5 Products You Should Never Use If You Have Skin Issues!

If you have sensitive skin, you know how quickly it can become angry, with symptoms like redness, dryness, and itchiness that can be difficult to soothe. And while it may seem like avoiding irritation is impossible, top dermatologists tell us that steering clear of certain types of products that notoriously inflame sensitive types can help your skin calm and happy—and you smiling.

Face scrubs

Also known as physical exfoliants, scrubs are too harsh for sensitive skin—no matter how gentle the beads purport to be. This also includes dry brushes and loofahs in addition to any exfoliant formulas with scrubby bits like sea salt and sugar. Instead, use gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid and fruits acids that help speed up cell turnover without the use of physical rubbing against skin.

Chemical sunscreen

While physical (mineral) sunscreen reflects sun rays to block harmful UV radiation from skin, chemical sunscreens work by actually absorbing the UV rays to prevent skin absorption. Stick to the two physical sunscreen ingredients only—zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Some sunscreens are a mix of both physical and chemical ingredients, to be sure to look at those ingredient labels closely.

 Sulfate shampoos

Americans are culturally known to be addicted to a good sudsing and "squeaky" cleanliness, but sulfates take it too far for sensitive skin types, says Chiu M.D., founder of The Derm Institute in Redondo Beach, CA. Sulfates are made of sulfur-containing mineral salts, and are strong detergent ingredients that are often used to create a lot of foaming action in products like shampoo. The most commonly used types you'll see on ingredient labels are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Sulfates can cause chronic dryness and itchiness everywhere from the scalp to the face and body by stripping moisture as it rinses off, so Chiu recommends sensitive skin types always go for shampoos and conditioners labeled "sulfate-free".

Fragranced body lotions

"When the word 'fragrance' appears as an ingredient on the label, this hides many, many more ingredients that can cause irritation since companies aren't obliged to disclose their fragrance ingredients," explains Chiu. Opt for products labeled "fragrance-free"—or if you're craving a scent; choose formulations that add it through natural ingredients like essential oils. It's always safest to first patch test a new product for 24 hours for any potential adverse affects before applying it to your skin liberally.

Skin toner with alcohol

Whether you're cleansing or moisturizing, alcohol in products does the one thing sensitive skin needs the least: It sucks moisture right out of your skin. This can lead to bothersome itchiness, irritation, and discomfort, explains Chiu. On the other hand, fatty alcohols that aren't irritating, and could be okay, include cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohol. The safest bet for truly sensitive skin is to always go alcohol-free, says Chiu. 

Recommended Time To Eat Lightest And Heaviest Meal Of The Day!

Lightest meal of the day

When it comes to weight loss, we’ve heard so many different rules, it’s a little exhausting. Some people say you can eat whatever you want as long as you hit around 1,200 calories a day, others say throw out calorie counting, just eat whatever you want as long as the foods are “clean.” The diets get even crazier when you throw timing into the mix. We’ve been told to only eat carbs in the morning, or to try intermittent fasting, or to make sure we only eat certain snacks at night. It can all feel so contradictory and leave your head spinning.

While we're at it, here's another question for you: Which meal should be the smallest of the day? Are we better off eating six small, similarly-sized meals throughout each day? Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? We’ve been told the French eat lunch as their longest and heaviest meal of the day and they look pretty great. We set out to find an absolute answer, consulting both experts and research. Here's what we found:

What The Research Says

Have you ever had a crazy day at work that involved a skipped breakfast and skimpy leftovers at your desk? After a full day of activity and little eating, you come home completely ravenous and feel as though you could eat your entire kitchen. That pattern of consuming all your calories at night can leave you feeling awful, and for good reason, according to science.

According to one study, those who eat most of their calories in the evening hours, during a delayed lunchtime of approximately 4 p.m., may have poor blood sugar metabolism, which could over time lead to insulin resistance issues and weight gain.

Another study published in Pharmacological Research found that participants who ate more calories at breakfast experienced greater weight loss than those who ate the majority of their calories at dinner. Researchers concluded from the observational study that there was a “negative impact of later meal timing and calories distribution on body weight and metabolism.”

Additionally, many reviews suggest that “light” and “heavy” meals can be categorized beyond mere calorie count. One review suggests that consuming 20 to 40 grams (where you fall in the range depends on weight) of high-quality protein every three to four hours is the most supportive of muscle protein synthesis, a process that aids in muscle repair and growth. Additionally, this type of eating promoted improved body composition. As we’ve learned before, a body composed of more muscle and less fat is more likely to have a higher metabolism, which would help with weight loss.

This sentiment was echoed in a study from the journal Steroids that suggested your “heavy” meal of breakfast should contain both protein and carbohydrates in order to support a healthy weight.

What The Experts Say

“I think the rule to follow is that your heavier, in terms of caloric value, should be prior to the most active times of your day so you have energy for your workout or whatever your activity is,” says Albert Matheny, R.D., C.S.C.S, nutritional advisor to Promix Nutrition and co-founder of SoHo Strength Lab.

The reasoning behind this is that food is designed to give you energy, he says. This energy can be used to fuel activity or recovery from activity. However, if you eat in excess of these needs, it will only result in an increase in your blood sugar and then excess calories will be stored as fat, he says.

Agreeing with the research, Matheny says that it’s extra important to make sure you are consuming enough protein post-workout to keep your metabolism functioning well and aid in muscle recovery, as these are keys to long-term health and weight maintenance/loss.

This is not to suggest eating only before a certain time or to stop eating after half the day has passed, but rather to eat meals that are increasingly less calorie dense as the day goes on. That doesn’t mean you can’t have your dark chocolate in the evening—you should if you want it—but it’s how much you consume that makes the difference.

The Bottom Line

Of course you should listen to your body and eat when you’re hungry, but research and experts agree that eating a huge meal right before bed doesn’t make much sense since your body won’t be burning anything off while you’re sleeping. Instead, stick to nutritionally balanced meals that get smaller as your activity level lessens.

Paleo diet tips. Things you should know!

If you take a look back at the Paleolithic era—we’re talking 10,000 years ago here—you’ll find that our ancestors had some pretty solid eating habits. The hunter-gatherers of the Stone Age obviously didn’t have sugary cereals, frozen dinners, or processed snacks to nosh on, so they naturally ate lots of meat, eggs, vegetables, and nuts instead.

That’s essentially what the modern-day “paleo” diet is. Processed foods are out and whole foods that require basically no prep are in.

Dairy, legumes and beans, alcohol, sugar, and even some starchy vegetables are off the table, too. What’s left is pretty much the healthiest kind of grub around, which is why some research touts the diet's benefits.

One study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, compared the effects of the paleo diet to a low-fat diet and concluded that those who went paleo lost nearly three times the amount of weight than people who ate little fat. Another study in the journal Nutrition Research found that going paleo may also benefit your cholesterol levels, a health marker that's been linked to diabetes and heart disease.

YOU WON’T ALWAYS LOSE WEIGHT

Don’t be surprised if going paleo doesn’t immediately help you drop pounds. While the diet does emphasize lean protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates in the form of fruits and vegetables, it is possible to gain weight at first, says Eliza Savage, R.D., a nutritionist based in New York City.

The amount of calories you're eating still matter when it comes to weight loss. Healthy fats in particular pack a surprising amount, so watch your portion sizes there, she says. For reference, half an avocado will get you 182 calories, so just take that into account with the rest of your meal if you're trying to shed pounds.

Plus, if you're going paleo strictly to lose weight, keep in mind that the fad diet mentality doesn't really work, especially when it comes to keeping the weight off.

YOU’LL WANT TO TRANSITION SLOWLY

Any diet that eliminates common foods is difficult to just jump right into. Bread, peanut butter, and coffee are staples for lots of people, so going cold-turkey might just set you up for insane cravings. Focus on making a few changes at a time to give your body time to adjust, suggests  Adams, Ph.D., founder of Eat Right Fitness.

For example, cutting out all grains at once might feel like a struggle, so give yourself some wiggle room for the occasional serving of rice or corn while you eliminate things like oats, wheat, and quinoa. Over time, you can slowly fade out the rest.

YOUR MEALS MIGHT GET REPETITIVE

“Most people who follow this diet eat in what I call a very ‘elemental’ way, which means very few recipes or combining ingredients,” says Adams.

Most of your plates will involve some form of protein and a pile of vegetables. But this simplicity has the potential to backfire.

“The diet can be very boring if you don’t challenge yourself with different cooking techniques and food varieties,” says Adams.

YOU MIGHT FALL SHORT ON SOME NUTRIENTS

“While the paleo diet has plenty of protein and fiber, it is sorely lacking in calcium and vitamin D, mainly because of the omission of dairy products,” says Adams, which can weaken your bones and immune system over time. Make sure you load up on paleo-approved calcium sources, like almonds, broccoli, and dark leafy greens.

It's important to also note that your body actually needs enough vitamin D to properly absorb calcium in the first place, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Lots of people, paleo or not, lack vitamin D, but eating foods rich in it, like paleo-approved fatty fish and mushrooms, can help.

Still, if you don't feel like you eat a ton of those foods and you live in a less-than-sunny area—think Midwest in the dead of winter—talk to your doc about it. He or she can run a test to make sure you're truly deficient. Then, if necessary, can talk to you about taking a supplement.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT EATING TOO MUCH PROTEIN

Protein helps keep your hunger in check and makes your muscles grow. With the paleo diet, lean meat and fish will likely make up a big portion of each of your meals.

But that isn't really something to fret over, says Adams. As long as your kidneys are functioning properly, it’s quite difficult to eat too much protein. “There is plenty of current research that shows a slew of benefits to consuming a high-protein diet with little-to-no negative side-effects,” he says.

However, that means other important macronutrients, like fat and carbs, might get pushed to the side if you're not careful. To ensure a balanced plate, make sure you're fueling up with fruits or vegetables and foods that contain healthy fats, like nuts.

Five reasons why car buyers can put off their decision and wait for electric cars

Petrol and diesel cars are on their way out. India is zipping ahead on its path to embrace electric cars as automakers as well as the government are gearing up to bring electric mobility to the country, and fast. Next year, a number of electric cars will hit the road and you will get to see more charging stations.

Government leads the way 

Though M&M is already selling electric cars in India, one swallow does not make a summer. Electric mobility requires a big push. And that push has already happened. The government is placing orders for 10,000 electric cars with private companies. First phase of bidding is already over. Tata Motors will supply 250 cars and  M&M will supply 150 in the first phase. State-run firm Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), which has placed the order, seeks to push adoption of electric vehicles in India by this mega order. The government order is expected to kickstart the market. EESL will lease out these vehicles to government departments. Within a few years, the government might replace a large part of its fleet with electric vehicles.

Infrastructure cropping up 

The biggest problem in the way of electric mobility in India is lack of charging infrastructure. That's why the leader M&M could not bring in the revolution despite hard attempts. Adoption of electric vehicles requires mass-level efforts. The huge government order followed by more such orders in future will necessitate building of charging stations. India has nearly 56,000 fuel stations but only a little more than 200 charging stations. The change has already begun. Recently, Indian Oil Corporation became India's first oil marketing company to set up a charging station at a petrol pump in Nagpur. More such charging stations will crop up next year.

The leader joins the race 

Japanese automakers Suzuki Motor and Toyota Motor have finalised an agreement to manufacture and sell electric vehicles in India within three years. Suzuki sells one in every two passenger vehicles in India through local unit Maruti. If such a mass-production company starts selling electric vehicles, adoption will be quick.

The industry trend 

Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL) is readying an electric vehicle strategy aligned with the needs of the Indian market. HCIL, the Indian subsidiary of the Japanese carmaker, is evaluating developing country-specific battery electric vehicles addressing the issue of affordability and its suitability under Indian traffic conditions. Honda globally expects as much as 65% of its sales to come from electrified vehicles in 2030. It has already established with  in Honda R&D (Japan) an Electric Vehicle Development Division—a specialised team which is in charge of developing the entire vehicle including the powertrain and body—to increase development speed of EVs.

Honda joining Suzuki and Toyota in India's electric race means more automakers will be compelled to join and electric vehicles will soon become the hottest industry trend in India. Korean car maker Hyundai is already evaluating its green mobility solution for the Indian market.
Expect these companies to launch activities to promote widespread acceptance and use of electric vehicles in India. These will include setting up of charging infrastructure, human resource development including training for after-service technicians and systems for appropriate treatment of end-of-life batteries.

The policy push 

The government has set an ambitious target of having only electric cars by 2030. And it has shown it has no intention to sleep on its plans. In September, Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari warned automakers that he could even use coercion to meet the target. This means the government will try to disincentivise production of petrol and diesel vehicles every way it can while incentivising electric vehicles. This is necessary to make the transition faster.

5 Face Care Tips You Need to Follow In Winter

Any extreme weather condition–be it hot or cold can damage your skin. However, I think winter is particularly hard as the dry wind, and chilly weather can make your skin dry up leading to flakes. And a regular skincare regimen would hardly help in such times. Your skin needs more than just pampering to keep it healthy and glowing.

And to help you achieve that, here are a few simple winter care tips for your face that you can follow to avoid excessive dryness and dead looking skin.

1. Cleansing, The First Step To Healthy Skin

No matter which product you use, cleansing is a must-follow first step in skincare. This has to be followed through the year irrespective of the season. In winters, you can limit the number of times you wash your face from 3 times to 2 times and alternatively cleanse your face with cold milk and cotton ball to prevent excessive dryness.

2. Scrub, Exfoliation Is The Key

You can enhance your scrubbing experience by making your own scrub using natural ingredients available at your home. Here’s a sample fruit scrub for you.

2 tbsp. mashed ripe banana
2 tbsp. of a mashed apple
1 tbsp. honey
2 dollops of your Mild scrub.
Mix all the ingredients and gently scrub your face for 2 minutes in circular motions. Washing it off with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

3. Toning To Tighten The Skin
First things first, always use a mild toner that suits your skin rather than one loaded with chemicals. A harsh toner could disturb your skin’s PH levels. Toning will remove the post-cleansing residual dirt from your face. Toning not only tightens your skin but also prepares it for the moisturizer, night serum you are about to apply to the face.

4. Moisturizing For Soothing

Moisturising is not just essential for very dry and flaky skin, but regular skin type must indulge in this routine too. If you are not for chemical-laden products, then you could go for any of the natural moisturizers— almond oil or extra virgin olive oil. Alternatively, you can mix the oil with your normal cold cream or lotion too. Gently massage this into your skin till it absorbs and leave it on.

5. Essential Face Packs For Winter

There are hundreds of ingredients in your kitchen which can help keep your facial skin soft and supple in the harsh cold season. Here are a few face packs that you can make use of.

Banana Face Mask

Mashed ripe banana is a great moisturizing agent. Take 4 to 5 tablespoons of mashed ripe banana and massage it on the face. Wash off after 10 minutes and give your face some massage with honey, go in circular motions for that extra moisturizing feel. Do so for at least 10 minutes and finish off with a toner.

Buttermilk Pack

Use malai or fresh buttermilk with a pinch of turmeric, let it stay on the face for about 10 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.

Aloe Vera

Known for its incredibly moisturizing properties,  aloe vera can be used on the face as a moisturizer; It is an ideal way to relieve your face from dryness and enhance its texture.

Borrowing is easy like never before through peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform

What is P2P lending?

Similar to e-commerce websites such as Amazon and OLX, a P2P platform is a marketplace for money lending activities. "Individuals can lend money to others where the lender and the borrower are matched using online services. Lenders can go through profiles of people looking for money and offer an amount to whichever individual or business that they find most promising.

The borrower can either be an individual or a legal person requiring a loan.

Who does P2P lending suit?

While banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFC) are the readily available sources for loans, who does the P2P platform cater to? "Unfortunately, banks in India follow mediocre credit assessment policies which are suited only for borrowers who can offer collateral or have an impeccable credit history. In practice, majority of the borrowers lie in between these extremes. Therefore, majority of Indians can borrow on P2P platforms.

One of the main reasons that borrowers go for P2P lending is the fact that they may get financing which they wouldn't have gotten approval for by standard financial institutions. The middleman is removed from the process. The application process is also easy and quick unlike banks and NBFCs which take 4-7 working days to disburse a loan.

How is the interest rate determined?

Unlike in a bank, where the interest rate is largely a function of the cost of funds of the lender, in a P2P platform, the borrower's profile decides the interest rate at which the money can be borrowed. Pricing is determined based on risk associated with the borrower and so we determine the interest rate for a loan based on our proprietary scoring and pricing parameters. Every platform will have its own pricing and scoring pattern for the borrower. Therefore, compare rates across P2P platforms before finalising where to borrow from.

Who is eligible to borrow?

The eligibility norms may vary across P2P platforms but they mostly restrict it to individuals with earn a salary. Having the salary credited to bank account, having an email account, and a mobile number may just be some other pre-conditions for borrowing on these platforms. Check the minimum income criteria and the borrowing amount before you proceed.

Credit score

Credit score has become an important tool for banks while disbursing loans. However, those with no credit score or a low score could face issues. Banks take a very narrow view of 'good' borrowers, i.e., CIBIL score of 750+ and have a category A, category B and category C list of companies. This has left a large part of individuals not able to access credit. P2P lending websites, therefore, offer a platform to those with low credit scores.

Even those with high credit scores may take advantage of these platforms.  Borrowers with good credit profile can borrow as low as Rs 25,000 even for 6 months and could prepay the loan without any penalty. Banks don't offer such flexibility.

A high credit score of say closer to 900 means that the borrower has serviced previous loans and credit card dues properly, so that the lender feels that you are a safe borrower. Thus, you can get a higher loan amount at a lower rate. A borrower with around 800 or more credit score, needing a Rs 7.5 lakh loan would be better of approaching a bank than a P2P lending platform.

What are the restrictions?

RBI has put a cap on the amount that can be borrowed and lent. The aggregate exposure of a lender or the maximum that one may borrow at any point of time, across all P2Ps, shall be capped at Rs 10 lakh. Even the exposure of a single lender to the same borrower, across all P2Ps, shall not exceed Rs 50,000 and the maturity of the loans shall not exceed 36 months. More clarity from RBI is expected on how the regulator intends to monitor the compliance of this aspect and how it will fix the responsibility.

What are the charges?

Make sure the charges are clearly defined and are stated in the tripartite agreement between the P2P platform, lender, and the borrower. Some of the charges could be:

Lender fees:

o Account opening fee

o Entry fee

o Investing and reinvesting fee

o Repayment collection fee - A percentage of monthly repayment collected from borrower

o Exit / withdrawal Fee - A percentage of the amount withdrawn from escrow account

Borrower fees:

o Registration fee

o Listing fee / account opening fee

o Borrower fee - A percentage depending on one's rating

o Prepayment charges

o Loan processing charges

Risks for a lender

Since this is an unsecured loan where there is no face-to-face interaction, a P2P lender needs to be aware of the risks involved. All investments involve risk. However, in comparison to equity or commodity market investments or real estate, P2P lending has lower risk as it is addressed by on-boarding high quality borrowers. Further, lenders are suggested to create a diversified portfolio of loans.

Risks for a borrower

For a borrower who intends to default, it is definitely not a good idea. Defaulting borrowers can end up hurting their credit scores thereby lowering their chances of securing loans in future. Plus, there can be steep penalties for delaying or defaulting on the payment and it may involve a long drawn litigation process.

In case of default

As a lender, one would want the P2P platform to help in recovering the amount lent in case the borrower defaults. "Since the borrower is abided by a legally enforceable contract, he or she can be sued in the court of law. He adds, for an additional fee, P2P platforms can offer you third-party legal opinion. The P2P platforms try to recover the defaulted amount, including steep penalties charged thereon by deploying their own human resource.

Finish Line

P2P lending is a new mechanism and if properly conducted can bring in a huge amount of unorganised lending and borrowing into its fold. Further, a large chunk of borrowers with no credit history can be catered to by these platforms.

For the benefit of this industry and the individual bowers and lenders, the regulator needs to keep a close watch, track and take necessary action especially in the initial days to keep the unscrupulous activities out. The advertisement and promotional messages of P2P platforms needs to be strictly monitored and standardised. Those who are promoting this business on the lines of 'assurance', 'capital protection' etc may damage the reputation of the industry even before it takes off. A case in point is the life insurance industry marred with rampant cases of mis-selling especially in the initial days of the sector being opened up for the private sector.

Make sure to check GST 'discounts' If planning to buy these groceries!

From Wednesday, consumers would do well to check their shopping bills closely. A host of packaged products such as chocolates, toothpastes, shampoos and shaving creams – with the maximum retail price printed on them – is set to become cheaper following a steep reduction in the goods and services tax.

Some companies manufacturing these products have asked traders to pass on the tax cuts to consumers immediately, without waiting to put revised maximum retail price stickers on them or printing new packs, both of which would take time.

A watch company and a printer maker plan to inform customers about the price reduction through newspaper advertisements. Still, consumers should be aware that not all companies may implement the price cuts right away.

The changes will affect a large number of products that are already in stores or on their way there. Pasting stickers with revised prices can be done only after the government gives the go ahead. Apart from taking time, some companies said pasting stickers costs the same as printing packs with the revised prices.


The maximum retail price of a product includes taxes and unless a company increases the base price or raises the margin for distributors and dealers, these products should become cheaper. The government is yet to issue fresh guidelines on pasting stickers with the revised prices.

The GST Council reduced the tax rate on about 200 products, of which 178 were moved to 18 per cent from the 28 per cent slab, at its 23rd meeting on November 10. The new rates are effective from midnight Tuesday, with both the states and the Centre issuing notifications.

“However, given the paucity of time, most companies have not been able to reduce the MRP of products but have communicated to dealers and retailers that prices should be brought down.” Consumers need to be aware about what prices are likely to come down and by how much, irrespective of the MRP printed on the product. Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which makes Amul, the country’s largest dairy brand, has told distributors to sell its products at the revised prices.

Dabur, the maker of Real fruit juices and herbal and ayurvedic products, said it has not informed its trade channels about the revised prices.

Some companies may not cut prices and instead increase pack sizes.

“When the tax slabs went up in July, we did not increase prices. Now that they have been revised downwards, we may not drop prices. We will wait and see how the market dynamics play out before taking a decision,” said the head of a large cosmetics company. Consumers should keep a tab on restaurant bills, too.

Fight Against The Pressing Issue: Depression!

When you were in school how often did you hear about depression or any other mental illness for that matter?

Gone are days when mental disorders were a rare thing. More people are becoming victims of depression and anxiety, and you can blame it all on technology. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 5% of the world’s population suffers from depression. That’s a whopping 350 million people. 

Why the rise?

If you date back twenty years from today the number of people suffering from depression would be not more than 0.5%. To begin with, the reason for the increase in depression is the gradual change in the thought process of the people.  In fact, research shows that depression begins with negative thinking.

How does it start?

It ‘s okay to have negative thoughts when you have a setback, but the problem starts when your whole thinking pattern becomes negative. You fail to see the good and start picking out the negatives in each and everything. This habit becomes a way of life, and that’s when depression creeps in.

Depression is seen as a major threat today because it has the power to deteriorate our entire life. Its old news that our thoughts reflect our actions. So having depressive thoughts will automatically have an impact on our daily lives. The increase in the rate of suicide is also strongly connected with depression.

Getting rid of depression

As I already mentioned, the root cause of depression is negative thinking. To treat depression, you have to get started by getting to the root of the issue, which is your thinking pattern.

Practicing Positive Thinking

Positive thinking cannot be taught in a day. It takes time and effort, but one fine day it will eventually pay off. The first step is to transform every single negative thought into a positive one. For example, let’s say that you have recently lost your job. The first negative thought which will hit you is that getting a job is extremely difficult. Get started on this very thought. Start thinking that getting a job is very easy because you have the right skill set and experience.

Tips To Beat The Toxic Delhi Engulfing Smog!

After Indian Medical Association declared a 'public health emergency' in Delhi on Tuesday, schools decided to shut till Sunday. The National Green Tribunal also banned the construction and industrial activities in the City till November 14.

While people are on high alert, there are certain things one needs to keep in mind when dealing with this major crisis in the city.

Tips To Beat The Toxic Smog

1. Avoid cardio workout 

Many experts and doctors have suggested staying indoor during this crucial time. Breathing heavily during cardio workout will draw pollution deeper into the lungs, increasing the chances of respiratory ailments. "Avoid outdoor exercise at least until levels drop below the prescribed limit. Even allergic cough and breathing problems in little children can be averted by spending the evening indoors.


2. Get the right mask 

It is crucial to find the right mask to protect yourself from the repercussions of the polluted air. Avoid surgical and comfort masks as they don't provide adequate respiratory protection to the wearer. Currently, Delhi's air has increased levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 - particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres). Hence, get a respirator that is rated N95/N99/FFP3 or is 'NIOSH Approved' that filters out more than 95% of particles (larger than 0.3 microns).

3. Stay Hydrated

Health and wellness expert Dolly Kumar, and founder of GAIA, suggested keeping the body hydrated and drinking more water than usual during this time. One can also consume vegetable and fruit juices.

4. Don't ignore sustained symptoms 

Keep the allergy kit ready with required medicines, inhalers and nebulisers if you have a family member with respiratory illness. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Signs You Need To Show To A Doctor 

Breathing in the poor air quality can have severe health implications in the short and long term. We tend to develop more mucus in our lungs when we inhale smog. It further holds the toxins making us feel sick or asthmatic.

Exposure to bad air quality may lead to initial symptoms like coughing, irritation in eyes and nose, sore throat, asthma or wheezing, and tiredness. But prolonged exposure may have serious consequences on health causing stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and even lung cancer. Pathak advised consulting a doctor immediately if these symptoms persist.

Asthmatic patients should carry their inhalers at all time. They can also increase their medication after consulting with their physicians if their symptoms worsen.

5 of the worst cancer-causing foods to avoid!

Cancer is a condition where the cells in a specific body part begin to reproduce uncontrollably thus invading or spreading other body parts. There are two types of tumors benign which don’t spread to other body parts and malignant tumors which do. According to medical experts cancer is a group of many illnesses.

1.Refined and sugary foods

Refined sugar and fructose such as corn syrup can cause numerous health issues. These foods increase the insulin levels in the blood thus make the cancer cells grow. The American Society for Clinical Nutrition journal has published an article in 2006 where they explain that people who consumed lots of sugar had an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. This is why you should limit sugar consumption and try to switch to healthier alternatives such as stevia, honey, maple syrup, jiggery and molasses.

2.Red processed meat

Red mead such as bacon, ham, sausage and others contain many harmful additives as well as salt. One study conducted by The Nutrition and Cancer journal discovered that consuming excess red processed meat can increase the risk of colorectal cancer as well as prostate cancer. So, try to avoid this type of meat as much as you can and choose grass-fed meat.

3.Smoked/Pickled food

Regular consumption of these types of food is very unhealthy. During the smoking process the toxins remain in the meat which is why it is harmful for the health. Pickled foods, on the other hand, contain nitrates that change to N-nitroso during digestion which leads to cancer, and they are also loaded with preservatives in order to prolong their shelf-life. Excess consumption of preservatives can also lead to cancer.

4.White flour

White flour is used to make many foods that we consume daily. Refined flour is particularly unhealthy because of the high amount of carbohydrates it contains. According to some studies, women who consume lots of carbohydrates have an increased risk of breast cancer. This type of flour also increases the sugar levels in the blood rapidly. Choose healthier alternatives such as whole wheat, barley, almond or quinoa flour.

5.Hydrogenated oils

This type of oil becomes poisonous when processed. They are made from vegetables and are used to prolong the shelf life and they also have trans fats and omega 6 acids. The omega 6 acids are healthy when taken in small amounts; however larger amounts can cause damage to the cells thus lead to skin cancer. Trans fats increase the risk of breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. You should replace them with coconut, olive and palm oil.-

Checklist! If you Are Planning To Move In Rented House.

1. Rent clause 

The first thing to check is the rent you will pay and and the increment clause. If no hike is mentioned in the document and the owner decides to increase it a few months down the line, it will be easy to confront him.

There is usually a 10% rental rise after a year, and you need to be clear that this is listed or if you are comfortable with it. The lease is typically renewed after 11 months, not a year, since it has to be registered if the duration is more than 11 months. Also find out about the security deposit and how this amount will be adjusted when you vacate. The document should also list a termination clause, specifying the tenure of stay and notice period, if any. It is also a good thing to find out about the mode of payment to avoid any confusion.

2. Fees & charges for facilities

Check if there is any penalty for delayed payment of rent mentioned in the agreement. It should clearly state the day by which the rent is expected and the charges you will incur if you do not pay by the due date. You could also be expected to pay for various facilities in the society, such as gym, parking, club and swimming pool, regardless of whether you avail of these.

3. Other terms & conditions 

Go through the rent agreement for any specific terms and conditions that the owner may impose, in addition to the society’s rules. For instance, he may insist on not allowing pets or keeping late hours, prohibiting loud music or late-night parties, etc. These need to be clearly stated in the document and can help you decide whether the property suits your requirements.

4. Check the property 

While it goes without saying that you should visit the house that you are going to rent before moving in, most people do not pay much attention to detail. Make sure that the basic construction, including walls and flooring, paint work, electrical appliances, switchboards and wiring, water connection and plumbing fixtures in kitchen and washrooms are in good condition.

5. Repair & damage

Make sure the rent agreement clearly mentions who will pay for the regular maintenance work and whitewashing or paint work that is required in the house after you have moved in. These can include replacement of old electrical wiring or plumbing, and other wear and tear in the house. Also find out if the owner will pay for repair work in case of any accidental damage to the house, or in the event of destruction due to natural causes like flood or quake. Ensure that the agreement lists clearly who will pay for which kind of repair and maintenance. Have it clearly stated in the agreement whether you will be reimbursed or the owner will make the payment directly.