Quit smoking, learning a new language, reading more, saving money, going on a healthier diet, getting in shape, taking up yoga… We are about to reach the end of the year and many people might already be thinking about their new year’s resolutions. New Year’s resolutions are the perfect opportunity to review past choices and failures and plan ahead those lifestyle changes we keep procrastinating. Here ‘s a suggestion, why not taking up running?

Running can bring about a number of benefits to your physical and mental health. First, it tests your mental strength and capacity of sticking to a training plan and overcoming any obstacles to reach your target. Secondly, putting on your trainers and getting out into the street can significantly reduce stress and make you feel happier during the day. As for your physical fitness, running has proven to be your perfect ally when it comes to keeping fit, strengthening your heart as well as your cardiovascular system. 

Yet, you might still be wondering: “Ok, that’s all right but, how do I start?” Needless to say, a good pair of trainers is a key staple to feel comfortable and avoid possible injuries. Just head to the closest specialty running store and let the professionals advise you on the kicks that best fit your needs. Next, you should find a motivation or set a goal that keeps you on the track. Signing up for your first 5K race, setting a weight-loss goal, finding a running partner or simply joining a running club can help you stay focused and not give up prematurely. Most importantly, you should keep in mind that starting a running habit doesn’t have to be painful, so allow yourself and your body the necessary time to adapt and find a routine you feel comfortable with. 

Another key aspect to success is to set a realistic training plan and schedule. Running faster or longer distances than you’re ready for from the beginning can eventually lead to frustration, or injuries in the worst cases. Start by finding 2 or 3 days in the week when you have time for yourself and keep it regular. A good way for beginners to get started is to combine walking and running for 15 to 20 minutes on the first days or even weeks , depending on your fitness level. You will gradually progress by adding 5 minutes more to each session or completing longer distances within the same time. Believe it or not, in a few months you will be ready for your first midlle-distance or even long-distance race. 

Do’s and don’ts on your first race

• DON’T overtrain days before the race if you don’t want to waste all your energy in advance
• DO eat your breakfast at least 2 hours before the start time (a poor digestion can ruin your day!)
• DON’T put on a new outfit you have never worn before (it’s not the day for experiments)
• DO pace up (avoid being carried away by adrenaline as this can lead to uncontrolled speed and early exhaustion)

Your first race must be an exciting memorable experience, so try to keep the above tips in mind and go for it!

Along with hair-replacement treatments, the number of people travelling to Turkey to undergo their desired cosmetic surgery has not stopped growing in recent years; something which has certainly placed this Eurasian country as a global leader in health tourism. Looking at the numbers, circa one million people rely on the Turkish healthcare system every year for cosmetic purposes according to the last report of the Istanbul International Health Tourism Association. But, what are the main reasons that make Turkey such a popular medical destination?

Rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, breast lift, buttock augmentation, liposuction and lifting are just some of the many medical procedures performed by expert Turkish clinics. Regardless of the type of , these clinics have well-qualified specialists with certified experience and expertise in the field which have brought them wide international recognition. Actually, Turkey has been ranked third in health tourism by the International Medical Travel Journal.

As well as being assisted by a solid team of professionals, it is worth mentioning that these Turkish clinics count on state-of-the-art facilities and technologies, thus providing patients with the newest and most precise treatments for almost any kind of cosmetic surgery. In turn, these have permitted them to reduce not only waiting but also recovery times. As a result, they can boast of achieving one of the highest success and satisfaction rates among its patients.

However, it is the low cost of their surgeries which have proven to be the determining factor for the majority of visitors in the Ottoman country. Yet, despite what many people may think, low cost does not equal low quality. Thanks to government investments and the high volume of patients it receives, these Turkish clinics can work at the best quality-price rations in comparison to other clinics in western countries. For example, while a patient in the US can pay up to 10,000$ for a rhinoplasty, the same procedure in Turkey would only cost one-third or even a quarter of its price.

Istanbul: plastic surgery and holidays for the same price

Last but not least, undergoing a plastic surgery in Turkey, and in most cases Istanbul, provides an added value due the the wide array of options it offers at a cultural, historical and gastronomical level. The magnificent Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, a boat tour on the Bosphorus, the awe-inspiring sunsets or the delicious Turkish kebabs are just some of the many attractions that make most of its visitors fall in love with the Turkish capital.

All things considered, it is clear that choosing Turkey in general or Istanbul in particular for a plastic surgery turns out to be an excellent option as it allows, on the one hand, to get your long-awaited cosmetic change and to enjoy, on the other, a holiday in one of the most unique and enchanting cities in the world. Interestingly enough, most plastic surgery packages include accommodation at a high-end hotel, airport transfers and a translator, thus making it the most comfortable experience possible.

Hair is without a doubt one of the traits that greatly influences or even makes a difference in people’s physical appearance. Thus, it is not surprising that hair loss is a major worry for a great deal of the population and the main reason why remedies promising a healthy and bushy hair within a few months have proliferated so easily around the globe. Yet, despite the interest and research investment to find the secret formula to get people’s hair back, the truth is that making people’s hair grow is not a reality yet.

Alopecia or baldness is a widespread condition which is most commonly found among men, although it is also affects many women. Researchers have not yet completely understood the process, but they agree about the fact that the causes for hair loss are many. These include, among others, hereditary factors, age, stress episodes, diet as well as a variety of environmental or behavioural factors. Fortunately, not everything is lost.

Hair transplantation, consisting of removing hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another, appears to be the only solution to date which has proven natural, effective and permanent results. Consequently, both patients and medical centres specializing in this surgical technique have grown up to a 60% in the past two years according to different medical reports.

A good example of this is Turkey with Capilclinic.uk, one of the countries that has most invested in health tourism closely followed by Mexico, a new emerging and fast-growing market in the sector. This has been to a great degree motivated by the support of the Mexican government as well as both international and national investors who have put great effort to establish the country as a global reference for hair transplantation.

More specifically, the Aztec country is already the most popular destination among Canadian and US citizens, who undergo this cosmetic procedure for half the price as in their home countries. While in Canada or the USA patients are expected to pay an average of 9,000USD for the treatment, their Mexican counterpart offers packages for half the price. But, unlike some people might think, lower prices do not mean low quality treatments. And how is that possible without compromising quality?

Mexican clinics are able to provide affordable hair transplants while guaranteeing equally high quality standards for one basic reason: operating expenses in Mexico are lower due to the lower cost of living. That is, paying for staff salaries, facility maintenance, or simply the electricity bill are not as expensive as in the aforementioned western countries. So, if you are looking a baldness treatment at the best quality-price ratio, Mexico appears to be the best choice.

Benefits of getting a hair transplant in Mexico

• Pretigious clinics with state-of-the-art facilities
• High-qualified and experienced surgeons and specialists
• Cutting-edge technologies and hair-replacement techniques
• Competitive prices with the best quality standards
• Affordable packages including transfers, accommodation in the city, surgery aftercare as well as a Spanish interpreter
• And most importantly, the treatments from these specialized clinics have demonstrated permanent results