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By Manju Gupta
Rajkamal Books has come out with a set of five books on common health problems normally seen in those who lead a sedentary lifestyle with lack of physical activity. It is a set which every household should keep, especially if the family has any member who is above the age of forty-five when one is likely to fall prey to one of the problems described in one of the five books. What is especially good about these books is that they are written in lucid language, contain 48 pages each, and are moderately priced at Rs 40.00 per book. All the books have been authored by Dr Yatish Agarwal who is not only a physician, but a health columnist and winner of several national awards.
The book entitled Daily Bread contains simple facts on diet and nutrition. It is important for us to learn about what we eat because from the very moment that man is born, food helps him to build, grow, maintain and protect his body. The importance of various nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water has been explained in detail. Carbohydrates provide energy, proteins help to build and repair body tissues, fats help to provide warmth to the body, vitamins and minerals sustain the chemical reactions inside the body, and water helps in the body'sthermo-nuclear mechanism. What is especially good about his book is that not only has the author warned of malpractices like adulteration of food, but has even prescribed special diets to meet special needs.
Heart problems are on the increase what with the stress and strains of a modern lifestyle. The book Heart Talk acts like the roadmap to a healthy life. The author begins with the common coronary heart diseases like angina, myocardial infarction, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, angina pectoris, heart attack and gives in brief the various treatments employed like coronary angioplasty, bypass surgery, etc. apart from advising on adoption of a healthy lifestyle to counter these.
Another problem affecting both young and old alike is high blood pressure, which is a quiet but stealthy killer. In the book entitled High Blood Pressure, the author explains what the problem is and how it affects us. He has suggested the DASH diet that lowers the blood pressure very effectively along with adoption of a routine involving regular walks, exercise, yoga, diet control.
Managing Diabetes is a very pertinent book in today'sworld what with all kinds of fast food available and its increasing consumption due to shortage of time for cooking and because of work pressures. Apart from Type I and Type II diabetes, gestational diabetes has also been described which is normally associated with pregnancy. The author strongly believes that prevention is the best medicine and for which he has suggested adoption of simple rules: eating right, exercise, yoga, and walks. Once afflicted, then Dr Yatish suggests oral medication and insulin ingestion. The best part of the book is that even various methods of self-care have been suggested, particularly in the light of the high cost of medical treatment.
Another problem affecting both young and old alike is high blood pressure, which is a quiet but stealthy killer. In the book entitled High Blood Pressure, the author explains what the problem is and how it affects us. He has suggested the DASH diet that lowers the blood pressure very effectively along with adoption of a routine involving regular walks, exercise, yoga, diet control. The book also advocates use of medication prescribed for lowering the blood pressure and advises on thinking positive to bring about stress relaxation.
The book entitled Medicine Chest is a virtual doctor'sprescription on correct usage of medications. It explains how the medicines act on our body, sometimes beneficially and at times adversely. Apart from explaining the differences between generic and brand medicines, the symbols and acronyms used in a doctor'sprescription as also the safe ways to consume medicines are highlighted. We tend to mix up certain foods with medicines which we should religiously avoid. The author is absolutely right in citing the common facts and fables associated with medicines and in laying stress on deriving knowledge on the benefits and safeguards of common medicines.
(Rajkamal Books, 1-B Netaji Subhas Marg, Darya Ganj, New Delhi-110002.)
