Latest news with #CadabamsHospitals
Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
‘Darr lagta hai mein… ': Pavitra Rishta actor Usha Nadkarni expresses her fear of living alone at 79 after her brother passed away last year; how to manage such fears
Ageing often brings a host of emotional and practical challenges, especially when it comes to living alone. In a touching reunion shared on Ankita Lokhande's YouTube channel, veteran actor Usha Nadkarni, now 79, opened up about her solitude and the real fears that come with it. Best known for her role as Savita Deshmukh in Pavitra Rishta, Nadkarni has lived independently in Mumbai for years. But even the strongest individuals are not immune to vulnerability. 'Ghar mein akeli hoon na, darr lagta hai mein girungi, kisiko malum nahi padega (I'm alone at home, you know, and I'm scared that if I fall, no one will even know),' she said, highlighting the isolation many elderly people experience behind closed doors. Nadkarni also shared how she has had to deal with an emotional void after losing her brother. 'My brother passed away last year on June 30. If he had understood that I was going through something, he would have come running to me. Now, whom should I tell?' she said tearfully. Sitting beside her, Ankita Lokhande and husband Vicky Jain listened with empathy, as Ankita affirmed, 'Aai bohot zyada strong hai, woh akeli rehti hai. Woh itne saalon se akeli rahi hai, mein bohot saalon se aai ko dekh rahi hoon (Aai is very strong; she lives alone. She has been living alone for so many years, and I've been watching her for a long time).' The moment offered a glimpse into the emotional toll of ageing alone. Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, tells 'Common experiences include heightened anxiety, fear of accidents or medical emergencies, and feelings of vulnerability. The fear of falling, in particular, is very real and valid; it often stems not just from the physical risk but from the emotional reality of not having immediate help or reassurance.' Managing such fears begins with acknowledging them without stigma. It's important for older adults to feel heard and supported. 'Steps like installing emergency response systems, using wearable alert devices, or staying connected with neighbors and family through regular check-ins can significantly ease these worries. Simple home modifications, like grab bars, anti-slip flooring, and improved lighting, also reduce risk and help restore a sense of control and confidence,' suggests the expert. Regular social interaction is critical in maintaining emotional well-being in older adults, especially after losing loved ones. 'Grief can amplify feelings of isolation, and when left unaddressed, it can lead to depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline. Social connection, be it through friendships, community groups, or structured activities, can serve as an emotional anchor during such transitions,' confirms Cadabam. A well-rounded support system for elderly individuals ideally blends emotional presence with practical safety. 'Emotionally, access to regular human interaction, be it family calls, community visits, or even online video chats, helps build a sense of belonging. Medical support, including routine check-ups and home visits by healthcare professionals, offers peace of mind and early detection of issues,' states Cadabam. On the technological side, she adds, simple tools like medical alert pendants, motion sensors, and health-monitoring apps are becoming increasingly helpful. Crucially, older adults should be encouraged to remain decision-makers in their lives. Independence doesn't have to mean isolation, with thoughtful design, technology, and community care, it can mean dignity, safety, and emotional connection all at once.
Hans India
28-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
‘20 Years From Now, Zoravar Will Be 31-32': Shikhar Dhawan Shares Emotional Message to His Son Amid Years of Separation
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has opened up about the emotional toll of being estranged from his son, Zoravar, and shared a heartfelt message for him, reflecting on the values he hopes his child will carry into adulthood. Speaking on a recent podcast hosted by Ranveer Allahbadia, Dhawan said it's been over two years since he last saw his 11-year-old son following a difficult divorce from his ex-wife Ayesha Mukherjee in 2023. Dhawan revealed that he has been cut off from all contact, including through social media, but continues to stay spiritually connected to Zoravar. 'Twenty years from now, Zoravar will be 31 or 32,' Dhawan said on the podcast. 'All I want to tell him is: be happy. Whatever you do, be happy doing it. The way to stay happy is to look within yourself, acknowledge your flaws, recognize your strengths, and improve. That's all I would want for him — happiness.' Coping Through Spirituality In a previous conversation with ANI, Dhawan described how he copes with the prolonged separation: 'It's been two years since I've seen him, one year since I last spoke to him. It's painful, but I've learned to live with it. I connect with him spiritually through affirmations. I feel I'm hugging him, talking to him, putting energy into that bond every day.' The Psychological Toll of Estrangement According to Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, prolonged separation from a child can lead to complicated grief, especially when the child is alive but inaccessible. 'Grief, helplessness, guilt, anger, and longing can coexist in such cases,' she explains. Cadabam emphasizes the importance of emotional expression and recommends tools such as journaling, therapy, creative outlets, and support groups for estranged parents. 'Healing begins with self-compassion,' she adds. 'Many parents blame themselves, but not all circumstances are within one's control.' A Message That Builds Resilience Cadabam notes that Dhawan's message to his son, focused on self-reflection and happiness, can have lasting emotional benefits. 'When a parent prioritizes internal growth over external achievements, it reinforces the idea that self-worth isn't dependent on validation from others. It plants the seeds of emotional intelligence,' she explains. Over time, such guidance can help children develop resilience, the ability to bounce back from failure, maintain mental balance, and adapt to life's challenges. 'Even if this message reaches Zoravar years later, it can be deeply grounding,' Cadabam concludes. 'It tells him that strength isn't about denying emotion, but embracing and understanding it.'
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Top US divorce lawyer reveals the unexpected habit that can signal a marriage is headed for divorce
When it comes to divorce, certain red flags can indicate that a marriage may be at risk. According to James Sexton, one of America's top divorce lawyers, substance use is one of the strongest predictors of divorce. While many assume that differences in religion, culture, or age gaps might be the primary reasons for marital breakdowns, Sexton believes otherwise. 'If one or both people are big drinkers or drug users, that's usually a good indication that the marriage is going to lead to divorce,' Sexton stated, appearing on The Diary Of A CEO podcast. 'I'm very fixated on pattern recognition. So I'm always looking at the same religion, different religions, or religious vs non-religious, or older and younger (man or woman), same races, different races, like first generation to the US or both first generation or neither. I don't see those patterns. If I did, I'd be the first to say it. I don't hesitate to say stuff. But I've not seen those patterns. I think substance use is probably the main thing.' But why does substance use play such a decisive role in marriage longevity? Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, metions that substance use can severely disrupt communication and emotional intimacy in a marriage. 'When one or both partners engage in frequent substance use, it can lead to mood swings, impaired judgment, and difficulty in maintaining open and honest conversations. Over time, this erodes trust and makes conflict resolution more challenging,' Cadabam explains. Substance use often becomes a way to escape emotional distress rather than address underlying relationship issues, creating a cycle of avoidance and resentment. 'Emotional intimacy suffers because one or both partners may become emotionally unavailable, prioritising the substance over their spouse. As a result, the relationship dynamic shifts from one of mutual support to one marked by isolation, misunderstandings, and increasing emotional distance, which can ultimately lead to divorce,' she adds. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Steven Bartlett (@steven) Early warning signs that substance use is becoming a threat to a relationship Yes, there are several early warning signs that substance use is beginning to harm a relationship. 'One of the first indicators is when drinking or drug use becomes a frequent source of arguments, particularly if one partner feels that substance use is excessive while the other dismisses concerns. Another sign is when a partner starts hiding their consumption, whether by lying about how much they are drinking or using substances in secret,' Cadabam notes. Changes in behaviour can also serve as red flags. 'Becoming more irritable, withdrawn, or unreliable can signal that substance use is taking priority over the relationship. Financial strain due to spending on alcohol or drugs and a decline in shared activities or intimacy are additional red flags. Recognising these early warning signs is crucial for seeking help before the issue escalates,' she emphasizes. Can couples successfully navigate and recover from substance-related conflicts, or is divorce often inevitable in such cases? Recovery from substance-related conflicts is possible, but it requires commitment from both partners and often professional intervention. 'Couples who successfully navigate these challenges typically do so through open communication, therapy, and setting clear boundaries around substance use. Seeking help from addiction specialists, attending couples counseling, and participating in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Al-Anon can provide valuable guidance,' Cadabam explains. However, the willingness to acknowledge the problem is crucial. 'Recovery is only possible if the individual struggling with substance use acknowledges the problem and is willing to make changes,' she cautions.
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Right now, there is no ‘I want to lose'': Kareena Kapoor Khan's yoga instructor reveals the actor's fitness mantra; why it works
When it comes to fitness, Kareena Kapoor Khan isn't chasing a number on the scale — she's tuning into what her body needs. According to her long-time yoga instructor Anshuka Parwani, Kareena has never set weight loss as a goal. Instead, her journey has always been about balance, self-awareness, and a deep connection to her body. In an interaction with ETimes recently, she said, 'When it comes to age, honestly, Kareena is somebody who is the most aware of her body. I know this because I have been with her. She was my first ever student, not only just the first actor, my first ever student. There is so much to learn from her, she is so aware. She has always loved yoga, and she understands her body as well so we know when to push a little, when to alter her workout, when to do variations, or the days when we just want to work on some breath work.' Anshuka, who has worked with Kareena for over a decade, said the actor's routine has contributed to her glow lately. 'Sometimes, I feel like there is a torch behind her cheeks because it's beautiful.' She added that Kareena's routine includes 'a lot of mixes of animal flows, lot of strength when it comes to yoga practices. We do a lot of cardiovascular-based workouts as well.' She continued, 'Right now, there is no 'I want to lose'. Honestly, now that I think of it, that's never really happened. The maximum I could really say about anybody has been that, you know, maybe I would like to drop a waist size.' Lately, Kareena's routine includes a mix of animal flows, strength-based yoga, and cardiovascular elements. 'Kareena doesn't like balancing asanas. I think she gets bored doing vriksh-asana.' She revealed, 'Her favourite is Surya namaskar. She loves her back bend. She loves to practice. This is her lifestyle.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anshuka Parwani – Yoga | Ayurveda | Wellness (@anshukayoga) How does being deeply aware of one's body contribute to a healthier relationship with fitness? Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, tells 'When individuals are attuned to their bodies, they tend to approach fitness with a sense of curiosity and care rather than pressure or comparison. This kind of body awareness allows one to notice how movement feels, what energises them, and what supports their emotional and physical well-being.' In Kareena's case, as described by Anshuka, the absence of a weight-centric goal suggests a more intuitive connection to her body. 'This often leads to a more sustainable and positive fitness journey, where movement becomes a form of self-expression, stress release, or mindfulness, rather than a means to 'fix' something. Over time, this nurtures respect and gratitude for the body, regardless of how it looks.' Psychological benefits from exercising for strength rather than appearance or external validation When fitness is centered around internal goals like strength, balance, or mental clarity, it often results in a more rewarding and emotionally stable experience. People tend to feel empowered, capable, and more in control of their own well-being. Cadabam notes, 'This shift reduces the pressure to meet external standards and allows individuals to celebrate progress that isn't visible on a scale or in a mirror, like better sleep, improved focus, or emotional resilience. It also reduces the likelihood of burnout or exercise avoidance, which can happen when motivation is tied only to physical appearance.'
Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Where will Shah Rukh stand': Shilpa Shirodkar recalls being dropped from ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya' song for her weight; why such rejections leave lasting scars
Rejection based on appearance is something many people face in different walks of life — whether in the workplace, on social platforms, or even within personal relationships. But when this rejection is tied to weight, it can leave lasting effects on self-worth and confidence, even years later. Shilpa Shirodkar, once a leading face of Hindi cinema in the 90s, recently recalled being dropped from one of Bollywood's most iconic songs, Chaiyya Chaiyya, reportedly because of her weight. Speaking to Siddharth Kannan earlier, she said, 'She (Farah Khan) just said that we will work some other time because they are looking for someone else. 'You are a little fatter'. Something like this… I don't even remember anymore. I know I missed it because I was fat. I will always feel bad that I didn't get Chaiyya Chaiyya, but God gave me much more, and he is still giving me.' Meanwhile, choreographer and director Farah Khan also addressed the moment, stating on her YouTube channel, 'I came to Shilpa to ask her for 'Chhaiya Chhaiya'. But something must have happened to her because at that time, she was at least 100 kgs. So I thought 'how will she get on the train?' And if she gets on, where will Shah Rukh stand?' When someone is rejected from an opportunity due to their weight, how does it impact their sense of self-worth? Neha Cadabam, Senior Psychologist and Executive Director at Cadabams Hospitals, tells 'Being turned down for an opportunity due to weight can have a lasting impact on an individual's self-worth, particularly in industries where appearance is often emphasized. Such rejections can reinforce harmful societal messages that equate physical appearance with value or capability. Over time, this may contribute to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and even body shame.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shilpa Shirodkar Ranjit (@shilpashirodkar73) To cope, she says that it's important to separate one's identity and worth from such experiences. 'Acknowledging the hurt without letting it define one's self-image is crucial. Talking to a therapist can provide a safe space to process these feelings, challenge internalized narratives, and rebuild self-esteem.' Practices like self-compassion, connecting with body-positive communities, and surrounding oneself with affirming relationships can also help shift the focus from appearance to one's skills, values, and individuality. Is it common for people to carry the emotional weight of past rejections for years, and how can they move forward? Cadabam says, 'Yes, it is entirely human to carry the emotional residue of certain rejections, especially when they touch a sensitive nerve like body image or unfulfilled aspirations. These memories often stay with us not just because of the lost opportunity, but because of what they symbolise—feeling unseen, undervalued, or judged unfairly.' Healing doesn't mean forgetting, Cadabam stresses. 'It means allowing space to grieve what was lost, while gradually making peace with it. Therapy, journaling, and creative expression can offer ways to process these emotions.' How can people in positions of power be made more sensitive to how they communicate such decisions? Words from people in positions of authority carry weight, says Cadabam, not just in the decisions they communicate, but in the culture they help create. 'Sensitivity training and open conversations about bias in hiring or casting practices can help decision-makers reflect on how their language affects others. At a broader level, leaders in media and entertainment have a unique opportunity to challenge outdated norms and promote more inclusive representations of beauty and talent.'
