Doctors are often regarded as akin to gods due to their ability to heal and save lives, providing hope, comfort, and expertise in times of illness and medical emergencies. Their knowledge, skills, and dedication make them indispensable in the field of healthcare, earning them a high level of respect and admiration from society. Everyday they advise, treat, and cure several people, but have you ever thought about what they themselves do to stay on top of their fitness game. Here are lifestyle secrets to five such established doctors from different medical fields.
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Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director And HOD, Department Of Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad
To maintain my heart and overall health, I never use lifts up to 4 floors at home and hospital. I walk 10k steps a day, which consists of 2 km at a brisk pace of 7 km/hr. I lift light weights for 15 minutes, 4-5 days a week to maintain toned muscles.
As far as diet is concerned, I eat 2 meals a day which predominantly includes non-veg with lots of salads and fruits. I avoid refined sugar on most occasions, and eat cereals sparingly. As a cardiologist, I recommend everyone to have a hobby to beat daily mental stress. For the last 40 years, I have maintained a beautiful aquarium to help me de-stress.
Dr Indoo Ammbulkar, Senior Consultant-Medical Oncology At HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai
Taking charge of my health has been a continuous journey for me. As an oncologist, I have always strived to give equal attention to my physical and mental well-being. For overcoming any illness, especially something significant like cancer, being mentally fit is equally important as the body’s physical capability.
To stay physically fit, I eat a balanced diet regarding nutrients and energy. While I prefer to have some source of protein in my meals, I pay equal attention to vegetables and fruits, especially those available seasonally. I also like to have plant-based meals as much as possible as they contain phytochemicals, which are critical to prevent/reduce the risk of cancer.
To maintain my mental agility, I strive to balance my work-life by spending time with my family/friends and indulging in hobbies like reading, listening to music and gardening. I also like to travel to new destinations, which allows me to rejuvenate from my hectic job and explore new cultures.
My message to the people would be to take time out and focus on not just their health but also their loved ones. Many of the illnesses that happen today are easily preventable with small lifestyle changes, and the best way we can help to build a healthy society is by encouraging the people around us to take small, consistent, restorative steps every day.
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Dr Kriti Soni, Head Of R&D, Kapiva - Ayurveda
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As the Head of R&D at Kapiva, I believe that as doctors, it is crucial for us to maintain good health and vitality in order to serve as role models for our patients. Witnessing the negative consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle on a daily basis, we naturally incline towards incorporating healthy eating habits and fitness routines into our lives.
I start the day with 5 Ayurvedic practices or what I call the “holy grail” routine of Ayurveda. It includes gulping down some refreshing lukewarm water, munching on soaked almonds and walnuts, getting my body moving with 30 minutes of exercise and giving my skin some love with a generous application of virgin coconut oil. By understanding my unique body type and adopting personalised Ayurvedic treatments, I have noticed significant improvements in my health.
Intermittent fasting has been another game-changer for me. By practising mindful eating within a designated time frame, I have noticed greater improved metabolism, increased energy levels and improved digestive health. The combination of Ayurveda and intermittent fasting has become my ultimate secret for achieving optimal health and well-being.
My key takeaway has been that rather than fixating on spending hours at the gym or indulging in excessive late-night bingeing, it is more effective to make small yet manageable changes that can have a significant impact on our lives.
Dr Nivedita Dadu, Dermatologist And Founder and Chairman of Dadu Medical Centre
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Being a dermatologist, I believe that good health reflects in healthy skin and hair. So I follow my skincare routine religiously which includes application of sunscreen daily while I am indoors or outdoors. I prefer using a good physical sunscreen in the right amount and at night I apply retinol to keep up with my skin texture and health.
I add on supplements in my daily routine like glutathione and collagen for overall wellness of the body.
Dr Bharat Subramanya, Brain And Spine Surgeon, Apollo Clinic
Being a young Neurosurgeon has its own perks and challenges; perks of being able to operate on the most delicate structures to see some astonishing results, while the challenge is to keep up with the most demanding work schedules in all of medical or surgical departments.
My days are scheduled but something comes up more often than not, so the secret is to adopt and modify. Sleep, diet and a physical outing are the priorities right after patients. We are trained right from our residency to manage ourselves amongst the hectic work schedules.
I usually take a nap whenever I can, anytime of the day. I follow a vegetarian diet with a lot of green leafy veggies, good for the nerves. You could also use some Vitamin B supplements if you are short of greens. Adequate hydration all through the day is important. We do often go out with colleagues for lunch or coffee during the day just for that break. I also have a DND time in the evenings for badminton with my pals which is the key to my mental well being.
With all this, I cannot stress more on the role of family and friends in enabling me to go all out and make a difference in some lives.