Top Ten Tips for a Healthier Pregnancy Part 1\Health

Top Ten Tips for a Healthier Pregnancy Part 1\Health

How to make a healthy bun in the oven…

It’s positive! A week after a missed period and the home pregnancy test turns positive…congratulations, you’re pregnant! If this is your first pregnancy, take a moment to appreciate this wonderful blessing given to you and your family. Well, if this is your second, and so on and so forth,…it’s still a blessing! Below are our ten tips for a healthier pregnancy. The first five are presented here as Part 1 of this article

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  Go see your obstetrician.

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  The first thing you should do is go and visit your obstetrician. The purpose of this visit is to have your first ultrasound and document that you’re really pregnant (hey, we just want to make sure there’s a cute little bun in the oven).

Amat victoria curam (Victory loves preparation)

 

• While this may seem too dramatic for you, pregnancy isn’t something you should be taking lightly. Think of it as the hardest PRACTICAL exam you’re going to take. You study for your exam, right? You want to learn all there is to learn about pregnancy. Of course, you will want to prepare enough for the painful (just kidding) albeit wonderful final exam (giving birth). You should load up on books and/or sign up for classes. Signing up for classes is a lot better because you can interact and exchange experiences with other pregnant women. Pregnancy isn’t something you should dread and handle alone. There are REAL people who can help you learn more about it.
  
  
  Are you a techie soon-to-be mom? Find great apps (applications for Android and Apple OS) for your smartphone or tablet online, on how to conveniently track your pregnancy. This is just one of the amazing technologies you can appreciate now which wasn’t available 10 years ago.

For two please

There’s a little person inside you. From the moment the home pregnancy kit turned positive until the time you give birth, this will be in your thoughts. I don’t mean multiply everything you’re eating and doing by two. Just increase the total number of calories you take in. According to the experts, an added extra 300 calories will be enough to sustain and nourish the two of you. This is of course, on top of the healthy foods you’re already eating. The sources of those 300 extra calories count too, choose real food not junk food. Avoid large, deep water fish because of mercury accumulated in their tissues. Also avoid raw meat, fish eggs and soft cheeses because of contamination by harmful bacteria.

Variety is key

To get all the nutrients you need, you should eat a variety of foods. Think about getting all the colours of the rainbow in fruits and vegetables daily and have plenty of quality protein and fat with each meal and snack where possible. Let’s keep it simple shall we?

Calcium-rich foods. Most of us are aware of what calcium is for, right? At the very least, it’s for building strong bones. Have several servings of calcium-rich foods per day. You can get these servings from dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt. Or if you’re not a huge fan of dairy products, you can opt for non-dairy foods like almonds, green beans, broccoli, okra, dried beans and dark leafy greens. They’re high in calcium too.

Iron-rich foods. Consume at least 3 servings of iron-rich foods per day. You need more iron to make more blood for your baby. Get loads of this mineral from meat, poultry and fish products or if you’re vegetarian dark leafy greens, lentils & blackstrap molasses.


Folic acid. Pick one good source of folic acid per day (at least). Folic acid prevents problems in your baby’s spine (neural tube defects). Choose from legumes, veal and dark green vegetables.

Get high on high fiber foods. Fruits, vegetables, rice and other gluten-free whole-grains will do the trick as well as ground flax seeds or chia seeds which are also rich in omega-3’s.


Bulk up with protein. I don’t mean bulk up like a muscle man or bodybuilder. Your immune system is highly dependent on protein. Meat, eggs, cheese, legumes, yoghurt, fish and shellfish are examples of protein rich foods.

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You need supplements.

I’m not telling you this so you’ll buy supplements (that’s your choice of course). I’m telling you this because it’s required. You already have a lot on your mind when you’re pregnant plus a lot of changes happening to your body. To make sure you have enough of the required daily nutrients, you need a well rounded vitamin and mineral supplement.

Weekend Top 10: Skin care tips for the monsoon\Lifestyle

Weekend Top 10: Skin care tips for the monsoon\Lifestyle

The arrival of monsoon is indeed a sign of relief from the sweltering and scorching heat but you have to take care of your skin to protect it from the atmospheric humidity

The bright sweat-causing sun has given way to cloudy skies and soaring levels of humidity. The monsoon is here and has brought with it a lot of joy and enthusiasm. With every downpour, your spirits are relished and revived. Your skin, however, does not experience the same enthusiasm and instead suffers from oiliness or dehydration brought on by monsoon. This is the time when the skin becomes irritable due to humidity and summertime rashes give way to other skin problems.

Since your skin behaves differently in monsoon, it becomes important to take special care of it. While everything around you is bright and beautiful, the increasing humidity does not allow your skin to breathe properly.

Skin care tips for the monsoon

Here is a list of things that you should follow during rainy season to look beautiful and fresh and save yourself from the misery of bad skin:

1. Avoid fungal infections. Fungal infections are the most common complaints of the rainy season. Never keep your skin wet for a long time. Bathing with lukewarm water and using antifungal creams, soaps and talc will prove to be effective in combating fungal invasion. Some of these common infections are athlete’s foot, ringworm, or itching caused by wet damp clothing.

2. Cleanse the skin. The skin should be cleaned 3-4 times a day with non-soapy face washes. This helps to clean excessive oil and dirt from the skin pores and helps it breathe.

3. Skin toning is essential. Non-alcoholic skin toners should be used to tone the skin twice a day to maintain the skin’s pH balance. Toning revives the skin and gives it an impeccable sheen.

4. Keeping dry skin moisturised. If your skin appears to be dry, moisturise it with a good moisturiser. Application of rose water, glycerine or almond oil before retiring to bed is beneficial in keeping the skin supple and healthy.

5. Keep oily skin clean. If you have dry skin and have visible whiteheads or blackheads, try to minimise oil secretion from the skin by using water based moisturisers, cleansers and by applying citrus face packs. Drinking a lot of water also helps in reducing oil production.

6. Shield your skin. Just because it’s cloudy, does not mean your skin is protected from the sun. It is highly important to guard your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, so always use a good sunscreen with a high SPF factor.

7. Gentle exfoliation. Dead skin cells should be daily removed. Use a good skin scrub to get rid of those dead cells and make your skin radiant and glowing.

8. Drink adequate water. Drink at least 7-8 glasses of water to maintain skin hydration, as the skin loses a lot of water due to sweating.

9. Wash hair often. Wash hair a little more frequently that you usually do in the monsoon as all the humidity and sweat causes it to get dirty soon and attract dust and pollution.

10. Avoid artificial jewellery. For those who have very sensitive skin, it is best to avoid wearing heavy jewellery altogether. The humidity can make your skin break out when it comes into contact with anything irritable. So avoid jewellery around your neck and wrists and allow your skin to breathe.

A bonus tip. Chemical peels done by dermatologists are a fantastic way to freshen up a lustreless dull skin. A number of peels are available to choose from like peels for sensitive skin, arginine peels for under-eye dark circles, etc. Of course, all these external efforts will be in vain if you are not hearty from inside. So eat vegetables and fruits and make sure you get adequate rest and stay relatively stress-free.

7 ways to care for your skin in winter\Lifestyle

7 ways to care for your skin in winter\Lifestyle

Here’s how to pamper yourself and look your best this season

Cold weather is great for style. You can sport layers, splash out on bright make-up and pull on those boots. But winter can also be harsh on your skin. Here’s how to pamper it and look your best this season…

1. Hydrate

You may associate dehydration with the heat of summer. But dry winter weather can rob your system of moisture, too. So, keep up with your intake of water. If you feel it’s too cold to drink water, sip on herbal teas and infusions.

2. Moisturize wisely

Moisturizers sell well in winter. But any face or body lotion won’t do. Look for moisturizers which are oil-based for it’s these that will keep your skin moist and supple in harsh winter weather.

3. Exfoliate

Keeping your face scrubbed and clean allows moisturizer to be absorbed and do its job. Use a mild scrub, though, and avoid face packs in cold weather.

4. Wear sun screen

The winter sun can be as damaging as summer rays. So, don’t step outdoors without slapping on the sunblock. Your product must have an SPF of over 30 and be effective against UV rays.

5. Ditch the hot bath

While it’s tempting to soak in a hot tub or have a hot shower on winter days, very hot water will damage your skin. Keep your bathwater and showers warm, rather than hot this season.

6. Take oil baths

The good old Indian tradition of the weekly oil bath works wonders in winter. If you can’t manage oiling your hair and body once a week, simply add a few drops of almond or olive oil to your bath.

7. Pamper your hands and feet

Hands and feet are prone to drying and cracking in winter, so protect them. Slather on a good hand and nail cream after bathing and after chores like doing the dishes. Your feet will benefit from a few drops of oil and a pair of socks at night.

French first lady wants to stand by Francois Hollande despite affair: Report

French first lady wants to stand by Francois Hollande despite affair: Report

French first lady Valerie Trierweiler to accompany partner and President Francois Hollande on his visit to the US; Hollande expected to “make a statement” before his Washington trip

Paris: The French first lady Valerie Trierweiler wanted to stand by President Francois Hollande, when he visits the US next month, despite his love affair with actress Julie Gayet, Closer magazine reported on Thursday.

The magazine, which exposed the alleged affair almost two weeks ago, brought forward its normal publication to make what it claimed were "new revelations".

Julie Gayet, the 41-year-old actress, was introduced to 59-year-old Hollande in 2011 by his former partner Segolene Royal, when he was a front-running presidential candidate.

It alleged that Trierweiler, 49, now resting at the presidential retreat La Lanterne in Versailles, wanted to remain President Hollande's partner and first lady, The Independent reported citing the Closer magazine report.

The magazine said Trierweiler has told her friends that she expects to accompany Hollande on a trip to Washington from Feb 9.

However, Elysee Palace sources have strongly hinted that Hollande plans to end their eight-year relationship.

Earlier, Hollande said he would "make a statement" before the Washington visit.

He is expected to reveal his intentions by early next week, before he comes to Britain for the annual Anglo-French summit with British Prime Minister David Cameron.

The benefits of exercise beyond just fitness

The benefits of exercise beyond just fitness

Research show that regular physical activity can help you live a better life. It not only makes you fit, but also happy.

Let’s discuss the benefits of exercise beyond fitness

Improved concentration:  For those of you who suffer from ‘nature-deficit-disorder’ exercising outdoors can help in improving concentration. Enjoying nature while you work out clears the clutter of the mind, leading to better concentration.

Higher self-esteem: Regular physical activity also has a psychological effect. Exercise improves your mood and changes the way you feel about yourself. Some researchers show that exercising reduces depression and anxiety and makes you stress free.

Better mental health: Even five or ten minutes of exercising outdoors can do improve your mental health. In addition to this, sunlight is good for mood enhancement and exercising outdoors can make you happier and mentally more stable.

Higher happiness level: Exercise releases endorphins and endorphins are responsible in making you happy. Thus, exercising makes you a merrier person.

More healing powers: A walk or run in natural light can increase your immunity and healing capacities. People recovering from surgeries can benefit from natural light and little physical activity.

Slows down ageing process of the brain: As exercising improves mental health, it ultimately slows down the ageing process of brain, making you younger at mind!

Better breathing: Breathing fresh air is good for you and exercising outdoors lets you inhale more fresh air. However, this may not hold true for people who have allergies.

Increases Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin not only improves your mood but also significantly help in healing osteoporosis and some other diseases. The best way to get this vitamin is to exercise outdoors. Concerns of ultra violet rays and skin cancer have made people paranoid and hence led to vitamin D deficiency. 10-15 minutes in sun does more good than harm.

Lowering anxiety: Moderate to high intensity work outs make you calm. Exercise releases brain chemicals which relax an anxious mind leaving you feeling calmer.

Improves performance: Be it home or work, exercise boosts your performance. As you become fitter and more confident and your mental health improves with exercising, you also tend to perform your daily tasks better.

Promotes peaceful sleep: Exercise increases your alertness but it also calms you down and helps you sleep better at night. It is advisable however, not to exercise just before bedtime.

Class of 80s: Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Chiranjeevi and Other South Stars Reunite for Hawaiian Theme Party

Class of 80s: Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Chiranjeevi and Other South Stars Reunite for Hawaiian Theme Party

Rajnikanth, Ambika, Menaka, Saritha, Khushbu Sundar, Poornima Bhagyaraj, Revathy, Radha, Nadiya, Lissy Priyadarshan, Sumalatha, Jayashree, Ramya Krishnan, Suhasini Mani Ratnam, Radhika

Sarathkumar 

South Indian movie superstars such as Rajnikanth, Chiranjeevi, Daggubati Venkatesh and Nandamuri Balakrishna along with star actresses such as Khushbu Sundar and Radhika Sarath Kumar reunited for a day filled with fun and frolic.

As many as 32 popular actors of southern cinema of the 1980s got together at the East Coast Road beachfront property of Mohanlal.

"Mohanlal played host to the evening. We all had so much of fun talking, playing and reminiscing moments from the 1980s. We call ourselves the '80s Club' and this is the fifth such get-together since 2009," Suhasini Maniratnam, who initiated the idea of a reunion, told us.

"It has become an annual tradition and the group has grown in size. We were about 32 actors who once were very successful in the 1980s. We also follow themes ever year. This year's party had a Hawaiian theme and all of us were dressed in Hawaiian shirts and outfits," she added.

Suhasini said the response has been phenomenal.

"When I floated the idea around, I wasn't sure how many would be interested to meet. But I was quite surprised when mostly all the actors I met where game for the idea to meet once a year," she said.

The only rule of the reunion is that the actors shouldn't bring their families.

"When we met for the first time, Rajnikanth emphasized that none of us should bring our families, not even our spouses. It was supposed to be a get together for the actors and it has to remain like that," she added.

She said that other top stars such as Kamal Haasan and Akkineni Nagarjuna have expressed interest in participating in the next reunion.

"Kamal and Nagarjuna have always wanted to join us, but they have been busy. They hope to join us next year. Some more actors have also expressed interest," said Suhasini.

 

Other actors at the reunion included Ramesh Arvind, Suman, Ambareesh, Jayaram, Ramya Krishnan, Revathi, Saritha, Radha, Ambika, Nadiya, Lissy Priyadarshan, Mohan, among many more.

Actors from all the four southern film industries - Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada - were present.

4 reasons why walking is so good for you\Health

4 reasons why walking is so good for you\Health

Experts have long extolled the many virtues of walking. Here we have 4 excellent reasons why you should you be walking your way to good health.

Experts have long extolled the many virtues of walking. Here we have 4 excellent reasons why you should you be walking your way to good health.

Are you a fitness freak? Do treadmills and dumbbells motivate you? Do you strive hard to keep in shape? Here's some good news. Working out may not be that hard after all. All you’ve got to do is walk. That’s right. Walking is a terrific workout in itself. Curious? Read on to know more about how walking could help you shed a few pounds.

4 reasons why walking is such a great workout

Oxygen Boost: Like most aerobic activities, walking too, gives your body a good oxygen boost, which in turn, strengthens the heart and the lungs, promoting overall health. The oxygen boost that the body obtains helps it get rid of toxins and other waste products accumulated in the body naturally.

An increased oxygen supply to the body can strengthen the immune system, preventing many infectious and seasonal diseases.

Good for your spine: As opposed to running or jogging, walking exerts a minimal pressure and impact on your spine, thereby lowering the risk of negative pressure on the spine.

In fact, walking is the best workout for patients suffering from spinal cord problems.

Cardio Health: One of the most notable benefits of walking as a form of exercise is it that it promotes cardiovascular health. Walking regularly is thought to boost blood circulation, keep the bones healthy and can also aid in tissue cleansing.

Scientists also believe that walking could be linked to an increased muscle endurance and muscle strength.

Feet bliss: Believe it or not, walking actually has benefits in store for our feet too! Our feet were actually designed to walk, and that’s exactly what we should be doing. Infact, walking is one great way to exercise the 50+ muscles in the feet and keep them healthy.

Patients suffering from varicose veins too, can benefit from walking regularly. It is believed that walking stimulates the drainage of excess fluid from the lower legs thanks to its pumping action, thereby preventing varicose veins.

Regular walking can gently exercise the 26 bones within the foot and its ligaments too.

Still not impressed? Don’t underestimate walking as a mode of weight loss. Turns out, power walking - walking at moderate to high intensity while keeping a brisk pace - can stimulate burning of fat as much as jogging or running can!

So if long hours at work don’t leave you enough time to exercise, just walk your way back home.

Tamil Pongal 2014 Greetings HD Wallpapers Pictures

Tamil Pongal 2014 Greetings HD Wallpapers Pictures

 

Happy Pongal SMS in Tamil 2014| Happy Pongal greetings in Tamil 2014

Happy Pongal SMS in Tamil 2014| Happy Pongal greetings in Tamil 2014

Pongal Wishes in Tamil
Meethe gud main mil gaya til, udi patang aur
khil gaya dil, har pal sukh aur har din shanti
aap ke liye happy pongal

14 tareekh ko khichdi Khao
Til ke pakwano me doob jao
Sabke sang patang udake
Tumbhi bachche ban jao

Happy Pongal
Is Pongal pe hamari dua hai k
apka har sapnna pura ho Jay
duniya ke unche mukam apke Pohach Jay
shoharat ki bulandiyon par naam apka ho
Wish u a very Happy Pongal

Guli-danda khele ya udaye patang,
har jeevan ka apna apna rang.
Til khaye ya gud-dhani, bas bani rahe jindgani
Aao manaye Pongal
Happy Pongal

Pal Pal Sunahre phool Khile,
Kabhi Na Ho Kanto Ka Samna,
Jindagi Aapki Khushiyo Se Bhari Rahe,
Sankranti Par Hamari Yahi Shubhkamna….
Happy Pongal

Similar To A Brilliant And Stunning Rangoli
Let Your Days Be Sprayed
With Bliss And Cheerfulness!
May The Pongal Transport
New Expectations And Good Yield For You!
My Happy Pongal Wishes To You
And Your Family!