Are you healthy? Yes? Think once more. Simply the absence of illness does not imply health. What then, is the definition of health?
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of any disease or infirmity.” In recent years the definition has been modified to include the ability to lead a “socially and economically productive life”.
Therefore, while it is a good sign that you have not had to visit the doctor in recent months, you may still not be in your optimal health. Take a minute to observe yourself. Agreed that you may not be ill, but are you energetic? Do you wake up every morning looking forward to the day? Are you able to think clearly and take quick decisions? Are you able to give your work and your relationships the best that you want to? If the answers to most of these questions are ‘Maybe not’ or ‘No’, it suggests that you may have fallen prey to fatigue or tiredness.
It is strange that in India, where there is increasing health awareness, the role of fatigue is at times not considered that prominent. Today, gyms are found in every little bylane. TV, newspapers and magazines are filled with advertisements of products that promote ‘healthy’ living. Not just the grandpa of your apartment block, but even the neighbour’s tiny-tot is aware to some extent of what is healthy and what is not. But queerly, hardly anybody seems to notice fatigue.
That is because fatigue falls in the grey area between health and illness. However, it can silently create havoc in your life. Sapping away your enthusiasm and zest, it can make life appear like a series of endless dull events. Unfortunately, most people accept fatigue as a part and parcel of life and the consequences of growing old. Nothing could be further from truth.
Actually, fatigue is one of the body’s natural responses to depleting energy levels. It is the signal sent by the body to slow down, rest, eat, sleep and replenish the body’s energy resources. However, if fatigue persists even after rest, it should be looked into.
Dr KV Nageshwara Rao, a family physician at Kotagiri Nursing Home, Visakhapatnam, says, “The cause of fatigue must be investigated. Once it is found, it can be managed.” Fatigue could arise from various reasons, physical, emotional or lifestyle related factors being some of them.
Dr Rao explains that urbanised lifestyle can also contribute to fatigue. The constant pressure to perform well at work and the expectations at home can be difficult to balance. The rush of city life and social obligations can also add to the stress. The fact is that in middle age though the body starts slowing down, the responsibilities keep piling up. The body and mind are pushed to perform to their limits, after which they reiterate and thus the feeling of fatigue follows. The symptoms include consistent feeling of tiredness, irritability, headache, loss of concentration, short term memory problems, difficulty in making decisions and depression.
However, the good news is that fatigue can be managed. A regular sleeping pattern, exercise and a good diet are some pointers that go a long way in helping manage fatigue. In fact a healthy diet is the first step towards managing tiredness.
Dr P Rathnam, a general practitioner in Upper Relli Street, Visakhapatnam, says, “A good healthy diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables and protein, is essential to remain healthy and manage fatigue.” In fact a balanced diet must provide the nutrients as per the daily requirements for your age. Dr Rathnam explains, “In addition to the above, it is recommended to moderate fat, sugar and salt intakes. It is true, that the daily schedule sometimes may not leave any time for cooking a wholesome meal. In such cases, it may be a good idea to include a nutritional supplement such as a health food drink, to help manage your daily requirement of essential nutrients.”
Dr Rathnam further adds, “These days when people don’t have time to cook, they tend to opt for ready-to-eat food or fast food. Instead they can opt for any supplement that can help provide all the necessary nutrients.”
One option can be a health food supplement that is fortified with vitamins and minerals, is high in fibre and protein but has zero added cholesterol and zero added sugar. Optimal nourishment will also help ensure that your body’s immune system is strengthened against future infections.
There is an old saying – You are what you eat. Therefore watch what you eat, be healthy and take the first step in managing fatigue.
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