Your's gratefully
Reality show means mudslinging, backbiting and washing dirty linen in public. Well, Roshni Chopra is in city to prove otherwise
Jasmine Singh

Who says we should always go by popular opinion? For what meets the eye may not be always true. Whatever we see on reality shows need not always be concocted, or there can hardly be any reality in it! There we are, at it again, reality shows and their many wishful ways. So, when a chance meeting brings us face-to-face with the winner of a much-talked about reality show, Desi Girls, Roshni Chopra, we go with this attitude, 'what is the big deal, it is damn easy to maneuver voting and win a reality show'.

We hold on to the idea till the petite lady proves it otherwise. Roshni is here to thank the villagers of Majri for choosing her over other desi girls. More than this, she is here to keep up her promise of visiting the villagers on Rakhi. Her petite frame almost cringing under the weight of carry bags stuffed with knick-knacks that she has picked for the villagers, Roshni takes time to explain the whys, whats related to reality shows.

"I know you would probably want to know why do a reality show in the first place, when we end fighting and mudslinging?" Roshni reads our mind. And she is ready with an answer too, "I didn't know that there would be so much of bitching and fighting (Oh c'mon don't tell us you haven't seen Big Boss). Honestly, I quite liked the idea of staying in a village with the villagers in their homes. I didn't know what was in store. After a week, I got to understand that it was all about, and a real competitive one at that," says she looking at her husband Siddarth who is accompanying her on this thanks giving visit.

As a television viewer, one often wonders what do celebs get out of washing their dirty linen in public? What is so great about talking how a best friend snatched a boyfriend or how they came from humble (read poor) backgrounds and how they got bullied my friends and colleagues alike? "This is it," Roshni does some explanation, "This is what the channel or the director looks for. They bring in people who have a spark of kicking up fights and who can misbehave. The more ridiculous and unabashed a contestant is, better it is for the show. I, however, wanted to show the people that an uncontroversial and plain contestant also can win."

Life after? "Great. I'll be honest professionally reality shows do really good for the contestants by giving them visibility. I am doing a film by Vikram Bhatt, Phir, with Rajnish Duggal." Another reality show in the line up? "None," Roshni takes no time to answer this. "Yes, if there is something wherein I can learn, something like a dance reality show, I am game." Reality shows, the lure is such!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Unchained Melody
Soon after young singers sang out their hearts in the songs of Mohammad Rafi it is Mukesh time in the city
Nirupama Dutt


Photo:Vinay Malik

The season of the rains is a heart-wrenching one for lovers of Hindi film music for two of the most popular playback singers sang their last songs in the monsoon. The inimitable Mohammad Rafi breathed his last after recording his swan song on July 31, 1980. Four years earlier Mukesh passed away on August 27, 1976, at Detroit in the US where he had gone to perform in a concert. What better way can there be to remember a singer than by singing his songs! The Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society has been doing so for many years now in Chandigarh. Following this wonderful example, the fans of Mukesh too took an initiative last year and now the Legendary Mukesh Musical, Art and Culture Society is getting ready to pay tributes to their dear voice.

The rehearsal is on in full swing with professional and amateur singers putting together their act. While professional singers like Naresh Jacob, Veenu Koutish, Param Chandel and Pammi Harshpal will be regaling the audiences with Mukesh melodies, amateur singers will also be participating in Yaadein Mukesh Ki nite at Tagore Theatre on August 28. It is not just a merry musical time for these melody chasers but a lot of hard work too. Madan Lal Singla, president of the society, and his daughter-in-law Richa Singla are busy getting their voice attuned to music singing a 1959 unforgettable from a forgotten film called Barkha: Ik raat mein do do chaand khile. This song is followed by the rehearsal of yet older song picturised on Nargis and Raj Kapoor for Aah (1953): Aa ja re ab mera dil pukara, Ro ro ke gham bhi hara...

Hearing these two songs one gets transported to the times when melody was queen and serving it with great talent were three very popular singers: Rafi, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar. Mukesh was a favourite with Raj Kapoor and sang most of his songs. When the singer passed away, the great showman had sobbed: 'I have lost my voice.' Mukesh and Raj had a lasting association and the magic the two cast together is innumerable songs but two very enticing ones which come to the mind are Dil ke nazar se, Nazron ki dil se, yeh baat kya hai... (Anari, 1959) and Mere man ki Ganga aur tere man ki Yamuna ka, Bol Radha bol sangam hoga ki nahin... (Sangam, 1964).

Mukesh was the sixth of a middle-class Kayasth family of 10 children. He learned music by default from an Ustad who came to tutor his sister. Greatly influenced by K L Saigaland his debut song was sung in that style for Pehli Nazar (1945): Dil jalta hai to jalne de. There was no looking back and by the fifties Mukesh had proved his mettle. Back to the Chandigarhian celebration of Mukesh's melodies, Singla says: "The nite will also feature singers from the slums of the city and we have Babloo, a physically challenged boy who sells guava to make a living dancing like never before to Mukesh's Dum dum diga diga, Mausam bheega bheega!" This was a popular song from Manmohan Desai's Chhaliya (1960) and the musical score was by Kalyanji-Anandji. Anandji, the surviving partner of the musical duo, is to be the chief guest at Yaadein Mukesh Ki.

She's got the moves
For Shakti Mohan steps are falling into place after winning Dance India dance
Neha Walia

Anybody who dares to dream can apply. No reservations, no cut offs, open to all. No dearth of opportunities, as the dime a dozen reality shows will add the desired visible appeal, you just have to choose your talent and you will take the world stage. The numerous successful 'discoveries' that each season brings are a testimony. Reality television shows have produced talents, so many in number that even post-Renaissance could not probably produce. But that maybe just an exaggeration here; "All said and done, reality shows have made it easier for the talent on streets to come into limelight. Talent hunt shows are a good platform to show the world your worth," says Shakti Mohan, the savvy dancer and winner of Dance India Dance Season 2.

In the city to perform at Tagore Theatre and later interacting with budding dancers at Dance World-17, Shakti shares the pros and pros of her current status ie a talent hunt winner. "Well, before the show I never used to push myself so hard. I was satisfied just doing contemporary forms of dances. Post DID, I have experimented with traditional and folk dance forms and did some stunts as well.

It has stretched my limits beyond my sensibilities," she says. Learning dance for four years before DID, Shakti's life may not have changed much (humbly speaking), except for the recognition though, "Wherever I go, people know me now. That's kind of cool." And of course, the professional benefits too follow, "I'll be featuring in the promotional video of Farah Khan's Tees Maar Khan. Apart from that I am touring with Terence sir and just returned from Austria after attending a workshop on contemporary dancing."

Something that she would like to endorse more and more. "Contemporary dance is an organic and natural way of movements, not forming any shape unlike hip hop, ballet or salsa. One movement follows into another," she explains. Technicalities aside, her performances proved the point better.

She credits her success to her mentor Terence Lewis. "He was the one who took charge once I was on the show. He took the responsibility to make me work harder and try out new stunts and acts week after week." And so, we had Shakti showing some funky hip hop moves on Chaiya Chaiya and swinging on aerial loops in the name of versatility. "It is important to be different from others. The bars have been raised high and so innovation becomes necessary for one's survival," says the energetic petite dancer.

Shakti's title win becomes significant just by the fact that she has broken the routine, not through her daredevil dance performances but by becoming one of the very few (we can count them on fingers) female reality show winners. "Yeah, I am aware of that one. I was told by many that going by the trend, chances of a girl winning were bleak. But I wasn't in for any decision, just to dance." And doing just that she got the golden hat.

Now, part of the glamour world, she is enjoying every moment. "I will be performing with my sister Mukti (seen on Zara Nach Ke Dikha) on Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega on Sony. It's something to watch out for." Who can blame her when entertainment has been part of her upbringing. Her elder sister Niti Mohan was a part of band Aasman and appeared on Music Ka Mahamuqabla.

Next on her agenda is to take some more time and take up professional choreography. But too soon to decide anything, "I want to learn more and then maybe perform alongside somebody like Hrithik Roshan or Madhuri Dixit." Way to go, girl!

nehawalia@tribunemail.com

Spice up
Mane problem
Shahnaz Husain

Some of the most common causes of hair loss are dandruff, excessive oiliness of the scalp, illness, thyroid imbalance, stress, nutritional deficiency, as well as hair damage caused by procedures like hair colouring, dyeing, bleaching, straightening, perming etc. Hormonal imbalances during menopause or after pregnancy can also cause hair loss. Nutritional deficiency is probably one of the most common causes of hair loss. That is why diet is so important.

In men, hair loss can be due to hormonal factors. In fact, hair loss, progressing to balding, is more common among men than women. It is called "male pattern baldness." Doctors believe that the male sex hormone, testosterone is an important factor in male pattern baldness. It is necessary to consult a dermatologist, or trichologist (hair specialist), to determine the cause of hair loss.

I am often asked how hair should be washed and if too much hair washing can lead to hair loss. It is not washing of the hair, but the product one uses. The hair should be washed according to hair type and season. In hot and humid weather, the hair should be washed more often, in order to remove sweat and oil deposits, along with dirt. For oily hair, wash three or four times a week; for dry hair, wash twice a week. Use less shampoo and rinse well with water. For short hair, take half teaspoon shampoo and for long hair, take one teaspoon shampoo. Dilute it with a little water and then apply. Only one application of shampoo is enough, unless one has applied too much oil.

Harsh hair products disturb the normal acid-alkaline balance and also stimulate the scalp further, leading to a build-up of dead cells on the scalp, aggravating problems like dandruff. If the work entails traveling long distances, the hair should be washed frequently, using very little shampoo. If there is excessive oiliness, a hair rinse should also be used.

What are the products that help hair care? First of all, one needs a shampoo or hair cleanser, along with conditioner or hair rinse. If the hair is oily a hair rinse is better. For dry hair, a creamy conditioner may be used. Leave-on conditioners are also available. Apart from these, you would need hair oil, herbal hair tonic and hair pack. One should select products containing herbs like amla, shikakai, reetha, brahmi, bhringaraj, arnica, trifala, hibiscus (gurhal or javakusuma), bael, neem, sandalwood, etc.

If there is hair loss, warm oil may be applied, but avoid vigorous massage. In hair loss, the roots may be weak and vigorous massage or rubbing can cause more hair to fall out. Using only the fingertips, actually move the scalp in small circular movements for one or two minutes. As nutritional deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair loss, the diet is very important. Clinical treatments are also available. These help to stimulate the hair follicles. Hair grows from follicles, which are beneath the skin of the scalp. They also help to improve blood circulation to the scalp. This helps healthy hair growth, since the hair is actually fed by the nutrients in the blood stream. During clinical treatments, hair tonics are also applied and steamers are used for greater absorption.

Taking a small bowl of sprouts daily is healthy as it contains amino acids, which are very beneficial to the hair. Include fresh fruits, raw salads, leafy green vegetables, whole grains and curd in the daily diet. Soyabean also helps. If the scalp is oily, or if there is dandruff, drink plenty of water. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and have it first thing in the morning.

In cases of balding, apart from wearing a wig, there are other options, like hair weaving, hair extensions and hair transplant. Hair weaving is done if the person is partially bald. Hair transplant is a surgical procedure, in which a portion of the scalp, which contains hair, is taken, along with the hair follicles and grafted in the bald areas. The hair then begins to grow in the bald areas. The costs of hair weaving and transplant can be from Rs 30,000 and above.

Family fortunes

What better way to enjoy a Sunday than a leisure drive? Rashi Entertainment, an event management group, organised the Chevrolet 10th Family Fun Car Rally 2010, targeted at providing wholesome entertainment to the entire family of the participant. The rally was flagged off from Hotel Parkview-24 by Jagannath Pahadia, governor, Haryana. The rally, after passing many prominent locations in the city, culminated at Hotel Parkview where the prize distribution function was held. More than 50 Chevrolet cars participated in the rally.

The rally was unique in many ways. Four family members were allowed to participate as a team. Besides, the focus was not on being the fastest, as the first one to complete the 60 km route was not necessarily the winner. Rather, participants were given points throughout the rally route on speed, performance in GK-IQ quizzes and random luck points. The winner was the family that aggregated the highest points. The unique and interesting concept of 'luck, directional sense and general knowledge' delighted one and all.

Another interesting feature of the rally was special prizes for the best decorated car, the best-dressed male and the best-dressed female. The rally was open to all Chevroler owners.

The rally was being sponsored by Chevrolet and Liberty. — TNS

Route to the roots

Honda Siel Cars India, premium car manufacturer in India, announced the commencement of the 'Drive to Discover' rally with the flag off in Chandigarh on Sunday. The rally, which will cover more than 70 cities across India was flagged off from Taj Hotel in the presence of Jnaneswar Sen, vice president marketing, HSCI and Chandigarh and Punjab dealership owners and other company representatives.

The second leg of the drive will cover Chandigarh to Jaipur through Bharatpur and Ranthambore. Drive to Discover is a relay rally conceptualised and organised by Honda with participation from eight leading automobile magazines and three auto shows. Each leg of the rally will be represented by a different publication. During this month-long rally the drivers will drive the Honda City throughout the length and breadth of the country from Jammu in North India all the way down South to Kanyakumari covering a distance of more than 6000 kms.

Commenting on this initiative by the company Jnaneswar Sen, said, "We are excited about Honda City, Drive to Discover which is a great way to discover the incredible diversity that India offers. Honda City is an ideal choice for this as it is a perfect combination of superior performance, unmatched safety and great mileage. I am sure the drivers will discover many facets of the country and also of the Honda City throughout this drive!"

Drive to Discover will be a blend of adventure, thrill and excitement as the participants will experience India in its glory and colours from the lush country side to its vibrant cities. During the drive they will traverse through high altitude mountainous terrains, barren stretches of deserts, beaches, flat highways, congested city roads and kuccha roads in the interiors of India. — TNS

Alive and kicking

It's a travelling exhibition of art, collaboration of three artists, their expressions translated onto paper. All this while lending colour and canvas to the existence and ecstasy of emotions. To each his own! The exhibition, Alive, at Government Museum and Art gallery-10, comprising twenty-four works, reveals the tiny joys of life to the flutter of innocent adolescent love.

There're given colours to the contemporary women, her nature, relationships…

Shares Jaya Daronde, artist and faculty, Department of Fine Arts, Kurukshetra University, "My series is on man-woman relationship, the love that they share. It tries to depict the teenage affair, how they get swayed by the first flutter of love, especially at an impressionable age." The works depict and male and female form in complete harmony, in playful joyous moods to at times serious reflecting moods. Symbolic flowers, garland, expressions form the background. She adds, "Inspiration for this series came naturally to me, since I'm a faculty and am surrounded by students who are of the same age and go through the similar things. So, it was natural to translate what I see around everyday to convert it into my works."

Graduating onto the other works around, there's a human captured in joyous moods, highlighted through accompanying forms like lotus, peacock, flute, bright hues… Shares artist Arvind Gosatwar, "At times small happenings in life make us all happy while the struggle for life continues."

Moving on, there are works themed on contemporary women, her nature, in turn likened to mother nature. One depicts a woman as a mermaid, floating in water, with frills and fishes and other delicate forms while the other strikes a contrast with dark muted tones, yet another in green happy hue. Shares Lakshaman Prasad, lecturer, IGNOU Delhi, "A female has a lot of ups and downs, lot of moods and desires like 'I wish I were a bird, a fish, could be free, could fly'…. I tried giving forms to these." Post this, the works travel to Varanasi. Adds Jaya, "We are displaying at four places, Kurukshetra, Nagpur, Chandigarh and Varanasi. We all are from different places and are displaying at our respective hometowns." Like with the varied works they represent.

Manpriya Khurana

Nosedive? nah!
Cosmetic surgeons are not threatened with the New Delhi Superbug controversy
Ashima Sehajpal

It costs $ 6000 in the US as compared to $ 2000 in India. So, even if the air-fare and lodging charges are included, there is a considerable difference between the pricing. After a week of thorough research, Samantha Lundy, a US citizen knew where she should get her nose job done. "India was the best option for cosmetic surgery not only in terms of expense, also hygienic environment, advance medical technology and patient care," asserts Samantha. In times, when the controversy of New Delhi Superbug is bugging the health segment in India, such confirmations bring relief. Samantha, unmoved by the 'revelation' of foreign agencies, doesn't regret her decision of undergoing the nose surgery at Fortis-Mohali.

There is no denying that the controversy won't hit medical tourism in India but hopefully only for a short time. Dr Tejinder Bhatti, head, cosmetic surgery, Fortis, says, "Medical services provided in India are at par with what is provided in developed nations. We don't go on advertising about our services. It's either after conducting a research or through the word of mouth that people come to know about the facilities in India. They are now well aware." He says that even after the controversy, he gets three to four queries from different countries about the options of cosmetic surgery.

The doctors see the research as a conspiracy to tarnish the image of India. Dr KK Kapoor, a city-based cosmetic surgeon, says that naming the bacteria on the Capital of India makes the ill-intention of researchers clear. He says, "Several studies has proved that the rate of infection is the highest in hospitals of Europe." In defense, he says, "If the provisions in India were so unhygienic, the number of cosmetic or other surgeries wouldn't have witnessed such an exponential growth. Also, we haven't received any complaints ever for the ambience or surgery procedure."

He says that the study by the agency is not a revelation since the chances of infection are always there in hospitals. "But that is the case with any hospital in the world. You can't ensure 100 per cent safety since there are patients coming from all walks of life."

Albeit the industry is booming in India, there is a lot yet to be explored. Dr Bhatti adds, "At such reasonable prices, there should be a spurt in number of such cases. Indians also need to open up to the concept of cosmetic surgeries. Also, the authorities should take a stand against such biased researches that affect the reputation and business." Point to be noted!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Abort that thought!
Before you pop that abortion pill, know about the damages it can cause
Anuja Jaiswal

The puritans may deny it or fume over it, but pre-marital sex is no longer considered a taboo as it was earlier. More and more youngsters are getting into physical relationships and exploring their sexuality before the marriageable age, which was a complete no-no till a few years back.

While one can keep arguing whether this is right or wrong, what is worrying gynaecologists today, besides the indiscriminate use of emergency contraceptive pills, is the growing trend of young women going in for self-medication to terminate their pregnancies by popping abortion pills. Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) seems to be giving way to 'Myself Termination of Pregnancy' as drugs to get rid of unwanted pregnancies are easily available off the shelf.

The Mefepreston-based drugs, used to terminate early pregnancies, are meant to be taken strictly under the guidance of trained gynaecologists, but given the easy availability of these pills, they are being abused by youngsters who believe in self-medications. The extent of misuse of these drugs is not limited to cities alone but is prevalent in small town too where awareness levels are low.

"We get at least one patient every month with serious complications arising from self-popping of abortion pills. Women are just not deterred by the risks involved and are enticed by the convenience of getting rid of unwanted pregnancy without bothering to go to a doctor," says Dr Anju Huria, head of gynaecology department of Government Medical College and Hospital-32.

She says that people do not realise that medical termination of pregnancy has to be conducted after a sonography and it has to be constantly monitored to ensure that bleeding is controlled and the abortion is complete. However, the Net savvy youngsters believe on Internet more and indulge in self-medication. And in most cases, women end up with incomplete abortions.

However, Dr Huria admits an abortion pill is a safe and a better option over surgical abortion, provided the pregnancy is less than seven weeks. "Any time past seven weeks requires surgical abortion," she says.

She adds that after seven weeks, the pill can lead to partial abortion as part of the pregnancy tissue can remain in the uterus. This can cause severe infection, which, if not treated, could lead to cancer. However, pills help to avoid injury and infection, which sometimes occur during surgical abortion.

Interestingly, people often confuse the abortion pill with the morning-after pill. The latter is a contraceptive, one dose of the same is required to be taken within 72 hours of intercourse. "The morning-after pill is available over-the-counter, since medical supervision is not considered essential. On the other hand, the abortion pills should be taken only under strict medical supervision as it could result in heavy bleeding," points out Dr Anju.

So, before any woman takes the abortion pill, high-risk factors must be ruled out. "These include anaemia (hemoglobin less than 8 gm per cent), cardiovascular disease, chronic adrenal failure, uncontrolled seizure, severe liver, renal or respiratory disease, and a history of taking aspirin, steroids or antidepressants. The pill is also not advisable for HIV+ persons or for heavy smokers. Caution is to be exercised in patients with fibroid uterus or previous surgery on uterus or cervix," she said.

The fact is taking an abortion pill involves complications. There are a lot of dos and don'ts attached. In any case, no abortion method should be considered a regular alternative to contraception. If pregnancy is not wanted, it is best prevented. 

It's in the mind
Dr SP Chhabra

Sexual disorder is the inability to experience arousal or achieve sexual satisfaction under ordinary circumstances, as a result of psychological or physiological problems. The most common sexual dysfunctions have traditionally been referred to as impotence (applied to males) and frigidity (females).

Most of sexual disorders are mainly because of the secondary impotency in males and secondary frigidity in females, which is a psychosomatic problem. It also mean sexual malfunction.

Cause: There are many factors responsible for this disorder, one major factor could be extreme mental pressure, which can result from family disturbance, misunderstandings between the couple, hormonal imbalances, business crisis, work pressure, over ambitious nature, long-term physical illness, fear and phobia, lack of exercise, poor health, unawareness about nutrition and hormonal changes after menopause. Diabetes, Heart disease, neurological disorders can also affect sexual desire.

Treatment: Early diagnosis and intervention help for an effective treatment. Physical examination and the history of a patient are discussed before starting any treatment. Both the partners can go for a thorough examination, with a goal to detect the disease, the examination helps a person to be more aware and educated of the sexual function. While treating a patient, his or her personal tastes and comfort are considered, so that the person responds well to the treatment, which is similar for both the orientations.

However, few things like medical counselling, proper nutrition and exercise help. Medical counselling to rule out any under lying pathological cause and psychotherapy counseling can help a lot by clearing doubts and can motivate the patient towards positive changes.

Exercise is a good way to improve sex life. Studies have shown that there is a direct co-relation with between exercise and potency. Exercise can help in increasing the potency and making sex life more enjoyable. Three to five days of cardio exercise will help in making the heart strong. Running, walking and swimming are a good cardio exercise. Basic strength workout is always a must. Exercise will make you feel happy and relaxed.

(Dr SP Chhabra is Delhi-based and specialises in Lifestyle related diseases.)

Dual deal

If you have high blood pressure, binge drinking may severely increase your risk of dying from a stroke or heart disease, according to a South Korean study. Compared to non-drinkers with normal blood pressure, researchers found that the risk of cardiovascular death in men with blood pressure of at least 168 /100 millimeters of mercury was three times higher overall. It becomes four times higher if they were binge drinkers, consuming six or more drinks on one occasion, and twelve times higher if they were heavy binge drinkers, consuming 12 or more drinks on one occasion.

The study followed more than 6,100 residents, 55 years and older of an agricultural community in South Korea for almost 21 years.

Overall, about 15 percent of men said they were moderate binge drinkers and about 3 percent said they were heavy binge drinkers. However, because less than one percent of the women were reportedly binge drinkers, no conclusions could be made about the combined impact of high blood pressure and binge drinking in women, said Heechoul Ohrr, senior author of the study and professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea.

The study has been reported in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association. — ANI

BODY wise
Fruit-full bond
Sachin Kalra

Parents can do many things to help children develop healthy eating habits for life. Children watch and imitate adults, and also pick up on their parents' attitudes about food. As role models, parents need to monitor their own behaviour so that their children acquire a healthy attitude towards food. Children often learn best by example.

Consider taking these steps to put yourself and your family on the road to better health;

Model by example: If you're asking your children to eat vegetables and fruits while you binge on potato chips and coke, your actions will override your good intentions. Makes sure your family sees you eating healthy foods. Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with meals or as snacks and your children will be more likely to do the same. Let them see your enjoyment with these healthy choices.

Get creative in the kitchen: Serve the old healthy food in a new avatar. Use different shapes, add colourful dips, or present it in a different way. Do whatever it takes to try and make healthy food fun for the kids. Add fruits to custard and jelly, veggies to pasta and noodles, etc. Think out of the box and a million ways will surface.

Have regular family meals: Eating meals as a family plays a key role in raising healthy and well-adjusted children. So it is a must to incorporate at least 1 family meal in your daily routine. Knowing food is served at approximately the same time every day and that the entire family will be sitting down together is comforting for children. It also provides the whole family a perfect opportunity to bond.

Get kids involved: Children enjoy helping with grocery shopping, selecting what goes in their lunch box, and helping around in the kitchen. It's also gives you chance to teach them about the nutritional values of different foods and making healthy choices.

Always have healthy foods in stock- Keep plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grain snacks and healthy beverages (filtered water, milk, herbal tea, occasional fruit juice) around and easily accessible so kids become used to reaching for healthy snacks when they're hungry instead of empty calorie snacks like soda, chips or cookies.

Out of sight- Keep temptation at bay. Try to keep empty calorie snacks and food out of sight. Or better, ban them from your pantry.

Don't use food as reward- You have to be careful about the way you reward and punish your children. When you talk to your kids about the importance of staying away from high fat, high calorie, high-sugar foods you can't turn around and make those very foods the rewards for doing something right. This will only confuse them and make them think that these foods are better than others.

Remember that good health is not possible without fitness. Encourage physical activity and set an example by being active yourself.

kalrasachin@hotmail.com




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