question themselves, and delay action.

“Changes like new lumps, skin changes or unusual blessing are potential warning signs and shouldn’t be ignored,” Ms Williams said.

“Even though they are often caused by nonferrous conditions.”

That’s what makes it tricky.

“You don’t want to overreact,” she added. “But you also don’t want to ignore something important.”

Her advice is practical: “If you notice something, monitor it briefly, but act promptly. If the change persists, worsens, or has no clear explanation, see a doctor as soon as possible.”

Why people wait

If the advice is so clear, why do so many people still delay? The reasons are surprisingly common – and very human.

“Many people assume their symptoms are minor,” Ms Williams explained. “They think it will pass.”

Fear also plays a role. “Some people are afraid of what they might find out,” she said, “so they avoid getting checked.”

And then there’s everyday life.

“People are busy. They have work, family responsibilities. Their health often gets pushed down the priority list.”

But the cost of waiting can be serious.

“The risk is that if the cause is something like cancer, it may be diagnosed at a later stage,” she said. “That can make treatment more difficult and reduce the chances of a good outcome.”

It’s a simple truth, but one many people struggle to act on.

Trust your instincts

So, what should you do if you’re unsure? If something feels off, but you’re not certain it’s serious? Ms Williams said: “Err on the side of caution and get it checked.”

It doesn’t mean something is wrong, but it will give you clarity.

“If you’re experiencing a symptom that is persistent, unexplained, or getting worse, it’s worth discussing with a doctor,” she said.

That conversation could lead to reassurance. Or it could lead to early detection, which can make all the difference.

“It’s always better to have answers early,” she explained. “To be reassured, or to find a solution, rather than waiting until it may be too late to get the help you need.”

Remember, that while middle age is bound to bring changes, not all changes are simply a normal part of life. Look at them as signals and challenge yourself to spot the difference. And when something doesn’t feel right, have the courage to find out what’s going on.

As Ms Williams puts it: “You know your body better than anyone else. If something feels different, don’t dismiss it too quickly.”

Because sometimes, the smallest signs are the ones that matter most.

The post When is it more than ageing? appeared first on RG Magazines.