1 Now IPL’s bubble has burst, and many players and support staff have been found Covid +, therefore BCCI has indefinitely postponed the balance matches of the current IPL tournament. In the first BCCI should not have started the tournament knowing that the pandemic in the country is becoming a serious issue, but they had only one thing in mind, and that is financial gains from in-stadium advertising and broadcasting rights. In the end, better sense prevailed and the tournament is postponed.
2 After Supreme Court (SC), yesterday Delhi High Court (HC) issued a notice to Central govt on the issue of medical oxygen gas supply to Delhi. There is a shortage of oxygen throughout the country, I fail to understand, why the issue of shortage of oxygen in Delhi is being highlighted in SC and Delhi HC? Are they think Delhi is only India?. This question is worth pondering over.
3 Now coming to my other topic of the day, which is health-related. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in all age groups, but it is a serious health issue for seniors in India. There is not much awareness about it yet. It is important to understand what the risks are and why sunlight plays a vital role in helping us in maintaining Vitamin D levels in our body. Doctors have always advised seniors not to spend much time outside during the scorching summers, especially during the peak time of 11 am to 4 pm. Chances of dehydration and heat stroke are more when people spend more time outside in the sun without proper precautions.
However, the doctors have also mandated people to spend at least 10 minutes in the sun before 10 am or after 4 pm, to ensure no Vitamin D deficiency happens. This could also be done as regular walks, a bit of gardening, or even sunbathing on the terrace. But, the Covid 19 crisis has put everyone in quandary, as none of us are allowed to step out. Senior citizens, especially, have been advised not to step out even for essential items, as they are vulnerable. But, the issue of not getting enough Vitamin D, is something that has to be handled by individuals.
If you have access to the terrace or a balcony, where enough sun comes during the early morning or late evening, make it a point to spend some time in the sun. You could just stand there or put on a chair and read a book, or do some exercises if that suits you. These few moments in the sun could be a lifesaver for you and help build your immunity as well.
It is also being said that Vitamin D provides natural immunity to fight diseases like a corona. But this has not been proven still. We need a little bit of sunlight to maintain our health and Vitamin D levels, there is no harm in maintaining the same.
If you have access to the sun, then it is well, but if not, then you need to ensure you have Vitamin D-rich foods. Fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, shrimp, and tuna are a good way to get the required amount of Vitamin D. One may also consume Cod Liver oil, which has been used for a long to treat Vitamin D deficiency. Egg yolk is another good option, while for vegetarians, they can look at consuming more of mushrooms. The other option is to look for fortified foods, including cow and soy milk that can help you with the daily quota of Vitamin D. Apart from this many breakfast bowls of cereal, dairy products, like cheese, yogurt, tofu, and fruit juices, and other foods are also fortified with Vitamin D. it is best to stick to natural options, but if not available, one may resort to other options, then to end up with a deficiency.
As a last resort, if you feel that you are not getting enough sunlight, or able to find any foods as mentioned above, you may get in touch with your doctor. Even during this pandemic, all the doctors are available via phone, video conferencing or online, for consultations. One can check with the doctor about the supplements, depending on your age, health, and medical condition, if any, can suggest the Vitamin D supplements.
I hope this information will be useful for all of you, during this pandemic.
Waiting for your views/comments.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
5th May 2021.