Skincare Tips for Men

A prescribed course of medical treatment for a good skincare for men does not have to be filled with lotions and potions. Most men prefer a less complicated skincare prescription. Here are some basic tips:-

Most men often take very hot showers and using harsh soaps or face scrubs as they feel skin is oily. This tends to make skin dry and also makes skin appear wrinkled and much older.

It is important to choose a gentle cleanser that will clean the skin from the dirt and oil without drying out skin.

There are several face washes for men now which will clean without drying the skin and if you are not comfortable with a face wash, a moisturizing bar of soap will do the needful. Many of these now contain colloidal oatmeal that hydrates while cleaning.


A good quality razor can be a lifetime item, so wise one should be chosen. Men should use that razor which fits their skin sensitivity and beard coarseness.

Many razors now have lubricating strips that can protect the skin after shaving and it is important to watch for the extra blades as they can sometimes pull the hair below the skin a little too deep.

A moisturizing shaving gel is the key to providing a barrier of protection while shaving. Men should shave in the shower or immediately after taking bath as facial hairs are much softer from the warm water and steam.


An after-shave hydrates and soothes the skin. After-shave lotions should be alcohol-free because alcohol dries skin or soothing after-shave balm can be used to reduce any burning sensation or roughness.

Moisturizing daily will men's skin soft and smooth. Fragrance-free products are easily available. They are suitable for sensitive skin too. Men should not forget to use the moisturizer at night before they go to sleep.


Men before leaving home should apply sunscreen. Men who do not use sunscreen increase the risk of sun damage which may result in redness, irritation and skin pigmentation.

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Coma - Ins & Outs.

'Coma' is a state of unresponsiveness, where affected person cannot be woken up, in response to various stimuli such as speaking, touching etc. Causes, diagnosis, treatment of Coma are as under:-

The common causes of coma can be related to brain diseases (due to head injury, brain stroke, brain fever, brain tumours, repeated fits etc.) and non-brain diseases wherein other parts of the body are affected initially and the brain is secondarily affected. Primary causes might include low sugar or sodium levels, kidney failure, liver failure, lack of oxygen supply to brain, drug over dosage or poisoning.


Hospitals follow some procedures in diagnosing the Coma. History taking such as duration of coma to know whether it was a sudden onset or any history of drug over dosage or poisoning.


As patient cannot obey / react to doctor's instructions, examination of eyes, eye movements, breathing pattern is one of the procedures in diagonizing Coma.


Coma can be detected through investigations like CT Scan of the brain, blood test, EEG, lumbar puncture to confim brain fever etc.


General treatments for 'Coma' include, maintenance of adequate oxygenation like use of mechanical ventilator, maintenance of blood pressure, correcting metabolic derangements such as low sugar or low sodium in the blood, providing adequate nutrition etc.


Some specific treatments include treatment of brain stroke, surgery to remove brain tumour and large blood clots.


The outcome in a patient with coma depends on several factors like underlying cause of come, duration of coma, the rapidity of starting treatment, the age of patient etc.


In case of severe head injury or large brain haemorrhage, many patients do not survive. But in case of patients with poisoning, drug over dosage, low sugar or low sodium levels, the outcome is good if the treatment is promptly started.


Younger patients tend to recover faster and do much better than those who are older in age.

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Energy Drinks - Facts

Fancy names and commercial advertisements for energy drinks mislead most of the consumers in to thinking that these drinks are really cool, light and really give them energy. Some facts about health drinks:-

Having energy drinks occasionaly might not post any health risk, however, mix of caffeine, sugar and stimulants in energy drinks can impart some powerful and drug-like effects.


Most of us are unaware that energy drinks contain added sugars. If you have three- four cans of energy drinks which will contain minimum 100 gms of sugar. This quantity is higher than the daily recommended sugar intake.


Also, a can of energy drink contains between 50 to 350 gms. of caffeine. It triggers an enhanced level of mood improving and pleasure inducing neurotransmitter. This makes us feel motivated, energetic and alert.


The temporary energy which health drinks gives leads to weight gain, dental problems, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases.


As caffeine is both addictive and toxic, excessive consumption of energy / health drinks over a prolonged duration will cause heart problems, elevation in blood pressure, anxiety, hyperactivity, insomnia, loss of appetite and irritability.


The cocktail of stimulants can also pose serious complications, especially during workouts. Also mixing tranquilising alcohol is dangerous as they result in uninhibited drinking and misinterpreted state of inebriation.


Energy drinks may boost energy levels temporarily, but they should never be mistaken as healthy sports drinks to busy schedules.


Instead of concentrating on energy drinks, switching to healthy eating habits and natural energy boosting foods for a steady dose of energy will be ideal.


A glass of any fruit juice (without ice) will be far better than any bottled energy drink.

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Bank Locker - Factors & Facts.

Bank lockers are a good option for safeguarding valuables and documents. You really need a Bank locker? What factors you should consider? What facts you should know about it? Explained here:-

Banks allot lockers on a first come, first serve basis. If not readily available, banks allot waitlist number to the prospect and the bank informs when it is available.


It is Each locker has two sets of keys - one for the customer, the other with the bank and it can be opened only if both the keys are used.


It is better to own a locker jointly to ensure hassle-free transfer of contents in the event of the death of either or both account holders.


As far as cost is concerned, lockers come in different sizes and the annual rent varies accordingly. Apart from annual fee, customer has to remit one-time registration fees to the bank. Besides, banks lay down rules on number of visits by the customer to open the locker.


As per RBI guidelines, banks are not responsible or liable for the contents kept in the locker even in caseof theft, burglary or similar unforeseen events.


However, the customers can trust the quality of locker as it undergoes rigorous safety test and is fire-resistant. In spite of which, there have been reported break-ins or termite attacks in banks but the instances are fewer and far between.


As per RBI, banks cannot deny the locker facility to those who are not customers. However, banks demand a caution deposit of up to 3 years of locker's rent.


In reality, banks make it mandatory to open Savings Bank Account and / or to open /buy FDs, Insurance Policies or ULIPS.


As said earlier, banks cannot be held responsible for the contents of the locker, natural calamities, terrorist attack when lockers get destroyed. However, customer can move to court to make the banks responsible for not providing adequate security or due to lack of basic maintenance.

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Managing Multitasks at Workplace

It is important to set realistic goals to multitask. How to manage & control your multitask activities? Explained here:-

When you are multitasking you must know which tasks need more of attention and which can be achieved with partial or limited attention. Knowing the priorities while multitasking and scheduling the tasks helps in minimising errors and being more productive.


It is important to set limits and should not try for unrealistic targets. Better not to say "yes" when you have to say "no".


Person on multitasking should make it a routine to plan for every day and to consciously practice the art of multitasking.


Procastination will hamper multitasking. If you have an agenda, plan early and address it as soon as possible. Time management skills will help in improving multitask activities.


Smart plan will help to remain focused and to be efficient in multitasking. It will allow to evaluate when and how much attention is needed to complete a task.

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Influencing Skills

Influencing others is not just a useful, but an extremely important attribute to have. Here are some useful tips to improve your influencing skills:-

• People like dealing with positive people. It is important for you to project both a positive body language as well as positive facial expressions. So it is worth making the effort to work on your interpersonal skills to make others say "yes" to you.
• Sometimes it is better to go out and do something for people. Not only does it make you a better person, but it is likely that people will reciprocate.
• People who come across as a figure of authority tend to influence others in a big way. It could involve anything from power dressing to associating with a figure of authority or becoming an expert at what you are doing.
• As a society, we get influenced by what everyone else is doing. People are comfortable going ahead with something when others have done it in the past.
• Small gestures like recognition, praise and motivation will definitely make a lot of difference. Giving due credit for past successes also helps.

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Tips for Diet-friendly Kitchen

How to make your kitchen diet-friendly? Here are some tips:-

• Unhealthy items in the refrigerator Always make sure that junk foods are kept out of your sight, especially when you are always alone at home.
• Sticking dietary schedule on the refrigerator is a good idea.  This will encourage you to stick to your diet and remind you why eating healthy will be beneficial and / or stick old pictures of yourself or of someone else who serve as your inspiration.
• Always try to use smaller plates for having your food.  Using smaller plates means you will eat in smaller portions.  Lesser food on your plate will make you feel fuller faster.
• It is better have a separate dining area to have your meals in stead of sitting in front of the TV and having food.  If you have food watching TV, your diversion of attention will end up eating more that you actually need.
• Spices like cinnamon, black pepper and ginger are great for those on a diet.  Make sure your kitchen is always well-stocked with seasoning and spices.
• Keep the kitchen neat and clean so that cooking becomes a delight.  Clean up after every use and make sure it stays that way always.
 

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