Swine Flu ~ Do's & Dont's

By the end of April, 2009 over 100 people have died and more than 1400 have gotten ill in Mexico because of the dreaded H1N1 virus a.k.a. Swine Flu.

Mexico is where it all started and the virus has taken pandemic proportions and spread its tentacles in most part of the world.

Following are the Do's and Don'ts issued by World Health Organisation (WHO) for combating Swine Flu Pandemic:

DO:

* Wash your hands
* Avoid crowded places
* Stay more than an arm's length from persons afflicted with flu
* Get plenty of sleep
* Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food


DO NOT:

* Shake hands or hug in greeting
* Spit in public
* Take medicines without consulting a physician


For people who are sick:

* Stay home and limit contacts with others as much as possible
* Rest and take plenty of liquids
* Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
* Seek medical advice if needed.

Quit Smoking

World No Tobacco Day on the 31st May. brought a new change for the Cigarette (and other tobacco products) lovers in India.

Come Sunday and the Cigarette packs in India will carry compulsory pictorial warnings displaying the health hazards associated with the use of tobacco and related products. Government has made it mandatory to have at least 40% of the displayable area on such products to carry these pictorial warnings.

As per a recent WHO study there has been an increase in India related to tobacco consumption and this new and innovative step by the Government will surely act as a deterrent for existing and future consumers of cigarette and related products.

We give a Thumbs Up to this step by the Government and hope that it curbs the menace associated with tobacco such as smoking to a greater extent.

We urge all our readers to: Quit Smoking!!

Alternative Medicines of India

For any ailment, my grandmother always had one or the other natural medicines ready. Rarely had we had to go to an Allopath for minor diseases. The medicines that my grandmother used were generally the many herbs and spices that were sometimes used in cooking as well. Even today these medicines are used widely. The only difference is that they are no more bound to households only. They are now actively used in everyday medical practices as well
Few are the most well known and most used herbs as medicines

1. Basil (Tulsi)
The most common remedy for cold, the common disease. Studies have also proved that compounds in basil oil have potent antioxidants thus can be used as anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-microbial agent.

2. Chives
When used in large quantities, Chives help in reducing blood pressure. The high level of sulfur compounds is what makes it a special medicine.

3. Coriander (Dhaniya)
Though this is a tough medicine, it is a sure shot against many ailments. Fresh seeds and the leaves are chewed raw. They are also good for quick digestion.

4.Dill (Sowa)
Dill is a perfect medicine for intestinal gas. This herb is used in pickeles, salads and fish dishes.

5. Mint (Pudina)
Mint is most known for providing fresh breaths. Chewing on it also is good for digestion

6. Oregano (Ajwaiin)
Known for removing congestion and a great remedy for indigestion.

7. Parsley (Ajmoda)
Parsley has many uses. It can reduce itching by mosquito bites when crushed and rubbed on the skin. Parsley tea is good for lowering high blood pressure and its tonic strengthens bladder.

8. Rosemary (Rusmari)
Rosemary is a symbol for remembrance as it is a good medicine for improving memory. Study shows the presence of Carnosic acid that is known for lowering the risk of strokes and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

9. Common Sage (Salvia)
Common Sage is a proved medicine for indigestion, gas, liver complaints and depression. It is also commonly used as a mouth wash as it cures mouth ulcers, sore throat, gum infections and pain.

10. Thyme (Banajwain)
This herb to is a good medicine for cough, bronchitis and other respiratory infections. The antiseptic nature of Thyme also makes it useful for curing wounds and fungal infections.

11. Neem Leaves
This is one herb that is used as a medicine since ancient times. This magic plant is splendid for controlling diabetics and is known to be a wonder blood purifier. Neem Oil is a main ingredient in cosmetic products like soaps, shampoos and creams as it has skin caring characteristics. It is also a great cure for chicken pox, malaria and intestinal problems.

Beauty Tips for Monsoon

Feeling terrible about the impacts of monsoon in terms of your looks and make up? Do not. In spite of so many virtues that monsoons bring with self there can be some vices as well. Monsoons might take away that extra shine from your face but there are various ways through which you can preserve them. Following are some beauty tips for the monsoons -

1.Check the option available for long lasting lipsticks that are color stay and are marketed as being non transferable.

2.Use cosmetics that are matte products instead of creamy and glossy products.

3.If planning to go for a rain party, then the use of sheer and pastel eye shadows in brown, pink and light brown shades must be applied.

4.Pressed powder should be avoided during monsoons. This can lead to patched skin. Although if you are using it, make sure you use it sparingly.

5.Instead of Kajals, waterproof mascaras and water resistant eyeliners should be used.

Pedal To Lose Your Flabs or Wash Your Clothes

Here is another eco friendly product that will wash your clothes and also help you shed those extra kilos. Confused??? Don't be because there is a product that will wash your clothes, without the use of electricity or battery, and the pedal on which you can exercise at your very home. A pedal washing is what is very economical as one can get it at a cost of barely 2000 rupees. It was discovered by a student who was finding it difficult to make both her ends meet. Remya Jose invented this pedal washing machine that is powered by pedalling, a mechanism that uses parts of a traditional bicycle. This mechanism will also help counter the alarming rate of obese patients in the country as well.

The inventor of this wonderful washing machine, Remaya Jose is studying to become an engineer. The NIF (National Innovation Foundation) aided re-design Remya’s washing machine from a device that cost Rs. 1500 to manufacture right from scratch in the rural india. This very machine will cost Rs. 3000, when made in an urban factory. As it would be competing with low-end single-cycle electric washing machines that cost Rs. 5000, it’s price-point is above what India’s poor can afford. Simultaneously the price is below what the middle class demands as compared to the Rs. 5000 electric alternative.

The invention of cost effective and environment friendly machines, has paved way for the onset of a new trend in evolution of machineries. Students are being encouraged to come up with such ideas that will save our planet from further destruction. It is time for us to follow our dreams and turn unimaginable innovations into reality.