ActorPriyanka Chopraattended an event for Bulgari in Dubai last night. Priyanka, who is the global ambassador of the luxury label, embraced the season's hottest colour 'pink' by wearing a bold gown for the occasion. She also shared pictures of herself from the event on Instagram, leaving her husband, Nick Jonas, and fans speechless. Meanwhile, celebrity stylist Law Roach styled Priyanka in the breathtaking ensemble, serving fans with another iconic fashion moment resulting from their collaboration.(Also Read | Priyanka Chopra dresses up in a yellow swimsuit to enjoy Dubai, shares stunning pics and videos chilling with friends)

'Desi Girl' Priyanka Chopra steals the spotlight at Bulgari event

On Tuesday,Priyanka Chopra took to Instagram to share picturesof herself from Bulgari's event in Dubai. Priyanka wore an ensemble in the fuchsia pink or rani pink shade, embracing the season's hottest colour. She chose a sleeveless figure-hugging gown layered with a voluminous coat on top and styled with shimmering jewels from Bulgari. "What a gorgeous eveningcelebrating @bulgari's Eden, Garden of Wonders collection in Dubai with my dear friend @jc.babin," Priyanka wrote, sharing the images online. Check out all the snippets below.

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Regarding the design details, Priyanka's gown features halter straps, a plunging neckline embellished with shimmering rhinestones, a low-cut back, a figure-hugging mermaid silhouette accentuating her curves, and a floor-grazing hem length.

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Priyanka completed the ensemble by wearing a taffeta silk long coat featuring voluminous sleeves, an open front, a long floor-sweeping train and a layered neck over it. For accessories, she picked matching high heels, diamond and emerald drop earrings, a necklace and rings.

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In the end, Priyanka chose nude lip shade, smoky eye shadow, mascara on the lashes, on-fleek brows, blushed cheeks, sharp contouring and beaming highlighter. Lastly, open centre-parted tresses with curtain bangs gave the finishing touch.

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Meanwhile, Priyanka's pictures also garnered much love from her fans and her husband, Nick Jonas. Nick commented on her post, "Hottie." A fan wrote, "You are soo stunning." Another remarked, "How are you real?" A person posted, "Bulgari's Barbie Girl."

What do you think of the Rani Pink moment?

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Bollywood's favourite designer, Manish Malhotra, hosted a grand birthday bash at his residence in Mumbai. All the biggest names from the industry, including Janhvi Kapoor,Kareena Kapoor Khan, Malaika Arora, Karisma Kapoor, Amrita Arora, Khushi Kapoor, Nora Fatehi, Kriti Sanon, Gauri Khan, Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Natasha Dalal, Shilpa Shetty, Shamita Shetty, Sara Ali Khan, Vaani Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, and a few other celebrities attended the party. The paparazzi clicked all the stars arriving at Manish Malhotra's residence last night. They all glammed up for the occasion in stylish ensembles. Here's a look at who wore what for the celebrations.(Also Read | Malaika Arora in co-ord check bralette, leggings, coat gives our winter wardrobe a stylish fix)

Who wore what to Manish Malhotra's birthday party?

Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora, Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor

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B-Town BFFs Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora,Kareena Kapoor, and Karisma Kapoor arrived at their good friend Manish Malhotra's birthday bash dressed in stylish fits. They coordinated their ensembles in black-and-white tones, looking glamorous as ever. While Malaika wore an oversized Balenciaga shirt with thigh-high black leather boots and a top-handle bag, Kareena chose a check print shirt, flared pants, heels, an over-the-body bag and a messy top knot. Lastly, Amrita chose a blazer, leather pants and a fitted top, and Karisma looked chic in an oversized blazer and pants set.

Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor

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SistersJanhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor made a chic appearance at the party dressed in bodycon ensembles. While Janhvi wore a figure-hugging orange ribbed dress with a low-cut back, strappy sleeves and a midi length, Khushi chose a floral printed maroon strappy midi featuring a plunging neckline and front thigh-high slit teamed with a mini handbag.

Nora Fatehi

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Nora Fatehi brought luxurious glam to Manish Malhotra's bash in a beige and black strappy bustier top styled with a bodycon midi-length skirt from Gucci. She styled the ensemble with a top handle bag, high heels, open tresses, hoop earrings, statement diamond rings, and minimal makeup.

Sara Ali Khan

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Sara Ali Khan kept her outfit simple for Manish Malhotra's bash in the classic white top and blue denim combination - she wore a crop top, cropped denim jacket, and high-waisted denim jeans with a bell-bottom silhouette. A pink-and-white shoulder bag, pink high heels and open curly tresses rounded off her look.

Kartik Aaryan

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Kartik Aaryan made a dapper appearance at Manish Malhotra's birthday in a black T-shirt, denim jeans and a fitted leather jacket. He completed the outfit with matching dress shoes and his signature unkempt hairdo.

Kriti Sanon

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Kriti Sanon arrived in a mauve-coloured midi-length dress featuring a deep-cut neckline, a corseted bodice, and a front thigh-high slit. She wore the ensemble with open tresses, matching high heels, and minimal makeup.

Karan Johar

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Karan Johar attended his good friend's birthday in an oversized black blazer adorned in contrasting white stitch-work. He wore it with hot pink loose-fitted pants, chunky white sneakers, quirky glasses, and a statement neckpiece.

Gauri Khan

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Gauri Khan wore a black midi-length dress featuring a low-cut neckline and gold bust jewels to Manish Malhotra's birthday bash. She wore the ensemble with embellished high heels, a clutch, open tresses, and minimal makeup.

Shamita Shetty and Shilpa Shetty

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Shilpa Shetty and her sister, Shamita Shetty, also attended the party. While Shilpa wore a black fitted crop top and dual-toned Mugler skinny denim jeans with kitten heels, a watch, ear studs, and an over-the-body star-shaped bag, Shamita complemented her in a black top and a mini leather skirt.

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India observes December 6 as Mahaparinirvan Divas to mark the death anniversary ofDr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. BR Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Constitution, was born on April 14, 1891. Fondly known as Babasaheb, he fought for the economic and social empowerment of Dalits in the country, eradicating the social scourge of untouchability and promoting gender equality. He was also among the seven members of the drafting committee who prepared a draft of the Constitution of independent India. On his death anniversary, here's a look at some of his inspiring quotes to commemorate his memory and uphold the values he strongly believed in.

Inspiring Quotes by Dr BR Ambedkar

"I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved." -BR Ambedkar.

"Freedom of mind is the real freedom. A person whose mind is not free though he may not be in chains, is a slave, not a free man. One whose mind is not free, though he may not be in prison, isa prisoner and not a free man. One whose mind is not free though alive, is no better than dead. Freedom of mind is the proof of one's existence." - BR Ambedkar.

"So long as you do not achieve social liberty, whatever freedom is provided by the law is of no avail to you." - BR Ambedkar.(Also Read | BR Ambedkar's Mumbai home to be preserved as heritage)

"If I find the constitution being misused, I shall be the first to burn it." - BR Ambedkar.

"I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity." - BR Ambedkar.

"A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society." - BR Ambedkar.

"Every man must have a philosophy of life, for everyone must have a standard by which to measure his conduct. And philosophy is nothing but a standard by which to measure." - BR Ambedkar.

"Caste is not a physical object like a wall of bricks or a line of barbed wire which prevents the Hindus from co-mingling and which has, therefore, to be pulled down. Caste is a notion; it is a state of the mind." - BR Ambedkar.

"Law and order are the medicine of the body politic and when the body politic gets sick, medicine must be administered." - BR Ambedkar.

"The outcast is a by-product of the caste system. There will be outcasts as long as there are castes. Nothing can emancipate the outcast except the destruction of the caste system." - BR Ambedkar.

"Indians today are governed by two different ideologies. Their political ideal set in the preamble of the Constitution affirms a life of liberty, equality and fraternity. Their social ideal embodied in their religion denies them." - BR Ambedkar.

"Equality may be a fiction but nonetheless one must accept it as a governing principle." - BR Ambedkar.

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India is full of obscure, scenic, and touristy places that will make you fall in love with the country all over again. As the New Year is arriving soon with the prospect of more than16 mini vacations during the long weekends, why not explore the beauty our country holds? Whether it is hiking, adventure, a road trip or a gastronomical journey on your mind, you don't really have to look beyond the borders to get these experiences. Several places in India are worth adding to your travel bucket list for the upcoming year - From backwater cruising in a houseboat in Alappuzha (Kerala) to trekking in the Great Himalayan National Park (Sainj Valley, Tirthan Valley, Parvati Valley and Jiwa Nala Valley) to exploring the delectable street dishes of Kolkata and Odisha, to witnessing the grand Rann Utsav of Kutch, Gujarat. So, if you plan to explore India in 2023, here are some more reasons to convince you.(Also Read | The complete list of long weekends in 2023: Get ready to plan more than 15 vacations!)

India should be on your 2023 travel bucket list

Endless Hikes

The majestic Himalayas, pristine North-Eastern valleys and the steamy hills of the Western Ghats prove that when it comes to hiking or trekking in India, there are plenty ofoff-beat destinations to explore in the country.Whether you fancy a short day trek through the hills or an epic expedition, there are plenty of options. Kedarkantha trek in Uttarakhand, the Seven Sisters Trek in Himachal Pradesh, the Chadar Trek in Ladakh, the Chembra Peak hike in Kerala, the Goecha La Trek in Sikkim, Valley of Flowers Trek in Uttarakhand, or Nongriat Trek in Meghalaya are a few best examples.

Pristine Beaches

The Indian coastline, stretching along 7500 km, is one of the longest in the world. Therefore, it is no surprise that India is home to several incredibly scenic beaches. Apart from offeringunforgettable sunrise and sunset views, the pristine beaches in India offer thrilling sports activities, vibrant party scenes, delectable seafood dishes, and so much more. So, if you're someone who would rather visit a beach than go for a hike up a mountain, India is the place to be. Radhanagar beach in Havelock Island, Galgibaga, Pebble and Butterfly beaches in Goa, Chandrabhaga beach in Odisha, Gokarna in Karnataka, Kovalam beach in Tamil Nadu, and Marari in Kerala are a few places to explore.

Delectable Cuisine

The food in India is as colourful as its history. Every state you travel to has a rich cuisine and hundreds of delectable dishes associated with each region. Whether you are trying Rogan Josh from the Kashmir Valley, the fiery Chettinad chicken from Tamil Nadu, Galouti kebabs from Lucknow, Vada Pav from Mumbai, Hyderabadi Biryani from Hyderabad, Phuchka from Kolkata, Chhena Poda from Odisha, or Khar from Assam - each dish will leave you salivating. So, make 2023 all about exploring these gastronomical gems.

Scenic Routes For Road Trips

We have all grown up hearing the phrase - the journey is better than the destination. It holds true for India. Road trips are one of the best ways to enjoy any destination in the country while marvelling at the scenic routes to reach there. The sheer size of India lends innumerable options to take road trips or off-roading experiences in challenging terrains with your family and gang. Some popular road trips are Manali-Ladakh, Ahmedabad-Kutch, The Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur), Mumbai-Goa, Kolkata-Darjeeling, the North Eastern trail (Guwahati-Arunachal Pradesh- Nagaland-Meghalaya-Shillong), and more.

Kick Of Adrenaline

There is no dearth of adventure in this country - from white water rafting in Rishikesh, off-roading in Zanskar Valley, wildlife safari in Kaziranga or Corbett National Park, Paragliding in Bir, Scuba Diving in Andaman, Surfing and Kayaking in Goa, Heli-skiing in Himachal Pradesh to Pin Parvati Trek to name a few. All you have to do is pack your bags and plan the next trip.

These are just a few reasons to include India on your travel bucket list. The country is a melting pot of culture, adventure, history, delectable cuisines, and much more. So, instead of wasting all the long weekends in 2023, why not spend them exploring the country?

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Lalu Prasad Yadavhas been suffering from several health issues for some time now. Recently, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s son and Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav shared a health update stating that RJD chief’s kidney trabsplant operation was successful. Lalu Prasad Yadav received a kidney from his elder daughter Rohini Acharya. Tejashwi Yadav shared the tweet thanking Rohini Acharya for donating a kidney. The RJD Chief has been suffering from a lot of health issues, when the doctors suggested a kidney transplant. Speaking of the dos and don’ts that should be followed post akidney transplant, Dr Salil Jain, Director and HOD, Nephrology & Renal Transplant, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, said, “Chronic kidney disease has become an epidemic and we are seeing a large number of patients requiring dialysis. The best treatment option for such patients is kidney transplantation. Kidney transplantation gives a very good quantity and quality of life to the patient as compared to dialysis. So my suggestion to allkidney disease patientswho are requiring dialysis or who are heading towards dialysis is they should always look for an option when they can go for a kidney transplantation.

ALSO READ:Lalu Prasad's kidney transplant in Singapore: Diet plans for kidney patients

Dr Salil Jain further shareda few dos and don’tsthat should be followed by the recipient of the kidney:

Regular medication: Medication should be taken meticulously on time. They should not stop the medication without the knowledge of the doctors.

Joint pain, nausea: In case the patient is having any kind of cold, fever, joint pain, rashes, vomiting, nausea, they should immediately contact the kidney transplant team.

Hygiene: One should make high standard of hygiene and avoid eating street food.

Blood pressure: One should have a blood pressure monitoring device at home, and check it regularly.

Hydration: The body should be kept hydrated at all times.

Heavy weights: Avoid lifting heavy weights for initial 1-2 months as the stitches may come under stress

Painkillers, antibiotics: Avoid medication which have bad impact on the kidneys, especially painkillers or antibiotics which have damaging effect on the kidneys.

Post a kidney transplant, the donor also needs to undergo medical care. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Madhuri Jaitley, Associate consultant Nephrology, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram said, “For those in generally good health, the risks of kidney donation, in the long run, are minor. However, there are risks. If you donate kidneys, your future chance of having renal failure might slightly increase. The danger is modest, though. Renal failure has a less than 1% probability of occurring.”

Speaking of the dos and don’ts that should be followed by the donor, Dr Madhuri Jaitley said, “Nephrectomy, often known as kidney removal surgery, is increasingly frequently performed utilising a laparoscopic approach. There may be very low hazards including bleeding and infection. Normal hospital stays for kidney donors are 2-3 days with little to no complications. The remainder of your recovery is often completed at home. As it receives more blood flow, filters waste, and you go about your daily activities as usual, your remaining kidney develops a little bit over time. Following a donation, you must see a nephrologist once a year. It is important to take precautions, such as limiting salt intake and avoiding painkillers.”

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Sara Ali Khanis a fitness enthusiast. The actor keeps slaying it in the gym with dedication, focus and hard work. Sara believes in sweating it out in the gym with her fitness routine as the right way to start the week. Sara's Instagram profile is replete with pictures and videos from her gym diaries. Sara loves her Pilates sessions. The actor is often spotted wearing T-shirt and tank tops with Pilates girl written on it. Sara, through snippets of her fitness diaries, ensures to share regular fitness motivation for her fans to follow.Be it a yoga routine, or a Pilates routine or high intensity workouts, Sara believes in starting the day right with fitness.

ALSO READ:Inside Sara Ali Khan's Sunday workout diaries

Sara, on Monday, shared motivation for her fans on her Instagram profile in the form of a short video compilation of herMonday workout routine. The actor started the week on a fitness high with an intense routine in the gym. Sara shared the video, where she can be seen starting her day by running on the treadmill. Then she can be seen working out with dumbbells in her hands. In the later part of the video, Sara can be seen holding a gym ball and performing squats, and then throwing the ball against a wall and catching it back repeatedly. She can also be seen performing planks with dumbbells as props. With the video, Sara shared that even though it’s a Monday motivation, she is just joking. In reality,this is how she is preparing for the Christmas holidays.

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High intensity routines come with multiple health benefits. It helps in burning mega calories and controlling the weight of the body. It also helps in losing fat and gaining muscles. When incorporated in the daily routine, high intensity routines help in reducing heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar, it also helps in improving oxygen consumption of the body.

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RJD chiefLalu Prasad Yadav's kidney transplant operation in Singapore this Monday turned out to be successful after his daughter Rohini Acharya donated the vital organ. The RJD chief has long been suffering from varioushealthissues and the doctors attending to him had recently advised akidneytransplant.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Priyanka Rohatgi, Chief Clinical Dietitian at Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore, advised, “People with compromised kidney function must adhere to a renal or kidney diet to cut down on the amount of waste in their blood. Wastes in the blood come from food and liquids that are consumed. When kidney function is compromised, the kidneys do not filter or remove waste properly. If the waste is left in the blood, it can negatively affect a patient’s electrolyte levels. Following a kidney diet may also help promote kidney function and slow down the progression of complete kidney failure.”

She explained, “A renal diet is one that is low in sodium, phosphorous and protein. A renal diet also emphasizes the importance of consuming high-quality protein and usually limiting fluids. Some patients may also need to limit potassium and calcium. Every person’s body is different, and therefore it is crucial that each patient works with a renal dietitian to come up with a diet that is tailored to the patient’s needs. Modifications in sodium intake are essential along with minerals like potassium and phosphorus. We find them low on hemoglobin but it is challenging to give iron rich foods owing to the phosphorus and potassium content of these foods.”

According to Dr Puru Dhawan, Ayurvedic Kidney Expert (BAMS, Medical Director and CEO at SRIAAS), when talking about diet for a kidney patient, first comes what they should avoid, so that the damage does not progress. He insisted, “A kidney patient should follow a strict diet as it helps to control the exceeding levels of urea, potassium, and creatinine. A kidney patient should avoid green leafy and rooty vegetables as they are rich in potassium and when preparing any other vegetables, make sure to let them go through the leaching process. It will help kidney patients if they limit salt consumption to only a pinch, follow a protein-free diet, avoid citric and sour food, caffeine, dairy products and processed food as they contain sodium, phosphorus and potassium.”

Dr Puru revealed a diet chart that is healthy enough for kidney patients:

• Breakfast -whole wheat Food items paratha, semolina (upma), porridge (Dalia),Oats and Poha (flattened rice)
• Lunch- Chapatti and veggies made with vegetables that are low in potassium Chapatti and veggies made with vegetables that are low in potassium
• Dinner- Vegetables Carrot, radish, Onion, Bottle gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkin
• Fruits - Apple, Pears, papaya, pineapple, musk melon, watermelon, strawberry
• Salt - Sendha Namak, Himalayan salt, or rock salt
• Water intake- Drink a cup or a half cup of water each time.

He asserted, “Make sure to have sufficient food so that problems of weight loss or fatigue do not arise, because a kidney patient would be already on a protein-free diet. If there is a need for protein, eating only two egg whites for non-vegetarians and moong dal (pulses) for vegetarians is recommended as they are easily digestible. Following a healthy diet will certainly help a kidney patient to recover faster and have a higher chance of living without going through dialysis or any other complication. There will be times when you are unable to have what you like but always remember it is for the best.”

Bringing her expertise to the same, Doli Baliyan, Head Clinical Dietitian at Max Healthcare Hospital in Dehradun, shared, “Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD is a gradual loss of kidney function. It means that the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter the blood, which leads to building up of waste products and fluids within the body. This causes swelling up of ankles, nausea, weakness, poor sleep, shortness of breath, urinating more or too little and muscle cramps. It is important to examine and manage the quality and quantity of food intake for patients with CKD. The diets can help potentially reduce the accumulation of toxic metabolic products within the body. Maintaining a healthier balance of body water, sodium, potassium, protein and other minerals is a must.”

She recommended:

1. Potassium rich fruits like banana, avocado, oranges, lemons watermelon, apricot, prunes, dates should be avoided.

2. Pickled vegetables or pickles of all types are a big no-no as they are high in sodium.

3. Leafy greens such as spinach, green beans and raw vegetables are to be avoided as they are again high in potassium.

4. Red meat, mutton, dairy products as they are high in protein should be avoided as well.

5. One should refrain from chips and other packaged foods or meals as they are high in sodium.

She highlighted, “Fluid intake throughout the day depends on the urine output of the patient. If the urine output is good, fluid restriction is less but if the urine output is bad then the fluids are restricted to 1 to 1.5 litre throughout the day.” Differentiating the facts from fiction, she revealed:

1. It is a myth to avoid all fruits as apples, guava, papaya, pears, as they are good for health and 250 gm can be consumed daily.

2. Eating the right amount of protein is important, so including soft dals, chicken, egg whites, fishes and adequate amounts of paneer and in the diet is important (if the patient is on dialysis)

3. White rice, wheat cereals like daliya, oats are low in potassium and must be included in the diet.

4. Milk can also be included in the diet but keeping in mind the fluid restriction if there is any.

Even though following a renal diet may feel restrictive, there are plenty of healthy and well balanced meals that can be consumed. One must always remember to discuss the food choices with the healthcare provider to insure a kidney-friendly and nutritious diet.

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Rakul Preet Singhis a dedicated fitness enthusiast. The actor is often spotted in her gym, being in her animal mode. The actor loves her fitness routines and hardly misses a day from the gym. Rakul Preet’s fitness videos and pictures often make their way on our Instagram feed in the form of posts shared by the actor or by her fitness trainer. Rakul Preet believes in focusing her dedication and hard work in staying in shape and often motivates her fans to start taking care of their health. Rakul Preet swears by high intensity routines, yoga and kickboxing.

ALSO READ: 'Sunday burn done right’ by Rakul Preet Singh. Video inside

Rakul Preet kicked our Monday blues away, quite literally. The actor shared a short video on her Instagram profile on Monday and gave us a glimpse of the kind of workout routine that she is doing to start the week on a fitness high. For Rakul Preet, there is no blues for the Monday, because she is kicking away all of it in style. The actor shared the video where she can be seen practising kicks as part of her kickboxing routine. In the video, Rakul Preet can be seen intensely kicking on the guards of her fitness trainer, who can be seen defending himself. Dressed in a black sports bra, a grey tank top and a pair of grey tights, Rakul Preet can be seen engrossed in the routine. “Kicking away my Monday blues,” Rakul Preet captioned her video. Take a look at her fitness routine here:

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Kickboxing comes with multiple health benefits. It makes for an ideal cross-training workout routine, and helps in reducing stress and boosting confidence levels. When incorporated in the daily fitness routine, kickboxing also helps in burning mega calories of the body and controlling the weight. It helps in improving coordination of the muscles and boosting the overall posture of the body.

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Heart attacks are now common in people in their 20s, 30s and even 40s and not only in old people where apart from factors such ashigh blood pressure, poor eating habits, lack of exercise and stress, even seasonal changes can play havoc with yourheart. Yes, you have heard it right! A large number of people tend to suffer from heart attacks during winter when the climate outside is cold.

It will be imperative for you to take utmost care of your heart during winter and lead a healthy life because while winter is pleasing and a preferred season by a majority of people, it is also notorious at the same time. Winter is the time when there is a surge in cases of heart attacks where the cold weather during winters will not only make you prone to respiratory problems or joint pain but even heart diseases.

It won’t be wrong to say that winter is synonymous with heart attacks. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Praveen Kulkarni, Senior Cardiologist at Global Hospital in Mumbai, revealed, “Those who smoke, lead a sedentary lifestyle, and have high blood pressure or high cholesterol are at risk of suffering from a heart attack during winter.” Talking about how the cold weather can impact your heart, he shared:

• According to various studies, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, cardiovascular issues, arrhythmias, and disorders are on the rise during winter due to the sudden climatic change as the temperature drops unexpectedly. If the temperature outside is cold then the body's sympathetic nervous system gets activated leading to narrow blood vessels known as 'vasoconstriction'. Hence, once blood pressure suddenly goes up and the heart will have to work harder in order to pump blood to other organs present in the body and this way, one will get a heart attack.

• Also, one will not be able to maintain body heat due to chilly weather and he/she can get hypothermia, which can cause difficult damage to the heart's blood vessels inviting a heart attack.

• Even those with pre-existing heart conditions need to be cautious. The chances of heart attacks are high in ones who are already detected with heart problems or have a previous history of a heart attack.

• Moreover, when the winter starts, one is not able to exercise due to the cold weather outside and that can be bad for your heart. Apart from this, people also opt for comfort foods that can make them fall prey to heart problems during winter. Although, these are some of the indirect factors responsible for heart attacks. Air pollution is another worrisome factor that can give you a tough time to your heart.

The signs and symptoms of a heart attack are chest pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and tiredness. Do not ignore these red flags and seek timely medical intervention.

How to keep heart attack at bay during winter

Dr Praveen Kulkarni advised -

• Dress appropriately: Cover yourself in layers suited for the weather. Doing so can help you to stay warm and protect your heart during winter. So, it will be essential for you to wear hats, gloves, and sweaters.

• Exercise daily: A daily physical activity will boost immunity; help regulate body heat and stay fit. Exercise only after the advice of the doctor. But avoid exercising in cold weather. Moreover, it is better to remain indoors and avoid extreme cold.

• Monitor your blood pressure:Keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar levels in check can reduce the risk of a heart attack.

• Opt for a well-balanced diet:Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses, legumes, whole grains, berries, legumes, flaxseeds, spinach, carrot, and broccoli. Drink soups to stay warm. But, avoid junk, spicy, oily, and canned food.

• Regular heart check-ups: Go for cardiac screening after every 6 months as suggested by the doctor.

• Avoid alcohol:Avoid excess alcohol.

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): Learn about the CPR technique that can help you to save the life of a person having a heart attack.

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Every kid is entitled to an abusive-freechildhoodand maintaining children’s safety involves talking to them about sexualabuse. That's because talking offers your child a language to discuss this issue and helps them comprehend what sexual assault is and additionally, candid and open discussions convey to your child that they can talk to you at any time and that you will always listen.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Samarthya Bhatnagar, Co-Founder of Bodsphere, suggested, “You can start by bringing up sexual assault in discussions about relationships, respect and personal growth. For instance, you may bring up positive aspects of trusting relationships, such as experiencing love and having fun but you may also add that it's not acceptable when relationships cause people to feel unsafe, unwelcome or bullied. Creating secure environments that support children's growth and development includes having open conversations with them regarding sexual assault.”

He added, “This Yogic Principle is something that should be taught to the children. At the same time, following the Yogic Philosophy of Satya or truth is something that the children should be aware of. Speaking the truth without any fear is the right of every child. When anything is wrong or they don't feel comfortable, children's bodies offer them warning signs. A child should be able to recognise the signals in a sexually risky scenario too if he can recognise the signs in any unsafe circumstance. Yoga can also help the children become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. It provides an opportunity for them to reconnect with their mental and physical experience, and to build confidence in being able to guide their thoughts and actions through intentional movement and focus.”

Prof Usha Patel, Director - Academics at IIAD highlighted how sexual violence is a problem that affects millions of children around the world yet it is something that is often left unspoken. She said, “Empathy lies at the core of all design solutions and by taking this forward we can develop more effective, engaging and informative materials on sexual violence prevention.” She recommended ways in which we can contribute towards spreading awareness:

• Creating interactive games or simulations that help students understand the dynamics of consent and healthy relationships.
• Developing videos and educational content that is easily accessible and shareable.
• Developing infographics and visuals that simplify complex information to spread awareness.
• Designing educational materials that are culturally relevant and inclusive.
• Ultimately, we believe that education is key to prevention. By raising awareness about this issue, we can empower people to take action and create a safer world for all children.

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Facing and overcoming your inner battles is key tocomprehending yourselfat the subconscious level as most human beings' minds and hearts are battle grounds of conflicting desires, conflicting values where one part of us wants to make ourselves important while another part of us feels guilty that we might be ignoring the needs of our families or our organizations. One part of us wants to live a peaceful, contented life doing what we love to do while another part of us wants luxury, wants to compete, wants to be number one, wants to be noticed everywhere to be seen.

Our minds are battle grounds and these battles rage on in most people's lives until they die, never resolved. That's why there is a sense of frustration in most people and at the heart of this battle is essentially the divide between one self and the rest.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Sri Preethaji, Spiritual Leader and Co-Creator of Ekam, suggested, “The only way these inner battles can end is when your consciousness is awoken to a state of love. When you begin to live with an expanded sense of self. These dichotomies will become quiet. These conflicts will cease. That is when you will know the true meaning of being at ease with oneself.” He highlighted how Buddha, Mahaveer, Adi Sankara and numerous sages have proclaimed to the world that it is possible to live and function from states of enlightened consciousness and that you are way more than your body, your mind, your past since you are in fact, the entire universe.

Healing at the spiritual, mental, emotional and/or physical level

Sri Preethaji shared, “In my travels across the world, I have seen that people in every culture, in every nation need healing because most people are hurt. They're hurt by their parents. They're hurt at school. They're hurt by society. They're emotionally hurt. These emotional hurts, unless they're healed, they will show up in later life as an inability to relate, inability to sustain enduring relationships and a very fragile temperament. Disappointment comes in easily to people who are emotionally hurt. You look at the world and one of the predictions in the world is that by 2025 and 2030, the biggest epidemics in the world will be loneliness and depression.”

Highlighting why that is, he said, “Most people are hurt and they're in need of emotional healing and with the collapse of family structure, there is no place where an individual is able to go to find solace. Many of our programs, we do focus on healing people, healing people's hearts, and of course, when people's hearts are healed, there are many diseases that also become cured in the body. So healing is an important element.”

He advised, “Balance the professional-personal commitments, staying spiritually inclined. Balance is achieved when you figure out what is most important for you. People are of different dispositions and different people value different things. There's no one universal ideal. Some of you may value family the most. Then your profession, your friendships, every other commitment goes around your family. Some of you may value your contribution to the earth, being a transformational agent in society. Then your family, your profession, and everything else goes around it. I would say figure out what is the centrality of your life.”

Asking everyone to ask what does a spiritual inclination mean, he said, “Spirituality is not the same as religion. You may go to a church or a mosque or a temple and not be spiritual at all. Being spiritual means one who is capable of inner inquiry, one who is aware of oneself and aware of the impact one is having on a fellow human being and the world. A spiritual being is someone who's aware of the interconnectedness of the fabric of life. You know you are responsible for the impact you cause with your state of being, with your words, with your actions and only such a being will arrive at balance.”

Talking about handling stress and achieving family harmony, Sri Preethaji said, “I have seen that families that have a culture of meditation and self-awareness have a greater ability to dissolve interpersonal stress and arrive at harmony. Cultivating a meditative mind in families, a spiritual culture of introspection and contemplation and above all an inner state of connection to each other's feelings will be central to achieving family harmony. Today we have big houses but houses become homes only when we can feel what other feels and when we make each other's happiness important. So, that would be the most important thing for any family to experience harmony.”

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Hansika Motwani tied the knot with her long-time boyfriend, Sohael Kathuriya, on December 4. The couple hosted the grand ceremony at the Mundota Fort and Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Pictures and videos from the festivities have gone viral on social media and showHansikadressed in a lehenga for her special day. The actor chose a heavily-embroidered gold and red lehenga set paired with a matching embellished zari dupatta, kaleere, bangles, a choker necklace, nath, mang tika and earrings. She completed the look with bold makeup and a sleek hairdo.(Also Read | Samantha Ruth Prabhu in₹1 lakh hand-painted saree lays wedding fashion cues, brides-to-be take notes: All pics)

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While many modern brides nowadays go for minimal and aesthetic lehengas and sarees, the beauty of the traditional red is incomparable. There's something abouta bride in a bright red lehengathat speaks of traditions, elegance and timeless beauty. Moreover, it symbolises love, bravery, commitment, and Goddess Durga. Some of your favourite Bollywood stars have shown their liking for traditional red by choosing their bridal outfits in this shade. We are talking about Deepika Padukone, Patralekhaa, Katrina Kaif, and a few more celebrities.

Here's a list of all the divas who chose the classic and traditional red lehenga and saree for their wedding day.

Katrina Kaif

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Katrina Kaifmarried Vicky Kaushal in a red Sabyasachi handwoven silk lehenga decorated with fine tilla work, zardozi borders, and bold patti borders. The ensemble paid homage to Vicky's Punjabi roots. Katrina styled it with a custom veil, a heavy gold choker necklace with uncut diamonds, jhumkas, a dual matha patti, a traditional nath and Kaliras.

Priyanka Chopra

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Priyanka Chopra tied the knot with Nick Jonas in a custom-made sindoori red bridal lehenga by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, which came topped with delicate hand-cut organza flowers, French knots in silk floss, layers of threadwork, and shimmering diamantes. She teamed it with a diamond necklace, red chooda, haath phool, a diamond mang tika, and a matching nose ring.

Deepika Padukone

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Deepika Padukone became a quintessential Punjabi bride for her wedding to Ranveer Singh. The actor chose a Sabyasachi lehenga for the big day and styled it with a matching dupatta embroidered with a Hindu mantra. For accessories, Deepika chose heavy Kundan mang tika, nath, choker necklace, rings, bangles, kalire, and Christian Louboutin X Sabyasachi juttis.

Sonam Kapoor

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Sonam Kapoor embodied the classic and traditional red for her wedding with Anand Ahuja by choosing a sindoori-hued lehenga by designer Anuradha Vakil. The silk ensemble boasted of the kalabattu technique and centred around Lotus motifs. Sonam styled the lehenga set with a matching dupatta, choodas, kalire, a gold matha patti, layered necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and diamond rings.

Patralekhaa

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Patralekhaa married Rajkummar Rao in a gorgeous red Sabyasachi saree teamed with a red zari dupatta, which came embroidered with a beautiful Bengali verse which meant "I surrender my heartfelt love to you." She accessorised her bridal look with a choker necklace, matha patti, bangles, bracelets, rings, and earrings.

Dia Mirza

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Dia Mirza chose minimalism and traditions for her lowkey wedding with Vaibhav Rekhi by wearing a red and gold brocade embroidered Raw Mango saree for her wedding day. She teamed the six yards with an organza dupatta, gold and emerald mang tika, bangles, gold bracelets, a choker necklace, earrings, and minimal makeup.

Which actor's bridal look is your favourite?

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Hina Khan is currently slaying travel goals in Turkey. The actor recently flew to Turkey to explore the country and she is doing exactly that. The actor’s Instagram profile is replete with pictures and videos of herself with the stunning backdrops of several places in Turkey. From Cappadocia to Istanbul, Hina is exploring it all and soaking in the quintessential vibes of Turkey. From stunning architectures to the sky replete with hot air balloons – the major tourist attraction of Cappadocia and also the specialty of the place, Hina’s vacay diaries are painted in shades of colours, smiles and adventure.

Hina, around a week back, shared a slew of pictures of herself chilling in her flight seat, on her way to Turkey. “Travel therapy.. Chalo Turkey,” wrote the actor as she shared her excitement and the anticipation of experiencing the beautiful country.

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Hagia Sophia is one of the most cultural and historical mosques of Turkey. Hina posed with the backdrop of Hagia Sophia’s detailed architechture in the backdrop and summed up her feelings with this caption - “The weight of History commands us to sit down and look around .. give the place its due and absorb as much as we can just as the ones who came before us and just the ones who would come after.”

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Known for ottoman mansions and seafood restaurents, Arnavutkoy is a neighbourhood in Istanbul which is traveller’s favourite places to visit during their Turkey trip. Hina shared a few snippets from her ventures in the neighbourhood.

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After visiting the Dolmabahce Palace, located in Istanbul, Hina soon made her way to Cappadocia. Cappadocia, a semi-arid region in central Turkey, is known for its moon-shapoed landscape, underground cities, fairy tale chimneys and houses carved out of rock. The sky of Cappadocia is always replete with hot air balloons – one of the main attractions of the place. Hina was amazed with the view, and so were we.

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Hina also shared a slew of pictures of herself exploring the city of Cappadocia, from the rocks to the lanes lined with carpets and handmade artworks.

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Hina’s vacay diaries are giving us all kinds of inspo to start planning our year-end trip.

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Children and elderly people are at a higher risk ofpneumonia. Pneumonia isn’t ahealthdisorder of the elderlies only as pneumonia is a leading cause of child death and is estimated to kill over 700,000 children below the age of five years, including 200,000 newborns who are particularly known to be vulnerable to infections, as reported by UNICEF.

Causes and symptoms of Pediatric Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory lung infection and can be contagious. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sushanth Shivaswamy, Senior Consultant – Neonatology and Paediatrics at Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre in Bengaluru, explained, “It is often caused by viruses, bacteria and rarely fungi. It spreads through an infected person by droplet spread/ aerosols while coughing or sneezing, or through contact with contaminated surfaces (fomites). In the neonatal period it can be acquired by the baby through contact with infected maternal secretions before or during childbirth.”

Talking about the symptoms, he shared, “An infected child will find it difficult to breathe since his/her lungs are filled with fluid. The most common symptoms that one must watch out for are coughing, fever and difficulty in breathing. They may be found to breathe faster than usual, or have retractions in the lower chest while breathing. In severe cases, the child might be severely breathless and have blusih discoloration of face or trunk due to low oxygen levels. Children, especially newborns, whose immune systems are weak or immature or suffering from other problems including malnourishment, chronic disorders like asthma, problems in the lungs or airways, or infectious diseases such as HIV and are exposed to passive smoking are more prone to develop pneumonia.”

Air Pollution and Pneumonia

According to Dr Sushanth Shivaswamy, persistent pollution in the air can play a significant role in increasing the risk of respiratory infections in children, especially pneumonia. He revealed, “Half of the childhood pneumonia deaths are caused due to air pollution. Given the smog and air pollution that we see today, it is a potential risk factor of children and can be a bigger threat unless necessary precautions are taken. It is important to take note of indoor air pollution that are mainly caused by fuels used for cooking and heating at home.”

Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Children

Dr Sushanth Shivaswamy said, “Pneumonia can be diagnosed through a physical examination, abnormal breathing and by listening to the child’s lungs. Chest X-ray and blood tests are also used to check if the child is suffering from pneumonia. At times, by counting the number of breaths taken by the child in a minute helps in determining if the child has pneumonia.”

Treatment and Management of Pediatric Pneumonia

Highlighting that as a result of pneumonia, the child may face life-threatening risk factors including respiratory failure and spread of bacteria in the blood (sepsis), Dr Sushanth Shivaswamy said, “Usually, the treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of the disorder. When the child is infected with bacterial pneumonia, the primary treatment method includes giving antibiotics; for viral pneumonias, antiviral medications can given along with supportive care. In addition to these medications, the child must take plenty of rest, drink fluids, check for fever at regular intervals.”

He suggested, “Placing an air purifier or mist humidifier can help. If the condition turns serious, the child may require supplemental oxygen or advanced respiratory support including supported breathing through a breathing machine (High flow nasal canula or Mechanical Vnetilation)”

Prevention of Pneumonia in children

Although it is estimated that a child dies from pneumonia every 43 seconds, Pneumonia is preventable if the right measures can be taken at the right time. As per Dr Sushanth Shivaswamy, these measures include vaccinations that are available for different age groups, timely flu shots, following good hygiene practices (covering mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing, handwashing with soap), staying adequately nourished and by reducing air pollution that can make the lungs become vulnerable to infection. In case of newborns, it is crucial to breastfeed the baby to build its immunity, vaccinate on time, practice good hygiene.

Taking Corrective Measures

Dr Sushanth Shivaswamy suggested crrective measures at a macro-level by reducing the risk factors, building immunity in children and providing access to good quality healthcare services equipped with required amenities. With a strong foundation and ecosystem of healthcare facilities, well-trained healthcare workers and caregivers, addressing environmental hazards including taking precautions to reduce air pollution, pneumonia can be prevented, thereby reducing child death mortality significantly.

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Recently, actorPooja Hegdeattended the trailer launch of her upcoming film with Ranveer Singh and Jacqueline Fernandez, Cirkus. The Rohit Shetty directorial's star cast arrived at the event dressed in red-themed outfits, and Pooja draped herself in a beauteous red tiered saree and a bralette blouse for the occasion. The ensemble is a must-have addition to every saree-lover and modern Indian woman's wardrobe. So, if you wish to know where you can get the look, we have the details for you. Check it out below.(Also Read | Pooja Hegde lives her Princess moment in a stunning blush pink off-shoulder gown: All pics inside)

Pooja Hegde's stunning look in a red tiered saree

On the weekend,Pooja Hegde posted pictures of herselfdressed in the red tiered saree and bralette blouse on Instagram. Pooja captioned the post, "Ready for the Cirkus #cirkusthischristmas." The actor's bright red elegant and modern ensemble is from the shelves ofdesigner Arpita Mehta's clothing labeland features her signature design elements. If you are a minimal and lowkey bride, who doesn't want to go the traditional route for their big day, this saree can be the perfect pick. You can glam it with gold-toned jewellery, a red tulle floor-sweeping veil, and matching high heels.

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What is the price of Pooja Hegde's saree?

The red tiered saree and blouse are available on the Arpita Mehta website. It is called the Red tiered sari and pleated blouse set. You can add it to your collection for₹55,000.

Regarding the design elements, Pooja's fusion organza and silk saree feature triple-layered tiers on the hem instead of pleats. The star wore the pallu in a low-hanging style, flaunting her svelte frame. Lastly, a pleated bralette blouse with a plunging neckline, strappy sleeves, a backless silhouette, and cropped midriff-baring hem rounded it off.

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For the glam picks, Pooja chose centre-parted open wavy tresses, nude lip shade, minimal base, on-fleek brow, and mascara on the lashes. Dainty gemstone-adorned earrings, sleek bracelets, statement rings, and bright-red embroidered juttis gave the finishing touch.

Meanwhile, Pooja Hegde, Ranveer Singh and Jacqueline Fernandez's Cirkus will release on Christmas Eve on December 23.

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Love is one of the most beautiful feelings in this world. Getting the butterflies in the stomach in the initial phases of falling in love, to growing arelationshiptogether with the person you love over time through understanding, communication and the art of navigating life together, makes up togetherness. However, with time, a relationship faces its own challenges – from conflicts to differences in opinion.A mature love is one of a kind, that stays through it all with the knowledge of each other and themselves. In her recent Instagram post, Psychologist Nicole LePera wrote, “Mature love involves knowing oneself."

ALSO READ:7 ways to communicate maturely in your relationship

Nicole further noted down thenine tenets of mature love– theprinciples that bind two people together in a healthy relationship:

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Staying connected in conflicts: Contrary to what we believe, conflicts are healthy as they open up new perspectives for each other. Staying connected through conflicts and not giving up on each other is an important skill that people in relationships need to learn.

Forgiving each other: Mistakes are natural for humans. When we love someone and want to be with them, it is important to understand their mistakes and be with them as they grow out of it.

Meeting needs: Expectations, needs and wants are natural in a relationship. But when we put the pressure of meeting all our needs and expectations on one person, it can get our hearts broken.

Giving space: Understanding that our partners are also individual beings with their own life, ambitions and needs. Giving space to each other creates beautiful relationships.

Speaking directly: It is important to talk about our needs and wants directly with the other person, without assuming that they will understand somehow.

Autonomous individuals: Understanding the fact that we are individuals who are capable of making their own decisions, helps in creating mature love.

Happiness: Our happiness depends on ourselves, and only on ourselves. When we solely depend on ourselves for our happiness, we end up having a good relationship.

Play together: Playing together, being silly and finding time for each other to do things that make us happy.

Self-expression: Mutual freedom and expression comes when there is a safe space for it. A mature relationship creates that space for each other.

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Maintaining goodhealthrequires the body to undergo regular detoxification and theliveris crucial to this process where most liver conditions can be avoided. Doctors assert that the work-from-home situation and the inactivity experienced during lockdowns have led to a rise in disorders related to the liver and today, about one member of every family suffers from fatty liver.

It has emerged as a significant global issue and an independent risk factor for cardiac illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cholesterol. The main concern is cardiac problems brought on by fatty liver because ultrasonography often finds it in patients, especially younger ones and while liver illnesses might not initially exhibit symptoms, fatty liver can be identified early and healed.

What is fatty liver?

As the body is overrun with alcohol, abnormal fat deposits begin to accumulate in the liver. Scar tissue gradually replaces the healthy liver tissue as a result of the inflammation and scarring caused by this and when your liver malfunctions, you end up on the transplant waiting list however, there are other factors besides alcohol that may contribute to the same condition.

NAFLD, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is the other kind that is brought on by being overweight or obese, consuming excessive amounts of sugar and processed carbs, leading a sedentary lifestyle and having symptoms of metabolic syndrome. It is quickly rising to the top of the list of liver transplant diseases.

Tips to cure fatty liver:

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sushrut Pownikar, Head-Quality Assurance and Deputy Director – Oncquest Laboratories, shared, “The lifestyle changes that are recommended to help reduce fatty liver are; plain and simple diet, intermittent fasting is known to help in some cases. Replace saturated/ trans fats with unsaturated fats. Eat food with a low glycaemic index. Avoid sugar-based fruit drinks. Coffee has been advocated as a good add-on, 2-3 cups with low-fat milk and no sugar help reduce fatty liver. Alcohol in low doses has been seen to be beneficial, but higher dose risk increases. Avoid processed food. Exercise e.g., brisk walking, running or any other aerobic activity. Sleep 6-8 hours. Liver function tests/ USG are indicated in case of inflammation is suspected in the liver. You should always consult your physician before starting any of the above-mentioned changes.”

Hence, green leafy vegetables and organic fruits should both be a part of the diet and it is advised to limit sugar intake if you have insulin resistance. Foods that are high in fat and fatty foods are challenging for the liver to metabolise. Some of the foods that aid in lowering fatty liver illnesses include cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, and Indian gooseberry, often known as amla. The doctor advise drinking 10 to 12 glasses of water each day to maintain the body hydrated and promote blood circulation.

Sujeesh Sukumaran, Co-Founder of Jollywell, recommended, “A change in lifestyle is mandatory to prevent fatty liver from progressing to liver disease. Fatty liver disease has no symptoms, but if left untreated, it can become a chronic liver disease; it is more likely to develop in people who are overweight or have abnormal cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders. Weight loss can be the single most effective strategy to prevent progression of fatty liver because it can help lessen fibrosis, inflammation, and liver fat. Exercises for weight loss must include both aerobic and resistance training.”

According to him, several supplements can help with the problems associated with a fatty liver:

1. Milk thistle is frequently promoted for its liver-protective properties and is commonly used as a complementary therapy by people with liver damage.

2. Dandelion extract has been widely used to treat several liver diseases due to its high concentration of phytonutrients that have been shown to protect the liver.

Regular exercise also reduces the synthesis of fatty acids, increases the oxidation of fatty acids and protects the mitochondria and hepatocytes from harm. Nimish Dayalu, Yoga Guru and CEO of Zoga Wellness, asserted, "No journey in fitness can be complete without a healthy diet, restraint, and mindful eating. A sattvic diet, ayurveda guidelines or many of the modern goal based diets carried out under supervision can help you get fantastic results. Specific yogik postures that can be practiced daily – cow face, boat, fish, bow pose etc, are available to stimulate, stretch and strengthen the liver. These postures convert the liver fat into energy for the body, quite incredible. Direct experience. That’s the secret. You should seek that. Do not pay heed to anyone else’s experience. " adds

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Epoxy resin is nowadays getting increasingly popular as an art form, since it enables creating eye-catchy outcomes in terms of new-agehome decorproducts, giving them a unique look and feel as compared to traditional wooden furniture items. At the same time, withepoxy resin art, one can explore the potential of imaginative art and designs to the fullest, as epoxy resin helps in making imagination into reality, wherein we can form patterns and play beautifully and creatively with various colours as well.

Epoxy resin has completely revolutionized the way that interior design is done and introduced a new and creative element where interior designers and architects are using epoxy resin art to create stunning interiors that are not only inventive but also fashionable and elegant. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Husain Johar, Founder and Creative Head at Makemyhouse.com, revealed, “Interior designers use epoxy resin to create flooring that is brilliant and naturally reflective. As a result, the area is lit ten times more.”

He suggested, “To provide this illumination, white, off-white, and other light shades can be employed. By brightly lighting the floor, the space appears larger and increases the lighting in the space. The brightness of the room will lower the cost of electricity bills, energy usage and light changes. When used in hotel lobbies and drawing rooms for private mansions, it will seem much more prestigious and noble. Epoxy resin art is brilliant for creating decorative pieces that one can place in different corners of a hall or bedroom to make corners more attractive.”

He added, “Interior designers also use epoxy resin on kitchen tops and table tops. Due to its quick processing time, epoxy resin art is flourishing in the realm of interior design. The ink layers can be better managed because they don't mix. It can be poured directly on the floor after an extremely simple initial effort. As a result, extra fees are avoided.”

Anand Suman, Founder of Cinnamon Homes, gushed, “Nowadays, interior designers are becoming inclined towards coming up with a lot of attractive designs utilizing epoxy resin art and we are thus seeing epoxy resin art being used off late in multiple products like dining table tops, coffee tables, doors, wall art, wall clock chandeliers and even in ashtrays and coasters! Furthermore, epoxy resin can be used to give a fresh makeover to floors and other surfaces too.”

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Much likediabetes, managing blood pressure is something you have to commit for life. Apart from BP medication, one can introduce some healthy lifestyle changes that can naturally lower yourblood pressureand keep your heart healthy as well. Uncontrolled blood pressure can affect your heart and lead to stroke, heart failure, damage to kidneys among a host of illnesses. Eating a diet low in sodium and high on potassium can help control your blood pressure to a large extent. Apart from that regular exercise can make your heart stronger which will help it pump more blood with ease, this lowering blood pressure. (Also read:Blood pressure basics: How to measure BP at home, ideal range, risks of high BP)

"Biggest factors of blood pressure are diet and stress, and also genetics plays a role in it. You don't have to embark on a major life overhaul to make a difference in your blood pressure. Small changes can make a big difference in your blood pressure numbers. The risk of heart disease can be prevented with some control over yourself. Controlling blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle might prevent, delay or reduce the need for medication," says nutritionist and wellness expert Karishma Shah in her recent Instagram post.

Shah also recommends some natural ways to keep your blood pressure in check

1. Reduce sugar

It can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol level. High sugar intake raises insulin levels, which in turn activates the sympathetic nervous system. This leads to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.

2. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline

Blood pressure often goes up as weight increases. Being overweight can also cause disrupted breathing while you sleep (sleep apnea) which further raises blood pressure.

3. Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity can lower high blood pressure by about 5 to 8mm Hg. It's important to keep exercising to stop blood pressure from rising again. As a general goal aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.

4. Eat a healthy diet

Eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and low in saturated fat and cholesterol can lower high blood pressure by up to 11 mm Hg.

5. Quit smoking

Smoking increases blood pressure. Stopping smoking helps lower blood pressure. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall health, possibly leading to a longer life.

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We have all wondered how celebrities manage to maintain such flawlessskinround the clock and with Bollywood hottieKiara Advaniposting her no-makeupselfies on social media platforms, we can’t help but admire the actor’s flawless and glowing skin. Be it her acting choices, her sartorial choices or her beauty game, she knows her way to get the audiences show more love for her each day.

The winter season is not the best time for one's skin, especially if you suffer from dryness and though we all want a glowing skin that radiates from within this fall and winter season, with so many products and tips to choose from, most of us feel overwhelmed. In the rush to achieve Insta-worthy skin, it is common to skip the most important step in any fall/winter skincare routine – determining your skin type.

Recommendations by experts at this time of year are useful for understanding the dos and don’ts of winter skincare. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Kiara spilled the beans on her glow-giving secrets and suggested the following must-dos to achieve healthy, hydrated and glowing skin -

1. Understanding your skin type:Before selecting any product, you must first ascertain your skin type. To ensure that your skincare regime works perfectly fine, it is essential to consistently apply the right products to your skin for good results. In order to do that, make a note of it when you wake up in the morning. However, it is imperative to follow a routine and choose skincare as well as beauty products made from effective formulations – working in your favor to hydrate and nourish the skin, revealing its natural radiance by dodging dryness.

2. A serum-inclusive skincare routine: We all love how radiant the skin feels after a skincare routine. However, the importance of face serum is yet to be discovered by a lot of audiences. We generally tend to use a lot of products, layer after layer on our face. This generally happens when serums don't typically sink into skin but penetrate in seconds. Kiara revealed, “My first step is to cleanse my skin, followed by the application of a face serum.” She suggested opting for a serum that really makes your skin feel hydrated and because of its non-sticky texture, makes skin feels softer with the instant gloss and notice an actual difference in the texture, clarity and especially the tone of the skin.

3. A workout routine that makes you happy:A workout routine is as important as any other, and it’s also true that working out releases hormones (endorphins) that keep the skin alive and add to its overall glow. So have a routine that works for you, in place. I do suggest a 4-5 day active workout a week for keeping yourself and your skin fit!

5. Starting the day with nutrients:Starting your day with some lukewarm water and lemon contributes to a healthy metabolism, cleansing your skin, the system, as well as refreshing your body. Kiara's nutritious lunch consists of ‘Ghar ka khaana’ – simple roti and vegetables such as spinach, pumpkin and sprouts with a minimal amount of salt and oil. The more you eat healthy food, the finer your skin becomes, she said.

Just by adhering to these simple steps shared by Kiara Advani, you can also make your own path to achieve flawless skin. So what are you waiting for, it is time for you to try them out and let us know!

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ActorJanhvi Kapooris a Gen-Z style icon. One look at her stylish wardrobe, and you will know. Janhvi loves taking sartorial risks but never without a touch of elegance. The Mili actor's collection is full of steal-worthy pieces, including trendy denim looks, red-carpet-ready gowns, breezy printed suits, summer dresses, traditional sarees and more. Her wardrobe for casual outings is also replete with gorgeous outfits - Case in point: Janhvi's deep-neck jumpsuit for a dinner outing in Mumbai. The glamorous diva served a must-have attire for every IT girl's wardrobe.(Also Read | Janhvi Kapoor's bold makeup with sultry orange lehenga wins the night as she turns showstopper at fashion show)

Janhvi Kapoor's IT-Girl avatar for an outing in Mumbai

On Sunday,Janhvi Kapoor stepped out in Mumbaito visit a restaurant for a dinner date. The paparazzi clicked Janhvi exiting the eatery joint, dressed in a dark blue denim jumpsuit and minimal accessories. They shared pictures and videos of Janhvi on social media, and fans loved the star's look for the casual outing. The denim ensemble is a must-have for every IT girl's wardrobe and could be an easy fit for every season. WhileJanhvi served a look for summers, you could don the outfit for winter or fall weather by layering a long coat or a leather jacket. Check out how Janhvi styled the night-out look.

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Janhvi's denim jumpsuit features a front zip closure, collars, and a plunging neckline flaunting her décolletage. The sleeveless ensemble also comes with a fitted bust, side pockets, bell-bottom style pants, and a figure-hugging detail accentuating her enviable curves.

Janhvi teamed the outfit with minimalist accessories, including tan strappy sandals, a patterned black leather shoulder chain bag, and gold hoop earrings.

In the end, Janhvi chose side-parted and lightly-tousled open wavy tresses, subtle eye shadow, mauve pink lip shade, mascara on the lashes, blushed cheeks, darkened brows, and glowing skin.

Meanwhile, Janhvi Kapoor was last seen in Mili with Sunny Kaushal and Manoj Pahwa. She also has several films in the pipeline, including Mr. & Mrs. Mahi with Rajkummar Rao and Bawaal with Varun Dhawan.

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ActorPriyanka Chopratravelled to Saudi Arabia to attend the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah. The star displayed her red carpet glamour in two gorgeous floor-sweeping gowns and won the night with her unmistakable elegance. After attending the festival, Priyanka and her friends enjoyed the weekend by travelling to Dubai and chilling in the United Arab Emirates City. She shared pictures and videos from her time there and captioned the post, "Weekend vibes [heart-eye and star-eye emojis]." The snippets will give you major wanderlust goals and inspire you to pack your bags with the best holiday ensembles and jet off for a dreamy vacation.(Also Read | Priyanka Chopra brings royalty and elegance to Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia: Inside pics, videos)

Priyanka Chopra chills with friends in Dubai

On Sunday,Priyanka Chopra posted photos and videosfrom her Dubai trip with her friends. The first picture shows Priyanka lying on the wooden dock of the yacht in a yellow-coloured strapless swimsuit. The second features Priyanka enjoying a drink while sitting on the boat dressed in a striped shirt. She also shared a video of herself enjoying on a jet ski, marvelling at the sunset views and the beautiful skyline of Dubai. The last few images show the actor at a restaurantdressed in a co-ord animal print ensembleand chilling on the yacht with a friend. Check out the post below.

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Priyanka's monokini/swimsuit can be a great addition to your holiday wardrobe. It comes with a strapless sweetheart neckline, gathered details on the front, and high-leg cut-outs. She wore it with open tresses, sunglasses and minimal makeup. Later, she wore it with white cotton flared pants to chill on the boat.

We also loved Priyanka's animal-print ensemble featuring a button-down shirt and matching pants. She wore the outfit with open tresses, gold hoop earrings, berry-toned dark lip shade, glowing skin, and shimmering eye shadow.

Earlier, Priyanka posted pictures from her red-carpet appearance at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It showed the star dressed in a yellow gown layered with a long floor-sweeping jacket, styled with a statement necklace, bracelets, open tresses, and bold makeup picks.

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Lastly, Priyanka Chopra has two films in the pipeline, Love Again and Ending Things, and her debut web series, Citadel with Richard Madden.

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When speaking aboutwardrobe essentials, our mind naturally gravitates to denim jeans. Investing in a good pair feels like a good commitment to make from time to time, especially if the fit and form, work with your body. To clear things out, denim is actually the blue fabric and jeans are the pants or trousers constructed out of that fabric. With a timeless, throw-on-and-go feel,blue jeansare a must-have for every woman. One of the best things is that they go with the majority of outfits and can wear it literally anywhere from an office meeting to a casual hangout. They are durable and you can wear them for years and years. However, asfashion trendsare changing at a fast pace, it's time to upgrade your blue denim collection with these trendy, chic and stylish blue jeans.(Also read: Men's fashion: 6 bottoms men must have in their wardrobe )

1. Wide-leg jeans

Recently, this denim trend has become increasingly popular. Wide-leg jeans are the ideal bottoms for both dressy and casual looks. It is super comfortable yet stylish and fashionable. It's the ideal go-to, especially if you're short as the cut of the jeans adds length to you. They look best with crop shirts and tops. If your vibe is comfortable yet stylish, then you must have a pair of wide-leg jeans in your wardrobe.

2. Mom jeans

Mom jeans got their name because mothers had to rush around checking items off lists, completing chores, and doing housework, so wearing slim jeans was plainly out of the question. Thus, the mom jean, a combination of the straight and baggy fit was born. It is the ideal mixture, giving you ample room to move around and breathe as you go about your day. It is the perfect denim to wear every day and you can style it in a variety of cool ways.

3. High-Waisted jeans

High-waisted jeans are the best choice for you if you are self-conscious about your stomach or thick thighs while wearing jeans. The best feature of high-waisted denim is the optical illusion it creates, which gives you longer legs and makes you look slim. It is also a great choice for someone who is small. These jeans have long been a favourite because of how simple they are to wear and how relaxed they look. It may be worn with just about anything, including a crop top or a shirt tucked in.

4. Cargo jeans

Cargo jeans are one of the most trending denim of the season. Cargo jeans, often known as carpenter pants, have evolved significantly. Previously just functional, these are now being made of edgy mixed materials like leather and nylon or with large, heavy pockets. For a classic '90s look, wear your cargo jeans with a crop top and big platform boots.

5. Printed jeans

Printed jeans are a denim trend that deserves its time in the spotlight. This denim look has something for everyone, whether you like logomania or graphic designs. It comes in a variety of colours, prints and patterns. Wearing a neutral one-colour top is a fantastic way to wear printed pants. You may effortlessly dress up according to your style and interest. Pair it up with a t-shirt for casual appearance and a fancy top and a jacket for a more fashionable appearance.

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Want to help a shelter pet but do not where to start. There is a lot more you can do if you are can't adopt for some reason from providing them foster homes, with necessary medicine, supplies, food to raising money for these lovable pets. Shelter houses are places that house stray, lost, abandoned or surrendered animals like dogs, cats etc. While adoption is always a preferred option, there are several other ways you can care for these animals. There is in fact a day that is dedicated to spread awareness about helping shelter pets called Celebrate Shelter Pets Day. It is celebrated on December 5 every year. The celebration started in 2010 as a collaborative effort among the Humane Society of the U.S., a non-profit organisation, the Ad Council, and Maddie’s Fund. (Also read:Celebrate Shelter Pets Day: 5 reasons to adopt pets from animal shelters)

"I have found that so many animal enthusiasts reach out to me to ask about how they can help animals in India. A seemingly difficult and daunting task, people remain unsure of where to start," says Devanshi Shah, Founder and CEO, Petkonnect.

Shah suggests some ways in which you can help shelter pets and make their lives easy.

• Donate: The simplest of them all is to donate money, food, medicines, and other supplies to shelters. These donations don’t have to be in large amounts or quantities but could be frequent in nature. More often than not, shelters are not for profits and so can always use additional funding. There are many costs shelters incur such as rent for their shelters, doctor fees, worker fees, medicines, surgeries, food, water, clothing and more. To keep up with the growing number of animals entering shelters, the need for donations is also one that continues to increase.

• Adopt: This is one of the most important ways, to adopt animals from shelters. Instead of going in for some fancy breed, most of which don’t belong in the Indian climate, pick up a stray or abandoned pet from a shelter. These animals are far better suited for life in India, and also tend to have lesser problems as compared to high bred pets. The number of animals in shelters is growing every day and the best thing anyone looking to get an animal can do is to adopt. If unable to adopt, one can even provide foster homes for animals when shelters don’t have the space. A short duration spent in your home can work to save the lives of stray animals.

• Volunteer: For those who have more time than money, this is a great option. Of course, we recommend every animal lover to volunteer. Costs associated with manpower related activities at shelters are usually one of the highest. While many may not be able to volunteer on medical activities, they should get involved with feeding strays, raising money, raising donations of used items like toys and clothes, raising awareness around key issues, sterilization drives and most importantly adoption drives. What is also key here is to participate or volunteer at the many different types of events organized by shelters.

• Pro-bono professional services: This one reaches out to doctors, lawyers, therapists, and other highly trained professionals who can be of assistance to shelters. Reach out to shelters to see how you can be of service.

• Social media: Finally, and the simplest of all, is to use your social media to help shelters increase awareness and spread the word. Regularly share content posted by shelters about public information, events, adoption drives and more. You never know, you may even find a stray a forever home with the simple click of a button.

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Adopting a petgives a person the best feeling in the world. It makes you appreciate life more and encourages you to be better. Animals are capable of providing us with a lifetime of unconditionallovewithout asking for anything in return. This is especially true for stray, abandoned, and rescued animals who are eagerly looking for the smallest amount ofcareand compassion after all thepainand hardships they have experienced. A little bit of love and space in your house will save their lives and give these innocent animals a wonderful chance at life, and they will give you unimaginable joy in return.(Also read: 12 things you should consider before adopting a pet animal )

"Have you heard the new adage, "Adopt, Don't Shop?" If this is the case, you may be wondering what it means. Adopt, Don't Shop is a campaign slogan used by an increasing number of animal rights activists to promote adopting pets from shelters rather than purchasing them from pet stores. All animals deserve love and a good, healthy life. Adoption gives you a chance to do the right thing for fur babies and give them the love that's been missing in their life," says, Dr. Shantanu Kalambi, Chief Veterinarian, Supertails.com, in an interview with HT Lifestyle. He further shared five reasons why you should adopt a furry friend from an animal shelter and not buy one.

1. You’re giving them a new and better life in a loving home: When you adopt a pet from a shelter home they get a second chance which they deserve. Animals that are in shelter homes are as innocent and lovable as any other pets that you find. They too deserve to be in a home with a loving family and in addition to providing a pet with a happy life, adopting them from a shelter frees up a seat at the rescue or shelter so that another animal can be saved.

2. Breeding practices are cruel and immoral: You’re fighting against animal cruelty and also saving a life by adopting a pet. What you don’t know is that many animals, such as a dog sold in pet stores or online come from puppy mills, these are large-scale breeding operations that push animals into filthy, claustrophobic cages and breed female dogs repeatedly until they are unable to bear more offspring. When the puppies are taken from their moms too young, they are denied socialization, exercise, and warm human touch until they reach the pet store.

3. Shelters make the adoption process easier: They guide you through the process of being a first-time pet parent. Shelters treat these fur babies with much more love and care for their well-being. They make sure that you fully understand what you’re doing, and they help you understand your new baby. Not only this, but they also take care of spaying and neutering and in many cases, vaccinations as well.

4. They make great first pets: As they’re partially trained and used to being around people. These fur babies are well-trained in the shelters and are much easier to handle, especially for first-time pet parents.

5. You get unconditional love in return:The bond you’ll share will be priceless. When you adopt an animal from the shelter, they show gratitude and respect towards you. They know that you’ve saved their lives and they give you all the love in the world to show how much that means to them.

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I appear to be more sensitive to the cold than most people. While everyone was only recently still walking around in a t-shirt, I had already started layered up, including a thick winter sweater. In addition, my hot-water bottle generally is in constant use as soon as the temperature falls below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). (Also read:Freezing to death: What happens in the body?)

I recently wanted to buy a new hot-water bottle to replace my old worn-out one. The store only had a cheap model decorated with a tacky cat motif. I don't like cats.

The friendly saleswoman told me that sales of hot-water bottles were booming and that they were having supply problems.

One of Europe's largest hot-water bottle manufacturers is based in Baden-Wuerttemberg, and they're bound to be pleased with the growing demand.

With Russian President Vladimir Putin suspending gas supplies to Germany, the country's population has been called upon to reduce heating and cut gas use.

So, I have turned down the thermostat, and snuggled up with my hot-water bottles. Note the plural: I own two. One is for my feet and the other one moves around to warm any other part of my body that feels cold.

Why many women freeze more easily than men

My husband says I'm overdoing it. That's easy for him to say.

It has actually been scientifically proven that women freeze faster than men. A higher proportion of muscles changes a person's perception of cold, since muscles produce heat that is distributed throughout the body. Muscles make up about 40% of a man's body compared to an average 25% for women. In a way, men have their own built-in furnaces that warm them from the inside. For my part, I have to rely on hot-water bottles.

The first hot-water bottle was red

A tire manufacturer released the first rubber-model, hot-water bottle with a screw-on cap in 1920.

"If you are tormented by discomfort, and your well-being is reduced, I advise you: reach into your pocket and buy a hot-water bottle. And then make the right choice: the Continental hot-water bottle!," read the advertisement for the new product.

A trade journal at the time, the Gummi Zeitung was also enthusiastic about it: "Who hasn't stood in front of their bed and hesitated to slide into the cold sheets, like a diver in front of an icy lake in which he has to dive? But, now you know, beneath the forbidding surface lies a brilliant midnight sun."

The rubber bottles were a huge success: 500,000 of these heat dispensers were manufactured every year until the end of the 1990s, when production was stopped due to competition from Asia.

Heat balls, pewter warmers and other bed warmers

Before this invention, people had already found ways to create transportable heat sources. As early as the 9th century, monks used so-called heat balls made of iron, silver or even gold. They were filled with smoldering charcoal or heated clay and aimed to warm cold feet and hands during church services.

Stones were also used. They were put in the fire for a while and taken to bed in the evening to warm the damp blankets. The same technique was used in postal carriages, at the theater or while working at a desk. The stones were wrapped in blankets to avoid burns. But accidents still happened.

The pewter bed warmer was then invented in the mid-16th century. It was filled with hot water and sealed with a screw cap.

Two centuries later, pewter was replaced by copper, which conducts heat better. However, only richer households could afford it, as copper was anything but cheap. In poorer families, the pot of boiling soup was put on the bed to warm the sheets.

An even fancier bed warmer, with a lid and handle, was developed by a coppersmith called Schulder. He lived in Paris but came from cold, damp Germany. On November 11, 1808, he applied for a patent for his "bed warmer," a fireproof pan that could be filled with charcoal or hot stones. It was immediately recommended by the "Frauenzimmer-Lexikon," a book with tips for housewives, and was soon available in many cold bedrooms — to help with ice-cold feet and shivering limbs.

Ready for the winter

Those models were then replaced by the hot-water bottle as we know it today. The flexible rubber easily clings to the freezing body. They are available in many colors and sizes, covered with fleece or faux fur, taking on the shape of a cuddly bear or a cat.

Yes, in the end, I did buy the one with the cat design after all. It stays warm for about an hour. At least I have a trick from my grandmother, to add a spoonful of salt to the water. That allows the hot-water bottle to stay warm longer. And if I still get cold, I can always slip my cold feet around my husband's. Winter can come.

This article was originally written in German.

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Yogais growing in popularity in recent decades especially among youth as it offers twin advantage of mind and body fitness.Covid pandemichas made the ancient practice even more relevant considering its benefits in managing long Covid symptoms like breathing issues, fatigue and cardiac issues. The journey for many is life-changing but considering people need quick results, a lot of them end up with injuries that usually happen due to overstretching of the joints, muscle and tendon. It is not only important to adopt the right posture, but learn the correct alignment and pace in order to reap benefits of a specific yogasana. There are stretches that prepare your muscles and joints before going for asanas that are more intense. At times, people consider Yoga to be just an exercise routine while it is actually a comprehensive lifestyle that includes diet, some niyams, abstinences, pranayama, dhyana among many other aspects. (Also read:Yoga expert on 3 simple exercises to improve eyesight)

"Yoga asanas, meditation, and breathing exercises can all be used to help you discover your inner quiet. Yoga helps you become ready for many types of physical activity, such as sports, dance, and running. Yoga increases strength and flexibility by emphasising proper body alignment and coordinated breathing. Stretches that are both vigorous and passive are combined in yoga. Stretches are classified as either passive or active depending on how long you hold a position for. Passive stretches are performed when you keep a posture for more than a minute. Your risk of injury increases when your muscles are tight; yoga asanas prepare your body by making it strong and flexible. This aids in both injury prevention and hastening the healing process," says Akshar, Akshar Yoga Institutions, Himalaya Yoga Ashrama, World Yoga Organisation.

Akshar also suggests tips for Yoga practitioners to prevent injuries:

1. Develop a mind body connection

Regular yoga practise helps you develop a connection to your body and breath. This makes it possible to comprehend how particular muscle groups are engaged by various postures. When you become an expert at performing dynamic motions, injuries can be avoided. Yoga has been shown to boost endurance, which lessens muscle fatigue, as well as balance. Yoga's primary objective is to foster a mind-body connection, and it is this element that is crucial in preventing injuries.

2. Take care of alignment and breath

Know the proper alignment for each position prior to practising. This helps to prevent injuries and ensures that you can benefit the most from your practice. Be careful and avoid certain poses if you already have an injury. Additionally, the breath rate must be coordinated. Learn and understand the proper breathing technique for each asana by taking your time.

3. Start off slowly

There is never a dull moment during a yoga practise. Every day offers a chance to learn something new and a brand-new beginning. You should generally be open to learning, but you should also practise restraint until you get the feel of it. If you have never exercised or participated in any physical activity before, yoga might be physically taxing and daunting. Take care to develop your foundational positions by starting off slowly.

4. Asanas that can prevent injuries

Dandasana, Malsana, and Santolansana are three asanas that can help the body become more stable. You can perform specific asanas depending on the type of your injury. Samasthithi, Vrikshasana, and Ekapadasana are examples of standing poses that help safeguard your back and stop injuries. Yoga should be practised to successfully avoid injuries as well as treat them. Since hamstring injuries are among the most frequent sorts of exercise accidents, you should increase your hamstring flexibility with asanas like Prasarita Padottanasana and Padahasthasana. Naukasana will help you strengthen your core for greater balance and safety.

5. Proceed cautiously

If you don't practise slowly, you run the risk of pushing yourself too far and harming yourself. When using yoga techniques like physical postures, pranayama, or meditation, moving gently is the greatest way to achieve your goals. Don't haste and lose patience.

6. Set realistic goals

Goals are important, and yoga is the best practise for helping you internalise this idea. Yoga offers you the stamina to persevere any time you try an asana and find it challenging. As a result, finishing that asana becomes your goal, which inspires you to keep attempting the pose until you succeed in it. But it's important to go gently and to treat yourself nicely. Yoga is a science of the body that teaches us how to make the most of the incredible breathing and living systems that God has given us. You can develop a strong bond with your body by becoming aware of it.

7. Do not practice after eating

Do not start your practise right after eating. Try to avoid eating or practising for at least two hours. It's also a good idea to wait to take a bath soon after practise. A minimum of 30 minutes should pass between your meal and your practice. Your body's and health's current status are determined by the food you consume. Enrich the food you eat if you wish to grow personally.

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The winterwedding seasonis here to dress up in gorgeous, stylish dresses, complementing accessories, and stunning makeup. It is the ideal opportunity to update yourwardrobeand invest money in fashionable stuff. You want to look your best for every occasion, especially now that wedding season is in full swing. Thecocktail partyis one of the main attractions of almost all weddings where you can experiment and bring out the hidden diva queen. And when it comes to fashion and smashing looks no one does it better than our favouriteBollywood divas. They can make any clothing look elegant, whether it is a seductive gown or a basic silk saree. Add some shimmer to your cocktail party dress by taking inspiration from these Bollywood diva's approved looks.(Also read: From Alia Bhatt to Mouni Roy, here are Bollywood divas who ditched red and slayed in ivory bridal dresses )

1. Nora Fatehi's red sequined gown

Nora Fatehi's red sequined gown is a perfect excuse to flaunt your sexy legs. The dress is the ideal glam attire to rock your cocktail night as it features slip-in details, a plunging neckline, sequin accents in red Resham threads, and a thigh-high slit. To add more oomph, accessorise it with a golden statement neckpiece. A messy ponytail, black eyeliner, black kohl, mascara-coated eyelashes, drawn eyebrows, contoured cheekbones, and a soft shade of red lipstick finish off your look.

2. Shraddha Kapoor's ivory shimmery gown

Shraddha Kapoor's ivory shimmering gown is the perfect outfit for you if you want to look fashionable, on-trend, yet classy and elegant. Her dress had an elaborate design all over it and a subtly plunging neckline, giving it a refined and sophisticated appearance. Keep the accessories to a minimum to let your gown's beauty shine through. Your outfit will be completed with a bracelet and silver statement earrings. Keep your hair open like Shraddha, and finish the look with peach lips, lots of highlighter, heavy mascara, and smokey eyes.

3. Sonakshi's crimson gown

Almost everyone looks amazing in bodycon dresses since they enhance your curves and flawlessly hug your body. Sonakshi Sinha is stunning and alluring in a red hot bodycon dress with a thigh-high split. Long sleeves, a plunging sweetheart neckline, and a midriff-baring style are enough to make you the focus of attention. Gowns with embroidery always appear lovely since it gives off a magical environment and a really glam vibe. Keep your hair and make-up minimal to get the best look.

4. Raveena’s lilac shimmery gown

Raveena Tandon looks stunning in a lilac gown with sparkle. The dress has a plunging neckline and silver Resham thread decorations. The gown has long sleeves and bodycon features that give it a distinctive look, making it the ideal attire for a cocktail night. Add ear cuffs and silver stilettos to finish the ensemble. Keep your hair into a messy bun and make-up nude and blushy and you will be all ready to shine on your cocktail night.

5. Janhvi Kapoor's shimmery bodycon dress

Janhvi Kapoor is the queen of glittery, sparkly dresses, and she is an expert at making them seem absolutely beautiful. The actress's gorgeous, figure-hugging ivory shimmering sleeveless evening gown is every girl's dream look for a cocktail party. The attire is ideal for highlighting the hourglass body. Simple, elegant makeup and a high ponytail are all that is needed to finish the appearance.

6. Malaika Arora's yellow shimmer gown

If you are tired of wearing silver and gold dresses, try something new by drawing styling cues from Malaika Arora's flowing, glitter-filled lemon-yellow gown. Her dress, which features lace inserts beneath a plunging cowl neckline, is gorgeous. The gown drapes on her so effortlessly because of the soft satin finish that resembles meringue. The yellow dress has a crisscross backless design and a side split, which are enough to catch everyone's attention. Put the finishing touches on your look with glossy lips and smokey eyes.

7. Bhumi Pednekar's black one-shoulder gown

Bhumi Pednekar looks stunning in a black one-shoulder gown with a side split, showcasing her daring yet glamorous persona. Her appearance is the perfect source of inspiration for you if you want to try something bold and daring. Bhumi wore her thick hair down. She chose the soft glam makeup style. If you want to look daring and dazzling on your cocktail night, her attire is the perfect model.

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Mature means you’ve reached an advanced stage of mental or emotional development characteristic of an adult. Maturecommunicationis supportive, balanced and regulated, non-reactive, clear and respectful. It is also one of the pillars of successful andhappy relationships. Understanding and meeting your partner's needs is an important element of learning how to communicate maturely in a relationship. Couples can overcome the difficulties and roadblocks that prevent them from realising theirrelationship goalswith mature communication. It is the ability to communicate with compassion and trust your relationship.(Also read: 5 communication reminders for successful relationships )

Amy Fiedler, Certified Life Coach, shared seven ways to communicate maturely in your relationship in her recent Instagram post.

1. Listening carefully, before responding:It's important to recognize that we all filter information differently. Sometimes how something is intended isn't how we receive it. It's always safe to ask for clarification.

2. Healthy conflict resolution:When you want to resolve conflict, having a mindset that it's you versus them is not ever going to be productive. Your partner is on the same team as you. Remembering this even when upset, hurt, sad or frustrated is necessary for the health of your relationship.

3. Taking responsibility for your actions: When two mature individuals are interacting, they both acknowledge they are responsible for their own words and actions. Blame is not the default setting in these relationships. Instead, there's the communication of feelings, honest emotion, personal accountability and boundary setting.

4. Being able to communicate your boundaries and not abandon them when someone oversteps them: Personal accountability is essential in any relationship. That includes taking responsibility for respecting yourself regardless of what others choose to do. That means you recognize that your boundaries are there for you. They may not change the behaviour of others but that doesn't mean you abandon them too.

5. Having the willingness to communicate through everything:Effective communication involves knowing how to listen attentively. It's the ability to offer empathy, open-mindedness, and helpful feedback. Even if you are at your worst phase it is important to keep communication open.

6. Mutual respect: Maturity means we are willing to give what we want to receive. Boundaries for both individuals are supportive of each of you and the relationship as a whole. Being willing and able to hear them and respect them is important.

7. Expressing how you feel or asking for additional support: Here are some examples of what that can look like:

• Excuse yourself from the environment after a conflict before having a conversation about how you feel.

• Grabbing a journal when you're upset to release your anger and find direction, feedback and clarity in it.

• Pausing before allowing yourself to be quick to react or attack.

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Covid-19 pandemicis far from over and one needs to be especially cautious in winters as it's the season of viral infections including influenza and Covid. Amid pandemic turning less aggressive and people dropping guards, scientists and infectious disease specialists warn that Covid appropriate measures should continue. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "Gaps in testing ... and vaccination are continuing to create the perfect conditions for a new variant of concern to emerge that could cause significant mortality." Omicron, the highly contagious variant of Covid, has more than 500 sublineages that is evolving fast. It is important to get tested when one has flu-like symptoms and wear masks in crowded areas. Regular hand-washing should not be ignored and it is important to keep good ventilation in offices, restaurants and other public areas. (Also read:Omicron BF.7 in India; experts on symptoms of new Covid variant, possibility of fresh wave)

"Covid 19 is a virus and we have been getting viral during the winters. It is important for people to protect themselves from seasonal flu and the possible new immune strains of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. It’s essential to safeguard yourself from the cold weather and stay healthy throughout the season. Though it seems difficult, there are several ways to keep the commonly suffering ailments away from your family," says Dr Rajesh Chawla, Senior Consultant Pulmonology and Critical Care, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.

Sticking to the basic rules to prevent Covid spread, people should continue to follow measures to keep the deadly infection at bay. Children, elderly and those will chronic illnesses especially should be cautious.

Here are 7 tips to prevent Covid infection this winter season by Dr Chawla:

• Know the symptoms:The flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, but they are both infectious respiratory diseases, spread by droplets and aerosols when infected people cough, sneeze, speak, sing, breathe, etc. They have similar symptoms, including cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, headache and fatigue. People may have varying levels of illness with both the flu and COVID-19. Because symptoms are similar, it is important to take a test, so that treatment can begin quickly, if needed.

• Cover coughs and sneeze:Following a good respiratory hygiene is extremely important. It is important to cover the mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when one coughs or sneezes.

• Get vaccinated: It is essential to get vaccine. Elderly and those with underlying conditions like high blood pressure, lung and heart disease, diabetes, obesity or cancer must get them vaccinated. The more fully vaccinated people there are, the better protected they are as well.

• Wear a mask: Masks help stop people from spreading the virus or being infected when droplets containing the virus are inhaled or come directly into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth

• Keep physical distancing: It is important for all viral infections which can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. Understanding, the situation, it is advisable to Keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from other people

• Keep hands clean: People may pick up a virus by touching surfaces that have been contaminated, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth with those hands. Cleaning hands frequently eliminates germs that may be on the hands, including viruses.

• Meet outside or increase ventilation: All these viral infections including COVID-19 is more easily transmitted in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces and where people spend long periods of time together. Settings with increased risk of outbreaks include restaurants, offices and places of worship. Hence, it is advisable to go outside, whenever possible

"There is an increased risk of both the flu and COVID-19 circulating over the next few months. For a safer winter, it is important to understand the symptoms and who is at risk, get vaccinated, take steps to protect, and stay safe," concludes Dr Chawla.

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Intimate spaces likebedroomsneed not conform to being an introvert space—extravagant, large spans can make the space push the boundaries of conventionaldesignand open up to a visual abundance. A subtle mix of illusion from the gestalt theories and a thoughtful composition of the mood board can transform a small bedroom to give out a feeling of a larger space.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Interior Designer Punam Kalra, Creative Director of I'm the Centre for applied Arts, suggested the following tips to make your bedroom appear bigger:

1. Emphasis on the blanks

Every space is perceived in parts that fit into a whole—A blank canvas breaks a space and articulate it in multiple directions, throwing better, individual focus on the elements in the foreground. Go minimal on the backgrounds with compact furniture and statement décor. Cut down the layers of interior accessories such as throw pillows, valence curtains, tapestries etc. and compose a more sleek aesthetic with solid textures and pristine metal accents. You can bring in more low-rise pieces like platform beds, wing chairs, linear consoles and ottomans to bring out a good visual connectivity and let the space breathe.

2. Go for lighter colour palettes

All of warm whites, cool whites, neutral beiges and pastels take over the character of white—its bare face and reflectivity. Spaces ruled by these white-based, light-hued colours like taupe, peach, powder-blue, blush pink and more tend to reflect light to make its expanse bifold. Bring these sophisticated light tones in everything from the bed to the headboard and bounce off the light with more polished finishes and smooth textures in the surfaces. Terazzo walls, marble floors and crystal chandeliers have created a wave in the all-white bedroom trends—you can bring such monochrome effects with colour co-ordinated floors and wall to get an extended view of the space.

3. Blur the boundaries

Breaking into the physical boundaries of a space make it feel less defined—and hence, bigger in appearance. Throw more focus on the openings like windows, balconies or sitouts and include them as a part of the space. Introduce furniture pieces that connect the spaces with a single theme—include nature-inspired palettes like wooden cots, rattan chairs, log tables, bamboo shades, handcrafted lamps and more to achieve a true al fresco interior.

On the other hand, solid walls can also blur the spatial boundaries with reflective panels or decorative mirror accents that draw an illusion of a larger space. You can also scale up the mirror images with signature floor mirrors or dedicated mirror walls that introduce newer views into the space.

4. Vouch for built-in pieces

Well-planned furnishings demarcate a space and define its expanse. Introducing built-in furniture along a clean-lined layout can give a neat outline to the visual composition of the interior. Either the clearance can be nullified completely with a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe or the setup can be much airier with floating cabinets. Go for petite silhouettes and monochrome palettes for the custom storage and experiment with space-saving upgrades like convertible tables, underbed storage etc. More of concealed elements can also be brought in with cove lights along the wall panels, among others.

5. Balance the proportions

Creating the illusion of a larger space is entwined with the composition of the elements—the visual balance and the rhythm. Symmetric elements like a pair of pendant lights, a 4-door console, a 2-door French window and more, signal a direct balance while the details like geometric wallpapers take it beyond the immediate sight. Compositions like grid gallery walls, twin vanity or even identical décor can elongate your viewpoints and make the space feel larger.

In parallel, the relationship between continuity and illusion is best illustrated by ceiling to floor drapes and sheers spanning along an entire wall, carpets taking over an entire floor and more that connect different parts of a space and draw a cohesive interior scene. These connecting elements are the key to the visual impressions of a space on the onlooker.

According to Ankit Ojha and Anand Ojha, principal designers of Anand Atelier Associate, the interiors of our houses are a reflection of ourselves and our personality. They insisted, “It should always reflect positivity and calmness when we enter it. With our hectic schedules, it is our home and specially the bedrooms that provide us the peace and warmth.” They listed a few tips which we can apply in our spaces to make it appear bigger and airier:

1. White interiors:

White interiors are very much in trend and also gives the space a refreshing look. It makes the space looks lighter and brighter with natural light falling on it. White interiors with lots of indoor plants, vintage pieces, contrasting colored fabrics, and carefully selected personal pieces are something that makes the space look more prettier and airy.

2. Go minimalistic

The bedrooms will automatically looks bigger when they much free floor space. Minimalism, and simplicity will provide us chaos free spaces, which will let us experiment with different colours and create contrasting combinations. This will make your bedrooms more serene and relaxing, making it look more sophisticated and classy.

3. Be creative with your furniture

Use Floating shelves, sleek wooden shelves or glass shelves combined with the right hardware choices and the material can create a noticeable difference in the space. Hidden storages are a thing! We all want it and we all love it. We can provide hidden storage behind a mirror or a nice cushioning. When we provide hidden storages behind cushioning or mirrors they will provide a sleek and a more organized look to the space.

4. Mirror mirror on the wall

Adding mirror can instantly help in transforming the look of the space and will also helps in adding the glamour to the space. Mirror reflects light, giving an illusion of a much larger space. Choose walls with maximum natural or artificial light falling onto it. It will helps in maximizing the sense of the space.

5. Ceiling-to-floor curtains

Install ceiling-to-floor curtains in your space, it will provide symmetry to the space as well as will make the space seems taller. Use linen or cotton fabric in pastel colors, as dark color fabric absorbs more light. If we have more than one window we can also choose between blinds for the windows.

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Asian Tiger mosquito or Aedes albopictus, an aggressive daytime biter that feeds on humans and occasionally on other mammals can lead to potentially fatal complications in humans. Also known as forest mosquitoes, they are originally from Southeast Asia but have now spread to European countries and USA with movement of goods and international travel. According to a Daily Star report, a 27-year-old man in Germany slipped into coma, had his two toes amputated apart from going through 30 surgeries after a bite from Asian Tiger mosquito. According to the report, the bite led to a malignant bacterium that ate away almost halfway up his left thigh, and the person had to undergo skin transplantation to remove an abscess formed in the region. (Also read:What is DENV-2, the deadly dengue variant that is spreading fast; know symptoms, causes, treatment)

Facts about Asian tiger mosquitoes

Asian tiger mosquitoes, also known as forest mosquitoes, are an exotic species that get their "tiger" name from the single white stripe down the centre of their head and back. Originally from Southeast Asia, this daytime-biting insect can transmit harmful diseases like Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya and dengue fever. In the past few centuries, however, this species has spread to European countries and United States of America through the transport of goods and international travel.

"Asian tiger mosquito or Aedes albopictus is a forest species that has adapted to the urban environment. It is an aggressive daytime biter that feeds on humans but can feed on many other mammals. This is a very similar species to Aedes aegypti and can be mistaken for the latter when the scales and other morphological markings are rubbed off. To differentiate them apart, the clypeus on Aedes aegypti has pale scales, whereas that of Aedes albopictus is unscaled and entirely black," says Dr Ajay Agarwal, Director and Head Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital Noida.

Asian tiger mosquito illnesses

Dr Ajay Agarwal shares 5 deadly illnesses you can get from the bite of Asian tiger mosquito:

1. Dengue

After Aedes Aegypti, Aedes albopictus is one of the important vectors of Dengue fever in India especially in North-Eastern states and rural areas. Severe forms of Dengue fever such as Dengue shock syndrome presents with symptoms such as shock, bleeding, metabolic acidosis and given the high incidence of the disease in India have significant associated mortality and morbidity with the disease.

2. Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a debilitating, but non-fatal, viral illness that is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. It resembles dengue fever. Chikungunya virus is primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It resembles dengue fever with severe joint pain (arthritis) as the most common feature of the disease. Chikungunya occurs mainly in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Although most people recover at home with anti-inflammatory drugs some develop persistent arthritis requiring therapy.

3. West Nile fever

West Nile fever can be defined as WNV disease that causes fever and nonspecific symptoms (eg, headache, muscle aches, rash, neck stiffness, vomiting) without any evidence of brain/meningeal involvement. However, more serious form of the disease West Nile Encephalitis can cause mental status changes, confusion, lethargy, seizures, local paraesthesia, and/or movement disorders with 9% of neuroinvasive disease cases resulting in death. The case-fatality ratio increased with

increasing age. The primary vector of the disease is culex rarely aedes. The febrile illness and sporadic encephalitis were found in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and off late USA. Treatment of West Nile encephalitis (WNE) consists of prevention, followed then by supportive care.

The mainstay of prevention is limiting personal mosquito-bite exposure.

4. Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is caused by an arthropod borne alphavirus. Invariably fatal in equines although uncommon in humans but likewise associated with high rate of mortality and morbidity. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and some abdominal pain with diarrhoea but often progress rapidly to confusion, somnolence, or even coma.

EEE is prevalent in USA, gulf coastal areas (eg, Mexico, northern coast of South America, Caribbean).

The average duration of hospitalisation is 16-20 days. The prognosis in infected patients is extremely poor; 50-70% of patients die. The morbidity rate is approximately 90%, representing a wide range of mild to severe impairment. Only 10% of patients fully recover.

5. Zika virus

Zika virus infection usually causes a mild, self-limited illness but Zika virus has potential for sexual transmission and has been associated with congenital brain abnormalities in pregnant women infected during the first trimester. Both Aedes aegypti (major) and Aedes albopictus (minor) were recognized as vectors for the transmission of Zika virus. The global prevalence of Zika virus infection has not been widely reported owing to asymptomatic clinical course, clinical resemblance to other infection with other viruses (dengue, chikungunya), and difficulty in confirming diagnosis. Although most cases of Zika virus infection are mild and self-limited, serious neurological complications have been reported in rare cases, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. In addition, adverse pregnancy outcomes and congenital Zika syndrome due to vertical transmission of Zika virus is of greatest concern with poor long-term prognosis.

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Sugar cravingsare something we all experience. You have the best of intentions when you go to the shop to buynutritious food, but you end up heading straight for the candy. When you have a sugar hunger your body is trying to tell you something. The strongcravingsfor particular meals, which typically involve indulging in something sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy, carb-filled, or fried, might be challenging to ignore. When something is on your mind, you feel compelled to have it. When we crave weird or unhealthy meals, it's sometimes a sign that our diets are lacking in something.(Also read: Sugar cravings to fatigue: How poor digestion can impact your overall health )

Gut Health Nutritionist, Madisen, shared some useful insights on sugar cravings in her recent Instagram post.

1. You are stressed

Stressful times increase how quickly you burn calories and nutrients. It makes sense that when your body is under intense or chronic stress, it will crave sugar. It is looking for easy-to-digest sources of fuel. Sure, you can survive without the carbs, but this puts your body under more stress. It's much easier to digest and assimilate carbs than protein or fat.

2. You are not eating enough

Calorie-restrictive diets can lead to intense sugar cravings because the body is not getting enough fuel to function optimally. Eating 1,800 calories or less, especially during times of stress, can lead to cravings as your body needs more energy and resources.

3. Your blood sugar is low

High carbohydrate diets without adequate amounts of protein and fat with meals can spike your blood sugar and lead to a blood sugar crash an hour or two later. When your blood sugar is low, this is incredibly stressful on the body. You might feel dizzy, hungry, irritable and crave sugar because your body is desperately looking for an easy source of fuel to raise your blood sugar quickly.

4. You are in your luteal phase

The luteal phase occurs after ovulation. This is typically around days 14-28 of your cycle. Progesterone levels rise, which increases metabolism, and your need for calories. This is by design. If you happened to get pregnant when you ovulated, your body wants to eat more within the luteal window to fuel up and prepare for a potential pregnancy.

5. You are eating artificial sugar

Artificial sugars can cause something called the cephalic phase insulin response. When our body tastes something sweet, it starts to produce hormones and enzymes to digest carbs. When there are no carbs, (like in the case of consuming artificial sugar) this can interfere with blood sugar, and hormone balance and cause more cravings for sugar.

6. Your body needs comfort and safety

The sweet taste is comforting and grounding. In Ayurveda, dates are often consumed before meals to help centre and ground individuals with more anxious, stressful and sporadic thoughts. Sometimes we need to find other sources of comfort and safety besides sweets which can help us get out of our heads and more into our bodies.

Foods to consume when you crave sugar : honey, cane sugar, maple syrup, jaggery, fresh fruit, dairy, dates, homemade baked goods/ice cream or sweets with healthy ingredients.

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For thechildrento understand themselves and interact with the ever-changing world around them, they need a holistic approach and environment that nurtures their social, emotional, physical, mental, and intellectual growth collectively which will eventually aid in their overall well-being. Since humans are social beings, communication is an integral part of achild’s development. Primary Caregivers, teachers, and peers who are able to better communicate with children from a young age, enable an environment of trust, openness, and safety. Children's ability to communicate is crucial to their academic success, social development, and personal growth. (Also read:How to strike up better conversations with your children; expert tips)

Whenparentshave open, honest communication with kids, it aids in the kids’ understanding of their environment and forming relationships with others. It also fosters their capacity for problem-solving and self-expression through language. Parents have a large influence on thecommunication skillsof their children as well as the magnitude to which their children face developmental issues while growing holistically. This influence should not go undermined.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Ajay Gupta, Founder & CEO, Bachpan Play School and AHPS & Co-Founder, Rishihood University, explained the need for better parent-child communication and how can parents foster that.

Holistic development:

When we talk about a child's "holistic development", we refer to the child's growth in all areas—physical, cognitive, emotional, and social. It is a dynamic procedure where one's health, well-being, and success in life are all considered and combined. It is an approach that views a child's growth and development as a series of interrelated facets, rather than seeing it as a series of isolated stages. The aim of holistic development is to guarantee that the person grows and develops in totality.

The need for better parent-child communication:

Children who can express themselves clearly and effectively have greater opportunities to form friendships, work together productively, and boost their sense of self-worth and confidence. Children get to learn empathy and emotional regulation by talking about their feelings. Children's ability to express themselves and receive and process information is a crucial component of their success in the classroom as well. Effective parent-child communication is the key to achieving the aim of holistic development. Its role in all the above and many other aspects is indispensable.

How can parents foster better communication with their kids?

As was previously noted, parent-child communication is crucial in helping children develop in a holistic manner. A few examples of how this can be fostered are given below.

• Give your child the gift of active listening by modelling it for them.
• Don't look away from your youngster during communication, and maintain proper eye contact.
• Boost your child’s confidence and praise your child when he/she does something kind.
• Spend quality time with your child by doing things your child likes and making him/her familiar with new activities.
• Instead of presuming that your child is aware of your love and concern, convey it to your child from time to time. This will help prevent negative feelings.
• Communicate your expectations to your child to instil in him or her a strong sense of self.
• Avoid asking your kid too many questions while talking, as it may prevent him or her from truly opening up.
• Employ constructive criticism when interacting with your child and provide a thorough explanation to dispel any possible confusion.
• Instead of solving your child's problem, teach your child how to do it without passing any judgement or giving advice (This adds positivity to your relationship).

Talking to HT Lifestyle, Taehreem Ansari, Therapist at The Mood Space, says, "It is important to understand that children who may not learn effective communication skills may experience isolation, which can increase their risk of becoming vulnerable to physical, psychological, and emotional distress. Although every child develops communication skills differently, there are developmental milestones that you may watch for as signs that the child is moving along in the right direction. Remember that a child's growth includes learning communication, which is crucial, and plays an important role in shaping the kid’s brain and mental patterns that aids in physical, psychological, social, intellectual, and mental development," she further shared some important benefits of better communication on a child’s holistic development.

1. Enhancement of self-esteem.

2. Identification and communication of one’s needs.

3. Openness to receiving feedback and taking efforts in working towards them.

4. Increased self-confidence using active participation in academics and group spaces.

5. Aid in understanding differences among people and their capabilities.

6. Learning while instilling curiosity and inspiration driven by communication.

7. Building meaningful connections with people around them.

8. Exploration of natural skills and unique needs.

9. Ease in the process of teaching-learning.

10. Renewed focus on reciprocal relationships and partnerships to aid in overall growth.

11. Identification of non-verbal cues in communication (eye contact, body language, expression).

12. Learning and modelling strategies to cope with difficult situations.

13. Improve verbal, and literacy skills and enhance social intelligence.

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There is a reason why nutritionists and health experts emphasise so much on having a balanced diet with the right mix of all essential nutrients. Each one of these nutrients plays an important role in the body and its deficiency can lead to many diseases and complications that could stop you from living a healthy and happy life. Magnesium for instance is an important mineral that performs crucial functions in the body from controlling blood sugar, ensuring proper functioning of the muscles and nerves and also heart. It also keeps bone and teeth healthy. (Web story: Magnesium-rich foods good for your heart)

Most of magnesium we eat - almost 60% - is used by the bones to maintain their density. Not having sufficient magnesium in the body could lead to conditions like osteoporosis. Several studies have shown that eating a high-magnesium diet can keep diabetes away. It is always advised to include natural sources of magnesium in your diet instead of taking supplements as you get additional phytonutrients and antioxidants when to consume fruits and vegetables like spinach, guavas, bananas and okra. Nuts and seeds like almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews among others are also high in magnesium.

"Magnesium is an electrolyte found in blood and other bodily fluids. It is essential for proper functioning of the muscles, nerves and heart. It also helps to regulate blood sugar and other metabolic processes. Every cell and organ needs magnesium to function properly," says Preeti Gupta, Dietician and Founder of Perfect Health by Preeti Gupta.

Here are top reasons to add magnesium to your diet:

1. Bone health

Magnesium helps to keep bone and teeth healthy: It is essential for healthy bones as it helps to activate Vitamin D in the body, which is needed for calcium absorption. It helps to regulate calcium levels and promote strong bones and healthy teeth.

2. Promotes heart health and reduces blood pressure

Magnesium helps to regulate the heart beat and relaxes and dilates the blood vessels, which can help to reduce high blood pressure and cuts risk of heart disease.

3. Reduces stress

Magnesium helps to reduce stress by regulating the production of stress hormones. So it provides a calming effect and helps to relax the body.

4. Reduces Migraine pain

Magnesium helps to increase mental clarity and focus, sharpens our memory and can even reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It helps to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.

5. Improves skin health

Magnesium helps to regulate the production of collagen, which is a skin protein, so it helps to attain healthy skin. Magnesium is added in skin care supplement and gummies.

6. Boosts sleep quality

In order to sleep properly our body and brain need to relax. Magnesium activates the parasympathetic nerve system to relax our brain and nerve system. It also regulates melatonin which is a sleep hormone. So it prepares brain and body to sleep.

7. Enhances immune system

Magnesium has strong relation with immune system. It improves the white blood cells to fight with germs and destroy them. So when magnesium is low, body attacks its own cells and tissues instead of fighting infection.

8. Boosts energy levels and controls blood sugar

Most adults need 300-400 milligram of magnesium per day. It helps to convert glucose present in the food into energy. So keeping energy level stable it gives you natural energy boost throughout the day and also helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Sources of magnesium

"Magnesium is found in many natural sources of foods including green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grain. Good sources of magnesium includes spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, yogurt or kefir, almonds, black beans, avocados, figs, dark chocolate, banana, some fatty fish, tofu and legumes. It can also be found in some fortified foods and dietary supplements," says Preeti Gupta.

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Aswinterarrives, the elders of our houses are in constant fear of their jointpainand stiffness aggravating as old age and cold temperatures worsen thepainful conditions of joints. Pain and stiffness come hand in hand where stiffness is the difficulty in the movement of a particular joint.

When a person suffers from pain and stiffness in joints without any apparent trauma, it may be due to a variety of different disease conditions. Some common causes are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis and bursitis of joints etc and these can be differentiated with the help of blood tests, X-rays, the nature of pain and observation of the aggravating factors while the treatment for each differs according to the disease condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can be identified by the presence of Rh factor in the blood and symptoms of joint pain, swelling, inflammation, morning stiffness etc. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder most common in elderly individuals with bone degeneration and drying up of lubricant in between the joints.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Lakshmi Varma K, Consultant and Advisor at LYEF Wellness, explained, “The accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints due to its improper excretion or increased production leads to gouty arthritis, the symptoms of which include redness, excruciating pain, swelling and stiffness. Bursa is a fluid-filled sac in between the bones that act as a shock absorber and lubrication. The inflammation of this again causes pain and stiffness. Thus, for proper treatment, it is necessary to correctly identify the cause of pain.”

Talking about joint pain and stiffness in light of Ayurveda, she said, “All functions of the body are controlled by the three functional entities called dosha. Among them, Vata dosha is responsible for the movements of the body and the breaking down of things among other functions. Thus with this dosha being vitiated, it causes difficulty in movements, pain, degeneration and other musculoskeletal diseases. These diseases that pertain to the musculoskeletal system with pain and stiffness as prominent symptoms are grouped under the heading of Vata vyadhi.”

Since the properties of Vata include coldness and dryness, Dr Lakshmi Varma K said, “When these increase during the winter, the problems of Vata also increase. This is the reason why the condition of the people who suffer from such pains worsens during the winter. Their joints may be stiff in the morning when they get up from bed, at night when it's colder or even after doing some physical activity. This stiffness is usually relieved by the application of heat, especially in cases of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.”

In the case of osteoarthritis, she suggested, “The application of warm oil help in reducing the symptoms. On the other hand in rheumatoid arthritis oil application is not indicated. Here paste of hot potency drugs can be used to apply on the joint to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness. In case of gouty arthritis and bursitis etc, medicines are to be given internally to bring down the inflammation and purify the blood.”

She highlighted, “There are many Ayurvedic medications given internally and applied externally that give good results in joint disorders. During the winter it is also beneficial to wear socks or gloves to keep the limb warm and to take bath in hot water. Some common drugs used to treat vatavyadhis include Rasna, Bala, Kokilaksha, Eranda, Shunti, Nirgundi, Arka etc. Even though hot pastes and oil applications can be done at home to get some relief, it is always better to consult a doctor for proper differential diagnosis and treatment advice.”

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