How to really lose weight...

There are so many diets out there, I've lost count. I don't pay attention to any of those. I just pay attention to my friends, colleagues and family. They say you can't lose weight without exercising but I've found that to be untrue. I have a number of friends who have just cut down their calories and have lost a lot of weight. The only thing is that in some cases, they look like they have no energy. Those who have lost weight and look great are those who have cut down their diet moderately and exercised well (1 hour for 5 days a week).

Here's the best and easiest tip for dieting: Whatever sweet or fried food you are having, share it with someone. You'll be cutting down atleast 1/2 of the calories/fat without ever counting!

With regards to exercising, I've found the best programme to be different depending on my mood. Sometimes I go walking. Other times, I do a little bit of yoga! Sometimes, I even do a Cindy Crawford tape! It's difficult to do just one thing. That's why I think most people quit exercising - because it gets boring. So, before the boredom sets in, change your programme. But whatever you do, make sure you do it for 30-60 minutes a day for atleast 5 days!

Home Oxygen Therapy in India

Do you know that you can have oxygen therapy at home? There are many different options from the basic cylinder to an oxygen concentrator machine (which is expensive).

If you need oxygen for short periods (1/2 hour – 1 hour a day), then you can opt for the cylinder. If you need something throughout the day, then you need to opt for an oxygen concentrator which filters out oxygen from the normal room air and then given to the patient to breathe in. It’s about the size of a big vacuum cleaner or a suitcase. I haven’t tried it but the salesman tells me that a lot of asthma patients use it.

We have been using the cylinder for about three years now for my grandmother and it is very beneficial when she has problems breathing properly.

How do you go about getting home oxygen therapy?

You need to find out whether you / your family member are eligible. Your doctor needs to give you a prescription.

Then you need to pay a visit to one of the suppliers. I use Praxair and they have been prompt at delivering the oxygen cylinders. You will have to pay a refundable deposit to the Oxygen Supplier of your choice for each cylinder you opt for. There is only one size available for home use. I suggest you get two cylinders so you always have a back-up.

Then you need to buy the following items (at a Medical / Surgical Equipments store in your locality) to use the cylinder at home:
1. Trolley (a special one comes for the cylinder).
2. Regulator with bottle
3. Mask or the Nose Tubes. Buy both. It’ll come in handy for different situations.

That’s all it takes. About a day’s worth of meeting the doctor, meeting the supplier and getting your equipment. The rewards are tremendous. If you have someone in your house with a heart ailment/breathing problem, make sure you opt for Home Oxygen Therapy.

A quick intro about this blog

I’ve wanted to start blogging for some time now but was never a priority. One reason being that I didn’t know what subject to start on as I have a lot of interests / hobbies.

But last week, when I had taken my grandmother to the hospital, I found my answer. As I was talking to the Chief Cardiologist, he interrupted to ask, “Who are you?” To which I responded, “I’m her granddaughter.” To which he clarified, “No. Are you a doctor, a nurse??”

Needless to say, I am neither a doctor nor a nurse.

However, having taken care of my grandmother for a long time and for generally being well-informed about health issues, the Chief Cardiologist thought I was from his fellow community.

That’s when I realized that I should start a blog for those people who want to be better informed about normal, regular health issues. Share some of the latest breakthroughs in medicine (which I will be learning along with you!). Prepare you with some basic checklists such as ‘What type of questions do I ask the doctor?’ And lots more.

Why am I doing this?

I love doctors. They are truly God’s gift to mankind. They do so much to take care of all of us. But we also have a part to play in ensuring the health of our family members whether it’s about preventive care (so you don’t have to see the doctor!) or during crisis (when the doctors desperately need you to give the right info, take the right precautions, etc).

Ignorance is bliss in many things but not in health! I just want to share with you what little I know. Hopefully, I will learn a lot more during the course of blogging with all of you.

See you soon!