November 30, 2009
Star Entertainment


 

 

Healthy stars
Roxroy McLean, Star Intern


To some people, entertainers are like demigods. They have this inexplicable influence over people and practically anything they are endorsing, and fans praise, idolise and try to be like them in many ways.

And as much as we enjoy seeing their talents, we also relish the juicy gossip and the drama behind their glamour.

One such aspect is an entertainer's health condition, as many struggle with weight and other related issues. Maintaining that healthy look and feeling great, is as challenging as promotional campaigns are for these individuals.

Khadine Hylton, more popularly known as Miss Kitty, is one celebrity who tries to practise a healthy lifestyle.

The popular radio host, often referred to as the 'Fluffy Diva', told THE STAR that while her job tends to demand much of her leisure time, her health is the number one priority.

"It's important to be healthy. Whatever is going on inside reflects on the outside," said Hylton.

She also raised concerns about other celebrities who turn to smoking and drinking as a means of escaping the rigours of their job.

On the website answers.com, persons who smoke have a strong chance of developing lung, brain or heart diseases, which is a result of the tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide and tobacco found in cigarettes.

"It don't make any sense to drink and smoke your life away. Personally, I don't smoke or drink," said Hylton.

A celebrity figure, compared to a normal person, comes under more scrutiny as it relates to how they dress, look and behave. Hylton also believes it can only impact positively on fans when a superstar can maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"For my fans, it has a positive impact on them. Living healthy exhibits a positive image as people look up to you as role models. You have to live a certain way. It's a mental, spiritual and physical embodiment," she said.

While Jennifer 'Jenny Jenny' Small, manager of Jenny Jenny Productions, spends hours at her job, she said she's very conscious about her health, as it plays an important role in her profession.

The sprightly 36-year old, who is a vegetarian, says, "Exercise is as important as life. It allows me to sustain my energy, enhances my mental health, boosts my confidence and less visits to the doctor," she said.

Because of their hectic schedule, celebrities normally have sleepless nights, long hours of rehearsals and bad-eating habits. And according to The Australian Psychological Society Ltd, the way people live, their habits and behaviours can affect mental and physical health.

Unfortunately, most entertainers, whether local or international, only seriously examine their lives when they become ill.

Small agreed with Hylton's theory, saying that an entertainer's way of life is what most fans draw inspiration from. While it should be of personal interest, she stressed that fans deserve to see their 'stars' looking fantastic.

"It's important to my fans that I look good and can be the 'energiser bunny' they have come to appreciate. It motivates them as well as many have asked my advice on how to have a healthy lifestyle," said Small,

Meanwhile Olympian and personal trainer, Juliet Cuthbert, told THE STAR that the artistes, whom she has worked with at her gym, Cuthbert's Fitness Studio on Waterloo Road, pay strict attention to their stamina and weight as it enhances their appeal to the public.

"They work on cardio (aerobic exercise) because that is really important for them while onstage performing, and also for their stamina. They want to look good and toned in their outfits," said Cuthbert, who currently works with female artiste Ce'Cile.

"I think it's important for them to be healthy. When you look at the international stars they all look sexy and appealing, the ones I have worked with want to be like that. A healthy body keeps a sound mind," she said.

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