Health Tips For Winter 2021

Obesity is not a disease, but a lifestyle disorder that has emerged from the choices we make in terms of what we consume and how much we exercise. It is a challenge that has been evolving rapidly in recent years and is now ranked among one of the primary causes of preventable deaths across the globe. What's surprising is that 50 years ago, there was no disease as obesity, presumably because at the time individuals led more active lives, and did not have access to the high-calorie, processed foods that we have at present. Decoding the Primary Causes of Obesity One of the primary reasons for this disorder in the current generation is the absence of physical work on a day-to-day basis, individuals have become increasingly lethargic. Another major cause for a considerable surge in obesity rates is unorganized eating habits. There is not adequate awareness about the nutritive value of the meals we consume, and individuals usually eat without considering the effects on their health. Today, individuals frequently consume more calories than their body requirements, resulting in weight gain and gradual obesity. However, despite the significant challenges that our current lifestyle and obesity pose to our health, they can be overcome by following these simple strategies in our day-to-day life: Keep your Calorie Intake in Check To combat obesity, we must comprehend that our calorie intake should be proportional to our physical activity. This implies that we need to lead more active lives and consume meals that are nutritious and healthy. A healthy lifestyle is built on two pillars- Good nutrition and regular exercise. Disregarding either of these pillars will negatively influence our overall health. Aim for Natural Weight Loss It is also essential to note that the emphasis should be on natural weight loss strategies rather than opting for cosmetic surgeries like liposuction. While these surgeries may yield temporary results, they can be detrimental in the long run. Rather, we must focus on weight loss techniques that are sustainable and healthy. A Proficient Fitness Coach Can do Wonders! Another important element of fighting obesity is picking a fitness coach who has the required knowledge and expertise. Here, it gets crucial to understand the difference between a trainer and a teacher. While a host of individuals in the market claim to be fitness coaches, they lack the essential qualifications and experience. Hence it gets pivotal to shortlist a coach who possesses the necessary experience to advise us on the right path. Make Sustainable Changes in your Lifestyle One of the most efficacious methods to fight obesity is to enlighten ourselves about the significance of healthy living. We need to be conscious of the nutritional value of the food we consume and comprehend the impact of our choices on our health. A result-yielding strategy here would be to make short, sustainable changes in our lifestyle. For instance, we can begin by making minor changes in our diet, like lowering the intake of high-calorie, processed foods and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. We can also begin by including more physical activity into our daily routine, such as walking or cycling to workplaces. By encouraging healthy lifestyles and making healthy choices easier, we can prevent and address obesity, enhance overall health outcomes, and lessen the burden on healthcare frameworks. (Aminder Singh, Fitness Guru and founder of Team Aminder) Read More►Lifestyle Changes Help to Prevent Kidney Diseases: Experts

Summer is just around the corner! As the weather gets warmer and the sun shines brighter, it is also the time to shake up your skincare routine a little bit. After all, the heat and the humidity will warrant some extra love to your skin to keep it healthy and glowing. It will become important to protect, nourish and hydrate your skin as the heat can really be unforgiving. This is the right time to start the transition to your summer routine, so it becomes all the easier for you to maintain skin health. Here are five important tips that will help you get (and keep!) that summer glow. Sunscreen is your Best Friend We cannot stress this enough! Sunscreen is your skin's best friend. It is a must-have all year round but becomes especially important when you are going out during the peak summer months. UV rays can damage the skin causing premature aging, tanning, and hyperpigmentation. It is important that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily. Make sure you apply your sunscreen a good 15 minutes before stepping out and keep reapplying throughout the day. In fact, dermatologists suggest replying every 2-3 hours during the day when you are exposed to the sun. A good investment here will be a sunscreen stick that can be used to easily touch up, even on your make-up. Also, do not forget your body; apply a decent amount to protect your body as well, along with your face. Switch to a Lighter Skincare Routine Summers mean that you can swap out your heavier cleansers and moisturizing creams (which worked great in dry winters) for lighter products. Go for gentler cleansing and moisturizing options which will not clog your pores while also keeping you hydrated and your skin nourished. The same goes for your makeup, instead of full-coverage heavy foundations, go for lighter ones and you can opt for a bit more concealer for your problem areas. Always take a closer look at your makeup and choose products that are noncomedogenic and will not occlude your skin. Make Sure to Moisturize and Lock that in Did you think you can skip moisturizing in the sultry heat, even when your face feels oily? Absolutely not! Moisturizing your skin daily is as important in summer as it is in winter. Your skin needs hydration for that plumpness and radiance. Choose a light moisturizer that can team well with your cleanser and toner. Apart from moisturizing skin externally, it is also extremely important to not use products that strip the skin of its natural oils as they can eventually disrupt the skin barrier and weaken it. Using harsh soaps is one of the biggest culprits which can cause loss of moisture and make the skin dry and irritated. The best way to prevent this is to use a soap with a humectant such as Glycerine which will ensure that the skin's own moisture is not lost. A great option is the Savlon Glycerine soap with natural origin glycerine which makes the skin soft and protects it from 100 disease-causing germs. This translucent soap is dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types. With a fresh, citrusy fragrance, it will also make you feel refreshed and the creamy lather will make bathing all the more enjoyable. Exfoliation is Essential Exfoliation has been one of the most important skincare tips since way before TikTok made it popular. Exfoliating your skin once a week helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores which can lead to breakouts and dull-looking skin. It is also important to choose the right chemical exfoliant based on your skin type and your skin needs. It is best to consult your dermatologist for the right one and the adequate frequency of usage. Exfoliants can make your summer-stressed skin feel nice, and fresh giving you a soothing feeling. Remember, exfoliated skin is more prone to sun damage, so skipping on sunscreen while you are also using chemical exfoliants is blasphemous! Sunscreen application becomes all the more important for exfoliated skin. Add Antioxidants to your Regime Antioxidants for your skin are what mimosas are to your beach holiday. They will definitely up your skincare game. Antioxidants fight free radicals which damage your skin causing aging and dullness. While you ought to include foods like carrots, spinach, berries, etc, in your diet which are natural sources of antioxidants, you can also incorporate topical products to give your skin additional benefits. Using an antioxidant serum with Vit C can be beneficial but consult with your dermatologist for usage and frequency based on your skin type and your problem areas. And lastly, hydrate, hydrate hydrate. Drinking plenty of water (at least 8-10 glasses) will keep your skin hydrated from within. Incorporate foods with high water content such as watermelon, cucumber, and celery in your diet. Keep up with your daily movement and exercise regularly. Taking care of your skin in summer isn't as hard as it seems to be. Follow these tips and embrace the sunshine to flaunt that naturally plumpy, healthy summer glow. (Agency) Read More►5 Natural Herbs That Help You Sleep

होली यानी कि रंगों और खानपान का पर्व है, इस मौके पर आयुर्वेद के जरिए सेहत को भी दुरुस्त करने का अवसर होता है। ऐसा इसलिए क्योंकि एक तरफ जहां जड़ी बूटियों का उपयोग कर वातावरण को संक्रमण रहित किया जा सकता है तो वहीं प्राकृतिक रंग त्वचा के लिए लाभदायक होते हैं, साथ ही पाचन तंत्र के लिए फायदेमंद पदार्थ मौजूद है। शासकीय आयुर्वेद कॉलेज रायपुर के सह-प्राध्यापक डॉ. संजय शुक्ला ने बताया कि चूंकि इस समय वातावरण में अनेक पराग कण मौजूद रहते हैं जो एलर्जिक रोग पैदा करते हैं, इसलिए होलिका दहन में अगरू, आम, साल, नीम इत्यादि के सूखे पेड़ों की टहनियों तथा गूगुल, कपूर इत्यादि आयुर्वेदिक जड़ी-बूटियों का उपयोग हवन के रूप में करना चाहिए ताकि वातावरण संक्रमण रहित हो सके। डॉ. शुक्ला ने बताया कि टेसू सहित अनेक वनस्पतियों जिससे प्राकृतिक रंग और गुलाल बनाया जाता है, उनमें औषधि गुण भी होते हैं। फलस्वरूप ये त्वचा और आंखों के लिए सुरक्षित होने के साथ ही चर्म रोगों में भी गुणकारी होते हैं। आजकल एरोमा थेरेपी यानि सुगंध से इलाज भी प्रचलन में है इसलिए सुगंध युक्त रंग-गुलाल से मन प्रसन्नचित्त हो जाता है जिससे होली का उमंग दोगुना हो जाता है। इसके अलावा मेहंदी और नीम की पत्तियों, गुड़हल, गेंदा, गुलाब, हरसिंगार फूल और नील पौधे की फलियों को उबालकर रंग व गुलाल बनाया जाता है। होली में हमें प्राकृतिक रंग और गुलाल का ही उपयोग करना चाहिए। डॉ. संजय शुक्ला ने बताया कि होली के समय एवं बसंत ऋतु में आयुर्वेद पद्धति में पाचन तंत्र के लिए सुरक्षित और सुपाच्य आहार व पेय के विशेष निर्देश हैं। शीत ऋतु में शरीर में जमा कफ इस ऋतु में पिघलता है जिसका प्रभाव यकृत यानि लिवर में पड़ता है जो पाचन तंत्र से जुड़ा महत्वपूर्ण अंग है। आयुर्वेद चिकित्सा पद्धति के अनुसार इस ऋतु में गेहूं और मिश्रित आटे की रोटी, मूंग की दाल, खिचड़ी, हरी सब्जियां जैसे भिंडी, करेला, मुनगा यानि सहजन, भाजी, पुदीना, लहसुन, अदरक जैसे भोजन, सब्जियों और मसालों को अपने खान-पान में शामिल करना चाहिए। होली और ग्रीष्म ऋतु में छाछ, नीबू, आंवला, बेल, खस का शरबत और गन्ना रस का उपयोग करना चाहिए। लेकिन बाजार में बिकने वाले इन पेय पदार्थों के सेवन से परहेज करना चाहिए क्योंकि साफ-सफाई के अभाव में अनेक रोगों के संक्रमण का खतरा हो सकता है। आयुर्वेदिक चिकित्सक के मुताबिक ग्रीष्म ऋतु में अंगूर, संतरा, मौसंबी, तरबूज और खरबूज जैसे रसीले व पानीदार फलों का सेवन करना चाहिए जो शरीर को निर्जलीकरण से बचाता है। लोगों को आसन्न गर्मी के लिहाज से होली त्योहार में अधिक वसायुक्त खाद्य पदार्थों, गरिष्ठ भोजन, मांसाहार, भांग इत्यादि मादक पदार्थों तथा शराब के सेवन से बचना चाहिए, अन्यथा अनेक रोगों का खतरा बढ़ सकता है जो रंग में भंग डाल सकता है। आयुर्वेद में बताए गए इन सावधानियों के पालन और खान-पान से होली का उमंग दोगुना हो सकता है। यह भी पढ़े► होली के रंगों में स्वास्थ्य का संदेश !

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANSlife) As much as the sun is fiery and all about passion and high-octane energy, the moon on the opposite side is cooling, calming, and very creative in nature. Ardha Chandrasana as the name says particularly this posture brings serenity, and tranquility to the moon. It brings the shine and hue of light from within. Lunar energy helps you develop empathy, compassion, creativity, and connect with hearts. Talents are the sign of representation of moon subtleties and grace. The push and pulls of life stretch people to sit for late hours at work, till the sun rises. Long hours of sitting continuously lead to tight gluteus, quads, and hamstrings muscles. Ardha Chandrasana also known as Half Moon pose is a perfect posture for those. Because every asana is about geometry, our inner geometry corresponds to the geometry of the outside world, the Universe. This must also be flawless in terms of symmetry. So, when it comes to angles, make sure that you have deep relaxation in your body and mind and achieve the appropriate posture with the right alignment of your palms to shoulders and hands above, the leg that is down absolutely stable and deeply anchored for you to get anchored in your own self as well. The beauty of Ardha Chandrasana is the combination of being anchored and soaring in this posture. It's standing and a challenging posture. Like the moon goes through phases to reach the full moon. To achieve the perfect posture we also need to practice preparatory postures. Make sure your sensibilities, your senses, and your awareness are all conjured up together, and with absolute grace and softness of being you hold this posture and don't use aggression anywhere, because aggression doesn't allow you to balance, it will tip the balance. It may also cause injuries. So, one needs to warm up well before getting into the actual pose. You can do compound movements or any individual muscle group movements for warm-ups with gentle breath in and out, stretching every body part, especially your shoulders, back, lower back, gluteus, and hamstrings which are going to play in this posture. How to Do: Stand with Legs apart, Bend in Trikonasana, Breathe in slowly raise your leg up and try to balance on one foot and one arm. Try holding as much as comfortable. Repeat on another side. Focusing your attention on the upward movement of the hand and the alignment, being perpendicular to the ground is so important that leads to stability of the mind which we call "Sthirtha" in Yoga. The Benefits: Strengthening Core Muscles: Strengthening your core muscles translates into strengthening confidence. Improves Body Balance: Practicing it on both sides keeps you well co-ordinate and deeply anchored into your being and mentally stable. Ardha Chandrasana in particular also helps you to bring equanimity to the fore, calmness, and serenity, once again Chandra representing the moon is all about coolness being collected, getting integrated, and balanced. Strengthens Your Legs: When you strengthen your legs, it helps to maintain your energy throughout the day precisive with clarity. Good Body Stretch: Stretching on other hand expands spaces on your own being and helps you move your fluids and air-ether element better. When an air-ether element is stable your movement and mental state also become stable. Cellular Regeneration: When done together, all kinds of stretches and bends contract most of our toxins in organs. When we stretch fresh nutrients and oxygen-laden blood gets into our organs. So, rejuvenating our organs and cellular regeneration is very good. Holding postures for an extended time helps us improve concentration, focus, determination, and Sankalp. With Sankalp, we can achieve anything. All Yoga postures translate into a stable, strong, confident personality. People who master Ardha Chandrasana are disciplined, they are very focused, determined, and most important they are visionary people. (Dr. Mickey Mehta is a Global leading holistic health guru/corporate life) Read more►5 Healthy Ingredients for Fitness Enthusiasts