Delhi: 60 yrs old doctor completes 80 half marathons
Rohit Shishodia
Sixty-year-old Dr. Rajesh Acharya who is a Neurosurgeon at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital has proven that the age is just a number by completing his 80th half marathon on National Sports Day, the birth anniversary of legendary Major Dhyan Chand & 2nd Anniversary of “Fit India Movement.”
In the morning of August 29, 2021 Dr. Acharya ran his 80th Half Marathon of 21 kilometers at Shanti Path – Nehru Park which was completed in 3 hours.
Dr. Acharya, who is an avid runner and fitness enthusiast, said that it has been proven that neurological complications in COVID patients can be prevented by increasing immunity by keeping oneself fit and running.
While sharing his tips for attaining physical fitness and avoiding stroke, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Acharya, advised, “I would suggest all individuals irrespective of age indulge in moderate or vigorous physical activity. Running marathons helps one to increase vital capacity of lungs, pumping action of the heart and builds strong bones and muscles.”
Explaining how exercises can prevent incidences of stroke, Dr. Acharya said that stroke occurs when blood supply to any part of the brain is reduced; brain cells begin to die in minutes.
“One in four people are at risk of suffering from a stroke. Stroke is a medical emergency mainly due to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and obesity: most of which can be prevented by moderate to vigorous physical activity,” he said.
Dr. Acharya started running after 53 years of age and has successfully completed 80 half marathons in the last 8 years.
Dr. Acharya said that doctors often advise their patients and society to adopt a healthy lifestyle by regular exercise and dietary changes but somehow ignore their own health.
“They often have long working hours, a sedentary lifestyle and at times bad food habits. Health and fitness is the key to a long, active and enjoyable life. It is correctly stated that health is the actual wealth that a person can retain. Regular exercise may keep our body 30-years younger,” he advised.
