Traveling to India is an exciting adventure filled with vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning sights. But one thing travelers need to watch out for is waterborne diseases. These are illnesses you can get from drinking or coming into contact with contaminated water. India, like many places, faces challenges with water safety due to pollution, poor sanitation, and uneven access to clean water. Don’t worry—this guide will explain everything in a simple way so you can stay healthy and enjoy your trip!
What Are Waterborne Diseases?
Waterborne diseases happen when water gets dirty with harmful germs like bacteria, viruses, or parasites. You can catch them by drinking unsafe water, eating food washed with it, or even swimming in contaminated places. In India, these diseases are more common because not everyone has access to clean water, especially in rural areas or during monsoons when flooding can mix sewage with drinking water.
Kimchi, a traditional Korean dish made from fermented vegetables, primarily cabbage and radishes, is seasoned with a variety of spices including chili powder, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce. Beyond being a staple in Korean cuisine, kimchi has gained global recognition for its unique taste and health benefits. This essay delves into the numerous advantages of consuming kimchi, covering nutritional, probiotic, culinary, and cultural perspectives.
1. Nutritional Benefits
Kimchi is a nutrient-dense food that provides a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals:
Low in Calories and Fat: Kimchi is low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for those watching their weight. One cup of kimchi has around 23 calories, making it a great addition to meals without adding excessive calories.
Rich in Vitamins: Kimchi is abundant in vitamins, particularly Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex (like B6 and B12), and Vitamin C. These vitamins play crucial roles in maintaining skin health, boosting the immune system, and supporting metabolic functions.
High in Antioxidants: The ingredients in kimchi, such as garlic, ginger, and chili peppers, are known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Minerals: Kimchi contains important minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium, which support bone health, oxygen transport in the blood, and nerve function, respectively.
In India, a potbelly, commonly referred to as a "paunch," is a common physical characteristic among men, especially as they age. This phenomenon has sparked curiosity and concern, as it is often associated with negative health implications such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Understanding why a protruding potbelly is so prevalent among Indian men requires a multi-faceted analysis that delves into cultural, dietary, lifestyle, and genetic factors.
Dietary Habits
One of the most significant contributors to the prevalence of potbellies among Indian men is dietary habits. Traditional Indian diets, while rich in nutrients, are often high in carbohydrates and fats. Staples like rice, chapati (wheat-based flatbread), and various deep-fried snacks contribute to a high-calorie intake. These foods are often consumed in large quantities, leading to an excess of calories that the body stores as fat, particularly around the abdomen.
Furthermore, the modern Indian diet has increasingly incorporated processed and fast foods, which are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and preservatives. The consumption of sugary beverages, fried snacks, and fast food has surged, especially in urban areas. These dietary changes, combined with traditional eating habits, exacerbate the accumulation of visceral fat, which is the type of fat that leads to a protruding belly.
For example: Take the typical Indian thali (a platter), which includes rice or chapati, dal (lentils), sabzi (vegetables), and a fried item like pakora (fritters). While each component can be healthy, the portion sizes, particularly of rice and fried items, often lead to an imbalance, with more calories being consumed than needed.
Sedentary Lifestyle
India's rapid urbanization has led to a significant shift in lifestyle. Many Indian men, particularly in cities, lead a sedentary lifestyle due to desk jobs, long working hours, and reliance on vehicles for transportation. Physical activity levels have decreased drastically, which reduces the body's ability to burn off the calories consumed.
Moreover, traditional Indian culture often places a strong emphasis on rest and relaxation, especially after meals. This cultural practice of resting post-lunch or dinner without engaging in any physical activity contributes to the storage of excess calories as fat.
For example: In many households, after a large meal, it's common to relax or even take a nap, a practice known as "Vamkukshi" in Ayurveda. While this might aid digestion, when combined with a lack of physical activity, it contributes to fat accumulation.
Cultural Factors
Cultural perceptions and societal norms also play a role in the prevalence of potbellies among Indian men. In many traditional settings, a potbelly is often seen as a sign of prosperity and success. Historically, being overweight was associated with wealth, as it indicated that one had enough resources to eat well and avoid hard labor.
Although these perceptions are changing, especially among the younger generation, the older demographic still holds on to these views. This cultural acceptance, or even celebration, of a larger belly can reduce the motivation to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
For example: In rural India, a man with a potbelly might still be seen as someone who is well-fed and prosperous, an image that contrasts sharply with the modern understanding of health and fitness.
Genetic Predisposition
Genetics also play a crucial role in determining where the body stores fat. Research indicates that individuals of South Asian descent, including Indians, are more likely to accumulate fat in the abdominal area compared to other ethnic groups. This predisposition is compounded by the body’s tendency to store fat as visceral fat rather than subcutaneous fat, which is more dangerous as it surrounds internal organs and is linked to metabolic diseases.
This genetic predisposition, combined with poor dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle, makes it more likely for Indian men to develop a potbelly as they age.
For example: Studies have shown that South Asians have a higher percentage of body fat compared to Caucasians at the same Body Mass Index (BMI). This higher fat percentage, particularly around the abdomen, leads to a greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol, particularly beer, is another significant factor contributing to potbellies. The term "beer belly" is not just a colloquial phrase; it has a basis in reality. Alcohol is high in empty calories, and excessive consumption leads to fat accumulation, particularly around the abdomen. In India, social drinking, especially among middle-aged men, often involves consuming large quantities of alcohol with high-calorie snacks like fried foods.
Regular consumption of alcohol without compensating with increased physical activity or a balanced diet further exacerbates the problem of abdominal obesity.
For example: In urban India, social gatherings often involve drinking sessions where alcohol is paired with snacks like peanuts, chips, or fried chicken. These snacks are calorie-dense and, combined with alcohol, lead to significant weight gain over time.
Stress and Sleep Patterns
Stress and irregular sleep patterns are increasingly common in modern India due to the pressures of work, family, and social life. High stress levels lead to increased production of cortisol, a hormone that encourages fat storage in the abdominal area. Additionally, poor sleep patterns disrupt the body's natural metabolism, leading to weight gain.
Chronic stress and sleep deprivation are common among Indian men, especially those in high-pressure jobs or with demanding family responsibilities. These factors contribute to the development of a potbelly, as the body stores more fat as a response to stress.
For example: A typical scenario might involve an urban professional who works long hours, sleeps late, and experiences high stress levels. This lifestyle leads to poor dietary choices, lack of exercise, and eventually, the development of a potbelly.
The prevalence of potbellies among Indian men is the result of a complex interplay of dietary habits, lifestyle choices, cultural factors, genetics, alcohol consumption, and stress. While some of these factors are deeply ingrained in Indian society and may be challenging to change, increasing awareness about the health risks associated with abdominal obesity is crucial. By adopting healthier eating habits, increasing physical activity, moderating alcohol consumption, and managing stress, Indian men can reduce the prevalence of potbellies and improve their overall health.
This issue is not just about aesthetics; it’s a significant public health concern. Addressing it requires a concerted effort from individuals, communities, and public health initiatives to promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce the burden of lifestyle-related diseases.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the world of travel has
undergone some drastic changes. From the emergence of new health and safety
protocols to the introduction of digital technologies, the way we travel has
drastically evolved in a short period of time. Lets take a look at how travel
has changed since COVID-19 and how these changes have both improved and impeded
the traveller’s experience.
In the age of COVID-19, travellers have been presented with
a range of new health and safety protocols designed to ensure their safety
during their trip. Airlines have implemented the mandatory wearing of face
masks while flying, while hotels and other hospitality businesses are requiring
guests to complete health check forms before they are allowed to stay. Many
companies have also implemented new cleaning and sanitization protocols, such
as deep cleaning guest rooms and other public areas, providing personal
protective equipment to their staff and implementing temperature checks at the
entrance of premises.
These protocols have not only impacted travellers directly
but have also led to a number of changes in the booking and planning processes.
Airlines and hospitality businesses now offer customers the option to cancel
their bookings free of charge or to rebook for a later date with no additional
charges. In addition, many companies now offer contactless check-in and payment
options, allowing customers to avoid queues and remain socially distanced
during their travels.
The use of digital technologies has also become increasingly
commonplace in the travel industry since COVID-19. Digital solutions such as
virtual tours, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial
intelligence (AI) have been implemented to enhance the customer’s experience and
provide them with a more personalized and interactive experience. AI chat-bots
and virtual assistants are being used to help travellers find their way around
their destination, while virtual reality is being used to provide customers
with a 360-degree view of their destination before they even arrive.
However, the emergence of new health and safety protocols
and the use of digital technologies have not been without their drawbacks. Some
customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the mandatory wearing of face
masks while flying, filling up extra forms, citing that it is uncomfortable,
time taking and unpleasant. In addition many of the new digital technologies
are expensive to implement and require a significant investment in resources,
making them inaccessible to smaller businesses. Furthermore, the use of digital
technologies has also created a number of privacy and security issues as
personal data is being collected and shared with third parties.
Despite the changes brought about by COVID-19, travel has
been able to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of its customers. The
implementation of new health and safety protocols has enabled customers to
travel with peace of mind knowing that their safety is being taken seriously.
The use of digital technologies has opened up a range of new opportunities for travellers,
allowing them to explore their destination like never before. As we move into
the future, it is likely that the travel industry will continue to evolve to
meet the changing needs of its customers.
The question of whether it is possible to write to one's
deceased mother is a complex one, and it is one that stirs emotion and thought.
To answer it requires exploring the ideas of death, grief, and the power of
words. Grief is a process that is individualized to the griever, so there can
be no blanket answer to the question; however, it is possible to consider the
evidence in order to make an educated guess.
To begin with, it is important to consider the concept of
death. Death is a physical fact, in that the deceased body no longer exists.
This fact is not altered by emotional attachment or feeling; death is death.
Therefore, it is fair to say that it is not possible to communicate directly
with the deceased. However, this does not necessarily mean that there is no
connection between the living and the dead.
Another important element of this question is grief. Grief
is an intense emotion and process that is experienced differently by every
individual. There are, however, some common elements to grief. Grievers often
find comfort in memorializing the deceased, by visiting grave sites, keeping mementos,
or writing about their loved one. Thus, for some individuals, writing to the
deceased may provide an avenue of comfort and connection. Writing can also be
therapeutic; it can give the grievers an opportunity to express their feelings
and put their thoughts into words.
It is important to consider the power of words. Words can be
powerful and meaningful, and they can help the grievers in their journey of
healing. Writing to a deceased mother can bring with it an opportunity to say
what was never said in life, to express one’s feelings and thoughts, and to
provide closure. It can also be a way of honouring the life of the deceased and
remembering the good times that were shared.
Let’s put it this way; it is not possible to write directly
to a mother who has passed away but it is possible to write for her and about
her. Writing to a deceased mother can be an emotional and powerful experience,
providing comfort and a sense of connection to the griever. While there can be
no definite answer to this question, it is clear that words can be powerful,
and writing to a deceased mother may be one of the ways to express and remember
the love that was once shared.
I'm sorry, but it's not possible to communicate with someone
who has passed away. The physical body ceases to function after death, and the
person is no longer able to receive messages or interact with the world in any
way. It's natural to feel a sense of loss and grief when someone we care about
dies, and it's important to allow yourself to process those emotions in a
healthy way. If you need help coping with your grief, consider reaching out to
a therapist or counsellor who can provide support and guidance.
But I have lost my mother too and its possible to write
sometimes to her and it does make it feel better. Here’s my book that is
available to buy on Amazon which I created to write to my deceased mother. I
hope you will find it useful too.
Writing a letter to your deceased mother can be a
therapeutic way to express your feelings and honor her memory. You may want to
start by expressing how much you miss her and recounting some of your favorite
memories of her. You can also tell her about the things that are happening in
your life now and how you wish she could be there to share in those moments.
It's okay to be honest and open about your feelings, even if they are difficult
or painful.
Here is an example of what a letter toyou mum might look like:
Dear Mom,
I miss you so much. Every day, I think about the times we
spent together and the things we used to do. I remember the way you always made
me feel loved and supported, no matter what.
I wish you were here to see all the things that are
happening in my life now. I've started a new job, and I know you would be so
proud of me. I also got engaged recently, and I wish you could be here to help
me plan the wedding and be a part of the special day.
I know you're not here physically, but I still feel your
presence in my life. I know you're watching over me and guiding me, even from
afar. I love you and I will never forget you.
I want to talk about an Indian term called
Antarvasna. The world Antarvasna relates to the inner desires and feelings
related to sex and sexuality. India is the country that has given birth to the 11th
century Kamasutra, the book of sexuality or sexology. However there has been no
mention of anatomy and physiology of different parts of reproductive organs
specially the female parts in any of these literary works. However texts of the
medieval period do mention the various female parts and the function of these
organs in the enjoyment of sex (Rao 2004). Some of the functions, role has been
mentioned in the Bhavaprakasa of ayurveda and Paururavamanasijasutra parts of
the Kamasutra. The text proves that Indians actually knew about these areas of
female anatomy and sexuality since the text has been shown to be from the third
century A.D. Other Indian texts of sexuality include; Jayamangala, Ratirahasya,
Smaradipika and Anangaranga.
The famous book of Kamasutra was introduced
to teach the readers about the science of sexuality. It was supposed to induce
antarvasna, the inner (antar) desires/sexuality (vasna). The word Vasna in
Hindi/Sanskrit denotes inner desire for sex while antar is the inner feelings.
The Kamasutra is an India book of desires. Hence the Kamasutra is all about
inducing antarvasna, the inner (antar) desires to engage in sex (vasna).
The Kamasutra (Kamasutra, comprising of the
word Kama, "the desire" and Sutra, "the aphorism" or
literally "the aphorisms of desire" is an Indian writing between the
fourth century and seventh century, attributed to Vatsyayana.
The Kamasutra is a standard treatment of
the Hinduism. It has been translated for the first time in English in 1876 by
Richard Francis Burton. But the book did not become legal in the United Kingdom
in 1963.
The central theme of the Kamasutra
The Kamasutra provides information on
privacy in ancient India. It evokes successively "the three goals of
life", "the advice of common sense", "the behavior of the
city", "the choice of a wife", "the duties and privileges
of the wife ", " the courtesans and methods occult " in addition
to all practices more directly related to sexuality. Like all pieces of the
India ancient structure can also be read as an allegory of the union (yoga) to
the Divine.
Often richly illustrated with miniatures,
he provides seduction advice for a harmonious life in the couple, including
through various intimate positions (although 64 positions have been the
popularity of the work they do, however, that a chapter of book itself) to the
origin to the Indian aristocracy.
The Kamasutra is not only devoted to
intimacy, also a lifestyle that a person had grown to know. It covers for
example the use of music, food, perfumes etc. In addition, the book also gives
advice to women and couples and indicates that men were not held in the sexual
relationship only, but should also control the kisses, caresses, bites and
scratches. It describes a number of positions, but also the behavior to be
performed by the partners in place to let their imagination.
Besides the treatise of Vatsyayana there
are other similar works on the same subject are India. These include;
1. The Ratirahasya, or secrets of love.
2. The Panchasakya, or the five arrows.
3. The Smara Pradipa, or the light of love.
4. The Ratimanjari, or the garland of love.
5. The Rasmanjari, or the sprout of love.
6. The Anunga Runga, or the stage of love;
also called Kamaledhiplava, or a boat in the ocean of love.
Rao BR. 2004. Influence of Tantra on
ayurveda and Kamasutra. Bull Indian Inst Hist Med Hyderabad. 34(1):41-9.
When most of the world
is struggling to shed the phobia of mad cow disease, bird flu, monkeypox virus
and Covid-19, an ancient protozoan serpent Babesiosis still wait in ambush
patiently at our cattle farms, outdoor game hunting or on a polo field to
poison us with venom that will take our breath away.
Babesiosis is no baby
as a layman will guess it to be, in fact it’s like malaria of tropical
geographies which is spread by female anopheles mosquitoes, it is spread by
Ixodid ticks in the west especially in the region of Europe and America. Like
all parasitic transmitted diseases Babesiosis has also a vector, carrier and a
host. The vector in this case is Ixodid ticks, the carrier is our cattle and
wild animals and host is humans and animals. Babesiosis is a protozoan disease
which the black Ixodid ticks sucks from the cattle and accumulates in their gut
and further concentrate in their salivary glands and in turn transmits the
infection to humans. Most of the patients cannot even recall that when they
were bit by the tick. The general targets are people living at countryside or
game hunters in the forest. However the disease can further be transmitted
through blood transfusion by an infected person to another person, in desperate
need of blood or in many cases the disease is also transmitted by a mother to her
child in her womb.
The incubation or
dormant period for the disease is generally one to four weeks after which the
disease starts showing its symptoms of weakness, fatigue, depression, fever,
weight loss, headaches, allergic to light, stiffness of muscles, continued
cough, shortness of breath, vomiting, report of abdominal pain and accompanied
by dark urine.
Like Malaria
Babesiosis also targets the red blood cells of our body and destroy them
gradually leading to the mentioned ailments and then after they multiply by
basic cell division, in order to comprehend it briefly in a layman perspective,
red blood cells are transport for the oxygen to various parts in the body and
constant degeneration leads to low red blood cells counts, hence low oxygen
supply in the body leaving us breathless, lethargic, fatigued and with fragile
immune system.
Unlike other disease
Babesiosis shows a unique characteristics in its mortality rate or living ratio
of infected patients and differs according to geographic boundaries of the
continents for example in America only ten percent of the infected patients die
the rest recover with the aid of medical care or in many cases even in the absence
of it while the story in Europe is entirely different and approximately fifty
percent of the patients infected die due to this disease.
Age and sex is no bar
for this disease and can occur equally in male and females of all age groups.
But age groups above fifty are more susceptible to this disease as their immune
system has lived half of its life and portrays a feeble defence against the
onslaught of Babesiosis.
Babesiosis and Lyme
diseases are both tick borne diseases and sometimes people mistake them to be
of similar nature where as in reality Babesiosis present a more severe
infection level in humans as compared to Lyme infections and thus different
levels of treatments are required for both the diseases. On the other hand
patients of both diseases complain history of travel to areas like Nantucket
Island in America, where ironically the disease was first discovered in the
region in 1966, especially during the month of May and September.
Patients suffering
from this disease are fortunate to have a cure for this disease and the regular
procedure of malaria is required to be drilled once the infection is
discovered. Proper medical advice and medicines like Clindamycin (lincosamide
antibiotic) are safest bet for the cure.
Babesiosis is
constantly spanning its wings in other countries like Japan Mexico and China
apart from Europe and America and needs an immediate attention and education
for the people domiciled in other countries of the world so that they are well
prepared with the necessary tools to fight this slow and steady catastrophe as
and when it reaches their doors.
Detection of
Babesiosis
Babesiosis or
piroplasmosis is a very dangerous and invasive zoonotic disease (transmitted
between animals and humans) of humans and animals that is spread by ticks.
Although this parasite is widely widespread, it commonly infects rodents,
carnivores, and cattle. However, in recent years, their spread and cross-spread
have increased significantly and has been detected in various species. The
causative agent is the Babesia species.
Babesiosis in goats
Tick-borne diseases of
livestock can be economically devastating therefore husbandry practices and the
availability of vaccination should be made public to farmers, especially in
areas of rural economies.
The infecting agent
that causes Babesiosis in goats is Babesia ovis (B. ovis) common in the Middle
East, Middle Europe, central Asia, Turkey, India and some parts of Africa.
Although not much is known about the disease and spread among goats, it is
generally observed that it spreads in acute circumstances. Information about
its spread and agents spreading the disease is not fully understood. However it
is known that the protozoa destroys red blood cells and causes anaemia.
Currently several anti
protozoa vaccinations are available in the form of imidocarb, derived from
carbanilides. Further treatment could require administration of veterinary
antibiotic called “tylosin”.
Babesiosis symptoms
Most people in the US
and other parts of the world infected with babesiosis usually do not experience
any symptoms. However, there are symptoms that could easily be mistaken for
other conditions such as fatigue, fever, malaise, jaundice, and anaemia. Many
of these symptoms can last from few days to several months and usually appear one
to four weeks after infection. In individuals who are asymptomatic the disease
typically goes away on its own.
One third of our
lives go out in sleep and the rest while working, people who sleep late in the
nights twisting their bodies from one corner of the bed to the other wished it
was true. “A healthy mind resides in a healthy body”, its true and most of us
believe in this saying, but the core question which arises over here, is the
fact that where does the healthy body resides. The answer is simple, which is,
in a good night sleep. But here another hurdle arises which is both the answer
and the question, “sleep”. On an average a normal human sleep should not be
less than seven hours, but quite a number of us fail to sleep fast and are
astounded by this problem. Even worse people are illusioned, that they are
suffering from some kind of disease like insomnia which still adds to their
psychological stress leaving vacant eyes in the night.
However one of
the crucial reasons which is responsible for late sleeping habits is the stress
which has become the inevitable cause of many other psychological disorders,
especially when the entire human race is engulfed in the rat race of economic
existence lured through technology and ambition to prove to the society and
themselves in general. Following are some of the ways through which one can
sleep fast.
How to go to sleep fast
1)Exercise:-
I was a late
sleeper myself but found that if I exercised for at least half an hour which consists
of aerobics and push ups only, it was enough to wear down my stress and go to
sleep fast
2)Drugs:-
Drugs not necessarily
heroine or smack or cocaine, but it covers caffeine found in coffee, nicotine
found in cigarettes and tea also, contribute to late night sleep. Avoid drugs
of any sort to get a quick sleep in the night.
3)Television:-
Watching
television excessively, though is not
advisable for most of us but instead of watching television in the morning make
a habit of watching television in the night you will soon find yourself dozing
off to sleep even sooner than before.
4)Music:-
Instrumental
music especially ones from saxophone and Indian classical music makes you sleep
not only soon but also a comfortable sleep is experienced. Many music stores
sell compact discs and DVDs with the OM mantra
being repeated; believe me it helps not only in getting you to sleep soon but
also flushes out stress from your body.
5)Stay awake:-
Sometimes our
routine is disturbed when we work late in the nights and sleep in the morning,
and one fine day when the work is over our brain simply does not instructs our
eyes to doze out. The key of regaining our old routine is to stay awake for a
day or two in the morning hours and by the third day your body is ready to
relax and sleep quickly in the night.
6)Reading:-
Reading is a good habit and a prudent exercise for our eyes. Reading, a novel in the
night, surly helps in a quick sleep. Especially if you are tired and exhausted
from your days work at the office or the site.
7) Meditation:-
Meditation before sleep flushes out all the stress in the body which quickly
relaxes as soon as the person lies on the bed.
8) Medicine:-
Medicines such as Dionil and Compose can be taken under strict medical
supervision if nothing works out for you. However it is the lender of the last
resort and should be your ultimate choice when all natural means have failed.
