The Indian Panorama

Tag: Health

Read the latest health news, diet, fitness, medical news and healthcare tips on theindianpanorama.news/health. Get all the healthcare news, including wellness, fitness, diet and weight loss & more.

  • ALWAYS CHECK FOR BLOOD IN URINE

    ALWAYS CHECK FOR BLOOD IN URINE

    Apublic health campaign has warned people that they should contact their doctor if they spot blood even once in their urine. According to Public Health England, the rise of Kidney cancer diagnoses by a third in the past 10 years in England is due to unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking and obesity, the BBC reported. The death toll has increased by 7 percent, with about 3,500 people dying from kidney cancer in England in 2011.

    Visible blood in the urine is a symptom in more than 80 percent of bladder cancer patients and in most of those with kidney cancer. Kevin Fenton, PHE director of health and wellbeing, said that their message is clear, “as soon as you spot blood in your pee, visit the GP”. Fenton said that though its probably nothing serious, but it could also be a sign of something else that needs treatment, so people shouldn’t ignore the symptom.

  • CHECK OUT, YOUR WARDROBE IS MAKING YOU ILL

    CHECK OUT, YOUR WARDROBE IS MAKING YOU ILL

    Flip flops can leave you with an inflamed sole and sexy thongs with cystitis. But it’s not just too-tight undies to watch out for — the swimwear, sandals and sexy dresses we squeeze ourselves into can also play havoc with our health. Here’s our top-to-toe guide to make sure your style isn’t sabotaging your health.

    Sunglasses
    The damage: Figures from the British Osteopathic Association show one fifth of Brits endured pain from sunglasses causing pressure around their heads. Overly tight sunglasses could cause headaches and neck pain. Solution: Buy from — or take your favourite sunnies to — a registered optician, who can fit them properly around your ears and nose, so they don’t cause any discomfort.

    Pendants and bangles
    The damage: With attractive and affordable metallic jewellery strewn roadside stalls, it’s tempting to update your wardrobe with new trinkets each season. But cut-price jewellery is often made from metals containing nickel, a common allergen, and wearing it daily can cause a nickel allergy, leading to rashes, itching and redness.

    Solution: The best way to avoid allergic reactions is to choose hypoallergenic jewellery made from metals such as stainless. German silver (cheaper than real silver) is good too. Or go for budget — and skin-friendly — summery alternatives to metal such as leather or plastic beads.

    Body-con dresses
    The damage: They may give you a sexy, hourglass figure, but wearing a restrictive body-con or bandage-style dress around your middle interferes with breathing, which is why corsetwearing Victorian women were always fainting! Plus, a constant pushing on the stomach — known as intragastric pressure — can force stomach acid back up through the oesophagus, causing a nasty bout of heartburn. Solution: Limit your body-con time to a few hours on a night out. Stick to looser shapes that don’t restrict the body.

    Thongs
    The damage: They’re the best pants for avoiding a VPL under clothes, but thongs also help to spread bacteria from your bottom to the urethra and vaginal area, which can trigger thrush or cystitis.Solution: Buy good quality cotton undies and ensure they’re the correct size. If you’re prone to infections, avoid thongs altogether.

    Flip-flops
    The damage: They’re a staple for many of us, especially during the rains, but research has linked daily use of flip-flops to painful plantar fascitis — an inflammation of the foot sole that causes severe heel pain — because they don’t support the arch of the foot. Solution: Choose more supportive trainers for walking around in during the day — especially on hard surfaces. And when the sun’s out, don’t forget to rub some SPF on your tootsies too.

    Skinny jeans and capri pants
    The damage: A few years back, Canada’s Dr Malvinder Parmar was one of the first experts to note that tight trousers can squeeze a sensory nerve under the hip bone, causing a tingling, burning sensation to shoot down the leg, something called meralgia paresthetica. Solution: Opt for baggier, boyfriend-style jeans, or highwaisted trousers that don’t squeeze the hips. Wear skinnies only occasionally.

  • HOME REMEDIES TO TREAT ACIDITY

    HOME REMEDIES TO TREAT ACIDITY

    We have all suffered from acidity at some point in our lives. With our busy work schedules, we sometimes fail to eat anything throughout the day. Sometimes we only eat two meals a day, and at other times we simply skip these meals. But, our bad eating habits can cause acidity. Your stomach normally secretes acid that is essential for the digestive process. This acid helps in breaking down the food during digestion.

    Your stomach keeps secreting juices to digest food and when it does not get any food to act on it acts on the stomach lining, which causes acidity. Shreya Brahme, Dietician and Nutritionist and blogger at Dietician Shreya, helps us understand more about this common problem and ways to treat it.

    Some common causes of acidity are:
    Eating fast food regularly
    Addiction to caffeine
    Smoking
    Too much alcohol consumption
    Leaving too much of a gap in-between meals

    Some easy remedies:
    Have a glass of lukewarm water every day. Jaggery (gur), lemon, banana, almonds and yogurt (curd) are all known to give you instant relief from acidity. Nariyal paani is known to soothe the system if you suffer from acidity. Boil some mint or basil (tulsi) leaves in water and have a glass of this after meals. Include bananas, watermelons and cucumbers in your daily diet. Sucking on a piece of clove is another effective remedy. Besides, trying to correct the cause, avoid excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol.

  • HEALTH DANGERS THAT EACH SHOE CARRIES

    HEALTH DANGERS THAT EACH SHOE CARRIES

    If stilettos harm feet, flat shoes can also be dangerous. Find out how these pretty shoes can be hazardous to health. Jacqueline Sutera, a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery, and Neal Blitz, Chief of Foot Surgery and Associate Chairman of Orthopedics at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, share the dangers of our favourite shoes, reports a website.

    Running sneakers
    Too much cushion is not the best thing. When you have a lot of cushion, you’re not getting the foot-brain feedback that allows you to sense the ground. These shoes are ideal for forward motion like running, walking, jogging (not hiking, dancing, cycling, etc). Wearing these shoes can cause chronic stress injuries, particularly to the heel.

    Flip-flops
    Most flip-flops are too flat, too thin and too open. This exposes the foot to the environment and doesn’t provide arch support or cushioning. The thong between your toes is also dangerous as it forces your toe muscles to over-grip. Wearing these shoes can cause inflammation, heel pain, strains and fractures.

    Stilettos
    Wearing heels for long hours shifts your weight to the balls of your feet, which puts pressure on your foot. The sky-high heels can cause ankle sprains, midfoot fractures, neuromas (benign nerve tumours).

  • NEWLYWEDS’ GUIDE TO DOING UP THEIR NEST

    NEWLYWEDS’ GUIDE TO DOING UP THEIR NEST

    His was a clumsy bachelor pad and hers a girly den before the two got married and moved into their romantic nest. Looking simply at the bare walls and empty spaces of a house can be quite intimidating for a newlywed who has before them the trying task of creating a home, and then sharing it with each other. Even if nothing like a sprawling Beverly Hills condo, you would still want yours to be homey and aesthetic with a reflection of your personality. But most couples undermine the beauty of the experience of doing up the house together, and in the process discovering a lesser-known side of one another.

    Contrary to popular perception, home decor doesn’t necessarily have to cost an arm and a leg, even for a honeymoon-return couple who wish to create for themselves a haven of romance. By giving flight to your imagination and a dint of creativity, you can do wonders with your small space despite the budget. But remember patience with each other is paramount in this phase as you are bound to have one too many disagreements, and might end up discarding potential home decor pieces from the old attic.We try to make your time setting up the house less harrowing by getting interior design duo Sumessh Menon and Vivek Popli of Trikaya Interiors along with Shivika Bhasin of German kitchen and home furnishing brands Hacker, Hulsta and Rolf Benz, to share their impressions.

    Living room

    It wouldn’t be inappropriate to say that the living area is the heart and soul of the house. You host your guests in that space, you often sit down to breakfast there or simply lie around reading on a weekend. And so, the choice of furniture among other items of decor such as paintings, lamps, and vases, becomes vital in deciding the personality of the house. Go for contemporary straight line furniture as it makes the room look serene post wedding celebrations.Wicker furniture is another great idea and is quite popular in the West too for their chic designs and affordability.

    You can get them designed and colored to your liking and toss bright cushions on them. Espresso brown, wine red and white are the classic shades in wicker. Shivika insists on sprucing it up with contrasting color cushions in heart shape and keeping the contours of the couches soft to give a sensuous, romantic feel to the living area. For a sense of dimension, introduce a conversation piece chair, suggests Sumessh Menon, in a colour that stands out from the rest of the furniture.

    Dining area
    The world is going minimalist in a big way over home decor. In keeping with the trend, and not to mention the occupancy of the house, a couple should go for a dining table comprising two chairs and a bench. “This is a very creative way to break the monotony, and make optimal utilization of space,” feels Sumessh. To give your space a rustic look, you can even do up the wall facing the dining table with brick tiles, and hang a few lanterns or a beautiful colored glass lamp. A creative wall notwithstanding, lighting gone wrong can mar the effect of a tastefully done up interior.

    Aside from pedestrian lamps, the dining area should also have the option of dimmers, mood lighting or indirect cove lighting. Spread a pretty cutwork tablecloth and table runner for an elegant look. To enhance it, you can place a glass bowl of rose petals and candles in the center of the dining table. “Keeping fresh fruits in a crystal bowl is another way out,” Shivika adds.

    Lobby
    You can lay out your coffee table in the lobby area which is otherwise used only as an access path to adjoining rooms. For a chic look, pick a low coffee table with low stools. It makes sense to stack some books, a scrabble, some stationary and a coffee mug on the table to make this part of the house look in-use. The coffee table, however, need not match with the other furniture bits in the house. More creative ones can get logs of wood converted into coffee table and stools with help from a carpenter.

    If you have more room, why not spread out a rug and throw in some blingy, over-the-top cushions. Pottery lovers can scatter terracotta vases that come in interesting shapes, or as Sumessh would prefer, different sizes of aquamarine pottery clustered together in a corner to lend your home a soothing Mediterranean feel.

    Bedroom
    Our experts advice, “Let the woman have her choice of colors splashed on the wall.” Post wedding women in particular are very possessive about their bedrooms and would rather do it up their way. So, she can have her pinks and fuchsias on the walls, and maybe you can convince her to leave a wall vacant for a nice wallpaper. Create a collage of wedding and honeymoon photographs and hang it on an empty wall in the bedroom or the anti-lobby leading to the bedroom. Television is a must in this room, and never the living room like many do. Make sure the bed is placed against the dead wall, and no where close to a window. But ensure you have a multi-purpose bed with pull-out breakfast consoles, mobile ancillary tables for morning tea.

    The dressing table can be lightweight with spacious drawers to stock cosmetics. Use wooden blinds, bamboo chicks for an aesthetic look; or go all out with sheer curtains along with the main one. The latest doing the rounds in home interiors is a walk-in wardrobe, and every newly married girl dreams of owning one. Shares Sumessh, “Walk-in wardrobes are not a far-fetched idea even in a small setup. You can always convert the lobby connecting the kitchen with the living room into a walk-in closet.”

    Kitchen
    Modular kitchens, says Shivika, come with an option to change the fronts anytime. Place the crockery in tall cabinets lit up with LED and illuminated shelves. Use wall hung cabinets for the light crockery pieces, add a corkboard to hang pots and pans, and make use of inbuilt appliances to organize your kitchen better.

  • Spiritual Master Sant Rajinder Singh honored by Indian American Medical Association of Illinois

    Spiritual Master Sant Rajinder Singh honored by Indian American Medical Association of Illinois

    NEWYORK (TIP): His Holiness Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj was the honored guest and speaker at the Indian American Medical Association of Illinois’ (IAMA) 33rd Annual Meeting and Banquet on Friday, November 16, 2013 at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and Congressman George Foster commended the Association for their commitment to the community and the quality of health care services they are providing.

    The internationally recognized spiritual Master of meditation on the inner Light and Sound was introduced with a tribute to his many achievements as president of the Human Unity Conference, head of Science of Spirituality, and best-selling author of books translated into over fifty languages including Meditation as Medication for the Soul, Inner and Outer Peace through Meditation, Empowering Your Soul through Meditation, and Spark of the Divine.

    Not only has H. H. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj presented the benefits of meditation to medical practitioners worldwide-including the National Institute of Health, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and universities such as Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, IIT Madras (Chennai), IIT Delhi, and IIT Mumbai-but many doctors have also learned the meditation technique from him and use it regularly with their patients as an invaluable healing modality. In his address, H. H. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj recognized the mission of the IAMA comprised of Illinois physicians of Indian origin “committed to professional excellence in quality patient care, education, and community healthcare.”

    He congratulated the doctors who work tirelessly to assist their communities toward achieving impeccable health. He noted that it is a universal truth that the health of our body and mind depend unequivocally on our spiritual health. He spoke on the importance of meditation, citing national journals that have published research into the physical, mental, and emotional advantages of meditation. These benefits, the spiritual Master explained, are merely byproducts of the meditation practice.

    The true purpose of meditation is to experience the reality of our true selves, who we really are at the level of our soul. H. H. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj then spoke about research into near-death experiences by medical doctors Raymond Moody and Melvin Morris who investigated this phenomenon and concluded that spirit or soul exists beyond the human body, mind, and emotions. The spiritual Master stated that vistas of inner light, beauty, and music, as well as the Power that brought all creation together, exist within each and every one of us.We do not have to undergo physical trauma he said, but through meditation, we can experience this reality ourselves.

    He then explained the simple process of Jyoti meditation-meditation on the inner Light-and put the audience of hundreds of doctors and medical practitioners into meditation. Following this uplifting discourse, His Holiness Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj was presented with an honorary plaque by the IAMA. For more information about His Holiness Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj and the Science of Spirituality, visit www.sos.org.

  • New York Life Makes Significant Gains

    New York Life Makes Significant Gains

    Life Insurance Sales in Third Quarter up by 10%; Sales of Annuities and Mutual Funds also very Strong; Second Consecutive Year of 8% Rise in Dividend Payout; 2014 Payout Climbs $109 Million

    NEW YORK (TIP): New York Life, America’s largest mutual life insurer, announced November 21 very strong third quarter gains in sales of life insurance, annuities and mutual funds, as well as a solid increase in agent new hires in the first nine months of 2013. New York Life agents recorded a 10 percent increase in sales of recurring premium whole life insurance and an 11 percent increase in total annuity sales compared with the first nine months of 2012.

    The company also announced that for the second consecutive year its dividend payout to participating policyholders will climb by eight percent, an increase of $109 million over the prior year, for a total payout of $1.43 billion in 2014. Even in the face of unprecedented low interest rates, the company had strong operating performance and was able to enhance both its surplus and dividends through the strong performance of its investment subsidiary, New York Life Investments, and from the recent divestiture of several international operations.

    The company also has had better than expected persistency as policyholders maintain their policies in force despite the challenging economy, which speaks to the consumer appeal of New York Life’s strong ratings for financial strength. Next year is the 160th consecutive year New York Life has paid a cash dividend, a validation of mutual strength and a reflection of the company’s singular focus on creating value for its customers. New York Life has paid a dividend every year since 1854.

    The company’s insurance sales continued to build on the strong pace set in previous quarters this year, with individual recurring premium life insurance sales through agents up 12 percent through the third quarter compared with the same period in 2012. The solid sales growth of recurring life insurance products came from the company’s suite of permanent products – whole life, universal life and variable universal life.* The company is also seeing exceptional growth in various cultural markets, with 46 percent of the company’s new life insurance policies produced by agents serving the African- American, Chinese, Hispanic, Korean, South Asian, and Vietnamese markets in the United States.

    “Our sales growth proves that people continue to believe in life insurance. When our agents meet face-to-face with people, they are finding more receptivity to how life insurance can help customers with important financial needs. This is why our sales continue to rise each year, despite a tough economy – and why our country needs career agents more than ever,” said Mark Pfaff, executive vice president in charge of Agency. “Even further, Americans increasingly understand the value that a permanent product like whole life provides.

    The company’s mutual structure and ability to offer dividends on this participating product is important to insurance consumers and that is why 2014 marks the 160th anniversary of offering consecutive cash dividends, a remarkable achievement, especially at a time when so many financial institutions are having difficulty.” New York Life’s sales of guaranteed income annuity products**, which include single premium immediate annuities and the company’s deferred income annuity, Guaranteed Future Income Annuity, increased 17 percent through the third quarter compared with the same period in 2012. Total annuity sales through all channels have increased 36 percent compared with the nine months of 2012.

    In addition, sales through New York Life Direct increased by five percent over the same period last year. New York Life Direct includes the AARP Operation, which is the exclusive provider of life insurance and lifetime income annuities to AARP’s 37 million members. New York Life has been offering life insurance to AARP members since 1994 and lifetime income annuities to AARP members since 2006. Sales of New York Life’s MainStay family of mutual funds increased by 78 percent to a record $22.47 billion through the third quarter, compared with the same period a year ago. Consistent investment performance across the fund family is helping to drive these exceptionally strong mutual fund sales, particularly in funds seeking capital appreciation, which remain in high demand from customers.

    New York Life’s operations in Mexico, Seguros Monterrey New York Life, had a strong first nine months with 10 percent sales growth compared with the same period last year. New York Life has hired 2,246 new agents through the third quarter. New York Life is on pace to make this year the seventh consecutive year the company has hired more than 3,200 agents. Over that period the company’s agent force has grown 16 percent. New York Life Insurance Company, a Fortune 100 company founded in 1845, is the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States*** and one of the largest life insurers in the world.

    New York Life has the highest possible financial strength ratings currently awarded to any life insurer from all four of the major credit rating agencies: A.M. Best (A++), Fitch (AAA), Moody’s Investors Service (Aaa), Standard & Poor’s (AA+).**** Headquartered in New York City, New York Life’s family of companies offers life insurance, retirement income, investments and long-term care insurance. New York Life Investments***** provides institutional asset management and retirement plan services. Other New York Life affiliates provide an array of securities products and services, as well as retail mutual funds.

    Please visit New York Life’s website at www.newyorklife.com for more information. *Universal life products are issued by New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. Variable products are offered through properly licensed Registered Representatives of NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), a Licensed Insurance Agency and a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. Whole life products are issued by New York Life Insurance Company; dividends are not guaranteed.

    **Annuities are issued by New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. ***Based on revenue as reported by “Fortune 500 ranked within Industries, Insurance: Life, Health (Mutual),” Fortune magazine, May 20, 2013. See http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortun e/fortune500/2013/faq/?iid=F500_sp_met hod for methodology. ****Individual independent rating agency commentary as of 8/1/13. *****New York Life Investments is a service mark used by New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC and its subsidiary, New York Life Investment Management LLC.

    The MainStay Funds® are managed by New York Life Investment Management LLC and distributed through NYLIFE Distributors LLC, 169 Lackawanna Avenue, Parsippany, NJ 07054, a whollyowned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a Member FINRA/SIPC.

  • Trivedis Pack New York Love to London

    Trivedis Pack New York Love to London

    NEW YORK (TIP): Bank of Baroda Chief Executive for US Operations, Mr. Dhimant Trivedi has been posted to London office as Chief of European Operations and leaves on November 30. He has been succeeded by Ashok Kumar Garg. Bank of Baroda, November 26, organized a get together to bid farewell to Mr. Dhimant Trivedi and the new incumbent Mr. Ashok Kumar Garg. The get together was attended by a large number that included Ambassador Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Consul General of India in New York, representatives of State Bank of India, Bank of India, Air India, clients of Bank of Baroda, many friends of the Trivedis, and, of course, the staff of Bank of Baroda. Company Executives come and go. There are usual receptions to welcome and bid farewell. But there are some who are not the treated to the “usual” reception alone.


    3

    Consul General Mulay joined Trivedis and their friends at a farewell dinner hosted by Prof. Indrajit S Saluja at the Mint in Manhattan. Seen in the picture (sitting, L to R): Ranju Batra, Priyanka Pattanaik, Sulochana Pattanaik, Yamini Trivedi, Swati Vaishnav (Standing L to R): Pramoda K. Pattanaik, Indrajit Saluja, Sudhir Vaishnav, Dhimant Trivedi, Sanal Kumar, Ambassador Mulay, Master Mohinder Singh, Ravi Batra, Atul Kumria, Jagdish Sewhaney, Rajeev Bhambri, Trilok Malik and Herman Singh.

    They are special and get the special treatment. Dhimant Pradyuman Trivedi, Chief Executive of Bank of Baroda for US Operations and his lovely wife Yamini, over a period of close to three years in New York, had endeared themselves to so many. They were admired, loved and sought after for the finest qualities of head and heart they have been endowed with. Mr. Trivedi, who has been known to be a hard taskmaster, was also loved by the staff of the bank for his simple way of life and his passion for taking bank to higher heights in USA. Bank of Baroda, during his tenure from September 24, 2010 when he took over from another wonderful person, Mr. K.D. Lamba, who incidentally was posted to London as Chief of European Operations, the post that Mr. Trivedi has now been posted to, made a remarkable progress. The overall business growth has been substantial, with internet banking facility introduced only recently. His efforts to have the Bank’s own residential property yielded results and his successor now has the privilege of staying in his own spacious apartment in New York City.

    The social life of Mr. Trivedi and Yamini Trivedi who, is a wonderful person with literary and artistic tastes, has rather been hectic. The fun loving and sociable couple has been part of the various social and cultural circles in New York. So, when the news of the transfer of Mr. Trivedi to London reached his friends, there was a clamor to have the family over farewell dinner. I have been to some of them. I managed to avoid some simply because it was proving to be a surfeit for me. I was lucky to have managed to get Trivedis’ assent to one that I hosted which was well attended. Mr. Dnyaneshwar Mulay, India’s Consul General and some of the close friends of Trivedis attended. Ravi and Ranju Batra hosted one. Yet another was hosted jointly by Kirti and Versha Bhatia and Nitin and Sangeeta Parikh at Bhatias’ home in Long Island which was marked by fun and dancing. There were a couple of others also who hosted farewell dinner for the family. The bank staff, of course, hosted one. It surely is an expression of love for a wonderful family which will be sorely missed. Also missed will be their lovely and talented daughter, Chandni, who as President of CORD, New York, a charitable organization, has been deeply involved in the rural education projects of the organization. The Indian Panorama wishes the Trivedis all health, happiness and luck in their new city of residence.

  • CHECK OUT, YOUR WARDROBE IS MAKING YOU ILL

    CHECK OUT, YOUR WARDROBE IS MAKING YOU ILL

    Flip flops can leave you with an inflamed sole and sexy thongs with cystitis. But it’s not just too-tight undies to watch out for — the swimwear, sandals and sexy dresses we squeeze ourselves into can also play havoc with our health. Here’s our top-to-toe guide to make sure your style isn’t sabotaging your health.

    Sunglasses
    The damage: Figures from the British Osteopathic Association show one fifth of Brits endured pain from sunglasses causing pressure around their heads. Overly tight sunglasses could cause headaches and neck pain. Solution: Buy from — or take your favourite sunnies to — a registered optician, who can fit them properly around your ears and nose, so they don’t cause any discomfort.

    Pendants and bangles
    The damage: With attractive and affordable metallic jewellery strewn roadside stalls, it’s tempting to update your wardrobe with new trinkets each season. But cut-price jewellery is often made from metals containing nickel, a common allergen, and wearing it daily can cause a nickel allergy, leading to rashes, itching and redness. Solution: The best way to avoid allergic reactions is to choose hypoallergenic jewellery made from metals such as stainless. German silver (cheaper than real silver) is good too. Or go for budget — and skin-friendly — summery alternatives to metal such as leather or plastic beads.

    Body-con dresses
    The damage: They may give you a sexy, hourglass figure, but wearing a restrictive body-con or bandage-style dress around your middle interferes with breathing, which is why corsetwearing Victorian women were always fainting! Plus, a constant pushing on the stomach — known as intragastric pressure — can force stomach acid back up through the oesophagus, causing a nasty bout of heartburn. Solution: Limit your body-con time to a few hours on a night out. Stick to looser shapes that don’t restrict the body.

    Thongs
    The damage: They’re the best pants for avoiding a VPL under clothes, but thongs also help to spread bacteria from your bottom to the urethra and vaginal area, which can trigger thrush or cystitis.Solution: Buy good quality cotton undies and ensure they’re the correct size. If you’re prone to infections, avoid thongs altogether.

    Flip-flops
    The damage: They’re a staple for many of us, especially during the rains, but research has linked daily use of flip-flops to painful plantar fascitis — an inflammation of the foot sole that causes severe heel pain — because they don’t support the arch of the foot. Solution: Choose more supportive trainers for walking around in during the day — especially on hard surfaces. And when the sun’s out, don’t forget to rub some SPF on your tootsies too.

    Skinny jeans and capri pants
    The damage: A few years back, Canada’s Dr Malvinder Parmar was one of the first experts to note that tight trousers can squeeze a sensory nerve under the hip bone, causing a tingling, burning sensation to shoot down the leg, something called meralgia paresthetica. Solution: Opt for baggier, boyfriend-style jeans, or highwaisted trousers that don’t squeeze the hips. Wear skinnies only occasionally.

  • POPPING ASPIRIN DAILY POSES HEALTH RISK

    POPPING ASPIRIN DAILY POSES HEALTH RISK

    Health experts have warned that healthy people who take a daily aspirin in a bid to reduce their risk of disease should stop doing so because of potential health dangers. Many people take a dose once a day to ward off the threat of cancer or heart attacks. But a major new NHS review concluded that it is a “fine balance” due to the dangers of bleeding in the brain and stomach, the Mirror reported. Overall, it warned against taking the drug until there was more evidence.

    Aspirin makes the blood less sticky so it reduces the odds of clots which could cause a heart attack or stroke. Some studies suggest it can cut the risk of cancer. But the most comprehensive review ever undertaken – by Warwick Medical School for the NHS National Institute for Health Research – concluded that healthy people should avoid aspirin. Prof Aileen Clarke, who led the research, said that the risks are finely balanced and for now there is not the evidence to advise people to take it.

  • HOME REMEDIES TO TREAT ACIDITY

    HOME REMEDIES TO TREAT ACIDITY

    We have all suffered from acidity at some point in our lives. With our busy work schedules, we sometimes fail to eat anything throughout the day. Sometimes we only eat two meals a day, and at other times we simply skip these meals. But, our bad eating habits can cause acidity. Your stomach normally secretes acid that is essential for the digestive process. This acid helps in breaking down the food during digestion. Your stomach keeps secreting juices to digest food and when it does not get any food to act on it acts on the stomach lining, which causes acidity. Shreya Brahme, Dietician and Nutritionist and blogger at Dietician Shreya, helps us understand more about this common problem and ways to treat it.

    Some common causes of acidity are:
    Eating fast food regularly
    Addiction to caffeine
    Smoking
    Too much alcohol consumption
    Leaving too much of a gap in-between meals

    Some easy remedies:
    Have a glass of lukewarm water every day. Jaggery (gur), lemon, banana, almonds and yogurt (curd) are all known to give you instant relief from acidity. Nariyal paani is known to soothe the system if you suffer from acidity. Boil some mint or basil (tulsi) leaves in water and have a glass of this after meals. Include bananas, watermelons and cucumbers in your daily diet. Sucking on a piece of clove is another effective remedy. Besides, trying to correct the cause, avoid excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol.

  • HEALTH DANGERS THAT EACH SHOE CARRIES

    HEALTH DANGERS THAT EACH SHOE CARRIES

    If stilettos harm feet, flat shoes can also be dangerous. Find out how these pretty shoes can be hazardous to health. Jacqueline Sutera, a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery, and Neal Blitz, Chief of Foot Surgery and Associate Chairman of Orthopedics at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, share the dangers of our favourite shoes, reports a website.

    Running sneakers
    Too much cushion is not the best thing. When you have a lot of cushion, you’re not getting the foot-brain feedback that allows you to sense the ground. These shoes are ideal for forward motion like running, walking, jogging (not hiking, dancing, cycling, etc). Wearing these shoes can cause chronic stress injuries, particularly to the heel.

    Flip-flops
    Most flip-flops are too flat, too thin and too open. This exposes the foot to the environment and doesn’t provide arch support or cushioning. The thong between your toes is also dangerous as it forces your toe muscles to over-grip. Wearing these shoes can cause inflammation, heel pain, strains and fractures.

    Stilettos
    Wearing heels for long hours shifts your weight to the balls of your feet, which puts pressure on your foot. The sky-high heels can cause ankle sprains, midfoot fractures, neuromas (benign nerve tumours).

  • NEWLYWEDS’ GUIDE TO DOING UP THEIR NEST

    NEWLYWEDS’ GUIDE TO DOING UP THEIR NEST

    His was a clumsy bachelor pad and hers a girly den before the two got married and moved into their romantic nest. Looking simply at the bare walls and empty spaces of a house can be quite intimidating for a newlywed who has before them the trying task of creating a home, and then sharing it with each other. Even if nothing like a sprawling Beverly Hills condo, you would still want yours to be homey and aesthetic with a reflection of your personality. But most couples undermine the beauty of the experience of doing up the house together, and in the process discovering a lesser-known side of one another. Contrary to popular perception, home decor doesn’t necessarily have to cost an arm and a leg, even for a honeymoon-return couple who wish to create for themselves a haven of romance.

    By giving flight to your imagination and a dint of creativity, you can do wonders with your small space despite the budget. But remember patience with each other is paramount in this phase as you are bound to have one too many disagreements, and might end up discarding potential home decor pieces from the old attic.We try to make your time setting up the house less harrowing by getting interior design duo Sumessh Menon and Vivek Popli of Trikaya Interiors along with Shivika Bhasin of German kitchen and home furnishing brands Hacker, Hulsta and Rolf Benz, to share their impressions.

    Living room
    It wouldn’t be inappropriate to say that the living area is the heart and soul of the house. You host your guests in that space, you often sit down to breakfast there or simply lie around reading on a weekend. And so, the choice of furniture among other items of decor such as paintings, lamps, and vases, becomes vital in deciding the personality of the house. Go for contemporary straight line furniture as it makes the room look serene post wedding celebrations.Wicker furniture is another great idea and is quite popular in the West too for their chic designs and affordability. You can get them designed and colored to your liking and toss bright cushions on them. Espresso brown, wine red and white are the classic shades in wicker.

    Shivika insists on sprucing it up with contrasting color cushions in heart shape and keeping the contours of the couches soft to give a sensuous, romantic feel to the living area. For a sense of dimension, introduce a conversation piece chair, suggests Sumessh Menon, in a colour that stands out from the rest of the furniture.

    Dining area
    The world is going minimalist in a big way over home decor. In keeping with the trend, and not to mention the occupancy of the house, a couple should go for a dining table comprising two chairs and a bench. “This is a very creative way to break the monotony, and make optimal utilization of space,” feels Sumessh. To give your space a rustic look, you can even do up the wall facing the dining table with brick tiles, and hang a few lanterns or a beautiful colored glass lamp.

    A creative wall notwithstanding, lighting gone wrong can mar the effect of a tastefully done up interior. Aside from pedestrian lamps, the dining area should also have the option of dimmers, mood lighting or indirect cove lighting. Spread a pretty cutwork tablecloth and table runner for an elegant look. To enhance it, you can place a glass bowl of rose petals and candles in the center of the dining table. “Keeping fresh fruits in a crystal bowl is another way out,” Shivika adds.

    Lobby
    You can lay out your coffee table in the lobby area which is otherwise used only as an access path to adjoining rooms. For a chic look, pick a low coffee table with low stools. It makes sense to stack some books, a scrabble, some stationary and a coffee mug on the table to make this part of the house look in-use. The coffee table, however, need not match with the other furniture bits in the house. More creative ones can get logs of wood converted into coffee table and stools with help from a carpenter.

    If you have more room, why not spread out a rug and throw in some blingy, over-the-top cushions. Pottery lovers can scatter terracotta vases that come in interesting shapes, or as Sumessh would prefer, different sizes of aquamarine pottery clustered together in a corner to lend your home a soothing Mediterranean feel.

    Bedroom
    Our experts advice, “Let the woman have her choice of colors splashed on the wall.” Post wedding women in particular are very possessive about their bedrooms and would rather do it up their way. So, she can have her pinks and fuchsias on the walls, and maybe you can convince her to leave a wall vacant for a nice wallpaper. Create a collage of wedding and honeymoon photographs and hang it on an empty wall in the bedroom or the anti-lobby leading to the bedroom. Television is a must in this room, and never the living room like many do. Make sure the bed is placed against the dead wall, and no where close to a window.

    But ensure you have a multi-purpose bed with pull-out breakfast consoles, mobile ancillary tables for morning tea. The dressing table can be lightweight with spacious drawers to stock cosmetics. Use wooden blinds, bamboo chicks for an aesthetic look; or go all out with sheer curtains along with the main one. The latest doing the rounds in home interiors is a walk-in wardrobe, and every newly married girl dreams of owning one. Shares Sumessh, “Walk-in wardrobes are not a far-fetched idea even in a small setup. You can always convert the lobby connecting the kitchen with the living room into a walk-in closet.”

    Kitchen
    Modular kitchens, says Shivika, come with an option to change the fronts anytime. Place the crockery in tall cabinets lit up with LED and illuminated shelves. Use wall hung cabinets for the light crockery pieces, add a corkboard to hang pots and pans, and make use of inbuilt appliances to organize your kitchen better.

  • US China envoy who oversaw embassy drama to resign

    US China envoy who oversaw embassy drama to resign

    BEIJING (TIP): The US ambassador to China, who oversaw diplomatic dramas and gave refuge to a Chinese activist who escape from house arrest, is to resign, he said in a statement on November 20. Gary Locke, the first Chinese-American to hold the post, will step down early next year to “rejoin my family” in his hometown of Seattle, after two-and-a-half years of “immense and rewarding challenge”. Locke, whose grandfather immigrated to America from the southern province of Guangdong, arrived in Beijing in August 2011, standing out among the Western diplomatic corps because of his ethnicity. He quickly gained a reputation in China as a humble dignitary — in stark contrast to many Chinese officials — after being seen carrying his own luggage and travelling in a regular car.

    In February 2012 a diplomatic drama erupted when senior Chinese official Wang Lijun fled to the US consulate in the southwestern city of Chengdu from his powerful boss Bo Xilai, then head of the nearby metropolis of Chongqing. Wang soon left the premises to be dealt with by Chinese authorities and was last year sentenced to 15 years in prison. A few months later, Locke handled a tougher diplomatic standoff when blind rights activist Chen Guangcheng escaped house arrest in the eastern province of Shandong and sought refuge at the US embassy in Beijing. After days of tense negotiations involving then US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, Chen and his family were allowed to go to the US.

    The US ambassador garnered attention again in June 2013 by visiting Tibet, where rights groups complain of Chinese suppression of the ethnic minority, claims that Beijing denies. Authorities closed off the area in 2008 after deadly riots and Locke arrived amid a string of Tibetan self-immolations that have gathered pace since 2009 in the region and nearby provinces. In his brief statement, Locke mentioned visiting Tibet and meeting human rights lawyers as measures that “advanced American values”.

    A former commerce secretary, he also touted his promotion of American businesses in China and Chinese investment in the US. China’s foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said that Locke had “made positive efforts to promote exchanges and cooperation between China and the US”. “We appreciate that,” he added. State department spokeswoman Jen Psaki praised Locke’s “successful tenure” and said he had “devoted enormous personal energy to opening Chinese markets to American companies, promoting Chinese tourism and business travel to the United States and advocating greater respect for human rights.”

    She denied that his departure after only two and a half years in the job “reflects anything” about US-China ties, adding that the process would begin to find a “qualified and talented replacement.” Locke had replaced former envoy Jon Huntsman, a fluent Mandarin speaker, who spent less than two years in the post before leaving to launch an unsuccessful bid to be the 2012 Republican presidential nominee. On China’s popular microblog networks, which followed Locke’s tenure keenly, users expressed mixed views on his departure. “Farewell and don’t come again” said one poster, while another said: “He’s a good man.” Several cited Beijing’s notorious pollution as a possible reason for his departure, with one declaring: “Trust me, he’s leaving for the sake of his family’s health.”

  • WHAT HUMANITY OWES GURU NANAK

    WHAT HUMANITY OWES GURU NANAK

    When Guru Nanak came to this world in the 15th century, many paths to enlightenment were devoid of divinity. They were mostly distorted towards unholy goals of exploiters of people. Religious practices were concocted routinely and thrust on people by mutually supportive interests that had designed to conceal tricks to fool innocent people. The religious institutions used beauty shows in religious practices that were intended to attract innocent minds. They invented deities, stories, idols, recitations, and rituals that supported each other.

    They asked people to erect stunning buildings to house God and promised accessibility to Gods at precise time and places through expense of wealth, time, and intellect. Altruism was perverted so that it only benefited clerics, clergy, and their masters Many other tricks were implemented to speed institutional agenda. Miracles were invented to convert human behaviors. The religious myths were invented to answer real questions and then safe-guarded their myths by un-testable threats and promises. Religious institutions of the time built cults of external marks and wrappings to encourage murders and wars against those who did not tow the line or who were members of competing religions.

    They asked to invest massive amount of money, time, and energy in ritualistic illusions. They were sold on beliefs such as, converting others or serving clergy would guarantee heavens no one has ever seen. Above all, horrific fear were employed to ensure compliance. Guru Nanak came out of the famous Veeni River meditation with fervent zeal to spread what he said was inspiration from Almighty. He then taught that human life was a result of the millions of years’ history and experience from numerous life cycles of birth and death. This history manifested in human mind and body as the primitive and corrupted instincts all inherited from plant and animal life. Upon birth into the human form they were reinforced by illusions created by selfserving materialistic cultures on one hand and the clergy promoting ethnic religiosity on the other.

    Thus, mislead human life endured pains and sufferings, but at the same time experienced longing for salvation. Guru Nanak taught that suffering comes from enslavement of five inner evils. Conquering over those evils with the sword of knowledge and seeking of enlightenment with contemplation of Divine brings freedom from suffering, and will lead to achievement of the timeless bliss. Guru Nanak claimed that there was no religion that God would patronize. Each disciple of spirituality may seek guidance from the Guru and work out his/her own practice to calm down the mind and insure suitable paths of salvation. Guru Nanak preached the institution of spirituality in earthly practices, all leading to a life of sharing the possessions with others, being thankful, and seeking the Divinity in life practices.

    He felicitated experience of Divinity at every moment and in every act. His teachings inculcated cleansing acts to purify the heart. In Guru Nanak’s religion, the company of enlightened minds in the service of humanity will facilitate the journey to salvation. No deities, mythical stories, hidden powers, or other beauty tricks of organized religions would be desired for spiritual attainments. (The author is Emeritus Professor and Chairman, Department of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, the University of North Texas Health Science Center, and recipient of Doctor of Literature (honoris causa) from Guru Nanak Dev University. His writings on Sikh subjects appear regularly in books on Sikh issues and Sikh journals. He lives in Arlington, Texas)

  • WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

    WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

    Here’s how you can get more out of each day.

    Have a laugh
    While all of us have work and family responsibilities, stressing out too much about them will simply cause you more grief — both mentally as well as physically. There are several ways you can unwind — watch your favourite comedy, catch up with close friends and talk about funny memories. Research says that every time you laugh out loud, increased oxygen flows to your organs, blood flow increases, and stress automatically reduces.

    Spend time with your pet
    Pets are known not only to give you unconditional love, but spending time with them is actually good for your health. Studies say that when you pet your dog/ cat even for just a few minutes, your body releases feel-good hormones like serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin, and also decreases the amount of the damaging stress hormones. This results in lower blood pressure, less anxiety and even better immunity.

    Get rid of the clutter
    Are you surrounded by too many things in a not-so-very big space? Having too much stuff can leave you feeling overwhelmed and bog you down, eventually leading to stress. Living in constantly messy surroundings brings on unwanted anxiety. Therefore, experts say you need to de-clutter to de-stress. Don’t start by wanting to clear up everything at once. That will only stress you out further. Begin with a small space and gradually move to bigger things. A space that is uncluttered can feel satisfying and soothing.

    Do the housework
    While this might seem like a mundane, everyday chore, try to do things a bit differently. Put on your favourite music or TV show in the background, make a list of all that needs to be done, and get down working. Not only will you burn calories and get your work down, you won’t be tired and stressed out at the end of it.

    Drink juices
    Researchers say that the vitamin C present in orange juice can actually help you manage stress better because it lowers levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Remember that vitamin C-rich foods such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, strawberries, or sweet red peppers boost your immune system.

    Sing out loud
    When was the last time you sang loudly to your heart’s content? Turn up the radio and start singing. No matter how bad you think you are, studies show that singing can actually make you feel happier and feel less stressed. Singing also benefits your breathing, heart and immune system.

    Go for a walk
    One of the best ways to beat stress is to exercise. It helps your body produce endorphins that make you feel good. Exercising in warm weather can boost your mood while a daily brisk walk of about 30 minutes can greatly reduce stress levels.

    Have some sex
    If you’re using stress as an excuse to abstain from sex, think again. Having sex is actually a great way to ease stress because it lowers blood pressure, boosts self-esteem as well as increases feelings of intimacy with your partner. It also helps you sleep better.

    Breathe deeply
    Invest in some lavender or rosemary scents and take a deep whiff — it will instantly put you in a more relaxed state and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. If you prefer not to use scents, practice the act of deep breathing regularly. This sends oxygen surging through your bloodstream, helping to calm down and beat stress.

  • CHICKPEAS HELP WEIGHT LOSS

    CHICKPEAS HELP WEIGHT LOSS

    Ahealthy meal plan that helps weight loss is incomplete without chickpeas and their healthy weight loss benefits. Add them to salads, curries, vegetables, just about anything can use these wonderful energy powerhouses. Read on to understand just why chickpeas are good for weight loss.

    Chickpeas as a weight loss food
    The nutlike taste and buttery texture of chickpeas is not the only reason to eye this humble pea; its amazing weight loss capabilities makes it a dieters favourite. In 2010, a study was conducted to test the ability of chickpea to lower food consumption in 42 participants over a 12 week study. The same people were later asked to follow their regular diet for weeks. Results showed that people claimed that the level of satiation after eating chickpea was higher. Due to their high fiber content, chickpeas make a great weight loss food by making one feel fuller for longer.The fibre content also takes care of digestive disorders. Chickpeas help decrease heart disease : Studies have revealed that chickpeas being lower in fat levels can lower bad cholesterol and overall cholesterol levels. Chickpeas for diabetics: Chickpeas provide carbohydrates for people sensitive to insulin and those suffering from diabetes. Interesting fact: Chickpeas equal milk or yogurt in calcium level. Chickpeas contain high quality protein and are a good source of folic acid, manganese, iron, copper, magnesium and molybdenum. Vegetarians can mix chickpeas with rice or whole grains to get wholesome amount of proteins in their regular diet.

    Chickpea calories
    100 g of chickpeas contains:
    Calories: 164
    Proteins: 8.9 g
    Carbohydrates: 18.7 g
    Fat: 2.5 g
    Fibers: 8.6
    Iron: 2.8 mg

  • VEGETABLE OILS INCREASE HEART DISEASE RISK

    VEGETABLE OILS INCREASE HEART DISEASE RISK

    Anew study has revealed that some vegetable oils that claim to be healthy may actually increase the risks of heart disease. Replacing saturated animal fats with polyunsaturated vegetable oils has become common practice because they can reduce serum cholesterol levels and help prevent heart disease. “Careful evaluation of recent evidence, however, suggests that allowing a health claim for vegetable oils rich in omega-6 linoleic acid but relatively poor in omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid may not be warranted,” Drs. Richard Bazinet, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto and Michael Chu, Lawson Health Research Institute and Division of Cardiac Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario said. Corn and safflower oil, which are rich in omega-6 linoleic acid but contain almost no omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, are not associated with beneficial effects on heart health according to recent evidence. In the study the intervention group replaced saturated fat with sources of safflower oil or safflower oil margarine (rich in omega-6 linoleic acid but low in omega-3 alinoleic acid). They found that the intervention group had serum cholesterol levels that were significantly decreased (by about 8percent- 13percent) relative to baseline and the control group, which is consistent with the health claim. However, rates of death from all causes of cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease significantly increased in the treatment group.

  • GLOWING SKIN JUST A GLASS AWAY

    GLOWING SKIN JUST A GLASS AWAY

    People spend fortunes in a bid to have glowing skin like celebrities around the world. While some use natural products, some use expensive cosmetics to get that much-required skin sheen. Recently, however, a new trend is fast catching up among youngsters and middle-aged people alike — consuming plenty of fresh fruit juices — to enhance the quality of the skin. Given the fact that most fruits are high on nutrients and minerals, fruit juices are excellent to get that glow on your skin. Also, by virtue of the fact that fruit juices are easily and quickly absorbed by the body, they show quick results on the skin too. Says Tupur Chakraborty, 23, “Although I have recently joined a job and have a really busy schedule, juggling between tutions, college and the job, I make it a point to eat healthy and consume at least a glass of fruit juice everyday without fail. This is a habit that my mother inculcated in me but it really helps keep acne problems at bay and makes the skin look very healthy.” Some of the most popular juices consumed for great skin are orange, juice, apple juce, lemon juice and watermelon juice. But, vegetable juices, like juices of papaya, spinach and cabbage also help to give a shine to the skin, making it healthy from within. Well, if glowing skin comes with consumption of something as tasty as fruit juices, no one should be complaining.

  • SUPERFOODS FOR HEALTHY, LUSCIOUS HAIR

    SUPERFOODS FOR HEALTHY, LUSCIOUS HAIR

    All of us want to have a mane that we can play with at the right time. And even if a woman is not too fond of long hair, she also wants healthy hair and problem free scalp. “Actually it’s not too difficult to maintain hair and have a good scalp,” says Archana Bhobe, owner of Snip Salon and Spa. “Apart from washing it frequently and nourishing it from outside, it’s important that you nourish it from within as well with a hair friendly diet.”

    Hair friendly foods
    Green tea: Yes. The tea that helps lose weight also helps a healthy scalp. Polyphenols help keep hair shiny. And if you have dandruff, you can even wash your hair with green tea. Walnuts and almonds: Omega-3 and polyphenol rich nuts nourish hair from within. Green vegetables: Spinach has iron and is also a rich source of Vitamin A that produces sebum, the natural hair conditioner. Broccoli, kale and other leafy vegetables also belong to this group. Beans: Beans and legumes are a great source of B vitamins that encourage growth of healthy hair follicles. Soya, eggs and paneer: All these protein rich foods help production of keratin that encourages healthy hair. Coloured fruits: Mangoes, kiwis, all types of berries, peaches, oranges, sweet limes; all are rich in Vitamin C which helps collagen production that gives hair a good structure and fibre.

  • Obama’s popularity at all-time low: Survey

    Obama’s popularity at all-time low: Survey

    WASHINGTON (TIP): US President Barack Obama’s popularity has slumped to an all-time low, with a majority of Americans for the first time believing him to be dishonest and untrustworthy, a new survey showed. The respected Quinnipiac University Poll found that Obama’s approval rating had nosedived to the level of unpopularity faced by Republican predecessor George W. Bush at the same stage of his presidency. Overall, the poll said 54 percent disapproved of the job Obama was doing against 39 percent who approved. The findings mark a significant downturn from an October 1 survey which put Obama’s disapproval rating at 49 percent to 45 percent approval. It caps a turbulent few weeks for Obama, whose administration has come under heavy fire for the chaotic roll-out of his signature health care legislation, the Affordable Care Act. American voters had also reacted strongly against Obama’s misstated pledge to allow voters to keep the health care plans they already had, the survey revealed. “Like all new presidents, President Barack Obama had a honeymoon with American voters, with approval ratings in the high 50s,” said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

    “As the marriage wore on, he kept his job approval scores in the respectable, though not overwhelming 40s. Today for the first time it appears that 40 percent floor is cracking.” Malloy said the plunging approval amongst women voters was also a concern for Obama. Only 41 percent of women approved of the job he was doing against 51 percent who disapproved. The survey indicated that most Americans remain deeply pessimistic about the effect the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare” as it has become known, will have on their health care choices. Only 19 percent of voters expect the quality of care to improve in the next year as a result of the legislation, 43 percent expect it to get worse and 33 percent say it will make no difference. Obama’s image had also taken a battering after he said people could keep their existing health insurance plans if they wished. “President Obama’s misstatement, ‘If you like your health plan you can keep it,’ left a bad taste with a lot of people,” Malloy said. “Nearly half of the voters, 46 percent, think he knowingly deceived them.” The poll was conducted amongst 2,545 registered voters nationwide between November 6-11, with a margin of error of plus-minus 1.9 percentage points.

  • Low Obamacare enrolment figures turns up heat on White House

    Low Obamacare enrolment figures turns up heat on White House

    WASHINGTON (TIP): About 106,000 people signed up for insurance coverage nationally under President Barack Obama’s healthcare law during October, the government said on Wednesday, a tiny fraction of the millions of people that had been expected to enroll for next year. The Obama administration had signaled enrollment would be very low in October because of technical failures that have hobbled the HealthCare.gov website used for signing people up in 36 states. But the reported figures show how far the White House has to go to build a new individual market of millions of consumers in 2014 to keep the healthcare program financially viable. The enrollment in private plans amounts to 1.5 percent of a forecast 7 million people who were expected to sign up by the time enrollment wraps up in the end of March. Nearly 1 million people have successfully checked whether they are eligible for government subsidies toward the new insurance, but have not selected a plan, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. The release of the low enrollment numbers for the first month coincided with Obama’s fellow Democrats in the US House of Representatives demanding that the White House swiftly help people whose existing insurance policies are being canceled and to fix the broken website by the end of the month. The sign-up figures reflect people who have picked a new insurance plan but may not have paid their premiums yet.

    Some 26,794 people signed up for private health insurance plans through the technologically-challenged federal marketplace and 79,391 who signed up through state-based exchanges. The figures showed 396,261 people were deemed eligible for the government’s Medicaid program or the Children’s Health Insurance Program for the poor. House Democrats, seething over the problems, met with administration officials for more than an hour on Wednesday, angry that the botched rollout could become a major political liability for the party during the 2014 mid-term elections. A senior House Democratic aide said lawmakers called for Obama to announce a remedy to the canceled policies before a vote on Friday on a Republican bill allowing people to keep their current health insurance plans if they like them. House Democratic leaders have urged their members to vote against it, saying it is merely another attempt to repeal the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Obama’s biggest domestic policy achievement, commonly known as Obamacare. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told reporters he had a long conversation with Obama on Tuesday night.

  • Obamacare-how caring?

    Obamacare-how caring?

    Some 106,185 people signed up for Obamacare in its first month of operation, a period marred by major technological problems with both the federal and state enrollment websites.

    Troubled HealthCare.gov is unlikely to work fully by end of November, says an official with knowledge of the project. According to this source of information, software problems with the federal online health insurance marketplace, especially in handling high volumes, are proving so stubborn that the system is unlikely to work fully by the end of the month as the White House has promised. The insurance exchange is balking when more than 20,000 to 30,000 people attempt to use it at the same time – about half its intended capacity, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to disclose internal information. And CGI Federal, the main contractor that built the site, has succeeded in repairing only about six of every 10 of the defects it has addressed so far. Government workers and technical contractors racing to repair the Web site have concluded, the official said, that the only way for large numbers of Americans to enroll in the health-care plans soon is by using other means so that the online system isn’t overburdened.

    This inside view of the halting nature of HealthCare.gov repairs is emerging as the insurance industry is working behind the scenes on contingency plans, in case the site continues to have problems. And it calls into question the repeated assurances by the White House and other top officials that the insurance exchange will work smoothly for the vast majority of Americans by Nov. 30. Speaking in Dallas a week ago, President Obama said that the “Web site is already better than it was at the beginning of October, and by the end of this month, we anticipate that it is going to be working the way it is supposed to, all right?” Julie Bataille, director of communications at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, said: “We are working 24/7 to make improvements so that by the end of the month the site is working smoothly for the vast majority of users.We are making progress, including fixes to reduce error rates and get the site moving faster. “The challenges we are addressing today,” she added, “are a snapshot of November 12th, not November 30th.” Meanwhile, pressure intensified Tuesday on the Obama administration to address the growing complaints of Americans whose individual insurance policies are being canceled because they do not comply with new government rules for coverage. The online magazine Ozy published a video interview with former president Bill Clinton saying that Obama must “honor the commitment” he made to Americans that they could keep their insurance – even if it requires a change in the law. Fewer than 27,000 Americans selected an insurance plan through the federal healthcare.gov site, which is handling enrollment for 36 states, according to figures released Wednesday by the Obama administration.

    The site is still far from fully operational, leaving tech experts racing to get it working by month’s end, as the administration promised. The states running their own exchanges are responsible for the bulk of the sign-ups. Nearly 79,400 people have selected a plan through state-based exchanges, with California leading the way with nearly 35,400 selecting a plan. States have also been battling system errors, with Oregon having yet to accept online applications. Only 11 states reported sign-up figures Wednesday. These figures reflect people who have selected insurance plans through the exchanges, but not necessarily paid for them. Americans have until Dec. 15 to pay if they want coverage to begin on Jan. 1. Open enrollment lasts through March 31. Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger said she and her counterparts in other states have offered suggestions to the White House on how best to address the problem of canceled policies. The most obvious solution, she said, would be to allow customers to renew policies early to let them stay in effect until November 2014. But that would come with a trade-off, she said: Those people would not receive federal subsidies for which they might be eligible if they bought a plan on the exchange. She said that she and other insurance commissioners are trying to address consumers’ desire to use the federal exchange. “Honestly,” she said, “it’s just a big mess right now. .?.?. I don’t know what to tell people.” Debate over how to respond to Americans who are irate about losing their insurance is intensifying on Capitol Hill.

    The House plans to vote this week on a bill introduced by Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) that would extend this year’s insurance plans for a year. On Tuesday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said she is co-sponsoring a bill with Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) that would require insurers to offer 2013 plans on the individual market indefinitely. The software defects that ware making the Web site unstable with too much volume mean that some people face frozen computer screens when they try to enter information – and then get timeout errors, said the official with knowledge of the project. Call centers have had problems, too. Within the network of 17 federally sponsored call locations staffed by more than 10,000 people, consumers are discovering that telephone representatives lack the authority to correct errors in online applications. And sometimes, consumers with more than routine questions are promised that specialists will call them back, but the calls never come. Insurance companies, which have been pressing the White House for greater ability to sign up customers directly, are stuck at the moment, unable to complete enrollments. That is because they must connect with the federal online system to determine whether customers’ incomes qualify them for tax credits to help pay for their insurance – a part of the system that does not work. According to the official, workers are trying to streamline the computer system so that it can handle outside queries from insurers and the call centers about whether people are eligible for subsidies. Technical workers are striving to have this part of the system working reliably within two to three weeks.In a telephone call with reporters earlier Tuesday, Bataille said that HHS is emailing about 275,000 consumers who have gotten stuck while trying to shop for and buy health plans. The e-mails encourage them to try again. Asked whether the Web site could handle all those consumers if they logged on at once, Bataille replied, “That’s why we are sending this series of e-mails in waves.” The CMS has said it has cut the waiting time for pages on the federal Web site from an average of eight seconds to one second and has reduced errors that have blocked consumers from 6 percent to 2 percent.

  • DIWALI: LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE

    DIWALI: LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE

    Deepawali or Diwali is certainly the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. It’s the festival of lights (deep = light and avali = a row i.e., a row of lights) that’s marked by four days of celebration, which literally illumines the country with its brilliance, and dazzles all with its joy. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a different tradition, but what remains true and constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment and goodness.

    The Origin of Diwali
    Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali or ‘Deepawali.’ Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen year long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.

    These Four Days
    Each day of Diwali has its own tale, legend and myth to tell. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the second day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the tyrant Bali, and banished him to hell. Bali was allowed to return to earth once a year, to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance, and spread the radiance of love and wisdom. It is on the third day of Deepawali — Kartika Shudda Padyami that Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is


    17

    The Significance of Lights & Firecrackers
    All the simple rituals of Diwali have a significance and a story to tell. The illumination of homes with lights and the skies with firecrackers is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity. According to one belief, the sound of fire-crackers are an indication of the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful state. Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes produced by the crackers kill a lot of insects and mosquitoes, found in plenty after the rains.

    The Tradition of Gambling
    The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva, and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year. Diwali is associated with wealth and prosperity in many ways, and the festival of ‘Dhanteras’ (‘dhan’ = wealth; ‘teras’ = 13th) is celebrated two days before the festival of lights.

    From Darkness Unto Light…
    In each legend, myth and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of firecrackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside India, it is more than a Hindu festival, it’s a celebration of South- Asian identities. If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a diya, sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, concentrate on this supreme light and illuminate the soul.

  • 10 LIES MOST MEN TELL

    10 LIES MOST MEN TELL

    God, don’t we love these surveys! The most recent one has it that men lie more than women, thus affirming what we always knew but didn’t have a survey to back up. While lies come in all sizes and shades, here are the more common fibs that the male of the species is more inclined to dish out— sometimes to get out of a fix, oftentimes to keep his partner happy, and at other times because it’s ever so convenient and hasslefree! Do, please, add your own to this list, and let’s have fun making this list as long as his nose is likely to grow if and when caught!

    1. “I WASN’T CHECKING HER OUT.’ They will deny till they turn blue in the face that they were checking out another woman while you were very much in the vicinity. They’ll protest how until you accused them, they didn’t even register the presence of the sexy, curvaceous woman in the mall, or airport, or wherever it is such women frequent.
    2. “I HAVE NOT HAD A SMOKE/I HAVE DRASTICALLY CUT DOWN ON CIGARETTES.’ When you get on their case and nag them about smoking, or have caught them almost red and nicotine-handed, they insist the smoke you smell from their hair, clothes, breath, or surroundings are from some far away source; it’s certainly not them.
    3. ‘IT’S ONLY YOU I FANTASIZE ABOUT.’ When fantasizing about someone in their dreamy moments, or when they seek self-pleasure, it’s always with you in his mind, or so they’ll have you believe. How can, they say, you even think they could have anyone else on their mind. Who are they kidding? Let’s face it. Partners are their reality; not fantasy.
    4. ‘I WAS WAY TOO QUALIFIED FOR THAT ORGANISATION, ANYWAY.’ The pink slip he got had nothing to do with his position being made redundant. He was just way too good for them!
    5. ‘WITH THE GPS, I OWN THE ROAD.’ Fact is even with these technology playthings, many men are perfectly lost. Except that his male pride will never let him admit that.
    6. ‘I CAN’T STAY WITHOUT YOU MORE THAN A DAY.’ What lies! The fact is no sooner you are gone than the party begins, or at least the planning for one does.
    7. ‘I WASN’T SLEEPING. I WAS THINKING.’ They don’t like being caught napping while at work or watching a movie, so you have to know it’s just their way of putting on their thinking caps.
    8. ‘I DID NOT FORGET.’ If something slips from their mind like sending that courier or asking the plumber to inspect that leaking tap, it’s only because something more important came up, and there were other pressing matters that had to be attended to. Forgetfulness and them? Naah!
    9. ‘WE DON’T THINK ABOUT THAT ALL THE TIME.’ This one is a halflie. What they don’t tell you is that they are thinking about it most of the time. In between work happens.
    10. ‘I HAVEN’T LOST HAIR; I HAVE GAINED FACE!’ How can his male ego deal with hair loss? It’s a blow to his vanity. So anything, really, to cling on to his youth and erstwhile crowning glory.