Study Drugs - What? Why? Solutions.

Study drugs are also popularly known as brain dope and academic steroids. They are prescription stimulants usually taken by students to enhance focus and concentration while studying.

Common study drugs are Amphetamine used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).


These drugs are obtained from friends or siblings using them for medical purposes. Teenagers have also been known to feign symptoms of ADHD to get these drugs.


These drugs behave like neurotransmitters and actually increase the activity levels of chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and epinephrine. They enhance energy level, make a person more alert and more capable of focusing and performing better. But these effects are temporary.


These drugs have to be prescribed after assessment for any cardiac conditions, started at low doses and increments and keeping an eye on side effects. If misused, they have serious cardiac and psychiatric side effects like dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, restlessness, high BP, increased heart attack and sudden death also.


Once a teen understands the potential risks on these prescription medicines, certain steps can be taken to improve focus and concentration. Some of the best alternatives to study drugs : (i) Adequate sleep (ii) Effective time management (iii) Healthy food eating habits (iv) Seeking support of teachers / parents to improve study skills & (v) Regular physical activity like physical exercises, walking, jogging etc.


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Engineering | Medical Aspirants! Revision Techniques For You.

Revision is something which the medical / engineering aspirants should do on daily basis to prepare for entrance exams. It should start from the very first day of learning. Here are some useful tips (Source : Arihant Publication) :-

It is always better to prepare a revision schedule on daily basis and after making the schedule, it is must to possess the will to abide by that.


It is not necessary to revise large number of chapters every day. Revision must be slow steady. It must be in the order to get firm grip on all types of questions asked on that topic.


Many times, we tend to miss out on writing some points when the teacher speaks. It is best to pen them down when they are still fresh in the memory.


Revise as many times as possible the entire subjects.


There is a huge difference between revision and repetition i.e. revision is not going through all the notes over and over again.


The specialized feature of revision is lessening of time in each and every attempt i.e. the time consumed in revising the same content every time is less than the previous one. Just imagine a potential aspirant can revise the complete content of Chemistry syllabus in about two and a half hours in his 4th or 5th revision cycle.


Decrease in the time of revision is possible only when you have a proper analysis of what to revise and what not to revise. Such an analysis can be done on the basis of what you know and what is whipped off from your memory after learning. Every time when you go for only those parts which are whipped off, you find a lesser content to revise. This certainly requires lesser time to reconcile.


Understand the concept and do not just mug up. This is a big mistake made by many school going students till the mind maturity. Understanding the concept shows you the actual sweetness of the subject and makes you perceive even more of the subject with enthusiasm.

The difference between mugging and understanding is that, mugging is a memorizing aspect while understanding is realizing the facts about the subject or topic with its related prior knowledge.


Use same notes or books or study material for all the revisions because the page of the book also strikes in memory during answering the questions asked.


There is no substitute for hard preparation and excitement and enthusiasm in revision.


You are the best to know your situation. Analyze it thoroughly and work out the best method for your revision. Think for yourself. You are mature enough to organize your own study plan. Use your discretion to judge what will work for you and what will not.


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Ways to Work Hard.

Office-goers often tend to forget that body and mind are going through extreme stress. To stick to punishing schedules to become successful, they even end up eating at odd hours, consuming unhealthy food, with no time to exercise and having less sleep. Here are some strategies / ways to keep fit and to work hard:-

At least 30 minutes of physical activity on daily basis will help in pumping more oxygen in to your system, which again help in rejuvenating cells and making anybody refreshed in both mind and body.

Physical activity can be walking, running, practizing yoga, climbing stairs, creating fitness playlists and also whenever possible, using stairs in apartments / office instead of lifts.


Having warm salty lemon water in the morning brings in multiple benefits to the body and mind. It also helps in flushing out toxins from body. Aids in digestion and encourages the production of bile. Reduces pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid. The pottassium content in lemon helps nourish brain and nerve cells.


Having healthy breakfast is important. Packing breakfast with grains, proteins and fibre will give the wholesome nutrition that body needs to kick-start the day.


During office hours' break times, have trail mix or fruits and vegetables.


Frequent travelers on duty should avoid oily junk foods and try to work on light balanced meals like soup and toast or salads or similar options of other foods normally taken at home.


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Earwax - What? Solutions.

The accumulation of earwax is quite a common problem. Earwax is not only irritating but also can have serious health repercussions as well. Earwax is produced by glands in the ear canal to prevent dust and other particles from reaching the ear canal. Here are some ways to remove earwax:-

A syringe shaped like a bulb at the bottom can be used to remove earwax. It works better if the water or solution inside the ear is kept for a few minutes. Laying down on your side, with your ear facing upward would be best in this situation.


Ear-drops help in softening dried up & sticky earwax. After applying these, the earwax will simply be drained out of the ear after five minutes. This is a popular and safer method compared to using cotton ear buds which have the potential to drive the earwax deeper in to the ear canal.


Using a curette is essentially a medical procedure done by an expert. Curette is a surgical instrument shaped like a spoon that removes earwax with a scraping action. This is an effective method for instant relief but should be undertaken by a qualified medical practitioner only.


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10 Worst Indian Snacks To Avoid

Choosing right snacks is important. Here are some worst unhealthy Indian snacks which should be avoided:-

Chole Bhature: 'Chole Bhature' is the highest in saturated fats and calories. Two bhaturas & chole (soaked in oil) have around 1200 calories and 50 gams of fat which lead to heartburn, acidity, diabetes and high BP.


Pani Puri: A very popular street snack are deep fried, hollow and filled with flavored with water, chutney, chaat masala, potato, onion and chickpeas. Nobody can be sure whether the shell is fried in stored or used oil.


Sweets: Though they are filled with delicious treats, they are typically filled with tons of sugar, dairy products, and oil which are unhealthy.


Soda: As soda contains a very high amount of sugar, it causes heart disease, diabetes, liver failure and even lead to asthma.


Diet Soda: It does not contain any calories. But the artificial sweeteners and chemical dyes make for a very unhealthy drink. The sweeteners can mess up our metabolism and may even lead to weight gain and depression.


Rice Idlis: Instead of rice idlis, idlis made out of raagi, oats and rava (suji) are far better as rice idlies lead to gaining weight.


Canned | Bottled Fruits: Fruit is a wonderful snack! But eat it fresh, please. Canned fruits are stripped of many nutrients, contain added sugars and the cans are lined with chemical preservatives.


Pakora: Pakora is also known for destroying bodies. It increases bad cholesterol, and decreases good cholesterol.


Kachori: Kachori is a fried food that is stuffed with all kinds of different ingredients. These can cause acidity, and even lead to obesity and coronary disease.


Vada (South Indian Snack): A lot of people believe that Medu & Sabudana Vada are healthy snacks. But they are deep-fried in oil which is unhealthy.


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Logo - Features It Should Have.

Effective marketers, graphic designers, and psychologists know that bigger 'Logo' is not at all suitable and ideal. Here are some factors to be considered while selecting & designing a Logo:-

A properly sized logo should not be bigger than the headline or main message that conveys the benefits of the product or subject being promoted.


We all would have come across most of the successful companies logos which are not big, gaudy or out-sized.


Making the logo bigger than the customer benefit tells your customer that you are more important than they are.


Shouting is often a manifestation of insecurity. If your product is good, there is no need to use gimmicks or shouting to sell it.


Most buyers are more attracted to information that conveys the benefits to them. Big logos distract them from the main message.


On websites, letterheads, and business cards, the best location for logos (and accompanying names and slogans) is the upper left corner. They are corporate identify vehicles that may go longer than one page in the case of letters and one screen in the case of web pages.


It is a good idea to pay attention to the use of logos by companies of different sized, types, and levels of success, to learn the importance of understanding logos.


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Work-From-Home Environment To Be

Working from home is not that much easy and productive as you think due to distractions. Here are some useful tips to have a good work environment to make yourself productive throughout the day:-

First of all, home-office space should not be the couch in front of the TV nor in bed. Having and allotting a dedicated work-space in your apartment / house is important. Always using the same place will help you associate that area with focusing.


How you spend your time is one of the great things about working from home. It requires that you actually set and stick to a schedule. Starting and ending work at the same (like office hours) will help you stay on task during the day. Fully dedicate this time to work. You should make it clear to all your family members at home not to disturb you. Have a very short breaks of 5-10 minutes but stick to it.


Your dress (even if you work from home) should be at least in a presentable way and not in sweatpants and a giant T-shirt, as you might be called for on to a video-conference.


Getting out of the apartment / house once in a while will stop you from getting stir-crazy and help you stay focused when you are on the clock. If you are regularly working from home, head to a nearby coffee shop for while. Walking outside on a short break will also be helpful.


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Heavy School Bag - Impacts & Solutions.

Around 40% of students suffer discomfort or pain at some point of time due to heavy school bags which they are carrying. Here are some other facts about, impacts of & solutions for school bags:-

The weight of any school bag should not exceed 10% of children's weight.


Carrying heavy school bags can lead to musculoskeletal problems. Carrying the school bag on shoulder puts extra pressure on one side, tilting one's spine.


To carry a heavy bag, the child has to lean forward which leads to development of bad body posture.


The excess weight puts undue stress on the muscles and disc, damaging the spine. The alignment of spin is altered, causing it to bend, forward or sideways.


The immediate effect of heavy school bags are pain in the back, neck and shoulder with muscle tightness, tingling, numbness and weakness in the hands and loss of grip.


Severity of pain even leads to lack of sleep, swelling and symptoms of nerve compression.


When a heavy load is put on the child's shoulders, the joints and muscles tighten Hips can become sore if a child is bending forward to compensate for the backward pull of the backpack. Knee pain occurs because of a change in walking pattern and body posture due to an overweight backpack.


The school bag should be made up of light-weight fabric and should not be overloaded. Bags height should not be 4 inches beyond the child's waist.


The bag should have wide-padded shoulder straps, sturdy to reduce pressure on the neck and shoulder area. To have even distribution of note-books, lunch box & water bottle, the bag should have multiple spacious compartments.


The child should not lean forward after having the school bag. Parents should ensure that children do not carry unnecessary note-books, stationery etc.


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Hormones - Imbalance & Balancing.

Most of us, most of the times fail to understand our own behaviour or know the reason why we crave for certain foods. And we even give more importance to those issues which have no value at in our lives. The answer to these eating and behavioral changes in our hormones.

Hormones are biological chemical substances released in to the blood by the endocrine glands. The blood carries the hormones to the respective organs and tissues for functions like digestion, growth and maturation, proper reproductive system functioning and much more. Therefore a slight imbalance in these hormones leads to health issues.


The most common symptoms of hormone imbalance includes weight gain, anxiety, mood swings, painful breasts, depression, cravings, bloating, insomnia, hot flushes, headaches and migraines, night sweating and also acne.


Eating a proper nutritious diet (containing protein) can help regulate hormones like eggs, fish, lean meat, dairy, whole soybeans, tofu or tempeh.


Hormones are produced with the help of cholesterol and some fatty acids as raw material. The body requires fats to rebuild and produce hormones. There some fat should be included in our diet like coconut acids related products, nutritious richness of avocados, butter or ghee & vegetable oils.


To fight and or to prevent hormonal imbalance, antioxidant rich foods (cabbage, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, onions & carrots), spices and herbs (cinnamon, raspberry leaf, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin and sage), fruits and vegetables (sweet potatoes, turnips, apples, pomegranates, cherries, cilantro, green bell peppers & asparagus), cereals (barely, oats, wheat and wheat germ) can also be had frequently.


For hormone health, more important tips: (i) Drinking plenty of water. (ii) Regular physical exercise. (iii) Sleeping minimum for 7-8 hours daily (iv) Eating fresh fruits & vegetables (v) Cooking in glass or non-coated metal pans. (vi) Avoid heating or storing foods in plastic & (vii) Limiting caffeine intake.


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Dyslexia - What? Why? Symptoms & Solutions.

'Dyslexia' is a a general term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, but that do not affect general intelligence. Here are some facts about dyslexia:-

Teens who suffer from 'Dyslexia' have problems reading and writing and need different ways to learn.


It has a hereditary component. It is a type of neuro-developmental disorder in which language processing is disturbed. As such, both reading as well as writing is affected.


Dyslexia is 2-3 times more common among boys and girls. 40 to 60% teens suffer from psychological effects of thsi disability like anxiety, depression and attention deficit. Rejections by the society lead to their poor self-confidence and self-esteem.


It is a type of neuro-developmental disorder in which language processing is disturbed.


Teens who have dyslexia try to hide their reading and writing difficulties and avoid reading and writing. They do rely more on verbal and memory skills.


A detailed evaluation by a psychologist to confirm the diagnosis and also to assess associated prob lem is mandatory.


Emotional support is important as teens with this problem suffer from poor self-esteem and a feeling of worthlessness. Computer software for dyslexics also can help to read aloud. Affected teens might require help from a special tutor trained in teaching awareness of speech sounds in words and letter sound correspondence.


Even famous celebrities (like Thomas Alva Edison, Einstein & more) had been the victim of disorder but set an example of how it is possible to succeed in the face of this challenging condition.


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Winter Ailments - Types. Symptoms & Treatments.

Protecting yourself from winter ailments is important. Winter ailments may be dry skin, runny nose or stomach illness. Here are some of the winter ailments, their symptoms, preventive measures to be taken & treatments:-

Gastroenteritis: This is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines, caused by infected water, bad food habits, and frozen foods. Watery stools, vomiting, stomach pain, cramps, fever, nausea and headache are some of the symptoms. Sanitizing the hands often, healthy diet & good sleep will boost the immune system for quicker recovery from infections. Eating fresh & boiled foods will prevent this ailment.


Asthma: Air pollution is the primary reason for this ailment. Gasping for breath, inability to complete sentences and inability to move around are the common symptoms of this ailment. Using inhaler, avoiding breathing with mouth / polluted and dusty areas, covering face while cooking, using antibiotics & taking complete bed rest will help in overcoming this winter ailment.


Sore Throat: A condition marked by pain in the throat, caused by inflammation due to cold or other virus. Mild fever, headache, sore throat, cough, sneezing & nasal congestion are some of the symptoms. Avoid cigarette smoke areas / oily food, have lukewarm water, gargle often with salt water and do have contact with someone who has a sore throat.


Psoriasis: A skin disorder which forms red patches covered with silvery scales. Itching, dry, flaky skin patches are some of the symptoms. Avoid swimming pool, hot water & use moisturizers to protect your skin from dryness. After bath, massage skin with olive oil or petroleum jelly.


Flu: It is caused influenza viruses, leading to mild to severe illness. Serious flu complications may even lead to hospitalization or death. Headache, sore throat, mild fever, sneezing, runny nose & nasal congestion ar some of the symptoms. Getting vaccinated every year, using disposable tissues and staying at home when sick will prevent further suffering from this ailment. Frequently wash your hands with hand-wash liquid and with hot water and use clean dry towel or paper napkins.


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Head Lice - What? Why? Solutions.

Head lice are small wingless insects that live on the scalp feeding from the blood. Here-below are the causes / symptoms of & solutions for head lice:-

Baby lice are extremely small but mature within 10 days and then they begin to reproduce. Female lice lay several eggs a day and adult lice can live for a month.


Lice are spread through head-to-head contact. Most common places where-from children get affected are, playing with friends, after school activities & visiting family. Clean pillow cases should be used in trains and at hotels.


The best known symptom is itching. Regular checks with a head lice detection comb helps. Using white lice detection comb will be ideal.


It is misunderstood that itching is caused by lice biting but by an allergy to lice.


In some cases, a rash may appear on the back of the neck. This is caused by a reaction to lice droppings. Sometimes, tiny spots of black can be seen on pillows and collars.


Anti-lice shampoo will protect children from parasites by breaking the life cycle and killing lice before an infestation can be established. Natural remedies like tea tree oil and mayonnaise are effective in eradicating head lice.


Children aged 4-11 are most at risk as they are in close contact with each other. Leaving head lice untreated can lead to a long term untreated infection.


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ADHD - What? Why? Solutions.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children, teens and adults. It makes it difficult for them to sit still, focus and pay attention. Given-below are its causes, Symptoms & Solutions for ADHD:-

Some of the common causes of ADHD are: (i) Genetics (ii) Brain Injury (iii) Environmental Exposure (iv) Alcohol & Tobacco use during pregnancy (v) Low Birth Weight & (vi) Premature Delivery.


It is wrong to assume that ADHD is caused by poor parenting, watching too much TV, eating excessive sugar, poverty, familial discord etc.


Some of the symptoms of ADHD are: (i) Feeling restless (ii) Answering before question is completed (iii) Losing / forgetting things (iv) Talking a lot and having trouble doing things quietly (v) Getting easily distracted when doing something (vi) Having trouble in organizing tasks and activities (vii) Difficulty in paying attention or staying focused on a task or activity & (viii) Making unexpected movements with hands or feet or having trouble sitting still.


People with ADHD may have problems with depression, anxiety or learning disabilities. May even get addicted to smoking & drugs.


Though ADHD cannot be totally cured, it can be managed very effectively. The medicines used for ADHD help by increasing the neuro-transmitters in the brain which in turn helps the teen to improve focus and attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.


Counselling by parents & relative will help the affected persons a lot.


Individual counselling also will help the affected teens to learn coping skills, communicate well and manage school work efficaciously.


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Licorice Root Benefits

Licorice is a soothing herb, known to be a powerhouse of antioxidants with antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It imparts a peculiar sweeter-than-sugar flavour and is available in the market in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, gels, ointments and tea blends. Some benefits of licorice root:-

It helps in weight loss.


It helps in dealing with depression and anxiety by promoting adrenal gland function. It also enhances the lifetime of cortisol, one of the anti-inflammatory hormones of the human body.


It assists in the regulation of hormones in the human body. It soothes hormonal disorders such as fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, nausea and bloating during menstruation.


It is also used to flavour candies.


Licorice boosts immune system. It is useful for treating urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, allergies and autoimmune disorders.


It is also used as a remedy for upper respiratory problems and it decreases the symptoms associated with cough and cold.


It is an effective agent in treating digestive disorders like peptic ulcers and gastrointestinal issues.


It helps to heal inflamed skin and a useful remedy for inflammations like dermatitis, arthritis, eczema and cysts.


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Messages Criticisms Convey

To be criticized with negative intention means that you have aroused something within someone else such as jealousy or a feeling of inadequacy. When people condemns our work, comments unkindly on our appearance, judges our parenting style or disapproves of any of our actions, it is a pure and total reflection of them, not us.

The further you get in your life, the more critics you can expect. It means that people are paying attention to you. Criticism is what you really want as a creative person.


When criticism is positively fueled and constructive, we can improve, learn and grow.


To be criticized, it means you are taking action in some form. The only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing and be nothing.


Negatively fueled critic shows us who they really are, often unfulfilled people who are therefore naturally un-supportive of your life's path. The way they react to what you are doing is a reflection of how they feel about their own lives.


When someone is talking about you it means that you are affecting them somehow. They are using their time and attention to talk about you.


There will also be people who disagree with you or who dislike your ideas and action. Forgive them if they upset you. The road to success invites a lot of critics so the sooner you know what to take on board and what to release, the better.


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Resume Mistakes To Be Avoided

Employers / Companies / HR Department are under pressure to find the best person. They spend an average of just six seconds on each resume. Give more importance in that six seconds to key areas like candidate's name, current job title / company, previous employers & educational qualification. Applicants who are direct and get right to the point are more likely to catch the attention of recruiters. By putting yourself in recruiters' shoes, you have to think like them and look at your resume through their eyes. Here are some common problems / mistakes of most of the job-seekers:-

Absence of covering letter is the first and foremost problem. So job seekers should take an initiative and include a cover letter by finding out the HR / Senior Manager's name through linked-in and address them personally. But, the cover letter should be short, simple and to the point and highlighting the qualifications / experience.


Resume format is another important issue. The format should be as easy as possible to read. It should be easy to open, read and pass it on to others in the company. PDF format with your name as file name as an attachment will be more useful.


Choose simple words to communicate about you and avoid unnecessary words that might slow down processing.


Your accomplishments (both academic and professional) should be focal point of your resume. Choose a clean layout with bullet points highlighting your best achievements.


Make sure that from beginning to end of your Resume, it is 100% gramatically error-free. And your Resume should not be too lengthy Maximum 2 pages are enough and not beyond 2 pages.


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Diabetes - Ins & Outs

Diabetes is dangerous because of all the complications that occur due to it. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure and it also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke by 2-4 times. Some other useful information about 'Diabetes' is given below:-

The major factor of diabetes is positive family history. Other factors are, sedentary life-style, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, high BP and for women, during pregnancy and / or delivering baby weighing more than 4 kg.


Life-style changes, dietary modification and use of dietary medication, anybody can bring down the risk of developing onset of diabetes by 60%. It is surprising to note here that even 1 kg. of weight loss is associated with 16% reduction in diabetes risk.


Healthy lifestyles (regular exercise, avoidance of smoking, moderation of alcohol) & healthy eating (eating vegetables / fruits & avoiding fast foods) will play a major role in controlling body weight and diabetes.


Diabetes, if not managed well, will damage eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, gums and teeth.


Some other Fitness Tips to overcome / prevent 'Diabetes':- (i) Instead of using lifts, use stairs in your apartment / office building. (ii) You can walk even when you are over your phone. (iii) Whenever possible, prefer walking like going for grocery shopping if distance is short instead of using vehicles. (iv) Even when watching TV, take a short walk during commercial breaks.


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Choosing Right Wedding Jewellery

Jewellery enhances the overall look of a bride. However, choosing the right jewellery could be quite tricky by keeping in mind her skin tone and face shape. Here are some tips to choose pefect wedding jewellery:-

After having selected the wedding dress, the next step is to select the jewellery that coordinates with the color of outfit. Some metals look better with particular dress colors. Gold jewellery can be chosen for a champagne and gold-colored dress. White, off-white and ivory dresses are best paired with silver, platinum or white gold. For cocktail evenings and the reception, you can choose solitaires as they complement all types of dresses.


The type of jewellery should also complement the detailing on the wedding gown / outfit. If the outfit is intricately elaborated, you can go for subtle jewellery.


Earrings can be chosen on the basis of your hairstyle. Pick a pair of chandelier danglers if you are planning on leaving your hair down ensuring that heavy earrings do not overpower your face. If you have planned to make a bun, wear a dazzling tiara and medium length earrings that will make the you elegant.


If you want to go for a traditional style, go with your mother's diamond studs or your grandmother's string of pearls.


Engagement ring which you will continue to war even after marriage is over, should be a solitaire diamond or a design studded with multi-colored diamonds that will add bling to every outfit.


The prime aim is to look best and beautiful version of regular self, without overdoing it.


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Flours - Types & Benefits

Different flours have different health benefits. Here are they:-

Rice Flour: For those with gluten intolerance, rice flour is good.


Millet-based Flours: These flours are gluten-free. For those who are allergic of gluten, this flour is good for them. Jowar & Bajra, which belong to millet family, lower the risk of heart diseases, cholesterol, cancer & aid digestion and also good for diabetics.


Soy Flour: This flour bursts with vitamins and minerals, and is also one of the best vegetarian sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. This is good both for women post menopause & for elderly women.


Quinoa Flour: This flour is a 100 per cent vegetarian reference protein and it is absorbed by the body. This flour can be prepared by mashing up the quinoa and using the powder for any dish.


Rajgira / Amarnath Flour: Made from amaranath plant is a tasty non-gluten option. It has high iron, calcium, protein and antioxidant levels. The nutrients are retained during the process of making atta, as it retains the hull.


Wheat-based Flours: It is culled from the semi-hard wheat varieties or durum that are easily available. Atta & Sooji are all high-fibre and are sources of both healthy carbs and fats. They reduce bad cholesterol, high BP and mitigate the risk of diabetes as well. However, all wheat-based flours have gluten. Those who are gluten allergic, should not take them.


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Overcoming Interview Anxiety

Interview can be pretty scary, but there are following ways to overcome interview anxiety:-

Wearing business clothing shows that you are serious about the job though the company is famous for its jeans-and-hoodies dress code.


Imagine a successful interview and experience what it feels like with all your senses.


If you have made it to the interview stage, you have got something that the company wants to explore further. Bolster your self-confidence.


To know about the company's culture, innovation and risk taking policies, talk to its existing employees whom you might know


Also learn about everything about the company by browsing the net.


Scope out the interview site in advance to know time to reach the place, parking space available etc.


Do some physical exercise in the morning and the night before, moderate your alcohol intake to have a sound sleep.


Figure out your response to common questions. There are almost always the tried-and-tired questions of your strengths and weaknesses.


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Teeth Staining - Causes. Solutions.

Nicotine and tar are the two major components of tobacco that cause the staining of the teeth. Chronic nicotine deposits in the mouth can further lead to gum diseases, tooth loosening and cancer. The unattractive and embarrassing tobacco stains on the teeth can be a deterrent to one's confidence and cann also hamper professional and social growth. Here-below are the type of stains, solutions & useful tips to overcome 'teeth stains':-

There are two types of stains - extrinsic & intrinsic. Intrinsic stains are the ones which have a physiological source during the tooth development period like high florine content in the residing area, drug toxicity etc.


Extrinsic stains (like tobacco stains), as the name suggests, are external stains deposited due to liquid, solid intakes during the course of life and these can be removed easily.


Nocotine on its own is colorless, but when mixed with oxygen it turns yellow. If we see the morphology of the tooth, the outer most layer of enamel is a porous one which causes the tar and nicotine to seep into the microscopic openings after every use leading to yellowish brosn discoloration.



Solutions: (i) Quitting Smoking (ii) Applying antiseptic mouthwash (iii) Regularly visiting dentish (iv) Rinsing the mouth & (v) Good oral hygiene.


Teeth whitening agents and hydrogen peroxide rinses are helpful to keep the teeth white. Apples, cheese and celery are also helpful in removing heavy brownish black chronic stains.


Citrus fruits containing high levels of vitamin C also prevent stain deposits. Home-made scrub of 1/4 teaspoon baking powder and some mashed straberries rubbed over teeth with a toothbrush and rinsed after 5 minutes also show good results over a period of time.


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Keeping Your Heart Warm During Winter

During winters, there is an increased demand on the body to generate heat to keep itself warm. Here are some simple tips which anybody can follow to keep the heart warm during winter season:-

Simple activities like climbing stairs rather than taking the lift does so much for your heart. The heart pumps and beats faster, leading to exercising of heart muscles.


Wearing warm clothes, taking warm fluids and having good nutrition to protect will help in protecting against throat and chest ailments that precipitate cardiac problems.


Consuming alcohol makes one feel warm initially, but drinking too much causes harm in the long run, besides being addictive. So controlling the alcohol intake will keep your heart warm.


Going for a morning walk with well-covered in warm clothes and undertaking indoor activities like yoga, aerobics, tennis, zumba or other indoor games will help in overcoming the problems during winter season to keep the body warm.


Increasing roughage, high-fibre diet, good protein and limiting carbohydrates are essential to maintain the body weight during winter.


Drastic climatic changes take toll on the functioning of the body. Kidney patients also need to be careful with respect to their water intake and urine output, and should keep their doctors' appointments without fail.


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Loud Noise - Negative Impacts & Preventions

Listening to loud music nowadays has become a trend among the youths and teens. Loud Music is harmful when one is unable to hear any other sound except the music blaring in the ears.

It is harmful when the volume of the MP3 player is 60 per cent or more of the maximum limit. It is basically harmful when it involves a short-term exposure to decibel levels above 110 or a long-term exposure to decibel levels above 85.


Listening to loud music through the headset over a long period of time may cause permanent hearing impairment or ringing in the ears.


Loud Music tends to affect our whole neurological system resulting in a lifetime of chronic diseases. A protective coating called myelin obstructs the electrical nerve signals.


Generally, happy and content individuals prefer soft and peaceful music instead of loud music. If one has an affinity towards loud music, he / she is trying to avoid paying too much attention to his own life. There are chances that a person can go into chronic depression by too much repression.


To protect your ears, take regular breaks from your headphones to give your ears a rest. Stop setting the volume above 60 per cent of the maximum.


Invest in noise cancelling earphones as these help to decrease the temptation of increasing the volume.


Use musician's earplugs or earmuffs, varying in degrees of attenuation which generally over-attenuate the high frequencies resulting in the reduction of the sound quality.


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Jelly Belly - What? Why? Solutions

'Jelly Belly' (also called middle-aged spread, dumbbell roll, muffin top & prosaic tummy fat), is the most evocative symbol of unwanted weight gain. Some facts about 'Jelly Belly', why it happes & solutions below:-

'Jelly Belly' afflicts a lot of us in our late 20s, 30s and 40s, even those of us who are slim or skinny.


They are the most obvious indications of problematic and unwanted fat depositions in one's body, sometimes generously peppered with stretch marks.


Eating wrong type of food coupled with a total lack of exercise. Pregnancy is another reason. Female's primary hormone production begins to slow down promoting fat desposition in belly, chin and upper arms by 30.


Also there is imbalance between the two hormones as fat cells produce oestrogen which now the body craves.


By 40, one could even develop a condition called insulin resistance which is a hormone produced in our bodies. It helps in digestion by breaking down the carbohydrates. Common causes for 'Jelly Belly' are : Heredity, Improper Diet, Lack of Physical Exercise, Hormonal Imbalance, Hypothyroidism & Metabolic Syndrome.


Another condition which has a jelly belly as an integral component is metabolic syndrome. This is a combination of some other factors like abdominal fat, increased cholesterol, taking cholesterol medication, high BP, high BP medication, high blood sugar or high blood sugar medication.


Metabolic syndrome itself is considered to indicate hormonal imbalance, an increase in oestrogen and cholesterol, and an increase in androgens in women - all of which predispose a woman to deposit fat on the belly, or become apple shaped.


Deficiency of the thyroxin hormone produced by the thyroid gland could be yet another reson why women tend to gain weight around their waists.


All the causes mentioned above are inter-linked. The remedial measures that help in tackling one of them can also control some of the other casual factors.


To overcome 'Jelly Belly', it is ideal to have plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and choose lean sources of protein and low-fat dairy products.


For most healthy adults, moderate aerobic activity like brisk-walking for at least 150 minutes a week or vigorous aerobic-activity like jogging for 75 minutes a week is good to burn the fat.


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Dry Fruits Health Benefits

Dry fruits are known to have multiple health benefits that can help one live a healthy life. The ideal behind dry fruits being healthy is simply because the dehydration of fruits can lead to the nutrients inside them becoming much more concentrated and this provides the body with a much healthier dose of nutrients as opposed to the consumption of normal fruits. Some commonly used dry fruits' health benefits below:-

Walnuts: Walnuts contain so much omega 3 acid and linoleic acids that they can essentially nourish dry skin, improve skin texture and smooth out wrinkles. Walnuts are also full of rare antioxidants which are not present in other fruits.


Cashew Nut: Though Cashew Nuts contain lot of fat, but eating these in moderation helps one lose weight. As they are rich in Vitamin E, it helps in anti-ageing. The oil made from these is used in many cosmetic items that help preent skin damage.


Almonds: Filled with essential fatty acids, the abundant fibre and protein content in this nut makes it attractive for consumption as well. Crushed almonds make an exceptional face pack that is very good for the skin.


Pistachios: These are rather rich in antioxidants and help in fighting the free radicals produced by the human body. Many of the free radicals are cancer causing agents. Pistachios also have demulcent properties which can simply help in smoothening the skin and giving it great texture.


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Married Couples! Sex Drive Improvement Tips

Either or both spouses are just not feeling it sometimes. But if you really want to kick start getting your groove on, there are lots of things you can do to boost your'sex drive'. Here are some basics which both spouses should follow:-

Bodies lack energy because of not eating the right foods or getting enough sleep. Sleeping between seven to nine hours a night without any electronics around (as they emit blue light which suppresses melatonin. Lack of sleep demolishes hormones, especially testosterone levels.


It is important to have proteins and healthy fats (like eggs, fish, or poultry with coconut / olive and avocado) early in the day to keep your energy up. This will help you to keep energetic throughout the day and ready for sex.


Stress can destroy a man's libido. When we feel stressed, sex hormones are affected and produce a dip in testosterone. In order to obtain and sustain an erection you need to be calm.


Physical exercise is a great way to boost sex drive as it increases blood flow which makes sex more pleasurable. It also boosts endorphins, which gives more energy and makes us feel good.


'Erotica'(arousing sexual desire or excitement) is a great way to get in the mood. Reading erotica books can definitely bring in to the mood.


Make sure that your bedroom is not too cluttered or messy. Remove anything that feels out of place if it does not go with the mood you are setting.


Music is the best thing to get yourself in the mood for sex.


The liver is a major player in metabolism and, when not working optimally, affects hormones, so your energy will be horrible. Drinking warm lemon water in the morning & having cruciferous vegetables (brussel sprouts, watercress, cauliflower, broccoli) aid the liver in detoxification. They also help in regulating estrogen allowing for more optimal levels of testosterone.


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Bad Breath - How to Avoid?

Even if you have brushed well, something will come up still like bad breath. Here are the best ways to watch your mouth:-

It is not the food that is the problem. What actually causes bad breath is left-over bacteria which contains sulfur and it is the sulfur that causes the smell. There are almost 1000 bacteria in the human mouth. We only know about half of them.


While the offending bacteria can hang out on teeth and gums, it is most commonly found on the tongue. If you look at your tongue microscopically, it has a lot of grooves. It is an uneven surface and bacteria gets tapped there. Brushing the tongue is very very important.


Look at the surface of your tongue in your mirror. If there is a coating (found in most of the peoples' tongue), it is a kind of white-ish and the chances are you have bad breath.


Using electrical toothbrush is better. There are plenty of efficient, good-looking electric brushes on the market that will encourage specific brushing habits for better breath.


Tongue cleaner is a better alternative as it mechanically removes a lot of junk from your mouth and it is easy to carry out.


When we sleep, our mouth becomes dry, and that is why we wake up with morning breath. Hydration is the key. Drinking up is also the easiest way to keeping your mouth clean.


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'Dengue' Fever. Causes & Remedies

Dengue emerges as one of the most troubling health problems. It is estimated that globally there will be 50-100 million dengue cases annually in the coming decade.

India emerges as the country with the world's highest dengue burden, with about 34 percent of all cases occuring here. Here are some of the causes of & remedies for 'Dengue' Fever:-

Dengue is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. This mosquito breeds in water collections in ornamental pots in houses, indoor money plant containers, open water storage tanks, overhead tanks, sumps in ongoing construction sites, broken pots & discarded cups.


It is important to ensure that ornamental pots are drained out every week, overhead tanks are shut tightly and indoor water storage tanks are shut tightly to prevent breeding.


Avoid wearing half sleeves and shorts during monsoon. Use mosquito-repellant creams or nets at home. Ensure there is no source of mosquito breeding in and around your home or work place.


At a community level, ensure that water does not stagnate in containers, coolers, tyres and broken pots. Half-broken tender coconut randomly discarded is found to be a very good breeding site.


During monsoon season, many find themselves afflicted with several kinds of viral infections and fevers. Although it is largely harmless, beyond a week, it may indicate dengue and it is important to guard yourself effectively at times like this.


In case fever continues fore more than three days with rashes on the body and intense headache, consult your doctor.


If detected with dengue, (i) do not take it lightly, follow your doctor's advice. (ii) take medicines only prescribed by a doctor. (iii) drink plenty of fluids (iv) drink plenty of fluids (v) take complete rest.


In case of vomiting or you have dizziness, it is better to get hospitalized.


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'Walking' the Right Way

Walking the correct way helps avoid fall-related injuries and improve one's health and fitness levels. Walking is a great stress-buster and can be very therapeutic. Here are some tips to walk the right way and to avoid injuries:-

When walking, keep your posture straight so that your weight is equally distributed between your feet. Your arms should be bent at 90 degrees and must swing back and forth naturally. Always land your heel first and push off with your toes.


Ill-fitting footwear is the main cause of walk-related injuries. Avoid high heels, shoes that do not support your feet or are uncomfortable, as well as shoes with uneven soles.


Badly-fitting or loose / long clothes can also make you stumble when you walk. So wear well-fit clothes that do not hinder your walking pattern.


Use your own natural pattern and walk slowly, steadily, smoothly and with full awareness of your surroundings. Do not copy someone's walking style. Keep your eyes ahead as well as on the path. Do not use your phone or other distractions while walking.


Excess weight can impede your walking and make it tiring or uncomfortable. Losing weight can make a difference and will help you walk more easily.


We tend to over-stride to reach our destination quicker and ignore the ground conditions. Over-striding leads to an artificial walking, which can hurt your shins. To walk faster, choose a path which is clear and smooth. Before you start walking quickly, warm up or increase your speed slowly.


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Hearing Loss - Reasons, Impacts & Treatments

Damage to any part of the ear results in hearing loss / impairment.

Causes for Hearing Loss: There are two types of hearing loss. (i) Conductive: This involves damage to the outer or middle ear which in turn can happen due to structural problems, infections etc. These are amenable to medication or surgery. (ii) Sensorineural: This results from damage to the inner ear or cochlea or auditory nerve and is much more difficult to treat as it is permanent and can only be corrected by the use of hearing aid.

Hearing impairment can be unilateral or bilateral, partial or total (present since birth or acquired later in life). It can also occur as a result of middle ear infections, trauma to the eardrum by ear buds or sharp objects introduced in to the ear canal, illness, and medication like chemotherapy drugs.


Exposure to loud noise especially over prolonged periods can cause damage to the hair cells of the inner ear or even the auditory nerve, which is responsible for connecting the ear to the brain. The intensity of sound is measured in decibels. Any sound above 80 decibels is considered hazardous. This can come from loud music, other appliances and machines.


Symptoms: (i) When speech is unclear or mumbling. (ii) You have to ask people to repeat what they are saying. (iii) People complain that you listen to music or TV very loudly. & (iv) You are unable to hear the telephone or door bell.


Impacts: Hearing loss can compromise social development, friendships, relationships, communication skills, education and career opportunities. However, technological advancements, cued speech, lip reading, sign languages and computer assisted speech has helped our ear-impaired persons.


Treatments: This depends on the cause of hearing loss. Hearing loss can be overcome by removing wax, using hearing aids, cochlear transplant & speech therapy. Wear protective ear-plugs if exposed to loud noise.


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