Cheap Thrills

Arranged​ marriages have continued being the stereotypical preference for many and have not lost their charm till date. But the time between the process of finding a life partner and finally getting hitched is the most baffling situation for a girl. It sounds simple to say a guy you meet 'yes' for marriage but it doesn't, it is certainly not a child's task. You should have all your senses strong while choosing your life partner. A marriage whether love/ arranged has to have your consent for it, if your marriage is being fixed by your parents it doesn't mean you cannot put your choices and decisions forward.This is the most crucial decision of your life and it is only you who can decide who is best for you.Make your self absolutely clear about what you expect your life partner to be?? and does your would be groom have those qualities you want in your future husband? there is nothing wrong in finding the "man of your dreams".Yes, he do exist, you just have to be extra cautious finding him.

• First ask yourself very clearly "are you ready for marriage at this phase of life?" or "you want to wait for some more time?" There is no kind of marriageable age. Marriages don't happen by any rule book of age and time,Unless you are mentally prepared for it. Don't force yourself if you don't want to get married at this particular time of your life.Waiting for your career or a perfect mate can be many reasons so,tell your parents and discuss it before they start searching groom for you. 
• Marriage word sounds scary and specially the one fixed by your parents, getting married to a guy they have chosen makes one nervous, but remember it is still your right to make the final call, that is why you are asked for a meeting with the guy. So, be very frank and don't hesitate. Discuss everything with him in your first meeting: your interests, hobbies, lifestyles, religious beliefs, career goals, life plans, his responsibilities and yours too. 
• Just be your own self when meeting him. Don't try to pretend or be what he likes you to be.If you don't like his ideologies discuss with him.Let him know what you can change and what you cannot in yourself after marriage.Remember you are not meeting him to get selected or rejected? you both are here to know how much compatible you are? and whether you can spend your life with a partner like each other. 
• You should be observant towards his behavior and psychic " how he talks with people specially elders? Does he respect and appreciate what your family is doing? Does he respect women? how he deals his anger, is he quick tempered? does he completely looses his cool, shouts and screams when he is angry? because if he does so it means he is an aggressive person and might end up even hurting you sometime in future. You cannot tolerate living your entire life with a person in fear. 
• Sometimes it do happens that you didn't find the guy you met good for you but everyone else at home liked him.So, they force you explaining that it doesn't matter see "how good the family is","in marriages you have do compromises","you can't be so selective", "people change after marriage","you are just being too judgmental" Blah! Blah!...etc but do remember you can compromise only with certain habits or qualities in a person you are marrying to but you cannot have a totally compromised married life.If you don't like certain qualities in him discuss with him openly and see how he takes your ideas and then only finally decide whether you both can mutually compromise with it or not? whether you can still settle down with him knowing that he won't change? Marriage is not one sided, it requires mutual understandings and decisions. Remember, life gives you one chance to decide for you.And It is only up to you while choosing the one. 

Girls! it is always better to have a clear understanding of your life partner. No one can make a better decision for yourself specially when it comes to getting married to a guy and there is no harm in taking time looking up for a man who will love you and keep you happy for lifetime. Remember, a late marriage is always better than a failed one.

Prenatal Care

                                 

Prenatal Care is as important step during your pregnancy as it is after your baby is born. Your child birth preparations is the most wonderful experience during your pregnancy period. Many people take pregnancy as stress and kind of some ailment. They assume that in pregnancy you just have to rest for 9 months, staying at home just not doing anything and this is where all complications starts from, but being active will help you to face physical demands of labor, birth and new motherhood. So, just lift up your mood and make your pregnancy a beautiful journey.

PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS

Many people still are unaware of these type of tests specially those living in rural areas. These tests are conducted not only to know your fetus's health and development but also determines birth defects if any. If a couple has a family history of any serious medical condition they should necessarily conduct these tests because if your unborn is detected to have genetic abnormalities you will be psychologically prepared for an affected child or get a chance to abort.

Prenatal diagnosis can be of two types:

(i) Non-Invasive method - in which examination of fetus is done from outside. Like in Ultrasonography that is done at your early pregnancy and trimesters. ultrasonography is done by an apparatus called transducer which sends ultrasonic waves to body while a monitor attached to the machine freezes image on screen of the developing embryo. The major internal organs are screened to determined, if any abnormal.The heart beat is seen by time embryo measures 5 mm, but sometimes may not be visible until the embryo reaches 7 mm around 7 weeks, if the heart beat is normal your child is detected to be normal. But, only subtle abnormalities are detected through ultrasonography.



(ii) Invasive method - in which probes or needles are inserted into placenta for collecting sample. Like in Amniocentesis and Chorionic villus sampling.

Amniocentesis- is a method in which amniotic fluid test (AFT) is done by collecting sample of amniotic fluid for analysis of your fetus's DNA . It is performed in 16 weeks to 18 weeks. These are safer but takes a lot of time for result, 2-3 weeks until result is available.It helps in diagnosis of genetic abnormalities if so present in fetus.


Chorionic villus sampling - it involves the withdrawal of small amount of developing placenta that is made up of chorionic villi, containing fetus cell like projections. This method is most commonly used to identify chromosomal problems such as Down's syndrome and genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis, Tay-sachs and sickle cell disease.



PRENATAL VITAMINS

• Having a healthy diet in pregnancy is essential for your healthy fetus growth. It is ideal to take pernatal vitamins in your diet containing folic acid, iron, iodine and calcium.
• Folic acid helps in prevention of neural tube defects which can affect your fetus's brain and spinal cord. It is recommended for a women to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, citrus fruits etc have right amount of folic acid necessary for your body naturally.
• Calcium is also important for pregnant women. It helps in prevention of loosing mother's bone density as baby uses calcium for its own bone growth. A pregnant woman should drink approximately 10 cups (2.3 litres) of milk per day.
• Iodine Yoghurt, cheese, patatoes have iodine in them and they should be taken as it is crucial for a woman's healthy thyroid function during pregnancy. A deficiency in iodine causes stunted physical growth, deafness and severe mental disability, it can even lead to miscarriage. 
• Iron helps in blood formation in both mother and baby and acts as carrier of oxygen in fetus.Foods like spinach, beans, dry fruits should be taken regularly
• In some cases, your doctor will prescribe you a certain type of prenatal vitamin supplements too.

PRENATAL YOGA




Its a myth that pregnant women should not exercise or perform yoga. Actually they are also beneficial like your diet, it helps to breathe deeply and relax your mind. Prenatal yoga also lowers your chances of having pregnancy complications, pain ,stress levels and peevishness. But do not google and follow any exercise regime displayed on those pages without consulting your doctor. Every exercise is not suitable for everyone.Do walk at evening it will make you feel fresh.Prenatal care is essential for you both physically and emotionally. You can boost your chances of having a problem free pregnancy and a healthy baby
                       


Remember, Kareena Kapoor how beautifully she handled her pregnancy not taking any sabbatical or disguising herself from media. That was so cool an inspirational for womens. Even my bestie Amrita who is expecting her first child, i met her recently and was so happy to see the way she is carrying her pregnancy, eating right, no nervousness, no anxiety. She looks more beautiful in her maternity phase and happy too... So, above all those prenatal care just be happy and enjoy your motherhood phase as much as you can. Make your pregnancy a beautiful moment.

Head-ache

                                                            
Headache is the most common form of pain or illness experienced by people. Imagine you have something important to do and in the middle of it, a nagging pain suddenly hits you like someone is hammering your brain! It is literally annoying as you will start feeling uneasy and would not like to proceed anything further and isolate yourself.
Stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, dehydration, indigestion, change in weather and these days mostly due to exposure in the hot sun can trigger a pain in your head. Headaches may occur either at one particular point of your head or on both sides, sharp and throbbing lasting less than an hour to even several days. Headaches due to tension have been recently reported as the most common type people suffer with. These can be due to physical and emotional stress , due to which the muscles covering the skull gets inflamed causing severe pain.

Here, are few self-care and home remedies that are proven to be helpful in relieving pain:

• Ginger is an all rounder remedy for headaches, it helps in reducing inflamed blood vessels and easing pain. Make ginger tea by crushing and adding a small piece of ginger, to a cup of water. Boil this mixture and sip it twice a day. 
• Have a hot water bath after massaging your temple and forehead area with essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint or lavender, these oils are helpful in giving a soothing effect to your head. 
• Basil works as a muscle relaxant also having an analgesic effect. Chew some fresh basil leaves or you can also make basil tea and have it twice daily. 
• Water helps in staying hydrated and stops a headache to occur in the first place by balancing electrolytes in your body. Drink water regularly. 
• Cinnamon acts as a natural balm for headache helping in relieving pain. Grind some cinnamon sticks to make a fine powder ,add some water and make a thick paste. Apply on your forehead keep for 30 minutes and wash off with warm water. 
• Cherries! Yes, you heard it right. Recently it has been discovered that cherries contain active compound Quercetin, which is a powerful antioxidant and has anti- inflammatory properties. Eating 20 cherries or drinking a cup of cherry juice helps in tremendous head pain. 
• Fresh air is vitally important in relieving headache. You should always go for a morning walk or an evening walk to breathe in fresh air which helps in relaxing your brain. 
• Simple exercises are also helpful in curing headaches like: 

Acupuncture: increases blood flow in head and neck area relaxing the muscles reducing headache. Pressing this particular point between your thumb and index finger helps in relieving pain.






Kapalbhati and Anulom- vilom pranayam: If performed regularly help in releasing stress, breathing deeply and curing neural issues, migraine and sinuses naturally.





Note: Headaches should never be overlooked because they might have a serious medical cause to it. If you have have a persistent headache visiting a doctor is necessary.

Food Fashion

New collectibles and change in styles have not only been restricted to your wardrobe but people have revolutionized much in their eating habits too..Few fruits and vegetables popularly known as "SUPER FOOD" have become new food statement in recent times. Being rich in micro nutrients and taste,they are powerful sources of antioxidants and have therapeutic properties that suits best for your body's genetic makeup hence boosting your physical abilities and intelligence.

Some most popular Super foods that have become craze among people are:

Broccoli

Broccoli is the most concentrated source of vitamin C and are rich in anti oxidants.High dietary fiber in it helps in curing digestive problems, constipation and curbing down over eating leading to obesity.They have immune boosting properties, anti allergic compounds and also helps in fighting cancer.
Wheat Grass



Wheat grass is the young grass of common wheat family. Chlorophyll present in them acts a natural detoxifier and cleanser for the liver. Loaded with iron and amino acids acts as blood strengthener and helps in boosting energy.

Kale

A rich source of vitamin A beta carotene, vitamin K and omega 3 fatty acids kale is among the most nutrient dense food present today.It has anti-ageing properties and help in lowering cholesterol levels in body and heart attack risks.


Oats




Being a gluten free whole grain , rich in manganese,phosphorous,magnesium and loaded with unique group of antioxidants AVENANTHRAMIDES which is only found in them helps in regulating blood pressure. Oats have recently become the most loved breakfast for weight loss program.


Green Tea

 Green tea is rich in bio active compounds and Polyphenols like FLAVONOIDS and CATECHINS which are powerful antioxidants helping in formation of free radicals in body protecting cells and molecules from damage. EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE (EGCG)is the most important compound present in green tea which has been studied to have medicinal properties for treating various diseases.
Aloe vera




Aloe vera has been extensively used in beauty products be it in form of gel or aloe vera juice.It has an antibacterial property for treating skin disorders. ALOIN compound found in them is extensively used as an laxative for treating constipation.

Avocado




These contain high levels of pantothenic acid B5 which aids in breakdown of fat. They contain nutrients LUTEIN and ZEAXANTHIN which are incredibly important for eye health. Avocado also have proven benefits for clearing acne problems of skin.

Kiwi

Kiwi have high amount of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate and antioxidants. Kiwis on study have been found beneficial for proper lung functioning and treating asthma. Fresh kiwi fruit may reduce wheezing in susceptible children.





Mushroom

Mushrooms are highly protein rich food and they have 90% of nutritive iron in them which promotes formation of red blood cells.Due to presence of anti carcinogenic compounds Beta-Glucans and conjugated linoleic acid they are also helpful in prevention of breast and prostrate cancer.

Introspection

"Not fault in your stars but fault in you"

Learning about yourself, ongoing thoughts and past mental state is important to gain your insight. These days we learn about purifying our soul but that is only possible when you observe, analyse and reform yourself constantly. Slowing down in your fast moving life, breathing deeply and learning from the mistakes you committed in past is not easy. Specially to introspect yourself and always have an eagerness to learn more and delete more aids in your personal growth to be a better person than you were before.

#How does introspection work?
You can learn about your your own mind exactly the same way you read of others, by nothing but analyzing your past behaviors. It is a process in terms of psychology to gain your sensory knowledge, consciousness, emotions, free will, belief, perception and personal identity.

#How does introspection help?

. Introspecting yourself helps in recognizing any negative and stressful situation or incidence that might have happen years before in your life but you still have not come out of it. Due to which you might have become insensitive and indifferent towards certain things.You will even not be able to picture yourself in future. You just need to analyse them and "let it go" because unknowingly your past is hampering your personality and you fear to be your own true self.

.It helps you in facing your fears, realizing them eventually helps you in admitting to it and handling them in the best way you can. In fact, you will have a clear vision of what you can and what you cannot.

.Introspection helps you to make decisions yourself and understanding what is best for you. You will not be dependent on others to make decisions and choices for your own self.

. You will start feeling more accomplished and proud of yourself because you will know what battles have you fought to come this way in your life. You will be much self satisfied and happy in your life. Continuously introspecting yourself will help you in self awareness, knowing your weakness and your strengths hereby, making you have a better understanding of your goals and what you truly want in your life.

Times before people had a habit of maintaining a personal dairy which has been lost today, that was the best way to introspect oneself .I think people should be encouraged for making a habit of writing diary before going to bed. Taking five minutes for yourself and noting down every thing that you could recall that happened today helps you in learning and analyzing things which made you different from yesterday. It will also help you in realizing the mistakes that you committed today so that you don't commit again. Hence, undergoing a constant change in yourself and overcoming your flaws to be a better person tomorrow.

Rain Reality!

Soothing breezing rain always bring smile on our faces, after those unbearable scorching sunny days it has always been a heavenly bliss to see dark skies and water pouring down. Like shown in movies whether it is a narrative scene after which the life of the hero changes or shooting an intense climax scene where finally the hero takes revenge, and even in building up romance between hero and heroine, rain has always played a vital role. Sounds like a Yash Raj film isn't it ? but in reality rain also means wet dirty clothes, virus, fungus and bacterial infections, in fact it brings its own amount of health challenges with it. While writing this article i showed this draft to my friend and he told me what are you writing about! rainy season is all about being drenched and playing in rain! who thinks about getting ill when the weather is so soothing! So, i told him that i am not writing about not enjoying in rain but how to prevent yourself from this infectious season so that you can safely enjoy it. 

Increase in amount of stagnant water everywhere due to rainfall increases breeding in mosquitoes hence, spreading malaria, dengue fever and food poisoning in children. In fact sudden change in temperatures causes cough and cold too. Dampness during this season and lack of UV light of sun helps in growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses leading to air-borne diseases, water contamination and infected food.

# Monsoon Hygiene and Health

• Drink boiled and filtered water.
• Eat freshly cooked food, minutes after preparation. Avoid eating uncooked food like salads. 
• Always carry an umbrella or rain coat. 
• Avoid eating street food. Pakoda and samosa always tempt us specially when it is rainy season but avoiding eating it outside, prepare them fresh at home. 
• Clean stagnant water if any. Empty water from coolers and even your flower vases. 
• Make a habit of spraying mosquito repellent in evening and sleep under mosquito net and mosquito repellent devices. 
• If you got wet in rain, take bath with fresh water, clean and dry yourself completely. 
• Take special care of your hair because wet hair causes scalp infection leading to hair fall. Remember to cover your hair while going out. 
• Protect your skin by wearing dry and bit warm clothes. Fabrics like denims and handloom cotton are best for rainy season. 
• Use herbs that keep body warm like tulsi, ginger, turmeric, cardamom and prepare tea or add in your food. These also help in improving immunity during rainy season. 

Rain always help in uplifting mood whether it is just watching it from your window or playing in it, it always relieves stress. But, it is also necessary to keep yourself healthy and safe in this notorious season like we do in summers and winters too.

                                              ENJOY AND HAPPY MONSOON!