At the Piramal Group, we believe that the answer to young India’s health problem is with India’s youth itself. Young change agents can help us realize our vision for a healthy billion. As a society, we’ve been ‘working on the youth’ instead of ‘working with them’. We can empower the youth today for a healthy tomorrow.

helpyourbody Mumbai, a one-of-its-kind inter medical college challenge involved 8 leading Mumbai based medical institutions. As part of the challenge, medical students adopted a particular Mumbai based community and implemented an on-ground community healthcare project tackling chronic diseases with the chosen community’s members.

Communities like rickshaw drivers, taxi drivers, dabbawallahs, BEST bus staff etc. are the ‘lifeline’ of Mumbai and ironically are at the highest risk of chronic diseases due to lack of awareness and inadequate medical facilities.

Medical students armed with knowledge, expertise and most importantly, an undying enthusiasm worked hands-on with communities ranging from house wives to Mumbai Police towards a healthy Mumbai. Mentorship and seed capital was provided to these students to enable them to execute their community projects.

The Grand Finale night held on 16th February 2010 saw the top 3 teams presenting their community projects live before an eminent jury panel comprising Dr. Bhavin Jankharia (eminent radiologist), Dr. HB Chandalia (eminent endocrinologist), Kunal Kapoor (new age actor), Shaina NC (fashion designer and politician) and Dilip Vengsarkar (former captain of the Indian cricket team). The event was presided over by dignitaries including Shri Suresh Shetty (Miniter of Public Health & Welfare, Maharashtra State) and Shri Uttam Khobragade (General Manager – BEST Mumbai).

After a grueling round of QnA by the jury as well as the audience, Topiwala National Medical College & Nair Hospital, who worked on a childhood obesity campaign across 12 schools in Central Mumbai, were unanimously declared as the winners. The grand prize was an educational grant by Piramal Knowledge Academy.

Mr. Ajay Piramal (Chairman, Piramal Group) aptly summed up the evening by saying “we sincerely hope small steps like helpyourbody Mumbai will go a long way in changing the healthscape of the nation”.

When asked about the secret of his health, he narrated a short story from Mahabharata which I thought I would share with you, as this has got relevance and value in our topic of discussion – tryst for a disease-free world!
 
In Mahabharata, the King Dhritarashtra asked Vidur, “Vidur, According to me, the life span of a human being is 125 years, but only very few reach even close to that age, and most of them die much before their 80s i.e. achievement of 66% versus target!.  Can you tell me what is the recipe for a  long life”.  Vidur, who was an authority on many aspects did not need to think for a minute. He, in his inimitable style, smiled and replied “Hey Rajen, there are five determinants that contribute to a short span of life – excessive and irregular food habits; less exercise to body; anger; more talk; and ego – and if you address all these, you will have long life ahead.

Though this was written centuries ago, what a thoughtful answer!
  
Take the first example, it is said that the number of people who die due to diseases like diabetes, BP, cancer, etc. - the root cause of most of them is excessive and irregular food habits  - outnumber the people who die due to starvation. As we live in a social world – which require us to attend many functions – where food is the main agenda – the situation only exaggerates. There is an age-old saying “we should eat to live, and not live to eat”. The number of diseases only multiplies in nth proportion e.g. a fever comes in various avatars: malaria, typhoid, dengue fever, chikunguny, swine flu, and many more are on the springboard!
 
Second, lack of exercise leads to numerous health problems and complications. Our razzmatazz, home-office-home life style and long hours of work do not find us time for any exercise.

Third point is anger.  On many occasions, we get angry thinking that by shouting and keeping the other person terrified are a panacea for getting the work done, but we do not realize that such unhealthy behaviour only leads to our own health problems like blood pressure, hypertension, etc.
 
What is said about anger is also equally true for excess and loud talk. I know many people who do not go to their bosses’ cabin when he is in a bad mood for obvious reasons (though the person going to his cabin will not be the cause!).  Also, in many such cases, you cannot listen to what others are saying as you have created a mental block!

The fifth and the final one relates to ego.  Though Vidur indirectly addressed to Dhritarashtra for his anxiety to retain his Kingdom, this is relevant to us also. Many people wear “blinders” and carry the syndrome of “I am always right, and you are wrong”, and if things are not happening as per his/her wishes, they get unnecessarily hyper and this leads to unhealthy problems. The words of William Hazlitt is worth mentioning here “You cannot always expect the whole world dance according to your tune!”.

India is on the threshold of development – we have many positive things on our side viz. largest number of youth, emerging markets, economic development, IT wizards. There is an age old saying “health is wealth”. Hence, if the health of the people is not good, all these tall pronouncements and opportunities will be converted into liabilities within no time. India is predicted to be the diabetic capital of the world, and our rankings on some other diseases are also not far behind. 

Hence, as we celebrate the 63rd Independence Day, let’s all rededicate ourselves and make this land “healthy” which will, in turn, transform into “wealthy”.  Whatever small thing that we as members of the Piramal family do will go long way towards this endeavour.  To paraphrase the words of John F Kennedy, “.. … Not asking what your  country can do for you….. but asking what you can do to make our Hindustan Saare Jahan Se Achha at last !

Jai Hind !!!
 

Kuttykrishnan P.P.
Chairman’s Office

Taking our crusade forward, Piramal Healthcare’s Cardio-Diabetes division launched an informative and interactive TV series on CAREWORLD channel featuring a 10-minute doctor interview on various cardiovascular related ailments.

Starting 10th May at 9:30 PM daily, the helpyourbody TV show series will feature some of the best names in the field such as:

1. Dr. Vijay Negalur
2. Dr. B T Sane
3. Dr. Benny Negalur
4. Dr. Nitin Shah
5. Dr. Amol Pawar and many more

Viewers suffering from any such ailments can mail in their queries to helpyourbody@piramal.in and get expert medical advice on the same. Through this unique endeavor, we aim to reach out to as many patients and solve their queries on diseases like dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes etc.

2) Train the Whole Body.
If you’ve been following a split routine — upper-body exercises one day, lower body the next — condense both into one day. Your growth hormone levels will spike, and that burns fat.

3) Alternate Sets.
Do a set of a lower-body exercise followed by an upper-body one, such as a squat and then a row. This way, one muscle group has time to recover while you train another one.

4) Increase Lifting Speed.
You can burn more calories by doing explosive exercises like plyo pushups (where you push yourself into the air) and box jumps, or by using lighter weights and lifting them more explosively on the upward phase of the movement.

5) Decrease Number of Reps.
Most guys’ workouts are based around the idea of 10 reps per set. But you’ll get a much bigger spike in metabolism by reducing your reps and taking on an additional set. Try sets of six to eight reps.

When taken as an herbal tea, use two teaspoons of dried flower for one cup of boiled water. This herbal tea is well known for its relaxation qualities and is especially good to help you fall asleep. You can also use this tea for a sore stomach. Take a cup every morning on an empty stomach for a couple of months.

In the form of an oil, it is well known for its sedative and relaxing effects. In addition to these properties, the oil can also help soothe pain and aches in muscles and joints. It is also known for reducing the symbols related to stress-induced Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). There are many possible combinations for chamomile and aromatherapy. This essential oil blends well with geranium, lavender, marjoram, neroli, cedarwood, rosewood, sage and ylang ylang.

Ginseng
Although there are several different types of ginseng, studies have shown the use of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) may improve blood sugar control and glycosylated hemogobin (a form of hemoglobin in the blood used to monitor blood glucose levels over time) levels.

Cinnamon

Studies have shown that cinnamon helps control blood glucose levels. Using cinnamon in cooking or having a cup of cinnamon tea is a great way to add more of this delicious spice into your diet. There are some precautions to be aware of when using cinnamon. Taking cinnamon in large amounts or taking it in supplement form may change the dosage of medication you require.

2. Buy a new pillow. Studies show that pillows with an indent in the center can enhance sleep quality and reduce neck pain. Also, try a “cool” pillow — one containing either all-natural fibers or a combination of sodium sulfate and ceramic fibers that help keeps your head cool.

3. Eat a handful of walnuts before bed. You’ll be giving yourself a boost of fiber and essential fatty acids along with the amino acid tryptophan — a natural sleep-inducer.

Myth 1: Osteoarthritis cannot be avoided in the old age.
Untrue. Ageing and osteoarthritis are not related to each other as ageing is a natural process and osteoarthritis is caused due to reduction in the synovial fluid leading to the wear and tear of the joints and may involve many factors. Modern lifestyle contributes due to excess body weight, unbalanced diet, poor posture or activity unsuitable for a particular age.

Myth 2: Once it sets in, osteoarthritis cannot be treated.
Untrue again. Although there is no guaranteed cure for osteoarthritis, early diagnosis can help to control the progression and symptoms of the disease. Pain reduction and disability prevention is the aim and is fairly easily achieved. Lifestyle issues again come into play.

Myth 3: Osteoarthritic pain cannot be eased.
False. Modern medical management is not only effective but is safer than before. Things like moderate physical exercises, appropriate diet and even surgery at times helps to reduce the pain. With modern therapies and a clear understanding of the disease, many patients are now able to lead a normal and productive life inspite of suffering from osteoarthritis.

1. Tense muscles (shoulder ache, back ache)
2. Irregular breathing
3. Dry mouth
4. Sweaty palms
5. Cold fingers
6. Knots in the stomach
7. Shaky hands
8. Frequency of urination

Behavioral symptoms

1. Smoking
2. Tobacco consumption (e.g. Gutka)
3. Repeated stimulant intake (e.g. tea, coffee)
4. Increased alcohol intake
5. Nail biting. Knee jingling, hair pulling
6. Reckless driving
7. Social withdrawal
8. Disinterested look

Emotional symptoms

1. Irritability
2. Short temper
3. Undue haste
4. State of anxiety
5. Feeling of depression
6. Irrational fear
7. Feeling on insecurity
8. Undue aggression
9. Sleeplessness
10. Bad dreams

Cognitive symptoms

1. Loss of sense of humour
2. Loss of memory
3. Forgetfulness
4. Loss of common sense
5. Loss of clarity of thinking
6. Indecisiveness
7. Undue fear
8. Black and white thoughts