My Health My Right and Ayurveda's My Health My Responsibility

?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? World Health Day 2024

?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? “My health, my right” V/s “ My Health My Responsibility”

The theme of this year's World Health Day is “My health, my responsibility”? Ayurveda says My Health My Responsibility”

Let's see the difference between these basic terms.

Just two words can define the difference between Emphasis and Impaction

1. My Health, My Right: This concept emphasizes the entitlement of individuals to access healthcare services, information, and resources as a fundamental right. It underscores the importance of healthcare as a human right, advocating for equal and equitable access to healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, ethnicity, or background. It aligns with the advocacy for healthcare policies and systems that ensure universal access, affordability, and quality of healthcare services.

1. My Health, My Responsibility:

1. This concept shifts the focus from entitlement to personal agency and accountability regarding one's health and well-being.
2. It highlights the individual's role in making healthy lifestyle choices, seeking preventive care, and actively participating in their own healthcare management.
3. It emphasizes the need for individuals to take ownership of their health by adopting healthy habits, managing chronic conditions, seeking medical advice when needed, and adhering to treatment plans.

"My Health, My Right" advocates for universal access to healthcare as a fundamental human right, while "My Health, My Responsibility" emphasizes individual accountability for making choices that promote and maintain good health. Both concepts are important in promoting comprehensive and equitable healthcare for all individuals.

Around the world, the right to health of millions is increasingly coming under threat. The WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All has found that at least 140 countries recognize health as a human right in their constitution. Yet countries are not passing and putting into practice laws to ensure their populations are entitled to access health services. This underpins the fact that at least 4.5 billion people — more than half of the world’s population — were not fully covered by essential health services in 2021.

To address these challenges, the theme for World Health Day 2024 is “My health, my right”

• Know your health rights.?You have the right to safe and quality care, without any discrimination. privacy and confidentiality of your health information. information about your treatment and informed consent. bodily autonomy and integrity.

Key facts?

• Human rights are universal rights of all human beings, regardless of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
• The right to health and other health-related human rights are legally binding commitments enshrined in international human rights instruments. WHO’s Constitution also recognizes the right to health.
• Every human being has the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Countries have a legal obligation to develop and implement legislation and policies that guarantee universal access to quality health services and address the root causes of health disparities, including poverty, stigma and discrimination.
• The right to health is indivisible from other human rights, including the rights to education, participation, food, housing, work and information.
• Universal health coverage (UHC) grounded in primary health care helps countries realize the right to health by ensuring all people have affordable, equitable access to health services.?

(https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-rights-and-health

Taking into consideration the information provided about health-related human rights and the right to health, as an individual, you have several responsibilities for your health:

1. Self-Care: It is essential to engage in self-care practices such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, getting adequate rest, and managing stress effectively.

2. Seeking Health Services: It is your responsibility to seek medical attention when needed, including preventive care such as vaccinations and screenings, and to follow medical advice and treatment plans.

3. Health Education: Stay informed about health issues, be proactive in learning about healthy behaviours, and make informed decisions regarding your health and well-being.

4. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Make healthy lifestyle choices such as avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and practising safe behaviors to prevent injuries and illnesses.

5. Advocacy for Health Rights: Advocate for health rights not only for yourself but also for others in your community. Support efforts to ensure universal access to quality healthcare services and address health disparities.

6. Participation: Engage in activities that promote community health and well-being, and participate in programs that support public health initiatives.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, you contribute to not only your own well-being but also the overall advancement of the right to health for all individuals. Remember that health is a shared responsibility, and by taking an active role in caring for your health, you uphold the principles of human rights and contribute to a healthier society.

Here are ways in which Ayurveda can contribute:

Holistic Approach: Ayurveda views health as a balance between mind, body, and spirit. It emphasizes preventive measures, lifestyle modifications, and personalized treatments to maintain overall well-being. Preventive Measures:

1. Dinacharya (Daily Routine): Ayurveda recommends daily practices such as waking up early, tongue scraping, oil pulling, and meditation to maintain health.
2. Ritucharya (Seasonal Routine): Adapting lifestyle and diet according to seasons helps prevent imbalances. Herbal Remedies: Ayurveda utilizes a wide range of herbs and natural substances for healing. These include turmeric, ginger, neem, ashwagandha, and tulsi. Herbal formulations can boost immunity, improve digestion, and address specific health issues. Panchakarma:
3. Panchakarma is a detoxification process that includes therapies like?vamana (emesis),?virechana (purgation), and?basti (enema). It helps remove toxins, rejuvenate tissues, and restore balance.
4. Diet and Nutrition: Ayurveda emphasizes individualised diets based on one’s constitution (dosha). Proper nutrition supports overall health. Eating mindfully, avoiding processed foods, and consuming fresh, seasonal produce are key principles.
5. Yoga and Meditation: Ayurveda and yoga are closely linked. Regular practice of yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation promotes physical and mental well-being.
6. Environmental Awareness: Ayurveda recognizes the impact of the environment on health. It encourages eco-friendly practices and sustainable living. Protecting natural resources, reducing pollution, and conserving biodiversity align with Ayurvedic principles.
7. Community Health: Ayurveda emphasizes community well-being. Local herbs, traditional practices, and community health programs can benefit all.

In summary, Ayurveda’s holistic approach, preventive measures, herbal remedies, and alignment with nature contribute to achieving the goal of accessible and quality health services for all.

Incorporating?Ayurveda?into your daily life can enhance your overall well-being. Here are some practical ways to integrate Ayurvedic principles:

• Morning Routine (Dinacharya):
• Wake Up Early: Rise with the sun to align with natural rhythms.
• Scrape Your Tongue: Use a tongue scraper to remove toxins.
• Oil Pulling: Swish coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for oral health.
• Hydrate: Start your day with warm water or herbal tea.
• Mindful Eating:

Eat According to Dosha: Discover your dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha)

Eat According to Dosha: Discover your dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) and tailor your diet accordingly.

Fresh and Seasonal: Choose locally grown, seasonal foods.

Chew Well your diet accordingly.

• Balanced Meals:

Six Tastes: Include all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent) in your meals.

Warm and Cooked: Favor warm, cooked foods over cold or raw options.

• Herbal Support:

Turmeric: Add turmeric to your meals for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger: Use fresh ginger in cooking or as a tea.

Tulsi (Holy Basil): Sip tulsi tea for stress relief.

• Yoga and Movement:
• Practice Yoga Asanas: Choose poses that balance your dosha.
• Walking: Take a daily walk to stay active.
• Mindfulness and Meditation:
• Meditate: Even a few minutes of meditation can calm the mind.
• Breathing Exercises (Pranayama): Practice deep breathing techniques.
• Self-Massage (Abhyanga):

Use warm sesame or coconut oil to massage your body before showering.

• Sleep Hygiene:

Early to Bed: Aim for 7-8 hours of restful sleep.

Avoid Screens: Limit screen time before bedtime.

• Embrace Nature:

Connect with the Elements: Spend time outdoors, feel the earth, and breathe fresh air.

Sun Exposure: Get sunlight in the early morning.

• Stress Management:
• Herbal Teas: Sip calming teas like chamomile or ashwagandha.
• Mindful Practices: Practice gratitude and positive affirmations.

Remember that Ayurveda is about balance and individualization. Listen to your body, observe how it responds, and make adjustments accordingly. Start with small steps, and gradually incorporate Ayurvedic practices into your daily routine.

"It is important to note that all recommendations provided are general in nature and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice."