Dr Sai Sudarsan (MCh, FRCS)

PREHABILITATION A INNOVATIVE CONCEPT TO COUNTER CORONA VIRUS  We all know that social distancing, hand washing, wearing masks play an important role in our war against the pandemic. Today I am discussing another strategy called prehabilitation in our fight against corona. This is a strategy with a scientific basis. This is not a cure and does not need nay equipment for implementation. It aims at improving a person’s health to withstand the massive stress the body and mind have to encounter. The concept of prehabilitation was first introduced during the Second World War. It was used to enhance the physical and mental condition of individuals prior to enlisting in the British army. The rejection rate came down drastically once this concept was introduced. Mountain climbers also use the same concept and they call it acclimatization.  This concept has been utilized of late in health care. Of late the number of surgical procedures have increased worldwide...

As social and physical distancing has become paramount in our efforts to contain the spread of corona virus, loosing social connections comes with psychological costs. These may become more severe as these measures drag on. Across the world, colleges and offices have become online, restaurants have closed and public places have barred visitors. Quarantine is the extreme form of social distancing and its impact is greater than not eating on many of the affected people. Many of the affected people experience mental health problems. These include insomnia, exhaustion, substance abuse, anxiety and depression to name a few. These individuals may experience a high-level alcohol abuse later. The economic fall out such as recession and unemployment can result in wide spread mental health challenges. Some individuals may fare better and there may be an increase in their social connect, since families are locked down. They stay connected through phone calls, text messages or b...