Power Nap – Charge Up Your Body

 Research and studies show that napping isn’t just healthy but can improve concentration, sharpen your logical skills, improve your attitude and make a huge difference when it comes to output. 

Rest for a body is much needed, same as the food. When we get tired of something we need food to energize the fuel of our body but if our muscles won’t rest it’s not gonna be possible for an individual to function further. 

Lack of sleep can leave you feeling groggy and foggy all day, impairing your ability to focus on work and even retain information. That’s not all; lack of sleep also decreases libido, ages skin and can inhibit your ability to lose weight.

What is Power Nap?

A power nap is a quick sleep that discontinues before intense sleep (slow-wave sleep; SWS); it is aimed at shortly revivify the subject. The power nap is implied to increase the advantages of doze versus period. It is utilized to enhance natural sleep, particularly when a sleepyhead has amassed a sleep shortage. A power nap is a super short nap that lasts anywhere between 8 to 30 minutes. If you are a person who does not get proper sleep because of work or you feel so sleepy while working on something, then taking the power nap is the best you can do to charge yourself. You can think of a power nap as sort of like a quick snack for your brain.

“For some people, naps are as restorative as a whole night of sleep”

In our daily hectic schedule, we hardly get to rest on our bed. Sometimes people have to do overtime and could not even come home but when they come they lack their sleep, and that makes the mind process slow, which gradually turns into stress, anxiety and other health issues. This ultimately turns into several diseases in our body.

What are the Benefits of Power Naps?

• Boosts productivity and alertness 
• Improves memory and learning 
• A stress reliever
• Improves cardiac health.  
• Elevates mood 
• Naps improve healing portal 

The best thing about it is, it can be taken anywhere you are… 😊

Fitness In Four Walls – Stay Fit And Healthy

 Many of us have been forced to change the way we live our lives, with gyms closing and lockdowns imposed trying to slow the spread of coronavirus in many countries.

Until a few months back, before the novel coronavirus was in our country, many people had excuses for skipping gym routines after getting exhausted at work. But, now that we all are under strict lockdown at our homes and aren’t finding much to do, full body workout at home has become a central part of our daily routine for many of us. Whether it is to increase workout our immunity and fitness, or to maintain a slim physique during this lockdown or even just to pass the time doing something constructive, we have understood the importance of exercise in our life.

“You can turn any environment into your workout space, and there are no excuses not to get a really good workout when you’re home”

Within just a few days of adopting these alternative practices, you will start seeing differences in your body and energy levels. These workouts will help you get more physically active, burn more fat and help you move ahead in the direction of your desired body goals. 

Here are some easy exercises and tips that a person of any age can do without leaving the comfort and protection of his own house. These activities not only helps you in maintaining your body but also to increase the metabolism and boost the immune system.

→ Full Body Home Workout Exercises ←

Can We Eat Tomato And Cucumber Together?

The bad food combination can trigger digestive un-ease, gas, bloating, stomach ache, nausea, fatigue, and problems with elimination.

Tomatoes and cucumbers possess distinct digestion duration and combining them can lead to health difficulties. The wrong food mixture can activate digestive troubles such as stomach ache, gas, sickness, and bloating. Cucumbers moreover comprise a material that eradicates vitamin C in tomatoes.

What experts say about this eating tomato and cucumber together?

• "Cucumbers are enriched with nutrients that help in keeping you hydrated. However, cucumber too has a property that interferes with the absorption of Vitamin C. Thus, most of the times, the combination of cucumber and tomato is advised to be avoided. Another reason is that they both have a completely different way of digestion, Hence, they must not be consumed together as this combination can lead to acid formation and bloating"

Mixing ingredients that have a fast and slow digestion is not a good idea as the lighter ingredient will end up passing in the intestine just as the first one is completely digested. This will bring fermentation of the food in your stomach that may harm your entire body.

Henceforth, before doing any food experiment just check it out and take some advice from any food expert or doctor because you might not be able to know that the combination you think you are having for the benefits, could harm you badly. 

Be aware, before eating! 

The evolution of fitness over the years

Not too long ago, being fit literally increased our chances of survival.

Health News: We have grown up listening to the adage "Survival of the Fittest" -- in the context of competitive sports, academics and even business. However, not too long ago, being fit literally increased our chances of survival.

A lot has changed since our hunting and foraging days though. From fitness being a part of our daily routine in the form of walking, cycling or intense physical labour during the pre-digital era, to becoming a fervently adopted lifestyle choice, the evolution of fitness and its significance in our lives has changed dramatically, to say the least.

Evolution of Fitness

Fitness has, over the centuries, traveled quite far from people relying on natural movement like walking or jogging, doing household chores, or following a fitness regime at the local "akhadas", to modern physical exercises that include circuit training, modified yoga programmes, Pilates, parkour workouts among other innovations that have taken place in the industry.

Of course, the need to lead healthier lives has been more pronounced in recent years because of the rise of lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes, among others. Naturally, these changes have also provided much-needed fillip to the fitness industry in India which has been largely unorganised and fragmented thus far. With more people focused on leading healthier lives, looking good and feeling good in today's sedentary, digitally-connected world, the onus lies on the fitness industry to keep pace with timely innovation that can deliver better fitness experiences to...continue reading

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News Source: BS

Brain tumors may occur in children with common genetic syndrome

The frequency of brain tumors has been underestimated in children with the common genetic syndrome -- neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

Health News: Parents, please take note. The frequency of brain tumors has been underestimated in children with the common genetic syndrome -- neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a new study has found.

According to the researchers, this disorder is characterised by birthmarks on the skin and benign nerve tumors that develop in or on the skin. Brain tumors are also known to occur in children and adults with NF1.

They estimated that only 15-20 per cent of kids with NF1 develop brain tumors. But the study, published in the journal Neurology: Clinical Practice, found that the frequency of brain tumors in this population was more than three times higher.

What is Neurofibromatosis

• A condition that causes tumors to form in the brain, spinal cord and nerves. 
• SYMPTOMS: Type 1 can cause bone deformities, learning disabilities and high blood pressure. Type 2 can cause hearing loss, vision loss and difficulty with balance. Type 3 can cause chronic pain throughout the body.

"I'm not delivering the message anymore that brain tumours are rare in NF1. This study has changed how I decide which children need more surveillance and when to let the neuro-oncologists know that we may have a problem," said senior author David H. Gutmann from the Washington University School of Medicine.

Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans of children with NF1 characteristically show bright spots that are absent in the scans of unaffected children. Unlike tumors, they are generally thought to disappear in teenage years, the researchers said.

Since brain tumours can be confused with harmless bright spots, it has never been clear whether finding these abnormalities via...continue reading

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News Source: BS

Not living in a polluted area, still falling sick? Here are 4 reasons why

For someone living in polluted New Delhi, for example, those 20,000 breaths include the equivalent of around 20 grains of table salt worth of particulate matter deposited in their lungs each day.

Health News : Not a day seems to go by without a story of an “airpocalypse,” usually somewhere in a developing nation. It’s hard not to empathize with the people in the smoggy images of New Delhi or Ulaanbataar or Kathmandu, often wearing masks, walking to school or work through soupy cloudiness.

Last year, a study found that more than 8 million people per year die early from air pollution exposure. This amounts to more deaths than diarrheal disease, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS combined.

As a researcher in air pollution and its health effects, I know that even if you don’t live in these places, air pollution likely still affects your quality of life.

Where does air pollution come from?

You might imagine air pollution as smoke pouring out of a factory chimney or the tailpipe of a car. While these are important sources of air pollution, there are many others. Air pollution includes chemicals humans put into the atmosphere and chemicals released by natural events. For example, forest fires are a large source of air pollutants that affect many communities. Dust that’s picked up by wind can also contribute to poor air quality.

Ronald Reagan famously said that “trees cause more pollution than automobiles do.” While this myth has been debunked, he was right in at least some ways. Trees do release certain gases, such as volatile organic carbon, that are ingredients in air pollution chemistry. This, when mixed together with emissions from cars and industry, leads to increases in other types of pollution, such as ozone.

There isn’t much that scientists can, or should, do about tree emissions. Public health researchers like myself focus most on the ingredients from human activities – from burning petroleum to emissions controls on industrial facilities – because these are sources located close to where people live and work. There are also many chemical reactions that occur in the air itself. These reactions create what are known as secondary pollutants, some of which are quite toxic.

Finally, it’s important to realize that air pollution knows no boundaries. If a pollutant is emitted in one location, it very easily moves across borders – both regional and national – to different places. New Delhi, for example, experiences seasonal pollution, thanks to extensive burning of agricultural fields some 200 miles away. New Delhi is an extreme example. But, even if you live in a less polluted environment, pollutants emitted elsewhere often travel to where other people live and work, as seen in recent wildfires in California.

Read More on → Air Pollution in Delhi

Health Benefits of Dry Fruits, the Surprising Superfood

Due to various benefits health and otherwise that different dry fruits provides many a time dry fruits are also termed as superfoods. Dry fruits just like berries and nuts are high on antioxidants.

Why are Dry Fruits classified as Superfoods?

• Superfoods can be termed as food items which are superior to other food items when compared in their nutritional value. Even small portions of a superfood can supply abundant nutrition in form of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and proteins. Many a times superfoods can be termed as such because of some special characteristic or benefit that they provide such as it may provide relief from some ailment or disease, enhances immunity, reduces blood pressure, sugar or cholesterol and much more.
• Due to various benefits health and otherwise that different dry fruits provides many a time dry fruits are also termed as superfoods. Dry fruits just like berries and nuts are high on antioxidants. They are also high in other nutrients and some dry fruits are believed to have unique properties like that they prevent ageing, sharpen intellect and much more.

Muscle Building The Vegetarian Way

Best Dry Fruits for Consumption

• There are many dry fruits that a person can and should include in his daily diet. Some of these are good others are still better. So which are the best and most beneficial dry fruits and why? First in the list is of course almonds; they have zero cholesterol and are rich in antioxidants and fibre. Besides that they are great for skin, hair and overall health. They are also believed to provide protection from heart and many other diseases.
• Second on our list are Cashews, they are rich in Vitamin E and B6. They also contain ample protein, potassium, mono-unsaturated fat and fibre. Walnuts are third on our list because they are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, fibres, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals. Raisins, pistachios and dates will come next on the list. These dry fruits are rich in vitamins and proteins; they also boost immunity and prevent lifestyle diseases such as cholesterol and diabetes.

Click to read → Health Benefits of Dry Fruits

Fit & Proper: Tips to lead a healthy life without stress

A healthy lifestyle includes a balanced diet and adequate sleep is integral

 

 

Tips to manage stress:

 Relaxation: Giving priority to relaxation time and activities should be a priority. These activities vary from person to person.

 

Physical exercise: Simple physical activities done regularly are helpful in alleviating stress and improving one’s mood.

Connecting with others: Speaking your mind out with someone helps us in venting out and de-stressing.

Writing: Writing one’s thoughts and feelings is also helpful in venting out. Besides, writing being a relaxing activity, it also aids in getting a perspective on our own problems.

Healthy lifestyle: A lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and adequate sleep is integral.

Getting off gadgets: Being constantly online and connected takes a toll on our well-being. It’s important to take time off and engage with real people.

Time management: Doing adequate planning and groundwork beforehand, is helpful in avoiding stress associated with lack of preparation and deadlines.

Professional help: If the stress is difficult to manage, it is advisable to consult a psychologist who would guide you towards a happy & healthy life.

Read Article Source>>>

How safe is to microwave your food? Here is all you need to know

To minimise risk, check the labelling on the package and follow the instructions to microwave food

Latest News - Today every kitchen would seem “under-equipped” without a microwave, with its efficient ability to cook, defrost and reheat a variety of different foods. The handy appliance uses microwave radiation to do so. This is a type of electromagnetic radiation similar to radio waves and infrared light.

Although generally recognised as safe, the internet is awash with articles about the dangers microwave radiation poses to your food. Some claim using microwaves can cause “cataracts and cancer”. Other posts says it “zaps the nutrients right out of your food”.

Does it zap the nutrients out?

Can it give you cancer?

What about the packaging?

Does it kill bad bugs?

If the food is already contaminated with bugs that produce toxins, microwaving might kill the toxin-producing bug but not destroy the toxins, despite the correct temperature and time combination. This can also apply to other cooking methods. Appropriate food storage is the key to minimising such risks.

Minimising risk

• Avoid overcooking vegetables to minimise nutrient losses
• Before microwaving, check the labelling on the package and follow the instructions
• If the package is not marked as being microwave-safe, switch to a suitable microwave container
• Rotate and stir foods during cooking to spread the temperature of heating equally and as such minimise potential for food-borne illness. Check the temperature of food before consumption
• Remember microwaving cannot magically make contaminated food safe. So if in doubt, throw it out.

Read Article Source>>>

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Get all the Stock Market News & Latest Business News  |  Business Standard

How safe is to microwave your food? Here is all you need to know

To minimise risk, check the labelling on the package and follow the instructions to microwave food

Latest News - Today every kitchen would seem “under-equipped” without a microwave, with its efficient ability to cook, defrost and reheat a variety of different foods. The handy appliance uses microwave radiation to do so. This is a type of electromagnetic radiation similar to radio waves and infrared light.

Although generally recognised as safe, the internet is awash with articles about the dangers microwave radiation poses to your food. Some claim using microwaves can cause “cataracts and cancer”. Other posts says it “zaps the nutrients right out of your food”.

Does it zap the nutrients out?

Can it give you cancer?

What about the packaging?

Does it kill bad bugs?

If the food is already contaminated with bugs that produce toxins, microwaving might kill the toxin-producing bug but not destroy the toxins, despite the correct temperature and time combination. This can also apply to other cooking methods. Appropriate food storage is the key to minimising such risks.

Minimising risk

• Avoid overcooking vegetables to minimise nutrient losses
• Before microwaving, check the labelling on the package and follow the instructions
• If the package is not marked as being microwave-safe, switch to a suitable microwave container
• Rotate and stir foods during cooking to spread the temperature of heating equally and as such minimise potential for food-borne illness. Check the temperature of food before consumption
• Remember microwaving cannot magically make contaminated food safe. So if in doubt, throw it out.

Read Article Source>>>

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Get all the Stock Market News & Latest Business News  |  Business Standard

Your smartphone knows a lot about you, but what about your mental health?

The habitual nature of people means this data could be used to give insight into our mental wellbeing

Smartphones come with an assortment of sensors that can track behaviours such as our internet search and browse history, where we go, what music we listen to, who we speak to, just to name a few.

The habitual nature of people means this data could be used to give insight into our mental wellbeing. Acute changes in behavioural patterns may indicate a need for support, and the use of any health diaries on a smartphone may enable us to monitor chronic conditions more effectively.

Sleep, relax, track, anxiety, stress and depression: the most common keywords in mental health apps as found in the review comments. Only apps that advertised depression and mental health were considered. Author provided

Our smartphones have become access points for mental health support and therapy aids. It is not unrealistic that they could aim to take on a therapist role.

But are people really ready for this? Do consumers and end users actually want this development? Would it meet needs without causing harm?

None of this is easily answered. History has shown any tool being developed must integrate consumers, health professionals and technology experts, along with rigorous testing, to provide an ethically sound and evidence based approach, and this is no less true for smartphone technologies.

Read Source>>>

Over 90% people with HIV, tuberculosis have access to therapy: UNAIDS

Over 90 per cent of people in India who are infected simultaneously with HIV and tuberculosis have access to HIV therapy, a new study released today said.

The report by UNAIDS showed that countries are getting on the 'fast-track', with an additional one million people accessing treatment in just six months (January to June 2016).

By June 2016, around 18.2 million (16.1 million-19 million) people had access to the life-saving medicines, including 910,000 children, double the number five years earlier.

If these efforts are sustained and increased, the world will be on track to achieve the target of 30 million people on treatment by 2020, the report said.

"Antiretroviral therapy among TB patients known to be living with HIV was 78 per cent globally, and above 90 per cent in India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland," the report said.

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