Usha Jesudasan, who is affected by polio, diabetes and breast cancer, is a prolific writer of inspirational books and articles. Here, she advises on a holistic approach to cope with the diagnosis of chronic illness and move forward without letting life crumble.
Sitting across from the doctor’s table, I hear him say something. “It is what we call a chronic disease.”
1. Your Attitude Matters
Chronic disease? The doctor explained: “A chronic disease is one which continues for a long time. There is…
The Rhythm Wellness initiative of Global ArtsCare in Singapore conducts group drumming session for the elderly to reduce loneliness, increase energy levels and morale and provide recreational and wellness activities. Tell us about Global ArtsCare and the work it does? At GlobalArtsCare we aim to transform lives-in-care through creative arts engagement. Our activities aim to make creative arts engagement accessible to as many people in care facilities. In the process, residents, care-givers, and…
Saswati Singh, Trustee member with Navprerna Foundations, a welfare organisation for the training and rehabilitation of persons with Autism and other developmental disabilities, talks about how important food intake can be for people with autism as well as other disabilities Autism is a developmental disorder, which affects social skills, communication, thought and behaviour. This is more of a neuro-physiological disorder and affected persons have difficulty in processing and integrating…
Does Yoga help people manage chronic conditions and the various symptoms? On International Yoga Day, we speak to a cross section of people who believe strongly that yoga has contributed greatly in their journey of recovery1. Mr Purushotaman - Parkinsons Mr. Purushotaman is 77-years-old and has had Parkinson's for 4 years. An unassuming gentleman, Mr. Purushotaman is extremely regular for all meetings and yoga sessions conducted by Parivarthan for Parkinson’s. Parivarthan is a…
Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a holy month of fasting and abstinence. However, doing some light exercise when fasting is a good thing – it helps to keep the muscles strong and blood circulating. Here are some tips to stay healthy and fit during Ramadan. Abstaining from food and water during the hot summer month of Ramadan can be challenging. Many people skip their daily schedule of exercise and workout. Going to the gym on an empty stomach, without any water and sleep-deprived may…
Dr Kalpana Kamdar, a physiotherapist from Ahmedabad, warns that slumping and slouching for long hours while sitting can result in severe shoulder dysfunction, unbearable pain, inflammation and restriction of movement in the neck, shoulders and upper back. Case Study A 65-year-old male patient, retired from a clerical job, came with diffused pain in and around the left shoulder joint and loss of movement due to pain and weakness but no stiffness in the shoulder. He had first been treated…
Nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju shares tips on foods that helps fight asthma triggers and foods to avoid. Asthma, can be defined as a "chronic inflammatory disease of the airway" that causes the following symptoms: Shortness of breath Tightness in the chest Coughing Wheezing When the airways get narrow as a result of swelling, extra mucous is produced. This makes breathing difficult and triggers coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma can be either allergic or non-allergic. For…
Exercise and yoga can improve quality of life for people with mental illness and reduce risks of strokes, diabetes, auditory hallucinations and other health problems, informs Dr R Padmavati, Additional Director, Schizophrenia Research Foundation. World Health Organisation defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Physical activity is not just "exercise". Exercise, is a subcategory of physical activity that is planned,…
Do you or a family member like to cook in the kitchen but struggle with the aches and pains due to Arthritis and other bone and joint conditions? Do you know that with some modifications and some simple tips, your kitchen can be made Elder Friendly or Arthritis Friendly? Here are some tips consolidated into the Arthritis Friendly Kitchen E-Book that you can download. And if you like the ebook, please share this page with your friends and family - so they can benefit from this as well. And…
#WorldLaughterDay A good, hearty laugh comes with myriad health benefits. We speak to Dr Mahesh Parikh, founder of the Laughing Club at Mahemdavad, the 321st Club in Gujarat, who has witnessed people recover from severe respiratory problems, high blood pressure, and other health complications with laughter yoga. Why do we need a Laughter Club? A club means an association of people with common interest. The Laughter Club is a gathering of persons interested in maintaining their health, because…
