COVID-19 Pandemic - An Opportunity to Improve Health

Ever since the outbreak of novel corona virus or COVID-19 infection at Wuhan, and its subsequent spread to various other countries, our entire focus seems to be on this pandemic and nothing else! Even when I try to read a professional article on the internet, a “pop-up” provides live updates on COVID-19 infection. Public reaction to this epidemic ranges from indifference to panic. We read news reports of people running away from quarantine facility as well as fights erupting over buying toilet paper!

Well, epidemics and pandemics are not new to humans. The recent “swine flu” pandemic of 2009 killed 575,400 people worldwide. We have read about the “black death” or bubonic plaque pandemic of 14^th century in our history books. My grandmother’s accounts of widespread cholera and small pox killing many people in our villages are still fresh in my memory. The difference now is the way both the disease and the related information spread in this modern era. With globalization, the world has become a small place with many people travelling across the globe quickly and it has facilitated rapid spread of infections like COVID-19. With the advent of internet, both information and misinformation are shared at lightning speed. Given the current information overload and one’s legitimate concerns, the common man struggles to cope with the fast-changing situation.

COVID-19 (Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay)

Available data on COVID-19 infection indicates that healthy adults develop a mild disease or remain asymptomatic, and only the elderly and those with underlying chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, chronic lung disease or certain cancers are at risk of developing a severe to critical infection.

Of course, we do have a risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection if exposed and we need to follow the precautions prescribed by the authorities. Enough and more information is available on the “Do and Don’ts” of how to prevent COVID-19 infection. But the main protection we have is our “innate immunity”. Instead of getting into a panic mode, COVID-19 pandemic can be a used as an opportunity to improve our health. So, the time has come for us focus on the following measures:

Eat healthy – Start eating healthy food with enough fruits and vegetables. If you are working from home, it is time to enjoy home cooked food. Those of you who enjoy cooking can try out new recipes!

Exercise – Exercise regularly. At least, start walking 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week. Ground exercises, yoga, and aerobics are other options that you can try at home. However, it is advisable to avoid gyms.

Sleep adequately – Preferably sleep for 7-8 hours a day. Maintain regular sleep hours.

Quit smoking – Tobacco smoking is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and lung cancer among others. Smoking damages your lungs and makes you more vulnerable to develop pneumonia and chronic obstructive lung disease. So, it’s time to kick this habit.

Moderate alcohol consumption – Chronic drinking can cause health problems such as liver disease, heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. Moreover, heavy drinking can suppress our immune cells. It is beneficial to stop drinking altogether; however, if you must, drink in moderate quantities.

Make lifestyle changes – Those of you who have lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes or heart disease, but could not make the necessary lifestyle changes so far, can start now to control your disease.

Reduce stress – High stress levels may impair your immunity. COVID-19 pandemic has made many organizations to let their employees work from home. Though working from home may demand a certain disciple to maintain optimum work output, it can also increase valuable time you spend with your loved ones. Some of the measures mentioned above will help reduce stress. In addition, relax by spending your spare time in activities your enjoy such as reading, listening to music, playing with your children, and spending quality time with your spouse, to name a few. 

Every experience, good or bad offers newer opportunities. Faster lifestyle has moved us away from the simple pleasures of life. COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to slow down our pace, look at our lives critically and make positive changes for better health. Remember, your immunity is your greatest weapon against any infection!

This article was first published on LinkedIn.com on 15th March 2020.

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Whose responsibility is it, anyway?

A fortnight ago, the gruesome rape and murder of a 26-year-old veterinary doctor in Hyderabad shook the nation. The perpetrators were four men aged between 20 and 24 years. Nothing much had changed since the 2012 Nirbhaya rape case in Delhi. However, barely a week later, the police shot the accused men in an encounter! The legality of these encounter killings without proper trial was debated in the media. Those who supported the police action hoped that it would act as a deterrent and prevent future perpetrators from indulging in such crimes. Since then, a lot has been spoken and written about this case.

In the meantime, on her way to the court, a 23-year-old rape victim was set ablaze by her alleged rapist. Recently in Tamil Nadu, a 21-year-old pregnant woman and her husband, while returning home after watching a movie were waylaid by four men, all aged 23. The husband was brutally attacked and the wife was taken to a deserted location and molested. Thankfully, in this case, the woman was not killed. Though the police apprehended the perpetrators, obviously the “encounter” had not acted as a deterrent.

According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), rape cases in our country doubled in the past 17 years, 16,075 cases in 2001 against 32,559 in 2017, with Madhya Pradesh (5,562 cases in 2017) topping the list followed by Uttar Pradesh (4,246 cases), Rajasthan (3,305 cases) and Kerala (2,003 cases).

What is the cause of increasing sexual violence against women? Are more women willing to be open and seek justice now? Or as some would like to say, it is the women who provoke these attacks by their behavior? Alternatively, is it the case of women being at the wrong place at the wrong time? If we accept this premise, it implies that this society is not safe for women.

What troubles me the most is the profile of the perpetrators. What makes a twenty-odd year old man to rape and murder a perfect stranger, even if the woman is pregnant? What is happening to this society?

Well, the times are changing, rather too fast and not always for the better. Information explosion has numbed the humanity in us, which is evident from the frequent reports of bystanders shooting video of an accident victim rather than reaching out to help. Social media has reduced the real human interaction. Disappearance of joint family has depleted the support systems once available to us in time of crisis. Fast paced life has increased the stress levels, health and emotional impact of which is well documented. The distinction between right and wrong is getting blurred. What was once considered wrong and unacceptable behavior is fast becoming “cool”. Peer pressure has become the major factor that defines the way of life, affecting both adults and children. All kinds of information ranging from latest research to pornography are available in the handheld device at practically throwaway cost. In addition, external factors like inflation, unemployment and alcoholism complicate the social milieu making it the breeding ground for crimes.

How to change this scenario? Whose responsibility is it, anyway?

In my opinion, it is indeed, a collective responsibility.

The role of the Government – Prevention of crime is always better than corrective action. It is now reported that the Nirbaya fund earmarked for women's safety is underutilized, when urgent implementation of planned safety measures is all the more critical. Better policing would definitely improve the safety of women. In this regard, the “Kavalan” app launched by the Tamil Nadu police is a step in the right direction. We also need fast tract courts to hear such cases and provide speedy justice.

Role of the Family – Traditionally, moral values are inculcated at home by the elders. Parents should teach their sons that women should be treated as equals and with respect. They should also act accordingly, as children learn from parental behavior. It is also important to be aware of your children’s friends and their preoccupations. Though parenting is a tough job, the responsibility to guide the children in the right direction predominantly lies with the parents.

Role of the Society – Objectification of women by the media, particularly the movies and advertisements, can have a negative impact on the impressionable young minds. The attitude towards women as a possession is reflected by the frequent reports of violent attacks on women by men, who were spurned by these women. Social education and awareness programs to create attitudinal changes in both man and women are the need of the hour.

Role of the Individual – Women should be aware of their surroundings and be prepared to handle any untoward incidents. To name a few, carrying a pepper spray and learning self-defense techniques will be helpful. If the media reports are to be believed, Chennai and Tamil Nadu top the list of global child pornography viewing! Various studies are examining the correlation between sexually violent pornography and sexual violence against women and children. “A meta-analysis (2015) by Wright PJ, et al., found that pornography consumption was associated with sexual violence globally, among both genders, with stronger association for verbal than physical sexual aggression, while both were significant. It also indicated that violent pornography may be an aggravating factor. Another study (2015) by Subahani et al., analyzing the NCRB statistics from India found indirect evidence supporting an association between internet access and child sexual abuse.” It is practically difficult for the authorities to control the availability of such content on the world-wide web. Therefore, it becomes the personal responsibility and in this regard, one should be conscious of the thin line between the individual right and social responsibility.

The time for reflection and discussion on women's safety is long gone and it is time to take hard measures to ensure the same.  

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This article was published on Linkedin on 18th December 2019.

When my favorite library closed...

I had been a member of Eloor lending library, Chennai for almost two decades, and have had the pleasure of borrowing diverse titles including fiction, biography, art, psychology, health, self help and non-fiction. Over the years, the library with its ever increasing collection of books fulfilled my thirst for reading. Hence, the closure of the library owing to poor patronage and mounting losses came as a rude shock to me.

Eloor library, first started in Ernakulam, Kerala in 1979, has subsequently opened branches in Trivandrum, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi. Falling number of visitors and cancellation of memberships have led to the closure of Delhi and Kokata outlets as well. This well stacked library had books of all genres and I do miss the joy of browsing through the books before selecting the titles I wanted to read. 

In 2017, five branches of Delhi public library were closed due to lack of membership.  Can digitalization be blamed for the dwindling interest in books? Is the Gen Next just not interested in reading anymore? Well, one cannot escape the fast changing environment steered by digitalization. Be it communication, healthcare, banking, media or retail, digitalization has its tentacles reaching every walk of life. Online shopping for books, both print and e-books, has adversely affected the traditional book stores. This is forcing the publishers to re-orient themselves to the changing markets. 

Tablets, e-readers, and now, the mobile phones are competing with humble books and news papers. Today’s reader does not have the patience to read through lengthy articles nor does he perceive the joy of reading. It is only the information that counts, that too provided succinctly in just a few words! With unlimited online sources easily available to the reader, it is inevitable that publications and libraries suffer. 

Of course, there are ample benefits in digitalization. However, it lacks the charm of some of the olden ways. Today’s digital natives miss out on human interaction, enjoying subtle pleasures of life, and meaningful communication, to name a few. The effect of rapid digitalization on the body and mind can only be assessed over time. It is difficult at this point of time to say whether its benefits outweigh the risks, which are not fully understood yet. However, one is forced to adapt to the changing times! Well, I had to settle for a kindle e-reader and a kindle unlimited subscription. Is it a “library in your hand”? Oh, I am not sure; I still miss the joy of reading a proper book.  

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This article was also published on LinkedIn on 2nd July 2018. 

It still pays to be honest!

Last evening, when our Prime Minister Mr Modi announced that 500 and 1000 rupee notes will no longer be legal tender, my first reaction was "At last...". I have always believed that election funding and the underlying corruption are responsible for all the ills of our times. It may appear as a sweeping statement. But, if we stop to ponder for a moment, we would realize this is indeed true. Increasing cost of fighting elections and lack of transparency in election expenditure breeds corruption and black money transactions/hoarding, both before and after the elections. Corruption at higher levels seeps down and today it has become a way of life. Common man is now prepared to accept that one needs to pay a bribe to get ordinary work done in our system, even if it is our entitlement! In this scenario, honest citizens feel very badly let down.

Abolition of  500 and 1000 rupee notes by our Government is a shot in the arms for the honest, law abiding citizens. As our Finance Minister Mr Arun Jaitley said "It still pays to be honest". Kudos to Mr Modi, it is a bold and decisive move aimed at rooting out the evils of corruption, black money and counterfeit notes. Even as the Government is taking steps to make the transition smooth, it is inevitable that we face some inconvenience in the interim. It is indeed a small price to pay, considering the long term benefit to our country. So, let's happily participate in this great endeavor and do our bit in making history. Jai Hind!

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Miniature Kolu

In Tamil Nadu, Navarathri or Dussera is synonymous with ‘Kolu’ (கொலு) – a tradition of arranging dolls of Gods and Goddesses,  flanked by humans, animals and aquatic forms on steps, conveying the message of ‘Vasudeva kudumbakam’(equality of all beings). During my growing up years, we used to have an elaborate kolu arrangement involving 7-9 steps along with a park, pond and even a small hill with a temple atop! Animals were arranged in the park, which was covered by sprouting mustard plants to provide green cover. Fishes and other aquatic forms floated in the pond, while dolls of women fetching water in pots were kept near the pond. A doll set of wedding procession (கல்யாண ஊர்வலம்) occupied the surrounding road that led to the temple, with a ‘kutcheri’ (கச்சேரி) set completing the picture! One room was exclusively allotted for kolu during Navarathri.

Miniature Kolu

We do not have this luxury these days, given the space constraint and limited time. Hence, I have decided to go for a 'mini kolu' occupying just about 23” length, 9” depth and 4” height, complete with Chettiar kadai (செட்டியார் கடை) and an animal park! I used ‘plastic cupboard space organizer (2 no)’ for the steps!! What’s more, the whole kolu just fitted into my Pooja cupboard!!!

Click here for more information on Kolu, Navarathri recipes and Dussera celebrations!

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Citizen's Responsibility

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Chennai Now and Madras Then !

Today Chennai has completed 375 years since its creation and this day is celebrated as Madras day every year. Madras as I knew it had gradually changed to Chennai we see today. I moved to Madras in 1987 and made it my home since then. Having grown up on the foothills of Western Ghats, my first impression of the city was lack of green cover and fresh air. It took a few years for me to get used to the typical ‘Hot, Hotter, Hottest’ climate of Madras!

Madras was less crowded with slow paced life and flourishing cultural activities. Beach has always been an attraction and we used to visit Marina beach frequently with my son, who enjoyed playing in the sand. Marina was not as dirty or crowded as it is today. Beauty of the sea water reflecting the moon light and the silver sands of the beach used to make a captivating sight on full moon day.

Commuting was comfortable even by public transport. I used to enjoy riding my bike on Madras roads! Today, travelling has become a nightmare whether one rides a motorbike or drives a car.

Rains were seasonal and water logging was not a problem in the 80’s. Nor was the city littered with garbage everywhere, which is a common sight today. Walking on the roads was a pleasure once, and it was common for people to go for a stroll. With more and more people using cars and bikes, Chennai has become a city with most polluted air.  

  

Madras to Chennai !

City has grown exponentially in the last two decades, without infrastructure development to match the growth in several places. Ever increasing population growth (48.28 lakhs in 2015) has added to the city’s woes leading to overcrowding, water logging, garbage accumulation and frequent traffic jams. As a result, Chennai has become the third most polluted city in India. Infrequent rains and depleting greenery have led to water shortage.

However, there are positive developments such as laying flyovers to reduce traffic congestion, metro rail service to facilitate commuting, continuing rain water harvesting and developing green cover, to name a few. Both public and private health infrastructure have grown phenomenally, and one can get the most advanced therapies in the city hospitals today. Chennai continues to be the cultural capital of India, playing host for various art forms like music, dance and drama. December music festival and Mahabalipuram dance festival are very popular. In addition, Chennai is also home to many premier educational institutions.  

Like any other metro, Chennai has its share of problems with urban development, transport, garbage disposal and water supply. Nonetheless, I have made Chennai my home, and today I like my city as much I like my native place. I miss some of the features Madras had, but I do hope Chennai will eventually overcome its problems and become a model Metro. Happy Birthday Chennai!

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Do 'miracles' really happen?

Sometimes one gets to read a really good news story! Today, I was happy to read the news item about the ‘Good Samaritan’ who had helped a girl reach her professional counseling on time and get admission to biotechnology course. Swathi arrived with her mother at Anna University, Chennai instead of going to Anna Auditorium at Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Some kind-hearted morning walker paid for their air travel, and ensured that the girl reached the venue on time and got a fair counseling. In spite of all the chaos and confusion around, stories like this remind us that humanity is still alive and thriving!

From the girl’s perspective what has happened is a ‘miracle’, and this brings to the fore a fundamental question – Do ‘miracles’ really happen? Miracle is defined as an extraordinary event that cannot be explained by scientific or natural laws. How often do we come across such phenomena?

An example of everyday miracle!

I believe miracles do happen. We may not encounter dramatic events like instant healing of terminal illness or physical defects. However, if we are conscious, we can recognize small everyday miracles happening time and again.

All of us know the parable about a little girl who went to the ‘prayer meeting for rain’ carrying an umbrella and it miraculously started raining!

Many years ago, I was very unhappy with the hospital job I was doing then, and all my efforts to find an alternate employment did not fructify due to some reason or the other. I was at my wits’ end, and like a bolt from the blue I received a call from a friend regarding an opening for a lady doctor. It turned out to be the exact kind of work I needed at that time, and after a week, I happily started my new job!

A friend’s mother once recounted how miraculously she received funding from an unexpected source for feeding a large gathering!

I have personally encountered, heard and read about such instances. They may be as simple and mundane as the following

             — Somebody showing up and sending you in the right direction, when you are lost... 

         —  Right kind of help arriving from complete strangers at the precise moment… 

         — Opportunities opening up when you have lost all hopes and are down to your last penny… 

            — Extraordinary kindness shown by unknown people… 

         — Strangers finding lost items and sending them to you…

We can recollect many such everyday miracles that we tend to forget in the demands and pressures of daily life. Nonetheless, the moment miracle happens we are touched by the ‘Grace’ and are invariably conscious of it. These moments make us aware of the higher power that watches over us, and gives us the comfort and confidence that goodness will ultimately prevail. The minimum we could do is to recognize the ‘Grace’ when we encounter it and be thankful for the same.

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To Be or Not To Be?

Today, the 8^th March, is the International Women’s Day. I am not yet convinced that we need a special day to celebrate womanhood. Be it a man or a woman, life has to be celebrated in all its glory every single day! However, as this day has attracted considerable attention, I wish to share some of my thoughts on issues that affect women in general.

Women have many roles to play, sometimes simultaneously – daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, daughter /sister-in-law, and many a time career woman. Each role is specific, governed by predefined notions and expectations. Gender role typing is changing with times, and in some aspects for the better. But, has the predefined notions and expectations disappeared? I am afraid not.

In post-independence period, educating girls wasn’t that popular and women taking up a career were frowned upon. Several career women of that era remained unmarried as family and career were considered incompatible.

In the sixties and seventies, more schools and colleges for girls were started and women getting employment was socially accepted, but the preferred career options were still limited – teacher, nurse, clerk, and an occasional doctor or a lawyer. Premium was placed on women’s role in the family.

With globalization, more and more opportunities have opened up for women and presently, no job is considered a taboo. Ironically, now the premium is placed on the career!

If the career woman of earlier generation was caught in the guilt of not giving her family its due, present generation woman is caught in the guilt of wanting to give her family its due! Isn’t that strange?

Certain gender roles are predetermined - for example, childbearing. Family is a unit that provides physical, emotional and economic security to its members, especially children. Hence, it is imperative that family remains predictable and secure, which involves hard work. It should also be borne in mind that children cannot be raised and nurtured by remote control. Someone needs to expend time and energy for years. In the era of blurring gender role definitions, how the work is divided and gender roles are determined in a family is best left to the couple.

Nonetheless, woman continues to be haunted by issues like whether to continue studies or start working, whether to be married or remain single, whether to have a child or not, whether to have a career or not, whether to have a full time career or part time career, whether to be a full time parent or not, whether to play a role in home-making or not, so on and so forth. All these are difficult decisions with no universal answers.

As much as I have known women of earlier generation, who wanted to work, but couldn’t owing to family circumstances; I have also come across women of present generation, who would love to be stay-at-home moms, but couldn’t do so because of peer pressure or fear of losing out on the career front! There is another category of women, who settle for something lesser than what they really want and regret the compromise all their life.

On the positive side, there are several women, who have taken bold decisions one way or the other, stuck to their decisions, and have become successful and happy.

So what makes a women tick? I would say, definitely not the form (appearance and the trappings that go with it), but the substance that defines a woman. There are no fixed rules as to how a woman should be. Each woman has a notion or dream of how she wants to be.

Freedom of choice is available to us all the time and we just need to exercise it. Whether to be the woman of our dream or not is left to us. However, we need to remember with freedom comes the responsibility and with each choice the accountability for consequences.

Happy women’s day! 

This article is published on 'Smart Indian Women' website

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