AS a medical officer at the clinic, Dr Mere Kurulo focuses mainly on the reproductive health of women and provides services in relation to family planning counselling, postnatal reviews, breast examinations and cervical cancer screening (Pap smears).
“I greatly enjoy my work as I do interact with various women of different ethnicities and social backgrounds,” said Dr Kurulo.
“Due to the various responsibilities and commitments that women have, we tend to neglect our health and routine health checks.
“We should all see vegetables and fruits as medicines because they do more good to our body.”
Dr Kurulo usually shops at the Harvest Supermarket at the corner of Khalsa Rd, Kinoya, mainly because of its locality, the affordable price ranges for food and household items, its cleanliness and the friendliness of the staff.
“I love going shopping alone because it is easier and it helps in ensuring I have everything I need,’ said Dr Kurulo.
“Shopping is done every two weeks and I usually spend around $100 to $120 with an additional $40 for seafood and fresh vegetables at the market. Some items included in my shopping list are rice, potatoes, onions, garlic, tea, biscuits, milk, eggs, porridge, yoghurt, nuts, veggies and fruits (lots of them).”
Dr Kurulo’s advice to shoppers?
“Don’t shop blindly, educate yourself and read labels. There are always healthier alternatives.
“Most of the times we ensure we stick to our budget whilst shopping but another area we have to discipline ourselves is on “healthy shopping” that is to be mindful of what food items you are putting in your troley.”
“In addition to this, to keep healthy, we need to exercise, have adequate sunlight and fresh air, ensure you are taking lots of water, doing away with negative thoughts and stressful environments and learn to smile and focus on the good things.”
Her favourite salad recipes are fumi salad and Pacific fruit salad.
Fumi salad
Half medium sized English cabbage (shredded)
Almonds (crushed);
Sesame seeds (toasted);
Dressing: combine half a cup of olive oil, quarter cup of white vinegar, sugar (taste according to your preference); and
Put together in a bowl then add your dressing just before you have your meal.
Pacific fruit salad
Any fruits that you prefer or that are in season
1-2 coconuts (shredded)
Toast your shredded coconuts over an open fire or stove, then squeeze for a flavour some coconut milk. Add to your chilled cut up fruits and enjoy.
