Stress Buster

Stress is not just for the blue-collared, even the khaki clad policemen (Pandus as they are fondly called in Mumbai) have to fight stress related problems. In 1999, when 16 on-duty policemen died due to stress-related medical problems, the authorities got really worried. The then Commissioner of Police, R.H. Mendonca introduced compulsory health camps for his force. Recently, the Director-General of Police made it mandatory for policemen over 40 years to carry health cards, which are to be updated regularly.  Also, a hi-tech gym was installed and several cops with heart problems were assigned to non-demanding jobs.

The L.T. Marg police station joined hands with G.T. Hospital to provide free medical treatment to its over-worked and stressed-out policemen. The de-stressing project was the brainchild of senior police inspector Anil Nalavade and police inspector (administration) Ravindra Khandagale of L.T. Marg. The doctor's team headed by Dr Jaisingh Phadtare and Dr M. Ramraje of G.T. Hospital gave the thumbs-up sign and the project took off.

Medicine Kit

Maintain your own medicine kit at home and when travelling. Listed below are a few emergency medicines to counter common problems.

• Paracetamol - for pain or fever.
• Antihistamine - for allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites and to help prevent motion sickness.
• Antibiotics - It is better to carry a prescription with you for this.
• Loperamide - For diarrhoea
• Rehydration mixture - In case of severe diarrhoea.
• Insect repellant, sunscreen, lip balm and eye drops.
• Calamine lotion - to relieve sun burn.
• Antifungal cream or powder - for skin infections.
• Dettol - For cuts and grazes
• Bandages and band-aids  - Wound dressing.
• Thermometer
• Disposable syringes and needles - Useful in an emergency.
• Crocin - For fever
• Ibrufen - For body ache
• Throat lozenges and nasal decongestants.  
• Pain balm - For sprains, muscle pulls, etc.

T'ai Chi Chuan

T'ai Chi Chuan, a form of Chinese moving meditation is the only form of exercise where one stands and meditates using gravity to improve one's internal harmony. This standing posture is called Wu Chi. In China, it is used to lessen tension, promote relaxation and facilitate smooth energy flow in the body. It not only increases physical buoyancy but also creates inner peace.

T'ai Chi stands for Supreme, Ultimate, God, Truth. There are two major steps involved in T'ai Chi: meditation and movement. This form of meditation, in addition to conferring health benefits related to exercise, can be thought of as moving meditation. The best thing about these movements is the unique feeling of well being that you experience upon completing them. It makes the mind calm, relaxed and centered and makes one feel in tune with bodily actions and consequently with your environment. It is one of the paths to self development. 

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