Reduce mental fatigue through Yog Nidra

Reduce mental fatigue through Yog Nidra

    The age-old yogic meditation Yog Nidra is top on the advice list of yoga teachers and psychologists for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of individuals leading a stressful life, says a new study. “Yog Nidra has emerged as the best-known technique all over the world to induce complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation,” says the study carried out by Haridwar-based Dev Sanskriti University.
    It says yoga teachers and psychologists in India and abroad are prescribing the ancient practice as the best method of healing in today’s fast-paced and stressful lifestyle. It is practised in the flat lying position of ‘Shavasana’ and follows the spoken instruction of yoga instructor. The practice includes resolve, body part awareness, breath awareness and visualisation. The results of the study, conducted by wellknown author in the area of yogic science Kamakhya Kumar, show that Yog Nidra positively decreases stress levels in both males and females.
    It can be defined as a selfinduced state of altered consciousness, which is neither total sleep nor total wakefulness, says the research. “It is a state of awakened sleep, a state of conscious sleep induced by oneself through complete relaxation of the mind in which it can record what is going on not just on the conscious level but also on the sub-conscious,” it says. Quoting from related studies carried out in the field by the University of Tel Aviv (Israel), the study says the yogic practice significantly lowered levels of serum cholesterol in cardiac patients in that country. Even otherwise, the value of the practice of yogic relaxation in prevention of cardiovascular disease has been fairly wellrecognised and accepted, Pro-vice Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti University Chinmay Pandya said. 

 

Yog Nidra has emerged as the best-known technique to induce complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation

It’s not surprising that people often do not recall things they have seen or at least passed by a hundred times

Can’t remember what you see?

It’s not surprising that people often do not recall things they have seen or at least passed by a hundred times

    We often say ‘out of sight is out of mind’, but it could be the other way round too. According to a new psychological study, people often do not recall things they have seen or at least walked by a hundred times. “Just because we’ve seen something many times doesn’t mean we remember it or even notice it,” said Alan Castel, who led the study.
    Castel said that not noticing things isn’t necessarily bad, particularly when those things are not important in your daily life. “It might be a good thing not to burden your memory with information that is not relevant to you,” he said. For instance, 54
people, who work in the same building, were asked if they knew the location of the bright fire extinguisher nearest their office. Surprisingly, only 13 or 24% of the group knew the location, the journal Attention, Perception, and Psychophysics reported.
    A few months after being asked the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, the participants were asked again if they knew where the closest one was. All of them knew. Does this tell us about the importance of training, whether for emergencies or something as common as learning a new computer programme?
    Castel stresses that making errors during training is useful. “It’s good if errors happen during training and not during an event where you need the information,” he said. “That’s part of the learning process.” The researchers found no significant differences between men and women, or between older and younger adults. But with safety information, such as knowing where fire extinguishers are or what to do in an emergency, being prepared can, of course, be very useful.
    IANS

On the other hand, it might be a good thing not to burden your memory with information that is not relevant to you

how to combat feelings of jealousy?

Dealing with the green monster

Do you often go green with envy of anyone who’s blessed by Lady Luck? Here’s how to combat feelings of jealousy

    Feeling jealous is a human tendency. Whether you are jealous of your neighbour’s new car, a relative’s newly purchased apartment, a sibling’s Europe vacation or, simply, a friend’s hot girlfriend/boyfriend. However, if jealousy strikes you every time anything good happens to others, it’s time to tame the green monster. You don’t want to end up being a monster literally, by doing bad things to those around you. The following list of advice will help you control jealousy:
KEEP AWAY TEMPORARILY
    If you can’t help but feel overwhelmed with feelings of jealousy, stay away from the person for a while. Being around him/her might fuel the feelings, leading to something nasty like a verbal spat or a broken relationship.
PLACE YOURSELF IN HIS/HER SHOE
    Sometimes, when we are jealous of someone, they are not aware of it. At times, he/she doesn’t know why your attitude towards him/her has changed. Try to place yourself in his/her shoes. Wouldn’t you like others to be happy for you?
ACCEPT THE TRUTH
    Firstly, you need to accept that you tend to be jealous of others. So, when a friend points it out to you, accept the fact and say you’re working on it. There’s no point being defensive or denying.
LEARN FROM OTHERS
    If you’re jealous of somebody’s achievements, try to achieve the same or something similar on your own. Brooding over someone else’s success doesn’t help.
THINK POSITIVE
    If you’re constantly going to fuss over other people’s achievements or good luck, you’re just weaving a web of negativity around yourself. Think about your strengths and weaknesses, and focus on your strengths. Think about how you can better yourself and achieve success with the means you already have.
STOP COMPARING
YOURSELF WITH
OTHERS
    We compare ourselves with others too much. One has to understand that every individual is different and so is their life. Some people are plain lucky and taste success early in life, while, for others, it comes late. You are no one to decide what others get in life.
    — Compiled by Lisa Antao

Bid farewell to negative thoughts by writing them down

Bid farewell to negative thoughts by writing them down

    Here’s how you can get rid of unwanted, negative thoughts — just pen them down and toss them away. “However, you tag your thoughts — as trash or as worthy of protection — seems to make a difference in how you use those thoughts,” said Richard Petty, psychology professor at Ohio State University and co-author of a recent study on the subject. Some types of psychological therapy use variations of this concept by trying to get patients to discard their negative thoughts.
    Petty said the study is the first to validate the approach that people can treat their thoughts as material, concrete objects. That is evident in the language we use, added Petty. “We talk about our thoughts as if we can visualise them. We hold our thoughts. We take stances on issues, we lean this way or that way. This all makes our thoughts more real to us,” said Petty.
Petty based these findings on three related experiments. Results showed that for those who kept their thoughts and checked them for mistakes, it mattered whether they generated positive or negative thoughts about their bodies.

Time to put your pen to the paper

Is the fear of betrayal stopping you from trusting people? If yes, then you’re facing serious trust issues.

TO TRUST OR NOT TO TRUST?

Is the fear of betrayal stopping you from trusting people? If yes, then you’re facing serious trust issues. Read on to know more...

    We trust other people in varying degrees, based on our experiences with them. There are those who trust blindly and those who trust others easily, only to be betrayed in more ways than one. On the contrary, we are often warned not to trust strangers. While too much trust is a problem, mistrust, too, poses similar problems. Here’s decoding the trust issue….
    Psychologist Mansi Hassan recounts the case of a couple in their mid-30s. They had stopped talking to each other for four to five months. The reason: the husband spoke to one of his colleagues in front of his wife, who presumed he was flirting and lashed out at him physically. In retrospect, the wife realised that she over-reacted. But the damage was already done, creating a crack in the relationship.
WHY SO MUCH SCEPTICISM? In today’s dog-eat-dog world, relying on someone is extremely difficult. However, it is not wrong to doubt people’s intentions to a certain extent. Says consultant psychiatrist Dr Milan Balakrishnan, “It becomes a problem when one finds it difficult to trust every person in his/her life or someone very important like a partner or children. And the cases of most of the patients who are seen in a psychiatrist’s office, revolve around trust issues.”
EARLY START P s ych o l o g i s t s believe that trust or lack of it can develop in childhood itself. The development of a child does go through a phase of trust v/s mistrust. Hence, a secure and emotionally healthy environment is an essential part of a child’s upbringing and personality. Our social learning plays an important part in building trust, which comes from our experiences, opines Hassan. She further adds that sometimes, traumatic experiences can lead to mistrust. Being cheated or betrayed makes one more sceptical about others and their intentions. If a child has seen a father cheating on the mother, he/she may have difficulty trusting the opposite sex.
Apart from childhood experiences, other factors play important roles, too. In the case of a paranoid schizophrenic, it’s the illness and the neuro-chemical deficits that cause him/her to be suspicious and not trust anyone. In a relationship, an individual’s personality can make him/her prone to trust issues. A borderline personality, who tends to see the world and his/her relationships either as “very good” or “very bad”, without any shades of grey, is more prone
to trust issues and multiple failed relationships, says Dr Balakrishnan. Also, low selfesteem can contribute to an inability to trust easily.
DOWNSIDE OF MISTRUST How long can one live in peace, if he/she is cocooned with mistrust? “Not trusting others means it’s difficult to form meaningful relationships. You find yourself lonely, sad, depressed, and your self-esteem is further damaged. Nobody trusts you either and you feel hurt and a vicious circle of not trusting starts. In a relationship, excessive distrust can make life difficult for the partner, pushing him/her into the arms of another,” warns Dr Balakrishnan.
DEALING WITH MISTRUST Psychologist Mansi Hassan shares the following advice: Become aware: One should know if they have trust issues and work on their thought process and actions. Don’t generalise: If one person has betrayed you, it’s unlikely everyone will do the same. It’s not “all black or all white.” Use your past: Use past events to make you a better person and not a negative person. Trust yourself: How others behave with you is not in your hands. But you can always control your actions. Believe in yourself and your decisions. It is a learning process: Good and bad experiences are essential for learning. Take it with a pinch of salt and learn from it rather than changing yourself because of one bad experience. Apprehensions and discussions: If you have apprehensions, discuss it with a neutral person to get a perspective. Unlearn negative experiences: Replace your negative experiences with positive ones. Don’t be judgmental: Don’t judge things based on your opinions. Express expectations: Express your expectations in relationships. Don’t assume the other person to understand everything without any communication.

Don’t judge people based on your opinions

If you do not trust others at all, how will they trust you?

Tea reading has been used in the East as an act of divination to predict the future

Is love in your future?

Tea reading has been used in the East as an act of divination to predict the future. Read on to find out more...

    The art of tea leaf reading is an acient practice that is said to have its origins in the Middle East and the Orient. It’s also known as tasseography. If you want to try tea reading, here’s what you need... 

REQUIREMENTS FOR TEA READING You need tea leaves, hot water, a tea cup, saucer, and a napkin. Take a teaspoon of loose tea leaves and put them inside the cup. Then, fill the cup with hot water. Want to try reading tea leaves yourself ? Here’s what you have to do. Write down a list of a few simple symbols that have meaning to you. For example, a triangle could mean ambition or a plane could mean travel. Heat water in a kettle till it boils, and pour it over the tea leaves in a covered teapot or saucepan. Let the tea steep for approximately 2 minutes if you are using black tea, keep it longer if you are using green tea. Gently swirl the leaves as you pour into the teacup, don’t use a strainer. Drink till there is about 1/4 teaspoon of liquid left in the bottom, then swirl the cup and quickly turn upside down onto the saucer, allowing the tea to drain into the saucer. While the inverted cup sits on the saucer, rotate the upside down cup clockwise on the saucer three times, gently raising the cup up off the saucer and turning right side up again to read. The top of the cup represents today while the rim is right now. The leaves that are found halfway down the cup are events that will take place in approximately two weeks, while further down are events that will occur in three to four weeks. 

 
SYMBOLS AND WHAT THEY COULD MEAN 

 
Hour glass: warning to be cautious  

 

Clouds: mental or emotional struggles and problems  

 

Crescent: rebirth, feminine  

 

Fish: wealth, good news, desire  

 

Ring: commitment  

 

Shell: finances  

 

Star: luck  

 

Straight line: travel trips that will be rewarding, long life, peace 

 

Wavy lines: loss, something is bothering you 

 

Flower: growth, success 

 

Triangle: One point up — good luck; one point down — bad luck

For that perfect smile... Vitamin D may help prevent tooth decay

For that perfect smile...

Vitamin D may help prevent tooth decay

    Anew review of existing studies has linked Vitamin D with lower rates of dental caries, or tooth decay. The review encompassed 24 controlled clinical trials that showed t h at Vitamin D was associated with an a p p r o x i - mately 50% reduction in the incidence of tooth decay.
    “My main goal was to summarise the clinical trial database so that we could take a fresh look at this Vitamin D question,” said Dr Philippe Hujoel of the University of Washington, who conducted the review. While Vitamin D’s role in supporting bone health has not been disputed, significant disagreement has historically existed over its role in preventing caries, Hujoel noted.
    The trials he reviewed increased Vitamin D levels in children through the use of supplemental UV radiation, or by supplementing the children’s diet with cod-liver oil or other products containing the vitamin. According to Dr Michael Hollick, professor of medicine at the Boston University Medical Center, “The findings from the University of Washington reaffirm the importance of Vitamin D for dental health.”
    He said, “Children who are Vitamin D deficient have poor and delayed teeth eruption and are prone to dental caries.” Hujoel added a note of caution to his findings, “One has to be careful with the interpretation of this systematic review. The trials had weaknesses which could have biased the result, and most of the trial participants lived in an era that differs profoundly from today’s environment.”
    ANI

Vitamin D is important for dental health

Get confident with a hair transplant

Get confident with a hair transplant

    Dr Akshay Batra, President, The Trichological Society London and Director, Dr Batra’s B Perfect discusses the findings of an interesting survey done on subjects who have undergone hair transplant. Dr Batra’s B Perfect has successfully transplanted more than 15 lakh hair across five centres in India. A survey conducted came up with interesting insights on how much a ‘head-full-of-hair’ can mean to someone who has been previously balding. Here’s a quick snapshot of the survey findings:
    The highest rated aspect (87%) was that the procedure is very good value-formoney; this can be attributed to the flat-rate and transparent pricing at Dr Batra’s B Perfect whereas others charge on ‘per-graft’ basis. Interestingly, 82% felt no pain during this day-care procedure,
which has no side-effects. You can watch TV, read books or talk on the phone during the procedure.
    Furthermore, since a transplant restores your natural hair in the bald areas, it surely makes you look younger and 69% of people reported feeling youthful after this. Large number of subjects also felt the boost in their self-confidence after a transplant since it looks natural and is maintenancefree — after all, who does not like to flaunt their head full of hair!
Advantages of Dr Batra’s B Perfect:

• Fixed price — only Rs 95000/-

• No hidden costs

• Customised solution

• Transplanting maximum number of hair possible

• International quality of services at Indian prices

• Highly qualified and experienced surgeons trained by international experts and latest techniques
For free personalised consultation (worth Rs 1,500) with Dr Sumit Agarwal (Plastic Surgeon): Call on: 022 30271401-10 Write to: drsumit@drbatras.com Log on to: http://www.bperfect.co.in 

Dr Akshay Batra

Anil Kapoor talks about compassion in the presence of the Dalai Lama

There is Global Compassion shortage

Anil Kapoor talks about compassion in the presence of the Dalai Lama

    Many years back, I was with the Dalai Lama on the same flight. I was at that time reading the script of my film Armaan — in which my role required me to be compassionate. On seeing the Dalai Lama, I could not resist taking his blessings. When I got his blessings, I secretly felt that I would win a National and Filmfare award for that film.
    For the longest time, I have shown compassion towards I, me, myself. Forget my neighbours, friends and least of all, animals, I could not even remember my children’s birthdays. The person who shook me out of my self-indulgence was my wife Sunita. She showed me the mirror and asked me if what I was doing made me happy? I said NO. I am tired and miserable and that started my process of discovering compassion. My first step was reading about people who have led a compassionate life. And it is during this time, I read about Gandhiji and decided to produce Gandhi My Father. Mahatma Gandhi said, “There is always enough for every man’s need but never enough for any man’s greed. Today, there is so much talk about global food, land and water shortage, however really what we have is global compassion shortage. He also said that the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way they treat their animals. According to a United Nations report, the livestock industry is the single largest contributor to global warming larger than factories and automobiles. The amount of water that goes into the production of one hamburger is equivalent to the amount of water you use for bathing for six months. Globally, we produce enough food to feed 10 billion people against a population of 7 billion. No one would sleep hungry, forget about dying of starvation, yet tens of thousands of children do, as a large part of this grain is used to feed cows and chickens which forms a part of a non-vegetarian’s diet.
    Compassion makes us realise that our need to eat non-vegetarian is no more than the need for other human beings to get food to eat. Therefore our success is deeply valuable provided it does not come at the expense of others. I’d like to say that many years ago on that flight I had asked the Dalai Lama for his blessings but I only wanted it for myself. However today, I request him to bless all of us so that we are all able to embody compassion — in our thoughts and actions.

Anil Kapoor seeks blessings from His Holiness XIV Dalai Lama

ANIL ON THE DALAI LAMA The Dalai Lama’s body language is not like other holy men and is normal. He speaks like anyone else. He is warm, genuine, compassionate and child-like with so much heart. His energy and child-like laughter rubs off on you.

Double-Arrowed Attention Rajen Vakil

Double-Arrowed Attention

Rajen Vakil

Normally, we have three states of attention. The first is near zero attention where we may be walking along the road but dreaming of some desire being fulfilled. The walking becomes automatic. If, while reading a thriller novel, we are totally absorbed then it is attracted attention. And when we are making an effort to pay attention to something — it could be a lesson or a lecture — that is directed attention. There is one more state of attention called double-arrowed attention. Any student of spirituality aims to observe the workings of his own mind. To be able to do so, he must be able to divide his attention into two parts. That is, one arrow of attention on the events of life and the other on his reactions to them. His aim is to slowly take a ray of light in the form of attention into the deeper layers of his own mind so he can understand his psychic nature. The great sage Raman called this the quest — ‘Who am I’. Dividing attention is an art. It has to be done in the ratio of 10:90. That is, ten percent inside and ninety on the events of life. If we pay more than ten percent of attention on our inner life, our reactions change and we will not be able to, then, authentically observe our psychic nature. Say, if I look at my irritation with more than ten percent of attention, it will vanish and I will not be able to understand the mechanism of its working and with what intensity it occupies space within my subconscious mind. In meditation, we try to pay hundred percent inner attention and this is meditation’s biggest flaw because we can never really observe the reality of our psyche. The specific aim of learning rhythmic breathing is that with this technique, we automatically divide our attention into this 10:90 ratio. It gradually leads to the perfect double-arrowed state of ninety percent attention on life and ten percent on breathing. Arjuna asks Krishna to lead his chariot in between the armies. He was seeking double-arrowed attention but was instead hypnotised by what he saw, leading to despondency. Please note: Rajen Vakil’s lecture on Dec 9 has been cancelled. We regret the inconvenience caused.

Pregnant women beware of fetal alcohol syndrome

Pregnant women beware of fetal alcohol syndrome

    Alcohol use by expectant mothers can impair the mental and physical development of their babies, in what is known as fetal alcohol syndrome, show results available through advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Recently, researchers in Poland used three different MRI techniques to better define these effects. The study involved 200 children, who were exposed to alcohol during their fetal stage and 30 children whose mothers did not drink while pregnant or during lactation. They used MRI to evaluate the size and shape of the corpus callosum, the bundle of nerve fibres that forms the major communication link between the right and left halves of the brain, in the two groups, according to a Jagiellonian University statement.
    The MRI results showed statistically significant thinning of the corpus callosum in children exposed to alcohol, compared with the other group. “These changes are strongly associated with psychological problems in children,” said Andrzej Urbanik, head of the department of radiology at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. These findings were presented Sunday at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
    IANS

Gul Panag, Chandrashekhar Joshi, Director of Sales and Marketing, Courtyard and Tisca Chopra with Breast Cancer Heroes, who were felicitated at The Heroes Project event held by iDiva.com recently

Brain area’s possible role in drug addiction revealed

Brain area’s possible role in drug addiction revealed

    Substance abuse researchers have concluded that an area of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex is responsible for decisions made on the spur of the moment, but not those made based on prior experience or habit. Scientists previously believed that the area of the brain was responsible for both types of behaviour and decision-making. The distinction is critical to understanding the neurobiology of decision-making, particularly with regard to substance abuse.
    Scientists have assumed that the orbitofrontal cortex plays a role in ‘value-based’ decisionmaking, when a person compares options and weighs consequences and rewards to choose the best alternative. The new study showed that this area of the brain is involved in decision-making only when the value must be inferred or computed rapidly or hastily. If the value has been ‘cached’ or precomputed, like a habit, then the orbitofrontal cortex is not necessary.
    The study enhances scientists’ understanding of how the brain works in healthy and unhealthy individuals. “This discovery has general implications in understanding
how the brain processes information to help us make good decisions and to learn from our mistakes,” said senior author Geoffrey Schoenbaum. “Drug addiction is marked by severe deficits in judgment and bad decision-making. We believe that drugs, particularly
cocaine, affect the orbitofrontal cortex. They coerce the system and hijack decision-making,” said Dr Jones. ANI

Tips for healthier knees

Tips for healthier knees

    Severe knee pain will never go away 100%. But you can make it negligible by taking the following measures:
    For most forms of knee pain, applying ice is the first step to recovery. Ice (inside a plastic bag) wrapped in a towel, acts as an anaesthetic to soothe the ache. The ice pack shouldn’t come in direct contact with your skin.
    Avoid the knee bashers. Some activities, such as running and hiking over hilly terrain, put a greater demand on the kneecap.
    Berries, ginger, avocado, flaxseed, omega-3-rich fish, and soy are excellent for your knees.
    Check your shoes — avoid heels, awkward bumps and hard materials.
    If there is any difference in the lengths of your legs, ensure you get insole so your body posture is balanced.
    Muscle up your leg. To strengthen the quadriceps start with straight leg raises. Consult a physiotherapist for more exercises.
    Work your hamstrings. To rehabilitate an injured knee, it is essential to build up strength in the hamstring muscles on the back of the thigh.
    Excessive sodium should be avoided as it contributes to water retention and swelling, which puts pressure on your knees and causes pain.
    If your knee pain is caused by arthritis avoid green peppers, cayenne, eggplant, paprika, tomatoes and potatoes, all of which contain sotanine, a toxin to which arthritis sufferers may have sensitivity.
    Vitamin C is great for your knees. Ensure you stock up on this ‘powerhouse’ vitamin to keep your knees in shape. After all we have miles to go before we sleep!

Flaxseed

Orange juice has Vitamin C

Both passivity, hyperactivity can damage knees

Both passivity, hyperactivity can damage knees

    Both high and low levels of physical activities can speed up damage to the knee cartilage among the middle-aged, says a new study. Researchers previously had found a link between physical activity and cartilage degeneration. But that study focused on one point in time. Now, researchers looked at changes in knee cartilage among a group of middle-aged adults over a four-year period. They used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based T2 relaxation times to track the evolution of early degenerative cartilage changes in the knee. “T2 relaxation times generated from MR images allow for analysis of the biochemical and molecular composition of cartilage,” said researcher Wilson Lin. “There is increased water mobility in damaged cartilage, and increased water mobility results in increased T2 relaxation time,” Lin added.
    Researchers analysed patients aged 45 to 60 years. Participants used a questionnaire to record their physical activity. The researchers measured T2 values of cartilage at the patella, femur and tibia of the right knee joint at baseline and at two- and four-year visits. According to the results, participating frequently in high-impact activities, such as running, appears linked with more degenerated cartilage and potentially a higher risk for development of osteoarthritis. “When we compared the scores among groups, we found an accelerated progression of T2 relaxation times in those who were the most physically active,” said fellow researcher. “Those who had very low levels of activity also had accelerated progression of T2 values. This suggests that there may be an optimal level of physical activity to preserve the cartilage.”
    IANS

ARTHRITIS GETS YOUNGER ...With even teenagers complaining of joint pains

ARTHRITIS GETS YOUNGER

...With even teenagers complaining of joint pains

    Arthritis has generally been associated with old age till date. But these days, people as young as a 15-year-old is complaining of it, says Chaitanya Shah, practising podiatrist and mobility consultant. “When was the last time you took your child to a doctor? It is usually when there is fever or a viral infection. Even in schools, there are eye and dental check-ups, but no school ever gets a podiatrist for check-up and problems like alignment of the body, balance of feet are ignored till they move upwards and manifest problems in the knee, hip and spine. Often, a two millimetre difference in leg lengths can be debilitating for the neck and can lead to severe pain in the knees, neck, back and hip joints.” 

 
WHAT IS PODIATRY
Podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and medical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity, states Dr Govind Singh Bisht, podiatry specialist. It is almost unheard of in India, feel experts. When there is any mobility-related pain, parents usually consult a general physician and not a podiatrist and that is sad. “A little care of our feet could save lakhs in medical bills later,” says Shah.  

 

RIGHT FOOTWEAR AND CORRECT GAIT
There are 33 joints in our foot and our entire body weight is supported by it and, ideally, no area of the foot should take extra weight. Says Dr Bisht, “When there is uneven distribution of weight, and uneven displacement of pressure on our feet, we have problems like corns, callouses, ingrown toenails, knee pain and even back pain.” Sometimes, the problems caused by uneven distribution of pressure manifests after 20 years. However, not all these problems require interventions say specialists. Dr Bisht adds, “Just the right footwear, the correct gait and an ideal weight helps.” 

 
YOUNGSTERS NEED TO EXERCISE
Children lead inactive lives with almost zero physical activity, thanks to their internet, television and gadget addictions and that can cause arthritis in their mid twenties. “It is extremely important to exercise in order to control weight and maintain
muscle mass because the muscles support the bones and joint. When there is loss of muscle and increase in fat, a person will have joint and knee pains,” says Shah. Not just parents, but schools should be sensitised as well about the importance of mobility balance in children from a young age, say experts.
    “It is very important for children to go for biomechanics and gait analysis,” advises Dr Bisht. 

 
OBESITY AND KNEE PAIN
People in their 30-40s complain of knee pain these days. A BMI (Body Mass Index — a measurement made by comparing the height and weight of a person) of more than 32.5 makes the degeneration of joints and bones faster. Bariatric surgeon Dr Jayashree Todkar says, “We have treated patients who have undergone knee replacements which failed due to excess weight. Same knees could work well after a successful weight loss.” Dr Pradeep B Bhosale, consultant arthritis and joint replacement surgeon, adds, “Obese men are 15 times more likely to have torn knee cartilage and women in the same category are at 25 times more at risk.” 

 
POINTS TO PONDER Many a time, parents buy shoes that are a size larger for their children, to make it last longer. This practice can have a bad impact on the child’s bone health. Walking on hard surfaces can hamper bone health in the long run. People sometimes compromise on length-fitting of the footwear for width-fitting, which is a bad idea for foot and bone health. It is crucial to keep a check on the wear and tear of your footwear as worn out as well as wrong footwear can turn into serious threats for your foot health over a period of time.

Walking on hard surfaces can hamper bone health in the long run

Why a Delhi student has challenged the law used for Facebook arrests

This morning, a young law student, Shreya Singhal, asked the Supreme Court to review the law under which two young women were arrested recently in Maharashtra for their Facebook posts.

Shreya Singhal told NDTV, "People express their views on television etc also but they are never arrested. Then why should Internet be any different? It is just another public platform. I feel that the law is being misused for the arrest of the people who express their views, and criticism."

The Chief Justice of India, Altamas Kabir, said Ms Singhal's petition against Section 66(A) of the Information and Technology (IT) Act is welcome. "We were wondering why no one has approached the Supreme Court (over this) and even thought of taking up the issue suo moto," the Chief Justice said.

Section 66 (A) of IT Act deals with spreading hatred through electronic messages, but has been criticized for the vagueness of its language, which makes the law easy to misuse.

It provides for a jail term of up to three years, makes it an offence to "send, by means of a computer resource or communication device, any information which is grossly offensive, menacing, causes annoyance or hatred."

In her petition today, Ms Singhal refers to the arrests in Maharashtra last week of two women who posted comments on Facebook about the shutdown in Mumbai that followed the death of Shiv Sena president Bal Thackeray. The police case against them was filed by a Shiv Sena leader. The case provoked widespread outrage, and charges against the women were dropped today.

Ms Singhal also refers to an incident in April this year where a professor in West Bengal was arrested for posting a cartoon about chief minister Mamata Banerjee on social networking sites.

Secrets Of Creation Yogi Ashwini

Secrets Of Creation

Yogi Ashwini

When you see a great work of art, you marvel at its beauty. When you hear a beautiful piece of music, you want to listen to it again and again. When you read an interesting book, it stimulates your mental faculties. But these are the creations of that artist, that composer and that author. Isn’t it ironical that we engage day in and day out in taking pleasure in things that are someone else’s thought and creation, someone who, at times, we do not even know? How many of us care to access the source which triggered that thought process in that person to create something that we all admire? In the last 20 years of teaching yog, I have met many spiritual aspirants, the most learned and well read. I have attended countless spiritual meets where the discussions and concepts usually stem from the intellectual understanding of great works by masters. Adi Shankarcharya, based on his revelations, gave us the Saundarya Lahiri. Patanjali gave the yogsutras. Krishna summarised his gyan in the Bhagwad Geeta. Brahma coded the secrets of creation in the form of four vedas. But think about this — can you understand Brahma by reading the vedas? What is it that triggerred that thought process in these men that they were able to create something so advanced that till date, no one can refute them? This is the process of guru and gyan. What they wrote is their experience of yog, instead of getting carried away in the beauty of someone else’s experience. We are all divine beings going through a human experience. Our desires, needs and wants are all unique, which is why when Ram and Krishna manifested, they also needed a guru. Your own experience is what will take you beyond, for only that is real. The secrets of the entire creation and beyond are waiting to be discovered by you through your individual path of experience. That is the path which your guru shows you, as he knows you more than yourself. An anti-ageing retreat with Yogi Ashwini will be held in Bangalore from November 29 to December 1. For more details, send an email at info@dhyanfoundation.com or call 09980837599 / 09611445488. Visit www.dhyanfoundation.com.

Mumbai’s new tattoo lip service From Goth designs to peace symbols, sugary pouts and names, the new fad sees folks getting a personalised tattoo on the lips

Mumbai’s new tattoo lip service

From Goth designs to peace symbols, sugary pouts and names, the new fad sees folks getting a personalised tattoo on the lips

    Want a new tattoo minus the pain that goes with it? Just get a temporary tat for your lips. Pop artiste Ke$ha got a permanent one done and it has became a huge buzz in Mumbai too. Folks are queuing up to get their lips ‘inked’ with everything from Goth designs to words. There are stick-ons also with animal print, polka dot, crystals and fabric-style patterns as well. A painful process? “The temporary lip tattoos are painful, but you’ll be surprised at how many people in Mumbai are asking for these in the most radical designs,” declares tattoo artist Vikas Malani.
    In a procedure that lasts about half an hour and is done with an anaesthetic spray, the expert creates a permanent tattoo under the lip of a person. The trend is to have a ‘statement-making’ tattoo. “We’ve done everything from Nirvana to vampire signs, dark Goth patterns, names and peace symbols for people. At first not everyone had the guts to do it, just those who were intensely into music. But now, the number of girls, as young as 18, who want to have one done has shot up. It’s being looked at as a cult thing. Many want it as a secret bond thing between two people,” says Malani.
    What about the cons? “Patrons need to have a light or liquid diet for a few days so as to not exercise the lips and jaw and spicy food is ruled out. The tattoo also may need touching up after a couple of months,” he adds.
    The temporary stick-on styles — that was prompted by reality star Kim Kardashian and singer Katy Perry — are hugely popular, too. If you’re tired of wearing a gloss, try a snake print on or even one with crystals. “The Vegas-style stick-ons, red hot in colour with gold diamantes as well as candy-stripe designs are in demand,” says makeup specialist Marvie Beck. “Most popular is the sugar frosting design with artificial icing. People get them before a party and they don’t fall off, but fade off, making them a big hit. Lots of women are also getting their eyelash and lip tattoos to match,” she says.

Candy tattoo

Sugar frosting tattoo

Name tattoo

HOW TO OVERCOME THE CRAVING of Alcohol?

In the first of a three-part series on bad habits, learn how to overcome an alcohol addiction

It’s impossible, in these days of high health awareness, to not know how an alcohol addiction can harm you physically and mentally. But still, somehow, it’s hard for some of us to give it up. What is it that stops us from breaking an addiction? We asked experts to help us understand more about excessive drinking and how to quit.

 

When you drink excessively

“Drinking excessively affects every organ of the body and has a drastic impact on the liver, our detoxifying organ,” says health guru Mickey Mehta. “Alcohol interferes with the absorption and assimilation of nutrients leading to damage of liver, digestive system and other organs. Long periods of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of arthritis, liver and pancreatic cancer, can lead to heart diseases and nervous disorders and other problems.”

Practically every portion of the body is affected, explains Kannan Nettath, manager and consultant at The Spa & Gym at Taj Lands End. Alcohol works on specific organs in the body in these ways:

CEREBELLUM: This part of the brain controls not only balance but also coordination and eye movements. High alcohol consumption can interfere with the perception of distance and height and cause dizziness.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach, causing retching and vomiting. It can also cause inflammation and heartburn.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: Excessive alcohol can cause a complete breakdown in communication between the brain and some of its organs, leading to blurred vision, loss of balance and problems.

 

What stops you from quitting

There are several reasons that make quitting alcohol extremely difficult. Fear of social rejection, peer pressure, addiction, lack of activity and boredom can make one take up alcohol to fill up the gaps.

“Alcohol enables you to feel relaxed, happy and uninhibited. For many people, alcohol makes them feel like a different person — a more attractive, sexier, friendlier version of themselves. Others find themselves more in control of their lives with the help of alcohol,” explains Nettath.

 

What you’ll face in the first few weeks when you quit

“When you quit drinking alcohol, your body is so used to the chemicals entering your system that it automatically signals the brain to keep refuelling it with those chemicals. You cough more because your lungs are attempting to clean out the muck that has built up over time. You may also suffer from headaches, mood swings, and tiredness,” says Ramraj Yogi, fitness expert and owner of Well N Trim gym. Nettath adds, “You may experience a craving for some essential dietary element that you can’t identify.”

Why you should push yourself to quit

Giving up the habit makes you feel healthier and happier. “Better skin and improved liver function can be seen from the first week onwards of quitting. With prolonged abstinence, damage to brain and nervous system can be reversed and over time, memory, concentration, motor control comes back to normal,” says Mehta.

Nettath adds, “Over time, life without alcohol can lead to improved relationships. Besides, you may be surprised at how much extra money you have when you stop drinking.”

HOW TO OVERCOME THE CRAVING of Alcohol?

“Alcohol has a direct connection with sugar. It is nothing but carbs that are eventually broken down into sugar. In order to avoid alcohol cravings, cut down on your sweet intake. Reduce your caffeine and junk food intake and drink plenty of water and get enough of sleep,” advises Yogi. “It’s more likely that your body has been depleted of crucial minerals and vitamins by habitual consumption of alcohol. It’s important to begin eating more healthily when you stop drinking. Include grapes, dates, fruits and vegetable juices, wholegrain cereals, nuts, seeds and sprouts in your diet,” adds Nettath. “One can also indulge in healthy drinking substitutes like soda with lemon, a cocktail of fruits without added sugar, a glass of red wine, smoothies with soy milk, green and herbal teas and soups,” says Mehta. “Eating sweet treats can be a substitute for taking a drink but try to choose healthy sweet snacks and avoid replacing drinking with eating habits that lead to obesity or diabetes,” warns Nettath.

How to Take care of your hands?

Take care of your hands

Do you remember the last time you looked at your hands? Ever wondered that they might be holding some clues to your overall health? Physicians believe that the condition of your hands and fingernails can tell you surprising things about your overall health.
Hands are often the first part of you to show visible signs of ageing but they can also be a barometer of your general health and also hold clues to underlying health problems. Changes in the way your hands look and feel can be pointers to a range of illnesses.

Just like the skin on your face, your hands too need to be well nourished to stay smooth and soft.
Mentioned below are two of the most commonly found conditions of hands. In case you wake up one fine morning, horrified to see your palms dry and flaky, know that it could be due to the following reasons.

Dry and chapped hands

Exposure to the sun, wind, cold weather, harsh detergents, cleaning products and many other things can quickly dry out hands.

Moisturise your hands regularly, especially after contact with water. Try to limit the amount of time your hands spend in water and in contact with soaps and detergents, as this can lead to dryness. Wear rubber gloves when washing anything and massage with a hand cream after washing your hands. Use evening primrose oil at night to make your skin soft and supple.

Peeling of skin

The skin peels for a variety of reasons because of friction, exposure to sunlight and even dry weather. Besides the natural exfoliation process, certain viral infections or allergies can also cause skin peeling. If the peeling of the skin is accompanied by bleeding and infection, then one should consult a dermatologist. Some dietary changes for skin care is essential to revitalise the skin and reduce flaking. The peeling of hand’s skin caused by eczema can be reduced with the help of steroids taken both orally and topically.

Dietary guidelines

Drink one glass of carrot juice every day.
Take a high potency fish oil capsule. It will reduce dryness.
Avoid soft drinks, chocolate, alcohol and caffeine. These will aggravate dryness.

Apply aloe vera gel to moisturise your hand, it also helps slough off dead skin cells.
Keep a hand cream beside every basin in the house and apply religiously every time you wash hands. Keep a tube in your bag, car, office and by the bedside.
Take vitamin E supplements if the skin on the palm is peeling. It is a potent antioxidant and helps protect cell membranes against free radical damage.
Take good care of your hands and treat them well as they are essential for your existence.

Ankita Shorey presents exclusive jewellery collection

Ankita Shorey presents exclusive jewellery collection

    Gitanjali Group, a name synonymous with fashion and luxury, organised a special preview of an exclusive jewellery collection to be showcased at an upcoming fashion week in Goa. Presented by Ankita Shorey, Miss India 2011, it included jewellery from India’s leading jewellery brands like Asmi, Gili, Nakshatra, D’damas, Sangini, Nizam, True Platinum and Envi. The event saw the who’s who of the fashion fraternity attend — Pria-Kataria Puri, Shouger, Nidhi Munim, Ridhi Sidhi, Sushil Sharma (VP, Luxury Business, Gitanjali Group) and several others.

Sushil Sharma

Pallav Ojha

Ankita Shorey

What should I do to become happy instantly?

THIS ALWAYS WORKS

“Happiness is like a kiss. You must share it to enjoy it”
– US radio host Bernard Meltzer

HELP SOMEONE: Mark Twain once said “the best way to cheer yourself is to try and cheer somebody else up”. By helping someone, we actually help ourselves too. Research shows that altruism spills out a lot of feel good hormones in the body, which translate into happiness that stays with you for a while.


THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS: Thoughts become things. “I consciously think about things I want in my life and not
about those that I don’t want. Practicing Buddhism and chanting has taught me this,” says Kavita Ashok.

KEEP A DIARY: “Writing a journal before bed can clear your mind, solve problems, mentally prepare for the next day, make plans, and get your thoughts out of your head and on the page,” points out Dr Ashima Puri.


PRACTICE GRATITUDE:
Lisa Ray believes in it. “I think that practicing gratitude (saying Thank You loud and clear) instead of worrying about what is or could be wrong, is the way to go,” she says. Try this: write one thank-you note to someone daily.

SMELL THE FLOWERS

Surround yourself with beautiful blooms. “Whether or not I am surrounded by fresh flowers is a sign of how happy I am feeling. The days I manage to go to the flower market in the morning, my day starts and stays happy. That morning jaunt simply takes me through the day,” says Niharika Khan.
 

 

THIS MAKES US HAPPY

Having chai and chatting with an old friend Sniffing a really good cup of French-roasted coffee Browsing for hours in a bookshop Flirting with an intelligent person with a good sense of humour Fitting into pants we bought five years ago Loving the work we do Giving away some of our old stuff Sitting out in the sun on a cheery winter morning Laughing so hard, our stomach hurts Singing along when an old favourite plays on the radio Running into an old friend unexpectedly somewhere Having a second helping of dessert Being totally and utterly alone just admiring the night sky Complimenting someone Getting complimented!

 

EAT HAPPY FOODS

Gobble green beans: Magnesium levels are lower in those suffering from unhappiness. Green beans can boost its levels and ensure you stay on the right side of happiness.

 

CHEW SOME WALNUTS: They are one of the richest dietary sources of serotonin Squash sesame seeds: They are loaded with the amino acid threonine, which is an essential nutrient to keep depression away. So munch on.

Chomp baby carrots: Deficiency of vitamin biotin induces both depression and fatigue. Carrots can help avoid that effectively.
Have some salmon: Loaded with omega-3s, this fatty fish helps brain cells and mood-lifting neurotransmitters to function properly.

Want to wake up happy and go to bed smiling?

Oh, Happy Day!

Want to wake up happy and go to bed smiling? All it takes is the right choices and attitude. Your most positive day starts right here

“Before you step out, look in the mirror and smile at yourself”

YOUR MORNING shapes the rest of your day. So wake up earlier than your usual time, ideally snatch 20 minutes to half an hour extra. Do not keep your alarm clock on the bedside table. Keep it a bit away from the bed, so that you have to stretch to reach it. This will make sure your body beats morning grogginess, and will also stimulate the waking part of the brain. So you won’t feel listless.
Next up – a big hug. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have found that the gentle pressure of a hug can stimulate nerve endings under the skin that send calming messages to the brain. This sets the endorphins (happy hormones) running and prime you for bliss right away. But, even before you hug others, hug yourself – both in form as well as spirit. Embrace everything that is good about yourself, give yourself a pat on the back, and whisper words of encouragement. Now you can embark on the day happy and motivated.

GET A HEAD START
Once you are up, instead of tea or coffee, opt for a rehydrating drink. A cup of hot water with a touch of lemon and honey is a better way to start the day than a forced wake-up with caffeine.
Then, sit someplace calm and meditate. You’ll be amazed at how just a few minutes can help clear your mind and give you high returns on the time invested. “I have been meditating for 10 years,” says Lisa Ray, actor and social activist. “The 10 minutes early in the morning help me start my day well. This is the time when I focus my energies to doing things well and list things that I should be grateful for in my life.”
Or your morning ritual can be like Divya Vibha Sharma. A contemporary dancer based in Mumbai, Sharma starts her day by watering her two plants while singing or listening to songs. “This puts me in high spirits right away,” she says. Or, you could cuddle your pet, or take them for a walk.
And whatever else you do or not do, don’t miss your early morning date with the sun god. It’s proven that exposure to direct sunlight early in the morning helps boost the mood on two counts: one, it produces vitamin D in the body, which is a sure-fire mood-lifter, and second, when the body is exposed to sunlight, the secretion of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that boosts happiness) increases. The sages who advocated surya namaskar sure knew what they were doing.

GET MOVING
A bit of morning exercise always helps. “You don’t have to go for a long run, even stretches and brisk walking around your building compound will get your metabolism going. That will kick in the endorphins that give you a natural high. And as far as possible, do it outdoors,” advises Nisha Varma, a Reebok master trainer. “Fresh air imparts an enhanced sense of wellbeing, boosts physical, spiritual and emotional health; and helps garner the benefits of exposure to sunlight.” Niharika Khan, national award winner for styling The Dirty Picture, agrees. “My challenging CrossFit workout in the morning readies me to take on the day on an optimistic note.”
And when you mix exercise with music, the effect is even more potent. “I go for my morning walk with my earphones plugged in and by the time I am back, I am happy as a bee,” shares Delhi based Jasleen Royal, a musician, composer and singer of Panchi Hojavan. Also sneak in a few stretches in the shower. The warm water will loosen up your muscles, and stretching will help to release stored tension.

NIBBLE ON JOY

Eat a decent breakfast. It is essential for replacing your liver glycogen, which helps you stay switchedon throughout the day. Skip high-sugary breakfast cereals since they give you instant energy, that wear off soon. Opt for foods that give slow, sustained energy to keep your blood sugar stable. Eat some good quality protein (eggs, dairy) and a source of complex carbohydrates (wholegrain breads, oats, barley). Make sure you chew some nuts or seeds (sesame, flax etc) for good
quality fats.
And before you step out, look in the mirror and smile.

CRUISE TO WORK
Smelling peppermint and cinnamon during a commute has been known to decrease fatigue. Also listen to upbeat music while driving. “Music boosts brain power because it makes listeners feel relaxed and stimulated at the same time,” explains Dr Ashima Puri, a consultant psychologist. Or you can sing in your car. And sing loudly (with the windows shut, please). It can be very uplifting. When stuck in traffic, plan your day, think of that killer opening line for your next presentation, or do some stretching. Do anything but fuss and cuss.

HAPPY AT WORK
The workplace can be a stress zone but you can combat it easily. “Alter the energy of your surroundings – display photos of friends, family, and places you love, your favourite artwork and meaningful mementos,” suggests Puri. Make sure you stay hydrated. Both air-conditioning and central heating systems can make you dehydrated, and no one is happy when they’re dehydrated. Keep a bottle (one litre preferably) filled with water on your table, with an aim to finish at least two. And don’t grab a cup of coffee and a pastry and call it a meal. Everyone gets a lunch hour. So take the break – you’ll come back more energised and in a better mood. If you know that the day’s going to be tough, plug in some cedar wood aroma. Its exhilarating scent will calm frazzled nerves. And do this stress-reducing stretch: “Lock hands behind head, then gently push head down towards your chest and hold for 15 seconds,” shares Varma. “When stress hits you, take a break: log on to a website and spend five to 10 minutes calming yourself,” advises Dr Sujata Sharma, clinical psychologist at Delhi’s Parivartan Centre for Mental Health.

WINDING DOWN
Leave your work area tidy. It’ll help you
switch off mentally from work. Varma has good advice: “Try to fit in a short walk before you begin your car/train/rickshaw journey home. Otherwise, you are simply going from one seat to another.” Once home, quickly change out of work clothes into something comfortable. It will help you transition to ‘me time’. “Eat something to replenish your body like warm soup,” says Kavita Ashok, a model and etiquette consultant.
And never go to bed without a proper shower. It will cleanse you physically and mentally. Finally, crawl into a nice warm bed and drift into deep sleep.