By Shaifali Agrawal:
One of the bindings for India in order to become a world power or for stepping into the category of ‘developed’ countries is making sure the youth of the country are healthy: because growth, both of individual and of the society, occurs only when one is mentally, physically and socially fit. India has the youngest demography and even our last President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam viewed the Indian youth as a channel that will take India to greater heights. Ever wondered why the youth has been given the importance of being a medium that can lead to success and growth? Because they are supposed to be the healthiest of age-groups. But then is that really the case?
India has been ranked 112 out of 120 countries in the ranking of health systems as per the World Health Organization (WHO). India’s life expectancy is 64.7, ranking 137 in the world, according to the report given by the United Nations (2005-2010). Topping the list is Japan with a life expectancy of 82.7. Major health concerns for Indians are heart diseases, cancer, reproductive issues, obesity, diabetes, depression, stress and low immunity. A sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise and poor eating habits are the major causes for the lack of good health.
So how can you be fitter so that you and in turn, the society benefit? Quitting smoking, drinking, having an organic breakfast, nutritious food, cooking at home rather than eating out, having fruits, fresh juices, green vegetables, exercising regularly, so many gyms have the best treadmills empty most of the time, getting some proper sleep (for at least eight hours) and maintaining your hygiene are a few ways to keep yourself physically healthy and happy.
Once you Google the ‘fittest actors‘, links containing ‘hot personalities‘ tend to pop up, already implying that fit people look good. Hritik Roshan is the heartbeat of a million girls and an inspiration for many boys to work out regularly. Arjun Rampal, Farhan Akhtar, Johny Depp, Ryan Reynolds are a few other actors with a great bodies.
The government plays a major role in improving the Indian health care system. Introducing an insurance scheme specially designed for the government employees, including the health sector in infrastructure and educating and encouraging people to go about a healthy lifestyle are some of the steps taken in the direction.
The growth of a nation is always affected by the health of its people. If you are robust, you grow in a society from which you can extract the most from the environment for your personal benefit. And when every individual grows similarly, a healthy environment is developed, leading to a better society. Also, the country as a whole, progresses since every person is giving his best shot as per his abilities, not giving in to stress or any form of illness. So let us take a step towards making a fitter India by being physically, mentally and socially robust. Are you in?
This is an entry for the TRANSFORMNATION: To A Fitter India. You can create a fitter India and attend Asia’s largest fitness event by telling us your thoughts on a fitter India here.