How I Keep Myself Healthy & Fit: Never too late, Strength at 65
In order to provide compassionate and resilient care to their patients, doctors must prioritise their own physical and emotional well-being. In this weekly column, Swati Sharma talks to specialists in the field to find out how they maintain their own health. This week, it’s Dr A V Gurava Reddy, MD, Sunshine Hospitals
Maintaining a well-toned body after the age of 65 aids in proper ambulation and prevents falls. Balance and flexibility decrease with age due to changes in vision, sensory nerves, joints, ligaments, and more. “Now, I intend to start lifting weights, but the biggest obstacle is finding the motivation to do so. So that’s why I am planning to hire an instructor to guide me through this phase. However, once you reach the age of 65, weights become a critical component. I play tennis with my wife every morning for one hour. This is my consistent exercise program,” says Dr. Gurava Reddy.
Apart from that, his day-to-day activities yield approximately 7,000 to 8,000 steps per day. “I nearly reached the 10,000 steps without engaging in any formal walking. My daily routine involves waking up at 5 o’clock, playing tennis for an hour, returning to the hospital by 7 o’clock, working until 7 o’clock in the evening, returning home to read a book, listen to some music, and sleep. I usually eat dinner at 6 o’clock or earlier. that,” says the orthopedic surgeon.
His diet is a standard one without any junk food. “I love sweets, but I resist them. Otherwise, it’s a regular, low-carbohydrate diet. I don’t eat much rice. I am currently consuming Jowar, a delicious substitute for rice that I used to enjoy during my childhood.”
“I don’t smoke or drink, so there is no extra calorie intake through alcohol. That’s a God-given bonus for me.” On top of this, a positive attitude and always being cheerful also keep you healthy, he signs off.