HEALTH: FITNESS IS FLEXIBILITY OF THE BODY

Fitness is not just about keeping the body fit but also keeping your mind fit. Both require continuous and sustained effort. Think positive, fill in each bit of your day with positive deeds and try until you succeed. One who does justice to the body will always do justice at work

Dr Ashwin Porwal, a Proctologist, firmly believes that ‘Pain is what matters the most to the patient, and it is this pain that needs to be taken care of’. This belief led to the genesis of his motto ‘Curing with Care’. He has a strong opinion that many ailments can be non-surgically taken care of, if they are treated holistically. He says that many people are unaware of the consequences of an unhealthy and fast life. Observing this lack of knowledge in society, Ashwin has put in special efforts to spread awareness among the masses, be it the corporates in companies like Infosys, Wipro, Tata Motors, or the ignorant people in the smallest villages of the state. To date, hundreds of seminars, health camps, awareness talks and free health check ups have been conducted by him and his team of trained doctors and staff. Recently, he conducted a special awareness talk for the police force, as he realised that they were particularly vulnerable to these problems, occupational hazard posing a threat.

On the academic front, Ashwin has presented many research and study papers in various international conferences, a result of hours of study and analysis at the operation table. His papers have been published in international journals, a matter of pride for any doctor. He was recently awarded with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, 2015, for his contribution to the health sector.

Your philosophy on fitness?

Fitness is not just about keeping the body fit but also keeping your mind fit. Both require continuous and sustained effort. Think positive, fill in each bit of your day with positive deeds and try until you succeed. One who does justice to the body will always do justice at work.

What is your idea of fitness?

I believe in doing mild to moderate intensity cardio daily. Instead of using elevator, take the stairs. Do all your activities on your own like lifting objects, getting water, carrying luggage... that itself leads to a good cardio workout. Nothing like incorporating exercises into your daily routine.

What keeps you fit and healthy?

I walk a lot from one cabin to another during my working hours. I walk when I am talking to someone over the phone. When I go for a walk, I take the longest route so that I cover more distance. Since I brisk walk, I cover-up that time. I take the stairs even if I have to go to 10th floor. I love playing cricket. I play with my son and his friends and make sure that I run like them.

Your stress busters?

An half an hour of exercise for two or three days in a week. Playing outdoor sports like cricket.

Your food philosophy?

Eat less and stay active. Have lots of citrus fruits, ghee and drink good amount of water. Start your day with a heavy breakfast. Don't eat anything after 8pm. Have small and frequent meals.

Your exercise fundamentals?

I believe in mild form of exercise just to keep the muscles toned. Stretching and yoga gives you lot of flexibility. For me, fitness is flexibility of the body.

Your diet fads?

I try to include as many as superfoods- antioxidant rich foods-in my diet as possible, such as, dates, ghee, lemon, milk, Chia seeds, Quinoa and Flax seeds.

Your flexibility routine?

Minimum 5-10 mins of body stretching daily. Deep tissue body massage once a month.

Your healthy dose as parting shots?

I usually skip one meal of the day when I know I will go for a party. That compensates for the extra calories you consume at a party. In addition, one should workout for minimum 30 minutes either on the day of the party or the next day.

by Sharmila Chand