Journalism of Courage
With a focus on preventive medicine and fitness,Pune-based gynaecologist and the president of the Association of Maharashtra Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies,has launched a new initiative called crorepati vaccine’! With a view to promote healthy habits,Dr Shirish Patwardhan has floated the initiative that talks of injecting a live’ vaccine daily.
This live vaccine comprises of nothing but six basic concepts that should be practised daily. These include sleep,silence,suryanamaskar,sexual life and walk,sprouts and swachata (cleanliness), says Dr Patwardhan,who had earlier launched the ‘Anaemia chale jao’ campaign as part of the effort by Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological societies of India (FOGSI).
Sleep is crucial and there is no substitute for the daily dose of eight to ten hours,says Patwardhan adding that sitting quietly for two minutes for every hour of work done is also important for a healthy life. Two suryanamaskars per day per person should guarantee a solution against neck and back problems while a healthy sex life and brisk walk is a good recipe for happiness. One’s diet should include sprouts,raw vegetables and fruits,while cleanliness is essential.
Patwardhan has also conducted talks at schools and colleges to deal with anaemia and related health issues. These problems can be solved by simple lifestyle changes,says Patwardhan. The epidemic of nutritional anaemia has its roots in lifestyle changes that have occurred over the past 30-40 odd years. Iron supplementation is a short term solution,while lifestyle change is the long-term solution. Patwardhan advises basic tips like use of permanent source of iron by switching back to jaggery instead of using sugar. Using iron-based utensils and checking basic health parameters are a must, he adds.
