Not a late-night party person? Here are ways to bring in your New Year morning





Even as most of us opt to paint the town red this New Year's eve, not everyone is into serious party hopping. So, if you are wondering what you can do to make good use of your New Year morning apart from catching an early morning flick or going for a sumptuous breakfast buffet, here are exciting things you can choose from. CAPTURE THE MOMENT
Witnessing the first daybreak at a resort, a beach -like Juhu, Worli sea face or Madh Island, Bandra Fort, Powai lake or overlooking the city after a 30-minute climb at Yogi Hills nea Mulund -and capturing the freshness around, is a great way to welcome the first day of the year. For people who love capturing moments, this is the perfect time to bring out the camera and go click happy.
OUTDOOR WORKOUTS
Begin the first day of your year on a fit note. If you love working out in the open, you can witness the early morning glory with a run, brisk walk or jog. It could be Shivaji Park or the breezy Marine Drive, Worli sea face, Versova, Carter Road or Juhu beach. Sip on fresh fruit juice or have some healthy breakfast in a nearby cafeteria post that.Alternately, you can go for a swim or perform yoga in a garden.
CYCLE TO A NATURE TRAIL
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Borivali is the most soughtafter spot for anyone to go on a nature trail. Away from the city's hustle-bustle, it's a great way for nature lovers to spend some time with your close friends. You can further your trip by visiting Kanheri caves to make this a historical trip. The Maharashtra Nature Park in Mahim is yet another option. You can also choose to cycle on a quieter stretch or the back road closest to your home and let the gentle breeze sweep over your face.
EARLY MORNING DRIVE
An early morning drive on January 1, with hardly much traffic can be quite rejuvenating. Given the city's pleasant weather, a bike ride sounds a lot better for two people. A smooth journey with empty streets, you can go to a roadside stall for a cup of tea or coffee. BandraWorli Sea Link, South Mumbai or something lesser known like Kharghar hills are some options.If you are a thalassophilous or in easier words, love the sea, you may want to go for a ferry ride and lose yourself to the breathtaking view.
HERITAGE WALK
If you enjoy walks, you can marvel at the old-world charm of different nooks and corners in the city.Away from the chaos, lies the more tranquil parts -places that mesmerise you and give you that old-wordly feeling. Be it the cobbled lanes of Khotachiwadi in Girgaon or the graffiti and Portuguese style of architecture in Bandra's Chuim and Ranwar village -they're a great way to unravel the Bombay stories you've only heard of... or maybe not.

Crank up your glam quotient this party season with crop tops





Crop tops, which were a rage last sea son across the globe, are now back in vogue. Whether it's teaming them with traditional lehengas for functions, or going casual with a pair of printed shorts, this fashion staple has transcended from a brazen navel showing garment in the 80s (remember Madonna's controversial crop top in the video Lucky Star?) to a more modest design. Here's how to stay on top of the trend.

DOUBLEDUTY AS A CHOLI AND BLOUSE

Giving the traditional choli a royal snub, bridalwear designers are incorporating embellished crop tops in their ethnic designs.Depending on the top's length and silhouette, most of these don't require a dupatta, which is what is making them so popular. This garment's versatility ensures that it can be worn as a blouse on a sari.

UPLIFT A PAIR OF CASUAL SHORTS

Looking for a fun ensemble for a casual day out? Team a pair of brightcoloured shorts with a bralet or a boxy crop top. You can also wear high-waisted shorts, if you are too shy to bare your midriff.

ADD VOLUME WITH SKATER SKIRTS

The crop top plus circle skirt combination, popularised by singer Taylor Swift, is cutesy, flirty and great for someone who wants to show off her lithesome figure.

FOR A MORE RELAXED VIBE

If you have a tall and slender frame, opt for a pair of leggings or jeggings that fit well and wear it along with a fitted crop top. This is a comfortable yet stylish ensemble.

LADYLIKE APPEAL TO UNFLATTERING SILHOUETTES

Do culottes make you look tomboyish? Since this garment cuts off at an unflattering length on the legs, it tends to give an androgynous feel. To add a feminine touch to your outfit, pair these with a matching print crop top and heels.

How to sport this style in winter

Crop tops may spell summer, but if it's cold outside and you still want to flaunt one, follow these tips.
Layer your cropped sweatshirts over a button down shirt and pair it with skinny jeans, boots, a jacket and beanie for that winter look.
Wear a well-fitted strap dress and add a cropped t-shirt over it. Don't forget to wear tights for extra warmth. You can also do the same with a heavy-knit skirt.
A cropped sweater and widelegged trousers is a great combination for formal events. If you want to add another layer of clothing, wear a drop-shoulder coat in a bold colour.
A day that's dedicated to crop tops
This year on May 26, a Canadian girl protested against the sexualisation of women's bodies by wearing a crop top to school. The movement gained momentum across the world, with many young women stepping out in this look. This day is now recognised as Crop Top Day.





Do men lack conversation skills for online dating?



Men need to upgrade their conversation skills for online dating, says a nationwide research conducted by a dating app.

The platform conducted the research a few months ago among its users, with the participation of over 550 women.

Over 63% of the respondents in the 18-25 years age group expressed they want men to upgrade their conversation skills, and interestingly over 73% women respondents in the 26-35 years age group shared the same desire.

“Clearly, learning the art of conversation is the best thing a majority of Indian men can do to find a great date online,“ Vimoha Bagla, head of content at the app, said in a statement.

Interestingly, nearly 29% of women in 18-25 years age group say they are looking for a casual relationship online, while over 88% of women in 26-35 years group said they are looking for a long-term relationship.

The research also revealed that nearly half of women in the 26-34 years group have gone out on at least one date through the dating app, while over 36% of women in 18-25 years group have done so. Over 38% of women said they would prefer a match in the same city .

ASTHMA MAY INCREASE RISK OF PAINFUL SKIN RASH





People with asthma may be at increased risk of shingles, a common form of painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus, says a study. “The effect of asthma on the risk of infection or immune dysfunction might very well go beyond the airways,“ said lead author Young Juhn, a general academic pediatrician and asthma epidemiologist. Medical records for potential patients with shingles, also known as herpes zoster, were reviewed in Olmsted County , Minnesota, where 371 cases with shingles -age 67 on average -were identified during the study period and compared against 742 control subjects.
Of the 371 shingles cases, 23% (87 individuals) had asthma, compared with 15% (114 of 742) from the control group. The authors found that adults with asthma were at about a 70% greater risk of developing shingles, compared to those without asthma. The researchers also noted that both asthma and atopic dermatitis were found to be independently associated with a higher risk of shingles. Researchers believe that, because asth ma helps suppress adaptive immunity, it may increase the risk of varicella zoster virus reactivation.
“As asthma is an unrecognised risk factor for zoster in adults, con ideration should be given to immunising adults aged 50 years and older with asthma or atopic dermatitis as a target group for zoster vaccination,“ Juhn noted. The researchers note that neither inhaled corticos teroids nor vaccinations were associated with a higher risk of shingles.

World news is not all paw-sitive





A Thai man is facing 37 years in jail for mock ing their king's dog, the Obamas have a potty training problem on their hands as their younger canine refuses to stop soiling the White House lawns, Israel's prime ministerial pet is in the doghouse for habitually biting VIPs and Putin just won't stop using his pooches to scare Angela Merkel -her fear of canines and its strategic ramifications dutifully remembered in trivia listicles as she was named Person of the Year by a magazine earli er this month.

 

Is international politics officially going mutts?

FIRST DOG SENT TO THE DOGHOUSE

You might be daddy's pet, but even you have to be punished when you've been a bad dog ­ till daddy manages to change the law,that is. Kaiya, the ten-year-old mixed breed rescued by Benjamin Netanyahu's son this summer, has taken several nips at high-profile dignitaries,starting with the Israeli prime minister himself. Bibi had to get a rabies shot but Kaiya still enjoyed his doting attention, being tweeted about and continuing to meet state guests. However, she doesn't endure petting by just anyone, and just this month, bit two VIPs on the same day ­ the husband of the deputy foreign minister and a member of the Knesset ­ at a Hanukkah ceremony. Thanks to Israel's stringent laws relating to dogs biting humans, even the prime ministerial pet has been put under a ten-day quarantine as punishment, prompting a bid by the PM to overhaul the “flawed“ system as it is incompatible with “reason or compassion,“ he wrote online. Because her latest prey were members of Netanyahu's right wing Likud party, many online have wondered if Kaiya is secretly a supporter of the Arab cause. Many have also tried to guess who her other VIP victims have been, though US Secretary of State John Kerry escaped her fangs when he visited in November. She even let him pet and stroke her, according to pictures from their meeting, without losing her temper. Even she knows risking America's bite is dangerous business, does she now?

A POTTY TRAINING PROBLEM OF PRESIDENTIAL PROPORTIONS

While First Dog Bo has had a shining seven years in office, the same can't be said about his younger sister Sunny , adopted by the Obamas two years ago. The official duties that Bo has carried out decorously so far ­ licking and shaking hands with visitors, standing to attention at par ties to keep away party crashers and the occasional squirrel, and spreading cheer in general where need ed ­ have been less than perfect in execution in Sunny's case. Just last week, Michelle Obama revealed that Sunny still takes poops in the White House when she manages to dodge the Secret Service. “Sunny can be naughty . She leaves the kitchen and she'll sneak, and she'll go poop on the other end of the White House. We're dealing with that problem,“ Mrs Obama said. If Bo has been the model of good behavior at parties, Sunny is a little terror who knocks over little kids.One notable incident is from a gathering to unveil the White House's Christmas decorations in December 2013, when Sunny jumped twoyear-old guest Ashtyn Gardner and toppled her over. She did apologise right after Michelle helped the toddler up, by licking her face, and Christmas was back on track. And both dogs will get their treats this Christmas, the First Lady has clarified, even if one of them is occasionally bad.

DOGGY DIPLOMACY

Most people wouldn't want to mess with Vladimir Putin, the stone-faced leader of Russia, unless you're fuzzy and have paws, maybe. His brand of macho is best displayed by his enviable photo album with wild beasts, but only his dogs are allowed to frolic or bark at him (the snow leopard wouldn't dare step out of line). Putin owns several dogs, his most trusted being Koni, a formidable Russian Black Lab who died in 2014 after a 15-year reign (almost as long as Putin's himself). She was often em ployed by Putin in his `my dog is bigger than your dog' style of statecraft. As a story by George Bush himself goes, Putin derisively `tsked' at Bush's frumpy Scottish Terrier, Barney, on a visit to the White House, for his lack of size and meanness. “His body language said, `You call that a dog?'“ Bush said. On Bush's visit to Moscow, the reciprocal offer of `you want to meet my dog?' was made, and out came a menacinglooking Koni. “Bigger, tougher, stronger, faster, meaner ­ than Barney ,“ gloated Putin. Thanks to Putin's regular shows of strength, Koni had ample exposure in scaring several heads of state, but her pet victim was Angela Merkel. The unflappable leader of Germany is said to be afraid of dogs ever since one sunk his teeth into her when she was little, a fact mercilessly ex ploited by Putin in attempts to intimidate her. It is well known how his dogs are let loose in the room when Merkel meets with him in Moscow. The most famous is a face-off at a 2007 energy trade meeting in Sochi, when Putin waited for the press to gather, and then had Koni make her entrance.She went sniffing around Merkel's legs and then buried her head in her lap as Merkel patiently sat ­ some say frozen in fear, some say without flinching ­ as Putin watched with “unconcealed glee“. As a magazine recounts, Putin said to her, “I'm sure it will behave itself.“

NEVER INSULT A KING'S DOG

In Thailand, if you question the king's dog, you question the king.And that's called sedition. A factory worker is facing a 37-year prison sentence for `liking' a sarcastic picture of the king with an infographic about the military junta's corruption scandal. However, these lèse-majesté laws -literally, `injured majesty' -now extend to the royal pets too. The man faces two counts of lèse-majesté, the second one being for insulting Tongdaeng, King Bhumibol's fourlegged beloved, in another “derogatory“ post. So sensitive is the canine treason topic that the local printer of the International New York Times refused to publish an article on it last week, and just left blank space on the page.
The accused's lawyer reacted with astonishment, but if the country's military rulers are growing paranoid and slapping sedition charges around like a piethrowing contest, he probably should've seen it coming. Tongdaeng isn't just the king's dog, she's the paragon of exemplary behaviour the king would like all his countrymen to emulate.





Harmful bacteria can survive in cookies for many months


Pathogens, like salmo nella, can survive for at least six months in cookies and sandwich crackers, research has found. The study was prompted by an increased number of outbreak of foodborne diseases linked to dry foods, said researchers, who wanted to see just how ed to see just how long bacteria that cause foodborne illness, can survive in certain foods.

“There have been an increased number of outbreaks of diseases associated with consumption of contaminated dry foods. We would not expect salmonella to grow in foods that have a very dry environment,“ said lead researcher Larry Beuchat.

The researchers found that not only can harmful bacte ria survive in dry foods, like cookie and cracker sandwiches, but they can also live for long periods of time. For the study , researchers used five different serotypes of salmonella that had been isolated from foods involved in previous foodborne outbreaks.

“Isolates were from foods with very low moisture content,“ Beuchat said.

Focusing on cookie and cracker sandwiches, researchers put the salmonella into four types of fillings found in cookies or crackers and placed them into storage.The researchers used cheese and peanut butter fillings for the cracker sandwiches and chocolate and vanilla fillings for the cookie sandwiches.

“These are the kind that we find in grocery stores or vending machines,“ Beuchat said.

After storing, the scientists determined how long salmonella was able to survive in each filling. In some cases, the pathogen was able to survive for at least to six months in the sandwiches, the findings showed. “That was not expected,“ Beuchat said.

What makes foodies happy and dieters sad


Contrary to popular perceptions, foodies -those who take time to appreciate the texture, flavour and beauty of food -do not eat larger portions than what the dieters generally eat, says new research.

What makes foodies, whom the researchers call Epicurean eaters, happier is that they derive enduring pleasure from aesthetic appreciation of the sensory and symbolic value of the food, the study said.

“Dieters make a trade-off between pleasure and health,“ one of the researchers, Yann Cornil, was quoted as saying, “They think that they need to sacrifice the pleasure they expect to get from eating large portions in order to be in better health and have a lower weight.“

By contrast, foodies eat less because they know that large quantities of food is not essential for deriving pleasure from food. “They know that you can have great sensory pleasure with smaller portions,“ Cornil added.

The researchers developed and tested a scale measuring Epicurean eating pleasure tendencies and showed that they are distinct from the tendency to experience visceral pleasure measured using the external eating and emotional eating scales.

“We find that Epicurean eating pleasure is more prevalent among women than men, but is independent of age, income and education,“ the researchers said.

A non-drinker's guide to partying this season





As we step into the year’s biggest party season, we are all set to go out and set the dance floor on fire. While most of these parties are incomplete without being in high spirits, don’t let the non-drinker in you take a step back. To make sure you don’t feel like a social pariah at these outings this time, here are few things you could do that can make you a game-changer instead.

CARRY A GLASS OF COLOURED FIZZ

Stop making excuses, they never work. Try to fit into the party by carrying a glass of fizz as you walk round. Insist on making your drink yourself saying that you know the concoction better. Make your non-alcoholic mojito at the counter using a stylish shaker (with enough conviction) and don’t forget to add lots of ice for that cocktail effect.

STRIKE A CONVERSATION WITH SOMEONE DRUNK

This is the most entertaining part of being sober at a party . Talk to people who are already a few pegs down, and you might just have some interesting conversations. If you're really lucky, you could probably even get to hear some of the juiciest gossip in town. And the best part is that they might not even remember spilling the beans!

DANCE

Try being a game-changer instead of an outcast at the party, flaunt your dance skills and you are sure to grab eyeballs. Parties are incomplete without dancing, so simply start grooving to the music and choose your best moves.Capture the dance floor, get into the deejay console and show your moves at the bar counter -make sure you are all around the place and have danced with almost everyone at the party . You are not just going to have fun, but it will also make you the life of the party.

HOST DRINKING GAMES

This comes with a lot of responsibility, indeed! Drinking games are a norm at most of these parties, so why not host one to avoid the questions since the host may or may not drink. You are bound to have fun, in spite not being a part of it; being sober gives you an edge over the others so that you can ensure fair-play.

USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Being a non-drinker makes sure you are a witness to those countless happy-hour stumbles and blunders.You can see them get drunk and then act silly. All you know, you could get calls next morning, from those who wish to know what happened last night.Hence, it's important to remain sober and stick around at the party.

BE YOUR HUMOUROUS BEST

Right from cracking the silliest of jokes to those witty one-liners, people love those who make them laugh at parties. Use your sober mind to create on-the-spot humour, flaunt your impeccable comic timing and do not give up until you have almost everyone rolling on the floor. You might just be the most talked-about person the next morning after everyone sobers down.

ENJOY THE FOOD

One thing that most drinkers skip at a party, especially those with unlimited drinks, is food. Usually, people stick to finger food that goes well with their drinks. More often than not, a plate of cheesy nachos will get over even before it reaches the table. However, when you're a non-drinker, it gives you a chance to enjoy the scrumptious spread laid out at the do and saves you the feeling of being hungry and dehydrated the next morning.





Maximise your weight loss while you sleep





Losing weight is always considered to be a Herculean task.However, recent studies have found that there are people with healthy gut bacteria who can burn more calories at night without having to spend hours in the gym and also keeping away from strict diets. A team of researchers from the University of Iowa, determined in a study that unhealthy changes to gut bacteria can trigger weight gain.In another similar study, researchers found sub-par sleep could undermine weight loss by as much as 55%. “Some strains of bacteria in the gut can actually help to lose weight by altering the way we metabolise food, impacting insulin resistance, promoting appetite reducing hormones,“says city-based dietician, Neha Chandna.“Our body recovers and repairs when we are asleep.That's the time these good bacteria do their work well,“ she says. So, here are some suggestions to optimise the effect without even lifting your finger...

EAT EARLY DINNER

When eating small portions, do not stretch it to late night hours; space out between your eating and sleeping hours.

INCLUDE MEAT IN DIET

According to experts Tryptophan, an amino acid found in most meats, has powerful sleep-inducing effects. Even consuming few ounces is enough to increase hours of deep sleep in a person.

EAT PEPPER

Studies have shown that one of the most effective ways of burning fat is to eat peppers.Including pepper in our meal triggers fat burning process in a big way while we sleep.

HAVE PROTEIN SHAKE

Having protein before you hit the sack may increase your metabolism.Researchers found that one who consumed an evening snack that included 30 g of either whey or casein protein had a higher resting metabolic rate the next morning than when eating nothing. Protein is more thermogenic than carbs or fat, meaning your body burns more calories digesting it.

MINT TO THE RESCUE

Mint is said to have the power to make you lose weight. Sniff mint every hour or dab your pillow with few drops of peppermint oil for the effect.

TURN UP THE COOLING

Colder temperatures subtly enhance the effectiveness of our cells that store brown fat -fat that keeps you warm by helping you burn through the fat stored in your belly . So make you room colder and see the effect on your belly fat after this simple adjustment.

Can't curb pollution levels? Take a breath of fresh canned air instead





Taking advantage of the fact that air quality around the world is getting worse by the day, several enterprising individuals are selling fresh air in cans and making big bucks too! 

 

In the 2012 animated movie The Lorax, based on Dr Suess' children's book of the same name, the primary antagonist, Aloysius O'Hare, is the founder of O'Hare Air, a company that sells bottled fresh air to the people of Thneedville, the fictitious town where the film is set. Meant as a sarcastic reference to the huge demand for bottled water, the film showed a society where fresh air was so scarce that people were willing to pay for it. If you thought that this vision is a part of some dystopian future, here's a reality check for you. As many as three different entrepreneurs have successfully sold `clean air' to the public in the last two years alone. The concept of air as a saleable commodity has gained prominence in the last few years, as people around the globe have shown their willingness to spend money to buy air for reasons ranging from health to nostalgia.

STUDENT BECOMES $20,000 RICHER BY SELLING AIR

In the movie Spaceballs, Mel Brooks opens a can of clean Perri-Air and takes a whiff of it. French student Antoine Deblay got the inspiration for his air business from there. In 2013, Deblay started selling cans of air, labelled Air de Montcuq, from his hometown for US$7.50 (`500) each. The 22-year-old was able to earn $20,000 (`13,24,200) in just six months.

FRESH MOUNTAIN AIR FROM CANADA FOR SALE IN CHINA

The trend of fresh glacial and mountain water in bottles began a few years ago. But already, this fad seems to be passé, as bottled mountain air is now in. With China's pollution levels continuing to rise, a Canadian company has decided to make the most of a bad situation by selling bottles of fresh mountain air. Vitality Air is offering fresh air from two of Canada's lakes, with a bottle of `premium oxygen' costing between US$15.85 and 18.50 (`1,050 and `1,230). The company, which started operations in October, claims to have sold out its first batch of 500 bottles in just two months.

CHINESE BUSINESSMAN SELLS EIGHT MILLION CANS OF FRESH AIR IN TEN DAYS

The popularity of Canada's Vitality Air is nothing compared to the monumental success achieved by Chen Guangbiao, a Chinese multimillionaire, who sold eight million cans of fresh air in China in a ten-day period in February 2013. Each can costs roughly 80 cents (`53), and purportedly contained air from pristine areas of China like Xinjiang and Taiwan. As smog levels in Beijing and nearby areas rose to alarming levels, the sales of the cans soared too.

PAY EXTRA TO BREATHE CLEAN AIR AT A CHINESE RESTAURANT

It's not just canned or bottled air which is being sold in China. Earlier this month, a restaurant in China's Zhangjiagang city started adding a `clean air' surcharge of one yuan per customer (`10) to the food bills, claiming that they were offering customers pollution-free air because of the air filtration machines they had installed. Although city officials ordered the restaurant to remove the additional charges, social media users in China supported the cess, saying that they would happily pay the amount to be able to breathe easy.

HOLIDAY MEMOIRS: AIR FROM YOUR FAVOURITE CITY

We've all gone for that perfect holiday, where even the thought of returning seemed dreadful. Now, thanks to Czech artist Kirill Rudenko, you can take a whiff of the air from some of the most iconic cities around the world. Rudenko is selling cans of air gathered from various locations. Each can is priced at US$9.99 (`660) and lists the formula for the air contained inside, usually an amalgamation of air from major landmarks of a city in varying proportions. The cans contain advisories specific to that city. For example, the Las Vegas can says, `Strong scent of money and desperation inside', while the Sydney can tells you to turn the can upside down for a better effect.





MUSIC THERAPY HELPS RECOVERY FROM RESPIRATORY DISORDERS





Music therapy can increase with effectiveness of standard rehabilitation that patients Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other chronic respiratory disorders receive, said a new study . COPD is a progressive lung disease with symptoms including shortness of breath, wheezing, an ongoing cough, frequent colds or flu and chest tightness. The findings suggest that music therapy may be an effective addition to traditional treatment for these disorders. “The results of this study provide a comprehensive foundation for the establishment of music therapy intervention as part of pulmonary rehabilitation care,“ said study coauthor Jonathan Raskin from a hospital in New York, US.
The 68 study participants were diagnosed with chronic disabling respiratory diseases, including COPD. Over the course of six weeks, a randomised group of these patients attended weekly music therapy sessions. Each ses sion included live music, visualisations, wind instrument playing and singing, which incorporated breath control techniques.Certified music therapists provided active music-psychotherapy. The music therapy sessions incorporated patients' preferred music, which encouraged self-expression, increased engagement in therapeutic activities and an opportunity to cope with the challenges of a chronic disease.
“The care of chronic illness is purposefully shifting away from strict traditional assessments that once focused primarily on diagnosis, morbidity and mortality rates,“ added researcher Joanne Loewy .
“Instead, the care of the chronically ill is moving toward methods that aim to preserve and enhance quality of life of our patients and activities of daily living through identification of their culture, motivation, caregiverhome trends and perceptions of daily wellness routines,“ Loewy explained.

I only eat half-a-plate or less but I gain weight fast

I have a low metabolism rate. My friends eat three plates of rice and are still thin and I only eat half-a-plate or less but I gain weight fast. I can't eat well because I am always scared of gaining weight. How can I increase my metabolism rate?

- It's not that because you have a low metabolic rate that you eat less -it's because you eat less that you have a low rate of burning. Yes, as surprising as this may sound it is the truth -when we eat far lesser than our need (read BMR) our body shuts down its efficiency of burning and starts allocat ing lesser for each of it metabolic activities than normal such that it can manage with the lesser supply of fuel that is being giving. This is the efficacy of the magical human body -it adapts to survive in all given situations.Now once the metabolic rate is switch to low mode whatever you eat your body cannot finish burning and thus the balance is stored in your body as fat. Increased fat again is the best-known reason to further reduce your metabolic rate and thus the vicious cycle continues. The easiest (but the most uncommonly used) way to boost your metab is start eating small, frequent, healthy meals. Just like running and dancing burns calories so does digestion -it too is a calorie burning process ­ thus eat every two hours to constantly keep your body in the gym whether you are or not. Never fear food -food is not calories -and eating doesn't make you gain weight. Not eating, wrong eat ing, fatty preparation meth ods and large portion sizes are the main culprits not food.

Use this advise as Santa's eternal gift for happy success ful weight loss.

DEALING WITH BAD BREATH EFFECTIVELY





Unpleasant breath doesn't just indicate health problems but could also be one of the crucial reasons for a relationship problem. This is why this needs to be dealt with effectively. Bad breath or halitosis is characterised by noticeably nasty odours that are exhaled when one opens their mouth. And this has a conspicuous personal and social impact on people, making it one of the most frequent reasons for seeking the help of a dental surgeon after tooth decay and other periodontal diseases. Also, there is a psychological condition termed halitophobia or delusional halitosis, for people who suffer from an irrational fear of bad breath. Experts say that this condition is one of the most embarrassing and distressing conditions.Cosmetic dentist Dr Karishma Jaradi says, “Halitosis is caused due to various reasons. It could be physiologic, pathological, oral or extra oral. Unhygienic oral conditions can lead to severe bad breath. Gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontists are the main causes, unclean tongue is another cause, oral infections like abscess can lead to bad breath, deep cavities, food lodgment, faulty dental prosthesis, unclean denture etc are also causes.“
Dentists state that especially with today's lifestyle issues like working long hours, skipping regular meals, lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hiatus hernia, liver problems, etc, that A lead to neglect and failure be to attend dental condi p tions causes bad breath.
Dental surgeon Dr Ather Wani says, “Sometimes even though a person's mouth is healthy, they could still suffer from bad breath. That can happen because of gastrointestinal problems. Also, some foods can cause bad breath like garlic and onions.“ Experts advise one to avoid having garlic and onions before meetings, to stop embarrassment that stems from this. Dentists state that bad breath is usually caused by improper oral hygiene. Sometimes it is also due to hormonal changes. Cosmetic den tist Dr Mukul Dabholkar says, “Haliotosis could be caused by bleeding gums triggered by abnormal chewing habits; vitamin deficiency, cancer and chemotherapy, drugs etc,. Another cause of this disease is dehydration.“





AVOID A COLD THIS WINTER BY HAVING SEX





Here are 12 other ways to stay healthy

Scientists are yet to solve the cure behind coughs, colds and sneezes. However there are bizarre ways of boosting your immune system to ensure you're fighting fit throughout the festive season and the rest of winter.Of course, the usual advice such as eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep can help us battle bugs, but Kim Jones has some other suggestions...

DON'T SHARE YOUR PENS

“Pens can collect and pass on bugs so keep a personal set of stationery,“ suggests Deepa Songara, Boots flu pharmacist. The same goes for that teaspoon that's passed around at work and the phone wipe the mouthpiece if someone with sniffles has used it.

COAT YOUR THROAT

Clinical studies have shown that spraying your throat with a mouth spray, can reduce the risk of getting a cold and shorten its duration. The spray creates a thin protective film with an enzyme to break down disease-related proteins.

VITAMIN D COMES BEFORE C

We've always been told to dose up on vitamin C if the chills come on, but D3 may be better for cold and flu protection says Dr David Mantle, medical adviser at Pharma Nord.“Studies in Finland and Japan showed people with adequate vitamin D were less likely to get respiratory illnesses,“ he says. This could be because vitamin D supports our production of anti-viral and antibacterial proteins. Take an oil-based vitamin D supplement.

HAVE A PARTY

Keeping yourself to yourself might seem wise, but researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, US, found people who met regularly with family, friends, workmates and neighbours had better immunity against a cold. So send an invite (unless your friends have flu!).

SWAP ORANGE FOR A CUPPA

“While they provide a tiny amount of vitamin C and some hydration, orange and other fruit juices contain harmful sugars that stifle our immune defenses,“ says Dr Mantle.“Stick to water and herbal teas to stay hydrated.“ Chamomile tea is a good choice.Researchers from Imperial College London found people who drank it had high levels of hippurate (a compound associated with antibacterial activity) and this could explain why it seems to help fight infections.

HAVE A (CIVILISED) ROW WITH YOUR OTHER HALF

Bottling things up can be bad for your immunity. Researchers from the University of California found couples who had a constructive argument about a problem in their marriage boosted their production of infection-fighting blood cells.But play fair -the same researchers found people who argue nastily (regularly using insults and sarcasm) had fewer virus-fighting cells.

FEED YOUR GUT'S GOOD BACTERIA

“As much as 70% of your immune system is in the gut,“ says GP Dr Ellie Cannon. The good bacteria in there, such as bifidobacteria, helps keep your immune system primed to fight infection. She adds, “Clinical studies from Reading University found that taking a bimuno prebiotic showed an increase in beneficial bifidobacteria and had a direct positive effect on the immune system in the elderly.“ The prebiotic acts as food for your good bacteria, helping it thrive.

GET A PET

A study from Wilkes University in the US found stroking a dog for 18 minutes led to participants producing a surge in antibodies that fight infection. Other research has found that babies brought up with pets have fewer colds and ear infections too.

HERBAL HELP

Researchers pitted the herbal remedy echinacea against antiviral medication Tamiflu (oseltamivir) in a new clinical trial with surprising results. “We found Echinaforce Hot Drink to be as effective as oseltamivir in terms of shortening the duration of flu and reducing complications,“ says Dr Peter Fisher of the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine. “Despite different modes of action, both block virus dissemination and development.“

MUSHROOMS ARE MAGIC

“Studies show that mushrooms, most notably the shiitake which has been used in eastern cultures for centuries as a healing remedy , have the ability to increase the immune system's defenses,“ says nutritionist Rob Hobson. “What's more, these clever little things can make vitamin D (a nutrient associated with a strong immune system) from the sun.“
Simply place your mushrooms in direct sunlight (preferably upside down so the gills face upwards) for an hour or two before eating for a supercharged source of vit D.

EAT WHIFFY VEG

The sulphuric compounds that give garlic, onions, leeks and chives their pungent taste and smell are packed with antibodies to fight infection.

HUG A TREE

“Research has found people who spend time in parks and forests exhibit an increased function of the immune system,“ says Ella. “Plants emit phytoncide chemicals designed to protect them from insects and disease. When we breathe these in, our bodies increase the number and activity of white blood cells that fight viruses.“

SLIP BETWEEN THE SHEETS

Research shows that regular sex increases levels of Immunoglobulin A -an immune system protein that defends against colds and flu, says nutritionist Ella Allred. The feel-good factor, stress reduction and better sleep you enjoy after nookie may all play a part.





How to bully-proof your children





Long after finishing school, Yash Thakur (name changed), who is now working as a financial advisor, suddenly showed signs of depression as he tried his best to stay ahead in the race.After consulting the psychiatrist, he found that it was a side-effect of being bullied in school that made him wary of his colleagues, too. According to a study , bullying in early childhood leads to psychiatric disorders in adulthood since there are proven links between bullying and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety , and even more with heartbreaks and suicide, as kids age.Apart from the regular tactics in school corridors, children now have to deal with cyber-bullying, which is increasingly common and more dangerous.

RECOGNISE THE SIGNS

A child who experiences bullying dis plays varied behavioural changes when at home. Apart from noticeable physical scars, signs of emotional upheaval are also obvious -refusing to go to school because of health complaints, bad dreams, losing interest in activities, falling grades, not able to make friends and being sad and depressed are some of them.
Rashi Anand, child psychologist and family therapist, advises, “Parents should keenly observe the child's behaviour and talk to them if they find something amiss. They need to win the confidence of the child so heshe can confess if they are being bullied.Parents must stay calm, keeping in mind the child's sensitivity and anger at that moment. Listen patiently.Discuss as a family how this can be taken forward, and resolved, and reassure your child that it is not his her fault.“ The fear of rejection and being made fun of is always on the mind of a child and it is possible that heshe may not be able to express his feelings to even hisher near and dear ones. It is up to the parent and also the school teachercounsellor to notice these changes and cajole the child into narrating hisher experiences without any fear. Schools and parents have to emphasise on speaking up, so that kids don't feel it is taboo.

WHAT THE SCHOOLS MUST DO

While most schools are strict in their policy towards bullying, some are also beginning to institute anti-bullying programmes. After initiating these programmes, they should also be studied on a regular basis to ensure that they are functioning according to the norms and are helping students. These need to involve the PTA as well as moms and dads.

DEAL WITH BULLYING STEP BY STEP

When a parent comes to know that their child is being bullied, be sympathetic to their problems, and never blame them for bringing on the bullies.Talk to the child's teacher and make a formal complaint with the school administration. If a protocol is in place, it is best that the parents follow the same. Be specific and give details of the incidents. Many schools these days are under CCTV surveillance, which is helpful.
In the meantime, seek help for the child. Encourage himher to talk about it and don't hesitate to take professional help if needed. Advise the child to talk to the teacher or counsellor the next time heshe feels is becoming the target. Keep a watch on their activities without making it very obvious to the child or the one who is bullying himher.
Spend extra time with them. Also remember that heshe will have other adjustment problems and the anger of being bullied might spill on to hisher behaviour with family members. So, take them into confidence and try to keep a normal, happy atmosphere at home where the child will feel secure.
Encourage them to make new friends and if heshe feels that they are physically weaker, enroll them into fitness and self-defence classes.