Dear Counsellor:

I have a weight problem. I am overweight and have tried a variety of diets with little success.

- Sonia

Dear Sonia:

Weight management is a problem for many people. There are the emotional, spiritual, behavioural and nutritional issues.

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and organise your breakfast as the heaviest meal of the day. Eat only small amounts in the evening. Have three full meals a day with three snacks. Drink enough water for the day.

The emotional challenge to weight management is the use of comfort food. Many people eat a lot to deal with anxiety, worry and stress. Munching on sweet biscuits or buns or pastries will add pounds to your girth. Deal with the issues that are bothering you. See a counsellor to deal with your anxieties and worries. In counselling, you will get to ventilate concerns and generate possible solutions to your problem.

Some people like to eat and become vulnerable to a lot of non-nutritious foods. Monitor your eating and make sure that you are eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Eat small amounts and use a journal to chart your meals.

Weight management is not an easy task but it can be done.

Dear Counsellor:

What are some of the things to do to guarantee a successful high-school career?

- Marcia

Dear Marcia:

Academic success is based on hard work, creative innovations and perseverance. Students need to study harder than when they were doing GSAT to achieve their goals in high school. Each student needs to set goals for one term, one year or five years. Each step of the way requires hard work and persistence. A study timetable is needed and this should include weekends and holidays. Each evening, the student should revise at least two subjects.

Students need to develop an appetite for reading. Reading helps refine vocabulary, essay-writing and speech skills. Studying each day ahead of the examinations is important. Many bright children do poorly at school because of lack of studying and poor examination techniques. Students need to read the subject material and quiz themselves. Practise writing poetry and prose as this will enhance your performance in English.

School is not only about academics. Nutrition, exercise and participation in physical exercise and sports are just as important. Students need discipline to teach them how to behave. Interpersonal skills, teamwork and friendship should be fostered.

Students need to be involved in sports and clubs to broaden their horizon. They will learn organisation skills, planning, delegating and decision making. Volunteering in the community looks good on a resume.

For advice on personal and family issues, call Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602 or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.