“I am an oncologist and I see that cancer not only affects the body, but mental health as well. Along with cancer, other diseases like heart attacks and stroke, chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma and diabetes are on the rise. This World Health Day, we doctors aim to support the theme for this year which is “Building a fairer, healthier world for everyone” and fight for the elimination of health inequalities.
It is quite alarming that NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases) kill about 41 million people every year and it is the biggest concern for health in the world. When we look at the common risk factors that are leading to these diseases, we come across habits like consumption of tobacco in any form, the harmful use of alcohol, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits that lead to obesity. Most people are unaware of how food affects their health and continue to abuse their bodies by consuming junk food till the disease is manifested in their bodies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a huge toll not only on physical health but has also left a fathomless impact on our mental health as well. Mental health in general is being neglected and overlooked quite often. The lockdown, quarantine & self-isolation has impacted mental health negatively. Being separated from loved ones, loss of freedom, boredom, and other uncertainties have led to mental deterioration.
Due to the current global pandemic, there is a mix of emotions, anxiety, distress, depression, fear, etc that is affecting us. This impacts the physical well-being of a person. Health is a perfect balance between physical and mental well-being. The front-line workers and the health care professionals experience emotional exhaustion as well. There is stress, fear, anxiety, and depression that leaves a great impact on us too. But we fight it like warriors for the well-being of people.
As a yoga practitioner and yoga trainer, I can’t stress enough on the importance of relaxing our mind and deep breathing, relaxation techniques, and meditation along with physical exercise. This helps us to achieve perfect harmony between physical and mental health.
This World Health Day, my message to people out there is, reach out to your doctors if you witness anything abnormal with your health and get yourselves evaluated. The least one can do is attempt to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Perform physical activities, practice mindful & healthy eating, avoid tobacco and alcohol, spend time with your family & loved ones. Prioritize your health more than anything else.”