Realistic Resolutions
By :Dr Madan M Vasandani
The minute we step into December, it is natural for all of us to think
ofresolutions for the New Year. Every human being has a desire to become
better, to ridthe past that they want to forget and to embrace a future of
their dreams. It is butnatural to want to improve our state of being.
The problem with resolutions is that sometimes we aim too high and we do not achieve our goals of the year. The old adage “Aim for the sky and you might reach the ceiling” should still ring in your ears. In terms of health, this adage is very valid as nowadays we need to always be in pristine health in order to do our daily activities.
Here are some health resolutions I think need to be on your resolution list:
1. Get Vaccinated - Vaccines prevent everything from the flu to cervical cancer.
The problem with resolutions is that sometimes we aim too high and we do not achieve our goals of the year. The old adage “Aim for the sky and you might reach the ceiling” should still ring in your ears. In terms of health, this adage is very valid as nowadays we need to always be in pristine health in order to do our daily activities.
Here are some health resolutions I think need to be on your resolution list:
1. Get Vaccinated - Vaccines prevent everything from the flu to cervical cancer.
Ladies, did you know that a vaccine
to prevent Cervical Cancer exists? If you know and you haven’t got the
vaccine it is time to get it. This vaccine is for females between the ages of
12 to 25 years. Research proves that this vaccine prevents cervical cancer up
to 98%. So what are you waiting for? Get the vaccine and be protected.
Even if you aren't a candidate for
the cervical cancer vaccine, in this fast paced life, nobody has the time to be
down with the flu. The 2011-2012 flu vaccine is out. Get vaccinated
to stay productive.
2. Get Moving – In everything that
you do, make sure you move your body.
One of the most common New Year’s
resolutions is “Exercise to lose weight”. Admit it, you are planning to put
that in your list. The Merriam- Webster dictionary defines exercise as “bodily
exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical fitness”. I do not
see the word “gymnasium” in that definition. I have many friends who have
signed up for a gym membership but never go. If you are one of those people who
just doesn’t have the time to stop by at the gym and run on the treadmill then
you should follow these simple but effective rules
a. Walk – walk all the time. In your office when you are
thinking; to the restaurant; to the coffee shop; to your office... Just walk.
I was in Singapore a couple of
months ago and I did not notice a single obese person. My opinion is that Singaporeans
walk a lot, so Jakartans – start walking.
b. Cycle – When was the last time you took that bicycle that your mom
and dad bought for you for your 17th birthday? I know what you must be thinking
– “There is no space to cycle in Jakarta”. There is always space on a Sunday or
even on a Saturday. Remember if there is a will there is always a way
c. Dance – Husbands it is time to take your wife dancing. Don’t just go
out for dinner. Plan a dance night at least once a month. Not only does it help
you burn calories but it also re-ignites your romantic fire. The only way to
lose weight and maintain it is if you burn calories constantly and the only way
to sustain this is by performing activities that you enjoy and is natural for
you. So, find out what you like to do and do it. If you do something without
burden, I am
sure you will be more successful at
it
3. Get your diet right - One of
Hippocrates's famous quotes “Let food be thy medicine” is the least understood
and underused quotes in the world of medicine.
As a doctor when I prescribe a medicine, I ensure that the medicine is the correct one for the condition and I ensure the dose is correct for the condition and I also ensure that the medicine does not lead to any danger. You should treat food the same way. Remember “You are what you eat”. Eat the right food at the right amount and ensure the food you are eating does not lead to unwanted consequences in the future. Here is a simple formula that all should follow to stay healthy – Decrease carbohydrates by 50% and increase vegetables, fruits and protein consumption by 50%. This will balance out your calorie intake and it will help you stay full for longer periods of time
As a doctor when I prescribe a medicine, I ensure that the medicine is the correct one for the condition and I ensure the dose is correct for the condition and I also ensure that the medicine does not lead to any danger. You should treat food the same way. Remember “You are what you eat”. Eat the right food at the right amount and ensure the food you are eating does not lead to unwanted consequences in the future. Here is a simple formula that all should follow to stay healthy – Decrease carbohydrates by 50% and increase vegetables, fruits and protein consumption by 50%. This will balance out your calorie intake and it will help you stay full for longer periods of time
4. Get a Medical Check up done – If
you are 40 years and above it is time for you to get a Medical Check Up.
Going for a Medical Check Up is like
sending your car for a routine service. Our body goes through a lot of
challenges and everyday and it is bound to break down. Even the best of cars
break down. Murphy’s law says “if something can go wrong, it will go wrong”.
This is valid for our bodies as well. Get a Medical Check Up done, and find out
which areas of your health needs to be tuned
I hope these resolutions will help
you to have an awesome 2012. Always think prevention. As much as you can
Prevent Disease and Also Prevent Complications. Stay healthy. Call Centrepoint
Healthcare for an appointment at 5706208. Have a Happy New Year.