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Health Is Wealth
By Dr. Satish Bajaj
Good health is every person's dream. A holistic approach to health is important to be fit. A combination of factors including sound food habits, physical activity, lifestyle, routine health checks and above all a positive attitude and thinking contribute to good health. Prevention is better than cure.
Food habits:
There is no fixed formula for diet. A balanced diet with a mix of carbohydrate (rice, chapattis, bread, potato, sugar etc), protein (lentils, nuts and seeds, milk, meat, egg etc), fats (ghee, butter, oil and animal fat), vitamins (leafy vegetables, fruits and salads, milk, fish) and minerals (vegetables, fruits, milk) is ideal. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diet can be nutritious. Locally available traditional food is always good as it has been tried and tested over several years. Special food requirements, especially during pregnancy and child birth, should be taken care of. Vegetables must always form an important part of the diet in order to ensure good bowel movement and freedom from constipation.
Obesity:
In growing children the risk of obesity is less as the metabolic rate is high and food is rapidly broken down to release energy. But as we grow older the metabolic rates decreases and energy requirements for growth are no longer there. At this junction in life, if we continue to eat as before and assume a sedentary life style then the problem of obesity looms large.
 Obesity also carries the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, breathing problems and joint ailments because in obese people there is high cholesterol (a type of fat) in the blood which clogs blood vessels.
On the other hand one can cause serious harm to the body by excessive dieting (instead of exercising) in a bid to remain slim, which is today's obsession. In the psychological condition called Anorexia Nervosa seen in young girls, there is an abnormal obsession to be thin which leads to eating followed by induced vomiting and ultimately excessive loss of weight and ill health which may even require hospitalisation. Also dieting regimes available on the Internet etc. can sometime cause serious side effects like constipation and ulcers in the stomach.
Alcoholism adds to these problems. In addition, it can cause ulcers in the stomach (gastritis) and liver disease called cirrhosis. Social drinking, which is different from alcoholism (which is a compulsive excessive drinking), once in a while is not harmful provided there is no other diseases.
Smoking is injurious to lungs, stomach, heart and blood vessels.
Heredity plays a role too. If a person is genetically predisposed to a disease then these harmful factors are more likely to cause disease than to a person who does not have a hereditary tendency.
Regular exercises help to keep the body fit by toning up the heart and muscles as it increase blood circulation to all parts of the body. At old age it helps prevent "osteoporosis" which is thinning of the bones due to loss of minerals.
Adequate sleep is important because sleep is the time when the body takes rest and gets rejuvenated. In an adult anywhere between six to eight hours of sound sleep could be sufficient. Lack of sleep is considered to be the modern urban epidemic disease which can lead to many disorders like irritability, lack of concentration and headache.
Good posture at all times while sitting, walking and especially while reading, writing and working on computers is important to prevent muscle strains.
Attitude:
Above all, avoiding stress is very important. However, it is easier said than done! One has to strike a balance between abilities and expectations. The mind can affect the health to a great extent. Stress related illnesses are called 'psychosomatic disorders'. It can lead to headache, bowel disorder (called irritable bowel syndrome which manifest as alternate constipation) and diarrhea, sweating, lack of sleep, loss of appetite and even overeating. Yoga and meditation help the body and the mind.
In spite of all the care, one can fall sick. One should not wait too long before consulting a doctor. General physicians can refer cases to specialists when help is needed. One must avoid the tendency of "doctor shopping" i.e. going from one doctor to the other. Both government and private sector hospitals can provide good service. The question is of promptness of service and accountability.
(Dr. Bajaj is CEO, Siddharth Hospital )
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