The hollow medals

Forbes India Blog:

"We are under exercised as a nation. We look instead of play. We ride instead of walk. Our existence deprives us of the minimum of physical activity essential for healthy living." These words of wisdom by President John F. Kennedy, sums up my passion about the need for a move-mint in India. Our own Mahatma Gandhi had said, "It is health that is real wealth, not pieces of silver and gold."

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Is a Gold medal really worth it?

Forbes India Blog:

It’s amazing to see that for the longest time in history, we have been so crazy about winning, rather, wanting someone else to win a gold medal at the highest level in any sports in an arena. A lot of effort, time and money is spent in pursuit of that much-sought-after award. 

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Most efficient and practical cardio-vascular exercise session

With marathon boom happening in India, people are confusing passion with activities like long distance running being best for your health. It was in 2007, during India's first Ultra marathon held in Bangalore, where the maximum distance was for 78 km, I did 100 km. The race organisers could not comprehend triple digits and it didn't show up on their results page. But during first weekend of October 2012, an ultra marathon was organised around Bhatti Mines where twelve people had signed up for 100 miles.

I am very clear in my head that I run because I am crazy about it. So might be the case with folks who attempted 100 miles. From 3-4 such people in 2007, today we have over a hundred who would happily enter for 100 km race. In 2006, there would a few hundred who would sign up forna marathon but today I would imagine more than a lakh run a marathon every year.

But for maintaining health and health benefits from cardio-vascular exercise, it's shorter duration higher intensity exercise that is more important. I usually suggest people to have 30-45 minutes brisk. Now, there is evidence for the same.

Intensity versus duration of physical activity: implications for the metabolic syndrome. A prospective cohort study -- Laursen et al. 2 (5) -- BMJ Open
http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/2/5/e001711.full

Pain killers before exercise bad for you

Source WebMD

Popping a painkiller such as ibuprofen to ward off exercise pain or anticipated pain is a common practice among athletes of many ability levels.

Some think it will also improve performance as it reduces pain.

But the practice may be hazardous, according to new research that focused on the use of the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen before and after workouts.

"We conclude that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) consumption by athletes is not harmless and should be discouraged," writes Kim van Wijck, MD, a surgical resident at ORBIS Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.

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Spinal steroid shots may have little effect on sciatica - Chicago Tribune

Despite the growing popularity of steroid injections to treat various kinds of back pain in recent years, a new review of past research finds the shots do little to alleviate sciatica, a common condition that causes leg and back pain.

To read the full article by Chicago Tribune, click here

The challenge of medical empowerment

"Rather than just reform healthcare, efforts should be made to help people maintain or regain their own health"

The title of this post was also the title of the piece done by someone else today in Mint newspaper. I was so excited to see someone else talk in my tone that I just needed to steal the title.

To read the full story, click here

Below is my response which never made it to the newspaper.

I just read your brilliant piece in Mint Newspaper titled 'The challenge of medical empowerment'. Thanks a million miles for an amazing piece, questioning the whole healthcare industry in a very sutle manner.

Will blog regularly

This is our new look website. Still under construction, but a lot more interactive and user friendly than before.

From now, we'll be blogging regularly on health and fitness issues which we have expertise in. It will by no means be limited to Aches & Pains and Sports Medicine alone. Back 2 Fitness is meant to be a move-mint.

Please help us by sharing your experiences and what would you like us to discuss about.

For topics already covered, please check other pages. You will find them very relevant for all.

Starting to communicate better

Starting today, we will be using this blog, as it's a more dynamic communication tool.

Stay tuned in.

Testimonial: Severe Knee Pain to running 111km

Percy Fernandez:

I remember the evening I couldn't walk as I stepped outside the Metro. The pain was excruciating on my right knee as I simply couldn't walk. Thankfully, Rajat was with me as we were going into a meeting. And here I am, after a year. Stronger and wiser.

Thanks to them, I managed to run 111km on 11.11.11.

I love Rajat's approach to wellness. Holistic, I would say for want of a better word. Perhaps that's because he is a runner. His team is an illusion of magicians. They are professional to their marrow. They engage you. They can talk. And ofcourse, walk the talk. Most importantly, they are bunch of young, charming and vivacious boys and girls who add to that magical touch. Keep it up and keep up the good work.

Testimonial: Low Back Pain

Dear Dr Rajat,

Greetings for the day!

Few days back I had came to your clinic as a man who was having all kinds of pain (which no one should imagine also) in lower back and right leg. With weak muscle, rather super week muscle as Vish used to say.

I still remember that day you said to me that we will cure you, don’t worry, and this statement was not only a statement but it has come true after the regular sessions at B2F.

I must thank you and Vish for the effort you all have put in to help make my pain disappear and helped me in gaining the strength to my legs. Here in B2F the way of treatment is so positive that no one can feel that he is suffering from any problems. I would also like to say that you have best team especially Vish, he is most descent and friendly guy I ever meet and at the same time his approach to treatment is outstanding. He is not only given me good therapy but also has made me understand how to overcome these problems, if they were to appear in the future.

And lastly, I will add if any one wants to see magic, don’t go to any magic show, just visit Dr. Rajat at B2F and you will see a real magic.

Thanks for your help and support.

I wish a great marathon success.

Regards,

Rishav Sahay