2. KEY POINTS 2
MEANING OF YOGA
IMPORATANCE OF YOGA
BRIEF HISTORY OF YOGA
ELEMENTS OF YOGA
Introduction- Asanas, Pranayama, Meditation and yogic kriyas
Yoga for concentration and related Asanas – (Sukhasana, Tadasana, Padmasana, Shashank
asana, Naukasana, Vrikshasana (Tree pose), Gasudasana (Eagle pose)
Relaxation Techniques for improving concentration - Yog Nidra
PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF AASANAS & PRANAYAM
PREVENTION ANAD MANAGEMENT OF COMMON LIFESTYLE DISEASES
OBESITY, DIABETES, HYPERTENSION, BACK PAIN, ASTHMA
3. MEANING OF YOGA
The word Yoga has been derived from the Sanskrit word “ YUG ” which means to join or to
Unite.
Yoga is the Union of the Individual soul with the Absolute or Divine Soul.
Yoga also means the unification of physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual aspects of human
being.
Yoga is the science of development of a person’s consciousness.
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4. Patanjali - “Checking the impulse of mind is yoga”.
Maharishi Ved Vyas - “Yoga is attaining the pose”.
In Bhagwat Gita, Lord Krishna says,
“Skill in action or efficiency alone is yoga.
Definition of Yoga 4
5. IMPORATANCE OF YOGA
Yoga can be Performed Easily.
Spiritual Development.
Increases Flexibility.
Reduces Obesity.
Improves Health.
Enhances Moral and Ethical Values
Physical Purity.
Cures and Prevention from Disease.
Reduces Mental Tension.
Beautification of Body.
Provides Relaxation.
Keeps the Correct Posture of Body.
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6. 1. PHYSICAL PURITY
2. CURES AND PREVENTION FROM DISEASE
Internal organs of our body can be cleansed by various Yogic exercises.
As per Ayurveda, our body is made of Vaat, Pitt and Kaph. To remain healthy, balance of vaat , Pitt and
kaph in our body is necessary.
Dhoti, Nauli, Basti, Kapalbhati,Tratak etc. are such yogic exercises which keep the internal organs of our
body in Clean state.
Yoga not only prevents many diseases but also cures them.
Various Yogic exercises increases the immunity of the body.
Diseases such as Bronchitis, Sinusitis, Arthritis, Gastritis, Asthma, High bloods pressure, Stress , Back pain,
Urinary disorders etc. can be prevented as well as can be cured by yogic exercises
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7. 3. REDUCE MENTAL TENSION
4. REDUCE OBESITY
Yoga helps in reducing the mental tension. Pratyahar, Dharana and Dhyan plays vital role in reducing the
mental stress.
Asanas like Makarasana, Shavasana, Shalabhasana and Bhujangasana are beneficial for releasing stress
and tension
Obesity is becoming a worldwide problem.
Obesity makes a person prone to many diseases.
Research studies have shown that mental tension and stress could be one of the reason for obesity.
Pranayam & Yogica Asanas releases mental stress, reduces obesity and makes body strong and perfect.
Mayurasan is one such asanas.
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8. 5. PROVIDES RELAXATION
6. KEEP THE CORRECT POSTURE OF BODY
Rest and relaxations are essentials for removing fatigue.
Research studies have shown that Yogic asanas and Panayama relaxes the body and mind.
Padamasana , Shavasana and Makarasana are some of such asanas
Postural deformities are very common nowadays due to lifestyle followed which effects efficiency
negatively.
Doing Yoga asanas regularly , a person can not only have the correct posture, but can also cure the
postural deformities .
Vajrasana , Sarvangasana , Mayurasana , Chakrasana ,Bhujangasana etc
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9. 7. YOGA CAN BE PERFORMED EASILY
8. SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
In fast life of today, every one claims to be very busy , hardly any time left for self.
Doing Yogic exercise need only a small space , where as others need much of money and time
One can have good control on mind by doing Yogic exercises and move towards the spiritual heights.
Padmasana and Siddhasana enhances the meditation power.
Pranayam is also useful for spiritual development.
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10. 9. INCREASES FLEXIBILITY
10. REDUCES OBESITY
Flexibility is very significant as it helps in movement of the body efficiently .
Muscles becomes more flexible and prevents sports and other injuries.
Chakrasana , Dhanurasana , Halasana , Bhujangasana etc. are very beneficial in increasing body flexibility.
Very common problem now a days.
Regular Yogic exercise like pranayama and asanas reduces obesity .
Research studies have shown that obesity is also caused by mental stress and tension.
Meditative asanas are the perfect solution for this condition.
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11. 11. IMPROVES HEALTH
12. ENHANCES MORAL AND ETHICAL VALUES
Yoga not only maintains but improves our health .
Muscles becomes more strong .
Various system of body like respiratory , circulatory , nervous , excretory etc. becomes more efficient
resulting improvement in over all health.
Yoga is very significant for human being in present-day life.
By following first two steps of Ashtanga Yoga : Yama and Niyama (Ahimsa , Satya , Asteya , Santosh ,
Tapa etc. ) these values are enhanced.
An individual can attain perfect health and lead a content life by performing yogic exercise daily.
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12. BRIEF HISTORY OF YOGA
Evidences shows that history of Yoga is related to the Indus Valley civilization
(3300- 1300 BC ).
Yoga is also mentioned in Upanishads, Mahabharata & Ramayana.
Maharishi Patanjali gave Yoga Sutra around 147 B.C.
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13. YOGA AS AN INDIAN HARITAGE
It can be said authentically that history of Yoga is as old as India’s history. Yoga has been the main element
of Indian culture from the ancient period.
1.Pre-Vedic Period
2.Vedic Period
3.Upanishadic Period
4.Epic Period
5.Sutra Period
6.Smriti Period
7.Medieval Period
8.Modern Period
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14. Pre-Vedic Period ( 3300-1300 BC)
The excavation of Mohenjodaro and Harappa in Indus valley reveals that Yoga was
practiced in some form at that period. Idols, statues & seals excavated are in various yogic postures.
Vedic Period ( 1750-500 BC)
Some concepts of Yoga which were developed later on, are seen in Vedas. Yoga & Yogis are not used in Vedas
“Yunjate” used in RigVeda gives the idea of the Yoga for sense control.
Upanishadic Period
The real basis of Yoga is found in Upanishads. Prana and Nadis are important topics discussed in Upanishads.
Various Yogic practices and their physiological effects are mentioned in Upanishads.
Epic Period(1000-600 BC)
Ramayana and Mahabharata are the vital source of information about various types of Yogic practices which were
used during that period. Bhagwad Gita deals with the three paths of Yoga ,namely Gyan, Bhakti and Karma
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15. Sutra Period
Maharaishi Patanjali gave “Yoga sutra” approximately in 147 BC. YogaSutra is divided into
four parts. Maharishi Patanjali described Ashtanga Yoga or eight limbs of Yoga. The scriptures related to
Buddhism and Jainism reveal that Yoga was also a main part of life of the people
Smriti Period
Smritis were written till about 1000 AD. During this period , we find various changes in ideas, beliefs worship and
customs. Pranayama and other purification techniques were used in many religious rituals.
Medieval Period
During this period , the two cults – Natha cult and Bhakti cult very famous. Hatha Yoga was evolved and was very
popular in Natha Cult. Saints of this period were following yoga .
Modern Period
Swami Vivekananda, Yogananda, Maharishi Raman, Sri Aurobindo played important role in spreading Yoga out of
India. Yogacharya B K S Iyenger , Baba Ramdev has inspired millions of Indians and foreigners to use Yoga to
make them healthy and release mental stress and tension
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18. YAMA
Ahimsa: Causing no harm to any living thing. Anxiety , jealousy, hate ,anger are violent emotions.
Satya: Truthfulness. We must be truthful in thoughts, speech and deeds. We must not speak to others in
deceitful manners.
Asteya: Non-stealing. The inclination to use others objects, money and thoughts for one’s own benefit is
stealing. Abstaining from it is Asteya.
Brahamcharya : Conserving one’s energy . Using your energy for the benefit of the individual & society,
not for pleasure.
Aparigraha : Non- possessiveness, non-grasping or non-greediness. Aparigraha refers to keeping the
desire for possessions to what is necessary or important, depending on one's life stage and context
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19. NIYAMA
Saucha: It is purification of Internal organs, external body and mentally. Shatkarmas are to be performed
for purification of the internal organs of the body. Neti, Dhoti, Kapalbharti, Nauli,Tratak, Basti are the six
kriyas ( Shatkarmas).
Santosh: Feeling of satisfaction in life.
Tapa: To endure the difficulties, obstacles and complex situation easily in achieving the goal.
Swadhyaya: It is considered as the study of teaching and scriptures, self study is preferred.It also means
introspection and self study by asking questions like who I am, What should I do, Aim of Life.
Ishwara Pranidhan: To dedicate all the deeds to God. One surrenders oneself to God expelling pride,
ego and other impurities from mind
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20. ASANA
Asana means position or posture of body. It also means to sit in easy posture.
These are slow stretching activities performed to keep the body flexible agile and
young.
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21. PRANAYAMA
It is the control of the process of the breathing. It means appropriate control over inhalation and exhalation. It
helps in regulating the metabolic activity and enhances the function of heart and lungs. It also provides
longevity to life.
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22. PRATYAHAR
Control over senses is Pratyahara.
The senses no longer respond to external objects that hinder mental concentration
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23. DHARANA
DHYANA
It is the concentration of mind at one focal point.
It is a mental exercise which enables a Yogi to go ahead towards Dhayan and Samadhi
Dhyana is a complete constancy or concentration of mind.
SAMADHI
The union of individual’s soul with the supreme soul is called Samadhi.
It is checking or destruction of all the impulses of mind.
During Dhyana, when the disappearance of self awareness takes place , the Yogi attains the stage of
Samadhi.
Experiences the divine pleasure.
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24. MEANING OF ASANAS
िथिरिुखमासिम
Position which is steady and comfortable.
In Asanas, body is kept in various positions in such a way that the activity of the organs and glands of body
becomes more efficient and finally improve the health of mind and body.
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28. Yoga for Concentration and Related
Asanas
Sukhasana,
Tadasana,
Padmasana,
Shashankasana,
Vrikshasana,
Garudasana
Naukasana
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29. MEANING OF PRANAYAMA
It is comprised of two words :
“prana” + “ayam”
means
vital life force + control
“the control or regulation of prana”
Pran – means oxygen (Breathe that gives life)
Ayama – means inhaling, exhaling and retaining (control)
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32. MEANING OF MEDITATION
Meditation is a process of complete constancy of mind.
According to Patanjali , “The concentration of Chitta (mind) on an Vritti (impulse) without any
divergence , is called Dhyana .
The stage when perception starts directly is called real Dhyanavastha.
Dhayna is not a practice but it is a stage of mind in which there is a continuous dynamic
consciousness without any obstruction.
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33. Benefits of Meditation
It gives peace of mind/heart
It increase power of concentration
It enhancing self Knowledge
It increases the mental power which control the power of distracting our mind.
Meditation helps to increase concentration.
It gives relaxation to the body and mind.
It cures stress and Anxiety.
It improves the function of nervous system.
It activates the brain and mind properly.
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34. Yogic Kriyas
The kriyas are techniques used for caring and purifying the body are mind internally.
The techniques are six action which are also kraon as shatkarmas.
Through the practice of six action and exercises we can purify our internal organs.
The six actions are:
1. Neti – Nasal cleansing
2. Dharti – Stomach cleansing
3. Vasti – intestine cleansing
4. Nauli – Abdominal Massage
5. Trataka – Blinkless Gazing
6. Kpalbhati – Purification of frontal lob and lungs.
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36. Yog Nidra
Yog nidra is an effortless relaxation.
It is an essential end to any Yoga pose sequence.
Yoga posture warms up the body; Yoga nidra ‘cools’ it down.
benefits of Yog Nidra
Cools down the body after yoga postures.
Restoring normal temperature.
Activates the nervous system to absorb the effects of Yoga asanas.
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37. Getting ready for Yog Nidra
The stomach has to be empty or light before the practice It is not recommended to
practice Yoga asanas or Yoga nidra after a full meal.
A comfortable clutter free space A yogi’s home is calm, comfortable.
Some people may feel a little cold after Yoga Nidra, so, it is a good idea to keep a light
blanket handy.
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38. PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF AASANAS &
PRANAYAM
It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
Increases exercise tolerance.
Leads to a deeper level of physical relaxation.
Good for people with high blood pressure.
Decreases muscle tension
Helps in chronic diseases like allergies, arthritis
etc.
Enhances the immune system.
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Enhances energy, strength and vigour.
Helps with weight loss
Reduction of tissue damage
Higher skin resistance
Drop in cholesterol levels, lowers risk of
cardiovascular disease.
Improved flow of air to the lungs resulting in
easier breathing.
39. PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF
AASANAS & PRANAYAM
Decreases the aging process.
Cure headaches & migraines
Reduced Need for Medical Care
Less energy wasted
More inclined to sports, activities
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Significant relief from asthma
Improved performance in athletic events
Normalizes to your ideal weight
Harmonizes our endocrine system
Relaxes our nervous system
40. PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF COMMON
LIFESTYLE DISEASES
In modern age ,almost everyone is indulge in sedentary lifestyle.
No healthy eating habits and regular physical activities.
Remote controls and vehicles are used in abundance instead of manual work and walking.
Such lifestyle creates many diseases like:
OBESITY
DIABETES
HYPERTENSION
BACK PAIN
ASTHMA
Such diseases are called common life style diseases.
These are one of the primary cause of death.
WHO is alarmed by the increasing number of such patients.
These are preventable and manageable diseases.
Can be reduced by changes in diet , lifestyle and environment.
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41. OBESITY
It is the excess accumulation of fats resulting increased body weight.
Non consumed fat of the body get deposited under the skin, areas like abdomen, waist, chest, shoulder,
legs etc.
It leads to many health risks like loss of physical efficiency, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases , arthritis
,respiratory problems etc.
Due to so many health risk occurs by Obesity, it is declared a disease.
Appearance
Body weight is more in proportion to height (according to ht. and wt. chart).
Body fat % is calculated. If body fat % is more than the requirement, he/she is obese. Out of these 3
methods, height and weight chart is more preferred as it is easily available.
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43. PREVENTION OF OBESITY
Two types of preventive measures for Obesity which are directly
related to sports (exercise) and lifestyle management.
1. Exercise _ related preventive measures.
2. Diet _ related preventive measures.
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44. Exercise - related preventive measures FOR OBESITY
1) Regular Physical exercise : Children need an hour of moderate to vigorous exercises daily to prevent
obesity. Exercises taken can be aerobic , jogging, running, cycling etc.
2) To Play Games and Sports regularly: Regular games and sports prevents obesity. Children should play
games like football , basketball, hockey etc. for at least one hour daily . It should be a regular phenomenon
the whole life span.
3) Weight Training exercises: The research studies indicate that weight training programmes for children are
safe and effective for preventing and curing obesity , if supervised properly . Earlier it used to be considered
harmful for children as it put stress on joints.
4) Resistance Exercise: These exercise cure and prevent obesity . Improves muscular strength , strength of
tendons and strength of bones of children . For these exercises focus should be on the technique and number
repetitions (12 to 16) rather than amount of weight.
5) Yogic Exercises : Help in preventing and curing obesity. Research has shown that stress and tension tend to
increase weight. Pranayam and meditative asanas help in releasing the stress ,thus preventing and curing
obesity , where as other asanas help in making the body flexible and healthy.
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45. Diet - related preventive measures FOR OBESITY
1) Avoid Fatty Foods: Fats are having maximum number of calories. The extra calories which are not
consumed by the body are accumulated in the body as fat.
2) Avoid Junk and Fast Foods: The junk and Fast food like pizza, burger, chips, chocolates and cold drinks
consists of high calories. Intake of such foods leads to obesity .
3) Avoid overeating: Overeating leads to intake of excess calories than what is required by our body. These
extra calories are than accumulated in the body as fat.
4) Don’t Eat Frequently: Eating frequently leads to taking in extra calories.
5) Avoid Rich Carbo hydrated Foods: Carbohydrates are necessary part of our daily diet but food like
sugar, rice, potatoes, sweets should be avoided
6) Don’t skip Meals: Skipping meals increases hunger and it results in greater food consumption in the next
meal.
7) Take low calorie diet: Take low calorie diet with essential constituents and nutrients .
8) Avoid Alcohol, Smoking and Drugs : Alcohol is directly absorbed from the stomach in the blood streams
and easily stored as fat. Similarly smoking and drugs leads to obesity.
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46. MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY
1) Consists mainly of dieting and physical exercises.
2) Diet programs are good for short period
3) Weight is reduced by taking low fat, low carbohydrate, low calorie diet
4) Aerobic exercises like walking, running, cycling, dancing etc. reduces body fat. Exercise 60 min a day , 5
days a week
5) Anti-obesity medicines. These medicines should be taken under doctor’s guidance and generally has
many side effects.
6) Surgery. Called Bariatric or weight-loss surgery. Recommended for individuals having BMI over 40. a. Size
of intestine is reduced which reduces the food absorption b. Liposuction
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47. DIABETES
Insulin( Hormone) in our body controls the level of sugar in blood.
When body does not produce sufficient amount of Insulin or when insulin does not work properly, Diabetes
occur.
People with obesity are prone to Diabetes
Common symptoms of Diabetes :
Feeling of tiredness
Need to urinate frequently
Numbness in Hands & Feet
Blurred Vision
Excessive weight gain or weight loss
Unhealing of wounds Type I TYPE II No Insulin is produced by Pancreas Sufficient amount of Insulin is NOT
produced. Rare type of Diabetes Insulin produced is not used properly Daily Insulin injection is required for
treatment Frequent type of Diabetes
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48. PREVENTION OF DIABETES
1. Regular Exercises: Regular exercise can reduce the sugar level in blood. It also improves the production of
Insulin and strengthen the heart. Regular exercise of 60 min per day can prevent and manage Type II
2. Maintain a healthy Weight: One should maintain a BMI between 18.5 to 25. Hence Intake of calories should
be monitored according to the consumption of calories.
3. Reduce the Intake of Saturated Fat: Intake of Saturated Fat in more amount leads to Obesity which in turn
makes a person Diabetes prone
4. Avoid Rich Carbohydrate Food: Digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into sugar which is absorbed
in the blood thus raising the sugar level in the blood.
5. Eat Healthy Foods: Vegetables, fruits and fibre-rich whole grains help in preventing diabetes. More vibrantly
coloured fruits and vegetables like spinach, carrot, peaches and berries have more nutrients and help in
prevention of diabetes. Whole grains like oatmeal, barley, brown rice, whole wheat, corn 6. Eat Small Portion
Meals: Take small meals ( every 2 to 3 hrs.) instead of big meals, as it will raise the blood sugar level high. It
will also prevent blood sugar level going below normal
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49. MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES
It aims to help persons who are suffering from high blood sugar levels and want to minimize the risk of
developing further complications in life. Few life style changes may help in managing the disease.
1. Eat Balanced Diet: For type II diabetes ,patient should consult dietician for proper diet to keep their blood
sugar level within the normal range.
2. Regular Exercises : Regular exercise program can improve blood sugar, decrease the risk of heart disease .
The exercises should include aerobics and moderate & resistance training.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: One should maintain a healthy weight which will have a positive effect on
blood sugar control
4. Have plenty of sleep: 6 to 8 Hrs sleep will provide required rest to the body and keeps the body stress free
free . It will have positive effect on controlling the blood sugar level.
5. Manage stress: Stress is one of the reasons for disorder of blood sugar level. Asanas and Pranayama helps
in keeping the body stress free.
6. Take regular medicine: Type II diabetes can be tackled by healthy diet and regular exercise in initial stage .
In advance stage, regular medicine is required in form of tablets and insulin injections
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50. HYPERTENSION
It means increased blood pressure .
It has two components Systolic and Diastolic BP
It is measured in millimeter of mercury ( mm/Hg)
120/80 mm/ Hg is considered normal blood pressure of an adult person
Earlier hyper tension was considered middle and old age problem. But nowadays, the
youngsters are also facing hypertension due to not practicing positive life style
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51. PREVENTTION & MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION
1.Change in Life style : Change in life style can be a boon to the person having hypertension. One should take a
a balanced diet.
2. Exercises or Sports Activity: Sports activity are helpful in prevention and treatment of hypertension.
Moderate exercise with high intensity are very effective for a long term blood pressure lowering program.
3. Reduce Obesity: Reducing body weight is the most effective way to prevent & manage hypertension. To
achieve this, one should go for balanced diet and quality program of exercises
4. Take proper Diet: Reduce intake of Sodium(salt),take food containing potassium, calcium , magnesium, high
fibre, whole grains , vegetables etc. Researches indicate that such diet is beneficial
5. Relieve Stress: Relieving from stress reduces hypertension. One should try to indulge in recreational activities
as well as in meditation, regular walk, mixing with community etc.
6. Take medicines: If measures like change of life style, exercise and diet are not able to prevent hypertension(
140/90 mm/ Hg or higher), one requires regular medication.
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52. BACK PAIN
Back Pain is a common problem all over the world
It generally originates from the bones, joints, muscles or nerves etc.
It can be in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar region
it can be constant, stay in one place or radiate to other parts such as arms , hips or legs.
The affected person is unable to do his work efficiently and smoothly
Reasons for back pain may be wrong body postures, lack of physical activity, overweight,
excessive smoking, lack of flexibility or undue stress on back
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53. PREVENTION OF BACK PAIN
1.Regular Exercises: Regular exercises are helpful in enhancing strength and keeping the body weight in
control. Aerobic exercises are considered best as these exercises do not strain or jerk the back. Along these
exercises, the flexibility exercises such as bending forward , backward,
2. Maintain Appropriate Body weight: Overweight and obese persons are at the greater risk of developing
back pain . To maintain an appropriate body weight, regular exercise and balanced diet
3. Proper Sitting Posture: Proper sitting posture is mandatory for prevention of back pain. One should sit with
erect & straight back on chair and feet should be flat on the floor
4. Proper Standing Posture : One should keep back straight and balance body weight evenly on both feet
while standing .Toes should be 3” to 4” apart . Knees should be straight.
5. Avoid lifting Heavy weight : Lifting heavy weight without using proper technique , causes injury to the back.
Keep the back straight, head up, squat properly & then lift the weight.
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