Are you fit for fifty?
WeekendLife
Traditionally in some circles in Botswana, a potbellied man signifies prosperity. Similarly a nicely rounded wife is perceived to have wed well. Anything depicting the contrary is indicative of poverty, suffering and a possibly unhappy home.
However, science challenges these traditional stereotypes; A significant body of evidence directly associates being overweight/obese, wide waistline and consumption of plentiful unvaried foods to be directly associated with lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.
In fact, research shows that lifestyle diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide ahead of communicable diseases like HIV, TB and others.
Over the last few decades, the world has been undergoing a nutrition transition, shifting our diets from plant based unprocessed foods to highly processed, high sugar, high fat, high salt and high protein diets.
This shift has been further exacerbated by a shift (decline in activity) from being highly active to an almost sedentary mode of existence. People no longer walk out of necessity nor do sweat to make a living. Instead, most people are almost always in a sitting position; be it working, getting to work or entertaining ourselves.
As a result, many do not expend the food eaten; instead the energy is invariably stored as fat, causing many to bulge in all directions. As a result of the excess fat and minimal physical activity, many are exposing themselves to risk factors of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, high bad cholesterol and high blood sugar.
Is it all lost? Are we doomed to die of our diet and lifestyle or can we reverse the transition to where we came from?
The simple answer to the last question is yes we can, but we need to work for it. We need to exercise more, sweat more; lose fat mass and gain muscle mass.
We also need to change our diet from a high sugar, high fat, highly processed foods to the diet of our ancestors (minimal processing, high fibre, low fat, low salt and low sugar).
We also need to monitor our bodies with technologies that in the first place transitioned us into this trajectory.
National Food Technologies Research Centre (NFTRC) has a team of trained and dedicated scientists who have made it their business to reverse this transition. NFTRC also has the state of art facilities and resources including the first of its kind machine (THE BOD POD) that is used to monitor body fat.
The BOD POD is the gold standard in modern body composition measurements. Together with other complementary tests and professional counselling, the NFTRC team is able to help people monitor their risk factors for lifestyle diseases.
As we (Botswana and Batswana) turn the page on the first fifty years of independence, let us (each one of us) also turn a new leaf onto a lifestyle that will see us healthy, active and long living. Let us (each) all make a concerted effort to be fit for another fifty!
Lemogang Kwape (PhD) is Dietitian & Public Health Practitioner
WeekendLife
Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
WeekendLife
DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
WeekendLife
MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.