Lifestyle did a quick check about city's past, present and future to find out the issues significant to this City Beautiful today.

Fresher aspects

"A lot of development is needed but the city has a lot of cool things, 17 Piazza being one of them as it provides appropriate space for human interaction," says Tom Barg, an architectural student in the city for a studio, Reflections on the City, carried out between Chandigarh College of Architecture and University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA. The students came up with several uniquely different proposals for the northwestern part of the City Centre which is very dull as compared to Neelam piazza shares studio coordinators Manu P Sobti, faculty UWM.

Painting the piazza

Chandigarh has always borne the brunt of tussle between Corbusier's ideals versus the need of the hour debate. Recently fuelled by the proposal to paint the outer walls of Sector 17, it got the city folks divided. Rajnish Watts, former principle, Chandigarh College of Architecture, says, "There is no doubt that Sector 17 needs a facelift but it need not necessarily be paint. The concrete and brick look that is the hallmark of Corbusier's 'honesty of materials' can be maintained with the range of technologies available today."

Periphery troubles

"Conceived to be 'urbanism with rural ethos' Chandigarh today is very different from the brief given to Le Corbusier," says S D Sharma, an imminent architect from the city. "We are fortunate today to have preserved the character of the city but it's the periphery that poses a huge threat to the city." The haphazard construction in adjoining areas like Mohali, Zirakpur with high-density population and no infrastructure would ultimately put pressure on Chandigarh. With excessive infrastructure load any city ceases to function, he says.

Torch bearer

"Luckily, we are able to maintain the city well," says Wattas, "but it's time that we take a step further and be world leaders in spreading green technology." Checking light and environmental pollution are a priority to maintain the city, says radeep K Bhagat, principal, Chandigarh College of Architecture-12.

Culture vulture

Chandigarh once known to be a city of retired and soulless has changed over a period of time. "Thanks to the educational institutions and increasing job opportunities it's a vibrant city now. The coming up multiplexes and IT Park are a reflection of youthful city," feels Watts.

More to come

"To deal with the rising population and traffic, a plan for metro needs to be put in place very soon," says Bhagat. "A boost to night tourism and completion of the Museum of Knowledge would be the steps in the right direction," he adds. "With Chandigarh getting the heritage city status, it would increase the responsibility on the city and citizens," says Sangeeta Bagga, faculty, CCA.

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Kavi sammelan in Sanskrit? Sounds different indeed, in the times when people in general are obsessed with their love for cricket, TRP ratings of TV serials and celebration of the success of 3 Idiots.

Urdu Mushairas, Punjabi Kavi Darbar's or Hindi Kavi Sammelans still attract a sizable audience unlike the kavi sammelan in Sanskrit where the participating poets or organisers are only inquisitive listeners. Lamenting the lack of appreciation for the Sanskrit, Rameshwar Dutt Sharma, director, Haryana Sanskrit Akademi, eulogised Sanskrit as " Not only the language but a Sanskriti, Bharat ki atmaa or pehchan."

Calling the antiquity of Vedas as the golden period of its glory and the holy scriptures which had been emitting the mellow light of wisdom, philosophy, culture and influencing the socio-cultural scenario for ages, all were written in Sanskrit only, he adds. But over the years its glory has been on the downslide, he claims. "The government of Haryana has risen to the occasion by establishing a full-fledged academy for the revival and propagation of Sanskrit and we have taken up the noble cause for its promotion in village schools, colleges and universities and have offered cash prize of Rs 1,000 rupees to 70 students," he says. As many as 16 poets read out their poems on the Gantantra divasamplkasye (on the eve of Republic day). They delved into the supreme sacrifices of martyrs exhorting the people to emulate their ideals. Matura Dutt Pandey, winner of the President's award led the sammelan. Presenting a global anthem, Pande vouched for the one world government before comparing the present socio-political life to that of a zoo. He exhorted the need to introduce Sanskrit drama for the language promotion. Acharya Mahavir Prasad, Krishan Murari Sharma, Shivani, Virender Alankar, Prasad, Satyapal Shrama, Srikrishan Sharma, Rajeshwar Mishar, Naresh Batra, Pritibha Purindhi presented their poems. Chief guest Budhdev Sharma, Guest of Honour, Krishan Semwal and Vikram Viveki, who conducted the sammelan, also read out their poems on the patriotic and socio-cultural themes.

If power yoga, intense gymming or crash dieting has not worked out for you, Bariatric surgery may be the option to reduce those unwanted inches

Finally the cat is out of the bag. Besides running, gymming, exercising, crash dieting, Adnan Sami did something else too to lose weight that he has never made a mention of. Losing 110 kilos got easier by undergoing a Bariatric surgery (did he ever speak the truth?). "The surgery lead to diminished appetite, which made him shed weight and attain better shape in a year's time," divulges Dr Randeep Wadhawan, an acclaimed surgeon, who announced the reliable way of losing weight, Bariatric surgery, at Fortis Hospital on Saturday.

WHO's data as provided by Dr Wadhawan suggests that there are more obese people in world today than malnutritioned and that makes this surgery a viable option.

Conducted on people suffering from acute obesity, the surgery involves reducing the size of the stomach with a medical device or by dividing the stomach. "Lesser area of the stomach makes one feel full after a small meal, there by decreasing hunger and finally leading to gradual weight loss. It's a form of forced dieting a patient is made to follow," Dr Wadhwan.

The surgery, as he claims, is not a major one and it requires one to be admitted in the hospital for three days. "The patient can begin taking the usual diet on the fourth day and can get back to work on the seventh day after the surgery."

Bariatric surgery is said to be the healthy way of losing weight. "One can gain weight at a faster rate when he stops exercising or working out in the gym. In this surgery, as the person's appetite in controlled, the effect sustains for a longer time that may extend up to 10 years even." He says if a person is following the right lifestyle after the surgery, he can lose extra weight of the body up to 70-80 per cent.

Along with obesity, the surgery also treats health problems like diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, dyslipidemia, heart problems, all of which are a result of overweight. "There is a considerable improvement in the quality of life post Bariatric surgery as the person loses weight."

However, lifestyle modifications are imperative for a prolonged benefit of the surgery. The stomach size may gradually inflate if the person does not cut down on his diet. "Our stomach is like a balloon which will increase its size depending on the amount of food one has had." This diet plan post-surgery is equally important. One should avoid high fibre food and have several small means a day. Also, diet recommended by a dietician should be followed to avoid any deficiency. "Since after the weight loss, the motivation levels are so high, that a usually follows a healthy lifestyle," he says. The cost of surgery ranges between Rs 2 to 3 lakh.

However, not everyone can go in for Bariatric surgery. The deciding factor is body mass index (BMI), which should be above 32.5. "We also have to look all the possible causes of obesity, from hormonal imbalance, low metabolic rate to body's tendency to retain water. The surgery is recommended to only selective people, who haven't benefited at all from exercising or working out in the gym," informs Dr K.P. Singh, senior consultant, Endocrinology, Fortis.

The endoscopic treatment is recommended to people not fit for Bariatric surgery, "An inflated balloon is put inside the abdomen to reduce the size of the stomach to reduce appetite or a plastic sheet is introduced in the intestines that helps in mal-absorption of the food," adds Dr Singh. Adnan, we now know it all!

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You might prefer steaming soup or that refreshing cuppa coffee to a glass of water these days to keep warm but that's exactly where you start harming your health. The same glass of water can save you from quite a few throat related problems.

There is a general tendency to consume less water in winters but doctors feel that this is the root cause of throat related problems. "A dry throat is not only uncomfortable but a persistently dry throat is more susceptible to inflammation and infection," say experts.

ENT specialist, Dr Rajesh Dheer of GMCH-32, gives a few simple tips to save your throat from coughs, soreness, a hoarse heavy voice and a blocked runny nose. He says that drink at least three litre of water in a day. Prefer lukewarm water as it lubricates the lining membranes of throat and vocal folds (cords).

You might feel tempted to soothe your throat with steaming hot coffee and tea. But the caffeine in coffee and to a lesser extent in tea dehydrates the throat. In such case, a drink of lemon and honey, vegetable soup or herbal tea is a better option for a clear throat. If a person has pain in the throat, he/she should avoid the use of local anesthetic lozenges, he says.

Constant pain can affect voice performance and may even result in serious damage to vocal folds, especially if a person has to be loud. Gargles may provide temporary relief but if done forcefully and noisily, can aggravate the throat pain and even worsen the voice, he warned. Instead, inhale steam. Steer clear of iced drinks, colas, alcohol and smoking.

If person has an irritating dry allergic cough, which is common in winter, get it treated immediately as persistent coughing can harm the voice. According to Dr Dheer, usually an anti-allergic /cold medication is sufficient. These medicines dry the throat, so drink extra water. Do not self medicate with antibiotics. Most sore throats settle down with simple measures. Ginger, turmeric, basil, black pepper and liquorices help soothe the throat. If the symptoms persist or worsen, seek professional help, he advised.

Don't gorge on spicy and oily foods. A lot of throat and voice problems are related to acidity and indigestion, he says. "Milk and milk products often increase mucus formation. So avoid ice cream, milk based desserts, cheese and yogurt if you have a performance or presentation the next morning. Chocolates have the same effect as milk and caffeine combined, as they have a high content of both," he adds.

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When it comes to heart health, even a little bit of exercise can prove beneficial, suggests a new study. John Quindry, director of Auburn University's Cardioprotection Research Laboratory, said far too many people associate hour-long elliptical machine sessions as the most effective means of building a healthy heart.

"Just getting out and walking or jogging for the recommended 30 to 45 minutes most days is going to be enough to help," Quindry said. Through his animal-based laboratory research, Quindry and his collaborators have found that even a few days of exercise can provide a form of protection in the event of a heart attack.

In his lab experiments, Quindry has taken sedentary rats and exercised them through treadmill activity for three-day periods. After that period of moderate to vigorous exercise, the lab rats were subjected to experimentally induced heart attacks, replicating a clinical heart attack in humans.

Quindry has repeatedly found that the brief exercise regimen diminishes the severity of the heart attacks. "The animal-based research has been structured so that it's very clinically relevant. The animals we use exercise in proportion to the same intensities you and I would exercise for good health and fitness," Quindry said. "Just three days of exercise overwhelmingly protects against heart attack damage. What we're finding is that even a little bit of physical activity is more powerful than we once thought," he added. — ANI

Two sex sessions in a week can reduce risk of heart disease in men, says a new research. The study showed that men who indulged in regular lovemaking were up to 45 per cent less likely to develop life-threatening heart conditions than those who had sex once a month or less.

In the research of over 1,000 men, scientists found that sex apparently has a protective effect on the male heart but they did not examine whether women benefit too. Thus, American researchers who carried out the investigation are now calling for doctors to screen men for sexual activity when assessing their risk of heart disease, reports the Telegraph. Despite sex being considered good for physical and mental health, not much has been scientifically proven about the benefits of frequent intercourse on major illnesses such as heart disease.

In the latest study, scientists at the New England Research Institute in Massachusetts, tracked the sexual activity of men aged between 40 and 70 who were taking part in a long-term project called the Massachusetts Male Ageing Study, which began back in 1987. Over a 16-year period, each man was regularly quizzed on how often they had sex and then checked for signs of heart disease.

Researchers took into account other risk factors, such as their age, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The results showed men who made love at least twice a week were much less likely to have heart disease than those whose sexual encounters were limited to once a month or less. Analyzing the findings, scientists said the benefits of sex could be due to both the physical and emotional effects on the body.

Men with the desire for frequent sexual activity and who are able to engage in it are likely to be healthier, but sex in some forms has a physical activity component that might directly serve to protect cardiovascular health. Also, men who have frequent sex might be more likely to be in a supportive intimate relationship and this might improve health through stress reduction and social 
support.

The study was published in the American Journal of Cardiology. — ANI

The winter chills is getting you down? Time to think of the sun, sand and a little adventure

Zipline touring – a relatively new adventure activity in India – is a fun sport combining an outdoor experience with a taste of thrill. India’s lone zipline tour, which has been open to tourists for just a year, is located at the medieval fort of Neemrana in Rajasthan. Neemrana, being a couple of hours’ drive from Delhi, is ideal for a daylong or weekend trip by car from Chandigarh. It is a good idea to set out early, 6 am or before. Carry along a picnic basket with breakfast and lunch, or sample the food at any of the roadside eateries.  

There is little that is spectacular en route, though you might spot a stray camel a few kilometres from the fort. However, once you leave behind the shops in the village at the base of the fort and start up the incline to the location of the fort midway up the hill, the remnants of medieval dwellings come into sight. Your sightseeing begins after you park a short distance below the fort entrance. Parts of the complex are open to day visitors and there is a baonli or step-well, a water tank, cannon and huge, old doors to admire. If you stay at the hotel overnight, all of the premises are open to you. The medieval construction has been added to and the modern side of the property has two swimming pools. 

The zip tour company, Flying Fox Asia, is located on one side of the fort overlooking the ridges between which the zip lines (steel cables) are strung. You are given a list of simple dos and don’ts to read (“brake only when you are told to” et al) and then fitted out with harness and gloves. Most people wear only a seat harness but if nature (or, more likely, beer!) has endowed you with a heavy torso, you will additionally be given a chest harness. A pulley and a safety screw-lock carabiner are attached to the harness, to be clipped on to the zipline.  

Leaving the fort behind, you walk up to the top of the ridge where an old sentry post once stood and where a miniature zipline has been strung up. Here, after a demo, you practise the basic techniques to steady yourself, to brake and to haul yourself to the end if you lose momentum midway on the zipline. In the basic stance, you grasp the top of the pulley with one hand, hunch your elbows close to your sides and tuck your legs underneath as you “sit” in the harness. The idea is to gather as much speed as possible at the outset and, to minimise air resistance, the free hand is not left to dangle alongside nor are the legs stretched out. 

The only time anyone feels a twinge of fear is at the take-off for Zip 1. But the instructors are experienced in talking people through their hesitation. And then you are off, swooshing down the cable with the air rushing past your ears and the cable singing due to the vibration.  

As you reach the sag in the middle, you automatically slow down. If you want to avoid coming to a halt, the trick is to gain enough speed in the beginning so that the momentum lasts all the way. If you do reach a stop and don’t have the energy to haul yourself, an instructor will zip down to you, attach a rope to you and pull you to the end. 

Of the five ziplines, Zip 1 is the fastest and most enjoyable but the 400-metre-long Zip 2 is thrilling because it is the second longest in Asia. The highest is Zip 4, which gives you truly a bird’s-eye view of the fort, the forested hillside on one side and the plain of Rajasthan with rural housing and shops as well as hotels, offices and ribbons of tarmac stretching away on the other.

Flying has become such a part of modern life that we often overlook the effects it can have on our bodies. Of course, we know about the “jet lag” after long flights. Traveling at high speed and across time zones can play havoc with the body’s normal cycle. Apart from other effects, the skin also suffers. In fact, even during short flights, the airconditioned cabin and air pressure changes can cause dehydration of the body and the skin. Airport lounges, hotels and even the car you use to transport yourself, are all airconditioned that draws out the moisture from our bodies through the skin. And dehydration that causes lethargy, listlessness and fatigue after a flight.

Drink plenty of water during flights to maintain the water balance of your body. It also helps to keep the skin hydrated. You can have fruit juices, but avoid aerated drinks, alcohol and coffee. Take your moisturizer along and use it during the flight. You can use it several times, whenever your skin feels dry. It helps to prevent moisture depletion and gives protection. Moisture is actually the skin’s basic need. It helps to protect the youthful qualities of the skin and protects the skin’s elasticity and texture.  

The eyes also tend to show up fatigue easily. Many people report puffiness of the eyes after flights. This may be due to lack of fluids during the flight. If you find your eyes feeling heavy and tired, go to the restroom and splash some water on it. When you arrive at your destination, take two tea bags, steep them in water and use them over your eyes, like eye pads. Lie down and relax for 15 minutes. The hands and lips can also suffer from dryness. Apply moisturizing cream on the hands two or three times and massage it into the skin. Remember to pack lip balm or cream and apply it during and after your flight. An almond cream is ideal for the lips.  

When you travel by air, you may have to sit for long hours. Avoid tight clothes. Your feet will also suffer, so try to keep them raised with some support, to help circulation and prevent fatigue. You can try a few foot exercises while sitting. Wiggle your toes and make circular motions with your feet.

Sleeplessness, loss of appetite, indigestion, headache, disorientation, mood changes, even depression have been reported, as symptoms of jet-lag.  However, there are ways in which you can minimise these effects. Those who exercise regularly seem to cope better with it. If you don’t take regular exercise, you can start some exercises a few days before your flight, like going for a brisk walk. Eat light meals during the flight. Salads and fruits help to ward off symptoms of jet-lag.  

Spa treatments have been specially designed to alleviate the symptoms of jet lag. These are luxury treatments that are essentially revitalizing and rejuvenating. Cleansing, purifying, stress-relieving and rejuvenating massages are provided. These packages include facial treatments like the Diamond, Gold and Pearl facials, along with facial massage that improve blood and lymphatic circulation, removing toxins and wastes. They are essentially rejuvenating and revitalizing treatments, nourish, moisturize and re-mineralise the skin.

Aromatherapy facial and body massages also help jet lag. Aromatherapy massage is based on the principle of inducing relaxation and calming the mind. A combination of pure essential oils helps to also relieve muscular tension and stimulate blood circulation. The massage helps to achieve the ideal balance, improve blood and lymphatic circulation, removing fatigue and bringing about total relaxation. 

The foot spa treatment is a powerful treatment in terms of removing jet lag. The best part of the foot spa is the foot massage, which extends all the way up the calves. Different kinds of strokes and massage techniques are used. It is extremely relaxing. Nowadays foot spa treatments make use of special equipment, like using tubs for foot baths that provide jets and bubbles of water. The water creates a whirlpool effect, moving around and massaging the feet gently, like a Jacuzzi. It is revitalizing and also helps to relax tired feet and the entire body.

One of the leading automobile batteries manufacturers in the country, Taiwa Batteries Group has invited entries from young boys and girls to participate in the Taiwa Mega Model contest 2010.Encouraged by the response to it’s first mega model contest last year, the company has now announced to hold the semi finals of the contest on February 10. The grand finale of this glittering event will be held on February 27 at the Tagore Theatre.  

Ved Raj Pal, managing director, Taiwa Batteries Group, says, “Quality is the mantra of Taiwa group and through this contest too, we are striving to provide an opportunity to the talented young boys and girls of this region, who wish to shine in the career of modeling and acting. Auditions are being conducted in various cities. Besides the title, the winner will also get free air ticket to Bankok.” Boys and girls who wish to participate, may get their names registered at taiwamegamodelcontest@gmail.com.— TNS

Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, whose latest album has been nominated for the Grammy awards this year, feels that the honour can popularise the stringed instrument on the world stage.“I will be happy if the sarod gets a place in the world mainstream music. I want sarod to be as popular as the guitar and violin. It should find an international place,” Khan said. 

“I don’t play sarod just to be popular. Unlike many others, my work is not a rat race where you struggle to stay at the number one spot. “It is a journey with grace and dignity, more like an elephant’s leisurely walk. For me, my work is a complete surrender, devotion and dedication,” the 64-year-old musician, who was taught by his father and guru Haafiz Ali Khan, said. “With the Grammy nomination of my album, I have also been taken into the race.

 But, I have never been a part of any race. There hasn’t been a big change in my life after I received the nomination. And, even if I get or don’t get the Grammy, it won’t make much difference to me,” Khan said. Ancient Sounds, the musician’s duet album with Iraqi Oud virtuoso Rahim Alhaj, has been nominated for the Grammy in the ‘Best Traditional World Music Album’ category. The Grammy Awards will be announced on January 31 in Los Angeles. 

Khan, who was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second highest civilian honour in 2001 would, however, not attend the Grammy Awards and will be playing at a concert in Bangalore. “I am sure my co-musician Rahim will go there. Even if one of us goes, it will serve the purpose. I had planned my Bangalore concert some six months ago.” Nevertheless, he thinks that getting the Grammy will be an honour for him and the country.“When an honour comes from outside your country, it is a bigger honour as it becomes an honour for the entire country,” he said. Asked whether he had expected the nomination, he said it had been a pleasant surprise for him.

Along with him, Oscar-winner music composer A R Rahman and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain are the other Indians who have been nominated for the Grammy. — PTI

Bollywood beauty Priyanka Chopra, who is in New York shooting for her upcoming film Anjaana Anjaani, says she is ecstatic after winning the national award for Best Actress in Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion. “I am overwhelmed and on Cloud nine, I just can’t believe that this has actually happened to me. It feels simply fantastic to be conferred this prestigious honour. 

I owe this to Madhur sir and Ronnie who believed in me,” Chopra said from New York. The 27-year-old actress, who portrayed the role of a struggling model in the film also expressed her happiness over co-star Kagana Ranaut’s win as the Best Supporting actress for Fashion. “I am elated that Kangna has won this award. Without her role as Shonali, Meghna would be incomplete,” Priyanka said. —PTI