Here is another interesting guest post from US, from my friend Esmiralda who had already added many valuable articles to my guest post section. This time she will be throwing light on Celiac Disease,a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.
Celiac disease is a very interesting disorder that is becoming more frequently diagnosed because there are blood tests that detect specific antibodies that mark the disease. It is a auto immune disease (meaning: the body makes antibodies=natural body defenders- that damage it's own tissues) where the reaction is triggered by a substance called gluten.
Most vegetarians know gluten as the rubbery meat substitute made from gluten flour.
Gluten is a protein complex found mostly in wheat, but also in barley and rye. Now there is a component in gluten that is soluble in alcohol called gliadin; this is not easily broken down and small portion of it may be absorbed.
When someone has this condition, food and nutrients may be poorly absorbed, and iron deficiency may show itself.
There can be a wide range of severity in this condition. Some children can have serious problems with symptoms as diarrhea, swollen ankles, irritability, unabsorbed fat in stool which smells extra unpleasant. The children do not grow properly. Adults too may have a sudden onset of symptoms, after an infection of the stomach. We have seen well nourished man and women become wasted shadows of their former selves.
But the cure is the same for all: stay away from wheat, barely and rye products.
This sounds easy, but it is not. You will need to study to find out what you can and cannot eat.Today the condition is well recognized, and there are gluten-free products on the market.
The diagnosis is completed by taking a duodenal biopsy (not painful).
There is a genetic component in the disease, any person with the above symptoms should consider to be checked out.
In the meantime, lets stay healthy.
Its been more than 2 years now since we visited the merlion city, but even today Singapore brings back nostalgic memories.Right from the world class Changi airport, neat and clean, beautifully constructed and managed with plenty of shopping and eating options and many other forms of entertainment, the airport is one of the most convenient places to get from one terminal to another.After reaching the Copthorne Orchid Hotel where we were booked by our travel agent,we set out to explore the much talked about Mustafa mall in little India by a cab.
Though the hotel is not centrally located but cabs are easily available and staffs were extremely courteous.The rooms were spacious and well maintained. Though not much entertainment options are available but they have excellent restaurants serving lavish buffet spreads. There was also a service every two hours taking you to orchid road and back but we decided to board a cab and explore the city our own. And the first option was undoubtedly the much heard about mustafa mall in little India. A great place to get your currency exchanged as they offer good prices but not the right place to buy jewellery though its sure to enthrall you. The mall is a grand shopping place where you can find almost anything under one roof. Getting into a cab is easy from a spot near the hotel where you have to stand in a Que and metered taxis keep on coming one by one. The mall remains open all night. Hence this is the best place to shop till you drop as everything is very reasonably priced.
Other places on our itinerary were the Jurong bird park,considered world's largest, where you can see thousands of birds from different parts of the globe singing and performing different acts. The next best option is the National Orchid Garden, a tropical botanical garden of international renown which is a delight to your eyes. However the best was yet to come, the Sentosa island tour and the much famed Singapore night safari.
A dream world where you can explore the underwater world, pink dolphin shows, images of Singapore which gives you an insight into Singapore's history,cable car ride,aerial view of the island,animal and bird encounters, butterfly park and innumerable options.
After going for a local sightseeing of the vibrant and bustling city of Singapore,where we saw Chinese temples,china town,little India with indian temples and varied and endless shopping options, the merlion, a bumboat ride along the Singapore river where you can and admire the old architecture building of yesterday years to the robust skyline and cityscrapers , the arab street,etc.Our last destination was the singapore night safari where we saw around 1000 nocturnal animals in their natural habitat, tribal dance forms by dancers from Borneo,fire acts, adventures one cannot forget.
A multinational country where one can find people from all across the globe, Singapore is also considered one the most safest places in the world. A must place for every family,especially with kids, which can give you a vacation to last a lifetime and still want to come back for more over and over again. Till I come back to share some more travel experiences enjoy some pictures I had taken during my trip.
Paratha, one of the most popular north Indian flat bread is a favourite among all ages. Check out wiki for more info:- (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paratha).
The ingredients required for this pea-cheese stuffed paratha are:-
2 cups wheat flour
salt to taste
4 tbsp refined oil
250 gms fresh green peas
200 gms cottage cheese grated
1 tsp cumin seeds
handful of coriander leaves
1/4 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp coriander powder
1 green chili chopped
Enough clarified butter(ghee).
The method is as follows:-
Prepare a soft dough with the wheat flour,salt and refined oil. Heat a wok and saute some cumin seeds in oil. Add coarsely ground fresh green peas paste, cottage cheese (paneer), salt to taste, cumin and coriander powder and some chopped chillies and coriander leaves and cook the mixture leaves the sides of the pan. Let it cool.
Make lemon sized balls of the dough and flatten on your palm. Put a little of the prepared stuffing inside and roll from all sides carefully so that the mixture doesn't fall out. Now flatten it with the help of a rolling pin into a round shape or just fold it into triangular shapes.
Heat a girdle and place the paratha on it. Add enough ghee on all sides and turn from time to time until it turns golden brown. Relish your fresh hot paratha with coriander or tomato dips,yogurt or some Indian pickles.
This is a continuation of my earlier post,Life Saving Techniques.This time I would like to throw light on Poisoning and Bleeding.
Poisons are substances that can cause injury to the body and can also prove to be fatal at times. Hence,it is necessary that every layman should be aware of its consequences and treatments during an emergency.
Generally,if poison is consumed,the symptoms that one should look for are abdominal pain,nausea or vomiting,diarrhoea,burns.odours or stains in mouth,drowsiness or unconsciousness and poison containers nearby.
We should also be aware of the type of poison consumed. If any kind of corrosive material was consumed ,then the lips and tongue will be burnt immediately.In such a case,dilute with water or milk.
Forcefully vomit as 50% of the poison must be removed from the stomach within 30 mins. However,remember not to induce vomiting during seizures,drowsy,petroleum products,strychnine and rat poison.
Checking airway,breathing,consciousness is a must. The patient must be kept on the left side as this side delays stomach emptying into the small intestine. as more poison absorption takes place after it passes into the small intestine from the stomach. Activated charcoal blended with water can be given under instructions.
In case of severe bleeding,the first step one should take is to remove any clothing from the injured area and expose the wound. Then cover the wound with a clean cloth and apply direct pressure over the wound with your fingers or palm and make sure the injured area is raised above the level of the casualty's heart.
Apply a firm bandage over the sterile cloth and another pad if blood seeps through it.Remember to keep checking the circulation.Loosen it if necessary.Monitor the casualty's breathing,pulse and level of response and report to the doctor all details when you dial an ambulance.
Everyone should be aware of these simple steps so that i case of any emergency you can follow these steps and save someones life. Keep following my forthcoming posts to know some more vital life saving techniques.
Generally,if poison is consumed,the symptoms that one should look for are abdominal pain,nausea or vomiting,diarrhoea,burns.odours or stains in mouth,drowsiness or unconsciousness and poison containers nearby.
We should also be aware of the type of poison consumed. If any kind of corrosive material was consumed ,then the lips and tongue will be burnt immediately.In such a case,dilute with water or milk.
Forcefully vomit as 50% of the posion must be removed from the stomach wothin 30 mins. However,remember not to induce vomiting during seizures,drowsy,petroleum products,strychnine and rat poison.
Checking airway,breathing,consciuosness is a must. The patient must be kept on the left side as this side delays stomach emptying into the small intestine. as more poison absorption takes place after it passes into the small intestine from the stomach. Activated charcoal blended with water can be given under instructions.
In case of severe bleeding,The first step one should take is to remove any clothing from the injured area and expose the wound. Then cover the wound with a clean cloth and apply direct pressure over the wound with your fingers or palm and make sure the injured area is raised above the level of the casualty's heart.
Apply a firm bandage over the sterile cloth and another pad if blood seeps through it.Remember to keep checking the circulation.Loosen it if necessary.Monitor the casualty's breathing,pulse and level of response and report to the doctor all details when you dial an ambulance.
One of my earliest memories of life is that of exam fever.That period of life when tension and fear seemed to arouse most children before their exams as a result of which they go blank and cannot recall what they studied throughout the year.
My aunt who also happened to be my teacher played a pivotal role in emboldening me so that I could fare well in my exams as she too was the victim of exam fever during her school days. Her words had a deep impact on my mind and I came out with flying colours. This is what she always said...
- The determination to succeed against all odds is the first step in this regard.
- Too much discussions with fellow mates before entering the exam hall usually confuses the student.
- Staying up late at night from days before the exam process can be stressful and the student may not be able to deliver fruitfully.
- Planning a few things beforehand like organising ones pencil box with enough stock of pencils,pens,erasers,sharpeners,etc,re - checking the exam dates,exam location well ahead in time can help reduce stress.
- Avoiding negative discussions and arguments is equally important to refrain from stress.
- Gain self confidence be preparing throughout the year and not at the last moment.
- Undertake mock tests prepared by family members.
- A time table followed religiously can never let exam fever overwhelm you.
- Learn to distribute time during the course of exam and do not start writing immediately after receiving the question paper.Settle down properly,relax,take deep breaths and read the paper once or twice.Do not panic about the results now and start writing.Do not compare your answers with others.
- And most importantly,do not study continuously,take breaks in between. A walk in the nearby park may be a relaxing break.Eat healthy too to maintain a good health not only during your exam but also otherwise.
Remember you tried your best and the rest is upto God.You may not be a genius at studies but every child is special in his or her own ways.Try to figure out what you enjoy doing, get fully engrossed in it and you will be amazed to see your life painted in rainbow hues.
If you have been following my blog, you will definitely be familiar with Esmiralda from US,one of my most popular guest blogger who have been adding valuable materials to my blog from the medical background. This time she would like to post something on Caffeine, a stimulant found naturally in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans (chocolate) and kola nuts (cola) and added to soft drinks, foods, and medicines,in medical terminology.
Here's what Esmiralda has to add to it.Let's read.......Caffeine is the world's most popular psychoactive (mood-changing) drug and is used more widely than alcohol and tobacco. It can lead to physical dependence, which by definition results in a withdrawal syndrome when habitual intake is stopped abruptly.
In other words: when someone who usually uses caffeine suddenly stops, many symptoms may be observed, including headaches, tiredness, irritability, lack of concentration, and nausea. Although death from caffeine overdose is not common, it does occur and may be intentional ( this happens more likely with the use of caffeine tablets).
With the increasing popularity of carbonated soft drinks and energy drinks, however, emergency room physicians and toxicologists are noting an increase in caffeine-related problems and symptoms, especially among young adults.
In 2006 almost $4 billion was spent on energy drinks in the USA alone, and this is indicative of a worldwide trend. In addition, 500 new brands energy drinks were introduced around the world in that same year.
So-called energy drinks have significantly higher levels of caffeine than the carbonated soft drinks. It is proven that this scenario is used to hook children and youth: kids are first exposed to sugary soft drinks; caffeine is than added, and energy drinks are introduced. The next step is the addition of alcohol to energy drinks. 1 in 3 teens are likely to use energy drinks compared to 1 in 10 adult.
We have a duty to inform our youth, set the appropriate example in our own habits, and lobby against this evil attack on our society. Caffeine is useful as a component of certain analgesics used in the treatment of migraine as well as some other pain conditions.
We do well to prayerfully and consistently apply the temperance principle: "True temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful and to use judiciously that which is healthful". (Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p562).
Till I come back with some more useful posts that might be able to bring about some positive changes to your life,do keep reading and don't forget to post your comments.
For me,a healthy lifestyle is all about making the right choices in daily life.You may be blazed of eating at home everyday and may want to eat out. Though it doesn't sound very healthy,by following a few guidelines,you can enjoy your food without compromising on what u love.
Opt for more portions of appetizers like fresh salad without dressings.Avoid fried starters which have high calorie counts.Say no to cheesy dips.Order a clear soup instead of a creamy one.
When ordering the main course look out for steamed,grilled or roasted options rather than fried ones. Avoid dishes with cream based sauces.Ask the waiter to get the food prepared in oils like olive,vegetable,groundnut,etc instead of cream,butter etc.
Prefer plain water or fruit juices or mock tails instead of carbonated drinks and order tea or coffee sugar free.
For dessert order fresh fruits or baked items instead of creamy puddings,mousse or flans etc.
Before leaving for the restaurant,eat something at home instead of heading straightway with an empty stomach.This way you have a tendency to stuff yourself to the brim.
Order protein based food from the menu instead opting for unlimited buffet meals.
Order smaller portions.Request for half portion or get it packed for another meal instead of finishing it then and there.
Eat in a relaxed manner,chewing properly.It enables better digestion and you enjoy your meal too.
Don't be shy to ask your server if the meat you ate was naturally raised without any growth hormones or if the dairy products were free of (rBGH) hormone which is used to increase milk production in animals or opt for local farm products and products with zero trans fat or a better option would be orga
nic products.
Such a healthy choice can have a deep impact on your health thereby minimising disease risk and maximising longevity and a healthy lifestyle.
One of the most simple life saving technique that each and every individual should know is what to do during a heart attack. Firstly,one should make the casualty comfortable which involves:-
Make casualty sit in half sitting position.Support his shoulders,knees and head.
Help the casualty have his tablets if any or use his puffer aerosol.
Reassure casualty.
Having the nearest medical centres ambulance service number is of utmost importance ,no matter what. Call the hospital and report an heart attack and also inform the patients doctor if possible.
You should monitor the patients breathing and pulse constantly and last but not the least,the patient should be given a tablet of aspirin and ask him to take deep breaths and cough.
In case of an eye injury,the patient should be made to lay on her back,hold her head to keep it as still as possible and ask the patient to keep her uninjured eye still as that eye's movements can damage the injured eye further.
Next,give the patient a clean dressing and ask her to hold it over the injured eye and keep the good eye closed.
Trying pouring water over the affected area and if this doesn't help don't waste time but call the hospital immediately to prevent any further damage and save God's most precious gift and our most wonderful asset.
For me,a healthy lifestyle is all about making the right choices in daily life.You may be blazed of eating at home everyday and may want to eat out. Though it doesn't sound very healthy,by following a few guidelines,you can enjoy your food without compromising on what u love.
Opt for more portions of appetizers like fresh salad without dressings.Avoid fried starters which have high calorie counts.Say no to cheesy dips.Order a clear soup instead of a creamy one.
When ordering the main course look out for steamed,grilled or roasted options rather than fried ones. Avoid dishes with cream based sauces.Ask the waiter to get the food prepared in oils like olive,vegetable,groundnut,etc instead of cream,butter etc.
Prefer plain water or fruit juices or mock tails instead of carbonated drinks and order tea or coffee sugar free.
For dessert order fresh fruits or baked items instead of creamy puddings,mousse or flans etc.
Before leaving for the restaurant,eat something at home instead of heading straightway with an empty stomach.This way you have a tendency to stuff yourself to the brim.
Order protein based food from the menu instead opting for unlimited buffet meals.
Order smaller portions.Request for half portion or get it packed for another meal instead of finishing it then and there.
Eat in a relaxed manner,chewing properly.It enables better digestion and you enjoy your meal too.
Don't be shy to ask your server if the meat you ate was naturally raised without any growth hormones or if the dairy products were free of (rBGH) hormone which is used to increase milk production in animals or opt for local farm products and products with zero trans fat or a better option would be organic products.
Such a healthy choice can have a deep impact on your health thereby minimising disease risk and maximising longevity and a healthy lifestyle.
One of my earliest memories of life is that of exam fever.That period of life when tension and fear seemed to arouse most children before their exams as a result of which they go blank and cannot recall what they studied throughout the year.
My aunt who also happened to be my teacher played a pivotal role in emboldening me so that I could fare well in my exams as she too was the victim of exam fever during her school days. Her words had a deep impact on my mind and I came out with flying colours. This is what she always said...
- The determination to succeed against all odds is the first step in this regard.
- Too much discussions with fellow mates before entering the exam hall usually confuses the student.Staying up late at night from days before the exam process can be stressful and the student may not be able to deliver fruitfully.
- Planning a few things beforehand like organising ones pencil box with enough stock of pencils,pens,erasers,sharpeners,etc,re - checking the exam dates,exam location well ahead in time can help reduce stress.
- Avoiding negative discussions and arguments is equally important to refrain from stress.
- Gain self confidence be preparing throughout the year and not at the last moment.
- Undertake mock tests prepared by family members.
- A t
ime table followed religiously can never let exam fever overwhelm you. - Learn to distribute time during the course of exam and do not start writing immediately after receiving the question paper.Settle down properly,relax,take deep breaths and read the paper once or twice.Do not panic about the results now and start writing.
- Do not compare your answers with others.
- And most importantly,do not study continuously,take breaks in between. A walk in the nearby park may be a relaxing break and eat healthy too to maintain a good health not only during your exam but also otherwise.
Remember you tried your best and the rest is upto God.You may not be a genius at studies but every child is special in his or her own ways.Try to figure out what you enjoy doing, get fully engrossed in it and you will be amazed to see your life painted in rainbow hues.
As you had already read in my previous post that if a person's neck pulse is not felt for 10 seconds or a person is unconscious and not breathing,one should opt for cardiac compressions. The procedure to do so goes as follows:-
Run your finger along rib margin up to the junction of 2 margins,feel the bony point and keep one finger on that position and place the other 2 fingers of the other hand next to this finger towards the head. Then place the heel of your other hand a little above the first pointing towards the head,slide it down to meet the 2 fingers and place the first and on top of the other hand.
In the next step,you should get as close to the victim as possible and move the shoulder's directly above the victim's chest and press downwards upto 3-4 cms.You can use your body weight to rock forward and backward or use muscles to give compression. Remember to give compressions at a time followed by 2 breaths and remember to maintain the speed at about 100 compressions/ minute for an adult.Such compressions should be followed until the victim is shifted to a hospital or until he revives.
In the last step of CPCR,that's recovery,the steps are as follows:-One should open the airway and straighten the limbs of the victim and tuck the arm nearest to you under the thigh. Then the other arm across the victim's chest and place hand,palm facing outwards,against the cheek.
The victim's far leg should be pulled and the patient rolled towards you so that the victim is lying on his side.Then the patients upper leg at the knee should be bent so that it makes a right angle to the body.Lastly,ensure that the victim's airway is open and the lower arm is free and lying on its back with the palm facing upwards.
Keep following my forthcoming blog posts for even more vital life saving techniques like treating casualty during a heart attack,eye injury,convulsions in adult and children,poisoning,burns,etc.
One of the most simple life saving technique that each and every individual should know is what to do during a heart attack. Firstly,one should make the casualty comfortable which involves:-
- Make casualty sit in half sitting position.Support his shoulders,knees and head.
- Help the casualty have his tablets if any or use his puffer aerosol.
- Reassure casualty.
- Having the nearest medical centres ambulance service number is of utmost importance ,no matter what. Call the hospital and report an heart attack and also inform the patients doctor if possible.
- You should monitor the patients breathing and pulse constantly and last but not the least,the patient should be given a tablet of aspirin and ask him to take deep breaths and cough.
In case of an eye injury,the patient should be made to lay on her back,hold her head to keep it as still as possible and ask the patient to keep her uninjured eye still as that eye's movements can damage the injured eye further.
Next,give the patient a clean dressing and ask her to hold it over the injured eye and keep the good eye closed.
Trying pouring water over the affected area and if this doesn't help don't waste time but call the hospital immediately to prevent any further damage and save God's most precious gift and our most wonderful asset.
Recently my husband went through a practical workshop on treating casualties during an emergency in his office. As I went through his papers, I saw that there are many easy techniques that everyone can follow during an emergency.However, one should know the techniques before applying the same on someone. Hence,I decided to post some of those basic life saving techniques which can help everyone play a vital role during an emergency.
CPCR is one such basic life saving technique where C stands for Cardio,P stands for Pulmonary, C again for Cerebral and R for Resuscitation. When a person's heart or lungs are not performing naturally, CPCR is performed.
CPCR consists of three vital parts-the airway,breathing and circulation.
In a situation where a person becomes unconscious,his airway gets blocked.To enable the airway to function normally, one can give artificial breaths either by mouth to mouth technique or mouth to nose technique.
To do this,one should keep the airway open,pinch the nose trills,take a deep breath and try to seal in the victim's mouth with air for 2 seconds.
Another method is tilting the head and lifting the neck by placing one's hand on the jaw and other at the forehead and move both hands in opposite direction. However,this shouldn't be tried on person's with neck injury.
In such a case,jaw thrust method should be applied where one should use the fingers to hook the jawbone below the ear and pull with jaw forward.
To make sure that the victim is breathing you should look for chest movements,listen for breath sounds, or feel the air coming out of nose or mouth. But if no breathing is sensed for 10 seconds,one should proceed to artificial breaths.
For mouth to nose breath supply, you should try to keep the airway open,close the mouth of the victim, seal the victim's nose with your mouth,blow and watch for chest rise and take your head away.
However, one should always note very carefully that if the air goes into the stomach instead of lungs, it can be fatal,as the stomach which gets filled with air can suddenly release air back along with its contents which can get into the lungs.This can be prevented by using fingers to press downwards on the C shaped cartilage on the neck.
To check for Circulation,look for neck pulse for 10 seconds.If its not felt ,you should go ahead with external cardiac compressions.
To know the cardiac compression steps and recovery positions ,keep reading my forthcoming blog posts and don't forget any step in case of an emergency. A simple step of yours can bring life and smile into someones family.
If you want to explore the Religious side of Silicon India,then a visit to these temples is sure to soothen your nerves. Bangalore,the silicon valley of India is also the home to numerous temples and historical places.
Last weekend we set out on a temple tour of the city. Our first destination was the Ragigudda temple in the 9th block,Jayanagar locality of Bangalore. From a small idol on a hilltop,this temple has grown since 30 years and is now a popular tourist attraction. There are several idols and photography like most other Indian temple is not allowed in these premises. Spending an evening here after the lights are on and fountains spring up, can be a relaxing experience.
Our next destination was the Rajarajeshwari temple,located on the Bangalore-Mysore road.However as we reached there in the afternoon the temple was closed and would reopen only at 4pm in the evening.So,we just saw it from outside.However,as told by our guide it is one the masterpiece amongst the temples of Bangalore and is an excellent piece of Dravidian architecture.
Next we stopped at the Hanuman or Maruthi temple just opposite the ISKCON temple. There are huge idols of Hanuman and Mahalakshmi cut on the rocks of a hill. There are also some small shops in the campus selling religious Cd's,idols of Gods and Goddesses,key chains,etc which can be a good souvenir.
Finally we reached our main destination of the day,the much famed ISKCON temple also known as the Radha Krishna temple atop a hill in Rajajinagar.The huge temple complex is a blend of modern architecture and spirituality. As it was a weekend,there was a heavy rush and we had to be in a long Que for hours. However,once u step into the temple and start chanting the prayers at every step ,you forget all pain. Bhog or prasad is served to one and all and you can also relish various vegetarian food in the temple complex.Not to forget the numerous shops lined downstairs where u can buy various idols,decorative pieces,sweets,cakes,calendars,key chains and the holy Bhagavad Gita in various languages.
Our next day was reserved for a trip to the Kotilingeshwar temple in Kammassandra in the outskirts of the Bangalore city near Kolar,the place famous for its gold fields.The journey took us two and a half hours as the road was mostly under construction. But the scenery was beautiful with rocks and hills on both sides. On our way before we left the Bangalore city we also took a stop at the Hanuman temple near Agara with a huge idol of the Hanuman and a stop at the Sai Baba Ashram(Brindavan) in Whitefield,the summer abode of Sai Baba, where entry with shoes,cameras,mobile phones,handbags ,etc was not allowed.
The Shiva linga at kotilingeshwar temple is recognised at the highest in the world and there are millions of shiva lingas in the temple premises. One can donate a linga too.There are numerous temples where one can offer prayers with flowers and incense ,etc available outside the campus and a minimum entrance fees of Rs5 is charged per person. The clean premises is a sure shot peaceful retreat.If you wish ur dream to come true,don't forget to tie the special yellow thread with a piece of turmeric around the scared tree and don't forget to bring back home a shiva linga available in various materials. However,make sure you carry something to eat as there are not many good eating joints on the way except a cafe coffee day outlet and a few roadside dhabas.
Till I come back with more posts, enjoy the pictures taken during our trip.
It was my first trip to a hill resort in southern India and it turned out to be a completely rejuvenating experience. Yes, Ooty or Udhagamandalam nestled in the blue Nilgiri's is a land of picturesque beauty and a perfect destination for a romantic weekend getaway.
Among the popular sightseeing options,Doddabetta peak is the highest point in the Nilgiri's. At a distance of around 11 kms from the main town,the peak is at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats from where one can have a panoramic view of the Ooty and Ketty Valley. Enjoy a video taken during our trip from the peak. However,note that there is not such good eating joints there and hence its better to carry your food and water.
Since ours was a 2 days trip, we spent our first evening boating at the artificial Ooty lake.Make sure to reach well before 6o'clock as the lake closes at 6pm. A major attraction here was the thread garden ,an amazing collection of hand made vibrant flowers made of 60 million meter long thread where not a single needle or any machine has been used. Another favourite here was horse riding.
The rose garden was our next visit where there were 3600 varieties and is amongst the 14 rose gardens recognised in the world.
A visit to a tea factory and museum is a must if want to peep into the history of tea and try some authentic tea available in different flavours and oils from the Nilgiri's.However, such tea n oil is a popular product in every shop in Ooty.
Our last and most awaited stop in the town was the much famed botanical garden which however did not leave a very good impression on us as they charged us Rs45 for parking our car at a place for less than 5mins but had to be removed because of parking problem. Its a crowded place especially on weekends and there is a small market place too.But after entering the exotic garden which is considered the second largest in Asia we seemed to forget everything.
Our our return trip we came via the long route so that we could enjoy a refreshing boat ride on the much famed Pykara lake, the sacred river of the Todas,the original inhabitants of the Nilgiri's, where many bollywood scenes have been shot.Enjoy a video therein.
Like every woman,I too am a shopaholic,and could never come back without any souvenirs and what best can one opt for from the Nilgiri's than some tea ,spices and oils and not to miss the home made Ooty chocolates.
Though there are shops lined up along every street in Ooty,we found the best options on garden road, especially at NPS super market from where we bought ourselves loads of Ooty chocolates in various flavours and spices along with some genuine oils like eucalyptus oil, an antiseptic and deodorant, lemon grass oil for gastric and diarrhoea problems, lavender,geranium,citriodora for dandruff and hair fall, winter green for muscular pains, clove oil,olive oil,rose oil,almond oil ,etc to name a few.
Check out some of my Ooty and Coonoor videos shot during our trip to this magnificient hill station in the Nilgiri's on the right hand side of my blog under my youtube videos.
Coonoor ,the second largest hill resort in the Nilgiri's , famous for its verdant tea plantations,is yet another favourite amongst tourists. Do come back to know what we did in Coonoor before your plan your trip this weekendThe rising interest in Feng Shui across the globe has led to the increasing popularity of the Lucky Bamboo, a plant which the Chinese believe energizes ones home and daily life. As also a bamboo is enduring it symbolises man's ability to move forward in life against all odds.
The lucky bamboo which is available in most places and shops is usually a member of the Dracaena family and needs little care to flourish. However,instructions for its proper maintenance is rarely mentioned.
The plant which can be placed in any corner of the house, should be most favourably kept in either east or south east direction. Like other household plants which needs a lot of care,this small variety of bamboo needs little care- no direct sunlight,change of water often and to make sure that the water is clean enough and not salty or fluoridated which may lead to yellowish plants. You may also leave it in a jelly-like substance called polyacrylamide which will save your watering time as it helps store moisture and gradually releases it.
I was one of those lucky ones to find a red ribbon tied around its stalks which indicates fire.In other words the flow of positive energy in the house. However,note that you don't pick a four stalked group of the lucky bamboo as the word 'four' in Chinese sounds similar to death while three stalks are believed to draw in happiness, five draws wealth, seven for good health and twenty one is for overall power.
A staple in many Asian homes,this lucky easy to please bamboo plant if not a feng shui symbol can serve as an attractive decorative piece in any home.
2. 18 dkg powdered sugar
3. ¾ packet of baking powder
4. 0,75 dl sunflower oil
5. 0,75 dl lukewarm water
6. 2 egg yolk
7. 2 egg white beaten up
In our life the role of stress has often been downplayed.Be it a kid,a college student, a housewife or a working professional,anyone can be exposed to stress caused by hassles in daily life.
The medical dictionary defines stress as forces or pressure from innumerable sources encroaching on an individual which if taken positively can enable a person to learn and grow but has greater knock on effects.
The early symptoms of stress are:- fatigue,anger,negativity,depression,insomnia,feelings of distress,helplessness,failure,weight loss or increase,frequent headaches,suspiciousness, increase or decrease in appetite,etc.
Therefore,it is vital to identify the source of one's burn out and battle it out to lead a blissful life.This is how we can put the first step forward:-
- Learn to accept things which are not under one's control.It gives one peace of mind.
- Learn to be carefree.Remember the world would not end if you go on a break when you are feeling down.
- Learn to focus on important tasks instead of handling all things at one time. Go step by step to solve one area first,be it your job,your relationship,your goal,concentrate on one at a time.Don't think time is flying and you are becoming old.
- Learn to socialise.sit down or go out with those you feel comfortable and share your thoughts.
- Learn to eat healthy and exercise regularly forcefully even if you don't feel like. You will be amazed to see the wonders
- Learn to take a few mins of break everyday solely for yourself.Relax in a place you like and try to listen to your heart and figure out your goals.
- Learn to avoid violent,depressing,displeasing movies or shows as they will make you feel even more perturbed.
- Learn some kind of easing techniques like meditation,yoga,soothing music,fantasizing,etc.
- Learn to say 'No'. to alcohol,drugs and caffeine.
- Learn to feel nostalgic.Recallyour oldest,fondest,sweetest memories from a vacation,your first job offer or your first date.
- Learn to pamper yourself.go for a massage,shopping or visit a beauty parlour.
- Learn to avoid furious situations.Withdraw yourself from fights or negative conversations.
- Learn to pass on responsibilities.Do not overburden yourself with work that can be decentralised.
- Learn to circulate your thoughts and fears instead keeping it in your mind. A new input from a a new person can turn your life into a new direction.
- Learn to overcome shyness or embarrassness.Consult a psychologist who is a genius in this field.
- Above all,learn not to give up.Gather courage to move ahead in life no matter what.Nobody knows what the future hold for you and see miracles happen.
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