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.

Secrets of longevity

Protect Your DNA

As we age, the ends of our chromosomes -- called telomeres -- become shorter. This makes people more vulnerable to disease. You might think there's nothing you can do, but new research suggests otherwise. In a pilot study, lifestyle changes boosted an enzyme that increases telomere length. Other studies also find diet and exercise can protect telomeres. So healthy habits may slow aging at the cellular level.

Be Conscientious

An 80-year study found one of the best predictors of a long life is a conscientious personality. Researchers measured attributes like attention to detail and persistence. They found that conscientious people do more things to protect their health and make choices that lead to stronger relationships and better careers.

Make Friends

Science has given you one more reason to be grateful for your friends – they might help you live longer. Australian researchers found elderly social butterflies were less likely to die over a 10-year period compared to people with the fewest friends. Another analysis of results from 148 studies supports the link between plentiful social connections and longevity.

Choose Your Friends Wisely

Your friends’ habits rub off on you, so look for companions with healthy lifestyles. Studies indicate obesity is socially “contagious" –  your chance of becoming obese increases by 57% if you have a friend who becomes obese. Smoking is another habit that spreads through social ties, but the good news is that quitting is also contagious.

Quit Smoking

While it's no secret that giving up cigarettes can lengthen your days -- the amount of extra time may surprise you. According to a 50-year British study, quitting at age 30 could increase your lifespan by an entire decade. Kicking the habit at age 40, 50, or 60 boosts life expectancy by 9, 6, or 3 years, respectively. 

Embrace the Siesta

A siesta is standard in many parts of the world, and now there's scientific evidence that napping may help you live longer. A recent study with 24,000 participants suggests that regular nappers are 37% less likely to die from heart disease than occasional nappers. Researchers think naps might help your heart by keeping stress hormones down.

Follow a Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fish. An analysis of 50 studies involving more than half a million people shows the impressive benefits of this diet. The findings show it significantly lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome – a combination of obesity, elevated blood sugar, increased blood pressure, and other factors that raise your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Eat Like an Okinawan

The people of Okinawa, Japan once had the longest life expectancy in the world. Researchers attribute this to the region's traditional diet, which is high in green and yellow vegetables and low in calories. Some Okinawans make a habit of eating only 80% of the food on their plate. As younger generations have veered from these traditions, life expectancy in Okinawa has fallen.

Get Married

Several studies show that married people tend to outlive their single counterparts. Many researchers attribute the difference to the social and economic support marriage provides. While a current marriage offers the greatest benefit, people who are divorced or widowed have lower mortality rates than those who have never been married.

Lose Weight

If you're overweight, slimming down can protect against diabetes, heart disease, and other life-shortening conditions. Belly fat appears to be particularly harmful, so focus on deflating that spare tire. A 5-year study of Hispanics and African-Americans suggests eating more fiber and exercising regularly are effective ways to reduce belly fat.

Keep Moving

The evidence is overwhelming – people who exercise live longer on average than those who don't. According to dozens of studies, regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some forms of cancer, and depression. Exercise may even help you stay mentally sharp in your old age. Ten-minute spurts of activity are fine, as long as they add up to about 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week.

Get Spiritual

Research suggests people who attend religious services tend to live longer than people who never attend. In a 12-year study of people over age 65, those who attended services more than once a week had higher levels of a key immune system protein than their peers who attended no services. They were also significantly less likely to die during the study period. The strong social network that develops among people who worship together may contribute to their overall health.

Forgive

Letting go of grudges has surprising physical health benefits. Chronic anger is linked to decreased lung function, heart disease, stroke, and other ailments. Forgiveness will reduce anxiety, lower your blood pressure, and help you to breathe more easily. These benefits tend to increase as you get older.

Use Safety Gear

Accidents are the fifth most common cause of death in the U.S., and the top cause of death for people ages 1 to 24. Wearing safety gear is a simple way to boost your odds of a long life. In the event of a motor vehicle crash, seatbelts reduce the risk of death or serious injury by 50%. In bike accidents, most deaths are caused by head injuries, so always wear your helmet.

Make Sleep a Priority

Getting enough good quality sleep can lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and mood disorders. Sufficient sleep will also help you recover from illness faster. Burning the midnight oil, on the other hand, carries serious health risks. Sleeping less than 5 hours per night boosts the risk of premature death, so make sleep a priority.

Manage Stress

Dean Ornish, MD, has published research suggesting that lifestyle changes including stress management not only help prevent heart disease, but may actually reverse it. Although avoiding stress is not a viable option for most people, there are effective ways to control it. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference.

Maintain a Sense of Purpose

Finding hobbies and activities that have meaning for you may contribute to a long life. Japanese researchers found men with a strong sense of purpose were less likely to die from stroke, heart disease, or other causes over a 13-year period compared to those with a low sense of purpose. Another study at Rush University Medical Center indicates that having a greater sense of purpose is linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Stepmom? So what!

Being a stepmom is not easy. It is one of the most difficult relationships that a woman may have to nurture. Our society has always portrayed stepmother as the evil woman. It's natural for children to feel the same and not feel comfortable being around their stepmom. So, it is upto her you make the children comfortable. Here are some tips to make an entry into your new family without feeling like a stranger:

Be a communicator from Day one: Once you know that you are about to enter another family, start communicating with your new children from the beginning. There might be some things that your stepchildren might need clarification about. Talk to them. You should ask your husband to help you out with this. Do your research and know what is it that your stepchildren like and dislike. Take them out for a coffee, and talk to them like you would to a friend. You could even join them at an activity which they are interested in, but make sure they permit you to do the same.

Don't be too eager: Remember that no child, be it adult or young, can give their stepmother the place of his/her mother at first. It takes time. So it is best for you to respect that. Don't pester them to call you mom or behave like a stern mother chalking down rules for them.

You are not their Mom yet: Let your husband take major decisions where the children are concerned. Your husband does know them better and you should accept that sportingly.

Know your limits: Your stepchild is not someone you know for many years, so they may not want to share detail with you. Respect their privacy. Do not intrude, it's likely to make things uncomfortable for everyone.

Don't be a pushover: You don't have to be extra nice to your kids to establish a good rapport with them. Don't give in to unusual demands. Follow the rules that have been set over the years.

Cut out the complaints: If you keep complaining about them to your husband, it's likely to affect your relationship adversely. Make sure you don't fake being nice to them, and actually bitch behind their back.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that most typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect your whole body with fevers and fatigue.

Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. While there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatment options have expanded greatly in the past few decades.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that most typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect your whole body with fevers and fatigue.

Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. While there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatment options have expanded greatly in the past few decades.

Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include:

·         Joint pain

·         Joint swelling

·         Joints that are tender to the touch

·         Red and puffy hands

·         Firm bumps of tissue under the skin on your arms (rheumatoid nodules)

·         Fatigue

·         Morning stiffness that may last for hours

·         Fever

·         Weight loss

Smaller joints affected first
Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect your smaller joints first — the joints in your wrists, hands, ankles and feet. As the disease progresses, your shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, jaw and neck also can become involved. In most cases, symptoms occur symmetrically — in the same joints on both sides of your body.

Symptoms may come and go
Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms may vary in severity and may even come and go. Periods of increased disease activity — called flare-ups or flares — alternate with periods of relative remission, during which the swelling, pain, difficulty sleeping and weakness fade or disappear.

When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have persistent discomfort and swelling in multiple joints on both sides of your body.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround your joints. The resulting inflammation thickens the synovium, which can eventually invade and destroy the cartilage and bone within the joint. The tendons and ligaments that hold the joint together weaken and stretch. Gradually, the joint loses its shape and alignment.

Doctors don't know what starts this process, although a genetic component appears likely. While your genes don't actually cause rheumatoid arthritis, they can make you more susceptible to environmental factors — such as infection with certain viruses and bacteria — that may trigger the disease.

Factors that may increase your risk of rheumatoid arthritis include:

·         Sex. Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men are.

·         Age. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, but it most commonly begins between the ages of 40 and 60.

·         Family history. If a member of your family has rheumatoid arthritis, you may have an increased risk of the disease. Doctors don't believe you can directly inherit rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, it's believed that you can inherit a predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis.

·         Smoking. Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Quitting can reduce your risk.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint damage that can be both debilitating and disfiguring. Damage to your joints may make it difficult or impossible to go about your daily activities. You may find at first that tasks take more energy to accomplish. With time you may find you are no longer able to do them at all. Newer treatments may stop joint damage or prevent it so that you can continue the activities you enjoy.

In addition to the physical exam, your doctor might order imaging and laboratory tests to help determine the cause of your signs and symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because its early signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. And no one test or physical finding confirms the diagnosis.

Blood tests
People with rheumatoid arthritis tend to have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, or sed rate), which indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Other common blood tests look for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.

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Foods that makes your skin beautiful

Eating a well-balanced diet not only improves your health, but also boosts your beauty too. Your supermarket can be the source of many such food which not only benefit you if you eat them but provides you a healthy glow on your skin if you apply them as a part of your beauty routine.

Avocado

This one is real gem, rich in antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fatty acids; it keeps the skin naturally smooth by replenishing protective layer of fatty acids. This prevents the dehydration. Use it in place of normal mayonnaise, salads, smoothies or dips to enjoy the health benefits.

For a natural anti aging beauty mask mash ¼ of ripe avocado and mix it with ¼ cup of yogurt, spread with the finger and leave for 10-15 minutes rinse off with water. Lactic acid in yogurt helps in exfoliating the skin and fatty acids in avocado stimulate collagen and elastin production to keep it supple and firm.

Tea

Teas are known for their rich antioxidants, green and white tea  contain a special compound known as  EGCG which protects the skin from the damage which is caused due to exposure to sun and pollutants.

Other than drinking it, when applied during final rinse on hair it helps to create natural highlights and shine in hair. Prepare an infusion, let it cool and apply on your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with normal water to reveal shiny and glossy hair.

Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in ellagic acid and vitamin C which is essential for collagen production, higher intake of vitamin C is also associated with prevention of wrinkles and skin dryness. Ellagic acid helps in fading of dark spots and holding moisture in the skin. So enjoy few in the season and keep your skin soft and supple.

To apply them on blend few strawberries with lemon juice in a blender and mix with yogurt, apply the mixture for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.

Cocoa

Many of us chocoholics are aware of rich antioxidants flavanols which provides the chocolate its rich taste and cancer fighting properties. You can apply it on your face to get an instant glow.

Mix 2 tbsp of dark unsweetened cocoa powder with 2 tbsps of non fat milk pwder and use it like a beauty mask.

Coffee

You daily pick me up cup of coffee is great to brighten up your skin too, this prevents the skin from wrinkles and sagging caused by sun damage. But larger doses can cause adverse effect by causing dehydration.

Caffeine also acts as diuretic (takes out water from cells), it helps in removing under eye puffiness and is an important ingredient in anti-cellulite creams.

Used up coffee grounds can be rubbed off on skin on the areas like thighs, upper arms or buttocks where cellulite is generally concentrated.

Eggs

Eggs contain two rich anti-oxidants lutein and zexanthin which provide protection against UV damage , Damage caused by UV rays can result in appearance of fine lines, dark spots. Eating one egg a day can significantly increases the level of these two antioxidants and thus protect from UV rays damage.

Yogurt

A combination of calcium and phosphorus will protect your pearly whites from cavities by strengthening the tooth enamel. Its rich in protein which is required for production of collagen (keeps the skin younger looking).

Apply a thin layer on your skin to remove dead skin and opening up the skin pore by action of lactic acid present in this. Mix a tbsp of honey in ½ cup of plain yogurt  apply as hair mask and wash off after 30 minutes to reveal beautiful lustrous hair.

Tips to get shiny hair

We may only have some results in our vision and we keep on dreaming to achieve them without really knowing the pathway to reach it. For example, we may have been aspiring to get that shiny and silky hair, which are often displayed as "precious possessions" of beautiful models in TV commercials. And some of us even show a great deal of interest to buy and use those publicized hair care products which promise to bring magical results. Sometimes it works while at other times, we only lose our money and may be, some piles of hair as well. The fact is that, different hair textures will require different treatments and it is your responsibility to match products with your own individual needs.

Modify Your Product Choices on the Basis of Your Hair Texture

·         If Your Hair is Fine: A shampoo containing wheat proteins and polymers will go well with fine hair. These ingredients form a coating on hair, thereby bestowing it a thicker appearance. You may also bring some spray volumizers into use. The fine droplets will give your hair a light shimmer.

·         If Your Hair is Normal: Shampoos with silk amino acids are the best options to add shine to normal hair. The amino acids add softness to the hair while repairing the hair structure. Lecithin is responsible for restoring the hair texture. You may also apply gels and creams to add some shimmer to your hair. Take some quantity in your palm, rub your hands against each other and apply the product on your hair by way of a gentle patting.

·         If Your Hair is Thick and Coarse: Coarse hair needs to be moisturized well. The use of pomades will add moisture to your hair while making it shiny and silky.

Tips to Add Shine to Your Hair

·         Use a shampoo which gets activated by hot water.

·         Condition your hair deeply for at least once a week.

·         Refrain from using skin care products to a greater extent as the chemicals present in them may damage your hair.

·         If your hair color is red or brown, then add a few tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the water which you'll be using to rinse your hair.

·         Strawberry hair masks also add luster to your hair. Crush eight strawberries and mix with one tablespoon mayonnaise. Wet your hair and massage this mixture. Wear a shower cap and cover with a warm towel. After some time, wash off with a shampoo and then apply a conditioner.

·         If you have blonde hair, then you can make it shiny by adding a few tablespoon of lemon juice to the rinse water.

·         Add one teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water. After you are done with your shampooing, just pour the solution through your hair. Do not wash off. Let your hair dry up normally.

Behind every result, there has to be some effort. If you think that you can shine like a celebrity, then you'll need to put proper effort behind it. Getting shiny hair through hereditary connections is more of a chance and hence, all are not privileged to get this for "free". Work on these tips and wait for results to come.

Nutrition basics

Do you feel like you can't keep up with the latest nutrition news because it's always changing? While it's true that what is known about nutrition and diet is evolving, there are some nutrition basics you can keep in mind. By knowing these nutrition basics, you'll be better equipped to sort through the latest research and advice.
Mastering the nutrition basics comes down to understanding the food groups and becoming more aware of calories and the roles that specific nutrients play in a healthy diet. Want to go beyond the nutrition basics? Talk to your doctor or a dietitian for personalized dietary advice that takes into account your health status, lifestyle, and food likes and dislikes.

Do you want to adopt a healthy diet but aren't sure where to start? As you consider the parade of healthy diets in magazines and cookbooks, make sure to look for one that:

·         Includes a variety of foods from the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats

·         Provides guidelines for how much food to choose from each group

·         Includes foods you can find in your local grocery store

·         Fits your tastes, lifestyle and budget

Also consider your health risks. Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure? If so, be sure to follow a diet that's low in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. For personalized advice, talk with your doctor or a dietitian.

Good food is one of life's great pleasures. And for most, meals are at the heart of family life and celebrations. Would you like to make satisfying and healthy meals that help protect your family from heart disease and other health problems?

Of course you would. So move away from calorie-laden, fatty and salty convenience items. Experiment with quick and healthy cooking techniques, such as baking, grilling and sauteing. Learn important food safety tips, recipe makeovers and more. And then enjoy knowing that your new healthy cooking skills are helping to reduce your family's risk of health problems.

If you're like most, you're looking for ways to make meals healthier yet still enticing. Get your juices flowing to plan healthy menus by browsing healthy recipes online and in cookbooks.

To prepare your healthy menus, you'll need to have healthy ingredients on hand. Your shopping strategies should focus on fresh and unprocessed foods. That means spending more time in the produce section, where you can stock up on fruits and vegetables. Keep an eye out too for whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Another key shopping strategy — don't linger in the snack food and candy aisles. Also be sure to check out the farmers market during the growing season to see what local produce is available.

Nutritional supplements are meant to complement a healthy diet, not replace it. If you're generally healthy and eat a wide variety of foods, you probably don't need nutritional supplements. In certain cases, however, fortified foods and dietary supplements may be useful in providing one or more nutrients. For example, adults age 50 or older may not get enough vitamin B-12 in their diets and may need fortified foods or a nutritional supplement.

You may also want to consider a nutritional supplement if you don't eat enough healthy foods or don't eat a healthy variety of foods. Talk with your doctor or a dietitian about whether nutritional supplements might be appropriate for you. Be sure to ask about possible side effects of nutritional supplements you're considering — and if they have interactions with medications you take.

 

15-minute workout can keep you fit

A 15-minute workout at the gym helps keep you young as well as fit, according to a study.

Researchers found that brief vigorous exercise tends to slow the ageing process.

Just 15 minutes of energetic activity a day reduces stress and prevents the deterioration of vital cells which lead to us feeling and looking older, reports express.co.uk.

Even if we are stressed, which tends to speed up the ageing process, we can hold time at bay by working up a sweat.

Psychologist Eli Puterman, who led the groundbreaking research, said the study is built on previous work that showed how changes in DNA result in ageing.

"We have extended those findings to show that, in fact, there are things we can do about it," said Puterman.

"If we maintain the levels of physical activity recommended by public

health bodies we can prevent the damage that psychological stress may have on our body," he added.

Skin-smoothing body scrubs

It's that time of year when I'm inundated with press releases fanfaring new wonder cures for cellulite. My love affair with beauty momentarily stalls, my recycling bin overflows. A topical product – whether cream, gel, lotion or serum – can't possibly cure the orange peel dimples that occur naturally on almost every woman.

These indentations are simply the outward manifestation of fat cells. Cream can't dissolve fat, just as miracle bust creams can't produce it. I want to ask why, if a product really has the power to burn or grow fat, it is not being prescribed on the NHS to treat the morbidly obese or save severely premature babies?

In short, I believe cellulite creams are a nonsense. Furthermore, they create an extra neurosis for women where there needn't be one. I have never known a man who would be capable of identifying cellulite if his life depended on it.

The way to treat cellulite is with smoke and mirrors, or at least exfoliant and bronzer. A good body scrub, massaged on to dry skin (damp, if sensitive), then showered off, will remove dead skin cells to give a smoother texture, the illusion of firmness and a more radiant appearance.

Where has the sex gone?

There's a kind of hush in the bedroom. The birds aren't chirping enough, and the bees have lost their buzz. The naked truth laid all-bare is that there's little action happening between the sheets. There's a libido crisis in the lives of many a married Indian couple.

Action deficit!
Blame our urban lifestyles for driving the sex away. "Work and home-related stress, lack of time and privacy, and absence of work-life balance, chores, children and commutes all eat away at the desire component vital to sexual relations," says eminent sexologist Dr Prakash Kothari.

Caught up in the hectic whirligig of life in Mumbai, 39-year-old Rashi, a mother of two, can't remember how long ago it was that she last had sex with her husband. "Probably, when I conceived my second child!," she jokes, and adds, "It's not that we are over sex or we don't get aroused, but the two of us are so bushed when we finally hit the sack close to midnight that the hormones just won't oblige. A classic situation of the spirit being willing but the flesh too weak to take part."

"Apart from being squeezed for time, and tiredness, an alarming surge in cases of depression and anxiety is another reason for sex being relegated to the backburner," says psychologist and traumatologist Seema Hingorrany.

"I see at least one case every day where the man or woman confesses that they've lost all interest in sex, or complain that they hardly have it. During the counselling sessions that follow, I invariably find that one of them is suffering from depression or anxiety, which could stem from loneliness and the empty nest syndrome to a lack of selfworth or financial losses. Also, I see many mothers' lives these days solely centred around their kids, so much so that somewhere along the way, they forget to seek pleasure for themselves," she says.

The marriage spot! Television actor, stand-up c o m e d i a n and now entrepreneur, Chennai b a s e d Craig Gallyot, who recently wed his girlfriend of six years VJ Pooja, says, "During our courtship days, we could hardly keep our hands off each other, and we could get down to it anywhere and everywhere, from bedroom and bathroom and once even behind a sari that was being put up to dry!"

"But one-and-a-half-years into marriage," he laments, "and you realise that someone's just come down with this huge club and smashed your balls with things like 'roof-over-head responsibility', 'good husband', 'responsible fatherhood','winning the bread'... it feels like sheer castration! And then when you've to worry about who's going to put the clothes in the machine and who's going to clear the t ab l e, believe me, sex can and does often wait."

Other pastures to graze!
If the action in the bedroom has all but dried up, it's also true that the venue of action has shifted elsewhere. Both men and women are seeking their pleasures outside marriage.

"Men are indiscreet and when they have a fling or a one-night-stand, the woman gets wind of it, but the women do it far more cleverly and skillfully, blending it seamlessly into the regular pattern of their lives, making it tough for anyone to catch them with their hands in the cookie jar. What can't be denied that is no one's taking this ebb in marital sex lying down; they're doing something about it," says advertising guru Prahlad Kakar.

Concurring with that observation, Seema says, "Extra-marital affairs are definitely on the rise. You have attractions and temptations in the work set-up, and when you get back home, you tend to make comparisons."

The gadget intrusion
In her late 20s, Piyali and her husband are the archetypal yuppie DINK couple. And in their case, it isn't stress that's getting in the way of an active sex life. It's the 24x7 dependence on gadgets and gizmos. "Call it Murphy's Law, but just at the moment we're all primed up to get the bed shaking, his Blackberry will beep, and my husband just has to get it!"

And if it's not the gadgets, there's the idiot box temptation. "Football scores far higher than sex with my partner! There's some football match or the other almost every night...and he gets his kicks alright! It's football on top and no woman on top for him," says software engineer Tuhina, tongue-in-cheek.

Talking of the influence of TV, Seema shares, "I've a client who has lost interest in sex because she's obsessed with wanting her marriage to be like Imran Khan and Avantika's. Though I know squat about Imran and Avantika's married life, I tell my client that everything shouldn't be taken at face value, and it's important they work on their relationship issues instead of being taken in by superficial glamour of celebrity life."

The prescription
If passion has gone out of fashion in the bedroom, it's time we got all physical about it!

"Men will do well to not use their partners as sleeping pills. Often, once the man reaches climax and the wife's only half-way there, our man's already off to slumberland," says Dr Kothari.

The Durex Sexual Wellbeing Global Survey Sexual health expert Dr Kevan Wylie said in a survey conducted a couple of years ago that more Indians would like to experience an orgasm every time they've sex, though only 46 per cent managed to actually do so.

"If you want to have an orgasm, it's important that you allow yourself to surrender to the good feelings you are experiencing. Relaxation is crucial - so try to reduce stress and spend time cuddling and touching with your partner. And you need to have a protected and uninterrupted time together, keep the rest of the family at bay and make sure you don't bring your work worries with you into the bedroom."

Prahlad suggests play acting. "Making love should, whenever possible, be a pre-meditated act. During role-play, one can become the lady of the manor and the other the milk boy, or the man can do the Tarzan to the woman's Jane act. It spices up your sex life, which as years go by, can become a lame, tame, something-to-be-gotten-over-with affair."

But what works best, according to Prahlad, is indulging in full-on fantasies. "Fantasising about someone, real or virtual, can render the counsellor redundant," he says.

Foreplay as a build-up to the real thing works wonders, says Dr Kothari, who insists most Indian men fail miserably in this department. He also suggests that couples talk about sex, discuss their likes and dislikes, and identify their erogenous zones and pleasure spots. "Talk, and you'll never need to fake anything be it pleasure or having an orgasm."

Then of course there is the agony aunt wisdom. Flowers; chocolates; music; long drives; unscheduled holidays; a dance in the rain; post-it notes, and more sentimental mush.

But like Craig jokes, "I can't see why I need to spend money just to perk up my sex life with my legally wedded wife!"

"Men are mostly too busy comparing their sizes to even worry about the action that they're missing out on. It's all about size and not the sizzle," laughs Prahlad. Ah, men will be men! And the women are, well, much smarter!

Sex and the country!
27% get it on once a month, or once in two months and 18% never! 57% prefer giving man the top position! 62% like to do it in the night and in the privacy of their bedrooms... talk of being adventurous! 84% of those who experience orgasm feel at ease with themselves sexually Italians, Mexicans, Spanish and South Africans are most likely to climax, with 66% managing to hit the spot each time! But it's the Brazilians who derive the most fun, with 65% usually feeling the earth move when they make love... Lucky them!

How to keep your skin firm?

The skin is a mirror for the rest of the body. Bad habits can be revealed and stress may be disclosed. No matter what we do, it will eventually affect our skin. Our skin reflects the life we live and if there is a lot of imbalance, the skin loses its firm, healthy glow. It might be unnoticeable in early youth, but sooner or later it can't be ignored.

There are a number of factors that negatively affect the elasticity of our skin. Some of them are sun exposure, smoking, and wrong nutrition that destroycollagen and elastin, the fibers that keep it firm and elastic. Fortunately there are a number of ways to prevent the skin from losing its elasticity. Here are some simple secrets to keeping the skin firm and supple for as long as possible:

• Use Moisturizer: Moisturize your skin every day. Remember that some environmental factors such as sun, wind, and water can make it to lose its moisture. To prevent this, use special cream or oil right after bathing. Pay special attention to your face, neck, and hands since they are the parts of your body that are most vulnerable to the environmental influences. Organic, natural moisturizers with anti aging nutrients are best.
• Drink water: Drink a lot of water. Humidity is essential for our skin. It makes the biological cells to regenerate. Therefore, don't forget to drink recommended daily water intake, at least 8 glasses of water a day.
• Healthy diet: Citrus fruits help to keep the skin looking young. That's because the antioxidant Vitamin C found in citrus is involved in the formation of collagen a protein that binds cells and tissues together. In certain proportions, every food is good for the human body and therefore it is important to maintain a healthy diet.  A balanced diet is necessary to supply the body with all the vitamins and minerals that it needs.
• Avoid losing your weight too fast: When you lose your weight too fast, your skin cannot keep up with the corresponding change in your body. As a result, some wrinkles may be left. The wrong diet can also influence the condition of your skin leading to skin problems. Therefore, check carefully whether you are following the right diet that cannot damage your skin.
• Alternate showers: Try taking hot and cold shower by turns. This will allow the pores to open, skin to relax and make your skin elastic. Contrasting shower can also help in cases with cellulite.
• Exercise daily: Routine exercise keeps your skin elastic and supple. Your skin requires oxygen, and the amount it takes is reduced with age. Exercise provides it with more oxygen.
• Eat the Strings and Peels: There are more health reasons to add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Silica found in plant-based foods can help maintain the elasticity of your skin and improve your complexion. So if possible, enjoy the whole fruit and vegetable, like cucumber skin, onion springs and the strings of celery (ajmud) and asparagus (shatwar).
• Swap Your Carbohydrates: Replace refined carbohydrate foods like white bread, cookies, and pasta with their whole-grain cousins. Not only do whole grains provide a lot more anti-aging antioxidants, they also provide fiber which is the key element of a healthy skin diet.
• Use sunscreen: You may know that 15 daily minutes in a sun provides daily portion of vitamin D. However, an extended period can dry your skin and damage it by fastening aging process and causing various diseases. Therefore, don't spend too much time in the sun and use sunscreen to prevent skin damage from happening.
• Quit smoking and Drinking: Smoking and drinking alcohol does a lot of damage to the body.  They make the skin lose water and unwanted materials get in the body causing skin diseases.  The skin of heavy smokers also gets pale and therefore it is advisable to quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Balance your skin's pH: The pH refers to the balance of acid and alkali in your skin. That is, how acidic your skin is. Your skin needs a slightly acidic pH level (somewhere around 5.5) to protect your body from bacterial infections. The best foods to eat to keep skin pH at the right level are those that contain alpha-hydroxy acids. These include foods like apples, blackberries, any citrus food and tomatoes. You can also use a good, natural and organic toner to balance your skin's pH.

No matter what we do, it will eventually affect our skin.  If the skin is taken care of then it will look healthy and shine.  Proper nourishment of the body is vital in making a difference to the way our skin looks.