Dr. Rashmi addresses the members of Senior Citizens Club on 'Aging Gracefully and a Healthy Diet' Back

Dr. Rashmi addresses the members of Senior Citizens Club on 'Aging Gracefully and a Healthy Diet'

The Senior Citizens Club, Derebail Church, Mangaluru, organized a talk for its members on 26th November, 2021 at Derebail Church Meeting Hall at 4:00PM. This event was indeed special as it was the first one to be organized after one and a half years gap, owing to the COVID 19 pandemic.

The programme commenced with a hymn by the members of the club and Mrs.Mable Rodrigues, Convenor of the Health Commission under PPC read a passage from the Bible. 

Mr. Edward Coelho, Founder Coordinator of the Senior Citizens Club, Derebail, extended a cordial welcome to all gathered. Lion Mr.Vincent Castelino introduced the Guest Speaker of the Day- Dr.Rashmi D'Souza MBBS, DLD,DHNE,DNS, Consultant-ENT-Surgeon, Nutrition Therapist and Managing Partner of Cast-a-Weigh. Rev.Fr.Austin Peres, Parish Priest of Derebail Church, Mrs.Sheela D'Souza,Vice President of PPC, Mr Gaulbert Pais, the Secretary of PPC and Treasurer of the club, Mrs.Mable Rodrigues, Convenor of the Health Commission and Mr.Edward Coelho were present on the dais.

Dr. Rashmi D'Souza spoke on 'Aging Gracefully and Healthy Diet'. Her talk began with a mention of how lifestyles of the past and present are different. In the older days , human beings did a lot of physical work that let them be fit, without any conscious physical exercise. She emphasized that Health is the biggest Wealth. She added that human beings should not exist to make money alone , rather they should learn to be make happiness their priority.

The resource person emphasized the importance of following the right diet. She spoke on how living a luxurious life does not necessarily give us a healthy life style.It is important that we eat healthy as 70% of our health depends on the food we consume, 20% on exercise and 10% on our mental health and rest. Besides, Dr.Rashmi stressed that human beings require seven hours of sleep to be healthy. Our body repairs and grows internally while we are asleep.

Dr.Rashmi elaborated on the meal patterns and the time frame within which one should have their meals. She also stressed the need to consume water a small quantities, 7-8 glasses for women and 8-10 glasses for men.

Dr. Rashmi also spoke on the need to exercise for atleast 30 minutes per day. She gave the members tips on practicing yoga, doing warm-up exercise, breathing exercises etc. Dr.Rashmi advised that one should avoid using gadgets one hour before going to sleep. Above all she stated that a positive mindset is the most important driving force in life. 

During the Question-Answer session  Dr.Rashmi shared her thoughts on how one could keep one's mind clean by trying to forgive others. This in a way helps in enhancing the quality of our sleep. Always be prayerful and thank God in all moments.

In his Presidential address Rev.Fr.Austin Peres appreciated Dr.Rashmi's efforts on reaching her audience by trying to speak in Konkani and sharing a vast amount of her knowledge and experience. He stated that even "food" (Amrutha) can become "poison" (visha) if consumed without limitation. He advised the members of the club to visit their doctors and follow the medications as prescribed by the doctor.

The talk was interestingly presented by Dr. Rashmi. This was her first talk that she delivered in her mother tongue, Konkani. She expressed her gratitude towards the members of the Senior Citizens Club and the Parish Priest of Derebail Parish for the opportunity.

Mr. Gaulbert Pais, the Treasurer of the Club and Secretary of the PPC rendered the Vote of Thanks. Mr.Victor Correa, EC member of the club compered. A total of sixty members were present.

Report by: Edward Coelho 
Pictures: Gaulbert Pais