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From chapped lips to cracked heels: An expert guide to winter hydration
PremiumAs lovely as respite from the hot and humid Indian summer is, winter brings along myriad issues—from skincare to hair care. Owing to the drop in humidity, the winter months can be especially challenging for those suffering from dry skin as it struggles to maintain hydration. Along with flaky skin, chapped lips, and cracked heels are also common during the winter months which also indicated the need to modify your regimen with change in seasons. While a quick search can reveal thousands of tips, it can be overwhelming to determine what actually works. We’ve asked Dr. Mahesh Shahane, dermatologist at Sparsh Skin Clinic to share actionable solutions that are effective. TO KEEP SKIN HYDRATED Drink at least 2.5 litres of water The moment we talk about hydration, we think of water because this is one of the utmost natural ways to keep yourself and your skin hydrated. Keep a track of the amount of water you are consuming every day and it should not be less than 2.5 litres a day. Do not skip SPF indoors Sunscreens are sacrosanct in your skincare. While it protects your skin from harmful UV rays coming from the sun, it also locks in moisture in your skin to keep it hydrated. Excess exposure to blue light because of screen time can be one of the reasons for skin dehydration and dullness. Use SPF 50+ even indoors that will act as a shield to protect your skin from any damage. Use a gentle cleanser Treat your skin gently with a face wash or cleanser that suits your skin type. Your daily cleanser should be free of any fragrance or alcohol to leave your skin away from any harmful substance. A gentle cleanser will protect skin barrier, remove dirt and impurities, maintain glow and avoid dehydration. Avoid over cleansing, I would recommend twice a day, once in the morning and once before you sleep to keep your skin clean. Avoid hot showers If you are someone who likes to shower under hot water, then you might want to reconsider it. Hot showers will take away natural oil from skin, hence causing barrier damage and dehydration, while lukewarm or cool water will aid increased blood flow, reduce puffiness, and soothe your skin. Hyaluronic acid is the key Hyaluronic acid as a part of your morning routine every day will ensure a healthier, dewy and supple skin by retaining moisture to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful yet safe ingredient that will bind the water to collage, keeping it intact in the skin. Moisturise your skin Moisturisers are a must in your skincare routine. You must moisturise your skin twice a day – morning after cleansing and night before calling it a day. It helps your skin avoid irritation and dryness by protecting it from pollutants and it also holds the water in your skin. There are plenty of options available in the market for all skin types. FOR YOUR LIPS Re-apply that balm regularly One of the easiest ways to prevent chapped lips and heal dryness is applying a hydrating lip balm or chapstick every 2 to 3 hours during the winter season. The layer of the balm will act as a protective barrier as lips are more sensitive than the rest of your skin. SPF for lips Your lips need to be protected from harmful rays as much as your skin. Use any lip care product that provides SPF of minimum 30, a recommended amount, guarding the skin. Do not pick Stop pulling or peeling your chapped lips as that will make the matter worse, causing soreness, bleeding and flaky. Some easily available products with ingredients like shea butter, petroleum jelly, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E and aloe-vera gel are good for lips. Wipe them clean before you snooze There’s no way you should sleep with your lipstick on, you should allow your lip to breathe. Remove the makeup with either a remover or damp cotton and wipe it clean. HEAL THOSE HEELS Exfoliate gently Gently exfoliate your feet to remove dead skin for a smooth and softer heel after soaking it in a lukewarm water for over 10 to 15 minutes. Try products with urea Urea is a great ingredient for cracked heels. It draws moisture to the skin and hydrates dry areas, making it a soothing moisturiser and exfoliator. Strengthening skin barriers, urea keeps the skin's barrier strong and healthy by renewing and regenerating skin cells. Ceramide-forward creams You can also use foot cream products that are enriched with ceramide as it helps restore your skin barriers and traps water in the skin. Comfort is crucial Avoid heels, open shoes like flip flops, sandals and opt for closed heel footwear with comfort cushioning that will let the crack heal. Read More: An expert’s guide to winter hair care
01 February,2023 10:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai Agarwal
Five healthy ingredients that fitness enthusiasts must add to their diets
Fitness enthusiasts are always on the lookout for ingredients to help boost their fitness journeys. While chemical supplements are widely available in the market, the goodness of ayurvedic ingredients does not usually get the attention it deserves. Ayurveda is a centuries-old Indian healthcare practice. It aims to maintain health and wellness by balancing the mind, body, and spirit, and it focuses more on prevention than treatment. To accomplish this, it takes a holistic approach that encompasses nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. Ayurvedic herbs and spices play a significant role in this approach. They are believed to give a range of health advantages, including better digestion and mental health, and actually protect your body from sickness. Here are 5 healthy ingredients for fitness enthusiasts shared by Dr. Kriti Soni, Head of R&D, Kapiva: Originally from India, ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is a little woody shrub. Its roots and berries are used to make a well-known Ayurvedic medicine. It is classified as an adaptogen, which means it is believed to help your body cope with stress more effectively. Cortisol is a hormone that your adrenal glands create in response to stress, and studies have shown that ashwagandha lowers cortisol levels. Fitness enthusiasts can benefit from it to relieve stress-both physical and psychological. Ashwagandha may also improve muscle growth and blood sugar levels. Shilajit is an ingredient that has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicinal practices to treat a wide range of ailments. It is abundant in minerals and contains a major compound known as fulvic acid. While working out, fitness enthusiasts lose essential electrolytes that aid in regulating water balance, muscle contractions, nerve impulses, and metabolism by sweating. Shilajit is rich in certain mineral content, which has the ability to replace these electrolytes, thus maintaining physical performance and endurance. Triphala: Triphala is an Ayurvedic cure made from the three medicinal fruits listed: Amla (Emblica Officinalis, or Indian gooseberry) Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica) Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula) According to research, Triphala may lessen arthritic inflammation and prevent or slow the spread of several cancers. Furthermore, Triphala is also beneficial for improved digestion and oral health. Fitness enthusiasts may benefit largely from including Triphala in their diet, as it can promote overall health and well-being. It acts as a colon toner and helps in strengthening and toning the tissues of the colon. As a result, it helps manage weight. Another well-liked Ayurvedic treatment is turmeric, which is the ingredient that gives curry its characteristic yellow colour. Its primary active ingredient, curcumin, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Test-tube research suggests that it might be just as effective as other anti-inflammatory medications, if not more so, and without any of their negative effects. Additionally, turmeric may aid in the prevention of heart disease in part by enhancing blood flow, just as effectively as exercise or other prescribed drugs. Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), known as the "queen of spices," has been used in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. According to research, those with high blood pressure may benefit from using cardamom powder to lower it. There is evidence that inhaling cardamom essential oil may improve the body's ability to absorb oxygen when exercising. Ayurvedic studies suggest that adding cardamom may lower blood pressure, improve breathing, and heal stomach ulcers. However, the more human study is required before definitive conclusions can be drawn. Ayurvedic herbs and spices have been an integral part of traditional Indian medicine for centuries. An increasing amount of scientific evidence supports their many proposed health benefits, including protection against type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Thus, adding small amounts of these ingredients may help both flavor your meals and boost your health. That said, large doses may not be suitable for everyone, so make sure to seek advice from your healthcare provider before adding Ayurvedic supplements to your fitness regimen. Read More: Try the half-moon yoga posture to channelise inner creativity and light This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
31 January,2023 06:12 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Gum infection may risk heart arrhythmia: Research
Periodontitis, or gum disease, can cause a slew of dental problems, ranging from foul breath to bleeding and tooth loss. Hiroshima University researchers have discovered that it may be linked to far more serious disorders elsewhere in the body -- the heart. In a study published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology, the team found a significant correlation between periodontitis and fibrosis -- scarring to an appendage of the heart's left atrium that can lead to an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation -- in a sample of 76 patients with cardiac disease. "Periodontitis is associated with a long-standing inflammation, and inflammation plays a key role in atrial fibrosis progression and atrial fibrillation pathogenesis," said first author Shunsuke Miyauchi, assistant professor with the Hiroshima University's Health Service Center. He is also affiliated with the university's Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, adding, "We hypothesized that periodontitis exacerbates atrial fibrosis. This histological study of left atrial appendages aimed to clarify the relationship between clinical periodontitis status and degree of atrial fibrosis." The left atrial appendages were surgically removed from the patients, and the researchers analyzed the tissue to establish the correlation between the severity of the atrial fibrosis and the severity of the gum disease. They found that the worse the periodontitis, the worse the fibrosis, suggesting that the inflammation of gums may intensify inflammation and disease in the heart. "This study provides basic evidence that periodontitis can aggravate atrial fibrosis and can be a novel modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation," said corresponding author Yukiko Nakano, professor of cardiovascular medicine in Hiroshima University's Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences. According to Nakano, in addition to improving other risk factors such as weight, activity levels, and tobacco and alcohol use, periodontal care could aid in comprehensive atrial fibrillation management. However, she cautioned that this study did not establish a causal relationship, meaning that while gum disease and atrial fibrosis degrees of severity appear connected, researchers have not found that one definitively leads to the other. "Further evidence is required for establishing that periodontitis contributes to the atrial fibrosis in a causal manner and that periodontal care can alter fibrosis," Nakano said, adding, "One of our goals is to confirm that periodontitis is a modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation and to promote dental specialists' participation in comprehensive atrial fibrillation management. Periodontitis is an easily modifiable target with lower cost among known atrial fibrillation risk factors. Thus, the achievement of this study series may bring benefits for many people worldwide." Next, the researchers said they hope to conduct future clinical trials to clarify if periodontal intervention reduces atrial fibrillation occurrence and improves patient outcomes. Also Read: Reducing calories might be more effective than intermittent fasting This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
31 January,2023 09:35 AM IST | Japan | ANI
Try the half-moon yoga posture to channelise inner creativity and light
As much as the sun is fiery and all about passion and high-octane energy, the moon on the opposite side is cooling, calming, and very creative in nature. Ardha Chandrasana as the name says particularly this posture brings serenity, and tranquility to the moon. It brings the shine and hue of light from within. Lunar energy helps you develop empathy, compassion, creativity, and connect with hearts. Talents are the sign of representation of moon subtleties and grace. The push and pulls of life stretch people to sit for late hours at work, till the sun rises. Long hours of sitting continuously lead to tight gluteus, quads, and hamstrings muscles. Ardha Chandrasana also known as Half Moon pose is a perfect posture for those. Because every asana is about geometry, our inner geometry corresponds to the geometry of the outside world, the Universe. This must also be flawless in terms of symmetry. So, when it comes to angles, make sure that you have deep relaxation in your body and mind and achieve the appropriate posture with the right alignment of your palms to shoulders and hands above, the leg that is down absolutely stable and deeply anchored for you to get anchored in your own self as well. The beauty of Ardha Chandrasana is the combination of being anchored and soaring in this posture. It's a standing and a challenging posture Like the moon goes through phases to reach the full moon. To achieve the perfect posture we also need to practice preparatory postures. Make sure your sensibilities, your senses, and your awareness are all conjured up together, and with absolute grace and softness of being you hold this posture and don't use aggression anywhere, because aggression doesn't allow you to balance, it will tip the balance. It may also cause injuries. So, one needs to warm up well before getting into the actual pose. You can do compound movements or any individual muscle group movements for warm-ups with gentle breath in and out, stretching every body part, especially your shoulders, back, lower back, gluteus, and hamstrings which are going to play in this posture. How to perform this posture Stand with Legs apart, Bend in Trikonasana, Breathe in slowly raise your leg up and try to balance on one foot and one arm. Try holding as much as comfortable. Repeat on another side. Focusing your attention in the upward movement of the hand and the alignment, being perpendicular to the ground is so important that leads to stability of the mind which we call "Sthirtha" in Yoga. The benefits: Strengthening core muscles: Strengthening your core muscles translates into strengthening confidence. Improves Body Balance: Practicing it on both sides keeps you well co-ordinate and deeply anchored into your being and mentally stable. Ardha Chandrasana in particular also helps you to bring equanimity to the fore, calmness, and serenity, once again Chandra representing the moon is all about coolness being collected, getting integrated, and balanced. Strengthens your legs: When you strengthen your legs, it helps to maintain your energy throughout the day precisive with clarity. Good Body stretch: Stretching on other hand expands spaces on your own being and helps you move your fluids and air-ether element better. When an air-ether element is stable your movement and mental state also become stable. Cellular regeneration: When done together, all kinds of stretches and bends contract most of our toxins in organs. When we stretch fresh nutrients and oxygen-laden blood gets into our organs. So, rejuvenating our organs and cellular regeneration is very good. Holding postures for an extended time helps us improve concentration, focus, determination, and Sankalp. With Sankalp, we can achieve anything. All Yoga postures translate into a stable, strong, confident personality. People who master Ardha Chandrasana are disciplined, they are very focused, determined, and most important they are visionary people. (Dr. Mickey Mehta is a Global leading holistic health guru/corporate life) Read More: Face yoga experts share asanas to get a toned jawline This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 January,2023 04:26 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Inhibiting ovulation can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer: Study
A new study has found that inhibiting ovulation can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer among women who ovulate more frequently throughout the course of their lifetimes. This week's publication of a new international study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute provides new insights into the potential variations in this relationship among various subtypes of ovarian cancer as well as how oral contraceptives, pregnancy, and breastfeeding affect ovarian cancer risk beyond merely suppressing ovulation. "Ovarian cancer is a highly fatal group of diseases with limited treatment options, so understanding its origins and the factors that contribute to disease development are critical steps in devising prevention approaches and improving women's health," said senior author Francesmary Modugno, Ph.D., professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Magee-Womens Research Institute and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, who led an international team of researchers. "Studies like this, where researchers from around the world come together and share their data, are critical to achieving these goals." The analysis of 21,267 women with ovarian cancer and 26,204 healthy control subjects from 25 studies showed that factors that reduce ovulation duration -- namely, oral contraceptives, pregnancy and breastfeeding -- were linked with reduced cancer risk and this protective effect was stronger than expected based on ovulation suppression alone. The finding suggests that these factors contribute to cancer risk in other ways, such as via altering hormones or inflammation. The researchers also found important distinctions between different subtypes of ovarian cancer. For example, mucinous tumors were associated with factors that suppress ovulation, but not with ovulation duration itself, another clue that oral contraceptives, pregnancy and breastfeeding affect cancer risk beyond suppressing ovulation. In contrast, for high-grade serous ovarian cancer, the most common and deadly subtype, the association of oral contraceptives, pregnancy and breastfeeding were as expected, indicating that these factors contribute to risk of serous ovarian cancer through ovulation suppression. "These findings emphasise that ovarian cancer subtypes are different diseases with different causes," said Modugno. "This is important as it will hopefully encourage scientists to look for new hypotheses as to how these diseases arise and shed new light on how we can prevent them. Right now, treatment options are limited, so preventing ovarian cancer is the best hope we have for saving lives." Also Read: Periodic use of antibiotics may increase risk of inflammatory bowel disease This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 January,2023 07:07 PM IST | Pittsburgh | ANI
Female, male hearts respond differently to stress hormone
Female and male hearts respond differently to the stress hormone called noradrenaline, a study in mice has revealed. The findings may have implications for human heart disorders like arrhythmias and heart failure and how different sexes respond to medications, according to the study published in Science Advances. The team built a new type of fluorescence imaging system that allowed them to use light to see how a mouse heart responds to hormones and neurotransmitters in real time. The mice were exposed to noradrenaline, also known as norepinephrine. Noradrenaline is both a neurotransmitter and hormone associated with the body's "fight or flight" response. The study also noted that however, some areas of the female heart return to normal more quickly than the male heart, which produces differences in the heart's electrical activity. "The differences in electrical activity that we observed are called repolarisation in the female hearts. Repolarisation refers to how the heart resets between each heartbeat and is closely linked to some types of arrhythmias," said Jessica L Caldwell, first author of the study. "The study reveals a new factor that may contribute to different arrhythmia susceptibility between men and women," Caldwell added. In this study, the researchers were interested in looking at factors that may contribute to arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are a type of heart disorder where the electrical impulses that control heartbeats don't function properly. Also Read: Medical expert shares tips to take care of bone and joint health in winters This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 January,2023 07:47 PM IST | New York | IANS
International Day of Education
Why more awareness needs to be created about stuttering in institutions
PremiumWhile growing up, LeeJude D’souza used to stutter quite a lot but luckily, he had a cousin, who used to also stutter like him. So, the medical condition wasn’t really an alien concept to him. He shares, “My parents never made me conscious that I stammer, they just told me this is normal. So, I never really went to a doctor.” Obviously, there were instances where he faced challenges at local shops in the neighbourhood and personally, it wasn’t always easy. “In my life, as a kid, I only knew me and my cousin brother, so it felt like a lot of burden.” However, after realising that there are many others who also stutter, he never thought of it as an issue, and one that Uttan local will just have to live with. Today, the 35-year-old is an ad film professional, who is confidently dealing with the challenge on a daily basis. In fact, he even has a producer who stutters, and has seen that the latter is completely confident. “So, I think, if he stammers and is a producer and can do his work well, why should I think otherwise?” Luckily for the Mumbaikar, stuttering, or stammering as it is more commonly known, was hardly an issue for him, compared to what countless other people face on a daily basis. It most often than not starts in school where oratory skills are necessary while giving exams and ends up trickling into one’s social life as people get older. Every year, the world observes International Stuttering Awareness Day on October 22, which happened to coincide in India with the Diwali weekend. So, what really is stuttering? Dr Ehteshaam Khatri, audiologist and speech language pathologist with city-based Wockhardt Hospitals, explains, “Stuttering is a common problem seen in a majority of children. It can occur due to abnormalities in speech motor control, such as timing, sensory and motor coordination. You will be shocked to know that stuttering can also be seen due to genetics.” The Mira Road-based expert says the problem can also occur in people who have had any kind of stroke, head trauma or brain injury, and the condition can be tackled with the help of a speech therapist. Unfortunately, the conversation around the speech condition is limited to the circles of people dealing with it, and there is barely any awareness about it otherwise. While teachers and schools do take the effort, there still seems to be a lack of proper knowledge as experienced by many people this writer has spoken to over the years and it is left to the individual to find a solution as is the case of D’souza. Finding a solution After crossing grade seven in school, the Uttan local started getting aware about the condition and decided to take the effort to find a way out of it. D’souza explains, “I started focusing on what words or letters I get stuck at and what kind of situations I stammer. Like if you throw me in a panic situation or an area that is not my forte, I will fumble.” Along the way and in the process, the Mumbaikar realised that he used to get stuck with vowels, which he says a speech therapist confirmed when he visited the expert years later. While some people like D’souza have dealt with it, Khatri highlights that those who stutter can often face adverse effects. He explains, “Those children who tend to stutter are often bullied, ridiculed, or even teased at school. They become a laughing stock and other children may make fun of them.” This leads them to become shy and quiet, and very often, says Khatri, they prefer to be lonely, aloof, and away from everyone. “Kids who stutter, lack confidence and often avoid public speaking, reading out loud, asking questions, or presenting news are among the simple classroom tasks that can easily cause them stress and anxiety. Kids will avoid communication with teachers or even others.” Interestingly, unlike other people who stammer and would usually prefer to go last in presentations, D’souza used to go first and face it head-on in school. “If I knew I was going to stammer with a particular word, I used to change them and change the sentence too,” shares D’souza, adding, “I always tried to find a way around it and that’s what I have been doing.” However, he does believe that teachers need to take the initiative and help students who stutter in class because it will only help boost their confidence not only in the short term but also throughout their life. If teachers know that the student is stammering and thus backing out, D’souza says, the teaching professional should help them out and make the class aware that they want the student to come and talk in front of the class. “That confidence to come and talk in front of a class really helps.” Addressing the elephant in the classroomAs more people are aware today than they were before, there are teachers who are taking the effort to educate their students about stuttering at the grassroot level, and Gavin D’souza is one of them. The city-based teacher has been taking the effort to go beyond the textbook and teach his students more than the books can, and one aspect is that of helping students who stutter. D’souza, who has two students in his class of 25, shares, “For the longest time, stuttering has had a maligned reputation and often, the responsibility of ‘fixing’ it falls on the child. I believe that’s wrong. We live in a progressive age now and it’s time that people around those who stutter are made aware and sensitised towards it, as opposed to the other way around.” The 27-year-old believes that people should work towards normalising stuttering so that those who stutter feel included and that is why he had taken up the topic initially, and if and when students do tease them, he tells them about why it is wrong. “It all starts with at least a conversation about it. It’s about time we talk, and eventually, create awareness about stuttering,” he adds. If D’souza has taken it upon himself, then Anjali Menon, another city-based teacher has seen schools also take effort. The Mumbaikar, who has seen children in primary school stutter, says teachers usually notice if the students have it and take action. “The teachers usually notify the parents and then they are taken to the school counsellors and if that doesn’t help, then they are suggested to take help outside school to overcome the stuttering,” shares Menon. In all the years she has been a teacher compared to when she herself was a student, the teacher has seen that more schools are inclusive these days and that is a positive approach. Creating awareness about stuttering Khatri iterates Menon’s observation about the improvement in awareness. The city expert says there are also a number of awareness programmes that are routinely being conducted to help this cause. “It is because of these efforts that many speech therapists now work in conjunction with schools to help identify and treat such disorders as this disorder is predominantly seen in the developing age,” he adds. While teachers make a personal effort to make their classrooms more inclusive, Sheryl Fonseca, who is the principal at D’silva High School in Bhayandar, says her school makes the parents aware about the children having a problem in talking. However, very often, it so happens that the parents themselves are unaware because they are too busy with work. At the basic level, she explains, “We train the teachers to sit with the students and talk to them. We also give them extra classes and teach them how to talk. We don’t show the other students that there is something wrong. We also warn other students about not teasing these students.” It is no surprise then that the Bandra-based principal says the conversation around understanding children who stutter has changed much more than before. “In case of oral exams, we make the teacher understand that as long as they understand what the child says, it is okay. We see that the marks aren’t cut because it is not the child’s fault. Otherwise, we also inform the parents and take a written test instead of an oral exam,” she adds. Khatri says it is very important for schools to treat such students with respect, and it is the responsibility of the teachers to see that such kids aren’t bullied. Being taught to communicate, he says, will only help make them become more confident, a point that LeeJude also made. “They will feel free to speak, ask questions, and will be able to live without fear. It is imperative for schools to create awareness about stuttering,” Khatri states. Tips to follow to help children who stutter by Dr Ehteshaam Khatri Parents should communicate with childrenKhatri says parents should take time out of their busy work schedule and talk to their children for at least one hour every day. Avoid interrupting the child while they are speakingIt is important not to interrupt the child while they are talking and instead everybody around them must motivate them to talk more. Educate the child about stuttering Last but not the least, teaching the child about stuttering can help. Make him/her feel important. If needed, parents can take the help of experts to guide them about stuttering. Also read: Beyond the fence: ‘Borderlands’ is a heartfelt exploration of people’s lives at India’s borders
24 January,2023 11:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
Teen girls more likely to find it difficult to give up social media than boys
Social media has taken over the lives of people across age groups and now they feel the need to be on it all the time. A new survey by the Pew Research Centre in the US, has found that teen girls find it more difficult to quit social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube than teen boys. When asked about the idea of giving up social media, 54 per cent of teens say it would be at least somewhat hard to give it up, while 46 per cent say it would be at least somewhat easy."Teen girls are more likely than teen boys to express it would be difficult to give up social media (58 per cent vs 49 per cent)," the survey findings showed.Conversely, a quarter of teen boys say giving up social media would be very easy, while 15 per cent of teen girls say the same."Older teens also say they would have difficulty giving up social media. About six-in-ten teens ages 15 to 17 say giving up social media would be at least somewhat difficult to do. A smaller share of 13- to 14-year-olds think this would be difficult," the survey revealed.When reflecting on the amount of time they spend on social media generally, a majority of US teens (55 per cent) say they spend about the right amount of time on these apps and sites, while about a third of teens (36 per cent) say they spend too much time on social media.Beyond just online platforms, the vast majority of teens have access to digital devices, such as smartphones (95 per cent), desktop or laptop computers (90 per cent) and gaming consoles (80 per cent).The study shows there has been an uptick in daily teen internet users, from 92 per cent in 2014-15 to 97 per cent today.In addition, the share of teens who say they are online almost constantly has roughly doubled since 2014-15.While teens' access to smartphones has increased over roughly the past eight years, their access to other digital technologies, such as desktop or laptop computers or gaming consoles, has remained statistically unchanged, the survey said.Also Read: What the lack of social interaction takes away from the college experience This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 January,2023 04:37 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Five teas that will help you build a healthier body & mind
People around the world are slowly starting to understand the importance of good health and that sure does require some lifestyle changes. While exercising and staying active is one of the top-recommended suggestions to stay healthy, our everyday choices of beverages can also make a lot of difference. We all have a favourite tea or at least one we prefer over others but did you know, some of them can actually help you achieve your health goals? Whether you wish to keep your weight in check or manage any illness or stress, there is a tea for every health problem that can give you much-needed relief. Wondering where to start from? Bala Sarda, Founder & CEO of VAHDAM India shares top 5 teas to pick from and bring about that change in your lifestyle you have been meaning to! Turmeric TeaTurmeric is known to be a healing superfood with anti-inflammatory properties. Its benefits are commonly known but that isn't the only reason it is a top pick. Turmeric is super accessible, can be made easily at home, and can be a caffeine-free beverage. Its spicy kick can be paired with a number of herbs too hence it's truly versatile. If you wish to skip the hassle of brewing the perfect cup of turmeric tea, you can also try VAHDAM- India's range of Caffeine-Free Turmeric Herbal Teas Chamomile TeaThere's hardly anyone who doesn't enjoy being calm and relaxed and chamomile teas are known to give you this exact feeling. Not just that, Chamomile is recommended for various reasons. It promotes better sleep and alleviates stress and anxiety. It also helps with menstrual pain, osteoporosis, and even symptoms of a cold. You can have a cup of Chamomile tea in the mid-afternoon or a few hours before bedtime to enjoy its benefits. Hibiscus TeaIf you enjoy a citrusy brew with floral notes then this is the perfect pick for you. Another caffeine-free herbal tea, hibiscus tea can help fight certain cancers and help manage blood pressure. It boosts liver health and may also be helpful in losing weight. Hibiscus tea is super easy to brew- However, homemade or ready-made available tea is a great option to switch to. Oolong TeaThis partially oxidized tea is genuinely underrated and it's time we shine a light on its endless benefits. Oolong tea contains polyphenols which offer amazing health benefits. It can also help reduce cholesterol levels and support healthy heart function. If you enjoy the flavor profile of green tea and wish to try something robust, give Oolong tea a try. If you're looking for 100% real Oolong tea, explore VAHDAM's Oolong tea. Ginger TeaYou may have had a cup or two of ginger tea whenever you'd fall sick. It is one tea that comes to everyone's mind when treating sore throat, cough, and the common cold. Ginger tea can also help prevent digestive issues and is an effective remedy for nausea. It contains gingerols, the compound that lends it a characteristic taste and smell which can also help with diabetes. You can brew a cup with fresh ginger as it is or mixes it with your black tea, chai tea (with or without milk depending on your preference), and green tea as well. Some ingredients best paired to brew ginger tea are available in your pantry. Herbs and spices like amla, lemon, black pepper, honey, and turmeric when blended with ginger enhance its antioxidant properties. Read More: Art and design can positively impact well-being and mental health of adults This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 January,2023 03:31 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Reducing calories might be more effective than intermittent fasting
According to research, the number and quantity of meals were more important predictors of weight gain or reduction than the interval between meals. The findings of the study were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open-access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. According to the senior study author Wendy L. Bennett, M.D., M.P.H., an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, although 'time-restricted eating patterns' - known as intermittent fasting - are popular, rigorously designed studies have not yet determined whether limiting the total eating window during the day helps to control weight. This study evaluated the association between time from the first meal to the last meal with weight change. Nearly 550 adults (18 years old or older) from three health systems in Maryland and Pennsylvania with electronic health records were enrolled in the study. Participants had at least one weight and height measurement registered in the two years prior to the study's enrollment period (Feb.-July 2019). Overall, most participants (80%) reported they were white adults; 12% self-reported as Black adults; and about 3% self-identified as Asian adults. Most participants reported having a college education or higher; the average age was 51 years; and the average body mass index was 30.8, which is considered obese. The average follow-up time for weight recorded in the electronic health record was 6.3 years. Participants with a higher body mass index at enrollment were more likely to be Black adults, older, have Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, have a lower education level, exercise less, eat fewer fruits and vegetables, have a longer duration from last mealtime to sleep and a shorter duration from first to last meal, compared to the adults who had a lower body mass index. The research team created a mobile application, Daily24, for participants to catalog sleeping, eating and wake-up time for each 24-hour window in real-time. Emails, text messages, and in-app notifications encouraged participants to use the app as much as possible during the first month and again during "power weeks" -- one week per month for the six-month intervention portion of the study. Based on the timing of sleeping and eating each day recorded in the mobile app, researchers were able to measure: the time from the first meal to the last meal each day; the time lapse from waking to the first meal; and the interval from the last meal to sleep. They calculated an average for all data from completed days for each participant. The data analysis found: Meal timing was not associated with weight change during the six-year follow-up period. This includes the interval from first to last meal, from waking up to eating a first meal, from eating the last meal to going to sleep and total sleep duration. Total daily number of large meals (estimated at more than 1,000 calories) and medium meals (estimated at 500-1,000 calories) were each associated with increased weight over the six-year follow up, while fewer small meals (estimated at less than 500 calories) was associated with decreasing weight. The average time from first to last meal was 11.5 hours; average time from wake up to first meal measured 1.6 hours; average time from last meal to sleep was 4 hours; and average sleep duration was calculated at 7.5 hours. The study did not detect an association meal timing and weight change in a population with a wide range of body weight. As reported by Bennett, even though prior studies have suggested intermittent fasting may improve the body's rhythms and regulate metabolism, this study in a large group with a wide range of body weights did not detect this link. Large-scale, rigorous clinical trials of intermittent fasting on long-term weight change are extremely difficult to conduct; however, even short-term intervention studies may be valuable to help guide future recommendations. Although the study found that meal frequency and total calorie intake were stronger risk factors for weight change than meal timing, the findings could not prove direct cause and effect, according to lead study author Di Zhao, Ph.D., an associate scientist in the division of cardiovascular and clinical epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Researchers note there are limitations to the study since they did not evaluate the complex interactions of timing and frequency of eating. Additionally, since the study is observational in nature, the authors were unable to conclude cause and effect. Future studies should work toward including a more diverse population, since the majority of the study's participants were well-educated white women in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., the authors noted author. Researchers also were not able to determine the intentionality of weight loss among study participants prior to their enrollment and could not rule out the additional variable of any preexisting health conditions. According to the American Heart Association's 2022 statistics, 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese; and the Association's current diet and lifestyle recommendations to reduce cardiovascular disease risk include limiting overall calorie intake, eating healthy foods and increasing physical activity. The 2017 American Heart Association scientific statement: Meal Timing and Frequency: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention did not offer clear preference for frequent small meals or intermittent fasting. It noted that irregular patterns of total caloric intake appear to be less favorable for the maintenance of body weight and optimal cardiovascular health. And, altering meal frequency may not be useful for decreasing body weight or improving traditional cardiometabolic risk factors. Read More: Study reveals that diverse, healthy eating patterns can lower the risk of premature death This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 January,2023 04:33 PM IST | Washington | ANI
Of camaraderie and zest: Athletes echo the run from Mumbai Marathon
The Mumbai Marathon held on January 15, was a testament to the daunting spirit of the city. It celebrated the resolute runners who despite the pandemic, continued to train and work on their mileage steadily. The 18th edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon saw the participation of 55,000 runners from across the globe with Hayle Lemi winning in a record time (2:07:32). As the city chilled under low temperatures, athletes showed up in the wee hours and stirred a whirlpool of high-energy octane through the streets of South Mumbai. Amongst them was Shibani Gharat, a city-based runner who finished the marathon in 3:59:33. In a conversation with Mid-day Online, she shares: “The run was fabulous. I have always looked forward to running at the Tata Mumbai Marathon as it feels like home. It brings me a sense of comfort to wake up in my home city, do my morning routine, and head to the start line. And it was cathartic to live that again after three years of break!” An anchor with CNBC TV18 and a runner by passion, this was Shibani’s 10th year of running a marathon. As she began her stride, she looked forward to the home crowd, family, and friends cheering for her throughout the route. “I had my sister and my mother waiting to see me on the route near my home. One of my dear friends from Mahim boosted my spirits with the drink that I enjoy on the run.” Girish Bindra, the head coach of the ASICS running club from Mumbai, ran with fervour to complete strong at 3:38:07. His team also managed an energy station, a snack station, and an ASICS cheer zone to amplify the zest on the marathon route. He shares, “I had an outstanding experience running the marathon after three years. I managed to clock in my second-best timing in my 14th full marathon here at TMM 2023! An early start, cool weather conditions, and excellent route support with proper water and energy stations helped us a lot.” “Meeting runner friends and many outstation runners gives us a high and keeps us motivated. We all had trained well for this big event and were determined to finish the distance comfortably and strongly. I am also looking forward to participating next year with much more zest and enthusiasm.” Next up is Siddharth Raman, who missed the process of running across the iconic avenues of Mumbai with diverse people from different parts of the world. “I was ecstatic to see a lot of old friends at different parts of the run and also, managed to make new friends. The collective energy was magnificent as the crowd turned out into huge numbers to pump us up. People carried sweets, and juices and even sang for us while we marched towards the finish line. I was grateful to see senior citizens who cheered for us and young kids waving at us for a hi-5. Their dedication to wake up early on a Sunday morning and show up for us raised the combined energy and made the run incredible." Read More: Mumbai marathon returns to claim the roads after three years of pandemic
19 January,2023 12:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi