Why do we need to conserve wildlife

Wild life refers to living organisms plants, animals and microorganisms other than the cultivated plants and domesticated animals. 

Conservation means preservation, protection and scientific utilization of natural resources so that they remain suitable for all organisms including humans 

Wild life needs to be conserved for 

* maintaining ecological balance for supporting life. 
* Preserving different kinds of species (biodiversity) . 
* preserving economically important plants and animals. 
* conserving the endangered species 


-Wildlife------ 
* Maintains ecological balance & the organisms have their unique positions in food chains, food webs which keep ecological balance. 

* Wild life contributes to the maintenance of material cycles such as carbon and nitrogen cycles. 

* For improvement and progress in agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries the genes from wild life preserved as gene bank are utilised in breeding programmes. 

* Wild life provides a number of useful products like food, medicine, honey, lac, wax, resin, etc. 

* Colourful birds, insects, beautiful flowers, trees make environment beautiful. 

* Nature watch and excursions to natural forests and sanctuaries are thrilling experiences. 

# Man has destroyed natural habitats by converting them into agricultural fields and building industries and houses on them. 

# Trees have been felled causing deforestation leading to pollution of atmospheric gases and soil erosion. 

# Hunting for fun or collecting skin, tusks, horns for sale has resulted in extinction of certain species. like the tigers, elephants ,cheetah & some variety of birds. 
#Excessive whaling is leading to the extinction of the largest creatures on the earth.. 

# Cultivated plants have replaced wild species. 

# Domesticated animals have destroyed natural grasslands by over grazing. 

# Rabbits for angora wool, musk deer for "kasturi" ,elephants for their tusks,tigers for their medicinal values,rhinoceros for its horn supposed to be having aphrodisiac property, snakes venom for medicinal use, crocodiles for skin & whales for meat & ambergris have been extensively killed. 

# Industrial wastes dumped in rivers and other water bodies have killed many varieties of fishes, oil spills in the oceans have destroyed marine flora and fauna. 
Poisonous gases from industries and vehicles have adversely affected wild life. 
#Global warming has led to the melting of polar ice drowning the polar bears & killing the penguins & destroying the coral reefs. 
Humans for their selfish comforts have destroyed wild life extensively and therefore, there is need to conserve wild life.

Note:Shared from yahoo

Benefits of Smiling and Laughing

7 Benefits of Smiling and Laughing

1. Neurotransmitters called endorphins are released when you smile.

These are triggered by the movements of the muscles in your face, which is interpreted by your brain, which in turn releases these chemicals. Endorphins are responsible for making us feel happy, and they also help lower stress levels. Faking a smile or laugh works as well as the real thing—the brain doesn’t differentiate between real or fake as it interprets the positioning of the facial muscles in the same way. This is known as the facial feedback hypothesis. The more we stimulate our brain to release this chemical the more often we feel happier and relaxed.

2. Endorphins make us feel happier and less stressed.

They also act as the body’s natural pain killers. For sufferers of chronic pain, laughing and smiling can be very effective in pain management, as can laughing off the pain when you bump an elbow or fall over.

3. While the release of endorphins is increased, the stress hormone cortisol is reduced.

Cortisol is more active when we feel stressed or anxious and contributes to the unpleasant feelings we experience, and by lowering it we can reduce these negative feelings.

4. Laughing expands the lungs, stretches the muscles in the body and stimulates homeostasis.

This exercises the body, replenishing the cells from a lungful of oxygen and gaining all the benefits of exercising the body.

5. A good laugh can be an effective way to release emotions.

A good laugh can help you release emotions, especially those emotions that you might bottle up inside. Everything looks that little bit better after a good laugh and life can be seen from a more positive perspective. Smiling and laughing have positive social implications as well.

6. Smiling is an attractive expression, which is more likely to draw people to you rather than push them away.

Smiling makes you appear more approachable. Interaction with others is easier and more enjoyable when smiles and laughs are shared, and these behaviours are contagious, making others feel better too, and make you a more appealing and attractive person to be around. This in turn will have a positive effect on your well-being.

7. A happy, positive expression will serve you well in life.

This is particularly  true for challenging situations such as job interviews: a smiling, relaxed persona indicates confidence and an ability to cope well in stressful situations. This will also be of benefit in your career, building healthy relationships with colleagues and being seen in a favourable light by your employers.

How to Smile and Laugh More Often

There are simple ways to bring more smiling and laughing into your day:

• Smile and laugh regularly. As mentioned, your brain does not know the difference between a fake or real smile, and by doing so more often you will feel better, and become more likely to smile and laugh more spontaneously.
• Watch funny films, TV, and theater shows. This is a excellent way to inject some instant humor into your life. By avoiding negative programs and news broadcasts, you can also balance make your viewing more positive and lighthearted, with more opportunity for a chuckle or two.
• Spend time with friends and family that make you feel happy.Surrounding yourself with happy, fun-loving, optimistic people will bring out your happy side, and their behaviour will rub off on you as you subconsciously mimic their behavioural patterns.
• Find things to smile and laugh about. Once you start consciously looking at all the things that are funny and uplifting, you will be more aware of them, in tune with them, and more ready to engage in a spontaneous smile or laugh.

Note:Shared from lifehack.org

Why Is It Important To Have A Good Friend?

1. A Good Friend Helps You Feel Less Lonely – Although there are billions of people on the planet, sometimes you can feel overwhelmed with loneliness. A good friend reflects life back to you and with all the things you have in common, being alone doesn’t feel as lonely.
2. A Good Friend Listens Attentively – Even if you are boring or you’ve already told the story before, a good friend will listen attentively and give you feedback. Why do they listen attentively? They listen because they care and have a desire to hear what you’re saying. You’re never just noise to a good friend. They appreciate you taking the time to tell them whatever is on your mind.
3. A Good Friend Reduces Stress – Being with or talking to a good friend can calm you down and reduce the stress you feel. By being able to bounce thoughts and ideas off them, you feel more peace about yourself and your place in the world.
4. A Good Friend Improves Your Self-Confidence And Self-Esteem – Your number one fan is your best friend. They will tell you how great they think you are without holding back. They are able to point out your good points and help you feel better about yourself by boosting your confidence level. The friendship validates your existence and that alone is a self-esteem booster.
5. A Good Friend Loves And Cares For You – You are important to a good friend and they value your friendship. A good friend loves and cares for you and isn’t shy about telling you exactly how they feel.
6. A Good Friend Gives A New Perspective – Sometimes you can put on blinders and become narrow minded. However, it is easy to drop all your preconceived beliefs and look at everything from a new perspective when a good friend points you in that direction. Often it is from another’s eyes that you will actually be able to solve your greatest problems.
7. A Good Friend Is Trustworthy – Being able to trust someone is a valuable gift and brings peace into your life. A good friend would never betray the trust you have in them.
8. A Good Friend Provides A Reality Check – If you begin to act like a crazy person, a good friend will pull you back down to Earth in a heartbeat.
9. A Good Friend Supports Your Dreams And Goals – No matter how big your dreams or how far away your goals, a good friend believes in you. They believe that you are wonderful and can accomplish anything you set your mind to doing. They are right there with you, supporting you in every way possible to attain your dreams and find success with your goals. They also find a way to steadily push you to accomplishing what they know you want to accomplish.
10. A Good Friend Is Loyal – Just like a dog or an old slipper, a good friend will be loyal to you. They will defend you and tell everyone that you are the greatest without even blinking. If they have to, they will bite your enemies. Well, not really bite them, but they will defend you to the bitter end!
11. A Good Friend Helps You Connect On A Deeper Level – Face it, life can get tough. A good friend is totally on your side and since you can be yourself with them, there is a deeper connection that goes beyond words. You are understood, valued and loved.
12. A Good Friend Is Fun And You Laugh Often Together – Being with or talking to your good friend is fun and you both laugh often together. Not only do you laugh, but you laugh until your sides hurt and tears are pouring out of your eyes. Yes, having a good friend is a fun experience.
13. A Good Friend Likes The Real You – You don’t have to have your makeup on, hair perfect or suck in your stomach when you’re with your best friend because they totally accept you, the real you. If you enjoy wearing long john pajamas or a dress that looks like a whole family will fit into it because you’re more comfortable that way, your true friend just doesn’t mind. They know what matters is on the inside and not all the superficial stuff on the outside.
14. A Good Friend Respects Differences – You will have a lot of things that are totally the same as your best friend, but there may be issues or beliefs that are completely opposite as yours and that’s okay. A good friend respects the differences between you and it does not affect the friendship because you care sincerely for the person.
15. A Good Friend Helps You Cope With Bad Times – Whether you are going through a divorce, job loss, health issues or trying to cope with a death, a good friend will be there for you during the bad times too. Even if they are just a shoulder to cry on, you can depend on their support through the tough times.
16. A Good Friend Encourages Positive Change – A good friend doesn’t hold your bad traits against you, but they encourage you to make positive changes in your life like to quit smoking, stop drinking excessively, to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, eat healthy or simply to recognize the beauty in your life. A good friend is a positive addition to your life.
17. A Good Friend Is Honest – A good friend will always give you an honest answer to the question, “Does this dress make me look fat?” Yes, a good friend is honest with you at all times and you can count on their honesty because it isn’t an attack to your character.
18. A Good Friend Shares Life Lessons – A good friend helps you to grow whether in the knowledge of how to do something or in progressing inside as a person. They want to spare you pain and help you get ahead, so they share all they know about life.
19. A Good Friend Is Always On Your Side – A good friend doesn’t have to agree with you on every issue, but they will stand with you through thick and thin, good times and bad, happy moments and the most sad or depressing moments in your life. Whether they think you are right or wrong, they still stand beside you.
20. A Good Friend Can Relate – A good friend has experienced many of the same things as you have, so they can relate with how you feel about an issue or circumstance. They know what it feels like to have a broken heart, the sadness of the death of someone close or the excitement of a long awaited vacation. They have felt the same emotions and they know the path you are on and can totally relate with your journey.
21. A Good Friend Increases Happiness – Having a good friend adds happiness to your life. A friendship is a positive relationship that adds great value to your life. A good friend doesn’t argue with you all the time, betray your trust, disrespects you or hurts you in any way.
22. A Good Friend Improves Your Mental Health – It is true that a good friend improves your mental health because you feel understood, loved and not alone. Those feelings inspire peace in your life, within your soul and in your mind.

Note:Shared from theredheadriter.com

Benefits of Trees

https://youtu.be/EIBHcoLQllw

Top 10 Reasons a Small Town Life is Better than a City

10. Lesser noise & pollution level, hence good health:

Compared to the life in cities, there’s less hue & cry in small places. Life’s more complacent than complicated. You can breathe fresh air or enjoy being in spacious fields. Although not necessarily, but often you’ll find that people residing in low-profile areas are less provoked with health issues. Mainly it is because the atmosphere’s healthy and hygienic and that’s reflected in peoples’ lives.

9. Even your kid can read morning newspaper:

You don’t have to panic that your kids get a look of the morning newspaper. In metros, the excess of delinquent news abstains you from letting your kids read daily newspapers. It majorly upsets you that they’ll affect their young mind. In small places, you no longer have to distract your kids’ attention from the newspapers as they’re comparatively free of those ills.

8. A sense of belongingness:

It’s my place, there’s a sense of attachment and warmth. Every neighborhood shop, your school building, your friends place or the nearby market leaves a memorable mark in your mind and stays with you forever. You belong to that place.

7. Minimal cost of living:

There is less expenditure on groceries, food items or transportation, so it all contributes to a great cut on your monthly budget. You have good savings to surpass those rainy days. The sound financial back-up strengthens your future endeavors.

6. Security:

There’s a prevailing social security in small towns. Though you have to be watchful of any wrong activities still you never have to panic all the time, worrying about any unlawful happenings, which may occur any time.

5. Leisure:

In small towns, people relish their dishes, read their favorite books, play interesting games, chatter or simply relax in their free time. In cities mostly people are shopaholics or movie-goers while in small towns, people pursue their hobbies, more inclined towards reading or writing, playing or any creative things.

4. You’re popular:

From your neighborhood, grocer, shopkeeper to your banker, everyone knows you. Being absent-minded once I collected my dresses from the boutique without paying the bill, he called back me the next day and reminded me. The other time I forgot my wallet at a grocery shop, much to my surprise; it was intact, when I received it. It can only happen in small places. You build more contacts; have true friends from the same soil who lasts forever.

3. Values:

Generally people hailing from small-towns, are less-complicated, simple-hearted and effortlessly lead their lives. There is warmth in their approach; they welcome their guests whole-heartedly. You feel like being part of one big family. Sometimes they are being mocked at, get weird treatment by urban fellows, stamped with “small-town-mentality,” though this is all vague as once they’re inculcated with the values and it remains with them for life. They simply don’t compromise on them.

2. You can be yourself:

You’re entirely at ease. There’s no need to pretend what you are not, while in cities, people generally put a mask on their personality and it reflects in their attitude too. They make people believe that they are socially awkward fellows, whereas in reality they may be not. Since they are secretly not inclined towards socializing, they have to act as if they keep it to themselves.

1. No rush hour:

There’s no hurried Henry, no need to rush. Unlike urbanites, small-town people are not addicted to those bee-line queues. Here, people simply don’t juggle with their daily life. One can be at his/her ease, own pace. The feeling is really wonderful. Life moves on itself, you don’t have to wear those running shoes. We can end this conversation, adding a proverb, small is beautiful.

Note:Shared from topyaps.com/

How To Reduce Soil Pollution

Factors Causing Soil Pollution

 

Excessive Use Of Fertilizers

Plants need nutrients for growth and for nutrients other than carbon, hydrogen and oxygen that they get from the atmosphere farmers have to rely on chemical fertilizers. Soil deficiencies are corrected by farmers through artificial means like the chemical fertilizers, not knowing the harmful effects of these fertilizers on soil. The trouble starts when mixed fertilizers are used in the soil and the non-degradable metals that accompany the essential nutrients slowly begin to get amassed in the soil above preferred toxic levels. Like the damage phosphate fertilizers are notorious for doing.

 

Use Of Pesticides, Insecticides, Weedicides

These might kill the weeds or insects that can hinder the proper growth of the plant, but these harsh chemicals are also are also often responsible for depleting the fertility of the soil. The chemicals that are not easily broken get accumulated in the soil that can be a threat not only to the plants but also to the animals consuming it.

 

Solid Waste

Waste in the form of garbage, plastic, non-biodegradable things not only pollutes fertile land but also alters the chemical and biological properties of soil. Even factory waste in the form of harmful chemicals, oils, or things that cannot be recycled can prove harmful to the soil.

 

Deforestation And Soil Erosion

Deforestation and soil erosion are very much interlinked. Many a factor can lead to soil erosion ranging from human activities to acid rain to floods. And most of these can be well attributed to deforestation. In the rage of building more of concrete jungles humans selectively forget about the harm it is doing to the environment.

 

Reducing Soil Pollution

 

Organic Fertilizers

There are other ways to add necessary nutrients to the soil other than chemical fertilizers. ‘Organic’ is the word of the day and what else will save the day other than organic fertilizers. Not only are they harmless to nature but they also nourish the soil unlike chemical fertilizers. The latest to be added to the list is bio-fertilization. In this form of fertilization, certain microorganisms are used to increase the soil fertility along with nurturing it.

 

Organic Pesticides

Try to avoid pesticides as much as possible. Instead, try organic pesticides which help control pests without damaging the environment.

Recycling

Recycling is the best option for clearing away unwanted things like paper, plastic and other things that can reduce piling up, but be used as landfill. This is a serious matter of concern in urban areas where there is no proper place for waste disposal.

Planting Trees

For every tree that you cut another should be planted. Re-forestation is one way you can get rid of soil erosion and by which the lost fertility of the land can be regained to a certain limit.

 

Eliminating Weeds

Weeds absorb the necessary minerals out of the soil. Reducing weed growth can decrease soil pollution to a great extent.

 

Compost Pits

Making compost pits can help reduce waste getting accumulated in places. Treating them chemically and biologically into less hazardous and less toxic materials can prove really beneficial for clearing away a lot of solid waste.

Note:Shared from lifestyle.iloveindia.com

The 5 Worst Types of Foods to Eat Late at Night

1. Greasy or fat-filled foods: Greasy, heavy, fatty foods not only make you feel sluggish the next morning, but they also make your stomach work overdrive to digest all that food. Stay away from things like fast food, nuts, ice cream, or super cheesy foods right before bed.
2. High-carb or sugary foods: A little bit of something sweet before bed may be just what you need to rest happy, but if you gobble a huge slice of chocolate cake, the spike in your blood-sugar levels could cause your energy levels to spike and plummet, disrupting your sleep in the process. Avoid cake, cookies, or other desserts as well as carby snacks like crackers or white bread and munch on an apple instead.
3. Red meat and other proteins: Like fatty foods, eating red meats late at night will sit in your stomach and make it hard for you to fall asleep while you're digesting (red meat may affect you the worst, but eating a large portion of chicken or pork would have the same effect as well). You don't have to avoid protein altogether, just make sure you go for lean and small portions, like deli-sliced turkey breast or a cup of yogurt.
4. Spicy foods: Spices may be a natural cure-all for a range of ailments, but when you're craving something to eat late at night, step away from the hot sauce. Spicy, peppery foods may upset your stomach, and the chemicals in spicy food can also stimulate your senses, making it hard to fall asleep.
5. Big portions: Late-night snacking shouldn't turn into a late-night meal. Keep the total amount of calories under 200 so you won't have any problems going and staying asleep. You'll also feel good knowing that you didn't undo all your healthy eating habits of the day right before bedtime.

Note:Shared from popsugar.com

10 Reasons Why Morning Walks are Important for your Health

10- Better Day

“An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day” said Henry David Thoreau. And how right was he! Starting your day with a brisk walk, or even a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood has many benefits. It gives you a natural energy boost and you feel revitalized. Physical activity early in the morning is helpful because it ensures greater mental sharpness for the rest of the day. You also feel more active and fresh throughout the day, as opposed to when you feel lethargic because you wake up late. The temperature during the morning is conducive to exercising, with no sun to bother you. Moreover, you can use the time to plan out the rest of your day, allot a specific time to each task you plan to accomplish and sketch a schedule to follow.

9- Better Sleep

A brisk walk early on in the morning ascertains that you sleep better at night. In a previous article of mine (Ten Ways to Sleep Quickly and Easily at Night), I have mentioned how physical activity during the day helps one sleep better at night. The same logic holds true here. Walking tires the body out and therefore, sleep comes easily when you hit the pillow at night. In fact, daily morning walks also help to regulate your sleep cycle as you get up at the same time every day. Brain scans have even proved that exercise early in morning helps a person spend almost 75% more time in deep sleep, in contrast to exercise done later in the day.

8- Reduces Risk of Cancer

The right kind of lifestyle can go a long way in making sure that your risk of developing cancer is lowered. Morning walks are a form of exercise, which, if undertaken regularly can lower cancer risks. A study by the National Cancer Institute found that walking briskly for one hour every day for most of the week significantly reduces breast cancer risk in middle aged women. Another study found that walking improves breast cancer survival rates. Fast paced walks also help to reduce the risk of colon cancer by ensuring that carcinogens do not stay in prolonged contact with the intestinal lining of the body, according to a study published in 1999.  Moderate exercise in the form of regular morning walks have been shown to reduce the risks of endometrial cancer. It is clear then that morning walks can help prevent the onset of cancer in the body, so wake up before it is too late. 

7- Weight Loss

If you are obese or overweight, a morning walk can be very beneficial for you. Morning walks burn calories and improve the metabolism of the body. Both these processes are essential to lose weight. Go for a walk first thing in the morning, preferably before breakfast to improve your body’s metabolism. You can burn up to 100 kcal of energy every one mile you walk. Morning walks are more beneficial to the process of weight loss because in the morning, the glucose level of the body is low which means that it is the fat which burns. In the evening, when the glucose level is high, walking burns the glucose and reduces blood sugar level.

6- Diabetes and Hypertension

Walking is a form of exercise. Exercise burns glucose. Burning of glucose results in more utilization of insulin. This in turn improves blood sugar levels and help diabetics. Simple. Morning walks don’t just help patients manage their diabetes, they also prevent the onset of diabetes in healthy people. Walking 10,000 steps a day increases insulin sensitivity and reduces the Body Mass Index by one percent. In India, almost 51 million people suffer from diabetes. Morning walks can help prevent and control this disease. Walking lowers high blood pressure by improving blood flow in the body. Blood pressure control helps against hypertension. Walking just 20 to 30 minutes every day has a suppressing effect on hypertension. To keep these two diseases at bay, walk away.

5- Muscular Strength

Daily walks help improve muscular strength in the body by keeping the muscles in regular use. The muscles which benefit the most are in the calves, glutens, hamstrings, legs and arms. Walking tones the muscles of the thighs, arms, forearms, buttocks and legs. The shapely legs of people who walk regularly are a result of their toned calves. Moreover, walking doesn’t just build muscles but also helps in muscle endurance. This means that people who walk every morning can engage in physical exertion for a longer period of time without feeling tired. Ever notice how people who don’t engage in a lot of regular physical activity tire so easily? That is because they have low muscle strength and endurance. If you hate vigorous exercising but want to stay fit, going for a morning walk daily is an excellent substitute. This regular, moderate form of exercise ensures better muscle strength and endurance.

4- Brainpower

A quick paced walk right in the morning guarantees that you stay alert throughout the day. Along with your body, it energizes your mind as well. Walking improves blood circulation which means that a greater amount of oxygen reaches the brain. This leads to improved mental faculties and better powers of recollection. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco even found out that age related mental decline is lower in people who walk daily. It also lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia in elderly people. But most importantly, exercise produces brain-derived neurotrophic factor : a protein that perks up mental acuteness. So put on the walking shoes every morning and walk your way to better mental health.

3- Overall Health

Besides the major ways in which diabetes helps improve health, here are some more advantages of talking a morning walk every day-

–          Raises good cholesterol HDL levels in blood

–          Lowers LDL or bad cholesterol levels

–          Prevents and protects against miscarriages

–          Muscular development combats back pain

–          Is a standard treatment for osteoporosis patients

–          Boosts the immune system

–          Strengthens the joints

–          Better sexual health

2- Less Stress

As mentioned earlier as well, morning walks are beneficial not only to the body but to the mind as well. Walking helps a person deal with stress and combat anxiety. The psychological health of a person thus benefits greatly from walking, and even helps provide a positive outlook to the whole day, first thing in the morning. Morning walks have been shown to improve self esteem, which in turn helps fight various psychological ill effects like depression (one major cause of depression being low self esteem) If you stick to your resolve and walk regularly ever morning, it will lead to better overall mood and fight mild depression. Various studies have proven that walking helps reduce the anxiety and depression. The regular rhythm of breathing while walking, the sensory distractions it provides, the release of pent up energy etc all contribute to enhance psychological well being. The release of endorphins provides a natural ‘high’ and improves mood. While walking is of course no substitute for medicines and treatment, it does help a person cop with psychological stress better.

1- Cardiovascular Health

If this does not push you into waking up early for a walk, I don’t know what will. The health benefits of taking a morning walk everyday are immense, the most important one being that it is good for your heart. In a world where approximately 40% of the population suffers from heart diseases, as little a change in your lifestyle as going for a morning walk every day can be helpful to keep the diseases at bay. Studies have shown that walking briskly, at 3 to 4 miles per hour, can decrease your risk of heart disease by 40%! Since physical inactivity is a major reason for heart diseases, walking ensures that your heart stays fit. The heart is an organ which is strengthened by regular activity which helps it pump blood better. Walking daily has also been shown to lower the risk of a second heart attack in people who have already suffered from one. The physical activity of walking is instrumental in improving blood circulation in the body, strengthening the heart, increases the heart rate and generally promotes better cardiovascular health. Morning walks thus reduce the chances of cardiac arrests and strokes. So stop hitting the snooze button and wake up every morning to take a walk. Your heart will thank you.

Note:Shared from listdose.com

Tips to stay healthy these rains

Welcome the rains, not the diseases they bring. To stay healthy, watch what you eat and 
drink

In the swelter heat of summers, rains are definitely a God-sent gift. But along with monsoon showers, come a surfeit of diseases like food poisoning, diarrhoea and cholera. Other diseases that make an appearance during this particular season include typhoid, dysentery, amoebiosis, hepatitis A and E and even polio. Individuals with low resistance, especially elderly and people with ailments like diabetes mellitus, lung problems, heart diseases or rheumatism, are more prone to infections. Thus, it becomes essential to pay extra care and attention to your health and eating habits during monsoons as your body and digestive system is susceptible to infections.

Take extra care

Diseases in the rainy season are mostly water-borne and hence you need to be particularly careful with the water you drink. Contamination of drinking water is rampant during rains and it naturally becomes imperative to drink filtered and clean water to ward off maladies. Rains inevitably mean a worsening of the quality of ground water, because of seepage, of garbage and other contaminants that get dissolved in the rain water. The use of suction pumps is another hazard because unless there is a really good water flow, the pumps often tend to suck in contaminants. Ideally, they should be used only for lifting water to the upper floors and not for boosting water supply per se.

You need to ensure that you do not get tempted by street vendors selling juices, golas and kulfis. Monsoon is the harbinger of breeding bacteria in food items and thus you should avoid eating outside food. Always go for packaged juices as they are safest. Eating salads from outside might also induce ingestion as germs thrive on vegetables that are not fresh and unwashed.

Fight back

With unconditional growth, India has tremendously progressed but still remains far away from maintaining and following a healthy lifestyle. The burden of ailments such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases stress and stroke not only amongst adults, but even children, has made people aware and conscious while selecting food items, keeping in mind hygiene and diet quotient. But the mirror has two sides.

Monsoon mantras

Drink enough water: Water keeps the body hydrated and cool and is no doubt the best option to quench thirst. During summer, body tends to lose water and sodium in the form of sweat. Hence it is important to drink plenty of water. But in the monsoon season, sweat does not evaporate quickly due to high humidity levels. This prevents the body from releasing heat in an efficient manner. Thus it is important to drink water, even when you are not thirsty, regardless of your activity levels. Make sure that you keep a bottle of water with you always, be it your work-station, kitchen or car. Make sure that you use filtered and safe water.

Avoid carbonated, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks and beverages as they contain preservatives, colours and sugars. They are acidic in nature and act as diuretics resulting in loss of fluids through urine. Most soft drinks contain diluted phosphoric acid and their excess intake increases phosphorus levels in the blood, impairs the calcium-phosphorus ratio, leading to extraction of calcium from the bones. This calcium displacement from the bones makes them porous and brittle.Soft drinks also reduce mineral levels in the body to such an extent that enzymes are unable to function efficiently resulting in indigestion.

Eat fresh vegetables and fruits : Fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in water content, essential nutrients in the form of water soluble vitamins and minerals, natural sugar and fibre. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet such as salads and fresh juices. These veggies and fruits keep the body hydrated and aid in weight loss due to a good fibre content.

Amla [Indian gooseberry] and citrus fruits contain lots of vitamin C and are good for improving your immunity levels. Avoid greasy, fried foods and fatty meals have heated thermal effect on your body and make you sluggish.

Maintain good hygiene levels: Germs breed quickly during monsoons. With the adulteration and contamination rates already high, rains add to the troubles and paves way to the hospital.

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cooking or eating raw. Avoid consuming pre-cut fruits and street foods. Eat well-cooked food.

The first few rain showers are heavenly. The feeling of respite from the heat usually surpasses the caution we should take during rains to stay away from the backlash of this beautiful weather. With just a few precautions, we can enjoy the pleasantness and charm of these most-awaited showers.

Handy tips

For general health

• Get yourself vaccinated for monsoon-related ailments like hepatitis. Fever is a serious health problem during the monsoons and do not ignore it, if it lasts for more than two days. Remember, prevention is better than cure.
• According to ayurveda, heavy exercising should be avoided in monsoon. The body needs only light walks and yoga during this time.
• It is best to wear loose cotton clothes and use anti-fungal talcum powder in areas prone to fungal infections. Humidity and dampness results in fungal infections. Dampness can lead to skin problems and athlete’s foot. So, take bath at least twice a day to keep infections at bay.
• Use insect repellents, disinfectants to stay away from mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, and termites. You can also try house-hold options like dried neem leaves, camphor, or cloves.

For skin

• Cleanse your skin daily using a soap-free cleanser. Use a gentle scrub once a day to wash off dead cells. Cleansing should be followed by the use of alcohol-free toner.
• Use a sunscreen, even on a cloudy day, as harmful UV radiations have the ability to penetrate clouds.
• Use a light lotion-based moisturiser to re-hydrate your skin and also brighten it up.

For hair

• Monsoon brings in hair problems like stickiness and dandruff, which leads to hair fall. Wash your hair regularly with a mild shampoo, followed by a conditioner.
• Avoid applying styling products as they can make your hair very greasy due to increased humidity.
• Do not tie-up wet hair as it can cause hair breakage. Oiling once a week will help to maintain its shine and strength.

For feet

• It is best to soak your feet in warm water, dry them and apply a moisturiser. For people prone to fungal infection, apply antifungal cream and powder prescribed by your dermatologist.
• Keep your feet warm, if you work in air-conditioned places.
• Do not forget to completely dry your feet to prevent fungal infections.
• Diabetic patients need to take extra care of their feet during the monsoon season and should not walk barefoot since the soil almost turns into a reservoir for all types of germs during the rains.

Note:Shared from completewellbeing.com

8 reasons parents should play with their kids

1. Sometimes, no one else will

Quite simply, you might be living somewhere where your child has no one close in age to play with. What do you expect them to do? Play Frisbee by themselves? Chase the neighbour’s dog down the street? You’re not mollycoddling your child if you decide to get a ball and a couple of gloves to play catch. You’re not inhibiting their ability to make friends by playing a bit of one-on-one soccer or basketball or badminton. You’re making sure they get an active start in life despite awkward circumstances. And it’s very unlikely that you will have to be their sole playmate forever.

2. You provide an important active role model

When you play with your child, you demonstrate that play never goes out of style, and you show them that you value physical activity. You also get to model soft-skills such as sportsmanship and effort. You can be sure of one thing: your kids are watching you. And they will imitate you. Would you rather that they imitate Miley Cyrus? The Wolf of Wall Street? The Kardashians? Bart Simpson? (Actually, given those options, Bart Simpson might not be a bad choice.)

3. You develop their movement skills

For regular readers visiting Active for Life, you know what I’m talking about. For anyone arriving here for the first time, I’m talking about the fundamental movement skills that kids need to start developing from an early age so they can become physically literate. Again, it’s not necessarily about becoming a superstar athlete. These are basic life skills that are every bit as important as learning to read and write.

4. You set them up for lifelong health

As you start your kids on the path to physical literacy and a love of physical activity, you set them up to become active for life. Consequently, they are more likely to enjoy greater lifelong physical, mental, and emotional health. As countless generations of grandparents have advised their offspring, you ain’t got nothing if you don’t got your health.

5. You nudge them in the direction of scholastic success

New research is constantly emerging about the positive correlation between physical activity and good school grades. What would you rather do? Spend 30 minutes laughing and playing with your child 4 days a week? Or battle through 30 minutes helping them with their homework every night because they are having attention issues at school due to being chronically inactive?

6. You bond with them

If you make it fun, you will forge deep bonds with your kids by playing with them. I played with all three of my kids as they were growing up — soccer, basketball, badminton, baseball, Frisbee, tennis, cycling and more — and I am grateful that I did. We’re like “this” now. [Crosses forearms and makes gangsta signs — to the mortification of his 16-year-old daughter, who winces, shields her eyes, and groans.] Each of them went on to form other friendships, each of them went on to do lots of different sports and physical activities, each of them became good students, and each of them has inherited happy memories of playing with dad. Which is good because my RRSPs don’t amount to much.

7. You discover the joy of play again

There can be much laughter and pleasure in movement and play. When was the last time you experienced it? You’re never too old to play, and there’s no shame in hanging out with children and acting like a kid yourself. As professor Peter Gray explains, you get to enjoy one of the greatest gifts of being alive. You also reduce your blood cortisol and increase your serotonin — without prescription drugs!  What a concept. [As I write these words, share prices for prescription antidepressants have taken a 5-point tumble.]

8. You follow in the footsteps of John Nash

John Nash, dad of two-time NBA most valuable player Steve Nash and talented siblings Martin and Joann, played with all three kids when they were small. In our 2012 interview, he tells the whole story and shares his views on being an active role model and a positive sport parent. Great story. If you have kids in sports, be sure to read it.

There are lots of great reasons to play with your kids. You can probably think of others as well. Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments section below, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter to share your ideas.

Note:Shared from activeforlife.com