Apollo Speciality Hospitals,OMR investigates the fad behind Unhealthy Lifestyle: 26th October World Obesity Day

Apollo Speciality Hospitals,OMR investigates the fad behind Unhealthy Lifestyle

Why is it that following an unhealthy lifestyle does not require any encouragement? Why is it that we constantly require sensitization and reminders to adopt healthier options in life? To discuss intriguing answers, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR, marking the World Obesity Day, on 26^th October 2015, opened a discussion panel with Chief Guest Dr.Jayanth Murali,IPS, Additional Director General of Police, and a fitness enthusiast. 

Today’s generation which has a lot less time for kitchen chores, cafeteria lunches and take away dinners have become a way of life. An interesting analysis at the discussion panel, pointed out that, the dilemma of choosing healthy lifestyle vs binging is now made easy by more economical price tags plastered across the unhealthy options. A salad bowl is priced higher than a burger in most outlets. Dr. Jayanth also discussed the concern with increased consumption of GMOs in the food sector globally, contributing to morbid obesity.

With cashless healthcare services offered by corporate medical insurances that cover doctor’s consultation fees to high-end surgeries, consumers don’t seem to feel the pinch of medical expenses or a need to choose healthy lifestyle. It really becomes a concern for the country and corporates that run it, who carry the burden of significantly higher medical bills, absenteeism and lack of productivity.

A study conducted by Apollo Speciality Hosptials, OMR analyzed that 30% of corporate 

population is obese. Studies showed that 10% of the total cost of loss of productivity because of sick leave was related to obesity and related diseases. The impact of Obesity on iIllness, absence and productivity is 2.5 times more days per year compared to normal counterparts as a result corporate bleed over 3 Crores annually due to obesity as a metabolic disease.    

Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR’s Corporate Leadership Club invites the senior members of companies to join the panel and discuss strategies with our panel of specialist in the Obesity Clinic to reverse the current challenge.

Dr.Premkumar Balachandran, who heads the Obesity and Metabolic Rehabilitation Clinic at Apollo Hospitals, OMR discussed about the emerging trend of metabolic illness in the population and its associated ill effects. He also discussed the option of surgical intervention for morbidly obese people. He emphasized that such patients should consider the life threatening consequences that could occur due to obesity.

Mr.Saravanan a patient of Dr.Premkumar, who had previously opted for a surgical intervention and

lost 40 kgs as an outcome of the procedure, spoke about his experience before and after bariatric surgery. He expressed his post-surgical ease with basic activities of life such as walking, breathing and sleeping which were previously a challenge. 

Much touted diets may be many, and endless studies discussing for and against various options. Instead of only thinking about what food to avoid, focus on what nutritious food you can add to your diet.The staff, patients and their attenders of Apollo Speciality Hospitals took an oath to incorporate small changes in their regular diet, such as opting for rock salt instead of white salt, brown sugar instead of refined white sugar, choosing one meal a day that is very healthy and taking 8 mins off their work schedule to sprint around the campus. Together let’s rephrase '26th October World Obesity Day' to '26th October World Healthy Lifestyle Day'.

The bottom line: Diet or no diet, insurance or no insurance, in the end, choosing a healthier lifestyle or not, comes down to just 3 powerful words: ‘Life is Priceless.’

Navratri at Apollo Hospitals,OMR: Community driven hospital

Apollo Hospitals, OMR has groomed itself to be the first truly community focused hospital in India, which is driven by the community. It has become a common scenario to have groups of community residents who plan to share a part of their festivities and celebratory moments with our patients. Music groups perform at the Apollo Hospitals, OMR facility, as a part of music therapy, which is believed to accelerate the healing processes of the patients.

Below are a few snap shots of bhajan groups performing at Apollo Hospitals, OMR during Navratri, in front of the Golu, as they pray for the speedy recovery of our patients.

Today Apollo hospitals, OMR receives inputs from community leaders who are key members in various facilities: school principals, key faculty members in educational institutions, apartment association secretaries, local politicians, police, bank managers and residents, on healthcare challenges faced by them. Together, Apollo Hospitals, OMR, with the community, makes decisions and designs healthcare initiatives to address the gaps, to ensure world class healthcare, has been catered to our community, at affordable prices.

Apollo Hospitals, OMR is not only a community based hospital, we are a community driven hospital. 

Apollo Medical Center at Karapakkam launches Yoga for pregnant women

Apollo Women and Children Medical Center at Karapakkam, OMR with the support of experts from Krishnamachari Yoga Mandiram (KYM) is launching a systematic yoga module exclusively for Pregnant Woman at various stages of pregnancy. The sessions will be held on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday’s at the hospital facility going further.

Why is Yoga Important for Pregnant Women?

Pregnancy marks an important phase in the life of a woman, as it heralds numerous transitions, not just physically and physiologically, but also cognitively and emotionally.

Yoga, as a holistic and systematic intervention can offer considerable support in the ante-natal and post-natal phases in a woman's life.

Legendary yoga master, T.Krishnamacharya states in his book, Yoga Rahasya, “for a safe and smooth delivery, it is imperative that women practice yoga.”

The primary focus of such practices is to strengthen those parts of the body which will later bear the strain of childbirth, strengthen the spine and also prepare the pelvic floor muscles for labor and delivery while ensuring that the muscles do not become stiff and compress the womb. Select breathing techniques are powerful tools for stress management and improve metabolism and circulation

The practices also address the emotional needs of the mother-to-be and can contribute towards building confidence and easing fears regarding labor.

However, it is important that practices of yoga in pregnancy are learnt and applied under the guidance of a competent yoga therapist/trainer, as most practices need to be developed on a case-to-case basis and vary across the three trimesters of pregnancy. 

Apollo Hospitals, OMR pays Tribute to our Yogic Heritage

Apollo Hospitals, OMR celebrating World Yoga Day

Apollo Hospitals, OMR practicing Yoga

On the very first International Yoga Day, 21st June, thousands of yoga practitioners and first timers across the world stood on their yoga mats to pay tribute to an Indian tradition that has swept over the world. Yoga can help heal and balance our emotional pain, our physical health and our mental well-being. A happy and balanced human being is a positive asset to his family, his workspace and the nation at large.

21^st of June is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world, hence this day has been chosen to be the International Yoga day.

Apollo Hospitals, OMR re-emphasizing the importance of yoga

At Apollo Hospitals, OMR this day was celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm, as the staff, their families and patient attendees joint in unison and a oneness in thought, ‘For Wellness’. Apollo Hospitals, OMR paid tribute to our yogic heritage, with the guidance of Yoga teacher R. Swathi. Dr. Iris, the family medicine and preventive health care specialist from Apollo Hospitals, OMR shared insights into how Yoga can help transform your life, because at Apollo Hospitals, OMR, we believe Every Life Is Priceless.