Date:26/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/09/26/stories/2005092609490100.htm

Front Page

Lifestyle key to health

Karthik Subramanian

Shunning junk food and cigarettes helps to fight cardiac problems.

AVOIDABLE STUFF: The so-called fast food on sale at a Chennai outlet.

CHENNAI: The secret to a healthy life lies in the lifestyle.

High-calorie food is surely not recommended. Junk food, especially pizzas and burgers with high fat content, could cause havoc. According to medical opinion, the chances of getting cardiac ailments reduce substantially if one cuts down on junk food and cigarettes. Why, even common salt can be the villain of the piece sometimes.

"The Tamil proverb that says food without salt is worthy only of garbage bin is redundant today. There are enough salts in the water we drink to sustain us," said S.Thanikachalam, chairman and director of Cardiac Care Centre, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute. "Most contemporary ailments are rooted in the new lifestyle that people are getting used to," he told journalists at a meeting organised by Cipla Pharamecutical at the Chennai Press Club on Saturday.

According to Dr. Thanikachalam, cigarettes are harmful for several reasons - the tar in it is highly toxic for the lungs; the nicotine mimics the acetylocine (a neurotransmitter in the brain) and gives a false sense of relaxation; and the carbon monoxide (CO) produced reduces oxygen count in haemoglobin. The smoker's relaxed feelings are temporary and once the effect of the substances wear off, he gets depressed. The expert prescribes eating on time and daily exercises. "Walk. It is the best exercise. Brisk walking for 20 minutes, at least four times a week, can do wonders."