HOW TO DEAL WITH THESE COLLEAGUES?

DEALING WITH THESE COLLEAGUES

1. The truck driver

·         The truck driver barrels down towards you, headlights on, honking his horn and expects you to get out of the way.

·         To get a fair deal from him, do likewise.

·         On most occasions, both truck drivers veer away at the last moment.

·         If they don’t, they both stand to lose.

2. The nun

·         The nun prefers to give in rather than fight.

·         This may work fine for you at times, but may not for her, which makes it unsustainable as a solution.

·         So, the next time, reciprocate in kind and give in.

·         This keeps the relationship going and you get what you want when it matters.

3. The pizza guy

·         The pizza guy mathematically slices up the issue and divides the pieces.

·         Everyone gets a bite, but remains hungry.

·         No one wins or loses completely.

·         Try to bring him around to a win-win negotiation instead.

4. The judge

·         The judge holds the power of law over you, and this could be your boss.

·         Use logical, acceptable arguments to move your case.

·         However, if it’s ineffective, appeal to the next, higher authority.

5. The guerrilla

·         The guerrilla runs away to avoid a fair fight but returns to strike with unfair means.

·         Everyone loses in the civil war that follows.

·         In such a case, make the issue public and ensure there is direct communication.

PARTY-PERFECT HAIR CARE TIPS

PARTY-PERFECT HAIR CARE TIPS

 1. SHAMPOOING

·         Most good quality shampoos are safe, as they contain conditioners like hydrolyzed gelatin.

·         You may shampoo daily if your hair is quite greasy.

·         Excessive cleansing may lead to flyway hair due to static electricity build-up.

·         Vigorous rubbing, towel drying or combing of wet hair may lead to breakage.

2. HAIR GELS, SPRAYS, MOUSSES

·         They make a thin film to help in styling, increasing volume and give a wet look.

·         They are generally safe, but make hair stiffer and prone to damage while combing.

3. DEPILATORY CREAMS, HAIR-REMOVING LOTIONS

·         These may sometimes be irritating or foul-smelling, and less effective against darkly pigmented coarse hair.

·         Laser or intense pulsed light treatments are better options for hair reduction.

4. BLEACHING

·         Most bleaching agents have hydrogen peroxide, sulfates and per sulfates, and some activating agents that oxidize, soften and bleach hair.

·         They are safe if one is not allergic to any of the ingredients.

5. HAIR DYES

·         Most permanent hair dyes contain paraphenylenediamine, which are generally safe if you are not allergic to it.

·         However, there are some hair colours which may damage the hair’s protein and make it more porous and prone to breakage.

7. HAIR OILS

·         For thin hair, use rosemary oil which helps in cleansing the scalp, as thin hair attracts more dirt and impurities.

·         Rosemary oil is aromatic oil that helps stimulate hair follicles, prevents premature graying and hair loss.

·         Being high on calcium, vitamin B and iron, this oil also helps the hair with conditions of the scalp like dandruff, oily scalp and brittle or frizzy hair.

·         For thick hair, if coarse and unmanageable, olive oil is the best remedy.

·         This oil has a high level of mono-unsaturated fat, which helps in strengthening and moisturizing dry and damaged hair.

·         For fine hair, use pomegranate seed oil, whose punicic acid helps to revitalize dull and dry strands of hair, besides protecting it from chemicals and environmental impurities.

·         For wavy hair, use sweet almond oil which is a natural remedy for hair for ages.

·         Massaging the scalp with this oil stimulates blood circulation allowing oxygen in the hair follicles, and also helps to add shine and lusture to one’s hair.

·         For damaged hair, use avocado oil which is rich in amino acids and proteins, and helps deal with hair fall, dandruff and thinning hair.

STEPS FOR RIGHT HAIR TREATMENT

Step 1

·         Shampoo your hair every alternate day to remove dirt and grime.

·         Always lather with a moisturizing shampoo enriched with pro-Vitamin formula that nourishes your hair.

·         Shampoo by gently massaging your scalp to improve blood circulation.

Step 2

·         Always condition your hair after every wash for adding moisture to your hair.

·         Take a coin sized amount in your palms and rub them together to spread evenly.

·         Then apply ear-down to the tips.

·         Leave it in your hair for at least 3 minutes and then comb to untangle the knots.

Step 3

·         Treat your hair once a week by indulging in deep-conditioning.

·         It contains concentrated pro-Vitamin formula that undoes past damage and repairs hair so that you can style it the way you want.

Step 4

·         Do not brush your hair when it is wet, and let it dry naturally.

·         If in a hurry, make sure you use a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting.

·         Blow dry using a paddle brush, while keeping the dryer 6 inches away from hair to avoid burning it.

SURVIVAL STRATEGIES FOR PROFESSIONALS

SURVIVAL STRATEGIES FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS

·         Do a proper self-appraisal and see whether your fundamentals are in place and find the weaknesses that need to be addressed.

·         Temper your salary and increment expectations.

·         If there is a salary cut in real terms because of inflation, it may not be enough reason to chuck your job.

·         Move only when you get a better opportunity in a more stable company.

·         Try to build as much equity as possible with your employer and ensure that you are one of the last ones to go if it comes to the crunch.

·         Show more initiative and take on greater responsibility.

·         Be disciplined.

·         Ensure that you are not in the bottom quartile in terms of performance.

·         Be flexible and open to change.

·         Give personal preferences like location a pass for the time being, if possible, if it hinders your progress.

·         Add skills to broaden your scope of work.

·         Be prepared to move not only vertically, but also horizontally between domains.

·         Maintain a good professional network so that, if needed, you can pass around the word that you are open to change.

·         If you have lost your job or anticipate a layoff, do not be closed to the idea of moving into a related sector if you have the required skills to make the transition.

·         Even if you are insulated, prepare a strategy for the worst and prepare for it.

SURVIVAL STRATEGIES FOR THE YOUNG

A. SURVIVAL STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTS

·         Keep in touch with seniors, placement coordinators and industry professionals for finding out the skills / profiles that are in demand.

·         Industry-specific blogs and forums can also come in handy.

·         Enroll for courses outside the campus to make yourself more attractive – evening courses or e-learning courses could be an option.

·         If necessary, consider a small change in focus of your expertise and concentrate on domain skills that would be in demand in the coming years.

·         Broaden your horizons and explore careers in related fields.

·         Think more in terms of a career, that is, how the job you are going to take up fits in with where you want to be, instead of just a job. 

B. SURVIVAL STRATEGIES FOR FRESHERS

·         Be very good at your core skills.

·         If you have not entered the job market, add skills to make yourself more attractive.

·         Explore opportunities in smaller companies and related sectors to broaden your career options.

·         If required, compromise on the concept of a dream job.

·         Even if you have an offer from campus placement, apply outside as backup.

·         If you are in your probation period, give your job everything you’ve got so that the company is inclined to retain you, or at least give you a glowing recommendation.

·         Taking on additional responsibility is a must.

·         Start building your professional network and explore available opportunities.

PARTY-PERFECT EYE CARE TIPS

PARTY-PERFECT EYE CARE TIPS

1. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

·         Over-exposure to the sun’s powerful UV rays can

temporarily harm eyes, or cause photokeratitis.

·         Always wear anti-glare sunglasses before stepping out.

·         The glares will help fight the air as well as the harsh sun rays.

·         If you wear contact lenses, use artificial tears regularly as soft contact lenses are like little sponges and need lots of moisture.

·         If they start to dry out, they can change shape and stick to the eye, becoming painful and cloudy.

·         Also, limit your alcohol intake if you use contacts, as they dehydrate the skin.

·         Splash cool water regularly on your eyes to remove dust and dirt.

·         Do not use hot water for cleaning your eyes as they lose moisture and become dry.

·         Don’t rub your eyes with dirty hands.

·         Apply good quality eye cream around the eyes as it protects the delicate eye area and reduces intensity of black circles.

2. DURING WINTER

·        

Winter causes eye infections such as redness, burning, irritation, watering, swelling, pain, or blurred vision, in people prone to dryness, allergies, and seasonal changes.

·         Fine lines and wrinkles develop near the eyes because the cold air hits your face when you are walking or driving.

·         When facing cold winter winds, shield yourself from their drying elements with sunglasses, which prevent evaporation of your eye’s tear film.

·         If dry eye symptoms worsen in winter, use lubricating eye drops that ease common pain and itchiness.

·         Avoid self-medication and consult an eye doctor for your eye care.

CURE YOUR BINGE-EATING

BULIMIA DISORDER (BINGE-EATING)

·         Bulimia, also called bulimia nervosa, is a psychological ‘binge-eating’ disorder prevalent both in men and women.

·         Sufferers quickly consume huge quantities of food, usually high in calories, till they feel they are bursting, mostly when they are alone in response to boredom, loneliness and depression.

·         They develop an irresistible urge, with a short-lived sense of relief after eating, but end up feeling guilty and intensely ashamed, which makes them usually keep it secret.

·         They generally look perfectly normal and may not be overweight.

·         After bingeing, the person induces vomiting or uses enemas and laxatives to eliminate the excessive calories, for which they may even unnecessarily exercise excessively to control their weight.

·         Bulimics can develop many complications as a result of vomiting such as dehydration, abnormal heart rhythms, erosion of tooth enamel and multiple cavities due to exposure to stomach acids.

·         Most have intense concerns about their appearance and weight.

·         Many have low self-esteem, an intense dissatisfaction with their bodies and a fear of becoming obese, causing depression.

·         These disorders mainly occur in youngsters, especially those exposed to the westernized influences of lifestyles and beauty ideals promoted by cinema, fashion gurus and the mass media.

·         The shame and denial attached to these disorders often make treatment difficult as the sufferer seeks help only when things get really out of hand or when they develop medical complications.

·         Anti-depressant medication may help in some cases but cannot become the mainstay of treatment.

·         Psychotherapy, focused on self-esteem and body image, is the most important part of treatment.

·         Hypnotherapy, combined with self-hypnosis, often helps resolve these issues quicker than just talk-therapy.

·         People with this disorder should not diet, skip meals or label certain foods as ‘forbidden’ since these restrictions often trigger binge-eating attacks.

·         They need to re-learn how to eat in a relaxed, natural and balanced way.

CATARACT OF THE EYE

CATARACT OF THE EYE

·         It is an eyesight problem wherein the lens of the eye becomes cloudy like a frosted glass, thus blocking the light and obstructing vision.

·         It can occur in either or both eyes, though it cannot spread from one eye to the other.

·         Diabetics are at higher risk for cataract, as well as developing the condition at a younger age.

·         It may also develop due to prolonged exposure to sunlight or due to side effects of certain medications.

SYMPTOMS OF CATARACT

·         Blurred vision

·        Colours seem faded

·         Double vision

·         Multiple images in one eye

·         Poor night vision

·         Glare – Headlights, lamps or sunlight appear too bright

·         Seeing halos around lights

·         Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

TREATMENT

·         Surgery is the only effective treatment of cataract, although symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new suitable eyeglasses.

·         Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens, called Intraocular Lens (IOL).

·         If you have cataract in both eyes that require surgery, the surgery will be performed on each eye separately, preferably with a gap of 4-8 weeks.

·         There are different types of IOLs –

o   Traditional monofocal

o   Multifocal (simultaneous viewing of both distance and near vision)

o   Accommodating (for both distance and midrange near vision)

o   Light adjusting

o   Toric (designed to correct astigmatism), etc.

·         A cataract procedure is generally very safe but there is always a need to consult the surgeon on possible post-surgical complications.

PROTECTION FROM ULTRA-VIOLET RAYS

·         Use glasses with a high refractive index glass/plastic and an anti-glare coating, so that you can prevent early onset of cataract.

·         Anti-glare coating keeps ultraviolet rays from damaging the cornea and causing dryness of the eyes.

·         Ultraviolet rays can affect the natural crystalline lens which causes cataract, retinal damage and macular degeneration of macula, the yellow spot in the retina – the main seeing area.

·         As the intensity of the sun’s ultraviolet rays in India is much stronger than the West, Indians get cataract at a much earlier age of 55-60 years.

·         Ultraviolet protection glasses come in all forms – as goggles or as prescription lenses that are normal white or photo chromatic, which can be used during the day or at night.

·         Using protective sunglasses is therefore a necessary daily accessory, as their primary function is to block the intensity of the sun’s ultraviolet rays and blue light.

ANTI-OSTEOPOROSIS FOODS

ANTI-OSTEOPOROSIS FOODS

·         The word ‘osteoporosis’ means ‘porous bones’.

·         In this condition, the density and quality of bones deteriorate.

·         This causes fractures and a compressed spinal column.

·         It affects posture and causes pain in the spine and back.

·         It can also impact other organs and functions of the body when it worsens.

·         Some of the accompanying conditions of osteoporosis are - difficulty in breathing, constipation, anxiety, nervousness, forgetfulness, physical and emotional instability, lower back pain, degenerative arthritis, loss of height, insomnia, bladder and kidney weakness, frequent urination, and dental problems.

·         To counter osteoporosis, eat whole foods high in calcium, Vitamin D, and the trace minerals manganese and boron.

·         Avoid refined food, excess salt, refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

·         Exposing 15% of your body – hands, face and arms – to 10 minutes of sunlight daily gives you a good dose of vitamin D.

1. Foods high in calcium

·         Leafy vegetables like lettuces, spinach, beets, cabbage

·         Green vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower

·        Grain sources like black beans, black peas, black gram, green gram, chickpeas, soybeans

·         Others like dairy foods, carrots, oranges, dried figs, raisins

3. Foods rich in manganese

·         Cereals like oatmeal

·         Fruits and nuts like pineapple, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts

4. Foods rich in boron

·         Fruits and nuts like oranges, apples, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts

·         Others like soybean and honey