Office relationships are risky business

Office relationships are risky business

They can create a range of challenges for organizations from lost productivity to expensive litigation

    Office romances are a strong possibility at work. Even the likes of Bill and Melinda Gates and Michelle and Barack Obama have walked down that path!
    So, where is the problem? Aren’t they consenting adults? Must organizations intervene if work is not impacted? Besides, do organizations have the right to regulate an employee’s personal life? Can they? Must they? Why?
    There are mixed reactions to this. Some believe that romance unnecessarily undermines professionalism at work and must be prohibited. Others argue that it actually increases motivation and productivity at work. When things get tough and deadlines are looming large, knowing that there is a “special” someone around can give both the energy and ego boost that helps efficiency!
    It wasn’t too long ago that we had norms that expected one of the two in a relationship to leave the organization. And, we have also seen a time when companies began to encourage it with “Dating Allowances”. Somewhere in between is the practical solution.
    While it is true that not all office romances bring grief, there are risks involved. It has the potential to create a range of challenges for the organization from lost productivity right up to expensive litigation. Reputations and promising careers have been derailed and extra-marital affairs have left not just the individuals involved but even their office colleagues dealing with the bitter after-taste of an office “divorce”. Organizations, therefore, are well within their rights to have policies against behaviours that can expose them to unnecessary risks
    While relationships between consenting colleagues is not illegal, romances change office dynamics in many ways. A majority of such relationships are more mutually welcome flirtations than romance. However, it is important to be aware of the pitfalls that can occur when coworkers are romantically involved.
    If it is between a manager and a junior, claims of favouritism are possible. If those in love display their affections at work, they risk potential allegations of hostile work environments. And, then again, if the romance sours, as they often do, it can throw up even more challenges.
    Often, it is not that one is in a relationship that is the problem as much as non-compliance with the requirements of company policies. Displays of familiarity at work are not professional behaviour. Company policies generally dissuade relationships between senior leaders, managers and those in positions of influence with employees lower down in the hierarchy. If that happens, most organizations require it be disclosed so the reporting structure can be altered to prevent any potential conflict of interest.
    When things go wrong, a romantically engaged manager can be held to ransom by a subordinate. He/she can always claim sexual harassment even if, in reality, it was a consensual one. A claim that he/she was too intimidated to challenge the manager is hard to disprove and is weighed in favour of the subordinate. A constant threat like that can keep any manager and company on a slippery slope open to charges of sexual harassment.
    Soured relationship, even between peers, has its own challenges. There are high chances of poor communication and collaboration between the two. Delayed responses to mails, hesitance to share work related information, non-cooperation at critical times, are all behaviours that can impact the overall productivity of the team. Sexual harassment of any kind is expensive for organizations. Lost talent and productivity, litigation costs, loss of brand image and goodwill not to mention valuable management time spent in counseling and changing work assignments, etc. Besides, the sensationalism around sexual harassment cases can build unnecessary anxiety in mixed gender groups at work. Thus, any, which way you look at it office relations especially between
    managers and subordinates, is risky business. Drawing up and communicating a zero tolerance policy for harassment with clear do’s and don’ts at work is vital for organizations to show they have exercised reasonable care to prevent sexual harassment. If not, it can make the manager and the organization risk tough legal, ethical, and work related problems.
   

relationships with co-workers, with some industries actually encouraging them

LOVE AT WORK

Most companies in India have no strict guidelines about reporting relationships with co-workers, with some industries actually encouraging them

    When it comes to dating in the office, India is a cool place to work. A 2012 study conducted by Randstad, an Amsterdambased staffing company, found that in India 70 per cent of employees reported workplace romantic liaisons, compared with countries where romantic relationships in the workplace are less common, including Japan (33 per cent) and Luxembourg (36 per cent).
    One of the main reasons for this is the absence of any clear-cut policies barring romantic rendezvous. Is it okay to ask a junior colleague out to dinner? Will you be noticed if you go for frequent smoke breaks with a particular colleague? Can spending too much time chatting with a co-worker lead to an intervention from the HR department? These are questions that employees across corporate India may not have the answers to. According to Prashant Bhaskar, founder & CEO, plugHR, a Mumbai-based human resource consultancy, there are no precedents that demand the incorporation of strict guidelines on the subject. “India Inc doesn’t have a legacy of workplace relationships going sour and resulting in expensive lawsuits. Its liberal view on the subject is based on its understanding of risk involved and exposure to it in the past,” he says.
    Far from forbidding relationships, in India, the office is a preferred scouting ground for suitable partners. Chaitanya Ramalingegowda, relationship expert and founder, Twolymadlydeeply (TMD), a dating website, says, “People spend eight to 10 hours in office every day and probably another two commuting which leaves them with hardly any time to socialize after hours. So they prefer having relationships in office.” He emphasizes the strengths of romantic relationships forged at work, saying they can enhance performance. “Spending time with a colleague, taking coffee breaks together... such informal interactions can be used for brainstorming of ideas and thoughts or even having mentorship discussions,” says Ramalingegowda.
    That relationships and work can co-exist in the workspace is a belief the Indian IT industry supports, especially since it is an incentive for employees to continue working in the same place. The Indian IT industry, which employs close to 25 lakh people, has high attrition rates, typically 30 per cent to 50 per cent annually. “Most of this workforce is young and likely to get romantically involved with their colleagues. So in the absence of a perceived threat, the policy to allow married couples to work in the same organisation is a function of talent availability,” says Bhaskar.
    At Yahoo! India, there’s no bar on male and female colleagues from having a relationship. “We absolutely don’t frown upon things like coffee or smoke breaks or male and female colleagues hanging out together,” says Aniruddha Banerjee, head, human resources, Yahoo! India. Couples at NIIT enjoy an anniversary allowance, which is a percentage of their salary. “We have very high regard for people working for us. If NIITians find spouses within the organisation, we welcome it,” says Prateek Chatterjee, vice-president corporate communication and marketing, NIIT.
    Of course, there are boundaries which have been put down on paper — a code of conduct that trust the employee to report any conflict of interest arising from a personal relationship at work. Also, if it is revealed that the relationship is impacting the work performance negatively, or the relationship is between a senior and junior employee within the same reporting structure, the situation is reviewed. While NIIT is comfortable with married couples being colleagues, Banerjee says, “If our performance assessment reveals any lags, we advise an alternate portfolio for the person under our Internal Job Placement scheme. In case office hierarchy is compromised because of a personal relationship, one of the involved persons is moved to another role,” he says.
    The IT industry worldwide is relaxed about romantic relationships at work — according to an annual international Valentine survey conducted by CareerBuilder, a human capital solutions company, this year IT ranks second on the list of industries for office romance after leisure and hospitality — other sectors like FMCG and manufacturing in India are more stringent with their guidelines. These industries do not have large workforces, work with people who are older and more skilled and attrition is not a pressing concern. “We don’t allow employees to work with any relatives, including spouses, in order to keep assessment of work and performance objective,” says Sanjiv Dixit, chief people officer at Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD), which manufactures Officer’s Choice whisky. Admitting it is difficult, and invasive, to monitor whether the staff is dating internally, Dixit says complaints about inappropriate relationships are acted on. “If we believe a relationship is causing a conflict of interest we call the involved persons for an informal or formal chat and discuss how the involvement should not affect work,” says Dixit who says that during his prior stints at Pepsico, Alstom and Philips, he has never encountered any employees who have crossed these lines.

How to choose the right perfume

How to choose the right perfume

    Sometimes, smelling particular fragrances remind you of a place, incident, thing or a person. However, more often than not, we associate a particular smell with a person. So one needs to be careful while selecting a fragrance because it tends to reflect one’s personality. A floral fragrance is associated with someone who is feminine, while a strong musk tends to depict the personality of strong independent women. So be careful what kind of message you want to give out to people and choose your own fragrances wisely. Here are a few tips that you can follow when going perfume shopping:
Personality plays an important role in this, and you need to be aware of what kind of a person you are before zeroing in on a perfume. The kind of music you listen to, the kind of movies you watch, and the kind of food you like are some of the basic things that may help in making this decision.
While choosing a fragrance, you also need to keep in mind which time of the day you are going to wear it. Different fragrances are designed for different times of the day. Decide whether it is for day wear, evening wear or just for fun. Usually, light perfumes are worn during the day and concentrated ones for night.
Be clear about the amount of money you want to spend on your perfume as your budget will be a big deciding factor. Be clear about that before trying out different kinds of scents.
There are chances that you will like a perfume someone else is wearing and will want to try it out for yourself. However, perfumes tend to smell different on different people. It all depends on how it reacts with a person’s the skin type and is dependent on the body temperature, diet and weather.
Test the perfume you want to go for on your body before going ahead and buying it. And if you are confused, seek an expert’s help at the perfume store.

Test the perfume on yourself before buying it

A recent research conducted in the US says 30-minute exercise a day can make you a genius.

Exercise makes you smarter

A recent research conducted in the US says 30-minute exercise a day can make you a genius.

    According to fitness experts, if you think muscles are just for gym enthusiasts, think again! A latest research conducted at the University Of Texas in the US says that a 30-minute workout a day could turn you into a genius.
    The university pulled out information from more than 1,100 college students about their regular weekly pump and grades. The results revealed that students who got an ‘A’ exercised for at least 30 minutes — 3.52 times a week — whereas people with a C, D or an F grade only exercised for about 2.81 times a week.
    We show you five ways how working out can make you smarter.
    Says fitness expert Althea Shah, “Exercise improves your mood. It works as an antidepressant and thus helps lift your mood instantly. Apart from this, it also helps you to concentrate on things that you do on a daily basis. So, working out on a daily basis can actually make you smarter and more confident about yourself.”
Boosts energy >> Did you know the more you move, the more energised you feel? Well, we all think that moving around too much or exercising a lot can make you feel tired and dizzy. But regular activity improves your muscle strength and boosts your endurance. It gives you the energy to think clearer and come up with new ideas. If you move around for a good 15 minutes, it will make your body produce more energy at the cellular level.
Sharpens focus >> Dr John Ratey, an author, said exercise improves your brain in the short term by raising your focus for two to three hours afterwards. For example, if you have a presentation to make at work or have to make a speech, try to workout an hour before. It is believed that you will be at your peak when you perform.
    In the long term, it helps you combat brain ageing or Alzheimer’s. This works on the cellular level in your system. The brain improves with the pumping of blood in your body, which happens when you exercise.
Enhances mood >> Exercise is known to trigger endorphins, which improve the functioning of your brain. Thus, after you’ve exercised, your ability to sort out priorities improves, allowing you to block out distractions in life and also concentrate better on the tasks at hand.
Improves your memory >> Do you know that your brain retains more when your body is active? In an experiment published in a journal, students were asked to memorise a string of letters and were then allowed to run, lift weights or sit quietly. The students who worked out were more accurate with their answers than those who chose to sit quietly after memorising.
Enhances productivity >> Have you ever heard of the saying, ‘If you want something done, give it to the busy person’? When you’re productive and efficient, you are bound to succeed. It is also said that workers who exercise once midday between working hours, tend to contribute more than what others do. They are also more productive at work.

Exercising daily boosts your memory power

Avocado for your skin

Avocado for your skin

    Do you often use avocado in your salads? Next time, you can also try mashing up the fruit and applying it as a mask for your skin. Colloquially known as alligator pear, the exotic greenskinned, fleshy fruit has an abundant amount of vitamins and nutrients including beta-carotene, lutein, Vitamins B6, C, E and K, selenium, zinc, folate and potassium. In fact, avocado oil has long been used for beauty products like cleansing creams, facial masks and bath oils. Here are the beauty benefits of avocados: 

CLEANS SKIN Rich in Vitamin A, avocado helps to remove dead skin cells from your body. The fruit oil can be easily absorbed by skin and makes for a great massage lotion. It penetrates deep into the skin layers and restores nutrients. In turn, this helps stimulate growth of new skin cells and improves your skin’s blood circulation. 

GOOD MOISTURISER As a moisturiser, avocado helps to soften dry skin. Moreover, if you suffer from dry spots caused by sunburn or eczema, it helps to moisturise, repair distress and inflammation, and protects your skin from future damage. Avocado oil is also used on lips to prevent chapping. 

REDUCES WRINKLES The antioxidants and amino acids in avocados help to get rid of toxins that promote premature aging and wrinkling of the skin. 

 
HOW TO MAKE AVOCADO FACE MASK Take half a portion of a ripe, soft avocado and mash it into a creamy pulp in a bowl. Add one-fourth tablespoon of honey and stir well. Apply on skin and leave it for 10 minutes. Rinse face with a cool washcloth.

‘Love hurts’ is an accurate way of putting it

‘Love hurts’ is an accurate way of putting it

Teens in relationships experience both sides of dating violence

A recent study has found that teens in a relationship that involves dating violence are likely to be both a victim and perpetrator, as opposed to being just one or the other. In some situations teens play both roles with one partner or they’ll play one role in a given relationship and then another role in a subsequent relationship “The violence in a relationship can be mutual, in that both partners engage in some aggression. Or it could be a learned behaviour, so that someone who is victimised in one relationship perpetrates in another,” said lead researcher Denise L Haynie, PhD, MPH. The study examined data collected from 2,203 students from 80 schools, beginning in 10th grade and continuing through the end of high school and into college or the work force. Teens were asked whether their boyfriends or girlfriends had called them names or insulted them, swore, threatened them, pushed or shoved them or threw something that could hurt them. They were also asked if they had engaged in these acts. About 35 per cent reported being the victim of dating violence and 31 per cent reported being perpetrators during the study period. “It is consistent with other literature on dating violence among adolescents to find that boys experience dating violence at similar rates as girls and for girls to perpetrate at similar rates as boys,” said Haynie. “This is in contrast with what is known about intimate partner violence among adults, where women report more frequent victimisation,” the researcher noted Aggression in teen relationships may represent a pattern of escalation where it soon becomes hard to differentiate between victim and perpetrator, said the researchers. In the study, both boys and girls experiencing dating violence reported an increase in psychological complaints and depressive symptoms. Girls involved in dating violence also reported more physical complaints than girls not involved in dating violence. “More research is needed but right now the best advice is to help teens understand what a healthy relationship looks like and what to do if it’s not going well. Adolescents entering the world of dating are just learning how to negotiate romantic relationships and how to manage conflict,” said Deinera Exner-Cortens, MA, MPH, and a fourth year doctoral candidate in human development at Cornell University. “That’s where a programme on healthy relationships is vital for both teen boys and girls,” Exner-Cortens added. According to the Centre for Relationship Abuse Awareness, Relationship abuse is a pattern of abusive and coercive behaviours used to maintain power and control over a former or current intimate partner.

They’re mothers first, and surrogates later For the women of Gujarat's rent-a-womb industry, the rewards are more than financial

They’re mothers first, and surrogates later

For the women of Gujarat's rent-a-womb industry, the rewards are more than financial

Ahmedabad: Every year on October 10, Sharda Solanki begins her day in her tiny Vaghpura, Gujarat, home by offering special prayers to family deity Khodiyar devi, and to seek good health and prosperity for the twins she gave birth to on the same day many years ago. A mother praying for her daughters on their birthday isn't unusual, but Solanki isn't legally or biologically the mother of the children she prays for each year. She doesn't know the name of the daughters she prays for, she doesn't know what they look like, or even what citizenship they hold or language they speak. On paper, she is nothing but one of the many women in Gujarat, who rented her womb to a childless couple and for a life changing amount of money. Solanki is a surrogate mother. But that doesn't stop her from showering blessings on the children she gave birth to and cherishing the memories of the nine months they spent in her womb. "They are like my own children," says Sharda. "Initially, when I was pregnant for childless couples from Canada, I used to worry about my own three children whom I had left at my small home in Vaghpura. But as time passed by, my love for them grew further. Though I have not got opportunity to hold them, they are like my own children." Manisha Macwan, 38, feels the same way for the baby girl she delivered for a Goan couple in 2009. Macwan, however, is more fortunate than Sharda because the biological parents of the child she delivered are more than happy to let her keep in touch. "I have a natural connect with her (the child). Every year on her birthday, the couple (biological parents) send me her picture. She speaks English. I don't understand what she says, but it's a pleasure to listen to her talk over the phone. She is growing into a beautiful girl and I wish that she is blessed with all happiness,” says an emotional Macwan. The story isn't too different with surrogate mothers across Gujarat, which has become the hub for the booming in-vitro fertilisation industry. Over the years, reimbursement has also significantly grown. Surrogate mothers who got anything between Rs1.5lakh to Rs2 lakh initially now get anything between Rs2.5lakh to Rs3 lakh for delivering a single child. . Despite facing criticism from various human rights camps, the rent-a-womb industry in Gujarat is steadily gaining popularity and acceptance within the state's poorer sections. It has given these women a way to earn for a better future and life for their their families, provided a good business opportunity to the state and helped several childless couples bring a baby home. This acceptance, not only husband and the woman's biological children but also by parents-in-law and neighbours, and the way the money that has provided a lifeline to the families of the surrogate mothers is an added reason why the mothers get even more attached to their surrogate children. “Being a surrogate mother helped both of us (her husband and her) with things we needed desperately in our lives. The couple got their baby and I got money. But the bond with the baby has grown over the years,” said Sharda, who bought two bigha land for her landless labourer husband with the Rs7.5lakh she made by renting her womb twice.

How to identify an insect from other creepy crawlies!

How to identify an insect from other creepy crawlies!

Do you tend to classify spiders, mites, ticks, millipedes or flies as insects? Well, all creepy crawlies are not insects. One way to tell is to count the legs. If a creature has six legs, it is an insect. If it has fewer or more, it is some other kind of animal. But hey, leg counting only works with adults! You see, some young forms or larvae, like fly maggots, have no legs at all. Yet they develop into six legged flies, and a fly is an insect!
    So then, mites, ticks, spiders and scorpions have eight legs and are called arachnids. They are not insects.
    Centipedes have many legs while millipedes have more than them, maybe fifty or even 100 legs!! Thus they are certainly not insects.

What time should we come online for puja, panditji?

What time should we come online for puja, panditji?

For NRI bhakts wanting to hold on to rituals, internet-friendly pandits come to the rescue

    If you thought that video chats were only for forlorn lovers in a long-distance relationship waiting to catch a glimpse of their better half, or for the tech-savvy parents who make an account just to see their ladla beta/beti settled abroad, here’s some news. The latest category of video call users is that of the internet-friendly panditjis who perform online pujas for the NRI bhakts.
Mumbai-based pandit Atul Arvind Dixit, who has been performing video chat puja for NRIs says he does Ganpati pujas, griha pravesh, Satyanarayan puja, jap and more via the net. “There are a lot of demands for these. Especially, during Ganpati and Diwali, we get requests from the USA and Canada. A lot is possible — bacchhe ka naam karan and Vastu Shanti (before entering a new house) too. Only, we cannot do a havan.”
    It works in a two-step method. Says Dixit, “I first have an online meeting with the person and tell them what exactly the preparation is. Then comes the video chat where I instruct them during the puja. There’s also the side-by-side option where, during the video chat puja, I conduct the proceedings and the bhakts follow each step.” He wasn’t as savvy about the internet as he is today. “I did not know much, but my friends taught me,” he admits.
    Owing to the distance factor, these pujas have to come with a set of instructions. As another pandit, Ranjan Shastri says, “Wahaan ke logon (NRIs) ke paas samagri hoti hai aur hum unhe computer screen par dekh-dekh ke instructions dete hain. Bachche ka naamkaran, grih pravesh aur paath toh bahut baar karwa chuke hain hum. Unki wishes ke hisaab se hi hum puja karvate hain aur translate bhi karte hain.”
    Some pandits also perform pujas in their respective temples and then send a video recording to the concerned people. Mumbai-based pandit Raj Kumar Sharma affirms this, “We have a camcorder at the Khar temple. Those who stay outside can see the havan in the mandir. In addition, I perform online pujas, sometimes upto 50 a month during festival times as well as send bhakts the puja via 2G and 3G technology and through videography.” And what about the payment? “We do it all online, settled through emails. Right from the consultation stage to finally when people pay us via online credit payment system. ”
    But isn’t the time difference a problem? Adds pandit Ashok Shastri, “Devi devta yahaan ke hote hain, toh time bhi yahin ka dekha jaayega. Hum mahurat nikalte hain aur zyaadatar havan subah hi hote hain. Unhe problem ho toh kya, par mahurat toh yahin ka hoga na, chahe wahaan kitni bhi raat ho.” Well, in most cases, a 7 am (IST) havan would anyway mean early evenings for the bhakts abroad, which would turn out to be quite comfortable. Pandit happy, bhakts happy too!

Walnuts cut cardiovascular disease risk

Walnuts cut cardiovascular disease risk

    Consumption of whole walnuts or their extracted oil can reduce cardiovascular risk, researchers have claimed. In addition, consumption of whole walnuts helped HDL — good cholesterol — perform more effectively in transporting and removing excess cholesterol from the body. “Our study showed that the oil found in walnuts can maintain blood vessel function after a meal, which is very important given that blood vessel integrity is often compromised in individuals with cardiovascular disease,” Claire Berryman, graduate student in nutritional sciences, Penn State said. According to the researchers, walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-tocopherol and phytosterols, which may explain the positive effects of the walnut oil treatment.

Eat more walnuts

‘Bingo wings’ plastic surgery is latest fad

‘Bingo wings’ plastic surgery is latest fad

    You can now say goodbye to flabby upper arms. A new surgery that tackles the problem is getting popular. Technically, it’s an upper arm lift, a surgical procedure to remove excess fat from under the arm. A report says it has soared by more than 4,000% in the US over the last decade, with 15,000 operations performed last year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). It is a trend fuelled, in part, by sleeveless fashions for women and more focus on stronga r m e d celebrities. What it’s about
In 2000, more than 300 women got upper arm lift procedures. Last year, more than 15,000 did. Upper arm lifts can include liposuction or a surgical procedure known as brachioplasty, in which loose skin is removed from the back of the arms. A brachioplasty requires an incision from the elbow to the armpit, generally on the back of the arm, leaving a visible and permanent scar. “Women are paying more attention to their arms in general and are becoming more aware of options to treat this area,” ASPS President Gregory Evans, MD said. “For some women, the arms have always been a troublesome area and, along with proper diet and exercise, liposuction can help refine them. Others may opt for a brachioplasty when there is a fair amount of loose skin present with minimal elasticity,” he said.
    Doctors say there is no single reason behind the increase, though celebrities from the White House to the red carpet may be having an influence. ANI 

 
THE BEST ARMS GO TO... A recent poll conducted on behalf of ASPS found that women are paying closer attention to the arms of female celebrities. According to the poll, women most admire the arms of First Lady Michelle Obama, followed closely by actress
    Jennifer     Aniston.     Actresses     Jessica Biel     and Demi Moore, and daytime TV talk show host Kelly Ripa also bagged votes for their toned arms.

Scientists say the health benefits of sunbathing outweigh skin cancer risks

THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF SUNSHINE

Scientists say the health benefits of sunbathing outweigh skin cancer risks

    Sunbathing reduces blood pressure, cuts the risk of heart attacks and is more likely to prolong life than shorten it, says a new study. Sun worshippers worried by gloomy warnings that they risk getting skin cancer can now start looking at the bright side.
    Dermatologist Dr Richard Weller, whose team conducted the study, said: “We suspect that the benefits to heart health of sunlight will outweigh the risk of skin cancer.” The big discovery is that when skin is exposed to sunlight, a compound called nitric oxide is released in blood vessels that helps lower blood pressure. So far, it has been believed that the only health benefit the sun offered was vitamin D, which assists bone growth, boosts the immune system and also controls blood pressure.
    Dr Weller said: “Our work also explains why dietary vitamin D supplements alone will not be able to compensate for lack of sunlight.” 

THE EXPERIMENT The Edinburgh University team sat 24 volunteers beneath tanning lamps for two sessions of 20 minutes each and measured their blood pressure.
    In one session they were exposed to both ultraviolet rays and the lamp heat. In the other, the UV rays were blocked — as if wearing sunscreen. So, only the heat of the lamps affected the skin. 

THE FINDINGS The results showed that blood pressure dropped significantly for one hour following exposure to UV rays, but not after the heat-only sessions. This indicated that the sun’s UV rays promote the production of the blood pressurelowering nitric oxide. There are different bands of UV rays in sunlight. The lowest band, UVA, induces the production of vitamin D. UVB is the band that causes sunburn and skin cancer.
    The team’s risk assessment comes from the estimate that heart disease and stroke linked to high blood pressure kills 80 times more people than skin cancer in the UK.
    Dr Weller said his team still needs to look at the relative risks of heart disease and skin cancer in people who have received different amounts of sun exposure.
    He said: “If this confirms sunlight reduces the death rate from all causes, we will need to reconsider our advice on sun exposure.” The findings will be presented this week at a gathering of skin experts. Daily Mirror

how you can lead a healthier life?

Here is how you can lead a healthier life

    Our body is a beautiful machine that works best if taken care of properly. In our quest to lead a successful life, we often compromise on our health — not eating on time, having processed food because it is quicker to make, waiting for the elevator and hardly ever taking the stairs, avoiding the sun for days because of the home-car-office-home routine that does not involve walking out in the sun and spending hours sitting in front of the computer. We basically do everything that, in the long run, harms our system — sometimes, irreparably. Here are some simple steps you need to follow if you want to heal yourself naturally...
    We must have heard it so many times, yet, we do not follow it — drink at least three litres of water a day. It really helps.
    Consulting nutritionist and clinical dietitian Pooja Makhija says one should opt for vegetable juices rather than fruit juices because, “Unlike fruit juices, which spike your sugar levels, vegetable juices provide a concentrated burst of glorious vitamins and antioxidants and tons of natural fibre and roughage.” Have at least one glass of fresh vegetable juice every day.
    Have fruits like green or red apples, grapes, all kinds of berries, pineapples, kiwi, lime, papaya, banana, and vegetables like celery, spinach, carrots and beet.
    Reams have been written about how it is a crime to venture out into the sun without a sunscreen. Though spending many hours in the sun without a sunscreen is not recommended, experts have often stressed the importance of being out in the sun for at least 30 minutes daily.
    Dr Tejas Upasini, orthopedic surgeon, says, “Sunlight is essential to strengthen your bones.” Vitamin D helps prevent colds, osteoporosis and even certain types of cancer.
    Take a note of your Vitamin A intake — include fish oils, eggs, cheese, alfalfa leaves and seeds, spinach and broccoli in your diet.
    We may be busy, but we must exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. This restores and maintains health. Brisk walking for half-an-hour and taking the stairs are small but highly recommended steps towards a healthier you.
    Alternate between a hot and cold shower — two minutes under hot water followed by 30 seconds of cold water. Repeat. This will boost blood circulation and metabolism.
    Make sure to include roughage in your diet like leafy vegetables — regular bowel movements remove toxins from your body and reduces the stress on your system.
    Most dieticians recommend three large meals and three small ones in a day. Always begin your day with a large glass of warm water, half-a-teaspoon of honey and the juice of half-a-lime. Do not eat incessantly all day. Give your body breaks of two-three hours at least for digestion. However, do not go without eating anything for more than three hours. You can have a fruit, some juice, soup or an oat biscuit in between your meals.
debarati.sen@timesgroup.com 

Keep a tab on your fluid intake. Have green tea, vegetable and fruit juices regularly, apart from water

Include vegetables of all colours in your daily diet

Ready reckoner on, how to dress according to your sun sign?

GLAM IT UP LIKE YOUR ZODIAC

Your zodiac sign has a direct correlation to the clothes you wear. Here’s a ready reckoner on how to dress according to your sun sign

    Believe it or not, there is always a corelation between your zodiac sign and every aspect of your life. The same holds true for fashion too, where certain colours and cuts hold good for certain star signs. They might not change your fortunes, but these are chosen keeping in mind the person one is, their moods and demeanour. For instance, if Leo women are considered to be the most sensuous of the lot in their approach to fashion, signs like Libra and Taurus have a more casual and relaxed style. If a Sagittarius woman likes to wear shorter, more flirty clothes, the Piscean woman would rather have dreamy drapes to suit her zoned-out demeanour. The Cancer woman prefers a more prim and proper approach to selecting her wardrobe as opposed to the Capricorn lady, who’d like to experiment with her sense of fashion and is never shy of displaying some of her sensu ous ness through her style.
    While fashion pundits pick certain colours, patterns and designs for a season, these are more generic. Bombay Times gets you a ready reckoner of the colours and style of clothing that you need to pick for the fashion season ahead. Get your BFFs together and it is time to re-design your wardrobe, girl!

Aries Colour Shades of red and brown
Style of clothing Power dressing with a sexy twist is what Arien women like

Taurus Colour Shades of green and dark blue
Style of clothing Comfort, casual and careless describe the Taurean woman’s style

Gemini Colour Shades of yellow
Style of clothing Playing with fun, sporty yet feminine cuts is what’s hot for Gemini women

Cancer Colour White, light greys and pastels
Style of clothing White, safe and sophisticated is the style trend for Cancerians

Leo Colour Metallic colours, especially gold and bronze
Style of clothing For the lionesses, sexy, bold and in-your-face clothing make the best choices

Virgo Colour Shades of blue and light green
Style of clothing Floral prints, frills and other feminine patterns work for them

Libra Colour Pastel colours, especially green
Style of clothing Sporty, yet feminine, works for these ‘balanced’ women

Scorpio Colour Purple and shades of pink
Style of clothing Flirty is the call for this season, with colours like purple being ordained for you

Sagittarius Colour Oceanic colours, especially turquoise
Style of clothing Playful cuts with a hint of sensuousness is best suited for these women this season

Capricorn Colour Black and transparent fabrics
Style of clothing Capriciousness is the order for Capricorn women, with sexy attire being the order for this season

Aquarius Colour Hues of the sky
Style of clothing Go for short dresses and some skin show this summer

Pisces Colour Colours of the sea
Style of clothing The dreamers, Piscean women need to look at ethereal cuts and drapes

Meet the man who’s donated the highest number of benches to Mumbai

‘BENCH’MARK

Meet the man who’s donated the highest number of benches to Mumbai

    The next time you stop for a break and sit down on a public bench, take a look at the name on it. Chances are that it has been installed by Mahavirprasad G Saraf, who has the distinction of entering the Limca Book of Records for having donated the highest number of benches in Mumbai. A committed philanthropist, Saraf undertakes various charity projects through his trusts — the Ghanshyamdas Saraf Trust and the Kirandevi Saraf Trust. He has also set up the Saraf Matru Mandir, which comprises a dharamshala, community halls, public restrooms, yoga centres, rooms for senior citizens, drinking water stations and much more.
    Saraf believes that education is vital for the overall progress of the community. He has established the Ghanshyamdas Saraf College, Durgadevi Saraf Junior College, Kirandevi Saraf Institute for Complete Learning and Durgadevi Saraf Institute of Management Studies to generate competent, skilled managers to meet challenges in a fast-evolving global scenario.
    In the field of healthcare, he has set up an OPD and Maternity Ward at Nanavati Hospital, a Burns Ward at VN Desai Hospital and an Eye Ward at Rani Sati Hospital. He has also donated ambulances, sponsored sewing machines and classes, organised talent workshops for women’s welfare and supported orphanages and hostels. To help street and poor children, he has set up Balmandir, Balwadis, mobile crèches and summer camps. The handicapped and visually impaired are given PCO’s, tricycles, wheelchairs, walkers and Braille watches.
    “Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people. It is my goal and an essential part of my life,” says Saraf, who has been doing philanthropy for over five decades. He has also been awarded with a Fellowship by the President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan for his committed philanthropy.

Saraf inaugurating a public water drinking station

Mahavirprasad G Saraf

Homoeopathy is the most effective treatment for asthma

HEAL WITH HOMEOPATHY

Homoeopathy is the most effective treatment for asthma

    Master Vijay (name changed) came to us with asthma-like symptoms. His parents reported that his symptoms first started when he was four years old. They also said Vijay had had his ‘fill’ of antibiotics, expectorants and steroids, ever since. When we analysed Vijay’s case, we could figure out that his sequence of irritating, dry, rattling, loose cough, seemed to be repeatedly ‘triggered’ by warm, humid weather. He also had a characteristic wheeze. His parents observed that though they could see little phlegm, Vijay’s cough was often accompanied by nosebleed, nausea, vomiting, or ‘coughing up’ of blood, at times. We put him on the homeopathic remedy,
Ipecac, based on his symptoms and response to illness. After undergoing homoeopathic treatment for a year, with regular follow-ups, Vijay is today perceptibly free from his asthma symptoms. He is also no longer dependent on antibiotics, or steroids.
    Childhood asthma is more widespread than most of us think. It also accounts for an estimated 50 lakh doctor visits and 3-4 lakh hospitalisations, each year. The tendency for the disorder is familial; besides, research suggests that it can occur in children even without a family history. In addition, children with airway disease, recurrent flu and allergic bronchitis are more predisposed to asthma, or asthma-like symptoms.
    A study conducted at the University of Glasgow, UK, provided impressive results — over 80% of asthma patients, given a homoeopathic remedy, improved, on all clinical parameters, without side-effects. On the other hand, only 38% of patients given a placebo (dummy pill) experienced an equivalent degree of relief. In studies conducted at our clinics, 93% of patients with asthma felt ‘better’ following homoeopathic treatment.

Dr Mukesh Batra