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About Dr. Viral Thakkar

Dr. Viral Thakkar, M.B.B.S is a general physician with extensive experience in community and preventive medicine. He also has a vast experience in emergency care. With years of experience in allopathy and understanding of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and Mind Empowerment, Dr. Thakkar is a firm believer that the body can cure itself with the right management. The human body is the best software designed by creation which guides every moment to keep one healthy. The body produces the disease and also has an innate ability to heal. Modern medicine is a quick fix to the disease (body) but, ignores the mind and soul which are an important aspect of human existence. Hence a holistic approach of healing of mind, body and soul is essential and modern medicine should be judiciously used. He practices what he preaches. Meditation and yoga along with a complete diet govern his lifestyle. As a mentor, Dr. Thakkar conducts individual sessions, group sessions with corporates and civil society groups on ideal lifestyle.

December 31, 2022 By Dr. Viral Thakkar Leave a Comment

Celebrating the New Year? Read This Before You Head Out!

New Year 2023It’s that time of the year again! The Christmas bells ring and the New Year sweeps us yet again! For many, it sweeps with a lot booze & puke! And for many, this happens every week. So here it is guys, the gyaan of what you should and should not do this New Year (or even weekends for that matter).

I am a firm believer of ‘Health First’, be it New Years or Diwali. While the New Year comes once, the ‘dump’ you put inside it wrecks your system in and out. Trust me, if I was the body, I would hate New Years every year of my life!

Let’s Talk About Alcohol

The body can safely process around one unit of pure alcohol per hour. If you drink more than this, your body isn’t able to break it down fast enough and it accumulates in your body. It takes a lot of time to flush it out and the pressure on the liver and the body as a whole is immense.

Binge drinking increases the risk of blackouts, especially on an empty stomach. During this time, a person may do things that they do not remember later. So in case you are planning to drink, know your limits and of course listen to your body. Booze might be free but the body is priceless. Take a call on what you should prioritize. 

Our body is designed to ensure that the nutrients reach the organs. All the food goes through the liver which processes the food and passes it on. Same is the case with alcohol. The liver metabolizes the alcohol, but it can only break down so much at one time. What the liver can’t break down is redirected throughout the rest of the body.

Drugs

Please know that consuming, passing on or giving drugs is illegal. Consuming high quantities of drugs can lead to poisoning and eventual death. Worse, if one is addicted, it is extremely difficult to bounce back to normal. Drugs can leave one in semiconscious/ unconscious conditions leaving the person vulnerable to literally ‘anything’. So if you are partying, or are attending a rave, please be safe! Best, don’t attend!

Too Much of Anything

Be it food, drinks, dancing or loud music – anything in excess is bad for your system just as alcohol, smoking or drugs. Too loud music hits the eardrums. That buzz you get in your head after the loud music is your body telling you that it has had enough! 

Sex is beneficial and super for health, if done safely and with a known partner. So if you know you are going to get high, have a few friends who will protect you from the unwanted attention. Be safe. Else, just plan it with your partner!

Tips for a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year

  1. In case of excess of alcohol consumption, the person might pass out or vomit. If you are in your senses, be with the person. Ensure they don’t choke on their vomit and that their breathing is normal. If not, rush to the hospital.
  2. If you are hell bent on drinking, ensure you do not have more than a peg in an hour. It will give your body enough time to process it.
  3. Listen to your body! If on any drink, you start feeling uncomfortable, or breathless, stop drinking immediately. Drink a lot of water which will help you flush out the drink. If you still feel uncomfortable, rush to the hospital
  4. If you have done all of what should NOT be done, ensure that you give your body some rest in the coming 2 days. Flush it out by drinking lots of fluids and eating salads. Detox it should be!
  5. Imagine a car loader which is overloaded with stuff. If one keeps overloading it, it will break down eventually. Compare this to your body and load it with only as much as it can take. If you do not know how much the body can take, consider the tips above.
  6. Hire a driver or take the car rentals if you’re going to get high.

I know I sound like an oldie here with no life but I am a firm believer of protecting and befriending the body. If a party has to happen, I personally suggest people to chill with friends at home and order from your favourite food joint. Apart from saving money, I end up playing board games, eating my favorite food, catching up with friends & family and ending with a good night meditation. But everyone is not me! If you are not, consider the tips above, and enjoy your party!

Wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

#BeTheForce 

September 29, 2022 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 3 Comments

7 Yoga Asanas For Good Heart Health

yoga for heart health

Stress, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle can have serious long-term health consequences. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are just two among many of the consequences of not treating your body well. Just know that even during the current times, you can make a positive U-turn and get active! Try yoga for good heart health!

How Does Yoga Help Heart Health?

Yoga, as a practice, emphasizes on breath, focus and meditation. Apart from building awareness of your mind and body, yoga also helps heart health by boosting blood circulation, keeping blood pressure in check and relieving stress.

Let’s take a look at 7 Asanas you must practice for good heart health.

1. Virabhadrasana or The Warrior Pose boosts energy in the body and mitigates stress. It is ideal for heart patients as it keeps blood pressure in check.
Virabhadrasana

2. Sukhasana greatly improves the breathing pattern, which in turn enhances blood circulation.
Sukhasana3. Uttanasana helps relax the muscles and eases the mind. It lowers high blood pressure and ensures that your heart remains healthy!
Uttanasana

4. Setu Bandhasana or The Bridge Pose is an excellent yoga asana for heart patients as it improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure level, and stretches chest muscles. It can lessen depression, stress, and anxiety too.
Setu Bandhasana5. Trikonasana or Triangular Pose relaxes the mind and calms down anxiety levels. This pose also opens and strengthens the chest area, and improves the digestive system.
Trikonasana6. Shavasana is another ideal asana for heart patients. This asana helps in repairing cells and tissues. It reduces blood pressure and assists in developing a better balance of the air element in the body.
Shavasana7. Bhujangasana or The Cobra Pose is good for heart patients as it expands the chest area and relaxes muscles. As a result, blood circulation gets better and the heart feels reinvigorated.
Bhujangasana

In my practice, these Asanas are beneficial! But, before you begin practice, consult your doctor or physician especially if you have had any major/minor surgeries or other health issues. If you’re a beginner, check out some of these Myths and Facts about Yoga. For live sessions on yoga, practice with experts on GOQii Pro within the GOQii App, who will guide you on the correct form and posture in real time.

We hope this article has helped you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below!

#BeTheForce  

August 20, 2022 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 2 Comments

Don’t Be Bitten! Fight the Mosquito Bite!

mosquitoBetaab, a 12 year old, cheerful and active boy loved playing with his friends in the evening. One fine day, he caught a fever with chills. His parents thought it was mere fever due to overexertion. However, soon the fever spiked, and he had to rush to the emergency department at the hospital. His condition was serious. He was suffering from dengue, with an extremely low platelet count.

There are numerous such cases where fever conditions are ignored, especially post monsoons. Many of us think that mosquito borne diseases will go away after the rains! This is not true. Mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant waters.

That little flying mosquito at houses, in the parks seem harmless, but a few species from these are considered to be extremely harmful. Areas with hot & humid climatic conditions are worse affected by mosquitoes since it provides the apt atmosphere for breeding.

While it’s impossible to identify mosquitoes and their breed with naked eyes, it is best to know they can be dangerous! Having these creatures in and around your vicinity can be dangerous for your health as well.

Diseases & Symptoms

  1. Dengue: Its symptoms include high fever, rashes, headache, muscle and joint ache as well as serious bleeding in certain cases.
  2. Chikungunya: The symptoms of this disease include fever, joint pain initially followed by muscle pain, headaches, fatigue and even a rash.
  3. Malaria: is a life threatening disease that plagues 219 million people in 87 different countries every year. Symptoms are first seen a couple of weeks after the bite, and they include chilling sensations, fever and excess sweating.
  4. Japanese Encephalitis: Common in rural and agricultural areas of Asia and the west Pacific, this disease can cause brain swelling and sudden headaches. It is not a long term disease, but in the short period, may even cause high fever and disorientation. A vaccine is available, which has a 90% effectiveness rate.
  5. Zika: While the epidemic is over, you must be aware of this disturbing virus. It can cause a fever, rashes, joint pains and red eyes. All of this may be accompanied by prolonged fatigue, loss of appetite, headache and vomiting.
  6. Lymphatic Filariasis: Spread through parasitic worms on mosquitoes, this disease, also known as Elephantiasis plagues a significant number of people across the country. While a lot of the cases may be symptomless, and hard to spot, in the long run, this disease leads to extreme swelling in the legs, arms and genitals.
  7. Kala-Azar: Also known as Black Fever, this disease is carried by infected sandflies. While treatment is possible, if untreated, it can be fatal. About 5000 cases are reported every year in the subcontinent alone. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, swelling of the liver, and loss of appetite.

What Can Be Done About Mosquito Bites?

mosquito

  1. Drain any long standing water: Check flower pots, gutters, bird bath, etc. Ensure there is no water collected inside or near your house. Mosquitoes breed in clean stagnant water.
  2. Many people collect water in the fear of not getting water. This collected clean water is often forgotten overtime and becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  3. Prevent mosquitoes from coming inside your house. Try using screens on windows, and nets on the bed.
  4. While you cannot stop children from playing outside, make them use the mosquito repellent.
  5. Use Natural Repellents: My grandmother swears by using mustard oil instead of a repellent. Neem oil, putting the Neem oil on a dispenser also seems to act as an excellent organic repellent. See what suits your skin!
  6. Colours, odors and other smells seem to have an impact on attracting the mosquitoes! Since we can’t change that about our bodies, it is best to wear loose, covered clothing during the high breeding seasons.
  7. Citronella mosquito repellent plant, (Citrosum plants) help repel mosquitoes. This plant grows in the form of grass and is 5 to 6 feet tall. It can be planted in the ground or can be kept in large pots.

In case if you notice a high fever along with chills, rashes/ body ache or any bleeding tendencies consult your physician for a correct diagnosis & management. Remember to hydrate yourself (or the person impacted), try to keep the body temperature low by using wet-cold packs on the forehead. While these are emergency measures, it is best to avoid getting into such a situation and taking the necessary precautions.

Prevention is the cure in such situations!

We hope this article helps you stay safe! Do share your thoughts in the comments below! For more on prevention, preventive healthcare and healthy living, check out Healthy Reads. To get guidance and motivation from experts, subscribe for GOQii’s personalised health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce

June 14, 2022 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 2 Comments

Is Blood Donation Really That Important?

blood donationPriyanka struggled to get blood for her father who was undergoing a surgery. The blood bank did not have her father’s blood type. As things got tougher, she tried to get in touch with other blood banks but none of them had it. In fact, she was ready to pay, but the blood banks did not have the blood type! Time was running out. She also started getting in touch with her friends but to no avail. Her friends all refused to donate blood due to their preconceived notions and myths.

Due to the shortage of blood, within a few hours, Priyanka lost her father. While she was inconsolable, what shattered her completely was the fact that in India, a country with such a large population, she could not garner enough blood for him, even though every human possesses it.

Timely, affordable access to screened blood is essential to the provision of safe surgical care. This depends on three key aspects:

  • Adequate volume of blood supply
  • Safe protocols for blood donation and transfusion
  • Appropriate regulation to ensure safe, equitable and sustainable distribution.

Different medical procedures require different components of blood. However, due to the lack of facilities, much of it goes to waste. Many low-income and middle-income countries experience a deficit in these categories, particularly in rural areas. This is coupled with lack of donor awareness and information.

The WHO recommends that the blood requirement of 1% of a country’s population be used as a ballpark estimate of its blood needs. By this measure, India was short of 1.9 million units of blood according to the data presented on March 2018.

One requires blood transfusions in various emergencies like women with complications during childbirth, anemia, accidents, complex medical surgeries, patient with thalassemia, sickle cell disease  or it is also used to make clotting factors for people with hemophilia. Among other issues coupled with low donor rate, the blood banks in India face a crisis of blood almost every year.

Physical Benefits of Blood Donation

1. Lower Risk of Heart Disease:  Blood donation may lower the risk of heart disease and heart attack since it reduces the blood’s viscosity. It also significantly lowers the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, protecting against cardiovascular disease.  Researchers note this is consistent with findings in other studies which found that blood donors had a lower risk of heart disease and heart attack.

According to a study, donating blood regularly may also lower iron stores which may reduce the risk of heart attack. The risk of heart attacks increase when the body stores a lot of iron.

2. Donating blood is an opportunity to get a basic health checkup done for free since the technician checks your:

  • Pulse
  • Blood pressure
  • Body temperature
  • Hemoglobin levels

This is an insight into your health! The blood is also checked for:

  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV
  • West Nile virus
  • Syphilis
  • Trypanosoma cruzi

Psychological Benefits

Donating blood has a feel good factor. It tends to improve one’s emotional well being. Hence, it might have an impact on stress reduction and providing a sense of belonging

Side Effects of Donating Blood

Post donating blood, one might feel

  • Nauseous, lightheaded or dizzy after donating blood. This usually settles in a  few minutes
  • There might be slight bleeding at the site of the pick, or you might develop a bruise. I believe it is all good since it is for a wonderful cause!

However, get in touch with a doctor or your blood center if you:

  • Still feel lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous after drinking, eating, and resting
  • Develop a raised bump or continue bleeding at the needle site
  • Experience arm pain, numbness, or tingling

Where to Donate Blood

I personally suggest citizens to donate blood at a blood bank or nearby government run tertiary health centers. Otherwise, get in touch with Red Cross centers near your house and donate! Avoid donating at generic blood camps since one is not sure of the storage procedures. But ensure that you do donate!

People’s lives are usually at stake just because of myths people have on donating blood. Priyanka’s friends, even though educated, did not understand the importance of blood donation! Donating blood is giving the gift of life. As a human being, it is the duty of every person to donate blood at least once a year as a service to mankind! The decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components — red cells, platelets and plasma — which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.

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