"The Best Way to Keep Fit and Healthy" - A Tale by Dr. S. K. Pachauri (And Philosocom's Subcategory On Health)

Subcategory Directory on Health:

The "Health Bar" Theory -- How To Better Understand And Work Towards Greater Health

Health, Body and Delusion -- How Your Body Image Depends On You

Healthy Masculinity -- A Critique

The Philosophy of Medication -- When Escapism Should Be Prioritized

Disability Shaming and the Mentally-Ill -- Understanding Mental Illness

On My Illnesses and Their Irony

The Horror of Heat And Its Effect On the Human Mentality (And Why We Need to Decrease It)

"As Much as Possible" VS The State of "Much"

The Mentally Disabled and Independence -- A Severe Critique (By Mr. M. Svartgold)

Importance and Luxury -- Bias of Prestige in Work

Where Philosophy Helps Most: Using Philosophy as a Way to Extend Our Lifespan (By Mr. C. Kingsley and Mr. J. Bright)

How Philosophy Complements Sanity and Can Heal You

https://www.philosocom.com/post/health-and-wisdom

Introduction

(Disclaimer: The guest posts do not necessarily align with Philosocom's manager, Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein's beliefs, thoughts, or feelings. The point of guest posts is to allow a wide range of narratives from a wide range of people. To apply for a guest post of your own, please send your request to mrtomasio@philosocom.com) 

The following is a contribution, made by the former secretary to the government of India, Dr. S. K. Pachauri, regarding his wisdom as to how to live in a fit and healthy manner. Please note that it isn't an alternative to getting counsel from your medical doctor, but simply a set of advice one can apply to his or her life, written in the form of a story.

The Best Way to Keep Fit and Healthy

Mr. Raman, a senior citizen who retired from government service recently, and Dr. Joshi, a senior surgeon, were traveling in the same compartment.

After introducing themselves, Raman asked Dr. Joshi, "Doctor, as a retired person, I have a health question.... Apart from diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity, can you name a single most important point that senior citizens should take care of? I do know the health hazards of tobacco consumption and alcohol." This way, he hinted to the doctor that he had done some homework.

Dr. Joshi replied, "Good Mr. Raman, you already know the most prevalent risk factors that affect health the most. What I always tell people is not what procedures I do in the emergency room, but how one can avert a situation to come see me in the emergency room and lead a quality life....

• "At the outset, I suggest one make a habit of practicing silence for a few minutes as the first thing before getting up from bed. It is a calm reconciliation with one's own self.

• "The second is to have an attitude of gratitude for life as a whole. It may be toward Mother Earth or the sun that is supporting life. It may be your society, parents, teachers, wife, or husband. Anyone and everything can become a part of your life." This attitude aligns you and orients you with cosmic force. It brings positivity, and it will have an energizing and healing effect on you.

  
  

• "In terms of pure medical advice, falling is the most important risk factor for the elderly. In my experience, it is the most debilitating and difficult situation for the elderly patient to cope with or recover from, as well as the most demanding situation for family members or attendants. "The golden rule for the elderly is to never fall down. Falling down marks the beginning of the end for some unfortunates."

  
  

Raman grew curious and asked, "If you don't mind, what is your second most important advice?"

Dr. Joshi replied:

• "Keep walking. Walking is living. Walking helps maintain many health conditions, including heart health. I know people in their late 90s who go for long walks. Of course, you should guard against many factors when walking at that age, but not walking is a risk factor at any age. Please note that it is not like people are walking because they are fit; people are fit because they are walking.

• "Those who can't walk due to medical reasons should try pranayama, or breathing exercises that can be suggested by the family doctor."

  
  

Dr. Joshi continued on his own after seeing Raman's enthusiasm....

• "The third most important point is to keep yourself hydrated. Elderly people are prone to reduced water levels and electrolytes in the body. Drinking water by sipping frequently (buttermilk, coconut water, ORS, etc.) helps.

  
  

• "The next important thing is good bowel and gut health. Eating easily digestible and fiber-rich foods will help. One should have cooked food and avoid fried foods, bakery foods, and fast foods. Eat moderately and have dinner at least three hours before going to bed.

• Daily consumption of a few dry fruits and seasonal fruits will be great for overall health as well. And walking and remaining hydrated also help in maintaining bowel health.

• Another important aspect of health is being active mentally and remaining calm emotionally. Having an attitude of gratitude and contributing to someone's happiness work like medicine. Some call it "cosmic wisdom" or "cosmic orientation." It is important to prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and depression.

"There are some positive activities you can engage yourself in, and you can pick up what interests you most to create an activity for the brain. The creative as well as the analytical functions of the brain should be put to use....

• "The reading, writing, and arithmetic that we studied in school may be basic, but they are valuable habits as you age for mental and motor skills." Traditionally, ayurvedic preparations of Brahmi and Aswagandha are used as supplements. "Maybe I can add here that as you age more, you should have an RMP who visits you periodically and sees you closely from a medical point of view. In an emergency, time is of the essence. Early detection and quick response make a world of difference.

• Lastly, to age gracefully and to leave the world peacefully, one needs God's grace. So, meditate as well. Medical care and meditation are complementary to each other.

  
  

• And my bonus advice is that you should have your daily dose of entertainment.

And please take into consideration... the elderly are not barred from having entertainment and laughter. A relaxed mind and happy heart provide the best health and immunity."

Mr. Raman thanked the doctor from the bottom of his heart. And replied: "Regards. Try to go through."