GUEST COLUMN: Dr N Prabhudev
Bengaluru Express
Bengaluru, July 31:
I learnt this life lesson after illness happened!
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of busy schedules, tight deadlines, and countless responsibilities. With work, family, and social commitments vying for our attention, it’s easy to let one crucial aspect of our lives slip through the cracks — our health!
I became a cardiothoracic surgeon and that seemed like the perfect expression of me. With a lot of hard work and team effort, it began to take off in a significant way. It was exciting and at times nerve-wracking. Yes, I was busy learning the art and teaching it! It was whole time administration, patients, OT and recovery and home sweet home! My plate was full with emergencies and fulfilling academic deadlines!
No time for exercises and lifestyle course corrections! It was this time that diabetes happened! Bit of genes, stress and lifestyle were responsible! And Diabetes has its friends! I have realised – If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness – a profound truth!
I realised – don’t let illness make you realize the value of your health. It is not too late to make a healthy lifestyle change. Do it now! Yes I have done it. Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Health refers to ability to maintain homeostasis!
First we lose health to make money and then lose money to restore health.
We take for granted our health, while we are healthy! Health is not valued till sickness comes. Appreciate health before it is gone. It almost feels like an epidemic; poor eating habits, too little or no exercise, too little sleep, a sedentary lifestyle, too many cigarettes or too much alcohol, or perhaps a combination of bad habits with little desire or effort to change!
We strive for personal success often to the detriment of our health. We only really understand the value of health once we’ve had it and then lose it. In modern society career and money are more valued. Money talks-Yes, but don’t be greedy!
Rest is the new cardinal sin – Laziness is the habit of resting before you are tired. Worry is a choice! Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles! it takes away today’s peace! Envy is a capital sin. Refrain from anger; abandon wrath! Do not be provoked! Normal sex is healthy! Lust is disordered desire for sex and inordinate enjoyment of sexual pleasure.
The absence of immediate consequences for unhealthy habits, like poor diet or inactivity, can lead you to underestimate the risks! It takes years to manifest as sickness! When you are young you feel you are invincible and the sickness cannot bother you! Many health issues, such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, cancer develop slowly over decades. It can be extremely hard to integrate healthier habits if your family, friends or work colleagues don’t see their value.
Advances in medical technology and treatments present a false sense of security, leading you to believe that health issues can always be fixed later.
Prioritize Quick Workouts! Technology is also a crucial ally in maintaining and enhancing your well-being. Smartphones equipped with health-tracking apps and sensors, make it simpler than ever to monitor vital statistics like heart rate, sleep cycles, and daily steps. Stay Hydrated. Prioritize Sleep! Remember – neglecting one’s health until it reaches a critical point can have dire consequences.
Remember – Quality of Life Matters!
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