Office must haves ?

Considering the fact that we spend half our lives at office, it's important that the environment is healthy.

Though many companies don't realize  there are some factors that boost employee satisfaction levels. Here are a few aspects to keep work environment motivating and pleasant.

Rest room: Everybody cares about personal hygiene. So a clean toilet is very important for a office. Studies have suggested that employees do see a clean toilet as one of their criteria to decide on a company.

Let there be light: Neon bulbs, fall ceiling lights no doubt beautify workplace. However, there should be natural light too. A well illuminated workplace will ensure employees don't complain about eyesight problems.

Oxygen: Keep the temperature tolerable. Too much or too less AC will have an adverse effect on health. Just because the company has a centralized air conditioning system doesn't mean the windows have to be sealed. In the eventuality of AC breakdown, natural air will be a sure savior.

Green space: No, we are not asking you to paint the place green. Small indoor plants (also called houseplants) not just enhance the look of the place, but also purify the air. However, make sure you choose plants that can survive in air-conditioned atmospheres.

Games: With high work pressure, fatigue setting in is natural. Games are great stress busters. It does improve productivity. You could perhaps have some indoor games  board games, table tennis etc

Add colour to life: Wall colors might have a significant impact on people's mind. Thus make sure the walls aren't too gaudy. Opt for soothing hues for a calming effect.

Wall art: Nothing puts you off than an empty wall. Office is supposed to be a lively and creative place where employees look for inspiration. Hence, put up some interesting wall hangers to deck up the walls. They are sure to add life to the otherwise gloomy environment.

Water: Contaminated water is the root cause for many diseases. An organisation must ensure a supply of pure water in the best interests of the employees' health.

Refreshment: Most offices these days serve coffee/tea to their employees at their desk. This way you can prevent employees from frequently stepping out for tea breaks. If the company can have an in-house canteen, then even better.

Be prepared for emergencies: First aid kit, fire extinguisher, smoke alarms are a must in every office.

'India in grip of obesity epidemic'

NEW DELHI: THE TIMES OF INDIA.

India is now in the grip of an obesity epidemic and the trend needs to be immediately arrested by taxing junk food, restricting food ads and making food labeling clearer, according to a study.

The study that looked at the burden of overweight citizens in six countries -- Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa -- has found that between 1998 and 2005, India's overweight rates increased by 20%.

Currently, almost 1 in 5 men and over 1 in 6 women are overweight. In some urban areas, the rates are as high as 40%.

Published in the Lancet on Thursday by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the study warns that low-income countries cannot cope with the health consequences of wide scale obesity.

When compared to the other five countries, the percentage of adult women and men who are overweight in India was found to be lowest -- 14% and 18%, respectively. In comparison, 23% women and 32% men are overweight in China.

"However in absolute numbers, the burden would be mammoth in India and China," experts said.

According to estimates in the study, the annual cost of broad-based prevention strategies tackling obesity and other health threats, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, high blood pressure and cholesterol, would be less than $2 per person per year in India and China, less than $3 per head in Brazil and around $4 per person in South Africa, Russia and Mexico.

Upto 4,42,000 life years could be gained through a combination of prevention programmes in India every year. The cost-effectiveness ratio of a prevention strategy would be $268 per life year gained in good health in India and $380 in China, the study said.

OECD lead author Michele Cecchini said, "The results varied across countries surveyed. Seven in 10 Mexican adults are overweight or obese, while nearly half of all Brazilians, Russians and South Africans are also in this category. China and India report lower levels of obesity, but are also rapidly moving in the wrong direction. Low- and middle-income countries have far fewer health care resources to deal with the consequences of obesity, which include higher rates of cardiac disease, cancer and diabetes."

Obesity is the root for several non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Another study in the Lancet on Thursday predicts that by 2030, nearly 70% of all global deaths will be from non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, and respiratory and heart disease. Of these 70% of deaths, 80% will be in the less wealthy nations like India.

According to WHO, NCDs -- principally cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases -- caused an estimated 35 million deaths in 2005. This figure represents 60% of all deaths globally, with 80% of deaths due to noncommunicable diseases occurring in low- and middle-income countries, and approximately 16 million deaths involving people under 70 years of age.

The total deaths from NCDs are projected to increase by a further 17% over the next 10 years. The greatest increase will be seen in the African region (27%) and the Eastern Mediterranean region (25%). The highest absolute number of deaths will occur in South-East Asia.

General Health Care

This section provides you with information about various herbs and spices.

Tummy troubles and treatment: Is that terrible tummy ache taking the wind out of your sails? Making you sleepless, stressed, and irritable? Well, it’s not just your mind that is irritated but something deep down in your belly your bowel! Get up and get cracking

Weaning the child from breast feeding: Weaning should be a very slow activity. It is a very difficult phase in the baby's growing stage.

A complex breakfast can keep kids mentally healthy: The child's breakfast should be nutrious so that they do not get into depression.

Keep a watch on your wasteline for a healthy living: Expanding wastelines could become hazardous.

Keep a watch on your cholesterol levels: High cholesterol levels can be controlled but exercise and diet.
Eating healthy after Delivery: Read on to know about the diet after delivery.

Heart burn symptoms and treatments: HeartBurn is a condition that arises due to the malfunctioning of a muscle in the stomach.

Walking - Health Benefits: Walking is a good exercise. It provides flxibility to the entire body. It is boon for weight watchers.

Dietary Fiber is Essential: Dietary fiber is essentail for the proper functioning of the digestive system. Dietary fiber should be gradually introduced into our diet to achieve maximum benefits from them.

Importance of Deworming: Worm infestation is a common condition and  children are more prone to it. This basically happens due to lack of hygiene.

Eczema: A rash like itchy patch of skin is called Eczema.

Sweating: Sweating is a cooling condition for the body. Sweating may sometimes occur due to stress and anxiety also.

Fat Facts: Fat is essential for the human body. Dietary fats are as important as carbohydrates or proteins.
Advancement in Cataract Surgery: Cataract is one of the most commonly occuring vision defect in older population. The treatment is mainly surgical. The advanced procedures are painless and bloodless.

Reducing the Salt intake keeps hypertension at bay: Sodium Chloride or common salt is very fundamental to life.

Hemangioma Awareness: Hemangioma occurs usually in Premature Infants. These are active blood vessel tumors and usually superficial.

Natural Remedies and home treatment: Treatment for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, piles, gastritis, cough and cold

Cholesterol and Heart, how to control: An indulgent lifestyle and an inadequate diet are two major causes of heart disease. To stay fit here are a few measures of care and control.

Obesity Hazards: Obesity is a major health hazard. In fact its becoming a very common problem. The excessively high levels of fat in the body is a great risk to health.

Watching TV causes obesity, diabetes and sleeplessness: TV viewing is directly linked with mindless eating, causing obesity and sleeplessness

Avian Influenza, Bird flu - A complete story: - Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. Theses flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them.

Cholesterol - Anti Hero: - Once you hear the word "cholesterol" the first thing that comes to our minds is the clogged arteries and the "open heart surgeries" and the "angiograms".

Sinusitis: Sinusitis is an infection of one or more of the sinus cavities, often caused by bacteria or an allergy.

Cancer in KIDS

The types of cancers that occur most often in kids are different from those seen in adults.If your kids has just been diagnosed with cancer, is going through treatment, or is trying to stay well after treatment. information on specific forms of kids cancer can help you find the answers you need. 

Other types of cancers are rare in kids, but they do happen sometimes. In very rare cases, children may even develop cancers that are much more common in adults.

* Leukemia

* Lymphoma

* Wilms tumor

* Retinoblastoma

* Brain and other nervous system tumors

* Neuroblastoma

* Rhabdomyosarcoma

* Bone cancer (including osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma)

Vegetarian Halloween Teeth Recipe

Ingredients: 

* 2 red apples, quartered and core removed

* 4 tbsp peanut butter, smooth

* 1 pkt (100g) Mallow Bakes

Preparation 

* Take an apple quarter and slice it length ways in half and then half again.

* Spread each slice of apple on one side with peanut butter.

* Line 8 white mini-marshmallows up (as teeth) on top of the peanut butter.

* Place another apple slice on top with peanut butter side facing down to make an apple slice ‘sandwich’.

Hungry yummy Chicken Pasta Recipe for you

Chicken Pasta Recipe 

Ingredients 
* 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
* 4 ounces linguine, cooked al dente
* 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning (your recipe, Cajun Seasoning Mix or store-bought)
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 thinly sliced green onion
* 1 -2 cup heavy whipping cream
* 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Preparation 
* Place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl and toss to coat.
* In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chicken in butter or margarine until chicken is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
* Reduce heat add green onion, heavy cream, tomatoes, basil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and heat through.
* Pour over hot linguine and toss with Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Planning a Healthy Diet

One may look up for calorific value and nutritional benefits of food choices from nutrition articles, recipes, cookbooks and packaging labels to form a meal planner. Mentioned below are a few easy tips for planning a healthy diet.

* Along with focus on calorie count or measuring meal sizes, lay emphasis on quality and freshness. Diet plan can be made simple with inclusion of foods you love and/or find delicious. There should be plenty of food options so that you never get bored of a particular diet plan.

* A healthy diet must provide enough carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, fats and fibres to sustain streamlined body functions. Don’t get drawn towards delicious desserts, fried munchies and unhealthy fast food options. Instead, find their healthy alternatives to get rid of the temptation. Make some changes in your lifestyle.

* One needs to learn healthy eating, get used to it and slow down so that food nourishment has its effect. If possible, eat with others. On the other hand, avoid eating in front of the TV or computer as it may lead to mindless overeating.

* Make sure you chew food slowly and savour it every bit. Never miss a meal, especially morning meal. Foods high in fat and sugar must be avoided to the extent possible. These should, however, not be eliminated.

Protein Diet Tips

High Protein Diet

Choosing the right proteins can give you an edge to reach your goals sooner. Not all proteins are created equal and nutrient-timing dramatically impacts the way in which your body uses the protein you ingest. Follow a few basic tips to optimize your protein diet, stay lean and accelerate your fitness results.

 * Drain off fat that appears as you meat is cooking, or cook you meat on a rack so that the extra fat drips off the meat during the cooking process.

* Some fish such as salmon and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids which are great for your health.

* Trim off extra fat from all meats and poultry before cooking.

* When it comes to protein, lean protein is the healthiest choice.

* Take the skin off of your chicken before you cook it.

* Skinless chicken and turkey is the leanest poultry.

* Lean pork choices include pork loin, tenderloin, center loin and ham.

* Lean beef choices include round steaks and roasts, top loin, top sirloin, chuck shoulder and arm roasts. Try to buy extra lean ground beef that has is at least "90% lean."

* Include fish in your diet. Fish is high in protein and mostly low in fat.

* Beans are also a great source of protein. Beans have endless potential for meals, including soups, chili, bean salads and baked beans.

* Some delicious foods are made from peas or beans such as hummus and tofu. Tofu can also be a great meat substitute.

* Try to avoid buying meats that have been processed. Lunch meats, sausages and hot dogs usually have had salt added to them while being processed.

* Avoid making high fat sauces or gravies with your meat.