#winter

The Whys and Hows

Interesting Ways To Nourish and Care for Your Skin During Winter!

Winter is our favorite season, but it may also be problematic for our skin. The low humidity of winter causes our skin to become dry and flaky. Winter Skincare Tips are required to keep your skin healthy and vibrant during the cold months due to the harsh outdoor circumstances. This blog will present you with important Winter Skincare Tips to help you deal with dryness, inflammation, and other winter issues. Indoor heating, in addition to being dry, dehydrates our skin, causing irritation. Skin health is important for both general body function and aesthetics. It also protects the body from the myriad viruses and bacteria that a person is exposed to regularly. The sun's damaging UV rays, which can kill cells, are also shielded. Healthy skin helps people respond to substantial changes around them. In cold temperatures, itchy, dry, reddish patches, and dry skin, two serious skin problems, might arise. The harsh reality is that winter brings a slew of things that aren't good for your skin. But all is not lost; there are ways to keep your skin happy and healthy even during the winter. How to Prevent Winter Skin Dryness: To avoid dry winter skin, a few key practices are required. To begin, use a mildly hydrating cleanser to avoid stripping natural oils. Use a thick, harmless moisturizer daily to seal in moisture. Humidify your interior surroundings to combat dry air. To avoid skin dryness, use chilly showers rather than hot ones. Exfoliate gently to remove dead skin cells and aid in the absorption of moisturizers. Use sunscreen to protect yourself from UV radiation in the winter because it can be harmful if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Layer up to protect your skin from the elements. Reduce your exposure to indoor heating since it causes internal moisture levels to decline. This causes your skin to become extremely dry. Instead, layer your garments to stay warm. Bathing in hot water causes skin to become drier than usual. To keep the skin's vital oils from being rinsed away, bathe or shower in lukewarm water. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and eliminate pollutants. Never go to bed wearing makeup. Morning and evening, perform the cleansing, toning, serum, and moisturizing routine. Avoid using skincare products containing sulfates, parabens, alcohol, silicones, or mineral oils. Winter is on its way, with months of chilly air, dryness, and low temperatures coming. It's that time of year when your skin begins to become dry, flaky, and lifeless. Add to that an onslaught of heavier-than-usual pollution if you reside in a city. Smog is a winter annoyance in the North that doesn't seem to lift all winter. Then, if you sit or walk in the sun, your skin is in danger of photoaging, tanning, and pigmentation. Remember that continuous care and adherence to these Winter Skincare Tips will assist you in maintaining healthy, glowing skin throughout the winter season. Enjoy the beauty of the winter months with radiant, self-assured skin!

31 Dec 2023

The Whys and Hows

Winter Wonderland Unfolds in Nilgiris as Thalaikundha Village Witnesses Rare 0°C Temperature!

Amidst the festive cheer enveloping India during Christmas, the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu encountered an extraordinary winter spectacle. Thalaikundha village, nestled among picturesque hills, encountered a rare temperature drop to 0°C, a phenomenon usually associated with North India. This unexpected cold spell sent the villagers scurrying indoors, seeking warmth from the biting chill. While daily activities took a backseat, the surroundings underwent a magical transformation, with the landscape veiled in a shimmering white coat. The usually verdant grasslands of the district were adorned with a glistening blanket of white frost, creating a fairy-tale-like scene. Even popular tourist spots like Ooty Nagar, HPF, Kanthal, Thalaikundha, and Fingerpost were draped in this frosty charm, as reported by ANI. However, this frosty surprise posed challenges for some residents, with several vehicles coated in a layer of snow that hindered their start. Local weather experts attributed this unusual phenomenon to significant fluctuations in day-night temperatures over recent weeks. While daytime temperatures lingered around a pleasant 25°C, the nights turned exceptionally cold, with Ooty recording nighttime temperatures of 7.5°C over the last weekend. The unprecedented cold snap turned Thalaikundha village and parts of Nilgiris into a winter wonderland demonstrating the unpredictable yet enchanting facets of nature.

30 Dec 2023

The Whys and Hows

Positive Reads

From Heart to Hearth: GMC Srinagar Doctors Bring Warmth to Needy During Freezing Winters

In a heartwarming initiative, a group of doctors and medical students from Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, are joining hands to provide warmth to the poor and deprived individuals in Jammu & Kashmir. With temperatures dropping below freezing, the team distributes woolen clothes to those in dire need. Led by Dr. Mohammad Salim Khan, Professor and Head of the Department of Community Medicine at GMC, this initiative called "Apparel for Poor" aims to assist families during the icy winter. The doctors have been carrying out this noble cause for the sixth consecutive year, providing warm clothing to those who cannot afford even the basic necessities. The MBBS students pursuing community medicine at GMC play a crucial role in identifying families in dire need of winter warmth. They visit people for socio-clinic profiles as part of their curriculum and come across the poorest individuals who struggle to keep warm in the harsh winter cold. To expand their reach, the doctors collaborate with ASHA workers to identify more families in need. The initiative gains momentum during the 40-day period of harshest winter, known as Chilai Kalan, where temperatures remain well below freezing and snowfall is highly probable. Dr. Salim appeals to people to donate warm clothes and footwear for families who cannot afford them. The response from the community has been overwhelming, with people from various walks of life visiting the department to drop off warm clothes. The donated apparel includes pherans, sweaters, jackets, trousers, warm shirts, and thermal vests. This heartfelt initiative benefits over 100 families every year, ensuring they have the necessary warmth to survive the rough weather. By taking the aid directly to the homes of those in need, these doctors exemplify the spirit of kindness and compassion, making a significant difference in the lives of the underprivileged during the challenging winter months.

18 Dec 2023

Positive Reads

5 Ways to Avoid Common Cold in Winters

Winter is the season when the common cold is most prevalent. The cold weather, combined with indoor heating and close proximity to others, can make it easy to catch a cold. However, there are several ways to avoid getting sick during the winter months: Wash your hands frequently: One of the most effective ways to avoid catching a cold is to keep your hands clean. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after being in contact with someone who is sick or after touching shared surfaces like doorknobs or elevator buttons. Boost your immune system: Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly can help boost your immune system and make it more difficult for a cold virus to take hold. Avoid close contact with people who are sick: If you know someone who is sick, try to avoid close contact with them as much as possible. This can help prevent you from catching their cold. Stay warm and dry: Cold weather can make it easier to catch a cold, so make sure to dress warmly and stay dry. Avoid going outside with wet hair or clothes, and try to stay out of the wind. Use a humidifier: Dry indoor air can dry out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat, making it easier for cold viruses to take hold. Using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and make it more difficult for cold viruses to survive. By following these simple tips, you can help avoid getting sick during the winter months. With a little bit of effort, you can stay healthy and enjoy the winter season.

13 Jan 2023

Positive Reads

5 Effective Ways to Beat the Winters

Winter is here and with it comes the cold wave. As the temperature dips, it becomes essential to stay warm and comfortable. Here are five ways to stay hot and cozy during the colder months: Layer up: Layering is key to staying warm in the winter. Start with a base layer of moisture-wicking material, such as thermal or synthetic fabrics, to keep sweat off your skin. Next, add a middle layer for insulation, such as fleece or wool, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Don't forget to layer your head, hands, and feet as well, as these areas are prone to losing heat. Invest in a good coat: A good coat is essential for keeping warm in the winter. Look for a coat that is insulated and has a high fill power rating, which refers to the amount of space the insulation takes up and therefore how warm it will keep you. A coat with a hood is also a good idea to protect your head and ears from the cold. Drink warm beverages: Hot tea, cocoa, and coffee are all great ways to warm up from the inside out. These beverages can also help to keep you hydrated, which is important in the dry winter air. Exercise: Exercise increases your metabolism and generates heat, helping to keep you warm. Plus, it's a great way to boost your mood and energy levels during the colder months. Use a humidifier: Dry air can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to dry and itchy skin. Using a humidifier can help to add moisture back into the air, keeping your skin hydrated and helping you to feel warmer overall. Remember to stay hydrated and nourished, as it is essential to keep your body healthy during winter. With a little bit of preparation and care, you can enjoy the winter season without feeling cold and miserable.

6 Jan 2023

Positive Reads

Stave Off the Common Cold With These Vitamin C Loaded Food

Diwali is around the corner and so is the dip in temperature at the onset of the approaching winter season. It is during this transition period from October heat to the pleasantly cold November month that many people are prone to common cold and infections. However, we can protect ourselves from these infections and stay healthy by consuming the following food which is loaded with Vitamin C: Citrus Fruits Citrus fruits are highly recommended by doctors to fight off the common cold due to their high level of vitamin C content. They contain a significant portion of dietary vitamin C required in a day. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit deliver as much as 53 mg of natural vitamin C. Papaya Did you know that a large papaya can give you 235 milligrams of vitamin C which is twice or thrice more than your recommended daily allowance? It also contains important nutrients like vitamin A, potassium and calcium. Cruciferous Vegetables Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, kale are an excellent source of vitamin C and incorporating these vegetables in your daily diet will help you to stay healthy and fit. Tomatoes Tomato is botanically a fruit, but it is consumed as a vegetable. In fact, cooking tomatoes releases lycopene which is extremely beneficial to health. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C which is an essential nutrient and antioxidant. Therefore, the consumption of tomatoes is definitely going to up your immunity. Bell Peppers Bell peppers also called capsicum come in various colours- red, yellow, orange and green. They are exceptionally rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. One medium-sized red bell pepper provides 169% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for vitamin C, making it one of the richest dietary sources of this essential nutrient. Incorporate the above vitamin C rich food in your diet and stay healthy and happy.

24 Oct 2019

Positive Reads

Spice Is Nice

We use spices in our daily cooking to pep up the taste and colour of food making it more tantalizing. Did you know that spices also help to stave off illness as they help to boost our immunity. Drinking milk daily with turmeric is a sure shot precaution as well as remedy against seasonal colds. Indian spices not only makes your meals delicious, but also protects you from infections. In winter, ginger, cardamom and black pepper are added to tea that provides an instant warmth to the body and imparts a feeling of well being. Following are some spices that you may consume this winter and enjoy the myriad of benefits they render. Turmeric: In most households in India, it is common practice to have a glass of turmeric milk daily in winter months. The medicinal properties of turmeric make it the perfect concoction for the unforgiving winters. It boosts your immunity system and keeps you away from various infections. Turmeric has antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits that will help prevent and tackle a number of diseases. Saffron: Saffron imparts a richness to food due to its vibrant colour and exotic flavour. You will be happy to know that it has many health benefits too. Seasonal colds can be cured by applying milk in which a few strands of saffron is added and apply it on the forehead. Cardamom: Cardamom is another wonderful winter spice and is most often associated with Lebanese, Turkish and Indian cuisine. Its small green pods are rich sources of minerals and antioxidants that help to detoxify blood and aids in digestion. The aromatic spice often used in sweets in Indian cuisine, also contains vitamin C and other essential nutrients. You can enjoy the winters by savouring a cup of hot tea or coffee laced with cardamom and reap its benefits too. Cinnamon: Apart from flavouring food, cinnamon acts as an immune stimulator and helps to fight off common colds. Cinnamon is also known to prevent blood platelet clumping, inhibits inflammatory substances, and can regulate blood sugar. Ginger: Ginger is known to be a warming spice and enhances the taste of soups, sauces, tea and juices when added to them. Its health benefits have long been established to decrease inflammation, fights bacteria and fungi, and improve circulation. It has been clinically proved to be effective against nausea and vomiting. Garlic: Garlic is used to flavour many Indian dishes. This cooking staple is antiseptic, contains antioxidants, and has been found to be very effective against cold, due to the effects of the compound allicin. Use these winter spices to evoke warm, happy feelings of contentment in winter and throughout the year.

21 Dec 2017

Positive Reads

All Time Favourite...Why Winters??

If you ask me what’s my favourite season then it is none other than winter! Who doesn’t like the chilled weather and cozy climate! Apart from being everyone's favourite, this season has many benefits too. From your cheeks getting rosy to much more... Know the positive aspects of cold weather! You get a Sound Sleep! One falls asleep easily in cold weather. The reason could be as follows... Our body temperature keeps on changing. The temperature is highest in the early afternoon and lowest during the onset of dawn. As our body prepares for sleep, it releases the body heat and makes us drowsy. This happens with every healthy person as lowering in body temperatures tend to induce a sound sleep. It gives rest to your body. Thus lower temperatures help to induce a sound peaceful sleep. It kills bugs Most of the bugs or parasitic insects either can’t withstand the chilled weather and die or are hibernating in the low temperatures. Hence you are less likely to get any of the diseases spread by such insects. The fatal zika virus that spreads over a mosquito bite is not seen to be contracted in cold weathers as the mosquitoes that transmit this virus are hibernating when the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You burn more calories! This is the most effective benefits of cold climate. Our body contains two types of fats- white fat and brown fat. White fat is the largest energy reserve of our body. Brown fat helps to burn the calories thereby generating heat. In cold weathers, the brown fat burns white fat faster and thus our body metabolism increases by 80 percent! It increases your mental power! The study says that we think better in cold weathers as compared to warm weathers. The reason is... We need glucose to regulate our metal functions, agility and body temperatures. In warm weathers, our body consumes much of our body glucose in keeping our body cool whereas in cold weathers, the climate around helps us regulate the body temperature and much glucose can be used by our mind to think and work creatively! Works wonders on your skin! Cold weathers are the best for the healthy and beautiful skin! Cold weather tightens our skin, reduces open pores and makes it less prone to breakouts. Low temperatures also prevent the secretion of skin’s natural waxy oils called the sebum which in turn makes your skin look shiny and prevents the formation of acne and pimples. Cold weather also acts as an anti-ageing agent as it helps to keep your skin looking fresh for a longer time. No wonder why people living in hilly cold regions have so beautiful and young glowing skin!

16 Dec 2017

Positive Reads

Winter snacks in India

It is time for the bright and colourful shawls and woollens to emerge from the deepest corners of your wardrobes and cupboards as winters have set in. As the cool winter breeze envelops us, our minds drift towards the delicious winter snacks that are equally delicious as well as filling. Vegetables like cauliflower, carrots and peas are found aplenty in this season. Nothing is more satisfying than a plate of warm delicious pulao or a bowl of hot soup made from these vegetables. Leafy greens also abound in this season and hence tasty and healthy methi(fenugreek leaves) or mooli(radish) parathas, palak (spinach) puris become the breakfast staple. As the days get colder and shorter and the body starts to crave more sugar and warming nuts and oils, let us know more about some mouth-watering winter snacks. Gajak : Gajak is a confection prepared with sesame seeds and jaggery (or cane sugar) with a method of preparation which is time-consuming. It takes about 10–15 hours to prepare 5–8 kilograms of gajak. The dough is hammered until all the sesame seeds break down and release their oils into the dough. This sweet which originated in Madhya Pradesh requires great skill to prepare. The mixture of sesame and jaggery is set in layers and the end product needs to be absolutely brittle and light. Chikki: Chikki is another popular confection prepared in winters with groundnuts (also in season) that are set in jaggery or sugar in denser squares than the gajak. Lonavala in Maharashtra is famous for chikki, although now it is prepared and savoured throughout the country, especially the North of India. Daulat ki Chaat: Daulat ki chaat is a real treat that can be made only in the winter season. The long process starts in the evening when milk is boiled and mixed with some cream and left to cool. It is then filled in a clay pot and left in the open under the winter sky to set and soak in the dew. Early in the morning, when the milk has been set for about six to eight hours, the milk is churned constantly for three to four hours to transform the milk into a whimsical froth, solid enough to hold in soft peaks. It is said that the dew drops add lightness to the milk and help in aeration while blending. The soft topping of the milk is scooped out and mixed with sugar and dry fruits to yield an exotic delight that just melts in your mouth. Masala Chai: A cup of masala chai (tea) undoubtedly lifts everyone’s mood in the gloomy winters. Spices like cinnamon, cloves black pepper, cardamom is crushed and added to tea which not only makes the tea flavourful but also provides warmth to the body and helps to stave off seasonal illness. Dal chillas and halwas: Pakodas (fritters) made from moong dal, sautéed moong dal, sprinkled with chaat masala, onions and chillies, dal Chilas and dal Halwas also start making an appearance at popular halwai stalls this time of the year.

20 Nov 2017

Positive Reads

All time favourite...Why winters??

If you ask me what’s my favourite season then it is none other than winter! Who doesn’t like the chilled weather and cozy climate! Apart from being everyone's favourite this season has many benefits too. From your cheeks getting rosy to much more... Know the positive aspects of cold weather! You get a Sound Sleep! One falls asleep easily in cold weather. The reason could be as follows... Our body temperature keeps on changing. The temperature is highest in the early afternoon and lowest during the onset of dawn. As our body prepares for sleep, it releases the body heat and makes us drowsy. This happens with every healthy person as lowering in body temperatures tend to induce a sound sleep. It gives rest to your body. Thus lower temperatures help to induce a sound peaceful sleep. It kills bugs Most of the bugs or parasitic insects either can’t withstand the chilled weather and die or are hibernating in the low temperatures. Hence you are less likely to get any of the diseases spread by such insects. The fatal zika virus that spreads over a mosquito bite is not seen to be contracted in cold weathers as the mosquitoes that transmit this virus are hibernating when the temperature is below 50 degree Fahrenheit. You burn more calories! This is the most effective benefits of cold climate. Our body contains two types of fats- white fat and brown fat. White fat is the largest energy reserve of our body. Brown fat helps to burn the calories thereby generating heat. In cold weathers, the brown fat burns white fat faster and thus our bodily metabolism increases by 80 percent! It increases your mental power! Study says that we think better in cold weathers as compared to warm weathers. The reason is... We need glucose to regulate our metal functions, agility and body temperatures. In warm weathers, our body consumes much of our body glucose in keeping our body cool whereas in cold weathers, the climate around helps us regulate the body temperature and much glucose can be used by our mind to think and work creatively! Works wonders on your skin! Cold weathers are the best for healthy and beautiful skin! Cold weather tightens our skin, reduces open pores and makes it less prone to breakouts. Low temperatures also prevents the secretion of skin’s natural waxy oils called the sebum which in turn makes your skin look shiny and prevents the formation of acnes and pimples. Cold weather also acts as anti-aging agent as it helps to keep your skin looking fresh for a longer time. No wonder why people living in hilly cold regions have so beautiful and young glowing skin!

7 Aug 2017

Positive Reads

Good News

Delhi CM to Promote Cracker Free Diwali by Organizing Mega Laser Show in the Capital

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a bid to curb air pollution during the forthcoming winter season, has appealed to the citizens of Delhi to restrain from bursting crackers. He assured them that he would instead organize a laser show on the day of the festival. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Kejriwal informed about his plans to tackle air pollution which assumes enormous proportions in winter due to burning of farm stubble in nearby regions being one of the reasons. To control air pollution arising due to traffic, the CM said that the much-debated odd-even car-rationing scheme would return on Delhi roads. Kejriwal stated that his top priority would be to achieve 100 percent mechanized sweeping in Delhi. Water sprinklers and mechanized sweeping of roads would be implemented to control dust particles. When asked about the Motor Vehicles Act which levies hefty fines for traffic violations, Kejriwal supported it saying that the move has had a positive impact over Delhi’s erratic vehicular movement. Ahead of the Assembly elections to be held in February 2020, Kejriwal has been announcing various schemes for the people of Delhi like the waiver of water bill dues and free electricity up to 200 units. Employing major steps to curb air pollution will definitely help him to win back the traditional voters.

15 Sep 2019

Good News

Global Inspirations

An Abandoned Mall Gets Transformed Into A Winter Wonderland

An abandoned mall in Milwaukee was revived and transformed into a winter wonderland for kids by Casey Neistat, a Milwaukee native turned YouTube star. Casey wanted to encourage kids and show them how they could be creative with the digital media. He was looking for space and he remembered the Northridge Mall which had shut down in 2003. The mall was completely empty. Its interior comprised of broken glass, an empty food court, and eerie, boarded-up doors. With Casey’s initiative, the mall was transformed to include a gingerbread house, ice-skating rink, a sledding hill, and professional snowboarders who performed tricks on the escalator. Casey then partnered with Paul Leys of Samsung to surprise 100 children from the Boys and Girls Club of Great Milwaukee to gift them electronics and show them how they can get creative with digital media. They gave the kids smartphones, microphones, and accessories so they can learn how to create videos. Paul said that he planned this event and teamed up with Casey and other creators because kids look up to them. They wanted to let the kids know that they can be just like these creators and that all they needed was a phone. Casey said, “I see it as an opportunity, and an opportunity to sort of elevate young kids and let them know that now, because of technology, they’re empowered in ways that they’ve never been empowered before.”

26 Dec 2017

Global Inspirations