Don’t underestimate fitness

World Heart Day is celebrated across the world to reduce the number of deaths because of cardiovascular diseases. It is an international campaign to spread awareness among common public to save them and motivate to live with healthy heart.

According to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases are the reason of around 30% deaths of all global deaths. Some of the most dangerous risk factors leading to the heart disease and stroke are high blood pressure, high level of bad cholesterol, increased glucose level, smoking habit, inadequate intake of diet, fruit and vegetables, increased weight, and obesity.

If you look at yourself in the mirror and think that you are looking unhealthy, this is the time to start working in the direction of a healthier self. Obesity is a disease, resulting in high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, venous oedema, insulin resistance and increased atherosclerosis which result in more heart attacks and brain strokes.

Of late, the incidence of obesity is on the rise in India thanks to sedentary lifestyles, largely desk jobs and easy availability of fast food which is high on calories and fats. In fact, even in the US home to some of the world’s largest fast food giants, it is hard to find a slim American unless, he is a fitness enthusiast. In stark contrast is Paris, where a majority of the people are slim.

This could probably be attributed to the fact that it is the fashion capital of the world and is home to some of the top models. But India seems to be going the US way, fast adopting the fast food culture.

DIET
At the top of the list is eat less and end your meal when you are 75 per cent full. It is always better to start your meal with a salad and then proceed to the main course. This way, not only do you get some of those much-needed vitamins, it also ensures you consume fewer calories and fats from the main course.

EXERCISE
Walking every day for 30 minutes is a good habit and a must unless there is a contraindication. And if you don’t have the time for a morning walk, then invest in a treadmill so you can work out at your convenience. It is however, important to wear proper walking shoes that have a cushioning effect as walking on hard surfaces with improper footwear can cause arthritis of the knee and hip. In case you already have arthritis, walk as much as you can and then stop and proceed, or you can walk for short distances several times in a day.

MEDICATION
Several new medicines that reduce fat absorption from the intestine and suppress a person’s appetite have been introduced in the market. Most obese people have large appetites and feel extremely hungry if they are asked to eat smaller quantities of food suddenly. It is in this situation that these drugs help to suppress the appetite. But like every other medicine, these drugs to have some side effects, more so in patients with high blood pressure, in those with weak hearts or those who are prone to irregular heartbeats. No matter how impressive these drugs might seem, it is imperative that they be consumed under medical supervision only. (The writer is Sr Consultant Cardiologist, Care Hospitals in Hyderabad.)

By Dr Swaroop Bharadi Govind