Tag: Health is Wealth

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Retirement, then what?

Retirement! This is a dreaded word not merely as it may signify that the person is officially ‘old’ but because of the void it brings in the lives of the retirees. Time hangs heavily as a person used to being in office for long hours, having several people look up to them (by 58/60 years, most people do reach a position of some responsibility in their profession and lead teams of varying sizes) suddenly finds nothing to do. Retirement age in our country was increased to 60 from 58 years but better health care, better diet etc mean people are fairly fit, active and mentally sharp at this time.

By age 60, children of most parents have left the nest and are settled elsewhere in India or abroad. If the mind is allowed to become inactive, idle then physical aging and degeneration sets in rapidly. Knee/ back pain who were strangers earlier suddenly become unwanted companions as can other physical ailments. Within a year post-retirement, I have seen several such people look older. Besides health issues, financial constraints may begin as the monthly paycheck stops (particularly in absence of smart retirement financial planning). In joint families, communication may suddenly become an issue as the children and their spouses are busy in their own careers.

Many of our top politicians have seen over 60 summers and some consider themselves still young! (read this interview: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cabinet-reshuffle-is-not-a-damp-squib-ambika/141300-37-64.html).
In the private sector, leaders of some top Indian firms belong to the over 60-year club as well (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/7323575.cms?prtpage=1

http://www.rediff.com/money/2005/aug/09inter.htm)…

In a country predominantly comprised of youth, over 60 year-olds cannot think of a regular job. Such fresh retirees (a la fresh grads!) are a rich source of wisdom that industry and society can benefit from. Some kind of post retirement engagement will be a win-win situation for the individual and the industry. This is easily said and done for politicians, CXOs, bureaucrats but about others? Are they to fade away, spend their time playing golf/bridge, babysitting grandchildren, etc?

Some companies do turn to retired executives as ‘consultants’. Is there a need for a dedicated organisation / NGO to help over 60-year old retirees? Should the retirement age be increased again? (read this article: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/government-mulls-raising-retirement-age-to-62-yrs/366841/)
What do you think?

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The Short List

They say a soul chooses its parents (which family it is born into).. So unknown to us, someone somewhere is ticking off prospective couples for suitability to being parents. The important factor is ‘unknown’. Each one of us must have had made this choice and will be subjected to one or more later. Its only later in life that we may remember the choices made or are subjected to.

These days kids learn of the ‘short list’ quite early in life- starting from her admission to pre-school though the barely three year old may not know much about eligibility of her candidature… (I refer to both boys and girls, the word used is ‘she’ solely for ease of writing!!)

Yet the kids brave on from class to class, exam to exam till they leave their schools behind and are set for several more rounds of short listing for many more academic laurels. Mind you, their actual merits will now pale before several ‘worldly’ factors like connections to important and influential people, performances beyond studies, a glib tongue (very useful in group discussions and interviews) and financial strength. For some being ‘under served’ may be an advantage but who is decide on what qualifies as underserved?

So the young adults, armed with degrees from self styled ‘top’ colleges enter the bad bad world, all keen to make it to the top of the corporate ladders. There are more shortlists- to chose life partners, the dream home, car, jewelery, invites to page 3 events etc etc

By now they have been shortlisted for cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease just to name a few, which just sends them to the top of the short list to exiting their careers for health reasons. Suddenly being on a shortlist does not seem at all attractive.

What happened?

Should we only live to be chosen for something or take life head on do our bit and leave the rest to the Final Authority? All this sounds good and noble but is not easy to implement.
As my friend said, when difficulties arise do not say ‘Why me’ instead say ‘Try Me’!
That will put the ‘short list’ in its correct place and not give it an undue importance.
Think about it…

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Are we changing?

In two words – probably yes!
I am not talking about dissolving geographic boundaries or embracing cross cultural habits but about the human body…

Before you get me wrong,we have not yet
– sprouted antennae (though its quite likely considering the humongous amount of all kinds of radiation around us- mobile phones, wireless landlines, wi-fi networks, radio/television waves, ham radios etc)
– developed an extra membrane/tissue in our nose (to filter the highly polluted air we breathe)
– grown an extra appendage to handle the ubiquitous mobile electronic devices that none of us seem to be able to do without at any time

Last known we still have 206 bones, 32 teeth with XY/XX chromosomes to distinguish males and females. So physically at least we still look the same as our great grand parents (or even older forefathers)…

Now to the topic on hand…

As a result of improved nutrition, environmental factors etc there is a gradual change in our bodies- at a fundamental level…

  • Dentists’ say children now have larger teeth (size of each tooth is bigger as compared to five-six decades ago), wisdom teeth do not erupt in some people at all.
  • Pathologists say the so-called ‘normal’ levels of different body parameters like blood sugar levels, Thyroid hormone levels, HDL levels etc are updated by WHO and other health authorities from time to time. Hence you may find that an HDL level of 54 would be within a normal range in 2006 but marginally found wanting in 2010.
  • Gynaecologists often report early menarche in young girls or changing timeframes for menopause.
  • Greying hair is a now a common feature in late twenties itself- I still remember my grandmother with jet black hair till she left us…
  • Average height is increasing as is average lifespan

We have learnt about how Man evolved from more primitive creatures and obviously the changes took place over several hundred. Are the changes I mentioned (there may be many more occurring at microscopic levels as well) a part of a further evolution of our species? Is Homo sapiens the pinnacle of life of earth or will another ‘creature’ evolve from us?
We will never know…
Regards
Archana

These are just a few examples that I have mentioned based on my experiences and reports and observations of people in India. I would not like to extrapolate the same to other regions as they may/may not not hold true…

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A Divali Gift to yourself

Happy Divali!
This is a time for feasting, spending time with friends and family.
Its a time when all of us invest in something for our homes, get gifts for near and dear ones…
All of us buy something for ourselves… new clothes, jewellery, electronics to name just a few…

Yet we often overlook an important aspect…
Our health!
No, this is not another post about healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle.
I am talking about health insurance.

Being self employed has several advantages but it also means having to pay your own bills for health care.
In India, we hesitate to visit the government hospitals in case of any problems, except politicos and top babus of course.
For the rest of us, private care is the care of choice.
But it means hefty bills.
In case of an emergency most private hospitals demand a cash advance of thousands of rupees before the patient is admitted.

This can be create extremely tense moments for the caretakers and patient as well.
Having valid health insurance can help tide over such an emergency. There are several types of health insurance but in my experience, the cashless variety is the best. In case of an emergency, one has to approach the empaneled hospitals and there are no worries about paying bills. In such policies, usually the bill is settled directly by the insurer.
The patient can simply focus all energies on regaining health.

What’s more, premium paid for health insurance gives us tax breaks and successive renewals after a ‘no-claim’ period may offer a premium rebate as well!

Has this motivated you to buy a health insurance policy? Here are a few tips:
Do a thorough market survey for products by different insurance firms. For baby-boomers, some medical tests may be required before buying the policy- the cost may be covered by the insurer. Its important to know that a new policy may not cover existing medical conditions.

In case you use the services of an insurance agent, you must ask pointed questions if the policy being sold to you meets your needs. Often agents mis-sell policies or one lands up holding holding one that does not cover your requirements. Find out the procedure to be followed in case of an emergency and make sure everyone at home knows it. If any documents (or copies thereof) are to be produced in case of an emergency, keep them in a separate clearly marked envelope in an easily accessible place. Regularly check with the insurer about list of empaneled hospitals- it may change subject to company or hospital policies.

Those who do not have health insurance or did not bother to renew it, consider gifting yourself a policy this Divali.
Its worth it!

Have a healthy prosperous year ahead!
Rgds
Archana

Disclaimer: I am not an insurance agent nor do I work for any insurance firm!

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Vitamin M

Folic Acid is at times referred to as Vitamin M.
But this post is not health related. Its about yet another vital nutrient necessary for wellness.
Vitamin M with M for Money….

Having sufficient funds for all our needs and wants is what will give us mental peace. A good high paying job or successful business usually is an abundant source of Vitamin M. That will take care of EMI for a swanky flat, an enviable car, admission to the ivy league schools for your kids, designer everything and so on…
Life’s cup may seem to brim over with plenty.

Is it? Really?

Vitamin M is extremely expensive. Getting such doses of Vitamin M (for above mentioned benefits) necessitates a high price namely long hours of work, stress, irregular meals, no exercise, tons of coffee cups and often improper nutrition. I don’t have to tell you what this combination brings on…
We always crib about what we don’t have (a bigger house, another car, more jewellery etc). Do remember to rejoice some important things that you don’t have such as:
Diabetes
High Cholesterol
Heart disease
Backache

High Vitamin M levels do not necessarily translate to physical wellness.

My favourite question to patients- Do you slog 24X7 only to give away a considerable part of what you earn to the medical fraternity? Just as we pray to God to give us lots of Vitamin M, so does the doctor!!
😉

In our race to achieve all that “I want” we often overlook or sacrifice basic things in life. Good health, hobbies, relaxation time to name just a few.
When you make your wish list each year do remember to add these things.

This does not mean we can do without Vitamin M. One has to find a golden midpoint and strike a WORK-LIFE balance.
Think about it!
Stay well!

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The Necklace

Finally I got the Necklace!
There were quite a few anxious moments when I thought it was truly beyond my reach.
However having crossed the 20K barrier I decided to go ahead…

As you rightly guessed, this is not about glittering rocks to be worn around the neck. I refer to the Necklace- in Pune cyclists’ parlance this is the circular route around the famous Pune tekdis’. It is a continuous left hand turn (or right hand depending on which direction you start) from Law College Road- SB Road-University Circle-NCL Road- DRDO-Bavdhan-Chandani Chowk-Paud Road-SNDT-Law College Road. One has to go up two hillocks- the Symbiosis tekdi and then way up to Chandani Chowk.

Why necklace? Probably because of DRDO’s lovely Necklace garden that one crosses en route.

Despite severe daytime heat, the cool morning air was condusive to my first attempt. We set off at a steady pace competing with no one but ourselves. A short water break beyond the Necklace garden and I was set for the final assault. To my mind the ride up to Chandani Chowk would be the most difficult part. I was determined not to walk up and cycle all the way up. I conserved every bit of energy, checked that the cycle gears were in top shape and cycled up one pedal at a time. Steadily I made it to the top… totally out of breath but victorious. Yeah!!

I was told that the downhill ride from any slope is a ‘prize’ to relish, a soothing balm for burning muscles as the wind rips across your face cooling you off. I had experienced this feeling on other downhill rides in Pune and looked forward to this one as well.

Yet things were different. Drastically different.

Congratulating myself I started towards Paud Road but was hit by the scariest feelings in my limited cycling experience. The road inclines downwards about 45degrees and is packed with trucks peeling from the Bangalore bypass. I felt the kinetic energy build up as my bike gathered speed, careening madly downwards with me precariously holding on to the handles for dear life. I did the very thing I had resolved not to.
I managed to brake and got off.
I walked the cycle downhill.
🙁

I guess a roller coaster ride would have been more benign at least one does not have to deal with murderous vehicles or maintain balance or ensure one does not veer from the asphalt into the stony berm.
My ego could take this fall not my bones or teeth!I had no wish to check healing powers of my bones.

The rest of the ride passed uneventfully.

Having said this, the ride was wonderful, something any cyclist must attempt. (Do so in the mornings when weather is cool and roads relatively free of vehicles.)
Cycling is a wonderful way to really ‘see’ the city up close.
Try it.
Cheers!

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March on Tekdi


March was a month of hectic activity on our Tekdi. Instead of putting everything down in words, I have a few photos that will better convey developments on the Tekdi.

As the sleeping earth awoke (from whatever winter we have here) some trees burst into fluorescent shoots that always glittered as the caught the early morning sun. It was also time for others to shed whatever remaining green garb they wore as the reserve forest plantation took on a sad brown hue.

Man made or accidental fires raged in parts that often destroyed this dried up undergrowth and grass but often took along with it some healthy trees as well …

Some trees bloomed despite global warming or whatever is the latest ecological blip. Gliricidia (pink inflorescence- also called undir mari) spread their delicate fragrance. Yet another tree covered by delicate white blooms made a stark contrast to the brown landscape (I have yet to find out the name of this plant).
Like wise fruit of the Harandodi tree burst (see the first photo) spreading millions of seeds that created snowy cotton beds on the ground!

As the parched earth thirsted for water, morning walkers enthusiastically watered the trees using discarded plastic bottles. The forest department ensures (tries to) that cement water tanks specially built for this purpose are refilled regularly. To goad those who prefer to just walk past, many voluntary organisations and activists put up posters urging every one to do his/her bit. I have one photo of a sample poster but there are many more similar interesting ones put up on trees.

March on the Tekdi shows signs of hope.
People marching on the Tekdi all have a common aim- to stay fit and healthy and conserve this unique feature of our city.
Cheers!
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The First 20

Finally I achieved crossed this milestone. No I have not just crossed out of my teens, nor is it a weight loss target!!
Today I could cycle 20kms which included three steep inclines. I had turned back several times after 15/18 kms and this seemed like a huge barrier. Why 20? I don’t really know, seemed like a round figure and a good place to start. Does it mean I will take up long distance cycling? Time will tell.

It was an exhilarating drive to say the least.

However some unexplainable points that beg a mention:

  • Why do people walk on the roads when there are perfectly good and clean footpaths provided by our PMC? This allows dogs to treat footpaths as their personal fiefdom.
  • Bougainvilla or palm fronds that look so beautiful along roads are a huge hazard. How? The branches are usually always hang out so much that they hit our face as we cycle past on the edge of the left lane.
  • Stray dogs are a threat as they tend to chase cyclists : ( I faced one such incident and have no wish for a re-run. I usually slow down to a crawl when I spot a canine from afar much to the anger and disappointment of my fellow cyclists!

If one can manage to overcome these barriers, its a great exercise. Try it. Get on the road early so you avoid traffic.
I certainly do not adovate cycling as a mode of transport to office or shopping as of now. Too many issues- time consumed not to mention you would arrive sweaty and dusty for work and difficult to carry around your laptop and other accessories so much a part of the new age office set up.
Cheers!

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The Head Turner

I was firmly convinced that a pair of wheels was not something that would get people (mostly males) drooling and go into raptures about transmission, ergonomics, frame design etc. Many men and women are known to swoon and covet motorised two/three/four or more wheeled vehicles but a two wheeler that is powered purely by raw muscle power to my jaded eyes seemed a bit too low on the hierarchy of transportation means to elicit such reactions.

But that’s precisely what is happening! Before much ado let me clarify that I refer to the humble bicycle. Society in general has branded it as a poor man’s vehicle something that a student will eagerly discard in favour of a motorised version. As time goes by the number of wheels increases along with the horsepower to propel them.

Looking for an alternative exercise I was cajoled into trying out a cycle. For a lark I went ahead and surprise surprise I am enjoying bit. After the initial phase of muscle burn and DOMS I enjoyed the wind in my face, the speed and the taste of unbriddled freedom. We usually cycle out in the early hours when roads are infested with exercise fanatics- either walking, jogging, or on their way to the gym.

I noticed a strange phenomenon. As we cycle past, people actually stop to look at our vehicles. This includes those in ‘superior’ wheels, the youth and baby boomers. Initially I assumed it to be another version of eve teasing but realised soon enough that it was my cycle that was drawing attention not me! Just to confirm I sent out a PYT (pretty young thing) on my cycle and got same results.

This is Economic Times article describes the launch of a cycle that costs Rs 2.4 lakhs at the 2009 Auto Expo in New Delhi. That’s one baby that will surely draw plenty of wolf whistles.

Bottom line: If you are looking for an alternative to your cardio workouts, try cycling. Combined with the bike’s head turning potential you will not only burn calories but your morale will get a good boost too!
Cheers!

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Why swearing may be good for you…

Cut your hand/ stumbled on a stone and hurt your toe nail/ finger caught in the door hinge…
One usually swears whenever such accidents occur. Ever wondered why?

A study published in the journal NeuroReport by experts from the Keele University found that study participants who cursed freely were able to tolerate pain about 50% more than those who did not swear. Click here to read the full news. Though the exact link between swear words and pain relief was not found, researchers attributed the analgesic (pain relief) effect of ‘colourful’ language to the ‘fight-flight’ response it triggers in our body.

Keeping a ‘stiff upper lip’ while in pain may not be such a good idea after all…
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