Health is Wealth
Few important takeaways I learned from doctors in recent weeks
[Image source: Pixabay]
Dear Reader,
Today’s newsletter comes after a long break. It’s been a hell of a week, literally!
It’s been a crazy busy month of travel, followed by a series of blood tests. Yes, that happened too! Adding to this, doctors have been on a scolding spree with me!
Few important takeaways I learned from doctors in recent weeks:
Go for long walks, breathe fresh air, get lots of sunshine, enjoy digital detox daily!
Don’t be absent minded about your health and following doctor’s instructions
Eat meals on time every day and for god’s sake, keep everything else aside……not when you are emailing or in the midst of Google meetings or whatever.
Ignore health now, repent in great pain later. (Trust me, I learned this the hard way!)
Nothing is more important than your health. Prioritise your schedule accordingly.
Drink not more than 1 cup of tea or coffee - this has been the toughest for me!
Eat lots of fruits especially those that are packed with Vitamin C and the red ones - such as pomengranates, etc.
Women must regularly track their health with regular visits to the gynaecologist. In some countries, it is mandatory. Do this for your good health.
[Image source: Pixabay]
Now, between franctic calls to close family members who are doctors, here are some must-know takeaways they emphasised as doctors and I want to share it with you too.
It doesn’t matter how famous a doctor is or the hospital is. What matters is your gut feeling about your doctor. Do you trust your doctor?
When you ask questions, feel anxious and have a different view when talking to your doctors about their recommended course of treatment, how does your doctor respond?
Your doctor knows exactly how to treat you but cannot dictate choices about your body or medication. Your body, your choice - and in a way, it’s your ownership.
When a doctor insists on a certain course of action which you have researched and you strongly feel is not a definitive procedure to treat your condition, it is important to discuss how you feel and gauge how your doctor aligns to your suggestions. Is the doctor able to address your concerns with confidence and empathy or are your concerns being brushed off as irrelevant?
When doctors prescribe tests and medicines, ask questions if you have genuine concerns about it and not keep it for later. Keep the conversations outcome-oriented such as ‘How does this test/procedure help treat my condition?’ or ‘May I have some clarity on the tests/medicines with regard to the outcomes?’
Don’t trust any doctor or hospital blindly. Sometimes, a doctor or a hospital can have an impeccable reputation. That’s fine - you must go with your gut feel.
It’s critical for you to trust your doctor and if your gut feel is telling you something else, find another doctor. ASAP.
Remember, it is your body, your life and frankly, you are paying the bills too. So, if you are not comfortable with something, you can state clearly, “I am not comfortable with this line of treatment. I need more time to mentally prepare myself and I’ll come back to you when I have clarity on this. Thank you.”
No doctor or hospital can force you to accept their line of tests and treatments against your will. Your consent is the basis on which the treatment can proceed.
ALWAYS TAKE A SECOND OPINION. And I am not talking about Google or WhatsApp!
Few happy moments in April-May 2023
On April 15th, I enjoyed Vishu celebration with my son. We stood for nearly three hours early morning in the temple queue, soaking up the festive vibes. Usually, sadhyas are made at home but I wanted a change and so we went out for a sadhya. It felt awesome to see Zambar restaurant at Ambience Mall full of Malayalis for Vishu.
I felt a little odd to be the only one wearing a Kerala saree though.
Of course, wearing a Kerala saree isn’t mandatory though it adds to the festive vibe.
As you can see, we loved our Vishu celebration together!
Leisurely morning walks are a new thing for me.
Plus, my parents are back from Sydney and these walks felt like a dream come true for me.
Here’s a scenic snapshot from my hometown in Kochi!
Isn’t this gorgeous? No filters:)
Are there similar walkways in your city?
Do send me pics to swapnazanand@gmail.com and I’d be happy to feature it with an attribution to you!
Now, dear reader, I need your help.
Here’s a poll that requires your valuable inputs!
Movie Recco: Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakum
I always enjoy watching Fahadh Faasil films.
The latest one is a heartwarming, family entertainer.
The kind of film where goodness shines through and lifts you from despair to hope.
Do READ my review before watching the film.
P.S. I write this newsletter for you. And it means a lot to me when you take out your time to read this. I’m grateful. Thank you, dear Reader.
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