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Published on: May 02, 2020
1 minute read
By: Dr Vibhash Mishra

Corona, Cricket And Telemedicine

Corona, cricket and telemedicine

As schoolboys, gossiping about cricket and cinema was our favorite pastime. Decades later when even our children are not school kids anymore, I must confess the nature of our pastime has not become any more serious. The COVID-19 lockdown has inadvertently provided a large chunk of humanity with a rare luxury. Otherwise who has the time in today’s world to stop and stay at home to catch a breath? So catching a breath is what one does these days. Call it reflection and introspection, if you will.

R Ashwin is considered something of an intellectual in the sport of cricket. The other day I happened to come across an interview in which he says we take sport too seriously. That is the large scheme of things, there are other far more important matters. That sports should be seen in a wider perspective and given a place that is not out of proportion.

That took me back by several years. To 1980 to be precise when India and England were playing the golden jubilee test. Bob Taylor was given out by the umpire but the Indian captain Gundappa Viswanath thought otherwise and insisted that he was recalled. The rest, as they say, is history. Now Viswanath himself was not an also-ran by any means. Not quite an intellectual like Ashwin, but a batting genius all the same and a giant of a human being.

We can debate the relative value of intellectuals and good human beings to society but that is not the point of my musing, although, I do believe that the world needs several-fold more good human beings than intellectuals.

Back to the point, I was closing in on.
There were curses and kudos for Viswanath. In the midst of all that, the legendary commentator Jasdev Singh made a very poignant remark - Viswanath gave away the game but kept alive the spirit to promote which sporting events are organized in the first place. Now, what is this spirit that Jasdev was referring to? Fairness? Justice? Healthy competition? Honesty? Integrity? But then, are those, not the values the world should be guided by anyway? Would the world not do well to adopt those values in wider life? Would you still say we take sports too seriously? Just reflecting.

Meanwhile, you all stay in and be safe, the principles of which are well-known by now - social distancing and hand hygiene. And don’t ignore your other health issues. It may be months before normalcy is restored. Your medical condition can get worse in the interim. You may think I am encouraging you to visit a hospital and risk being turned down for lack of capacity or catching an infection. I am not. I am asking you to think of an alternative way of seeking medical help. Have you considered telemedicine? Online consultation with a specialist anywhere in the world? Have you heard of www.secondmedic.com? That’s where we are.

Dr. Vibhash Mishra
Chief Medical Officer Second Medic Inc

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Switch Soda with Detox Water: A Simple Step Toward Better Metabolic Health

Soda and sugary beverages have become a major contributor to India’s rising burden of metabolic diseases. According to NFHS-5 and ICMR data, high intake of sugary drinks significantly increases the risk of obesity, high blood sugar, fatty liver disease and heart problems. Replacing these drinks with detox water is one of the easiest and most sustainable lifestyle changes for preventive health.

Detox water is not a medical treatment-it is a healthy hydration alternative that supports the body’s natural processes. SecondMedic encourages simple, evidence-based swaps like this to help individuals improve daily habits without drastic diets.

Why Soda Is a Major Health Concern in India

1. Extremely high sugar content

A single can of soda contains:

8-10 teaspoons of sugar
Over 140 empty calories

This spikes glucose levels and increases insulin resistance.

2. Artificial additives

Flavours, colours and preservatives strain the liver and may worsen inflammation.

3. Link to chronic diseases

ICMR and Lancet studies show soda consumption increases risk of:

Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Weight gain
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

4. Poor hydration

Soda does not hydrate the body. Caffeine and sugar can actually increase dehydration.

Benefits of Switching to Detox Water

Detox water provides hydration and additional wellness support through natural ingredients.

• Improved metabolism

Ingredients like lemon, ginger and cinnamon support metabolic balance.

• Better digestion

Mint and ginger soothe the digestive system.

• Stable blood sugar

Sugar-free detox blends prevent rapid glucose spikes.

• Enhanced hydration

Water absorption improves when infused with electrolytes and antioxidants.

• Reduced cravings

Replacing soda breaks dependence on sugar.

• Skin health improvement

Hydration + antioxidants help reduce dullness and inflammation.

Popular Detox Water Ingredients and Their Benefits

Lemon

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, helps improve digestion and immunity.

Mint

Reduces bloating and supports gut comfort.

Cucumber

Hydrates deeply and reduces water retention.

Cinnamon

Known for supporting stable blood sugar.

Ginger

Anti-inflammatory and excellent for digestion.

Apple slices

Add natural sweetness without added sugar.

Berries

High in antioxidants; good for heart health.

Easy Detox Water Recipes

1. Lemon + Ginger Detox

Supports metabolic health and digestion.

2. Cucumber + Mint Hydration Blend

Great for daily hydration and cooling.

3. Apple + Cinnamon Water

Helps stabilise glucose naturally.

4. Mixed Berry Infused Water

Boosts antioxidant levels for skin and heart health.

5. Turmeric + Lemon Detox

Mild anti-inflammatory properties.

How Detox Water Helps Reduce Soda Dependence

1. Replaces sweetness gradually

Natural fruit flavours reduce the urge for sugary beverages.

2. Keeps you full

Hydration decreases cravings, especially in the evening.

3. Offers variety

Different combinations keep the habit interesting.

4. Improves energy

Consistent hydration reduces fatigue and brain fog.

The Science Behind Hydration and Metabolic Health

According to WHO and NITI Aayog health reports:

Hydration improves nutrient transport
Helps maintain blood pressure
Aids liver detoxification
Supports kidney function

Soda disrupts these processes, while detox water supports them.

How SecondMedic Helps You Transition from Soda to Healthy Hydration

• AI Health Guide

Identifies sugar consumption patterns and suggests healthier beverage alternatives.

• Dietitian support

Provides personalised hydration plans for metabolic health.

• Preventive care tracking

Monitors progress for weight, energy and blood sugar.

• Health education

SecondMedic guides families, teenagers and adults on sustainable lifestyle swaps.

Tips to Make the Switch Successfully

1. Start gradually

Replace one soda per day with detox water.

2. Add natural flavour

Use citrus or herbs to enhance taste.

3. Keep it accessible

Carry a bottle to avoid impulse soda purchases.

4. Choose chilled detox water

Cold drinks create a similar refreshing experience.

5. Track your progress

Energy and digestion improve noticeably within 2-3 weeks.

Conclusion

Switching soda with detox water is a small step with big preventive health benefits. It reduces sugar intake, supports metabolic wellness, improves hydration and strengthens long-term health. With personalized recommendations from SecondMedic, this transition becomes easy, enjoyable and effective.

References

• ICMR - Sugar Consumption & Metabolic Health Report
• NFHS-5 - Obesity, Diet and Lifestyle Indicators
• NITI Aayog - Preventive Health & Hydration Behaviour Study
• WHO - Health Effects of Sugary Drinks
• Lancet - Soda Consumption & Disease Burden India
• Statista - Beverage Consumption Trends in India
• EY-FICCI - Lifestyle Behaviour & Preventive Health Report

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