Carethics

Increasing lifestyle based problems, stressful work environments, and rising junk food intakes have spurred a number of health related problems: obesity, increasing cholesterol levels, deteriorating heart conditions et al. However, consumers have started getting health conscious as never before, adopting the new mantra of ‘Don’t shed pounds, shed the habits which increase the pounds’. Changing consumer behavior and holistic approach towards lifestyle has given great momentum to the wellness industry in India. Be it health based foods, exercising or living a right lifestyle, consumers want to undo all the wrong habits.

Consumers are taking on to the preventive health care route. Even the companies are laying stress on ergonomics for their employees.

The number of gyms, yoga centres, aerobic and fitness centres has risen significantly. Even these lay stress on lifestyle mangement rather than just weight loss.

Spas, ayurvedic massage centres, aromatherapy centres, et al aim to rejuvinate and relaxe their clients.

Concept of ‘Health Resorts’ and ‘Wellness Holidays’ is also gaining popularity.

There is also a spurge in the natural, ayurvedic and herbal products category. A plethora of options are available to the consumers today: The Body Shop, Forest Essentials, Khadi, Himalaya, Nyassa, Birla Veda, Dabur, et al.

Be it FMCG companies, pharmas or food product companies all are looking forward to bring forth to the consumers, health based products.

Health drinks, edible oils good for the heart, chips with less trans fat, pure juices, et al have made spaces on the shelves and will continue to do so.

After all ‘being fit’ is in!

We all know that India is termed the World Diabetes Capital and if estimates are true by 2030 there will be 79.4 million Indians suffering from diabetes. I read a very interesting article in DNA Money, stating that though all the major pharmaceutical companies have joined the bandwagon for bringing out novel diabetic drugs, there is barely one company -Eli Lilly, a US drug major who is conducting clinical trials for a drug that aims at targeting diabetec blindness or as they call it in medical jargon – diabetic retinopathy. No oral medication is available at present for this illness; and the current treatments: laser treatment, avastin injection and surgery are limited, have side effects and burn a hole in the pocket.

At a time when 20% of the Indian diabetics could lose vision and the risk for diabetics contracting blindness is 25% more than a non-diabetics, the drug ‘ruboxistaurin’ by Eli Lilly may be a major blessing!

Alternative medicine has been the highlight of India and is gaining a lot of traction in the medical tourism industry. A number of resorts are now positioning themselves as spa resorts or ayurveda resorts, providing these services and complimenting the same with exotic locations.

Looking forward to a rejuvinating, relaxing and a complete wellness holiday in India?

Here’s an exhaustive list of  resorts for you to escape the stress of every day routine!

Even Apollo Hospitals  have a dedicated department for alternative and complimentary medicine. If alternative medicine is seen as  a substitute for conventional medicine, such as ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, et al;  complimentary medicine is a combination of alternative medicine and conventional medicine.

Wellness holidays are gaining a lot of popularity in India owing to the wide range of alternative treatments being provided in India at relatively lower costs and India being world renowned as the country where the science of ayurveda and yoga originated.