Category Archives: Diet And Food

The new buzzwords - Work from Home and Study from Home. Youve heard them before, but never have they seemed so relevant and urgent as they do today. Even as the world was slowly experimenting with a Work from Home [WFH] and Digital Learning model as a viable solution in urban spaces, the past twoweeks have made it a sudden on-ground reality. And to help you ease into this rapid shift quickly and productively, here are surefire hacks from experts the world over!

SET UP A WORKSTATION (NOT THE COUCH)Designate an area of your house as the place you will study or work from. It neednt be anything fancy, just a desk & chair to create a conducive, neutral space for you to focus. Make sure your chair is comfortable and you have a handy whiteboard and marker to make notes, reminders and timetables (especially after phone calls, video conferences and webinars).

MAKE LISTS (NOT PLAYLISTS)Lists are fun, lists make life easier! At least thats what the most efficient individuals believe. So, try this, every morning, just beforeyou start the days work, make a list of things youd like accomplished. Pro tip: Scribble the list on a surface you can change and alter through the day (because of course that list is going to change).

YOUR OWN BOOKMARKING MECHANISMAlthough there are plenty of phone and desktop apps that double up as digital sticky notes or reminders, nothing beats the real thing. Use the simplicity and efficiency of sticky notes to earmark a book, make a note, create a mind map and so much more. Students especially know how resourceful sticky notes can be as tabs, bookmarks and fact tablets.

SET REALISTIC WORK,STUDY HOURSNow that specific work and study login times seem elastic, set yourself a very clear start and end time. Same goes for students -since you dont have the delightful bell going off, its imperative that you set yourself healthy and regular start and end times. Keep an alarm, write your end time on your whiteboard - whatever works for you, but stick to it.

EAT A NUTRITIOUS, BALANCED DIETIn times such as these, it is important to eat healthy, nutritious food. And whether youre working or studying at home, make it a combined fun practice to schedule common break times so that you can eat andsnack as a family!

ARM YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT TOOLSIt is a proven fact that WFH was steadily going to be our common reality the world over even before this period of social distancing. Which is why you need to get your hands on products that help sustain your productivity at home. Be it stacks of sticky notes or easy to install whiteboard films in different sizes, these products can set you up and have you good to go, in a jiffy.

Sanjit Satapathy is the Head of Consumer Business at 3M India. He is the author of this article.

Go here to see the original:
Amid the Coronavirus outbreak, don't just study or work from home, get smarter at it! - EdexLive

Instagram is one of the most popular social media apps today. While many people love using it to keep up with friends, celebrities, and brands all over the world, there is no doubt that Instagram also has some negativity lurking around its corners.

Actress Jameela Jamil knows a lot about this, and she has been working to change the most toxic part of Instagram culture. After tirelessly fighting for what she believes in, Jamil actually got to celebrate a big win recently. Read on below to learn more about Jamils activism and what win she got to celebrate with fans.

Before venturing into acting, Jamil worked for a while as a model. Even as an actress now, Jamil is no stranger to getting criticism about her body. As such, she understands how hurtful societys narrow standards of beauty can be, especially when it comes to who can be defined as beautiful in the media.

Additionally, she also realizes that the images we see in the media do not reflect real life thanks to the widespread use of Photoshop.

In an op-ed about the danger airbrushing, Jamil said: I suffered from eating disorders as a teenager and so I know how damaging perfect images in magazines can be If you see a digitally enhanced picture of yourself, you run the risk of becoming acclimatised to that level of flawlessness and it makes it harder for you to accept your actual image the one that exists in real life, in the mirror.

She went on to share that more and more people in the U.K. are admitted to hospitals for eating disorders. Meanwhile the beauty and cosmetic procedure industries are booming, the diet industry is at an all-time high, and social media filters and photo editing apps have emerged, Jamil said.

Jamil also often posts pictures of herself that have not been Photoshopped and she encourages other celebrities to do the same. Additionally, she started an Instagram account called I Weigh to let users submit photos of themselves with blurbs about their accomplishments to celebrate their worth that goes beyond how much they weigh.

Jamil is also known for being vocal about the harmful effects of some ads on Instagram, specifically the detox tea that many stars promote. She has been known for criticizing celebrities like the Kardashian-Jenners for promoting detox tea to their impressionable audience.

She once commented on Khloe Kardashians ad by saying: If youre too irresponsible to: a) own up to the fact that you have a personal trainer, nutritionist, probable chef, and a surgeon to achieve your aesthetic, rather than this laxative product and b) tell them the side effects of this NON-FDA approved product, that most doctors are saying arent healthy Then I guess I have to.

Jamils activism on social media has not stopped people from promoting detox tea, but surely it has made many people more aware of the possible danger of consuming such a product.

In any case, one company Teami was recently hit with a $1 million fine by the Federal Trade Commission for failing to disclose sponsored ads and making misleading claims. Teami has previously worked with stars like Cardi B, Alexa Vega, and Kylie Jenner.

In response, Jamil shared a post talking about the news and said: If**king TOLD Ya. (Flicks hair).

While the fine against Teami proves to be a step in the right direction for body-positive activists like Jamil, its clear that there is a lot more work to be done to fix this toxic part of Instagram culture.

Excerpt from:
Jameela Jamil Helped Change the Most Toxic Part of Instagram Culture - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

None of us probably realised how quickly many of us would be working from home, whether by necessity or design.

If you havent done it before, then its an entirely new experience and you really should have a set of rules or guidelines to make it the most effective solution for everyone, writes.

Get out of your PJs

It sounds obvious and you dont need to leap out of bed into a three-piece suit but its important to time shift into work mode and changing how you dress is a key part of that transition.

Ideally, wear clothes youd like to be seen in out and about. Even though youre not physically at work, youll feel ready to take on the world, particularly if that includes an early morning video call with colleagues, which many companies are doing.

Your usual grooming habits should also apply whether thats shaving, brushing your hair or putting on make-up.

Create a work area in your home

It doesnt have to be a boardroom, but having a designated space to keep your work materials organised is important. This helps to keep your work and home zones separate as ideally, you need to preserve both.

For many, its not possible to have a full room as an office; others might have that luxury but all you need is a corner with a specific table and chair (or even just part of a table) to set your stuff on so it wont be disturbed when you leave work and is intact for your next working period.

Daylight is also really important to how you feel, so the closer to the source the better. Avoid working in areas other than your designated workspace and consciously finish at the end of each day by tidying up your stuff and happily shutting off your computer (or work connectivity).

Then, unless extremely urgent, you should also avoid looking at work-related emails on your phone outside of office hours. Theyll still be there for you to see the next day.

Work well, and know when to finish

Try and keep the same hours as you usually do in your office and work as productively and meaningfully as you possibly can.

Many people report that, without the immediate social interaction provided by office colleagues, their productivity initially increases and they get loads more done. That higher level of pace can be short-lived and you need to remember that working from home is not a race. It also shouldnt be unduly stressful as such.

Its also important to operate on the same schedule as the team you work with in your office, so there is collaboration and work sharing, particularly on important projects.

Your family or housemates need to know your working times too and that you will need to disconnect from them during the day, which is not always easy.

After a productive day, dont be tempted to carry on working into the evening just because, for example, there isnt much else to do. While you cant necessarily get out and about to meet people, you still need downtime to recharge your batteries and your mental wellbeing.

Enjoy reconnecting and giving those you care about at home your full attention. Open-air walks (including of course full social distancing), jogging, cycling, books and movies are all still viable and healthy options.

Newsflash tune in and tune out

The world is in a serious crisis and Ireland is too. If you want, you could have wall-to-wall news, a constant diet of social media and push alerts on every topic under the sun, particularly if it relates to COVID-19.

In todays tech-enabled age, there is a phenomenon we can call Information Anxiety Syndrome.

On the one hand, people feel they always need to know more; on the other, people feel overwhelmed by everything they see and hear in the media (which is currently very frenzied).

As Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said in his recent televised address, finding a balance is key. News is, of course, very important. Only tune into, read or browse your most trusted sources of media, which usually means our thankfully high-quality national news outlets and also includes many other reputable Irish and international sources.

Twice a day might be enough, its up to you but dont overdo it. Avoid the hundreds of scare messages that are doing the rounds. Its easy to get distracted so take deliberate breaks from all of that.

Turn off non-essential notifications and close any apps that are constantly clamouring for your attention. Be discerning and avoid being lured into fake news or circulating it. Youll feel more content to be in control.

Hello? Is there anybody there?

If you havent worked from home before it can be a bit of a culture shock, especially if youre suddenly launched into it as so many have been within the current crisis.

Its really important to stay in touch with your organisation, large or small. So that means communicating.

One-to-one contact with colleagues creates understanding and eases the path for collaborative working. So, if youd normally have a conversation or meeting about matters with a co-worker or your manager, you still need to do it and that means calling them by phone or video, usually for a quick chat or more detailed discussion on what needs to get done.

Its also important to know expectations about how often you should report or check-in. Many organisations and project teams are organising regular daily video calls. If your manager hasnt told you this, or you havent told your direct reports, you need to clarify that.

Of course, email and file sharing remain important. As would normally be the case, only copy in people who are directly involved in your work. This helps to avoid stressing people out who may also be busy on other fronts and in other work groups.

If in doubt on any aspect of your home working role, ask someone else how they are getting on and share tips and experiences.

Working from home can be somewhat isolating particularly under the current circumstances. It may take time, but everything will work out. You should also keep some notes of the tasks you have accomplished and your personal experience in home working to feed this back to your organisation in due course.

Socialise, while social distancing

Working remotely, particularly for the first time, it can be hard to maintain the bit of banter and friendly interaction that characterises every great place to work. So, apart from using your technology just for work, stay in touch with colleagues by phone, video, emails and social media, particularly at normally designated break times, for example by organising a virtual lunch or coffee break.

Continue your usual social interaction with colleagues by reaching out and chatting regularly. This is also particularly helpful for any colleagues who may be a bit stressed out by everything thats going on.

A friendly word, a cheerful smile, even through the medium of technology, means everything.

Finally, when you get home from work (imagining that transition in your own home as such), be sure to socialise with family and friends, particularly anyone who is self-isolating at this time and anyone who is vulnerable or elderly.

The latest films, books, and yes, even the news, are a good place to start. The immediate novelty, if thats what it is, of home working could wear off a bit in the weeks and months ahead but by having a well-structured routine and ensuring ongoing, regular interaction with colleagues and friends, you will prevail.

John Cunningham is the commercial director of recruiter Morgan McKinley

Get our Daily Briefing with the mornings most important headlines for innovative Irish businesses.

See more here:
Get out of your PJs - some practical advice on working from home - Fora.ie

Coronavirus quarantine plan: Start your day with surya namaskar

Coronavirus lockdown and self-isolation has resulted in changes in people's routines. Everyone is now working from home and this is likely to bring a change in physical activity and eating habits. In order to help follow a routine, celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar shared a quarantine plan that can help in keeping your weight and health in check. The plan includes a routine which you can follow throughout the day as your self-quarantine. It includes the type of workout you can when at home, the meals and in-between snacking options as well.

Following is the plan which Diwekar shared on Instagram. It is simple and easy to follow.

You should do five rounds of sun salutations in morning as part of your workout. Apart from aiding weight loss, this yoga routine can help you have a glowing skin, boost your digestive system, ensure a regular menstrual cycle, regulate blood sugar levels, reduce anxiety and can even prevent insomnia. Read here to know how to do surya namaskar.

Also read:Coronavirus Outbreak: Doctor's Advice For People With Health Conditions

After doing your morning workout routine, you can have a handful of soaked almonds and raisins. It can help in giving the right kickstart to your day.

Start your day with a handful of soaked almondsPhoto Credit: iStock

A homemade hot breakfast made can work wonders for your health. On your day of quarantine, you can have poha with peanuts. This breakfast is considered to be good for diabetics. It is easily digestible and low in calories. Adding peanuts to poha adds a dash of protein to the meal. Poha and peanuts can make for a filling and wholesome breakfast which can reduce your cravings for the rest of the day.

Also read:Did You Have Fresh, Homemade Breakfast Today? Why Rujuta Diwekar Recommends Doing This Daily

With the slight rise in temperature, a glass of lemon water or nimbu sherbet will hydrate and refresh you. It will also help in improving the electrolyte balance in your body.

Dal rice and pickle can make for a perfect lunch option. Dal rice is a meal with a complete amino acid profile. According to city-based nutritionist Pooja Malhotra, "Rice contains cysteine and methionine, both of which are lacking in lentils. Similarly, lentils contain lysine, the amino acid which grains lack." Top your dal rice with a dollop of ghee. It will not only make the meal more delicious, but will also help you absorb all nutrients from dal rice and from spices like turmeric and cumin. A small serving of pickles on the will provide your gut with good bacteria, which in turn will help in improving your overall digestion.

Peanuts are one of the healthiest legumes in existence. They are an excellent plant-based source of protein and are high in numerous vitamins, minerals and plant compounds. They can be included in a weight loss diet and can help in reducing risk of heart disease and gallstones. A handful of peanuts after your lunch can fill you up as well.

Also read:Reasons Why Peanuts Should Be Your Favourite Snack

This is the best time to have early dinner. With everyone at home, dinner preparations can be done accordingly. A besan cheela can make for a healthy and wholesome breakfast in your quarantine days. Prepare it with chopped onion, green chillies, tomatoes and spices like cumin, hing, turmeric, red chilli powder and salt.

At bed time, you can either have a cup of turmeric milk, or you can have turmeric, saunth (dried ginger) and jaggery laddoo. It can enhance your sleep quality and also works well in improving your immunity.

Have a cup of turmeric milk at bed time to give a boost to your immunityPhoto Credit: iStock

Stay indoors and stay safe, everyone!

Also read:Have Early Dinners, Eat All Your Meals On Time: Nmami Agarwal Gives Diet Tips For Night Shift Workers

(Rujuta Diwekar is a nutritionist based in Mumbai)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

Continue reading here:
Coronavirus: Follow This Quarantine Plan By Celeb Nutritionist To Manage Your Health And Fitness - NDTV News

With fears of coronavirus cases on the rise, people are practicing social distancing and working from home. While you may be tempted snack a lot at this time, its a good idea to avoid binge-eating and exercise portion control. If you are a tea lover, go beyond the Assam or English Breakfast variety. There are a number of teas you can try1) Fennel tea: Had a heavy meal? Try this tea. All you need is to take half a teaspoon of fennel seeds and add them to your hot water. Let it boil for a minute and drink. Its aids digestion and reduces the bloated feeling. 2) Mint tea: Want a refresher? Try some mint tea. To make it, take fresh mint leaves and add them to hot water. Let it steep in this. Add honey if you want a sweetener. Peppermint tea also works well for digestion. In Morocco, the tea is called Maghrebi mint tea. 3) Hibiscus tea: Aromatic hibiscus tea is made from dried flower petals. You steep the flowers on water until you get the crimson drink. You can also add a small piece of cinnamon or ginger to it. To make an iced version, strain and add ice cubes to it.4) Chamomile tea: With its pleasant taste, chamomile makes for a comforting tea. It is also a relaxing brew. People usually drink it at night. 5) Rose tea: Subtle in taste, rose tea is made by mixing dried rose buds in a tea pot of hot water. It is allowed to steep and then enjoyed with or without sugar.

Follow this link:
Teas to sip on while working from home - Times of India

When suffering from stress, anxiety, exhaustion or burnout, your physical and mental health may be affected in many different ways. One of which, that is lesser recognised, is the strain these conditions put on your oral health. Here, dentist Dr Sunny Sihra, owner of SimplyTeeth tells us exactly what stress can do to our dental health.

Stress can often lead to poor self-hygiene due to ones mind being preoccupied with things such as work or personal issues (or global pandemics). You may find yourself losing interest in your oral health, and without daily flossing, brushing and use of mouthwash, this can ultimately lead to problems down the line with your teeth such as cavities, ulcers and gum issues. Many people with burnout may skip brushing their teeth altogether. This will create a build-up of plaque and over time will increase your chances of needing emergency dental work.

If youre stressed and find that youre grinding or clenching your teeth a lot more often than usual, you might be suffering with a condition called bruxism. Bruxism is essentially where people clench their teeth for periods of time during the day, as well as grinding them at night, which is more commonly known as sleep bruxism. Stress can cause constant worrying and over-thinking, which can affect your body when asleep and cause you to grind your teeth. The symptoms of bruxism are increased tooth sensitivity and a decrease of enamel on the tooth; jaw soreness and tight jaw muscles; loose or chipped teeth; a headache that is focused around the temples; and loud grinding of your teeth at night. Bruxism is mostly associated with stress, and many people find they develop it when they have a lot of things on their mind - but habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption and too much caffeine can increase your risk of bruxism. If you think you are suffering you should consult your dentist or GP to see if they can provide guidance.

Stress from burnout can affect your immune system which fights against the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, making a person more susceptible to oral infection, inflamed and bleeding gums, and eventually gum disease. Studies have shown that those with greater risk of developing gum disease, otherwise known as periodontal disease, are people with highly emotional issues, social issues, and those suffering with financial or work troubles. So, if your job or social life is causing you to experience burnout and develop severe stress, then statistically you are more likely to develop long-term issues with your gums.

A poor diet is often associated with stress, as those with a lot on their mind and working long hours will most likely want to eat quick and easy foods, or skip meals - meaning they wont be getting the proper vitamins and nutrients they need for optimum health. A poor diet can naturally lead to teeth troubles, especially if you are consuming more caffeine than usual (which will contribute to the yellowing of the teeth), a larger alcohol consumption or sugary drinks, which can promote teeth cavities, as well as plaque build-up.

Stress is one of the main reasons you could be suffering with a dry mouth. You may find yourself having a dry mouth before stressful appointments such as work meetings or presentations, and those with high pressured or busy jobs who are more likely to experience burnout often suffer with this oral condition. Dry mouth essentially means a lack of saliva in your mouth and saliva is imperative as it has many oral health benefits, including washing away food particles from your teeth and gums.

CoffeeAndMilkGetty Images

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) is a condition that many people suffer with when they are stressed or exhausted from working long hours. If you're stressed to the point of clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth, you can develop tooth pain associated with the temporomandibular joint. Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw can put additional stress on the muscles of the mouth area which can cause quite persistent toothache and pain.

Its not just the teeth and gums that suffer when going through a burnout stage, your lips can also feel the brunt of it and can become really dry, chapped, cracked or bruised from stress. Dry or cracked lips may also be down to a lack of self-care as a lot of overworked people forget to apply lip balm, salve or moisturiser, and this can worsen over the winter months. But you may also find your lips starting to look cut and bruised - this can be from lip biting and nipping of the skin. If youre not drinking enough water throughout the day this will also have adverse effect on your lips, preventing them from being hydrated, healthy and moisturised.

See the original post:
Ways stress can affecting your teeth, gums and mouth - harpersbazaar.com

The director general gave a really good speech on Friday, and I am sharing it here, to help people have more courage in what are going to be difficult times.

Up until March 20th, the WHO said this is the first pandemic we can stop.

Now the WHO say that Wuhan has its first day with no cases which shows the world that even the most severe situation can be turned around.

They are particularly concerned about the effects if it reaches vulnerable populations of malnourished children and people with AIDS which is endemic in parts of sub Saharan Africa.

He says however none of this is inevitable. This is the first pandemic in history where we have the power to change the way it goes.

He then ended with some encouraging advice to help prepare people for the situation we are in where many of us are going to need to spend more time physically alone. However we are together in other ways over the internet through modern technology.

In the questions and answers they talked about how they call this physical distancing now rather than social distancing because we can still socialize online and with modern technology.

(Depending on where you live and the local advice you may be advised to reduce physical interactions with others to a minimum - I am living in one such region myself)

The transcriptions for the Q/A are not ready yet.

Here is a rewrite of the main points in his speech to help some of the autistic people I help, who need things put in a more direct fashion sometimes and get confused by indirect and alusive speech. I also will add some asides to help if needs be.

The speech itself follows after.

This is another article I'm writing to support people we help in the Facebook Doomsday Debunked group, that find us because they get scared, sometimes to the point of feeling suicidal about it, by such stories.

Please share with friends if it helps you - they may be panicking too.

Every death is a tragedy. At 200,000 cases and 9,000 deaths, every death is a motivation to double down and do everything we can to stop transmission and save lives.

Wuhan had no cases yesterday. Wuhan provides hope for the rest of the world, that even the most severe situation can be turned around.

Of course we need caution - it could start up again in China. However, the experience of cities and countries that have pushed back this virus give hope and courage to the rest of the world.

We have learnt that though this virus hits oldest people most of all, young people are not invincible. This virus could put you in hospital for weeks, or even kill you.

[Aside: He is saying this not to scare you, but to try to get young people to take this more seriously - there are young people in America particularly who are just ignoring instructions to try to limit the spread of COVID-19 and he is doing this to get their attention - if you are young you still need to follow the instructions to keep yourself and everyone else safe

See also my How To Protect Yourself From COVID-19 - And Help Stop The Spread - If Everyone Did This The Epidemic Would Soon Stop]

Also if you are young, even if you don't get very sick, the choices you make about where you go could be the difference between life and death for someone else.

I am grateful to young people who are spreading the word rather than the virus. Solidarity is the key to defeating COVID-19 - solidarity between countries, but also between age groups.

Our greatest concern is the impact this virus could have if it gains a foothold in countries with weaker health systems, or with vulnerable populations.

[Aside: by vulnerable people here, he is talking about, for instance, refugee camps, or countries with malnourished children, also in sub-Saharan Africa there are many people who have AIDS which weakens your immune system and would make you more vulnerable to COVID-19 - I know this from previous press briefings]

This concern is now very real and urgent.

If this disease takes hold in these countries, there could be significant sickness and loss of life.

However none of this is inevitable. This is the first pandemic in history where we have the power to change the way it goes.

The WHO have said this all along. Up to now they have been emphasizing that we can stop it. But today he didnt go as far as to say that. Instead he says we have the power to change the way it goes.

From the start of the speech, he also said that Wuhan shows that there is great promise and hope.

We can definitely still stop this. But as they have said in answers to questions, some countries are still not taking this seriously enough and a couple are no longer trying to contain the virus.

We are still in control, and we can for the first time in history change the way it goes.

The WHO has faced shortages of supplies of personal protective equipment for its warehouse in Dubai. Jack Ma and his foundation and Aliko Dangote have helped to provide essential supplies.

They have also found some producers in China who have agreed to supply WHO and they are in the middle of finalizing arrangements to refill their warehouse so that they can supply personal protection equipment to whoever needs it most.

They are also working on ways to increase the number of diagnostic tests available.

Kuwait has contributed 40 million U.S. dollars to the WHO global response to COVID-19.

WHO have updated their guidelines to companies. They also advise individuals.

For many people, life is changing dramatically

[Aside: The Director General now gives lots of good advice for people who are learning to live in these new conditions.]

My family is no different my daughter is now taking her classes online from home because her school is closed.

During this difficult time, its important to continue looking after your physical and mental health. This will not only help you in the long-term, it will also help you fight COVID-19 if you get it.

If your local or national guidelines allow it, go outside for a walk, a run or a ride, and keep a safe distance from others. If you cant leave the house, find an exercise video online, dance to music, do some yoga, or walk up and down the stairs.

If youre working at home, make sure you dont sit in the same position for long periods. Get up and take a 3-minute break every 30 minutes.

We will be providing more advice on how to stay healthy at home in the coming days and weeks.

Supporting other people in your community can help you as much as it does them. Check in on neighbours, family and friends. Compassion is a medicine.

Listen to music, read a book or play a game.

And try not to read or watch too much news if it makes you anxious. Get your information from reliable sources once or twice a day.

To increase access to reliable information, WHO has worked with WhatsApp and Facebook to launch a new WHO Health Alert messaging service.

This service will provide the latest news and information on COVID-19, including details on symptoms and how to protect yourself.

The Health Alert service is now available in English and will be introduced in other languages next week.

To access it, send the word "hi" to the following number on WhatsApp: +41 798 931 892. We will make this information available on our website later today.

COVID-19 is taking so much from us. But its also giving us something special the opportunity to come together as one humanity to work together, to learn together, to grow together.

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening, wherever you are.

Every day, COVID-19 seems to reach a new and tragic milestone.

More than 210,000 cases have now been reported to WHO, and more than 9,000 people have lost their lives.

Every loss of life is a tragedy. Its also motivation to double down and do everything we can to stop transmission and save lives.

We also need to celebrate our successes. Yesterday, Wuhan reported no new cases for the first time since the outbreak started.

Wuhan provides hope for the rest of the world, that even the most severe situation can be turned around.

Of course, we must exercise caution the situation can reverse. But the experience of cities and countries that have pushed back this virus give hope and courage to the rest of the world.

Every day, we are learning more about this virus and the disease it causes.

One of the things we are learning is that although older people are the hardest hit, younger people are not spared.

Data from many countries clearly show that people under 50 make up a significant proportion of patients requiring hospitalization.

Today, I have a message for young people: you are not invincible. This virus could put you in hospital for weeks, or even kill you.

Even if you dont get sick, the choices you make about where you go could be the difference between life and death for someone else.

Im grateful that so many young people are spreading the word and not the virus.

As I keep saying, solidarity is the key to defeating COVID-19 - solidarity between countries, but also between age groups.

Thank you for heeding our call for solidarity, solidarity, solidarity.

===

Weve said from the beginning that our greatest concern is the impact this virus could have if it gains a foothold in countries with weaker health systems, or with vulnerable populations.

That concern has now become very real and urgent.

We know that if this disease takes hold in these countries, there could be significant sickness and loss of life.

But that is not inevitable. Unlike any pandemic in history, we have the power to change the way this goes.

WHO is working actively to support all countries, and especially those that need our support the most.

As you know, the collapse of the market for personal protective equipment has created extreme difficulties in ensuring health workers have access to the equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

This is an area of key concern for us.

We have now identified some producers in China who have agreed to supply WHO.

Were currently finalizing the arrangements and coordinating shipments so we can refill our warehouse to ship PPE to whoever needs it most.

Our aim is to build a pipeline to ensure continuity of supply, with support from our partners, governments and the private sector. I am grateful to Jack Ma and his foundation as well as Aliko Dangote for their willingness to help provide essential supplies to countries in need.

To support our call to test every suspected case, we are also working hard to increase the global supply of diagnostic tests.

There are many companies globally that produce diagnostic kits, but WHO can only buy or recommend kits that have been evaluated independently, to ensure their quality.

So we have worked with FIND the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics to contract additional labs to evaluate new diagnostics.

In parallel, were working with companies to secure the supply and equitable distribution of these tests.

And were also working with companies to increase production of the other products needed to perform the tests, from the swabs used to take samples to the large machines needed to process them.

Were very grateful for the way the private sector has stepped up to lend its support to the global response.

Just in the past few days Ive spoken with the International Chamber of Commerce, with many CEOs through the World Economic Forum, and with the B20 group of business leaders from the G20 countries.

We understand the heavy financial toll this pandemic is taking on businesses and the global economy.

Were encouraged by the solidarity and generosity of business leaders to use their resources, experience and networks to improve the availability of supplies, communicate reliable information and protect their staff and customers.

And were also encouraged that countries around the world continue to support the global response. We thank Kuwait for its contribution of 40 million U.S. dollars.

In addition to increasing access to masks, gloves, gowns and tests, were also increasing access to the evidence-based technical guidance countries and health workers need to save lives.

WHO has published guidelines for health ministers, health system administrators, and other decision-makers, to help them provide life-saving treatment as health systems are challenged, without compromising the safety of health workers.

The guidelines detail actions all countries can take to provide care for patients, regardless of how many cases they have. They also outline specific actions to prepare health systems, according to each of the 4 Cs no cases, sporadic cases, clusters of cases, and community transmission.

These guidelines provide a wealth of practical information on screening and triage, referral, staff, supplies, standard of care, community engagement and more.

We encourage all countries to use these and the many other guidelines, which are all available on the WHO website.

But were not only advising countries. We also have advice for individuals around the world, especially those who are now adjusting to a new reality.

We know that for many people, life is changing dramatically.

My family is no different my daughter is now taking her classes online from home because her school is closed.

During this difficult time, its important to continue looking after your physical and mental health. This will not only help you in the long-term, it will also help you fight COVID-19 if you get it.

First, eat a health and nutritious diet, which helps your immune system to function properly.

Second, limit your alcohol consumption, and avoid sugary drinks.

Third, dont smoke. Smoking can increase your risk of developing severe disease if you become infected with COVID-19.

Fourth, exercise. WHO recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a say for adults, and one hour a day for children.

If your local or national guidelines allow it, go outside for a walk, a run or a ride, and keep a safe distance from others. If you cant leave the house, find an exercise video online, dance to music, do some yoga, or walk up and down the stairs.

Visit link:
WHO COVID19 Mar 20 - Message Of Courage And Hope In Difficult Times - First Pandemic In History With Power To Change Way It Goes - Science 2.0

This article is inThe Spectators April 2020 US edition.Subscribe here to get yours.

Since late last summer, Ive been experimenting with something pretty crazy. Its not drugs. Nor is it a trendy celebrity religion. Its meat. Like Jordan Peterson and other great apes, Im on the carnivore diet.

The carnivore diet is a lot simpler than keto, for example, which involves counting macronutrients. On carnivore, you merely refrain from eating anything that isnt an animal product. Beef, lamb, chicken, pork and seafood are all in, but vegetables, fruit and grains are out. Its reverse veganism, or the hunter-gatherer diet, but with more hunting and no gathering.

Apart from those who work at a zoo, most people know of the carnivore diet because of Peterson and his daughter Mikhaila. As the Petersons explained to Joe Rogan on his podcast, a meat-only diet had alleviated their chronic health issues. Rogan then tried the diet himself for a month. He lost weight, gained energy, experienced fewer aches and pains and even saw improvements in his vitiligo.

Ah, you might be thinking. So its a trendy celebrity diet youve been trying then. Gotcha.

I suppose thats fair enough. But celebrities are far from the only ones singing the praises of sinking your teeth into our foraging friends. Online carno-forums are growing like mushrooms (which I no longer eat). Reddits Zero Carb group apparently boasts more than 100,000 flesh-eating members.

Ive been on and off carnivore for about six months now. Ive had the same conversations over and over again with my friends and family about my apparently bizarre gustatory regimen. Im neither a doctor nor a nutritionist, so I cant help anyone there, but what I do know about is bathroom trouble and really good sleep. So theres that.

Why? Why would you do this? they ask, buttering another slice of toast.

For many people, the carnivore diet appeals for reasons of weight loss. White bread and potatoes are not part of the animal kingdom. While I have lost weight on the diet, that wasnt my reason for trying it. I was actually seeking relief from general health problems.

I wasnt always this way, but for the past few years Ive had almost no energy. I had trouble sleeping. I had an immune system so weak that I often referred to myself as Bubble Boy. Id come down with a cold or flu-like symptoms almost every month and was bedridden for at least three days each time.

I went to doctors and had all sorts of tests done, but nobody could explain what was wrong with me. Id heard about the carnivore diet from Peterson and was curious about it, but I finally decided to give it a try when a doctor told me to experiment with my diet because our microbiomes affect our general health .

Does it work? they ask, skeptically dipping a handful of French fries in ketchup.

I cant speak for anyone else but for me, the answer is a huge, resounding Yes! I started feeling different within the first week. My energy levels were off the charts. I had more concentration. I was falling asleep easier. I was waking up earlier than normal yet feeling more rested. After a few more weeks, I began to notice further changes. My runny nose was gone. I didnt feel as anxious as I usually did. And I stopped suffering those mysterious monthly illnesses. Im still no fitness model on Instagram, but I feel well enough to go to the gym now. This is a huge improvement.

Isnt that unhealthy? they ask, munching their kale.

I dont know whether Im technically healthy on a meat diet, but I know for certain that I feel healthier than I have in years. I actually feel like a 25-year-old (my actual age), rather than a middle-aged invalid who happens to have great skin.

I will get my blood tested for nutrient levels in the next few months, to check the long-term prospects of this diet. But frankly, regardless of what the tests say, I am not going back to the way I felt before. Health isnt just a bunch of numbers on a chart. Its also being able to live your life without feeling sick and tired all the time. Ill take 35 or 40 more years of feeling great over 50 more years of sickness, fatigue and anxiety.

Isnt it better to just eat a balanced diet? they wonder, eating pita chips and guacamole.

That depends on what you mean by better. I certainly didnt feel better when I was eating a balanced diet. Over the past six months, Ive relaxed the strict carnivore system and experimented with reintroducing certain food groups. I tried adding leafy greens into the mix for a week, and at one point I also embraced dairy. I even fell off the wagon for the holidays last year. My fall was broken by apple pie and mashed potatoes.

I wish it werent the case, but the more Ive strayed from the herd of carnivorous eaters, the worse Ive felt. I would love to eat bread, vegetables and fruit, and I do plan to keep experimenting with adding different items back into my diet. But the sad truth is that so far, whenever I reintroduce non-meat foods, even in small amounts, the more I start feeling like I used to. Which is terrifying.

Hows yourdigestion? the amateur bowel specialists ask.

This is by far the most common question I get about the carnivore diet. Is it because were taught that fiber (absent from animal products) is the be-all and end-all of our peristaltic movements? Or is it because the Petersons and Rogan shared with thousands of appalled listeners how starting carnivore caused tidal waves of diarrhea? Whatever the reason, everyone now knows that when you start carnivore, you get the runs.

Yes, I did go through a memorable and fluently productive transition period. As with most carnivores, the diarrhea lasted only about two weeks, like similar episodes in all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. Im now totally fine, and fully in control. Thanks for asking.

So, would you recommend trying the carnivore diet? they ask, despite the digestive transition.

You know what? No, I wouldnt. But not for the reasons you might think. Ive had great results with the carnivore diet, but if its taught me anything, its how differently diets can affect each of us. I felt terrible while I was eating healthy foods that make other people feel great. And even though I feel the best when eating only meat, I know vegans who say the same about their diets.

Im not telling anyone what to eat or not to eat. Experiment. Talk to your doctor. Find what works best for you. My only advice is that we should all be more mindful of how our diets affect our day-to-day wellbeing. Food is more important to health than we think. There may come a day when scientists create a brownie or Big Mac that helps our bodies run optimally. Sadly, that day is not today. Instead, I shall be eating smoked salmon, bone marrow and some grilled chicken breasts. It could be worse, and so could I.

This article is inThe Spectators April 2020 US edition.Subscribe here to get yours.

Link:
The carnivore confessions: I've never felt better than on my meat-only diet - The Spectator USA

This or that? A nutritionist shares the ideal lifestyle, and diet to follow during the coronavirus pandemic | Photo credits:  

New Delhi: Theres probably not even a child around who doesnt know about the coronavirus, how it spread, what the global and local rate of infection is, and now how to even combat it with Vitamin C and immunity drinks, the works!

I see everyone responsibly limiting social activity and containing themselves at home. Not without good reason as we know that social distancing is the call of the day.

But humans are humans while we sit at home either working or twiddling thumbs, not knowing what to do next or which movie to draw our attention to, there is a huge possibility to eat. We assume that the next 2 weeks may see us cutting ourselves off completely from each other looking at the faces of just our immediate family. Board games will fail, boredom if not already will set in and then the danger to the healthy lifestyle you have achieved may begin. In the face of the global crisis, this is a small problem and yet we could use this self-quarantine more effectively.

We have 2 options

Option 1

Circadian cycle slip. After working from home and navigating work stress for the day, allowing yourself to keep awake at night playing games or watching shows. Anyway, you dont have to drive to work the next day, so you could sleep in a little more the next morning. You could bite into that pie called binge-watching. Its okay.

Eat for now. To give ourselves the leeway to eat for just this period, any way you are at home and relaxing, spending time with family and so, its okay to eat. Just for now. Just for these 2 weeks. Its okay.

No workouts. Gyms, swimming pools and group classes have all been annulled. Well, you have been exercising regularly, so the possibility is high that you give yourself a break from exercise too. Its okay.

Daily alcohol. The large scope for inactivity could lead to the self-invited to have a drink daily. It relaxes your muscles, takes the edge away from the anxiety of not knowing what awaits us, relaxes us. Come on. Its okay.

There could be too many okays. So, chances are that when this period is over, whether it is 2 or 3 weeks and life does get back to routine, you have inadvertently undone a lot of the good lifestyle you had created for yourself with effort. And you may come out of the self-quarantine sleep deprived, feeling heavier, lazier and will be hustled into your routine which will be as tumultuous as it was before, if not more.

Option 2

Or you could use this decelerated pace in life to your advantage. You will have relatively more time on your hands. You save at least on driving time. In the metros like Bangalore and Mumbai, you could use that time to run a parallel economy!

Get your sleep, in order. With so much time on your hands, its easy to develop a good sleep routine for yourself. Sleep by 11 pm and clock in at least 7-8 hours of restful Nidra.

You are at home with the food available at your disposal. Plan your meals and eat right, eat clean. Eat at the right intervals. Do not eat in-between meals. These are the basic rules most simple, most effective too. Drink enough water you dont have to now climb floors to get to the loo!

For those who havent tried the intermittent schedule of eating now maybe the right time to experiment. I do not advocate 16 hours, but 12-14 hours is doable for most! On the pretext of the IF, you could eliminate late-night eating, so tag along on the IF bandwagon. Try it, it may not work for everybody.

Exercise could be back to the basics. Skipping, dancing at home (this could be so much fun with the family), floor exercises, crunches and functional exercises. Self-driven exercise routines arent stressful. They can be regular and quite effective. Stretch yourself well, walk around the house as you talk on the phone and catch up with age-old friends & family.

Limit your alcohol consciously to 3 servings a week just as you may have done when you were socially active or even less. Now theres now one to force you to have that just another drink.

Its all perspective. Its how you want to see the environment around you. Its how you use the raw material given to you and turn it around to use it well and in a way that helps your way forward.

Lets use this time to catch up on sleep, give our body some much-needed rest, spend more quality time with family, cook, eat without hurry, look out the window, self-introspect, explore possibilities of redesigning our life and taking those important decisions we had pushed for lack of time.

Disclaimer: The author, Anupama Menon, Nutritionist and Food Coach, is a guest contributor and part of our medical experts' panel. Views expressed are personal.

Read more:
This or that? A nutritionist shares the ideal diet, lifestyle to follow during the coronavirus pandemic - Times Now

High in protein and low on fats, makhana is an ideal snack for everyone from diabetics to those trying to lose weight!

Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, are a favourite crunchy snack in most Indian households. It is usually brought out during fasting days such as on Navratri; but should be consumed on a regular basis to reap its many health benefits.

The crispy treats are a delight to be had in-between meals. Its just the perfect health snack that marries great taste. Rich in protein and low on fats, its ideal for everybody from diabetics to people working on weight loss.

Need more reasons to bring them into your snacking routine?

Here are six reasons why you must include this superfood in your everyday routine:

Any food that can help shed extra kilos is good food. A cup of makhana contains about 83 calories, which is negligent if you want to binge eat in-between meals. Additionally, the protein in it tends to keep you fuller for long; and avoids you to overeat at meal-time. They also have negligible saturated fat content, making it a healthy food for the body.

Makhana is choco-full of antioxidants called kaempferol that fight against inflammation and harmful free radicals in the body. Which in turn slows down the ageing process, meaning it fights hair loss, greying hair and wrinkled skin.

Uber rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium, makhana is said to maintain heartbeat, control blood pressure and sustain cardiac health. It is also a rich source of folate a key vitamin which plays an important role in guarding heart health.

Makhana have a low glycemic index, and a fair amount of carbohydrates. A small portion of roasted makhana can easily be included in a diabetic diet. However, if youre on insulin, you must consult the doctor before making it a part of your diet since it has the tendency to reduce sugar levels.

If youre a vegetarian, you could include makhana in your daily diet for a good dose of protein. A cup of makhana consists of 3.9 grams of protein, which is great for building muscle mass and promoting cell growth. Its a plant-based protein, so ideal for vegans too.

The high fibre content of makhanas help in the bowel movement. So, if you grapple with constipation or indigestion, this superfood is a must-have. Theyre also gluten-free; so theres no scope of a problem arising in case youre gluten-intolerant.

You could stock up on makhanas in various flavours such as salt and pepper, sour cream and onion and even the spicy piri-piri so you dont get bored of them!

Also Read: Avocado to Sesame: 6 Rare Oils to Take Your Heath & Recipes a Notch Higher

(Edited by Saiqua Sultan)

More here:
Crunchy & Healthy: 6 Reasons to Include The Superfood Makhana in Your Diet - The Better India