• Published on: Jan 20, 2021
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

MRNA Vaccines – Uses Beyond COVID

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mRNA vaccines – uses beyond COVID

Last year we estimated it would take over a year for a vaccine against COVID to be approved, with vaccinations expected by spring 2021. Incredibly we have managed to meet this prediction, and by the start of January over 42 million doses have been administered in 51 countries. What is even more astounding is that two of the approved vaccines use a completely new vaccination method never used before. mRNA vaccines can be used to easily deliver a variety of different vaccines by changing the mRNA inside the vaccine capsule, and its benefits may not be limited to just infections.

A recent publication in NATURE has demonstrated the use of mRNA vaccines against auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. MS is an autoimmune condition in which the protective lining of nerves is destroyed by the body’s immune system, significantly slowing down or altering nerve impulse propagation. This leads to symptoms such as fatigue, vision problems, numbness, tingling, aberrant pain, muscle spasms and weakness.

The study looked at introducing antigen-specific tolerance in mice models of MS. This was achieved by activating anti-inflammatory white blood cells. Normally vaccines activate inflammatory white cells to produce a response but altered mRNA with one specific change to its base structure induces and activates anti-inflammatory cells instead.

Furthermore, this anti-inflammatory response is specific to cells that are activated by and attack the body’s nerve cells, thereby delivering a targeted response and not affecting the immune response against infections or cancer. Global immunosuppression is a common side effect of steroids and chemotherapy agents that are normally used to treat auto-immune conditions, and mRNA vaccines may avoid this side effect altogether.

A further advantage is its versatility. This has been demonstrated against multiple sclerosis, but changing the mRNA delivered by the vaccine, it may prove beneficial in far more auto-immune conditions. Of course, we have to emphasize this was an animal study and human trials are unlikely to happen in the next few years, but this study nicely demonstrates how the impact of the COVID pandemic may already be providing beneficial gains for the future.

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Indoor Cycles

Add Indoor Cycles or Scooters at Large Offices – Promote Movement During the Day

Corporate offices today are larger, more digitally connected and more sedentary than ever before. Employees spend extended hours seated at desks, in meetings or on screens. According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is among the top risk factors for global mortality. In India, rapid urbanisation and desk-based jobs have significantly increased sedentary behaviour.

One innovative workplace wellness strategy is to Add Indoor Cycles or Scooters at Large Offices – Promote movement during the day. This simple yet impactful initiative encourages daily physical activity within the office environment, helping reduce long-term health risks.

The Sedentary Workplace Problem

Large office campuses often require:

  • long walks between departments

  • elevator use for multiple floors

  • extended desk time

However, most employees still remain seated for more than 6–8 hours daily.

ICMR and NFHS-5 data show increasing prevalence of:

  • obesity

  • hypertension

  • diabetes

Sedentary habits contribute significantly to these conditions.

 

Why Movement During the Day Matters

Prolonged sitting affects:

  • metabolism

  • circulation

  • posture

  • heart health

Short bursts of activity improve:

  • blood flow

  • oxygen delivery

  • mental alertness

Encouraging movement throughout the day prevents metabolic slowdown.

 

How Indoor Cycles and Scooters Help

1. Break the Sitting Cycle

Indoor cycles placed in designated zones allow employees to:

  • pedal for 5–10 minutes

  • refresh during breaks

  • reduce continuous sitting

Scooters in large campuses encourage movement between departments.

 

2. Boost Energy Levels

Light physical activity stimulates:

  • endorphin release

  • improved circulation

  • mental clarity

Employees return to tasks with renewed focus.

 

3. Improve Cardiovascular Health

Regular low-intensity cycling helps:

  • regulate blood pressure

  • improve heart function

  • manage weight

Consistent activity reduces risk of heart disease.

 

4. Encourage Active Office Culture

Visible wellness initiatives create:

  • positive peer influence

  • cultural shift toward health

  • higher engagement

When movement becomes normalised, participation increases.

 

Impact on Productivity

Contrary to concerns, movement breaks:

  • improve concentration

  • reduce fatigue

  • enhance creativity

Research cited by global workplace health reports shows that active employees demonstrate better cognitive performance.

 

Suitable for Large Office Campuses

Large offices with:

  • multiple floors

  • wide corridors

  • campus layouts

can safely integrate scooters for short-distance mobility.

Indoor cycling stations can be placed in:

  • wellness corners

  • break rooms

  • near cafeterias

Accessibility encourages usage.

 

Addressing Safety and Practicality

To ensure safety:

  • provide clear guidelines

  • designate riding zones

  • encourage voluntary participation

  • maintain equipment regularly

Structured implementation ensures smooth integration.

 

Mental Health Benefits

Movement during the workday:

  • reduces stress

  • lowers cortisol levels

  • improves mood

Stress reduction contributes to better overall wellbeing.

 

Supporting Preventive Healthcare

Regular physical activity helps prevent:

  • metabolic syndrome

  • obesity

  • type 2 diabetes

  • hypertension

Preventive workplace initiatives reduce long-term health costs.

 

Encouraging Participation

Organisations can:

  • track voluntary participation

  • organise friendly cycling challenges

  • reward consistent engagement

Gamification increases motivation.

 

Complementing Other Wellness Initiatives

Indoor cycles and scooters can integrate with:

  • standing desks

  • walking meetings

  • stretch breaks

  • health screening programs

A multi-layered approach maximises impact.

 

Measuring Success

Metrics may include:

  • employee feedback

  • reduced absenteeism

  • improved wellness survey results

  • increased engagement scores

Data supports long-term continuation.

 

Economic Benefits for Employers

Preventive activity reduces:

  • sick leave

  • burnout

  • productivity loss

Healthy employees contribute more consistently.

 

Creating a Culture of Movement

Leadership participation encourages adoption.

When managers model active behaviour, employees follow.

Wellness becomes embedded in organisational identity.

 

Long-Term Impact

Encouraging daily movement leads to:

  • better cardiovascular health

  • improved metabolic function

  • reduced stress

  • enhanced workplace morale

Small, consistent actions create sustainable change.

 

Conclusion

Add Indoor Cycles or Scooters at Large Offices – Promote movement during the day is a forward-thinking corporate wellness strategy. By addressing sedentary habits directly within the workplace environment, organisations can reduce lifestyle disease risk, enhance productivity and foster a culture of health. Movement is not just exercise—it is preventive healthcare in action. When offices actively design for motion, they invest in the long-term wellbeing of their workforce.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Physical Activity and Health Reports
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease Data
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Obesity and Hypertension Trends
  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare Strategy Reports
  • Lancet – Sedentary Behaviour and Chronic Disease Research

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