|
|
|
|
|
Venice-ing Act
One line definition and it's a complete confluence of cultures, compositions, concerns! An endeavor juxtaposing the five rivers of Punjab and the architectural masterpiece, Venice.
The Anad Foundation, the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Centre bring to the city Venice and Punjab: Water Memoirs, Soundscapes by Sara Michieletto, Bhai Baldeep Singh and Madan Gopal Singh. And, just like the effort it will be shifting to and fro between the two places, the two artistes and their responses. "Sara and I were playing together at the planetarium in Delhi, she was playing violin and I was singing the aarti of Baba Nanak and I told her that we needed to organise something together. The second thought was, what would it be?" Baldeep Singh leads you in and briefs about his brainchild. So, what would it be? A concert where taking water as a common reference, the artistes will present some aspects of the artistic creativity while drawing everyone's attention to the most important element, water. He continues, "Why is it called a memoir? When you look at Punjab it is like a beautiful body where basic element like water is being insulted, like blood is being sucked out of it and the same is the case with Venice." Vehement nods from Sara validate the point. The Italian violinist, who'll be rendering the some very fascinating compositions of Antonio Vivaldi and Tomaso Albinoni. "In a way this concert is also part of my project 'The Strains of Violin in India', that has two aims - one to make known Venetian music in India and to share with underprivileged kids the enthusiasm of being a musician and an artiste." She adds, "I've been staying in Chennai for over two years now and met Bhai Baldeep Singh, who's a great conductor of western classical music and immediately jumped at the opportunity." As for the city, "I just landed today and I'm coming here for the first time and have heard a lot about this Le Corbusier's place. And Punjab is amazing, especially the people, so warm, friendly and tough." Back to the concert and Bhai Baldeep Singh will be making around ten minute appearance. He laughs, "At the insistence of Sara and Madan, I'll be reciting a melancholy melody resonant of five rivers." Adds the 13th generation exponent of the tradition of Gurbani kirtan, "In the late nineties, I had composed five tals named on the five rivers of Punjab, I'll be presenting those while Madan will be singing sufi texts, some of them on the two rivers of Punjab from the Rig Veda." Just as the invite says, 'deep within, flowing on, the compassionate waters of life'. manpriya@tribunemail.com |
|
Jat's the way
Things he shares might sound funny, strange and even surprising to you. After all, what Gugu Gill talks about, happened 25 years ago.
A time when Punjabi film industry was hardly an industry, when it picked and blatantly copied Pakistani style of movie making, when anyone with Jat type looks, muscular built and a heavy baritone could dream of being an actor and when the title of every second script would begin with Jat or Jatti, when a two minute dialogue would be punctuated with words like badla, main tere khoon pi jaunga, jatti da badla, bahar nikal oye…. Gugu Gill, in the city, shooting for a movie sure has some exciting things to talk about, but at the same time, he is someone who has moved with time, and he is glad that he did it. "The entire outlook of the Punjabi film industry has changed," offers Gugu of Putt Jattan De, Jatt Tey Zameen, Qurbani Jatt Di, Jatt Jeona Morh and Baghi Soormey fame. "From the set design, locations, dialoguers, scripts, budget, acting skills, everything has become more professional," he adds. This does not mean Gugu does not relish talking about yesteryears. "Those were equally good days. There were no acting schools, no one to guide us. We would learn acting by observing our seniors. The themes were based on a rural and semi-rural lifestyle. Of course, we were greatly influenced by Pakistani cinema. However, things have changed now," says the actor from Mani Khera, near Malout, who has ruled the Punjabi cinema in 1990s along with Yograj Singh. Gugu attributes these changes to the crop of new directors like Manmohan Singh, and the growth of audience, both in Punjab and abroad. "We had to go to Mumbai for dubbing, technicians and many other things. Today, we have good cameras, better technical know how, good acting schools, and directors who can understand the pulse of people. They have an experimental approach and they believe in showcasing their work to a wider audience," provides Gugu Gill, waiting for the release of his coming movies Simran and Jawani Zindabad. |
|
Fair game
There is no way that you can refrain yourself from gaping at him, even if you are taking a trendy hair cut done for your own engagement, or you have your feet dipped in the warm and foamy water for a pedicure. So, when Kapil Dev, former Indian Captain entered Tress Lounge-8 to meet his friend Munish Bajaj, owner of the salon, on Saturday night, all heads turned.
Need we say that work came to a standstill, with pleasure and excitement though! The entire action, of the otherwise buzzing place, shifted on to him, and the man, unperturbed despite the heavy-duty action! But then, he knows how to carry everything with élan, including his game. And health too! Laughs Kapil, "God is kind enough. But at the same time, I try to look after myself as much as I can. Health is important, and I carry about keeping myself in order." And, the shape comes from rigorous exercises? Adds Kapil, "I play golf, and go to the gym whenever I have time. I rest at a proper time, and eat at a proper time." Nevertheless, somethings can be controlled while others follow their own way, like the developments in Chandigarh, which have taken the cricketer by surprise. "The city has undergone a 360 degree change, for good of course. Growth is always good," shared Kapil, adding that he was taken aback by the growth of serpentine traffic in the city. "Everything has changed, right from the newspapers to shopping sectors. Look at the number of malls around, it looks so different." Different, the word strikes. Wouldn't you too want to act in films, show up on screen for a difference? He flashed a smile, almost childlike, "No. I am happy with my sport.
People have loved me in this. Besides, I have had a great time enjoying every bit of cricket. I wouldn't want to do films for a difference," the smile still intact. The action around Kapil Dev began to swell. Autographs, queries, photographs, didn't we say you couldn't miss him. We played the last ball. Stress busters? "I don't eat anything stupid, and I eat as early as possible. It gives me strength, the required energy to feel good about myself," he answered. "Music once a while is also works as a good stress buster." He declared subtly. Match over. And, we had no qualms. It was a good game. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
|
Striking a point
There was a time when children and adults alike enjoyed a game of carrom, but videogames seem to have taken over now. Actor Siddharth hopes his film Striker will bring back the lost popularity of
carrom. "Striker is not a sports film, but I am sure it will bring back carrom in vogue. Although it is still quite alive... we have Asian champions and many great players of the game in India...it will definitely get a boost in popularity with the film," Siddarth said. "It's kind of a biographical film on Suryakant…however that's not the only angle. It's an amalgamation of many stories in the slums of Mumbai. It is based in the 1980s when carrom used to be very popular and a rage in these small by-lanes. It's about how this character is faced with many choices in life - good and bad - and what he chooses," said the south Indian actor, who earned rave reviews for his role in Rang De Basanti. Siddharth says he worked really hard to get into the skin of the character. "I spent a lot of time in Mumbai slums, speaking to people there. I also underwent two months' training in carrom, not only to become a pro in the game and learn the tricks but also to learn the body language and gauge what goes on in the mind of the player," he said. Acting skills apart, Siddharth is a good playback singer too and has sung two songs in Striker. "I am a trained singer and my songs in the film are an extension of my character. I have sung a few songs in my films down south as well. The film has a unique soundtrack with six composers coming together for the first time for a film," he added. While he will continue working for regional films, Siddharth will now concentrate a little more on Hindi movies as well. "Apart from Striker I am finishing some work in Telugu; then I will focus on Bollywood. But this time there won't be a gap of four years," the actor said. —
IANS |
|
Kat calls
She may be one of the most in demand actors in Bollywood but Katrina Kaif is all set to play the role of a wannabe item girl in her next film Tees Maar Khan.
The movie, directed by Farah Khan and produced by her husband Shirish Kunder, will see Kaif pairing opposite Akshay Kumar, his co-star of hits like Namaste London, Welcome, Singh is Kinng and recently released De Dana Dan. "Yes, Katrina is playing a wannabe item girl in 'Tees Maar Khan'. Beyond that I can't reveal much about her character at this stage," said producer Shirish Kunder. This is for the first time in her career that Kaif would be enacting the character of an item girl. She has played a supermodel in her debut Boom, a rich heiress in De Dana Dan, a girl next door in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and a married woman with a kid in New York. Kunder, who has also written the story, said they deliberated quite a lot on the leading lady for the movie before signing the actor. When asked whether her British background would be coming in handy if she plays one of those NRIs from Southall who wish to make it big in Bollywood, Kunder said "Nothing like that. There isn't any Southall connection to Katrina's character in the film. Instead she came in primarily due to her overall appearance, which just fitted in perfectly with the requirement of the character. We were looking for somebody like her and ultimately settled for her only," Kunder said. Though Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra have played fashion models in the past, getting into the garb of an item girl isn't something that many have dared to do in the past. 'Tees Maar Khan will see a global release on December 24, taking over the slot which has been occupied by Aamir Khan since 'Taare Zameen Par (2007), Ghajini (2008) and 3 Idiots (2009). —
PTI |
|
'Dear' arm candy
Lindsay Lohan has reportedly been paid 150,000 dollars to appear as arm candy for an Austrian billionaire. The 23-year-old singer will reportedly accompany 77-year-old Richard Lugner to the super posh annual event Vienna Opera Ball.
But the actress, who has been in and out of rehab three times, will purportedly have to adhere to "no booze" rules as part of the deal. "We've agreed to pull all the liquor from the mini bar in her hotel room and told staff they must not serve her alcohol," a publication quoted Lugner as saying. The four-times divorced tycoon was said to have spent a fortune in "hiring" leading ladies, including Paris Hilton, Pamela Anderson and burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese, as his dates to one of his country's most glittering events.
—ANI |
|
What a relief
Singer Dannii Minogue has let out a sigh of relief after being told she would not be delivering twins. The 38-year-old mum-to-be, who is expecting her first child with former England rugby playing boyfriend Kris Smith, said she was glad after learning that a multiple birth was not a possibility in her case. "We know it's not twins. The doctor said this morning that there's only one in there and Kris and I both sighed with relief! I'm so tiny, I'm not big enough to fit twins in there - I wouldn't be able to stand up!" she said. She added: "I have two loving parents who formed a family around me and I have it in my mind that I want it to be like that. I would only do it if I was able to recreate that and up until now, I've never been in a relationship where I was 100 per cent confident and had those feelings. "Kris was ready from the word go and couldn't wait to start a family. I've taken some convincing, but we've taken the leap together and it feels right. Kris is the one." —
ANI |
|
Kiss and tell
Anne Hathaway has admitted that she is not as great a kisser as Angelina Jolie. The Valentine's Day star said she is certainly not the best kisser on screen.
"Really you have to be Angelina Jolie to pull that off and still look good. I ain't no Angie," she said.
She added: "You have to leave your mouth open a little bit." However, Hathaway feels Jennifer Garner deserves an award for kissing.
She said: Jennifer Garner -- now that girl can movie kiss!"
Meanwhile, Hathaway has received Harvard's prestigious Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year award. —
ANI
|
|
Kate's arty debut
Super model Kate Moss is taking painting lessons, it has emerged. The beauty is reportedly following a private art course at her north London home.
"Kate has always been a big collector of art and has several valuable works in her home. But she has been getting more into painting herself," a source said.
The insider added: "She has a very hectic life and that is one of the few things that relaxes her.
She has hired someone to tutor her at home and has told boyfriend Jamie Hince that he will be her first subject." Also, Moss has been spotted dining with legendary artist Lucian Freud at posh nosh house The Wolseley in London. —
ANI
|
|
Mann of the moment
Aggressive marketing and distribution can take Punjabi cinema to places. Punjabi singer and actor Harbhajan Mann provides that a right balance of the above mentioned things can definitely improve the viwership for Punjabi movies, and do good to it in more the one way. In the city, to perform at the concluding function of Jalsa Youth Festival 2010, Harbhajan feels that Punjabi film industry did not get enough time to grow, the journey is long, but with a few dedicated people like Manmohan Singh, the industry has a bright future.
“Before Partition the film industry had a base in Lahore that later shifted to Mumbai,” says Harbhajan. “Thereafter, Punjab faced terrorism, followed by many social evils like drugs, alcoholism which took its toll on many youngsters of the region.”
He adds that Punjabi cinema hasn’t got enough tie to develop. “I and Manmohan ji have been working for almost 10 years to improve the face of cinema. Nonetheless, we always feel that lots need to be done.” Like, we probe. “A good marketing and distribution strategy is the need of the hour. With the growth of multiplexes in Punjab, this is the right time to market our movies, not only in Punjab and overseas, but in places like Kolkata and Delhi too,” shares the actor, who is scheduled to start work on his private album and movie soon. Punjabi actors, dances, and singers finding an acceptance in the Bollywood is another welcome change. Agrees Harbhajan. “I run into stars who express a desire to be a part of Punjabi cinema. They know that we are making good cinema and we have great music. With a little more planning, Punjabi cinema can compete with any other cinema,” he adds.
|
|
Native returns
Indians settled abroad observe, relish or lament the events, the progress with greater concern than people who closely witness the factual position of the happenings in all spheres of life. We had a lot to celebrate, the triumphant of the Oscars, Grammies, the spectacular musical or dancing performances by Indian maestros the comparative achievements in literary arts especially Punjabi literature,” opines Copenhagen-based poet Swarn Singh Parwana, founder president of the Asian Writers Association in Denmark.
In the city to confer the 21st Baba Bulle Shah award on the acclaimed Punjabi author and critic Sharanjit Kaur, he shares his views at the Punjab Kala Bhavan on Sunday.
Credited with 12 poetry books on the themes of humanism, mutual harmony and brotherhood, Parwana is revered as Manvata da kavi among the literary fraternity of Indian and Pakistani Punjabis settled abroad. “ By lamenting the inadequate proliferation of Punjabi or its failure in touching the horizons of literary excellence, I do not mean that I or the writers of Punjab are better,” he says.
He emphasised that in India writers have more sources to explore, better available resources, guidance of eminent scholars, good universities or libraries than the NRI’s. He clarifies, “There has been a substantial increase in the number of writers, but many literary creations are not saaf suthri and free from oblique vulgar content.” His perception is based on a comparative study, which came when he was editing an anthology of ghazals titled Vishav Punjabi Ghazal comprising of 160 poetic creations, including 20 by the Pakistani writers. Encouraged by its success, Parwana brings its second edition, which includes 50 Pakistani and non Punjabi poets. He, however, claims Shiv Batalvi to be a great poet but not a ghazalgo. Sahan Qadfri, Mushtaq Singh Mushtaq, Gurnam Dhillon, Saathi Ludhianvi and many more from Europe and Canada light up the International Punjabi mushairas. Born and brought up at a village near Hoshiarpur, Swarn had to face many struggles. He set up his magazine Sone Savera in Punjabi before migrating to Denmark in 1970. He is settled in Copenhagen where he runs a FM Radio Pride, which airs Punjabi
programmes. |
|
Place for wheels
The Auto Expo is over but automobile aficionados don’t have to wait for the next two years, because AutoMall 2010 is arriving and that too in Chandigarh to reach not only the industry players but also to delight the auto lovers across Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir from February 12th-14, 2010 at Parade Ground Chandigarh.
After the stupendous success last year in Bangalore, Delhi and Chandigarh ,- Relio Quick Auto Mall 2010 is back to Chandigarh -an extravaganza full of action.
It will host some of the best automobile brands in the country along with the related products and services. This exhibition will be further complemented by premium lounge for display of luxury cars and bikes, vintage cars, modified cars and bikes . “Relio Quick Auto Mall 2010 promises to be a business epicenter. We are delighted & equally energized to bring back Auto Mall 2010 with lager foot prints than last year to this beautiful city,” according to Sandeep Kapoor, managing director, Relio Quick India Pvt Ltd. —
TNS |
|
Musically yours
The auditions for musical event, Voice of Chandigarh -2010 for budding vocalist talent was organised jointly by Gurukul Vidyapeeth and S-4 Trust at the Government Museum and Arts
Gallery-10. Rinku Kalia, the eminent singer and Varinder Bachan, the renowned music director, were the judges for the auditions. It was a preliminary round to shortlist the potential voices in and around the city.
The mega finale would be held on September 28. The participants were divided into two categories based on the age groups, 9-14 years and 14-18 years. “The year-long talent hunt will provide a platform to the budding singers to perform along with mainline Bollywood and regional singers. Besides, the winners of the talent hunt will get an opportunity to work in the audio visual projects of the Gurukul Vidyapeeth and the S-4 Trust,” Gurukul CEO Manmohan Garg said. On this occasion, Rinku said this was a wonderful experience to have such a huge talent under one roof. This event will provide an excellent platform to the budding singers for growing in this field. More than 250 participants from the various schools and colleges in and around Chandigarh participated in the event and showcased their talent.
— TNS
|
|
Spice up Shahnaz Husain Myth 1: People with oily skins should wash their face several times a day with soap and water to reduce the oily look. Actually, this provides a temporary fresh feeling. Washing the face several times makes the skin too alkaline. The Ph (acid-alkaline) balance of healthy skin is slightly more on the acid side. The acid mantle of healthy skin actually protects it from pimples and acne. The skin should be washed only two or three times a day with soap. It should then be wiped and toned with a rose-based skin tonic to complete the cleansing process and restore the balance. Myth 2: Using a night cream for oily skin. An oily skin should not be massaged with nourishing creams/ night creams. It would activate the oil glands further and make the skin more oily. Creams can also clog the pores and lead to pimples. The skin should be cleansed and then rinsed with plenty of plain water. It may also be toned with a skin tonic. Creams should not be applied if the skin is oily. Myth 3: Applying cream around the eyes at night and leaving it on overnight helps to prevent wrinkles. Actually, the area around the eyes is very delicate and thinner than other areas of the face. Apply a light textured cream, which has been specially formulated for the area around eyes. Wipe off gently with moist cotton wool after 15 minutes. Cream should not be left on all night around the eyes. It can lead to puffiness. Myth 4: It’s surprising how many people think that blackheads are collections of dirt in the pores. They pinch them with the nails, or wash the face several times a day. This is not so. Blackheads are caused by the clogging of the pores with hardened oil. The tip, which is exposed, becomes oxidised and turns black. Hence the name “blackheads.” They should not be pinched with the nails. The use of scrubs helps to dislodge and discourage blackheads. Stubborn blackheads may be extracted at a skin care clinic. Myth 5: Many parents tell their teenage children not to worry about acne as they will ‘grow out of it.’ This is absolutely wrong advice. Taking appropriate daily care of the skin helps to prevent and control acne. In fact, it should not be neglected, as it can cause extensive scarring. Measures should be taken in good time. It should not be neglected. Myth 6: Those with normal, balanced skin neglect routine care, because they think their skin does not need it, since it is problem-free. This is a common misconception. All skins need daily care, to remove the pollutants and dirt that settle on the skin, as well as to protect and maintain its health and beauty. Make-up also must be removed every night. The skin is also exposed to factors that hasten premature ageing, like sun-exposure. Seasonal changes also affect the skin and the daily care routine should be adjusted accordingly. Myth 7: Many people use a sunscreen only in the summer, because the think that the winter sun is not harsh and sun-protection is not needed. A sunscreen actually protects the skin from the sun’s UV rays and therefore, sun protection is also needed in winter. We actually spend more time in the sun in winter. Myth 8: There is yet another myth – that brushing the hair 100 times a day makes it healthy and lustrous. Actually, this does the hair no good and can even damage the hair. In fact, if the hair is oily, too much brushing can make it more so. And, if it is dry, it can lead to too much static and “fly away” hair. It’s best to use a wide toothed comb, specially if there is hair loss. If you use a brush, a natural bristle brush is better. Myth 9: Many believe that frequent washing of the hair is harmful. This is, perhaps, one of the most common myths. We wash our faces several times a day, but neglect to wash the hair. Yet, the hair attracts dirt and pollutants too and these, along with stale oil and sweat tend to cling to the hair much more. Washing does not harm the hair. Use a mild herbal shampoo. Apply less shampoo and rinse well with water. Wash the hair more frequently in hot and humid weather and also if the hair and scalp are oily. Myth 10: Hair loss can be controlled with head massage is another common misconception. The hair should be treated gently. Avoid rubbing and vigorous massage. If there is hair loss, the roots may be weak and this can cause more hair to fall out. Using only the fingertips actually move the scalp in small rotary movements to stimulate the follicles. Myth 11: Black henna or kali mehndi is a natural product. Actually, natural henna is green and leaves a reddish brown colour on white hair. It does not colour dark hair. How does one ensure that “black henna” does not contain harmful dye? Myth 12: A surprising number of people do not use henna, because they believe it makes the hair dry. Henna helps to condition the hair and gives it body and shine. It has the ability to coat each hair and adds thickness to it. If eggs, yogurt and oil are added to the henna paste, it will not make the hair dry. If you want colour, omit yogurt.
|
|
Give me…
And we thought fitness experts and gym trainers have an easy job at hand! Wish it was true but they have a lot to deal with, besides, giving usual instructions, planning diet chart and motivating people. Empathise with them to realise how hard they have to work when people come to them with silly and offending demands, something like, "I am getting married in another month and wish to lose 10 kgs," or "I want abs like John Abraham in three months time before the final of the auditions of a modeling contest", even worse, "I want to have prominent jaw bones likes Angelina Jolie." Grrr! They are neither genies nor surgeons, but people who mistake them for both come up with unreal demands, which fitness trainers have to deal with, "It gets really tough at times explaining and listing reasons why modification they want in their body types is not possible," says Gaurav Sanotra, manager, Elimention Club.
The most common demand that people come up with, is losing weight before marriage. "I fail to understand how just marriage sets the deadline to lose weight. It takes a minimum of a month's time for the body to adapt to the workout. After a month, one begins to lose weight in inches that gradually increases to kgs per month," informs Gaurav. Spot reduction, is another impractical demand that fitness experts face. "One doesn't lose weight from a particular spot but entire body," says Vivek Kumar, fitness expert, Ozone. Women have the tendency to gain weight in the lower abdomen area, whereas in men's body, fat gets accumulated in the lower back area. "Since the body type is such, it's difficult to lose weight only from that area. However, consistent work out can tone up the whole body." There are as weird requests from girls as, "I want my lower abdomen to be visible when I wear low waist jeans" and from boys it is "In my three months vacations after exams, I want visible biceps and muscled body to surprise my friends," shares Gaurav. Chewing gum to make facial bones prominent is of no help either. Vivek adds, "Girls want cheek and jaw bones like Kareena Kapoor, which isn't possible as there is no such exercise but one can have them as a part of total weight loss." At times, even the right information fails to sway people who want to shed whole flab in a month resulting in body injuries. As Sandeep of Flexity says "People put a lot of pressure on their body, which is not adapted to strenuous work out, leading to muscle injuries. Losing weight is a gradual process and shouldn't be forced. Human body isn't a machine and it takes its own time to change." It just can't get worse than this, that people also enquire if certain exercises in the gym can increase the height. Jasbir Kaur, owner and fitness expert, Oceanic complains, "Youngsters have this misperception that push ups can help them gain height. Even parents keeps on enquiring whether we know about any such exercises that can help their child grow better." A few such other unreal demands of people that fitness experts share with us are:
God help fitness trainers! |
|
BODY wise Sachin Kalra
The last place you want fat hanging around is at your waist. Love handles are not just unattractive but carrying weight around your abdomen is bad for your health. Excess fat around the waist, or an apple body shape, is suggestive of insulin resistance, a condition that is linked to the development of heart disease and diabetes. It is also indicative of an imbalance in cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone, which, if chronically high, can result in increased deposition of fat around the abdomen. To further complicate the situation, feeling stressed out or depressed may worsen the problem. Insulin resistance
Insulin is the chemical signal that allows sugar to enter your cells to be used as fuel. Insulin resistance causes levels of insulin in the blood to increase. This increase is related to a reduced sensitivity of the body tissues, like muscles, to normal levels of the hormone. As a result, the body tries to overcome this by secreting more insulin from the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes ensues when pancreas fail to sustain this increased demand for insulin production. A common cause for this condition is excess intake of sugar or carbohydrates, typical to many diets today. Insulin resistance may also be attributed to lack of exercise, overindulging in alcohol, stress, and high blood pressure. Surefire ways to lose
the handles
kalrasachin@hotmail.com |
|
Sizing it up
Every human being has a desire to look good. In Indian mythology, Kaam Dev is considered as the most handsome god. Individual's looks depend on many factors like facial features, height, weight, colour and complexion. Out of these, height and complexion are non- modifiable while facial features can be modified with plastic surgery. However, weight reduction is the commonest and easiest way to improve beauty. Presently, significant weight reduction (size zero) to improve the appearance is a 'hot topic'.
Now-a-days the term 'size zero' is used by various celebrities in relation to significant weight reduction. Indeed size zero is women clothing size in the US catalogue system believed to be equivalent to UK size 4. Size Zero (0) and double zero (00) were invented due to changing of clothing sizes overtime which has cause adoption of lower numbers. Women's size zero clothing depends on brand and style that will fit measurements of chest-stomach-hip from 30-22-32 inches (76-56-81 cm) to 33-25-35 inches (84-64-89 cm). Now size zero is often referred to extremely thin individuals (especially women) and all trends associated with them. Overweight as well as underweight is associated with medical problems. It is well known that overweight and obese individuals are prone to develop diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease and lipid abnormalities. Similarly underweight individuals are associated with various medical problems. It is also important that at what the rate particular individual lost the weight. The recommended rate of weight loss is approximately 0.5 to 1 kg over a fortnight. Weight loss can be achieved by two ways: one is by calories restrictions and second is by increasing calories expenditure. Often the combination of these two is required to lose weight. To achieve size zero, significant diet restriction (800 Kcal) is required. This rapid weight loss can cause electrolyte imbalance (low sodium and potassium), generalised weakness, appearance of loose skin, striae and gall stone diseases which are some of the common medical problems associated with rapid and significant weight loss. Strict diet restriction combined with strenuous exercise without adequate supplementation can cause deficiency of nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Other common medical problems caused by significant weight loss are: loss of lean muscle mass and bone mineral mass. The reduction of bone mineral mass predisposes an individual for osteoporosis and fragility fractures in future. Unfortunately, weight gain partially improves bone mineral density. The rapid weight loss can also alter the functioning of hypothalamus and pituitary gland, in turn results in menstrual irregularity, sub-fertility or infertility in females and sometimes can even cause cessation of menses. In medical sciences there is no comparable term of size zero. On the basis of body mass index (BMI) individuals are divided in four categories: underweight, normal, overweight and obese. Individuals with BMI (as per Indian standards) BMI(kg/m2) BMI is calculated by formula weight (kg) divided by height (m2) In essence, we should try to maintain our weight within the normal range to avoid medical problems related to overweight and underweight. If an individual want to lose weight, the best way is to combine physical activity (increase) and dietary restriction. It should be a slow and steady process. Often good things take time and it ideally fits for weight loss. Sometimes rapid weight loss can make you ugly instead of making beautiful. (The writer is an assistant professor in the Department of Endocrinology, PGI ) |
|
Short-term gain
Long working hours and short attention spans are driving more people to take exercise insmaller, meatier doses. Instead of demanding clients pound the treadmill for an hour at a time, some fitness experts have created short, swift workouts for the busy and the bored.
"People just don't have as much time anymore," said fitness expert and trainer Amy Bento. "More people are trying to survive the economy with multiple jobs." The American Council on Exercise has listed shorter, more intense workouts among the top exercise trends for 2010, as consumers approach fitness with time and money in mind. Taking aim at the time-challenged and the easily bored alike are DVDs offering fitness in 10-minute morsels. Bento's "10 Minute Solution: 5 Day Get Fit Mix" delivers five 10-minute bursts of cardiovascular, resistance training and stretching through a mix of kickboxing, aerobics, light weights and yoga. "You can do whatever fits your needs." Of course fitness takes more than 10 minutes. Association say at least 30 minutes of exercise five to six days a week is required for fitness, and one hour five to six days a week for weight loss. "You need to string together the workouts," Bento said. "Say, kickboxing for 10 minutes, and then yoga for 10 for stretching, or abs. We break it up to keep people interested. Also, if you only have 10 minutes in the morning, you can come back at night and do another 20," she said. To date there are 25 "10 Minute Solution" "Any fitness level can do any of these DVDs," she said. "If you're a beginner you can build your stamina to go through each workout. And it's only 10 minutes." But Dr. Philip S. Clifford, an expert with ACSM, questions whether the 10-minute concept is demanding enough."Exercising in short spurts may be an effective way for some people to fit exercise into their busy schedules," said Clifford, a professor of anesthesiology and physiology with the Medical College of Wisconsin. "My concern is that it seems easier to get busy and skip a 10-minute segment or two," Clifford explained. "There is no way that 10 minutes of aerobic exercise is adequate for maintaining cardiovascular fitness or aiding in weight loss." He thinks exercise by DVD has its limitations. "The intensity of exercise may vary dramatically from person to person, even using the same video," he said. Clifford said while it doesn't matter whether you work out in a single session or several short ones, the latter might be more difficult to maintain. But of course no workout is effective if you don't do it. "Fitness should be fun or you're not going to do it," said Bento. "Variety is key, the spice of life. A cliche but it's true." —Reuters
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
