Think healthy, feel healthy

With hoardings, television shows and magazine covers screaming for your attention, is it difficult to imagine just how much stress is being put on simply 'looking good?'

Everywhere you turn, the undue importance given to looking a certain way and being a certain size, is alarming health experts. While trying to appear a certain way is fine, what is even more important, is to have a positive body image.

Body image is the way we see ourselves. If one has a negative or distorted perception of their bodies, they tend to correct that in ways that may not be healthy. "The most common example is being overweight. Many women (and men), especially teenagers, think they are 'fat' and resort to unhealthy weight loss practices, which may actually do more harm than good. Eating disorders like Anorexia Nervosa are directly linked to a negative body image, and even a very thin girl may perceive herself as overweight and continue to diet to the point of losing her health. Body image is closely linked to self esteem. A positive body image translates into feeling good, more confidence, loving oneself and taking care of one's health," says Psychologist Dr Suman Bijlani

Psychologist Devaunshi Sampat says that when a person believes that their body has a flaw, it causes a negative body image. "This makes the person restricts their lifestyle, sometimes even giving up on good opportunities. They may lose out on a good job because they may lack the confidence to go for an interview because they believe they're ugly or too fat. When a person has a bad body image, resulting in a low self esteem, it impacts them more than they realise. They may never gain the confidence to do the things they love, the confidence to date, to just go out and have a good time."

Are women more self critical?
Are women over critical of their appearances? Yes, says counselling psychologist and behaviour therapist, Lajja Sanghavi-Shah. Research shows that women are over critical of their appearances. In a society where women are continuously bombarded with images of the ideal face and figure, the likelihood of having a negative body image increases. "A recent survey indicated that over 80 per cent of women over the age of 18 were unhappy with what they saw in the mirror. And most will not even see an accurate reflection. And increasing numbers of normal, attractive women, with no weight problems or clinical psychological disorders, look at themselves in the mirror and see ugliness and fat," says Lajja.

How it affects you
People who have a poor image of themselves are more likely to feel anxious, self-conscious, uncomfortable, awkward and at times even ashamed of the way they look. This influences the ease with which they relate to people making them uneasy in the company of others, especially if they perceive the opposite person to be more attractive than themselves. Thus it adversely affects a persons social relationships and the ability to make friends. A negative body image is likely to result in low self-esteem and low-confidence, which may lead to isolation, depression, anxiety, an inferiority complex and in some cases even eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. They may go on unhealthy diets and exercise excessively in the hope that they will reach their ideal body weight. They may end up becoming pre-occupied and obsessed with their appearance leading to dissatisfaction and built-up frustration.

What to do
Your mind essentially controls the way you feel about yourself.
- Stop criticising your body and start treating yourself right.
- By practicing positive affirmations, eating right and exercising your mind and in turn body will feel healthier.
- Wear clothes that you're comfortable in and which make you feel good about yourself - work with your body and not against it.
- Don't get carried away by everything you see around you. Set your own goals and standards.
- Once in a while, it is okay to pamper yourself. Go for a massage, make time for a nap, curl up with a good book, find a peaceful place outside to relax.

From couples to parents

You're all set to tread the family way and have a baby. Undoubtedly, the thought must be keeping you happy, but inevitably it might change the equations between you and your partner. Whilst you may be overjoyed at the arrival of your bundle of joy, but newer demands might strain your relationship to an unexpected extent. However, there are certain pointers that can make your transition easier as you go the family way.

Do a finance check
Shobha and Ramesh Singh were planning for a baby after three years of their marriage. Recalls Shobha, "We were quite apprehensive about starting our family. Though, we wanted the baby, but we couldn't make an estimate of the financial aspects involved. Ramesh kept telling me that we could manage, but I didn't want a situation where we would end up fighting over monetary issues. Finally, we decided to consult a family counselor."
Help at hand
Psychologist Meena Tiwari explains, "Having a baby requires figuring out the basic cost structure. It's a happy event in every couple's life and one can make the most of it only when you can adjust everything in your financial chart. Money gives you the satisfaction and security to welcome the newest member. So, don't go easy on it. Consult others who have just had a baby. Overlooking your finances will only cause traumatic pressures later on, which can be avoided with proper planning."

Health check
Bank executive, Reena Talwar speaks of her experience. "My in-laws wanted us to have a baby, but when I consulted my doctor he told me to wait a while, since I was anemic and my hemoglobin count was low. I was very scared and discussing it with my husband only led to arguments as he sided mostly with his parents. I just couldn't show him the reason for my reluctance. All this led to a lot of misunderstandings between us and I ended up hating any discussion related to children. It forced me to rethink whether I really wanted a baby after all or not."
Help at hand
According to nutritionist Radha Sharma, women should go through a complete health check-up before opting for a baby. "Both the partners must ensure they have perfect health before they go ahead. Women especially should consume a proper diet with sufficient proteins and iron supplements to ensure that the pregnancy period is smooth. Also, a proper exercise regime ensures a safe delivery. People in our country usually ignore these aspects and suffer in the long term, especially if the child is born with a weak immune system or faces congenital problems. Often they want a baby at the cost of the wife's health, which involves a risk as grave as death of the mother or the baby. And it doesn't just end there. Incase of a wrong diet or weakness, the woman may not be able to bear a child in the future too."

Family support
In the modern day, couples choose to go nuclear. However, it's always better to ensure your families' support when you decide to opt for a baby. Ravi Kulkarni, a manager with an MNC says, "My wife and I were living away from our respective parents. So, when she got pregnant, we were tensed about how to handle the pressures once the child arrives. Finally, my parents decided to come over although they did not want to shift. However, thanks to them, everything went off very smoothly."
Help at hand
Explains psychologist Aakash Verma, "Parental support plays a crucial role for expectant couples. Having a set of parents or someone close around you provides a mental security to the mother-to-be. It ensures that the woman is happy and comfortable. The psychological temperament of the pregnant woman not only affects the mother, but also the baby. The heightened hormonal activity in a pregnant woman puts her at a risk of having mood swings or going into depression. Thus having a mother-father figure lends security and strength to the often nervous couple."

Sleep your way to healthy life

They say, if you can sleep well in the night---- then half of your life's problems are solved.

Sleeping well has many health benefits. It acts as a great stress buster and it increases your productivity and efficiency.

Goodbye mood swings: With insufficient sleep during the night, many people become agitated or moody the following day. Yet, when limited sleep becomes a chronic issue, studies have shown it can lead to long-term mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. The benefits of sleep are many and it can make a difference in your quality of life. Therefore, it is vital to place a priority on getting ample, consistent sleep.

Sleep improves your memory: Are you finding it difficult to concentrate at work? Chances are that you are sleep deprived. Lack of sleep often leads to memory problems with facts, faces or even conversations. Sleeping well will help you to deal with these problems. One of the great benefits of sleep is that it allows your brain to better process new experiences and knowledge and then increasing its efficiency. So, it's wiser to just 'sleep on it' as they say.

Sleep helps repair your body: Your body produces extra protein molecules while you're sleeping that helps strengthen your ability to fight infection and stay healthy. Sleeping well strengthens your immunity system. Sleep is a great stressbuster too.

Mum-in-law is top reason why couples fight

Apart from household work and money issues, mothers-in-law remain one of the top reasons behind arguments among couples.

A survey has found that they are one of the most common causes of fights between British couples.

The poll of 2,000 adults discovered that only rows over money and disputes concerning household chores occurred more frequently than bickering about each other's relations.

The study by electronics firm Philips found that poor budgeting and a lack of savings regularly cause couples to fall out, as does women being lumbered with too many domestic duties.

The top ten reasons also included drinking habits, hoarding objects, doing the washing up, deciding what to watch on the TV and the time it takes to get ready.

Researchers also found that one in ten of us have a fight with our partner daily, while one in twenty has several fights per day.

"Couples will always argue. Even trivial things - like who looks after the TV remote, leaving wet towels on the floor and taking too long to get ready - rile us," the Daily Mail quoted spokesman Deneice Harwin as saying.

Electronic gadgets distract teen drivers

Use of electronic devices is a leading distraction for teen drivers, and girls are twice as likely as boys to use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving, a new study has found.

The study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also found that teenage drivers were three times more likely to take their eyes off the road when using these devices.

In the final phase of a three-part study that used data recorders in the cars of 50 North Carolina families with a novice teenage driver, researchers examined six months of video clips for each family.

A total of 52 drivers were recorded - 38 of whom had just received their licenses, and 14 teen siblings.

In nearly 8,000 clips, electronic devices were used nearly 7 per cent of the time, accounting for more than any other distracted-driving behaviour, such as adjusting controls, eating and drinking or turning around.

And girls were the worst offenders. In video clips, they used electronic devices 7.9 per cent of the time, while boys clocked at 4 per cent.

The time of day or day of week did not affect distracted-driving behaviour.

Carol Ronis, the foundation's senior communications manager, said the study was important because car crashes remained the leading cause of death for teenagers in America. Teen car crashes are roughly four times higher than they are for adults.

"We know that teen drivers are avid users of cell phones and other technologies," she told ABC News.

"Continue the conversation with your child. Set a good example. They are always watching and modelling our behaviours," she suggested giving an advice "Keep your hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and mind on the task."

Happy Gudi Padwa

Exercise myths!

Don't fall prey to these fitness misconceptions, say experts...

Inspired by the numerous models flaunting their hot-bods in commercials on the small screen and by actors on the big screen, you finally decide to join your local gym. But before you step into the 'fitness world', there are a few workout misconceptions that you need to be aware of. Here's busting some myths...

Exercising on an empty stomach
According to fitness expert Nawaz Modi Singhania, one of the most common mistakes people make when they start to workout is by starting to exercise on an empty stomach. "Working out on an empty stomach could lead to fatigue, even before your body actually starts metabolising the fat," she says. "But don't exercise on a full stomach either." The healthy thing to do is to not eat a heavy meal for at least an hour before you begin your workout. Instead have a light health snack. " Fruits or health biscuits are a good option," she says.

Join a gym to get fit
This is another common misconception, point out health experts. Any form of activity that gives your body an overall workout including cycling, dancing, jogging or even swimming is just as good a way to get fit as joining a gym. As long as you get exercise in some form, being fit need not be synonymous with gymming.

Women bulk up like men if they do weights
"Regular workouts only make the muscles firm and taut. It's a myth that women bulk up like men do," clarifies clinical fitness specialist Namita Jain. "Unless a woman works towards achieving that look, it's highly unlikely, that she will bulk up by default," adds Namita.

Expecting miracles
The perfectly-sculpted bodies that you see on TV are not made over a day. It needs patience, dietary discipline and a lot of hardwork. Fitness instructors who promise you otherwise in just a few weeks are exactly the ones you'd want to avoid.

Excessive sweating means you're unfit
"Sweating is simply a means to release the heat from the body to keep your body temperature normal. It just efficiently cools down your body and it's perfectly normal," say experts.

The more you exercise, the better it is
Yes, there is a thing as over-exercising, and it can cause injury. Your muscles need at least 24 hours to repair themselves. It's important to rest your muscles too to avoid muscle fatigue.

For first time parents

The first year of your baby's life can be an overwhelming and exciting one. Don't expect to be great and perfect at everything you do - everyone learns from scratch. Here are some of the most common mistakes that parents make during their baby's first year and how you can avoid them...

Getting anxious over everything
It's OK if your baby is spitting, vomiting or crying. Don't get stressed over it all the time. Your baby's bowel movements will get normal soon. Don't worry if your baby is spitting too much of if he/ she is getting enough to eat or whether the crying is more than usual. Pose all your doubts to your pediatrician and put your fears to rest.

Worried about crying
No matter what, your baby will cry - it does not mean that you're doing something wrong and that you need to fix it. Babies are designed to cry. You can change your baby's nappy, wrap them up, feed them and they might still cry. Don't freak out - more often than not, crying is just part of being a newborn. However, if you baby cries inconsolably for more than an hour, call your doctor.

Waking your baby up for milk
Your baby will cry for milk when he/ she requires it. Avoid waking them up in the middle of the night just because you think they might be hungry. Breastfed babies can sleep through the night. If they need milk, they will wake up themselves. Don't spoil your own or your baby's sleep if feeding isn't required.

Confusing vomit and spit up
All babies spit up. Don't think that they're throwing up their meal. If your baby is vomiting at regular intervals (around 25 to 30 minutes), something could be wrong.

Fixing a car seat
Taking your three-month-old baby out for a drive may seem like fun but make sure that the car seat you've installed is fixed properly. Ask for help if you aren't sure. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Forgetting oral care
Just because your baby doesn't have teeth, doesn't mean they don't need oral care. Take a soft cloth and gently dab your infant's gums. Once teeth start erupting, avoid giving your baby a bottle in bed. This will help avoiding cavities or baby bottle decay. You can start using a soft tooth brush meant for babies when your child turns one.

Arguing with your partner
Remember that parenting is a shared partnership. While taking joint decisions are fine, don't try to put your partner down by making them feel they are inadequate and don't neglect your marriage either. While you both focus on the new baby, don't forget that you're also a couple. If you find yourself arguing a lot with each other, remember that even a four-month-old baby can pick up vibes.

Listening to all and sundry about parental advice
How many people have advised you on how to hold your baby, how to feed and burp him/her, why your baby is crying and how he/she should be bathed? While suggestions are always welcome, don't act in haste and do what everyone has to say. Your child is unique - what works for another child may not work for yours.

Most men rely on their wife to dress up

It seems that there is a woman behind every well-dressed man.

Two thirds of the men quizzed in an online survey admitted that they rely on the woman in their life to pick out ties, shirts, suits and even their shoes.

The majority confessed they need the most help on a Monday morning, blaming their own lack of confidence when it comes to style.

Half said they are actually "dressed" by their wife - who does up their tie or -fastens their cuff links.

One in six men has help to pick out what to wear every day, and one in five has clothes laid out in front of them most days, according to stylepilot, an online style adviser for men which carried out the poll.

"Many men want to be better dressed, but lack style knowledge and confidence. That's why millions of men are relying on women in their lives - particularly their wives or partners - to help choose what to wear, not just at work but for other occasions," the Daily Express quoted a spokesman for the website as saying.

"Many men feel like they're stuck in a style rut and don't know where to begin when it comes to sorting out their fashion sense.

"Coupled with the fact most men hate traipsing around shops on a Saturday, facing crowds and busy changing rooms means a large chunk of men tend to wear the same jeans at the weekend.

"They also have the same style of shoe or shirt and some have even felt this has held them back in life. And while they may judge their friends when they step out in something new, many are in fact jealous of their style but fear being ridiculed if they wear something out of their comfort zone," the spokesman added.

The survey also revealed some of the reasons why men let their other half choose their clothes.

A third of them said they trust a woman's judgment but one in six just "give in for an easy life".

Parents - Handle them with care

Parents are never the easiest to please, they have their own set of sky-high expectations from their children.

Arguments are a part of any parent-child relationship. But how you handle it as a child is important. Here are some points that you should heed to successfully handle an argument with your parents and come out on the winning side.

Talk out the rules: There will be all sorts of rules - what is the deadline to come home, phone usage, how much of TV can be watched, rules about friends coming over or stay overs with friends, how often you can party, etc - the list is endless. One of the best ways to avoid arguments about rules is to discuss them with your parents. If you feel that the rules are too harsh or unrealistic talk it out, your parents may be willing to make some adjustments. Don't yell or argue; explain your points gently.

Follow the rules: Now that the rules have been set, ones that both of you have agreed to, stick to them. This is especially important in case of deadlines as your parents will begin to worry if you've not returned home at the promised time. Also, it will cause them to doubt your sense of responsibility. If you're going to be late, call up and inform.

Communicate: This is the key to solving most arguments. But communication is not just a problem solver, take time out to spend with your family telling them about your day and asking them about theirs. This is a special time that can work wonders to strengthen family bonds.

Family time: Yes, you may feel that your parents have time for everyone else and everything apart from you, but how much of time do you dedicate to them? Spending time with family will give you a chance to better understand them, especially when you are told not to do something or not given permission for a late night, or a picnic.

Pick your battles wisely: You can't fight about any and every issue, it's just not worth the effort. When something is worrying you or getting on your nerves, take a deep breath and a minute to figure out how important an issue it is for you. If you can let it go, do that. But if you can't, make sure you argue out your issues calmly and not get all stressed out about the same.

Taking Breaks at Work: 12 Reasons to Do it Now

Many people believe that being productive at work requires a lot of discipline. For me it is taking breaks from work which takes the biggest mental effort.

Maybe you can relate to this. Do you know when you get so carried away by a task and you lose track of time? Or when you want to finish whatever project that you have started so you push yourself to work more, even when your body could use a few stretches and your eyes a little break?

I am guilty of this. Often instead of taking a 15 minute break every hour, as I know I should, I write for 4-5 hours straight, because I am afraid of losing track of a thought or because I like the topic I am writing about and I feel particularly creative.

Later I pay the consequences. By the end of the day my neck is cracking, my eyes are hurting and I feel that sort of restlessness as if I have been locked up in the same room for the whole day, which, in fact, I have.

This past month I have been especially bad about taking breaks. Planted like a geranium I have sat in front of my laptop for hours. Big mistake on my part! I instead of getting more done, like I had hoped, my productivity has actually dropped.

Who would guess that to be more productive, we have to rest more and work less? Sounds too good to be true, right?

Then keep reading, because there is some convincing evidence that taking regular 10-15 minute breaks from work is the best gift you can give to yourself, your business or your company.

Taking Breaks at Work: 12 Reasons to Do it Now

1. It is good for your hips and glutes

No matter how expensive or comfortable your office chair is, human bodies are not designed for sitting at a desk 56 hours a week. Actually sitting weakens our leg muscles and causes permanent hip flexion. These are the downsides of comfort that can not be compensated for by a few hours of gym workout. But they can be noticeably reduced if we take 5-10 minutes a day to do this simple exercise:

• Stand up, hold onto the back of your chair and slowly raise your heels off the floor
• Stand on the ball of your feet then lower your heels back to the ground
• Repeat 25 times. For an extra challenge do not lower your heels all the way to the floor during the whole exercise.

2. You will feel more energized

Prolonged sitting in static postures impedes blood circulation. As a result, oxygen supply to our brain and our muscles is diminished as well. Do you know those times when you start feeling tired and distracted even though you had a good night sleep and felt energized in the morning? Well physical and mental fatigue could be simply an indication that your body is not getting enough oxygen. In this case a brisk walk outside and cool fresh air will do wonders for your well-being, energy levels and positivity.

3. You will maintain good vision

Our sedentary lifestyle and the fact that we spend a third of our day either in front of the TV screen or computer monitor, is one of the main reasons why more and more people develop vision problems. It is the price we pay for technological progress and there is not much we can do about it. What we can do however, is to make sure that we give our eyes some rest throughout the day.

The simple act of shifting your gaze every 45-50 minutes from your computer screen and looking out of a window can reduce eyestrain and help us to maintain good vision. Here are a few other things that could help.

4. Your heart will thank you

Researchers in many countries all over the world have come to the same conclusion –a third of people spend more than ten hours a day in a sitting position. And half of us do not leave our desk even to have lunch. Why is it bad? Because there is a direct link between the amount of time we spend in front of screens and the health of our heart.

Cardiologists believe that a small change in our work routine, when we set aside time for 10-15 minute breaks throughout our work day, can reduce the risk of heart disease by more than 60%.

5. You will boost your creativity

Very few, if any, brilliant solutions to complex problems or innovative ideas were born, while people were sitting at their desks and pushing themselves to finish a project. Usually you have to walk away from your desk and switch your mind to a completely unrelated activity like making a cup of tea, organizing your desk, meditating or taking a walk. These activities seem to turn off the rational part of our brain and turn on ‘out of the box’ thinking.

6. You will connect with people around you

Taking breaks at work is something that you can do together with your colleague. Not only is it easier to discipline yourself to take breaks when you have an accountability partner, it also offers you a great opportunity to connect and get to know the people that you work with better.

7. You will become more productive

This is something I have noticed and something that has been backed up by research too. It turns out that short intervals for relaxation allow us to sustain high levels of effort for longer periods of time. Therefore, by taking breaks we are not robbing ourselves of our productive time. We are enhancing our productivity!

8. You will cope with stress better

Focusing on the same challenging task or a problem for too long, will only lead to greater stress and analysis paralysis. When a project that you are working on becomes too stressful, take a break, distract yourself with another task and come back to it once you feel calm and collected.

9. You will enjoy your work more

I do not know about you, but I enjoy my work even more when it does not feel like I am working hard. If I can take a few minutes to savor my accomplishments, pause to eat a home-cooked meal or to meditate I usually feel a lot more enthusiastic and motivated to get back to my projects.

Small regular breaks are not only great for our productivity and well-being, but they also bring an element of fun into our work routine!

10. You will sleep better at night

First, you will not be stressed out because you have not finished everything you planned on. Second, taking frequent breaks during the day will lessen emotional restlessness and avoid burnout – an unhealthy combination that often keeps you tossing and turning and thinking of work even when we feel completely exhausted.

11. You will have a slimmer waist

Here is an interesting finding – a recent study found that regardless of how much exercise participants did, those who took more breaks throughout the day had lower blood sugar levels, higher metabolism and slimmer waists than those who sat at their desks for 2-3 hours straight.

12. You will feel better by the end of the day

Just imagine returning home from work and still having enough energy to play with your kids, to cook something delicious for yourself and your beloved ones or to plan a night out with friends. No pent-up stress, no headaches, no dry itchy eyes, no mental or physical fatigue. This is how we should feel at the end of the day. This is how we CAN feel by the end of the day if we make a small effort to add 5-6 breaks to our work schedule!

Getting back to office post delivery

Getting back to work after having a baby is a Herculean task - not just in terms of you proving to your organisation that you are still capable of doing the same tasks you did before pregnancy, but also in terms of accepting the unexpected changes that may await you at office.

Even if you thought it would be a smooth transition to work post delivery, some bosses make it tough for you. Sometimes besides the hormonal changes and emotional turmoil, you may also have to battle to get back your position at office. Here are a few tips for a smooth transition, assuming your organisation acknowledges your worth.

1. Do not compromise on work just because your boss thinks you should be given lighter work post pregnancy. If you are not happy with the task entrusted upon you at office, put your foot down and say what you want

2. Remember your organisation gives you your bread and butter, so show in many ways than one that you still have the same interest and zeal you had before delivery

3. Don't take too much time to settle down, once you get to do what you love the most, start with a bang

4. Keep yourself updated on the industry trends

5. Also, plan for baby care before you resume work; at least you don't have to worry about your baby's safety which can become a major distraction at work

6. Work smart, but be flexible. Work is as important as the baby back home, so never say 'no' to anything because this may also be the perfect chance for your boss to call you inefficient

7. Take on responsibilities, give your best and prove you are still worthy

8. Get used to the new routine. It's not easy to be active after sleepless nights with your baby. But will power is the word and it's only a matter of months before your baby's sleeping patterns change Post partum depression and fatigue are inevitable. But get your boss to empathize with you and also on your part, give your best. Remember health too is as important as your work, so make sure you don't lose your peace of mind over anything. But as the saying goes, 'when the going gets tough, the tough gets going'.

10 Tips for a healthy heart

A strong heart is a result of healthy lifestyle choices. Be active and stress-free

Today's fast-paced life and workplace pressures escalate stress levels, taking a toll on one's heart. We must realise that the healing power of the body decreases when under stress, leading to many complications like hypertension and poor immunity. Today, even youngsters are prone to heart ailments. So, it's very important to stay healthy and manage your stress levels by understanding the risk factors - high cholesterol levels, stressful lifestyle, smoking, and lack of exercise - following simple changes in lifestyle.

Avoid smoking
Smoking reduces life expectancy by 15-25 years. If you are a smoker, you are twice more likely to have a heart attack than a non-smoker. The moment you stop smoking, the risk of heart attack begins to reduce.

Cut down on salt
Too much salt can cause high blood pressure, which increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Watch your diet
Try to have a balanced diet. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, starch foods such as wholegrain bread and rice.

Monitor your alcohol
Too much alcohol can damage the heart muscle, increase blood pressure and also lead to weight gain. Avoid intake of alcohol or at least limit it to one to two units a day, gradually decreasing the consumption.

Get active
At least aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Keeping yourself fit not only benefits the heart but also improves mental health and well-being.

Monitor your BP, blood sugar and cholesterol levels
Routine medical check-ups will ring an alarm, if you need medical help.

Manage your waist
Cholesterol deposition in blood vessels begins in the first decade of life. Carrying a lot of extra weight as fat can greatly affect your health. Make small but healthy changes in your diet.

Manage your stress level
If you find things are getting on top of you, you may fail to eat properly, smoke and drink too much. This may increase your risk of a heart attack. Practice yoga/meditation. Take a vacation.

Check your family history
If a close relative is at risk of developing coronary heart disease from smoking, high BP, high cholesterol, lack of physical activity, obesity and diabetes, then you could be at risk too.

Laughter is the best therapy
Laughter anytime will work wonders for you. It is an instant way to unleash the pressure and it makes you feel light.

(Inputs by Dr Kushagra Katariya, chief cardiothoracic surgeon, Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon)

Aging, obesity no bar to happiness

Here's a piece of good news for the elderly and the plump -- gathering years and obesity are no bar to happiness or well-being, says a cross-cultural study.

Researchers from the University of Warwick Medical School found that people reported better mental quality of life as they age, despite aches and stiff bones.

They analysed lifestyle and health patterns of more than 10,000 people in the US and Britain and their links to participants' mental and physical quality of life and health status, the European Journal of Epidemiology reported.

Saverio Stranges, who led the study at Warwick, with Kandala Ngianga-Bakwin, said: "It's obvious that people's physical quality of life deteriorates as they age, but what is interesting is that their mental well-being does not deteriorate - in fact, it increases."

Quality of life was evaluated using a measure which takes in eight different factors, including perception of general health, pain, social functioning and mental health, according to a university statement.

This is in line with previous research, for example by Andrew Oswald, professor at Warwick, which suggests that happiness levels follow a U-shape curve with their lowest point in the mid-40s after which they rise as people move into older age.

Supportive results were found in this cross-cultural comparison study in the US and Britain - two countries which have different welfare and health-care systems, factors which could impact on people's quality of life.

Researchers also found that being overweight or obese did not have a significant impact on mental well-being levels, with people having a body mass index (a height to weight ratio) of more than 30 showing similar mental quality of life levels to those considered to be a healthy weight.

For women in the US, low levels of physical exercise did not appear to impact on their mental well-being. This was not the case for men, where limited physical exercise had a significant adverse impact on their mental quality of life.

Don't just talk, listen too

Effective communication is the most vital component in today's corporate world. Purnima Goswami Sharma tells you about the art of getting your message across effectively

Effective communication is one that includes clarity in expression and exchange of ideas and emotions. It is an art to get your message across successfully. To get a message across clearly means that the thoughts and ideas are communicated clearly and there is no miscommunication between the sender and the receiver.

It's an office

According to Shilpi Kapoor, Founder, BarrierBreak Technologies, "At your workplace, it is important to keep in mind that it's an office! You are in office to 'play a certain role' and the communication objectives are very clear to ensure that you are able to do justice to that role. While being formal with superiors happens more by design than choice, it always helps to keep a formal tone at the workplace with your juniors too. This is a huge psychological booster as the minute you transcend to an informal space, you cannot ask authoritatively for accountability on results."

Plain in advance

Remember that when in office, the communication has to be strictly professional. So, you must have proper documents of all the points to be covered while communicating with other employees. Best communication starts with good planning. Include everything that you want to communicate, as missing out on even a single important point might create a problem.

Keep it simple

"In such a scenario, where everyone is connected with everyone else, how you communicate and get your point across has the potential to make or break your career," says Ranjeet Deshpande, divisional manager (West), Indian Institute of Job Training.

"People squander away a great point by over explaining it. Think carefully what you need to say. Avoid using ambiguous words and jargons. Also, be transparent - people respect those who speak honestly without any hidden agenda," adds Deshpande. Consistency is the key; you are entitled to change your opinion but do it too often, and others will only dismiss your views.

Don't just talk, listen

The ability to listen carefully to what someone else is saying is a vital communication skill to have. "Listen to each other. If you constantly talk and rarely listen, you have failed," states Roopali Sundar, head, talent management, Avaya India.

Avoid being personal

Adopt a problem-solving mindset, rather than a negative confrontational one. When negative language is used, it puts the receiver on the defence right from the start, focus on the issue is lost and it becomes personal. Instead of "you", phrase it as "we" have a problem. "Put a positive spin on the message you wish to convey. No one likes to be told that they are wrong. However, if genuine and heartfelt appreciation is shown, it makes the criticism more palatable. It's not personal; at the end of the day, business is about diversity of opinions and your opinions will not find acceptance always," adds Deshpande.

Choose your medium carefully

Plan and choose the most effective communication channel like e-mail, notice board, team meeting, teleconference and so on. According to Kapoor, "Communication is verbal (words), visual (body language) and vocal (tone). While researchers may have affixed percentages to each of these aspects to explain effective communication, the fact remains that each of us has to find our own mix. For instance, a certain employee may have a strong personality and excellent body language, but use fewer words to communicate. Others may rely completely on verbal communication and feel that they are better on the phone or e-mail than in person. We all need to play on our strengths at the workplace."

"Personal discussion is the foundation of communications. Once this foundation is established, it enables all the other forms of communication. All conflicts ideally should be resolved only in person; never on phone or email," adds Kapoor.

Without the ability to communicate effectively, you cannot accurately convey messages, let others know what you think or feel, build partnerships, motivate others or resolve conflict. Thus, it is paramount to get your message across with utmost clarity.

The top 10 ways to impress a woman

When attempting to woo a woman, every man must remember that the slightest comment can make a big difference - it could either flatter her to no ends, or offend her in ways that you didn't think was possible.

10.Look her in the eye: Remember, if she catches you staring at her chest when she's telling you how much her mom means to her, you'll look like a creep.

9. Be well groomed: Women want their men to be well groomed. They want them to look and smell good all the time. That doesn't mean you necessarily have to be clean-shaven, but any facial hair you do have should be well maintained, reports Fox News.

8.Help her with her coat: Women love old-school displays of chivalry. Helping her put on her coat is a great example. It's a kind, courteous act that's not so common anymore. It's also a good way to increase her comfort level with you as it allows you to get close to her without

getting too close.

7. Socialize with her friends: Women are attracted to likable, social, charming men, the kind of guys their friends and families will love. So, engage in conversation with her friends even as you're working your magic on her. Impress them and you'll impress her. Just make sure it's clear that she's the one you're interested in.

6. Ignore your phone: Nothing says, "You're not that important.... " like taking a call from someone else or checking a text in the middle of a conversation. The culture of texting has

gotten way out of hand. Too many men think it's perfectly acceptable to take a phone call or fire off an e-mail while you're on a date or in the middle of a conversation. When you're talking to a woman, let her see you silence your phone or turn it off completely-show her she has your undivided attention.

5. Ask her questions: Just about every woman likes to talk about herself. It's a subject on which she has a lot of expertise, after all. Asking her questions about her past and

her favorite things will allow her to open up and feel comfortable, while simultaneously showing her that you're interested in more than just her looks.

4. Open doors: Opening the door for a woman is a classic gentlemanly gesture. The otherwise admirable push for gender equality has largely eliminated acts of chivalry like this one.

3. Compliment the way she looks: Give this a shot: Compliment the way she looks in her outfit. Say something like, "You look great in that dress." It's a great way of telling her she looks hot without rerunning the same old compliment and it also communicates that you're attracted to

her in a way that, "Cool jacket!" does not.

2. Ask for advice: It shows her that you value other people's opinions-in particular, her opinion. Be careful not to come off as clueless here, though; you don't want to act like you know nothing.

For example, does she think you should move into a townhouse or a loft? This kind of question allows her to easily express an opinion, and hopefully sparks a more extensive conversation.

1.Compliment her positivity: Telling a woman she gives off a "happy" vibe will make her feel good.It also allows you to then ask her about the things in her life that make her so happy, which will make her feel even better, positive feelings that she'll ultimately associate with talking to you.