Jain Digest 1999 07

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 33

FOR OUR HEALTH
Exercise and Falling: Ways to Age Healthily
Have you ever wondered why people in Paris and Rome are thin despite a culture rich in fatty foods and delicacies? What is their secret? The truth is that people in other countries get more exercise in their daily activities than we do. They walk to the grocery and produce store, the bus and train stations, and are active in many household activities. Many of these individuals believe that even moderate physical activity such as, for example, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and walking instead of driving will improve their overall state of health and their excellent heart function, low blood pressure, and normal weight are testament to that. In contrast, over 60% of Americans are sedentary and more than one in three is overweight. As a result, the prevalence of obesity and heart disease in the United States is significantly higher than what is seen in similar, industrialized countries.
A recent study in the medical journal JAMA and confirmed in a Johns Hopkins study showed that brisk walking for just 30 minutes a day is as effective in reducing heart problems as a 3-mile run, three to five times a week. Women between the ages of 40-65 also stand to benefit if they can manage to reduce their weight through exercise and can transform themselves from "apple-shaped" figures (fat around the abdomen) into more "pear-shaped" figures (fat around the hips, buttocks, and thighs). This sort of transforma
by Dr. Dilip Shah tion will statistically reduce their risk of heart attacks by 66%. Preventative exercise also serves to benefit us as we age as one major concern for the elderly is falling. When you are young, falling is a part of everyday life but, as you grow older and particularly over the age of 60, falling can mean severe disability and even death. About one out of three people over 65 fall each year and a large number of individuals suffer from fractures of the hip, wrist, arms, or legs. However, since 60% of the falls occur in the home, simple steps s such as removing loose rugs, keeping walkways unobstructed, and installing grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom and shower areas would be of great benefit.
Clearly, the message of these studies is good news as staying healthy does not need to involve strenuous exercise or crash diets. A little extra consideration now will go a long way towards preparing you for an active and happy life. Just get out of the house, move around, and don't stop at the doughnut shop.
Send your comments or questions to:
Dr. Dilip Shah
1508 Midwest Club
Oak Brook, IL 60523 dilipshahmd@yahoo.com
$12,000 in SEED Scholarships Awarded
The Supporting Excellence in Education (SEED) Foundation is excited to be entering its second year! In 1999, the Foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to three (3) high-school students. These three individuals were chosen based on their strong academic performance, outstanding leadership potential, and an unwavering commitment to their communities. The three scholarship recipients were Meera Shah from Alberta, Canada, Hetal Mehta from Alhambra, California and Dave Choksi from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Foundation is pleased announce the offering of eight (8) scholarships totaling $12,000 to outstanding North-American high school students graduating in the Spring of 2000. There will be four (4) scholarships of $2,000 each and four (4) scholarships of $1,000 each. The scholarships will be awarded based on merit and need. Applications will be available starting November 15th, 1999, at the SEED Foundation website (www.seedfoundation.org). The deadline for submitting scholarship applications is February 15th, 2000.
The SEED Foundation is a non-profit scholarship foundation promoting Asian-Indian youth to achieve greater educational opportunities. The goal is to support and prepare youth for the emerging global world. Our mission is to plant a seed of inspiration that will help youth to grow into responsible adults in their communities. The Foundation sponsors an annual scholarship program that recognizes and rewards well-rounded students. For more information on the SEED Foundation and its activities, please visit our website or contact Samir Mehta, Scholarship Director, at 281-277-7547 or Namita Solanki-Patel, Chairperson, at 630-231-3033 with any questions.
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