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By Kumudini Hettiarachchi
Downed they did their stethoscopes and thermometers and got into exercise mode, turning words that they preach to numerous patients into action.
Doctors, matrons, nurses, pharmacists, administrators and other staff, along with Deputy Director Dr. Santhushya Fernando of the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital gathered in Room 25 on the second floor for a vigorous 1½-hour exercise session before getting back to their onerous duties.
The exercise session underway. Pic by Indika Handuwala
The exercise sessions, for two batches of staff at different times, so as not to disrupt the hospital’s service, have been organised by the Diabetes and Endocrine Unit of the hospital. It was to commemorate World Diabetes Day.
Height and weight of any newcomer to the exercise routine are recorded and the body-mass index (BMI) worked out. Next the person joins the people on the floor, some clad in T-shirts and pants, some in nurses’ uniform and the more staid females in skirt and blouse.Before any movement ensues, it is question-and-answer time.
“Why are we here,” asks trainer W.K. Colombage, assisted in conducting these sessions by Sanduni and Nadeesha. What is your height and what is your weight? If the weight is 155 kg and the height is 100 cm, what is the BMI? Why is it important to know the BMI?
The replies flow forth – “we need to keep the BMI under control because it is good for the health; it prevents non-communicable diseases etc.”
“Yes, you need to keep your body lean. You need to be in good mental health. If you become obese, hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes and osteoarthritis will follow,” says Mr. Colombage.
Thereafter, follows a beat and all those on the floor warm-up before getting into vigorous cardio-exercises……..paving the way for a healthy lifestyle. A little push and a wish that, hopefully, they would do just a few exercises daily back at home too.