OLYMPIA SHILA GERALD finds how the men and
women in white contend with a demanding
professional life to put into action what they
advocate
Photo : M. Moorthy
EFFECTIVE Simple way to tone your muscles
You can 't help but associate them with pills and
powders . You might ingest any number of Eve's
golden fruits to keep them away , but you
inevitably have to darken their doorstep
someday !
Health is their prerogative . But do the men and
women in white practice what they so ardently
preach ? Here 's how they contend with a
demanding professional life to put into action
what they advocate .
Most medical practitioners agree that time is a
major constraint when it comes to following a
regular exercise schedule .
“ A fixed routine is not always possible . So it is
best to exercise for half- an - hour a day
whenever time permits,” says radiation
oncologist, S. P . Srinivas adding , “Exercise gains
greater significance for people above 40 as it is
when you develop all sorts of complications. ”
Racing against time does not give most doctors
the luxury of hitting the gym , playing an outdoor
sport or indulging in vigorous physical activity .
So they stick to what they dub the best workout -
a brisk walk for half - an- hour.
“ An early morning walk when pollution levels are
low is the best bet. The brain cells are activated
when they get ample oxygen . In the long run , an
early morning walk can prevent dementia ,” says
M . A. Aleem , neurologist . “ Tension headaches
will decrease and you adapt to handling stress
easily. ”
Others like surgeon K . Govindaraj , prefer to
work out at home. “ Twenty minutes of exercise
is rewarding . My workout comprises of cardio
exercises, abdomen crunches , lifting weights and
the elliptical trainer . For those hard pressed for
time , the elliptical trainer is perfect. It burns
more calories in less time. ”
Gynaecologist Malathi Prasad lists walking and
yoga as the best options for women .
“ Exercise for half an hour a day can do wonders .
Women above 30 should consciously watch their
weight , as they tend to pile on the kilos after
childbirth . If you don 't start early , then it may
get difficult to keep your weight in check . ”
She endorses yoga for pregnant women right
from the third month of pregnancy . “A gym is a
good option , but only when there are qualified
personal trainers. And post delivery , women
need to follow a strict regimen to get back in
shape . “
Ophthalmologist Shanthi who does a 20 - hour
run on the treadmill everyday reiterates yoga as
viable proposition for people of all ages. “Yoga is
an ideal stress buster particularly for women
juggling home and career. ”
She lays stress on dietary control for women
heading towards menopause “ With hormonal
changes , chances for fat deposits are greater .
So , women in the post menopause period
should include vegetables , fruits and plenty of
water . Milk and supplements are essential to
maintain depleting calcium levels.”
True , exercise without diet is fruitless, believe
most practitioners. “ Dietary discipline and
healthy day to day activities should go hand in
hand for physical and mental fitness , ” asserts
emergency physician Mohmed Khan. “ By
reducing intake of pressure cooked rice, sugar,
salt, milk products and maida , you can combat
diabetes and hypertension ,” he says.
A low calorie diet rich in fibre but with less
emphasis on salt , sugar and oil is what doctors
order for a healthy lifestyle .
Physicians also warn against stretching personal
limits during exercise. “Patients must exercise
keeping in mind their health condition ,” says Dr.
Aleem while Govindaraj reveals , “ I tell obese
patients to take a look at themselves in the
mirror every day after a workout . It can be
highly motivating to get back in shape . ”
Primary care physician D . Sivasubramaniam
agrees that it is easy to come up with excuses .
“ If you don 't find time for exercise, then
incorporate physical activity into your everyday
routine . Take the stairs, avoid lifts , walk at a
faster pace or get down two stops ahead and
walk home after work ,” he suggests .
“ All said and done, enjoy whatever exercise you
do to benefit from it . Don 't consider it as a
chore .”
Magic mantra: Marry a disciplined diet and
regular exercise for a healthy life.
Preferred workout : Walking is what they
unanimously swear by .
source : The Hindu
date : Friday, Dec 31 , 2010