Happiness is where the heart is

The numbers are damning and are expected to get worse in the years ahead. Every year it is estimated that around three thousand heart procedures are conducted in the state. For a state with the size of its population, those numbers are worrying. As the world celebrates World Hear Day it is important to note that with the conditions prevalent now with the virus running rampant it would be very important to err on the side of caution. Dr Noel Henriques, a cardiologist at a hospital in Panjim said it was very important to exercise regularly. He said “That is the cornerstone whether you are young or old and yes, sleeping at the right time too. That is something people today seem to overlook. Everyone is stuck at home these days and it is important to find ways to exercise. Carrying an infant across a room can be an exercise. One has to find a reason to exercise, people seem to find way too many excuses to not to. Eat healthy, stay away from fried food, because once it is fried the entire composition of the body changes and it is no longer healthy”. He went on to say that in these COVID times, doctors were learning new things every day and it would be wise if diabetics and heart patients did not take unnecessary risks in terms of food. Dr Lloyd Fernandes,  a veteran physician in North Goa said the problem of heart diseases was very grim in the country in general and it may have passed the west in terms of numbers. He said the steps to ensuring one stayed healthy and took care of one’s heart was very simple. He said “Respect your body; give it its due worth. You check your car and your house regularly right, do the same for your body. Do a yearly check-up at least. The idea of conservative preventive treatment is not popular here in India. Follow a decent lifestyle in terms of eating and drinking. All I am saying is thinking before you jump. It will save you a lot of trouble.” In these strange and stressful times it is important for people to keep time aside to ensuring one enjoyed good health. Aditya Chari a student in a local college said he always made time to exercise every day he said “Heart problems run in the family. My grandfather passed away following a heart attack, my uncle has a weak heart and my father had a scare last year. The only way to avoid all the problems is to exercise and to keep fit. I run every day and do some weight training to get strong. Importantly I am careful about what I eat. I follow the advice of my uncle a doctor in the US who gave me a schedule. There are days when I am tired but if I have to stay healthy I will have to make the effort”. Lakmikant Naik is a student, working and also devotes time every day to exercising to keeping himself fit. He said “I have been doing this for a couple of years. I have to because I also play cricket and I have to be fit. Thankfully everyone in my family is fit but we are careful. My mother and father both of whom are in their early fifties go for a walk in the morning and don’t use a lot of oil in the food. My mom is strict and ensures there is no shifting from this. My father has not had a problem and thankfully his yearly tests did not indicate anything worrying. The heart is the centre of all of us and we have to take care of it. Otherwise, heart attacks and diseases will be a constant companion”. The importance of making the effort to have a healthy heart was highlighted by Adhvay Madkaikar the owner of a health club in the city who said it was very important to exercise regularly to ensure good health. He said “One has to work out every day for a minimum of thirty minutes and do a bit of jogging or walking or even cycling every day. For a start it would be nice to at least walk, it will do wonders for one’s fitness. Along with cardio, it is important to do some weight training”. He felt it was important for individuals over fifty to do weight training because it would strengthen the bones and lower the risk of injury. He felt it was also important to take care of what one ate. The love for fried food which was present in the dietary traditions of the state had to be understood but not to be overindulged. The legislation introducing anti-smoking laws was welcomed by all three who felt its effects would be seen in a decade.  One can only hope the love for healthy living will ensure that people take care of their heart because it is after all the engine that runs the body.