Faculty of Allied Health Sciences conducted a webinar for diabetic and hypertension patients on how to build immunity during COVID 19 on July 4, 2020.

The eminent speakers of the event were Dr. Bani Tumber Aeri, Assistant Professor, Department of Food and Nutrition at Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi and Dr. Tarun Lala, Zonal Head and Physiotherapist in the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehab at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket.

More than 150 participants were present for the webinar and there were participants from other academic institution also like Delhi University, Periyar University, GNDU, Banasthali Vidyapith, St. Francis College for Women, Chandigarh University, etc.

The webinar was started with the welcome note of Dr. Moattar Raza Rizvi, Director, FAHS. He emphasized on the importance of nutrition and physical activity, specifically for the most vulnerable population during this COVID 19 times.

Dr. Bani Tumber Aeri discussed the concept of mindful eating for diabetic patients and the DASH diet for a Hypertension patient. She explained how to enhance immunity with the help of Nutrition. She also emphasized on the concept of dietary diversity, balanced diet, and nutrients which can act as an immune-booster like amino acids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, vitamin A, Iron, Folic acid, and Vitamin B12. She emphasized how gut flora can enhance immunity and lack of sleep, stress, physical inactivity, and excess alcohol can decrease the immunity of an individual.

Dr. Tarun Lala emphasized that physical activity plays a major role in the enhancement of immunity in Diabetes and hypertension patients in this COVID 19 situation. He discussed that exercise for 30 minutes will increase the core temperature of the body and help in flushing out the microbes from the human body, hence enhance immunity. The talk was also focused on the role of exercise in decreasing stress hormone, increasing insulin sensitivity, boosting mental health, and hence enhances immunity.