Happy New Year - A look back into the 2015 journey

Lazoi Lifecare: A look back into the 2015 journey

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2015 journey for Lazoi Lifecare has been a memorable one. We saw many ups and downs during the year, but it only made us stronger than ever. The Indian Healthcare sector was in a transitional phase this year and came up in leaps and bounds. Due to the Government’s eagerness to revamp the healthcare sector by introducing various schemes, we vowed in the start of the year to make best use of them and come out with flying colours. The path we chose was a dubious one, full of obstacles, hurdles, challenges; but we fought, cleared the hurdles and went ahead. Today, we can proudly say that we chose the right path because it has made us sit on the top of the mountain.

Since achievements are hard earned and don’t come easily, we had our share of failures. The important thing is we took them into our strides and never backed down from any challenge. At one point of time in the year, we were short of resources. We had to make-do do with what was available to us. And we did extremely well. Now that we tasted success is purely because of perseverance and hard work that we put in earlier.

The management and the team @Lazoi Lifecare had a clear vision in mind- Bridge the yawning gap between patients and doctors. Despite being a respected nation, a fact that haunts India’s reputation is that not every patient gets valuable treatment. This is because they don’t get to meet their desired doctors. Hence, we made it a point to set things right. We created www.lazoi.com, where doctors can register themselves and patients can book online appointments with them at their convenience; where doctors can create and view their profiles; manage patients etc. The stage was set and we went full throttle. Now we have 10000+ doctors across 30 super specialities on our panel.

Having successfully booked countless appointments and helped thousands of doctors manage their patient records, we were definitely not the ones to stick with that only. We had plans, plans of taking Lazoi Lifecare one notch above the competitors. Yes, these days competitors are very smart, so you have to ensure they don’t get to hamper your plans in any manner. So we continued and were the first to start the concept of Diagnostic Lab tests. With this additional facility, one can book lab tests online with our registered Diagnostic Labs. What’s more! While booking you get hefty discounts as well. A win-win situation for everyone.

With all being said and done, at the end of 2015, we can say we have outdone ourselves. We never thought of achieving great heights in such a short time. Come 2016, we want to take Lazoi Lifecare to the next level. Along with booking appointments, diagnostic labs online, we plan to add pharmacy services to our repertoire. You’ll be able to order medicines online and get discounts. But till then, it’s goodbye 2015 and welcome 2016.

We @Lazoi Lifecare wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year.

Merry Christmas

The Indian festivals are celebrated with utmost brightness and Christmas is no exception. During Christmas in India, most of the Churches are found decorated with poinsettias and lit with candles for the Christmas Eve service.

Many Christians mark Christmas Day by attending special church mass, spending time with family, friends and relatives, wearing new clothes and eating special festive meal. People exchange gifts and give presents, sweets etc. to children. Christmas stars (with lamp) can be seen hanging out of every house. Along with Christmas tree, children, on the Christmas vacation put handmade scenes of birth of Jesus Christ with clay figures, sand and bricks with a Christmas tree. Christmas trees in India are usually artificial trees, pine trees or branches of native trees or bushes. There is also no snow in India except some parts of North. But, this does not deter the spirit of Christmas as children put cotton balls all over the tree to give a look of snow. Big stores and malls put up Christmas decorations and have actors playing Santa.

It is an interesting fact to note that the celebration of Christmas in India is held in a different manner in the various parts of the country. The way Christmas is celebrated in the North East is completely different from the way Christmas is celebrated in the South West. Generally the Christians who live in the plains decorate mango or banana trees at Christmas time. Some of them also decorate their houses with mango leaves. However in some of the other parts of India, a lot of people use small clay oil-burning lamps as Christmas decorations. These small clay lamps are placed on the edges of flat roofs and on the tops of walls.

One of the most famous locations for celebration of Christmas in India is Goa. In fact not only people from different parts of India, but also people from all over the world throng to this seductive abode to be a part of exotic fiesta. If you happen to visit Goa during Christmas, then the mood for the fiesta will be altogether different. You can expect expensive Christmas trees will be decorated with stars and tinsels, toys, plastic fruits. In fact, the best time to explore any place in India during the festivals is the evenings. This is because all bulbs illuminates the dawn making it look more beautiful.
Interestingly, Hindus and Muslim population majorly occupy India, and yet, Christmas is celebrated with a large amount of fanfare.

As Christmas is a gazetted holiday; National, state and local government offices, schools and colleges, post offices and banks remain closed on Christmas Day. Confectioners and bakers are the busiest people of the month, fulfilling the demands of people. 

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International Men’s Day 2015

International Men's Day

International Men’s Day focuses on improving gender relations and highlighting the importance of bringing up good male role models from all backgrounds and ages.   It looks at addressing problems like parenting, families and good health choices. It is also the time for many people to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and progress made by men in society. Such progress includes that of men working together with women to make educational, economic, social, and technological advances in society. Issues that may be highlighted through various activities and events on the day may include:

• ·         Men’s health
• ·         The significance of gender equality
• ·         Highlighting the importance of improved gender relations in all societies
• ·         Role models for younger generations
• ·         Men’s responsibilities in society, family, relationships and childcare
• ·         Creating a safer, better world where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential

Seminars, workshops and meetings may also be held on International Men’s Day to focus on overcoming challenges such as domestic violence and drug abuse. The concept of International Men’s Day is fully backed up by world’s several organisations, including the United Nations (UN).

The theme for International Men's Day 2015 is 'Working to expand Reproductive Options for Men'.  The day focuses on men's and boy's reproductive choices, such as, family planning, sexual health and safe sexual choices, as well as highlighting the importance of father's and positive male role models. 

History related to International Men’s Day

International Men’s Day concentrated on improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, producing responsible males and showcasing positive male role models. It also looks at addressing issues such as parenting, positive male role models, families and healthy life choices for men.

The first International Men’s Day was held in Trinidad and Tobago on November 19 in 1999. Apart from Trinidad and Tobago, this day is also celebrated in over 50 countries such as Jamaica, Australia, India, China, United States, Singapore, Malta, United Kingdom, South Africa, Moldova, Hungary, Ireland, Ghana, Canada, Denmark, Austria, France, Pakistan, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Italy, on November 19th every year.

The day is not intended to compete against International Women's Day, but is for the purpose of highlighting men's experiences. Each year on this day, a theme is suggested such as peace, men’s health, healing and forgiveness or positive male role models.

Remember, International Men’s Day presents an opportunity to pay compliments to a special male in your life.  It will make him feel appreciated and give you a boost for putting a smile on his face. 

Happy Children’s Day 2015: Celebrate Innocence

Team Lazoi wishes you Happy Children's Day!

Childhood is perhaps the best part of anyone’s life as during this time we enjoy life to the fullest. Children do not know what sorrow is, they do not know the harsh realities of time and go about being happy in their own merry world. Children’s day is a special day that aims to celebrate childhood, the most wonderful stage in the life of a person. Universally children’s day is generally celebrated on the 1st of June but not regularly. The International Children’s day has its origin at the World Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland for the well being of children. In India 14th November is celebrated as Children’s day, this day commemorates the birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister. Pt. Nehru liked children very much and he was often photographed with them and it is perhaps very apt that his birthday is celebrated as children’s day.

Pt. Nehru is seen as a special child of India as he was the country’s first Prime Minister which it achieved after a long struggle for freedom and independence. On this day all the schools organize different types of fun activities for children. Communities and cultural clubs also organize different activities for children. There are also different types of competitions held on this day and prizes are distributed to the winners. It is that one day in the year when we not only celebrate childhood but also remember one of the most prominent leaders in the history of India. Almost all schools have some or the other events lined up on this day and this is one day that children look forward to. And now due to the huge inroads made by satellite television, you will invariably find channels beaming out different programs to attract the children’s attention on this day.

Pt. Nehru was passionate about kids and worked for the welfare, education, and development of children and young people. Nehru is looked upon as a special child of India, who stood strongly and fought for India’s independence. A large number of famous Nehru’s pictures show him with children, thereby depicting his true and passionate love for kids. Jawaharlal Nehru was very keen on providing a safe and loving environment to children to grow in and giving them every opportunity that will help the kids to strive and contribute towards the progress of India. This day reminds us to live up to Chacha Nehru’s standards and examples, and keep our commitment towards the welfare of the children alive, thereby eradicating illiteracy completely.

Children’s day is celebrated on different days in different countries across the world. In Japan it is celebrated on the 5th of May and this day is known as “Kodomo no hi”, in Israel it is celebrated on 9th October, Hong Kong on 4th April. Children all over the world look forward to that day when children’s day is celebrated in their country as this is the one day where they can enjoy and celebrate the joy of childhood.

Diwali: The Biggest festival for the Hindus

Diwali is the most awaited festival in India. This year it is on November 11, 2015.

First of all, Team lazoi wishes you a very Happy and Prosperous Diwali.

As India is a land of different religions and all the religions have different festivals and fairs, which are celebrated every year. But Diwali is a festival which is celebrated equally by all the religions. In Hinduism, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya after defeating Ravana this signify the victory of good over evil. In Sikhism, Diwali commemorates the return of Guru Har Gobind Ji to Amritsar after freeing 50 Hindu Kings imprisoned in Fort Gwalior by Emperor Jahangir. People light candles and divas to celebrate his return.

This festival is celebrated in the month of October or November according to the Hindu calendar. It falls every year in the month of Kartik. This is the end of rainy season and the beginning of the winter season. The weather is very pleasant as it is neither hot nor cold.

Diwali is celebrated for 5 days which are Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Lakshmi Pujan or Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Duj. All these days have different significance. On Dhanteras Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is believed that new "Dhan" or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. "Lakshmi-Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny Diyas of clay are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are also sung.

The second day marks the celebration of Chhoti Diwali. This day has a lot of religious significance for people, as it is on this day that Lord Krishna defeated the devil Narakasur, thus giving a sigh of relief to the people.

The Third day is the main day. It is the Lakshmi Pujan or Diwali. The Lakshmi Puja is dedicated to the Lakshmi Goddess of prosperity and wealth. Lakshmi Pujan is performed in every home after sunset. Diwali is also considered as a New Year for Business. People buy new clothes and Exchange Diwali Gifts in India on this day. Diwali is also about enlightenment of soul and burning of all our bad times. It is about coming over the darkness of ignorance and stepping into a cleaner and brighter world.

The Fourth day is the Govardhan Puja and the Fifth Day is Bhai Duj. Bhai-Duj is a Hindu festival that celebrates the love and affection between a brother and a sister. 'Bhai' means brother and 'Duj' means two days after new moon. Every year the festival comes two days after Diwali in Kartik month.

Before Diwali many preparations are done. Houses are white washed and well cleaned. The walls are decorated with curtains and pictures. In every house sweets are prepared or purchased from the market. Sweets are exchanged among friends and relatives. Gifts are also distributed among relatives and friends.

The day itself is marked with great rejoicing and merry-making. Diwali is also known as the festival of lights. The illumination at night is a sight to see. There are rows of light to be seen on the roof of every house building. Earthen lamps are lighted in large numbers. Many people now use multi coloured electric bulbs to illuminate their houses. The festival ends with the worship of goddess Lakshmi in the night followed by lightning firecrackers. A picture or a small idol of the goddess is bathed in milk, prayers are offered, and sweets are distributed.

The best thing about Diwali is that it is a festival of the masses and people of any caste or religion can join in the celebrations. Diwali is thus able to symbolize a communal spirit which is the reason why it has become one of the most popular festivals across the globe.

World Polio Day: How India fought back from the claws of this disease

Recently, India was declared Polio-free by the United Nations World Health Organization after three years of no case of the disease being reported in the country. India, once considered the core of the world polio problem, is now free of the highly contagious virus. This achievement, considering the poverty, sanitation and population of the country is no small feat and has set an example for rest of the countries that are still plagued by the disease namely Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

For a country to be declared polio free it should have at least three years of zero polio cases and it means that the virus has died in the environment and new cases, if any, would be caused by infection in another country where infection persists.

Since the launch of UN Global Polio Eradication Program in 1988, the cases of polio in India have dropped from 150,000 to NIL. It has taken close to 25 years to reach this far and it has not been easy. India is a vast country and awareness and education are dismal in rural areas. There has been intense criticism from those who couldn't see a solution to the situation considering all the limitations that surround. 

But India has proven everyone wrong. "India's success is arguably its greatest public health achievement and has provided a global opportunity to push for the end of polio," WHO Director-General Margaret Chan stated. "Stopping polio in India required creativity, perseverance and professionalism - many of the innovations in polio eradication were sparked by the challenges in India. The lessons from India must now be adapted and implemented through emergency actions to finish polio everywhere," she said.

How the nation defeated polio?

The oral polio vaccine was introduced in India in 1978 and in 1985 Rotary International launched its global effort to end polio. India was a signatory to the 1988 WHO treaty committing participating nations to be part of that effort. In 1995, the government started organising annual national immunization days and in 1997, India established the National Polio Surveillance Project. In 1999, it set up an expert advisory group that monitored the program and provided continuous evaluation of how the disease was behaving around the country.

All these efforts showed results. By 2009, 741 cases of polio were reported in India. By 2010 that number dropped to 42, and by 2011 only one case - as of today, India's last - was reported in the entire country.

Because of its exceptional success, the National Polio Surveillance Project has become India's most extensive public-health surveillance system. There are about 27,000 reporting units across the country, being operated through a combination of funding from the government, WHO, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the CDC, along with other groups. India is also now one of the world's biggest donors to global polio eradication, pouring billions of dollars into curbing the disease in the home land and also lending its well- achieved expertise to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria, where the virus is still yet to be conquered.

Till today, India has spent over Rs 12000 crores on the Pulse Polio Programme. The program has been in the forefront of adopting technological innovations. The more successful monovalent oral polio vaccines were introduced in the Pulse Polio campaigns in 2005 which helped inhibit the most dangerous type 1 polio strains to record low levels by 2009.

In 2010 the bivalent oral polio vaccine was introduced which helped curtail both Type 1 and Type 3 polioviruses simultaneously and as efficiently as the monovalent oral vaccines. India took a lead in introducing bivalent polio vaccine in January 2010. Despite global shortage of both bOPV and trivalent Polio vaccine, India readied the domestic supply machinery for timely delivery of vaccine to ensure pulse polio rounds without interruptions.

There have been strategies and quick program responses that have been followed in the past few years which have contributed a lot in the final polio eradication efforts. As per the Advisory Group on Polio Eradication, every case, anywhere in the country is being responded to as a public health emergency. The only case of polio in 2011 in Howrah is an example of rapid response - with the first immunization round being held within seven days and three rounds in seven weeks of it being reported. In contrast, a case the same time in 2010 in Murshidabad saw the first immunization response in five weeks and three rounds spread over 17 weeks. The rapid and intense response in Howrah helped stop polio transmission and no other case was reported. This has shown that an immediate reaction to the problem is crucial.

Besides helping the struggling nations with funding and strategic help to bring them the same public health success, the wisdom that the country has gained during the long years of hard work will help design the future health programs. Infectious diseases like tuberculosis will benefit hugely from the kind of political will and national coordination that the government has shown in fighting polio. The infrastructure of the national surveillance project is already being used to deliver other health services to people living in hard-to-reach parts of the country. 

For vaccination for your children, visit the best pediatricians near your area. Book appointment with Lazoi.com

Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami: Importance and why it’s celebrated

There are two important stories behind celebration of Dussehra festival in Indian. One story is associated with Lord Ram and another is associated with Goddess Durga. The festival of Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil. Read on to know more about the significance and celebration of Dussehra festival.

India is known as a land of festivals and celebrations. The festival continues for ten days and Dussehra is the tenth day. Many of the Hindu festivals are related to great epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata and Dussehra is one of the main ones. In fact it is believed that the war between Ram and Ravana went on during these 10 days and Ravana was killed by the hands of Ram on the tenth day.  

Dussehra is also called Vijaya Dashami and is celebrated as victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahisasura. The festival of Dussehra falls in the month of September or October of the English calendar. In fact, the main message that it gives is victory of good over the evil and success of truth over lies.  

What’s the significance of Dussehra festival?

The festival of Dussehra is unique in its perception and significance. According to the great Hindu epic Ramayana, Lord Ram killed Ravana on the tenth day that is Dussehra. It is called as triumph of virtue over sin or immorality. Ravana is said to have abducted Ram’s wife, Sita and was also known as a dictating ruler. The end of Ravana meant end of bad and evil spirit as he was a demon by birth too.  

Throughout Navratri, Ramleela is organised in many parts of the country and people enjoy the enactment of the play based on Ramayana.  

The festival of Dussehra is also known as Durga Pooja and in eastern part of India people worship Goddess Durga all the nine days and celebrate Dussehra as it was on that day that the demon Mahisasura was killed by the Goddess. 

Dussehra celebrations in different parts of India

Dussehra Celebration in North India - In North India, usually people celebrate Dussehra by burning the effigy of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnath and it is the commencement of the play based on the epic, Ramayana. It is the final day and there is usually a fete organised and enjoyed by people. A chariot carrying Ram, Sita and Lakshaman passes through the crowd and the person enacting Ram aims an arrow to burn the effigies one by one.  

Dussehra Celebration in Gujarat - In Gujarat, men and women gather and dance every night of the Navratri and even lot of competitions and shows are organised on this occasion. The songs are usually devotional ones and the dance form is called Garba. Women in their best of attires surround beautifully decorated earthen pots and dance till late night. In many places Garba starts late at night and continue till dawn.  

Dussehra Celebration in South India - In South India, the days of Navratri are equally divided to worship three Goddesses - Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity; Saraswati, Goddess of knowledge and learning and Durga, Goddess of power and strength. They decorate their houses and steps with lamps and flowers in the evenings. Dussehra festival of Mysore is well known and is celebrated in its own style with pomp and pageantry.  

There are many other stories associated with the festival of Dussehra. No matter what the stories are, festivals in India convey the message of benevolence, peace and love. If the people kept in mind the beautiful and meaningful messages throughout the year, it would have been peace and harmony all around.  

However, in India festivals are celebrated by all Indians, regardless of being a Hindu or belonging to any other religion. There is a spirit of brotherhood seen during festival seasons.

Lazoi team wishes you a very Happy Dussehra

World Iodine Deficiency Day

Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day is observed every year on 21st October. The aim behind this day is to generate awareness of adequate use of iodine and to highlight the consequences of iodine deficiency. The iodine deficiency disorders have become a major public health problem worldwide. In today's scenario one third of the world population stands on the risk of iodine deficiency disorders. According to the WHO around 54 countries are still iodine-deficient.

Iodine is important for hormone development. It is found in dairy products, seafood, seaweed, eggs, bread, some vegetables and iodised salt. A lack of dietary iodine can cause an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) or other iodine deficiency disorders, including mental retardation in children. Pregnant women need higher levels of iodine.

The thyroid is a gland in the throat that regulates many metabolic processes, such as growth and energy use. If you don’t have enough iodine in your diet, it can lead to an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) or other iodine deficiency disorders such as impaired cognitive development in children, muscle stiffness, stunted physical and mental growth, still birth, dwarfism, vision defects and more. Our bodies need iodine for the development of essential thyroid hormones.

Iodine deficiency is the world’s leading cause of preventable intellectual disability or mental retardation in children. All women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or considering becoming pregnant should ask their gynaecologists for advice about their individual dietary needs.

How to take care of iodine deficiency?

Iodine is not produced in our body hence it is always recommended to include iodine rich foods in our diet. Table salt is one of the major sources of iodine in our body. Sea vegetables or seaweeds are said to be the major source of iodine. The content of iodine is high at the coastal areas and it is very less in the mountain or hilly region. So, the crops grown near the coastal areas, fish, shellfish, and other seafood are a rich source of iodine. Apart from this, breads, cheese, cow's milk, eggs, soy milk, yogurt, onions, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, etc., can also contribute to the iodine level.

Factors responsible for iodine deficiency

The deficiency of iodine can result in serious consequences. Following are some of the reasons behind the deficiency of iodine in our body:

·         Among the most common causes of iodine deficiency is the intake of iodine deficient food. Many people are careless about the type of food they intake. It is always recommended to take food rich in iodine like leafy vegetables, cheese, cow's milk, eggs, yogurt, sea food, etc.

·         Due to the high metabolic rate in pregnant women, lactating women and adolescent children, there is a deficiency of iodine which can result in serious disorders. So, it is important to maintain a proper intake of iodine during pregnancy and adolescent age.

·         Due to deforestation, soil erosion and bad farming techniques, the fertility of the soil is decreasing at a very high rate. Due to this, there is an increase in the deficiency of iodine in crops and vegetables. As these are the major source of iodine, they can be considered one of the causes of iodine deficiency.

·      The intake of toxic chemicals hampers the iodine level in the body. These toxins compete with the iodine reactive sites and decrease the ability of the body to absorb iodine. These toxic substances are the halides which consist of fluoride, chloride, bromide and iodide. Among these four, only iodide is good for our body. So, because of their similar structure they get attach to the reactive site instead of iodine. Hence resulting in low amount of iodine.

Episodes of deficiency of iodine in a population are best treated by increasing intake of iodized food in the diet programs of people. Hence, it's more logical to prevent the occurrence of this deficiency rather than treatment. In the last 80 years, WHO has made herculean efforts to eliminate this deficiency in developing nations? Across the globe, iodized salt has been the main treatment method. While complete treatment of the deficiency may not be possible, still it can be controlled to some extent. 

World Osteoporosis Day is observed every year on 20th October across the world dedicated to create global awareness for prevention, diagnosis and treatment and of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosisis the loss of bone density, which happens when the levels of calcium and minerals deplete in the bones, and they start becoming weak. This further increases the risk of fractures especially in the spine, hip and wrist. Women are at greater risk of osteoporosis than men especially after the age of 50.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), osteoporosis comes second to cardiovascular disease as a global health problem. This disease mainly affects the elderly population which is growing in number, thus putting a burden to the healthcare. As per the statistics, 1 out of 8 males and 1 out of 3 females in India is affected from osteoporosis. This makes India one of the largest countries affected from osteoporosis in the world.

Typically, treatments for osteoporosis include medications like calcium and mineral supplements, and light exercise. Yoga has specific poses or 'asanas' that focus on increasing bone strength. They help reduce aches and pain that follow in osteoporosis. Besides, one can continue conventional treatment and still follow yoga regularly. Below are some Yoga poses for increasing bone density and maintaining a steady bone health:

·         Extended Triangle Pose or 'Utthita Trikonasana':  The three angles that are formed in this pose represent the three facets of yoga; mind, body, and spirit. This pose gives the entire body a good stretch, wherein, the lower body is strengthened.

·         Half Moon Pose or 'Ardha Chandrasana': This pose is very beneficial for providing relief from pain experienced due to osteoporosis. The pose focuses on strengthening the spine and abdomen. It also stretches the legs and glutes.

·         Bridge Pose or 'Setu Bandha Sarvangasana': This pose is therapeutic to osteoporosis, and gives a relaxing stretch to the spine, neck, chest, and back. It strengthens the back, pelvis, and spine.

·         Twisted Triangle Pose or 'Parivrtta Trikonasana': This pose gives the spine a gentle twist, which puts pressure on the bones, and the body responds to it by building more bone for strength. This pose also supports the spine and builds strength.

·         Tree Pose or 'Vrikshasana': The tree pose is excellent for improving body posture. It stretches the spinal cord in great alignment with the body. It strengthens the back, shoulders, and hip muscles, and assists the body in achieving stability and balance in the hip muscles.

·         Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend or 'Prasarita Padottanasana': This pose puts weight on the hips and legs, and strengthens the lower body. It is beneficial, as the weight-bearing act strengthens the large bones of the hips and legs. It also improves posture and flexibility. The pose also lends concavity and flexibility to the spine.

·         Seated Twisting Pose or 'Ardha Matsyendrasana': In this pose more pressure is put on the spine. The spine gets a gentle twist and stretch, which, in turn, puts pressure on the bones, but not the vertebrae. The body responds to this pressure in a way that it builds more bones.

·         Cobra Pose or 'Bhujangasana': This pose gives the spine a stretch with a gentle back bend. It strengthens the spine and upper back muscles. The pose is excellent for improving the posture of the spine. Poses that focus on the spine are very beneficial for preventing a hunchback, which is a common sign in osteoporosis.

·         Chair Pose or 'Utkatasana': In this pose, the muscles around the hips are strengthened. These are most susceptible to injury, and the most common site for osteoporosis. It aligns the body with great balance, which in turn, also improves posture.

Remember, as we age, our bones become weaker. When we are young, sudden body movements do not create complications, in most cases. But, the body cannot take sudden and extreme body movements when we are older. In osteoporosis, especially, there is a risk of harm to the bones with uncontrolled and extreme movements. So, always be gentle when performing any yoga poses. Take your time, and slowly move in and out of the pose. Always warm up, first and stretch your body well.

On this World Osteoporosis Day, let’s pledge that we’ll all eat a balanced diet and perform yoga to prevent osteoporosis. 

Ayurvedic medicines for osteoporosis