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Shoot at sight
There are causes and there are concerns, just as there are crisis and there are complications. Poverty, terrorism, global warming; no dearth of social issues, endless list of hurdles …But then someone's got to walk the talk and make a difference where it matters. Fortunately, these young documentarians have set the camera rolling in the right direction, are zooming in at the right issues and are playing just the right role behind the lens. To begin with, there's an eight-minute animation flick, a first of its kind on HIV. "One-and-a-half-year into the Commonwealth Youth Programme at the Asia level, training government counsellors on HIV and I wanted to approach the 'done to death' issue, with a fresh perspective," Mehak Uppal, project co-ordinator, Quark City, minces no words. The information and education material by the government was perhaps ample but not varied. She along with her partner Aditi Bhandari came up with the final product in a year.
"Whatever material exists talks of how it is transmitted. None so far dealt with the psychological and sociological factors; as in counselling and testing has not been talked about. It's a story of two friends, where one of them is a little concerned about his status, while the other is trying to be supportive but he himself has no idea." What strikes about the ventures is the proficiency as much as the passion. Passion, however remains the common thread. Mehak's animation venture has been selected by the State Aids Control Society, HP, to be telecast at all their counselling centres. She says, "I used every spoken dialogues that would connect with the youth Elsewhere, Simranjit Singh Kaler, filmmaker, author and a journalism student, is now capturing ecological, historical and social concerns in his docu-dramas. "I have already made 30 documentaries on a variety of topics ranging from 30 minutes to one hour. From bonded labourers, water crisis, environment issues…majority of them concern the state of Punjab and it's cultural, historical, biographical aspects," he says. So, Five Rivers: Still Thirsty dealt with the falling ground water level in the state. "It talks of how the water level has gone as down as 1000 feet in certain districts of the Malwa belt. We shot throughout Punjab for that documentary." While yet another, Punjab vs Pesticides, highlights the hazards of pesticide-grown products entering the food chain. While Sadde Hisse Di Zindagi takes up the cause of bonded labourers, still prevalent in some parts and industries of Punjab. And, then there are attempts to make it reach the target audience, throw in interesting innovative bits wherever possible. Adds Kaler, "I even took case studies in some of my documentaries. Like, in one I depicted this child having liver cancer and his plight. Someone even offered Rs 5 lakh after seeing it." While Utkarsh Rastogi, class XII student, Bhavan Vidayalaya, IDF social ambassador, spent four days shooting the schools in Jaipur villages. "The purpose of these schools, established by IDF, is to take education where it's not there. While shooting we spent four days with the students waking up around six, travelling 7-8 kms. "We'd first spend the entire day scandalising the students with the camera." He adds, "The purpose of the documentary is not to ask for more donations but to inform people what we are doing." There are plans in place for future too, for shouldn't the show go on, shouldn't the reel stop rolling. Adds Utkarsh, "In another two weeks I'm off to join the University of Illinois but around December is lined up another NGO in Rajasthan that's working for leprosy patients. People here get training for free in fields like electronics, auto repairing, tailoring. I want to pick up two three people and tell their story." Mehak seconds that. "I'm going to be involved in the same cause someway or the other. I'm also open to any ventures. I believe my skills should be used, since I have spent so much of time knowing the issue inside out." So much for doing their little bit, playing their roles through the reel. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Lock kiya jaye
The tension was almost palpitable as we waited, holding on to our breath and the formidable man on the judge's chair repeated the famous question, 'Computer ji Akaash ji ko bataiye sahi jawab kya hai.' Take my word for it, not a soul moved, many heart skipped a beat till we heard….. "Sahi Jawab Akash ji.". The sound reverberated, spilling beans of joy, leaving a smile on our face. The drill repeated till the final padaav! The craze for the quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati and also for the quizmaster, Amitabh Bachchan, remains till date, unparalleled. He made us forget Siddarth Basu and Derek O Brien for a minute. Or, did he not? And as the two camps get ready their arguments for and against, Sony Television announces the opening of registration for Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 4. Yes, Big B is back with the computer ji and a whole new set of questions. It's time to initiate a debate - has the format, the questions on various quiz shows on television changed for good? Do we miss the real nerve-raking Quick 5's? Simple and frivolous questions have taken over the hard-core ones? People take their pick. "There are different quiz shows on sports, science, medicine, business for different audiences," says Danish Khan, vice-president and head of marketing, Sony Entertainment television. "Quiz shows these days are no longer about some hard-core questions from history, science or mathematics. They have also some human interest angle." Sony Television is all set for the all-new Kaun Banega Crorepati, the registrations for which start on August 2. "This is the most popular quiz show on TV. You will see an all-new format in Season 4," he avers. However, Danish stresses on the fact that the show follows the basic funda, "If you are intelligent, we will try to make your life better by helping yourself win crores. It is going to be a show between Mr Bachchan, machine and the participants." Amitabh Bachchan will be asking questioning every night from August 2. After 10-12 days, the show will select audiences, will do 'fastest finger' and then they will be selected for the show. Just as Danish Khan mentions, quiz shows are no longer just about a 'Q' and 'A' round. They are kind of quiz in entertainment form. Whatever happened to the questions -which classical musician ran away from home after being denied a second serving of ghee? What did Phoolan Devi say she wanted to be reborn as? What was Queen Victoria's first name? By what name is Agra mentioned in the Mahabharata? Puts in Harsh Rohatgi, head content and communication, Imagine TV, "The quiz shows on television are about engaging the audiences. For instance, the show Big Money is all about testing people's basic knowledge about shows on TV, sports and other news channels. The show has different levels, the questions get tough at every different level." And, what happened to the quizmasters, the extensive R& D team. Derek O' Brien hosted the longest-running game show on Indian TV, Bournvita Quiz contest and Siddharth Basu's Mastermind. Adds Danish, " The audiences like quizmasters who can hold their interest, which is why Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan or Madhavan as hosts."
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Hollywood star Jessica Biel lives in constant fear of running out of money because she never knows where her next salary cheque is coming from. The 28-year-old actor, who is dating pop star Justin Timberlake, admits she worries about paying the bills because she can go months without receiving any movie offers. "Since I was so young when I started (acting) I didn't think about it (money). I just liked it, it was fun. But as I got older and started to become an adult and then had to get a car and have to pay for insurance and all those things... it's a huge worry. For example,I haven't worked at all this year. I haven't made a film so I haven't had a pay cheque and I won't do anything till September and don't know if I'll do anything after," she said. — PTI
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Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Tamil superstar Rajnikanth launched the music of their forthcoming film Enthiran here amid a grand musical extravaganza. The 36-year-old actor looked ravishing in a maroon churidar-kameez at the event which was also attended by the film's director Shankar and composer A R Rahman. The show had a high tech tone with digital music and men dressed as robots on the stage. Enthiran (Robot) is a mega budget Tamil movie, touted to be one of the most expensive films ever made and is loaded with special effects. The music launch, held at the sprawling Putrajaya convention centre outside Kuala Lumpur, was also attended by lyricist Vairamuthu, Sun TV chief Kalanidhi Maran, Tamil stars Jeyam Ravi, Radha Ravi and Ramya Krishnan.Radha Ravi suggested that Aishwarya should become a member of the South Indian Artiste's Association. Earlier in the morning, Aiswarya landed at the International airport and reportedly kicked up a fuss when she could not find her white bag, believed to be containing her make-up kit. She refused to leave the VIP lounge until the bag was delivered to her two hours later. The bag was actually with one of her minders. Aishwarya was also not very happy with the star-struck airport ground staff who couldn't stop clicking away. "How many photos of me do they want to take?" she was overheard asking one of her minders.
— PTI
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Actor Julia Roberts, who has starred in a number of romantic comedy movies, feels she is now getting too old to take on any more roles in the genre. The 42-year-old star, who has five-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus and son Henry, three, with her cameraman husband Daniel Moder, admits she feels far too mature to portray a love lorn character. "I think I'm too old for those silly situations of unrequited love! It becomes less plausible when you're in the 40s to be walking down in the hallways because a boy walks by! I've read a couple lately that are more original and more mature, but they just didn't seem to fit for me," Roberts said. In her long career the American beauty has acted in movies like the Runaway Bride, Notting Hill and The Mexican. "I feel my reward for working 18 years before having kids is that I can take the time I need for my family between jobs. It's a great relief! You know, somebody asked me the other day and I said, 'God is great'. The world has been a gracious place for me as an actor and I can't explain any of it," Roberts said. — PTI
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Voice over
Popstar Justin Timberlake is delighted to lend his voice for the character Boo-Boo in the forthcoming Yogi Bear movie as he was a huge fan of the original cartoon series.
The Sexyback hitmaker is lending his southern tones to Yogi Bear's sidekick Boo-Boo in a forthcoming part-live action movie version of the hit cartoon. "It's pretty awesome. I used to watch the cartoon as a kid. You're talking about a classic, two classic characters which have been around since my parents. Yogi Bear is an iconic Hanna Barbera cartoon. So it's been a lot of fun," said Timberlake. The 28-year-old singer insists he has given the role his 100 percent and has been as faithful as possible to the original character, when recording his
voice overs. "I will say this, Dan does an amazing Yogi Bear and hopefully I did Boo-Boo justice. But we're really - for lack of a better term - mimicking what you recognise as those voices from the cartoon," Timberlake said. — PTI |
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Actor Pamela Anderson has come forward to save dogs, affected by the BP oil spill in America. The former Baywatch star, who is an animal rights activist skipped an after party hosted by David Hasselhoff to fly overnight to New Orleans and help evacuate dogs with PETA. "There are far more dogs than homes everywhere, but the crisis in Louisiana is prompting people to open their hearts and doors to animals in trouble," Anderson said in a statement. The 43-year-old beauty, who is also the honorary director of PETA, personally paid local adoption, spay-and-neuter and flea treatment costs to relocate the pooches to Virginia, where PETA is based. "The real key to both the local and national homeless animal crisis is to spay and neuter dogs and cats and to always adopt-never buy from pet shops," Anderson said. BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico is the largest offshore spill in US history and continues to cause extensive damage to marine and wildlife habitats.
— PTI
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Socialite Paris Hilton claims herself to be an amazing cook, who loves to make delicious breakfast for her friends. The 29-year-old hotel heiress, loves spending her free time creating delicious culinary treats for her pals. "I love just to, you know make a big breakfast and call my friends. I love cooking and I'm a great cook. For breakfast, I make amazing French toast. Breakfast is, like my favourite meal of the day so I always make it really big, with maybe, some omelettes and pancakes," Hilton said. "I also make the best lasagne you've ever tasted," she added. Although Hilton maintains her slim figure she is not scared to indulge in her favourite delicacies. "My weakness is fries and cheese. I love my food. I have a slim figure anyway but I always exercise. I like to do Pilates and I run around my estate. I go for rides on my cute little pink bike. I'm always rushing around so much my friends call me 'The Machine'," Hilton said.
— PTI
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Hair today, gone tomorrow
A typical woman changes her hairstyle more than 100 times during her lifetime in Britain, reports a fashion magazine. The report claims that, "On an average, a female gets her hair layered, shortened or coloured at least twice a year between the age of 13 and 65. One third change their hair after a break-up and nearly half opt for a new look simply because they are bored." So, how do Indian women perform vis-à-vis British women when it comes to hair styling, cutting, colouring…? "Not more then 20 times. Getting your hair styled in the same pattern after a few months doesn't make for the new hairstyle. It is about getting a new look that's funkier and bold. Confidence to be able to carry it off well is another requirement," says Richa Agarwal of Cleopatra. Our history proves, Indian women haven't been really experimental with looks that include the hair-do. "Even today, when hair styling is an industry in itself, majority of the women post-college begin to prefer long hair. For men, long hair is a parameter for Indian beauty," she adds. And, a lot of styling can't be done till the college level, as students are financially dependant on their parents. All said and done, long hair is still a fad here. As Ishani Nyankkara of Olega, Fun Republic, says, "Before getting a cut, the usual demand that women make is; style hair without altering the length. It is similar to asking for a designer wear without cutting the cloth." She adds that women still need to gain confidence to carry off short hair with saris. "Because the assumption that long hair adds to the grace of sari," she says. However, famous hair stylist Jawed Habib feels that with the corporate culture has made a difference. "I don't see women giving presentations with a plait or a simple bun. The cuts are smart if not really short," he says. Also change of season too has a role to play when it comes to hair style. "If not 100 then 60 is also a decent count of cuts for an Indian woman," says Jawed. Styling is no more limited to cuts, it involves hair colours, perming, rebonding, highlighting and so much more. "Complexion of women in northern India is more on the fairer side. So, any hair colour they pick suits them. Hair styles and colours are also indicative of a woman's personality, which's also why women are ready to experiment with bolder cuts and colours," he adds. The reason is precisely the same for Ishita Arun. "For me, it's a form of expression. Whenever I do some bold experiment with my hair colour or cut, it's correlated to my mood." As for the big question, how often does an Indian woman changes her hair style, she says, "Girls of Gen Y no longer associate beauty with just long flowing tresses. Style is more important to them. Also it gives them a sense of freedom." If not a 100 times, the count is not all that small here! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Spice up
Face packs or masks play a vital role because they perform so many functions. They may complete the cleansing process, dissolving impurities, softening dead skin cells and facilitating their removal. The removal of dead cells actually boosts up the renewal of new skin cells. This helps to delay ageing and restores the skin's youthful qualities. They help to refine the skin, making it clear and translucent. There are many different types of face packs and masks. There are 'peel-off' packs, which usually suite to all skin types, but should not be used on skin with acne or rash. As the mask sets, it forms a fine and even layer, which is peeled off. They are mainly for brightening and refreshing the skin. They can be used as a 'pre-party' pack or quick 'pick-me-up' treatment. They have a gel like consistency and dry quite fast. Then, there are cleansing packs. These may have a clay base, or contain herbal powders or grainy substances. The effect is the same as using a facial scrub, as they help deep pore cleansing. Many of them reduce surface oil and cleanse the pores, keeping them free of clogged oil. They are useful for preventing blackheads and tightening the pores. Cleansing packs are usually washed off when they are dry. However, a papaya mask can also have a cleansing effect. Papaya pulp can be applied and washed off after 20 minutes. Similarly, fruits like pineapple or apple can be used as cleansing masks. A pack can also be nourishing and moisturising. They should help the skin's ability to retain moisture and also moisturise the skin. Ingredients like orange, almond, honey, carrot, egg yolk, aloe vera gel or juice, can be used as nourishing and moisturising masks. Medicated packs for sensitive and problem skins are available. Neem, mint or tulsi can be used in packs, for pimple-prone skin. At home mint or tulsi leaves can be dried and powdered and added to face packs. Multani mitti can be mixed with rosewater, sandalwood paste and dry mint or tulsi leaf powder into a paste and applied on the face. It clarifies the skin and also adds a glow. Many other ingredients can be added to face masks, like dried and powdered orange and lemon peels, almond meal (ground almonds), oatmeal, wheat bran (choker), gram flour and so on. Some of these ingredients, like oats, almonds, wheat bran, multani mitti form excellent bases for face packs. Other ingredients can be added to these bases according to their functions. For example, curd and honey would nourish and soften the skin, egg white has a cleansing effect, while egg yolk nourishes. Rose water and orange juice can also be added. They would have a toning effect. Face packs can also be applied according to specific needs or skin types. For example cucumber has an astringent effect and helps oily skin. It also helps to close the pores. Honey can be mixed with egg white and applied on most skin types. Honey moisturises the skin without making it oily, while egg white cleanses the skin and closes the pores. For oily skin, multani mitti can be mixed with rose water and applied as a face pack, since it reduces surface oil and makes the skin clearer. One can start using face packs during the adolescent years, when pimples and acne begin to make an appearance. As a rule, face packs and masks may be used regularly after the age of 25. A face pack is applied after a facial massage or facial treatment. Therefore, regular facials (with or without massage, depending on the skin type) should be taken two or three times a month after the age of 25 and once a week after the age of 30. While applying face packs, we should pay attention to certain aspects. The area around the eyes should be excluded while applying a face pack, unless the preparation is specially meant for the area around eyes. It is much thinner than the skin on other parts of the face and does not contain oil glands. The lips should also be excluded while applying face packs and masks. The nostrils should be kept free of the preparation. All masks are also not meant for skin with acne or rashy skin. For example, a grainy mask should not be applied if there is acne, unless it is specially indicated. Similarly, a nourishing pack, containing oils and emollients should not be applied on oily skin, or skin with pimples, acne and rash. Pack ingredients like multani mitti should also be washed well with water, so that they do not clog the pores. The face should be cleansed before applying the mask. The hair should be tied back with a scarf or headband. If it is a paste, it should be applied with a brush. Here are some face packs that can be prepared at home: For dry skin, mix half a teaspoon honey with the yolk of an egg and one teaspoon dried milk powder. Mix into a paste and apply on the face. Remove after 20 minutes with water. If the skin is on the oily side, mix half-teaspoon honey with the white of an egg and one teaspoon curd. Add multani mitti. Mix into a paste and apply. Remove after 20 minutes with water. Make a pulp of ripe papaya and apply on the face. Papaya has a cleansing action, by softening the dead cells and aiding their removal. If yogurt is added, the mixture can help to remove tan. Grate carrots and apply on the face for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off with plain water. Carrot is rich in Vitamin A and good for winter skin problems. Mix honey with one teaspoon orange juice and apply on the face, to make it soft and smooth. Wash after 20 minutes. Honey suits all skin types. For oily and acne-prone skin, mix one-teaspoon honey with one-teaspoon curd and a little turmeric. Mix 3 teaspoons wheat bran (choker) with one teaspoon each of ground almonds, honey, curd and egg yolk. Wash after 20 minutes. |
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Nourishing thought
Madhu Sharma, dietician, PGI, says that the concept that an expecting mother has to eat for two has been misinterpreted. "By eat for two, it is meant that a woman should increase her diet for a healthy foetus, which isn't possible only by consuming the saturated fats. The foetus needs its share of balanced diet that should include all the basic minerals." She suggests a diet comprising of milk and milk products, sprouts and leafy vegetables. Talking in terms of percentage Dr Swapna Mishra, gynaecologist, Fortis quotes, "Between 40-50 per cent of women are overweight during pregnancy. It's common in Punjab since the dictum is that only if the mother will gain weight, the child will be healthy." Besides the improper diet and overeating, matter of concern is under eating. As she says, "Some women are so conscious about their figure and body shape that they tend to survive on only juices and soups. Gaining 10 to 12 kgs during pregnancy is in fact a healthy sign." Madhu Arora also raises concern about the same; "There have been cases when the child is born underweight due to insufficient calorie intake of the mother. In fact in such cases, blood loss during pregnancy results in anaemia." All said and done, the situation has improved a lot in comparison with what it was a few years back. Dr Anju Huria, gynaecologist, GMCH shows the positive picture, "Women today being educated know that they need to put on weight that's required for a healthy baby. Gone are the times, when women used to diet on desi ghee to keep fit." NICE, needn't worry a lot!
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F(L)ABULOUS!
Exercising, an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits may be the best way to lose weight and stay fit but unfortunately some people, particularly those suffering from morbid obesity, may not be able to do so even if they want to. Advances in medical sciences have made it possible for people with even morbid obesity to shed extra kilos and acquire a lean look over a period of time. Albeit one has to undergo a scalpel surgery but these are scarless and the results are amazing.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is one type of bariatric surgical procedure that is commonly used to take off those extra kilos from a body. Dr Naveen Raina, Surgeon at Fortis hospital, Mohali, explains that this Surgery is performed on the stomach or intestines and helps a person with extreme obesity to lose weight. However, only those suffering from morbid obesity that is people with body mass index (BMI) of more than 37.5 in the Asian context or at least 20 kg overweight can undergo the procedure. Dr Raina says bariatric surgeries fall into three major categories - (i) restrictive procedures that make the stomach smaller, limiting the amount of food intake; (ii) malabsorptive procedures which lessen the length of intestine that comes in contact with food and thus lessens absorption of fewer calories and (iii) a combination operations of both restriction and malabsorption procedures. Gastric bypass operations combine both restrictive and malabsorptive techniques in order to restrict the amount of food one can eat. The procedure involves creation of a small stomach pouch and then constructing a bypass of the duodenum and some parts of the small intestine to cause malabsorption. Dr Raina says ,"Bariatric surgery includes a group of weight loss surgical procedures; the choice and convenience of the procedure depends on the patient's clinical profile. The common procedures include gastric band, gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures. Explaining the procedure, he said, "An incision is made at the navel (umbilicus) and a specially-designed port, having three or four holes is inserted into abdominal cavity. Then flexible instruments are put in the stomach through these smaller holes. This is usually performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons as it is difficult to navigate fat present in obese patients". The surgery can cost up to three lakhs in India. The individual is discharged from the hospital within a couple of days and the success rate is around 100 per cent. However, this is not a cosmetic surgery. One will not come out of the operation theatre any thinner as the procedures help one lose weight slowly over a period of a year or two. Dr Raina says, "With surgery, the excess body weight loss is around 75 to 95 per cent; depending upon the procedure and patient compliance. Unfortunately in India, obese individuals adopt shortcuts, the effects of which are temporary. Remember, obesity is a disease and needs treatment." Each type of weight loss surgery can be performed as an open or a laparoscopic procedure. "Laparoscopic surgery is certainly a much better procedure as the recovery is faster, less painful and possibilities of infection and hernia are much less" says Dr Raina. anujaj@tribunemail.com |
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Flax-ible approach
Looking for a health-promoting snack? Enjoy a handful of mild nutty tasting flax seeds that will take care of your hunger. You will get a wealth of nutrition at the same time. When it comes to the scientific name of flaxseeds, the name says it all. Flaxseeds are known as Linum usitatissimum meaning ‘most useful’. Flax seeds (Alsi), also known as Linseed is a part of the Limaceae family. The flax flower is grown for both the flax seeds and its flax seed oil (linseed oil). Flax seeds are somewhat bigger than sesame seeds (til seeds) and contain a rigid shell that is smooth and glossy, their color varies from deep amber to reddish brown. While whole flaxseeds feature a soft crunch, the nutrients in ground seeds are more easily absorbed. The flax seed is made up of one third oil and two third fiber, protein and mucilage. It's high content of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) has made the flax seed become our modern miracle food. Apart from the flax seed oil, the fibrous product of flax seed is a great source of vitamins -folate and vitamin B6 as well as the minerals magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and copper. In addition, flax seeds are concentrated in lignan phytonutrients.
The each alphabet of Flax signifies the nutrient it provides with great benefits. F- for fiber. The flax seeds are high in fiber- soluble as well as insoluble. This fiber is mainly responsible for the cholesterol lowering effects of flax. Fiber in the diet helps to stabilize blood sugar and of course, promotes proper functioning of intestines. Just one fourth cup of flax seeds delivers 6 grams of fiber —as much as 1-1/2 cups of cooked oatmeal. Studies prove that when flax seed is added to diet, harmful LDL cholesterol drops, while good HDL cholesterol stays up, probably due to all the fiber in them. L-for lignans. The best source of lignans found in flax seeds-are the potent antioxidants that work all over the human body to eliminate free radicals, which can harm our tissues. Lignans are converted by beneficial gut flora into two hormone-like substances called enterolactone and enterodiol. These hormone-like agents demonstrate a number of protective effects against breast cancer and are believed to be one reason a vegetarian diet is associated with a lower risk for breast cancer. To get the lignans that are in just one fourth cup of flaxseed, you need to eat about 60 cups of broccoli or 100 slices of whole wheat bread. A- is for alpha linolenic acid (ALA) .ALA is a type of essential fatty acid necessary for human health that cannot be produced by the body and has to be provided from food. Flaxseeds are rich in alpha linolenic acid (ALA), a plant derived omega-3 fatty acid similar to those found in fish oils called eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA. For those who do not eat fish or wish to take fish oil supplements, flaxseed oil does provide a good alternative. Eating more omega three fats helps ward off fatal heart attacks by lowering total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides and it also helps to lower blood pressure. Evidence shows that inflammation plays a part in many chronic diseases & autoimmune disorders like Rheumatoid arthritis, asthma etc. Omega-3 fats can help reduce the inflammation. The oil in flax seed is 50per cent ALA, canola and walnut oils the next highest sources having 10 per cent only. X is for excellent use of flax seed in your diet. Flaxseeds are also a good source of magnesium, which helps to reduce the severity of asthma by keeping airways relaxed and open, lowers high blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with atherosclerosis. While whole flax seeds include a soft crunch and the external hull of the flax seed is exceedingly hard to digest, flax seeds need to be ground to make the nutrients available (otherwise they just pass through) Flax seed imparts a nutty flavor to a range of dishes and can be supplemented with almost every food. Flax seed powder can be sprinkled or mixed with other foods. You can put it on other cereals and salad dressings, fruit salad and can be taken with soups or with curd .Flax seed powder can also be mixed into wheat flour or pancakes, also to make muffins or in other baked goods. You can add it on the porridge or can be taken with milk. (The writer is a dietician at PGI)
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Women who take calcium supplements to improve bone density in middle age could face 30 per cent higher risk of heart attacks, warn researchers. Researchers in New Zealand's Aberdeen and Auckland universities found the link after reviewing 11 studies covering 12,000 persons who were taking supplements of calcium compounds. Hundreds of thousands of women take calcium supplements, either prescribed by doctors for osteoporosis or bought as 'bone insurance'. Treatment of 1,000 people with calcium for five years would cause an additional 14 heart attacks, 10 strokes and 13 deaths, and prevent 26 fractures. The study, published online in the British Medical Journal, reported people taking supplements equal to 500 mg or more per day were compared with people not taking them. By comparison, taking calcium as diet does not appear to have such a marked affect. Supplements increase the levels of calcium circulating in the blood which will have an adverse effect on the cardiovascular system. Experts believe higher blood levels lead to hardening of the arteries, leading to heart attacks. The Food Standards Agency recommends 700 mg of calcium per day for adults, which should come from dietary sources including milk, cheese and green, leafy vegetables. Dr Alison Avenell, lecturer at the Aberdeen University, who carried out the study, said people had to weigh up the risks and benefits. She said: "It is a balance of risks. People should consider the risks and how they apply to their own circumstances and discuss the matter." — IANS
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Those two greasy, almost oil-dripping plaits, tied with red or blue ribbons! The other segment was of those who are forced to have the easy maintenance style (or no style at all) -the boy cut. In between are those lucky ones who were allowed to wear that famous blunts. That's all about experimenting with hair and cuts till the school level! Even if the situation changes at the college level, how often do you think a typical Indian woman changes her hairstyle in her lifetime?
I am often asked about the difference between facemasks and face packs. Actually, the meaning and functions of cosmetic facemasks and face packs overlap. They more or less imply the same and are used almost synonymously. However, essentially a face pack is a corrective or restorative treatment for the face, which performs other functions too, like cleansing, toning. A face pack can comprise of fruit or vegetable pulp, pastes of herbs or leaves, clays and powders, or even a treatment cream. A facemask is a preparation, which is applied on the face and allowed to dry, so that it has a tightening effect, stimulates blood circulation to the skin surface and also performs other functions like cleansing, toning and refreshing the skin. Depending on the ingredients of the pack or mask, the treatment can be therapeutic, that is, it may be geared to reduce inflammation, close pores, or soothe the skin, or moisturise it intensely, etc.
We are sure that there must have been times when pregnant women were advised to consume as much desi ghee as they could for their and the health of the baby. Also, there must have been times when women were asked to increase their diet manifold for the same purpose. Now, when the mothers are more aware as to what and how much they should eat, a serious advice on the same by National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) a health watchdog of the British government demands some attention. In a recently released report it has mentioned, "It has been forced to speak out against the common advice to prevent an obesity crises among mothers-to-be. Expectant mothers should not eat for two as it can pose danger to their health."
Here's an effort to know what exactly is the diet of expecting mothers and how healthy it is? "Women are well aware of the fact that taking in calories in the form of fats will make them put on weight. They take a well balanced diet that has a high content of iron and calcium," says Madhu Arora, senior dietician, RD, GMCH. She next gives the details of the apt diet for the pregnant women, "Suppose the calorie requirement of a pregnant woman as per her weight is 2800, all she needs to do to add for the health of the baby is 500 calories." She suggests that instead of increasing the intake by consuming starch and fats, one should do it by having food rich in iron, protein and calcium. "A diet rich in fats will lead to weight gain, resulting in hypertension and diabetes."