As we look back on the health trends and insights that defined 2024, numerous doctors and health experts shared their expertise, offering advice and guidance to improve your well-being. These experts, from various medical fields, stressed on the importance of personalised care, preventive measures, diet and positve lifestyle changes. Their insights helped shape the way you approached your health in 2024, pushing you toward more informed and holistic health practices.
Here are 24 quotes from leading doctors across different specialties MC spoke to that offered invaluable wisdom for maintaining a healthier life:
Brain health:
"Brain health is key to overall well-being, impacting memory, focus, and emotions. Regular exercise, social connections, mental challenges, mindfulness, and good sleep can boost cognition and keep the mind sharp at any age"
Dr Aditya Gupta, Director of Neurosurgery and Cyberknife, Artemis Hospital Gurugram
Low impact exercises:
"Staying active with low-impact exercises like yoga, water aerobics, walking, and Pilates can greatly improve mobility and quality of life for people with chronic conditions. These activities help manage symptoms, build strength, and enhance overall well-being, all while minimising strain on the body. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any exercise routine"
Dr Amod Manocha, Director-International Pain Center, New Delhi
Monsoon humidity:
"It can be tough on your hair, but with the right care, you can keep it healthy and gorgeous. Use a mild clarifying shampoo, hydrate with lightweight conditioners, avoid heavy styling products, and opt for light oils like coconut or argan. Anti-frizz products and a balanced diet also help maintain smooth, manageable hair during the rainy season"
Dr Arihant Surana, Founder & Managing Director, Monaris Hair Clinic
Menopause:
"It typically begins between the age bracket of 45 and 55, bringing about hormonal changes that can affect both physical and mental health. Understanding these shifts can help women manage symptoms carefully"
Dr Astha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram
Botox and fillers:
"Facial plastic surgery and non-surgical treatments can enhance appearance, address signs of aging, and boost confidence. Whether through facelifts, Botox, fillers, or eyelid surgery, these procedures aim for natural improvements that help people feel their best in their own skin"
Dr Debraj Shome, Director and Senior Cosmetic Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics
Anxiety:
"Anxiety isn't just fleeting worry; it’s a persistent state of fear that can negatively affect all aspects of life. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic stress and serious physical health issues"
Dr Gorav Gupta, CEO & Senior Psychiatrist, Tulasi Healthcare, Gurgaon
Oral health:
"It is much more than bad breath and cavities. The food you eat directly affects your teeth and gums, influencing everything from enamel strength to the risk of gum inflammation or even oral cancer. Proper care and a healthy diet are important"
Dr Gunita Singh, B.D.S., M.D. Dental Lasers at Dentem, The Dental and Orthodontic Clinic
Pollution:
"With rising pollution levels, installing air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters is crucial as they can eliminate up to 99.97% of airborne contaminants, providing cleaner air for better health"
Dr Harish Bhatia, Senior Consultant Chest Specialist & Physician with Apollo Hospital
Air pollution:
"It has become a public health emergency, particularly affecting lung function. Prolonged exposure can result in chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, and even lung cancer"
Dr Hemanth L, Consultant Pulmonologist and Critical Care Medicine, SS SPARSH Hospital
Joint pain:
"During winter, joint pain, especially for those with existing arthritis, becomes more pronounced due to decreased mobility, muscle contractions, and lack of sunlight affecting vitamin D levels. Engaging in low-impact activities like yoga, walking, and swimming can improve mobility and reduce stiffness. It's crucial to address the underlying causes of joint pain rather than relying on painkillers. Consulting an orthopedic surgeon for personalized treatment is essential for managing symptoms and preparing for seasonal changes"
Dr Karthick Dhayalan, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Prashanth Superspeciality Hospitals, Kolathur
Cycling and injury:
"Cycling can place significant stress on the lumbar spine and wrists. Regular breaks, proper posture, and ergonomic adjustments to your bike can prevent injury and improve your riding experience"
Dr Karunakaran, Director and Senior Consultant, Spine Surgery, MGM Healthcare
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD):
"It can impact daily life, but Ayurveda offers effective solutions. Herbal remedies like Triphala, eye therapies like Netra Tarpana, and a diet rich in omega-3s and vitamins can help preserve vision. Yoga and lifestyle changes also support eye health, providing a natural approach to managing AMD"
Dr Mandeep Singh Basu, Director, Dr. Basu Eye Care & Jagat Pharma
HIV:
"Fighting HIV requires consistent prevention efforts, including condom use, access to PrEP, and harm reduction programs. Education is our most powerful tool in reducing transmission and creating safer communities"
Dr Monalisa Sahu, Consultant Infectious Diseases at Yashoda Hospitals, Secunderabad
Heatwaves and eyes:
"Heatwaves can harm your eyes, causing dryness, irritation, and even serious conditions like ‘eye stroke.’ Protect your vision by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, staying hydrated, practicing good eye hygiene, and eating a nutrient-rich diet. Regular eye care and rest are essential to prevent damage during extreme heat"
Dr Navneet Bohra, Ophthalmologist, Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajsamand
Hormonal imbalance:
"Hormones play a pivotal role in regulating the reproductive system. Recognising how hormonal imbalances impact everything from your menstrual cycle to fertility can significantly improve your chances of conception"
Dr Nishi Singh, Head of Fertility at Prime IVF
Tummy time:
"Tummy time is a simple but powerful practice for your baby’s growth. It strengthens muscles, prevents flat head syndrome, and builds motor skills essential for rolling, crawling, and walking. It also supports cognitive development, balance, and parent-baby bonding—making it a vital part of early milestones"
Dr Pradeep Jain, Paediatrician, Vatsalya Childcare, Jodhpur
Anti-ageing:
"A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is essential for preventing skin damage and serves as a powerful anti-aging tool. It's always more effective to prevent skin harm than to repair it later"
Dr Rupika Singh, MBBS, MD, Dermatologist and Founder of Akiya Aesthetics, Delhi
Arthritis:
"Arthritis can begin subtly, with joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, but recognizing these early signs is crucial to managing it effectively. Symptoms like limited movement or grinding sensations in the joints shouldn’t be ignored. With early detection and modern treatments, including minimally invasive procedures and advanced joint replacements, arthritis doesn’t have to limit your life"
Dr Rohit Luthra, Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Arcus Hospital, Pune
Urological and fertility issues:
"These issues in men are on the rise, but stigma often prevents them from seeking timely help. Conditions like erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, male infertility, and prostate cancer affect many men, yet they often go undiagnosed. It's important for men to prioritise their health, make lifestyle changes, and seek medical attention when needed. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve quality of life and fertility outcomes"
Dr Shanmugasundaram, Senior Consultant, Institute of Renal Sciences, SIMS Hospital, Chennai
Diabetes:
"Managing diabetes is about more than just medication; it requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including dietary changes and emotional well-being, to minimise complications and enjoy a fulfilling life"
Dr Vaishali S. Naik, M.D., D.M. (Endocrinology), Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetologist, Holy Family Hospital, Bandra West, Mumbai
Lung cancer:
"Recognising the signs of lung cancer it’s important. Symptoms like a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or shortness of breath shouldn’t be ignored. These can be early indicators of lung cancer, especially in non-smokers. Early diagnosis is key"
Dr Vivek Singh, Director, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram
Breast cancer:
"Breast cancer risk can be significantly reduced through simple lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and regular screenings are key steps for prevention and early detection"
Dr Tushar Patil, Senior Consultant - Medical Oncologist, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Pune
Hypertension:
"It is becoming a major health issue among young Indians due to poor lifestyle choices like unhealthy diets, sedentary habits, and tobacco use. Early detection through lipid profile testing can help identify risks and guide preventive measures. By adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight, young adults can significantly reduce their risk of hypertension and its complications"
Dr Shelly (Mittal) Mahajan, Lab Director & Clinical Lead, Mahajan Imaging Lab
Gut-health:
"Personalised diet strategies like low-FODMAP for IBS and anti-inflammatory diets for IBD show significant benefits. Patients should collaborate closely with their doctor to tailor their diets, and ensure improved symptom management and better gut health"
Dr Shubham Vatsya, Senior Consultant Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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