A RELAXING MOTHER'S DAY GETAWAY

NEW DELHI, (IANSLIFE) Nothing compares to travelling the world with the people you love! Take your mother on an adventure you both will never forget this Mother's Day.

OneLatitude's co-founders Bharat Seth and Simran give their picks for the best road trips for mothers and daughters to do together.

Ladakh & Zanskar, India

The rugged terrain of Ladakh is famous the world over and is sure to bring out the adventurous side of anyone! Club this with the untouched Zanskar valley and it's a trip of a lifetime. It's time to get behind the wheel or be driven around through Ladakh and Zanskar Valley with your mother.

Garden Route, South Africa

There is something for everyone on the Garden Route! From beautiful coastal drives, game reserves, scenic vineyards with delicious wines, whale watching, dolphin cruises, and scrumptious food to the bustling city of Cape Town. A drive on this route is sure to stay with you and your mom forever.

South Island, NZ

New Zealand is renowned worldwide for its natural beauty! The South Island is iconic with its gorgeous drives, adventurous activities like glacier walks and skydiving, lovely quaint towns, and more. Participate in an activity together and bring out each other's adventurous side.

Eastern Arunachal, India

Explore the interiors of Arunachal and get acquainted with the local culture and heritage of the region. Known for its beautiful views, authentic local culture, cuisine, art and crafts and more - a road trip through Eastern Arunachal may be a bumpy ride in parts but it's definitely a must for an adventurous mother-daughter duo!

Kyrgyzstan

On the silk route, this Central Asian country is more than what meets the eye. Still, off the mass tourism map, it offers authentic experiences, picturesque glacial lakes, and iconic mountain ranges. You get to meet the nomadic tribes, stay in yurts, participate in local horse games, enjoy authentic local cuisines, visit silk road relics, and much more.

Scotland

A drive on the iconic North Coast 500 is one for the books. Perfect for a mother-daughter getaway, Scotland has it all! Taste some delicious whiskeys, try the local food, sail into a loch, explore ancient castles, or stroll the streets of quaint towns with an ice cream in hand. There is something for everyone to enjoy. A Scottish sojourn is complete with the sound of bagpipes wherever you go!

Spiti, India

The beautiful valley of Spiti is a lesser explored valley in Himachal. Very similar in terrain to Ladakh it offers you beautiful views, scenic valleys, local culture & customs, and warm welcoming local stays. Head here on a road trip and drive through the picturesque valley of Sangla before making your way to Spiti. See the changing cultures and landscapes of Himachal.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

Kangaroos, Twelve Apostles, Surf Beaches of Torquay, Koalas, lush rainforests, the grotto and so much more! The Great Ocean Drive from Melbourne to Port Fairy needs to be on everyone's bucket list and what's better than getting to experience it with your beloved mother? With comfortable stays, activities for everyone, and great food this one is perfect for a mother-daughter duo.

Rajasthan, India

A soulful trip through the state of Rajasthan takes you back in time and you experience the true hospitality of this Rajputana state. Start your drive from Jaipur and drive through the big and small cities making your way to Jaisalmer. End your drive with a few days in the city of Lakes-Udaipur. With delicious food, beautiful palaces, luxurious stays, loads of shopping opportunities and local Rajasthani culture - there is no wonder that Rajasthan is famous the world over.

Highway 1, USA

Take a scenic drive through the coast of California up to Seattle! Bonus if you rent out a convertible. Highway 1 or the Pacific Coast Highway runs all the way from Southern California and connects further up to Oregon and Washington. You can do a scenic short drive or the longer route till Portland or Seattle. With a tonne of stops along the way, from big cities to quaint beach towns this one is sure to be a mix of it all!

NEW DELHI, (IANSLIFE) Summer heat can pose serious risks to our furry companions. As responsible pet parents, it's our duty to ensure they stay healthy and safe. Pet parents must be aware of the changes in diet, grooming, and lifestyle needed for the change in season.

Getting grooming and hygiene wrong

A fresh summer haircut can beat the heat, but it is not advised to shave your dog completely as their coat protects them from overheating and sunburn. Dogs have delicate skin and should not be over-bathed either. Excessive scratching and licking could hint at summer allergies or parasites. For cats, brushing them more often can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. Make sure that any sunscreen or wipes you may be using are pet safe. Not adapting your pet's diet for summer

The heat affects your pet's digestive system so cooling foods rich in probiotics should be added to their diet. Watermelon and curds are some good summer treats, and swapping red meats for white meats like chicken would be ideal. Pre-packaged dry and wet food recommended by vets is nutritionally balanced and can be a better alternative in the heat.

Forgetting precautions on daily walks

Choose the coolest time of the day for walks as roads can remain hot into the evening and burn paws, increasing body temperature and leading to overheating. Don't over-excite your dog or cat in the summer, take breaks from playing in the shade. Make sure they are well hydrated by keeping a portable water bowl handy.

Overlooking your pet's safety

In summer we leave doors and windows open which is dangerous for curious pets. If you are planning a pool party with your pet, keep watch no matter how good they are at swimming. If you're going on a road trip never leave your pet in the car unattended, even in 'just five minutes' they can overheat.

Missing signs of heatstroke

Young/elderly pets, those with heart and lung issues, overweight, small breeds, and breeds from cooler regions or with flat faces, are prone to heatstroke. Look out for excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, lethargy, and even difficulty balancing. Take your pet to a cool shaded area, and either pour room-temperature water on their body to cool them down, use a wet towel to wipe the body, or place an icepack between their legs. If your pet gets worse, has diarrhoea or starts vomiting, take them immediately to your veterinarian.

FRIZZY HAIR? NO PROBLEM

WASHING HANDS CAN AID INFECTION CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF DIARRHOEA: EXPERT

NEW DELHI, (IANSLIFE) An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! This came into realisation during the chaotic times of the pandemic when washing hands thoroughly was the most basic precaution asked by the government and healthcare authorities. However, hygiene has always lagged behind in most countries of the world resulting in the WHO recognising WASH (Water, sanitation and hygiene) as a human right for all and including it in the Sustainable Development Goals tailored for the world.

In India, the state of WASH is gradually improving but still has a huge scope for improvement and increased awareness drive. During the period of 2010-2013, India recorded 7.5 per cent of deaths among all age groups because of diarrhoea, malaria and some tropical diseases while more than 1.32 crore cases of acute diarrhoeal disease were listed in the country in 2019. The data is enough to highlight how important it is to integrate hygiene practices like washing hands in our lives as effective preventive measures.

Hands are used in almost every activity we perform throughout the day. Washing them rigorously is the cornerstone of maintaining good hygiene. And hygiene has never harmed anyone! Knowingly or unknowingly we get in contact with a lot of germs and these are carriers of many infections along with troublesome conditions like diarrhoea. To protect against a wide range of diseases like pneumonia, diarrhoea and more, washing hands is the most pocket-friendly method. We prepare, eat food, touch a public place, and touch and handle things that many people previously handled, treat wounds, care for a sick person and do much more with our hands. Thanks to the pandemic, the significance of washing hands was spread broadly, but did we take it seriously? According to UNICEF, people, especially men, do not use hygiene facilities consistently. There is a dire need for impactful political support and behavioural change interventions to spread awareness for sizable improvements in this direction.

Diarrhoea and washing hands

Germs like Salmonella, norovirus, and E. coli O157 are responsible for diarrhoea. These are also important sources of faeces from people or animals. They have the capacity to spread respiratory infections like hand-foot-mouth disease and adenovirus. The germs can easily get on the hands of people and spread when using the toilet or doing any other activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, handwashing education in the communities can help reduce diarrhoeal issues among people with weak immune systems by approximately 58 per cent. Around 1.8 million children under the age of five lose their lives every year due to diarrheal diseases and pneumonia. These are the top reasons why kids end up in fatal situations around the world

What do facts say?

Research says that around 2.3 people lack hand washing facilities with soap and water at home. Such a lack of facilities is highly problematic for children. Half of the schools have a paucity of handwashing facilities with soap and water. This affects approximately 802 million school-going children. Also, there is a lack of hygiene facilities, especially soap and water to wash hands at places providing health care facilities. These places have a high chance of catching viral bacteria and other contaminations. If there is no proper hygiene maintained here, serious consequences and even fatal outcomes can happen.

Maintaining hand hygiene

One should take responsibility for understanding the key timings and duration of washing hands. Awareness regarding hand hygiene in the home and community needs to be implemented to spread the message as much as possible. Health promotional materials along with the resources to wash hands should be distributed in remote areas and educational institutions. Soap, sanitisers and other materials come under the resources. October 15 is Global Handwashing Day. There can be numerous activities and creative competitions like poster making etc in schools to highlight the importance of hand hygiene. As a responsible citizen, one can promote awareness via videos, creative campaigns, social media hashtags, podcasts and more to get the noble cause a direction.

Monitoring change by making services available and driving policies

The government and healthcare authorities can come together to develop handwashing policies, strategies and action plans. India is almost the leading country in terms of population at the moment. Hence, it is impossible to reach every nook and corner of the country to spread awareness. Thanks to digitalisation! Digitisation can reach everywhere throughout the world. Effective messages on government, as well as healthcare online platforms, can make a big difference. Making services accessible to the most vulnerable is the foundation of achieving this goal. Failing to plan is planning to fail. A country with massive diversity needs strict measures to come out of the traditional beliefs, social stigma and financial issues in order to take action for healthy citizens. Children suffer more than anyone due to the lack of hygiene. Their bodies are not ready to deal with harsh conditions and vulnerability at a very young age makes it much more complicated for them to battle. Keeping them clean and encouraging hygiene habits in them is the first step to saving them from a wide range of diseases.

Ageing Gracefully

NEW DELHI, (IANSLIFE) Our bodies' needs and capabilities change as we age, and our skin is no exception. Sometimes the skin may transform more rapidly than necessary, if certain factors are at play such as pollution, unhealthy habits, hormonal and metabolic change. The skin becomes thinner, developing your first fine lines and wrinkles. It also loses its radiance and elasticity; no longer appearing as supple as it once did. While these are natural processes, there are certain skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen that can actually reverse signs of ageing.

Role of hyaluronic acid and collagen

Both, hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen, have become a mainstay in cosmetics and skincare - supplements, injectables, and topical. These ingredients are critical to keeping your sk in looking healthy and youthful, but they work in different ways. For instance: hyaluronic acid helps to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, in contrast, collagen helps to rebuild and strengthen the skin's connective tissues from within. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance found in the human body. It's present in large concentrations in the skin, w here it helps keep the complexion hydrated and plump. In fact, hyaluronic acid is responsible for up to 30 per cent of the skin's natur al moisture-binding ability, but its production depletes over time as you age. Similarly, collagen is a protein that your body nat urally creates. Like hyaluronic acid, as you age your body produces less of the protein. As collagen plays a role in strengthening skin and increasing elasticity and hydration, wrinkles develop when your body starts producing less. In recent years, people have started using hyaluronic acid and collagen-enriched skincare products and supplements. But for longer-lasting effect and better results, bio- remodelling is a practical choice.

Collagen and hyaluronic acid go together like best friends. They complement and support one another for maximal, effective benefits. Hailed as the break-through treatment for anti-ageing, Profhilo, also synonymous with bio-remodelling, is the latest innovation in the field of aesthetic procedures. With one of the highest concentrations of ultrapure HA on the market, the treatment tackles anti -ageing directly from within the skin itself, stimulating collagen production and strengthening the support networks in the skin to red uce fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, hyaluronic acid plays a key role in tissue regeneration, specifically in repairing skin, and has been found very effective in healing wounds. Rather than being a volumising filler or muscle relaxant, Profhilo can be seen as more of an advanced injectable moisturiser. Besides the face, Profhilo can also be injected into neck, hands and other areas with high skin laxity.

Foods for boosting hyaluronic acid and collagen

The importance of nutrition is paramount, since we know that the skin is nourished from the inside. If you're not eating right, your skin will show it. While there are many approaches to eating healthy, certain foods are guaranteed to up your beauty game. Adding bone broth, foods such as soy products, oranges, bell peppers, tomato, cashew, almonds, kale, beans, and sweet potatoes will provide nutrients that may naturally ramp up your body's synthesis of hyaluronic acid and collagen and give you a healthier glo w.

It is also important to reduce or cut out alcohol, coffee, foods and beverages high in sodium and sugars as they all contribute to systemic dehydration, which may show up as skin that looks dull and non-plump. Do your best to limit your intake of processed foods, and increase the intake of water to keep the skin hydrated.

Using the right skin care ingredients, making a few lifestyle changes, and having patience can help your skin in aging gracefully and keeping it look its best through the years. A trustworthy dermatologist can help you create a personalised skin care plan by as sessing your skin type, evaluating your skin's condition and recommending products and aesthetic procedures likely to be effective.

Having frizzy hair may be a tremendous pain, especially in the morning. But don't panic, there are plenty of simple hairstyles you can try to manage your frizz and look great even on the busiest of mornings.

The Messy Bun: This classic hairstyle is perfect for frizzy hair as it allows you to embrace your natural texture. Simply gather your hair into a loose bun and secure it with a hair tie.

The Low Ponytail: A low ponytail is another simple hairstyle that's perfect for busy mornings. To make it more interesting, you can add a braid or twist to the front section of your hair.

The Top Knot: If you're short on time, a top knot is a great option. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it around and secure it with bobby pins.

The Half-Up, Half-Down: This hairstyle is perfect if you want to show off your curls while still keeping them under control. Simply gather the top half of your hair and secure it with a hair tie or clip. The French Braid: A French braid is a chic and elegant hairstyle that's perfect for frizzy hair. It keeps your hair off your face and is ideal for both casual and formal occasions. The Side

Braid: A side braid is a great option if you have long hair. Simply gather your hair to one side and braid it, securing it with a hair tie. The Fishtail Braid: This trendy braid is a gr eat option for frizzy hair as it looks great with a bit of texture. It may take a little practice to get right, but once you've mastered it, you'll love the results.

DELHI WORKING WOMEN'S FINANCIAL HABITS REVEALED

NEW DELHI, (IANSLIFE) Nearly half of the working women in Delhi (47 per cent) find it difficult to keep a regular track of their expenses, while more than 1/3rd (37 per cent) of working women are either not aware or have never been able to check their credit score. These are a few of the findings of the 5th edition of the #WorkingStree survey report released by IndiaLends, an online marketplace for personal loans and credit cards.

The #WorkingStree report further reveals that women in Delhi have a unique approach towards financial independence and decision-making. The survey was conducted online in February 2023 and covered 10,000 plus working women in the 21-65 age group residing in top metro, Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities, with about 10 per cent residing in Delhi-NCR.

The survey found that 2/3rd of working women in Delhi (67 per cent) actively contribute towards their household expenses, with nearly 1/3rd of these women (31 per cent), contributing over half of their income to their household. On a national level, more than 70 per cent of working women contribute to household expenses. Additionally, for working women in Delhi, "financial freedom" has been the biggest motivation to work, followed by the desire to be valuable and have self-confidence. Nationally, women echoed the same reasons, followed by the need to support family needs.

The survey also revealed that 32 per cent of working women in Delhi find making financial decisions with regard to savings and investments a bit complex. This is in line with the national trend, where many women rely on the guidance of their father, brother, or husband when making financial decisions.

IndiaLends Founder and CEO Gaurav Chopra said, "Financial empowerment of women is not just a social responsibility, but also a key driver of economic growth. Our study results indicate that women in Delhi have a long way to go in achieving financial independence. While it is encouraging to see that nearly twothirds of women in Delhi have checked their credit scores, there is still a long way to go in terms of regular expense tracking and independent investment decision-making. As a financial services company, IndiaLends is committed to providing women with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve their financial goals and aspirations. We believe that a financially independent woman is a force to be reckoned with, and we will continue to work towards creating a more equal and inclusive society for all." The survey also found that, at a national level, nearly half of working women were learning about personal finance from social media, about 30 per cent from news articles, and 20 per cent from workshops and seminars, followed by professional experts. Even though working women are making an effort to take a charge of their finances at present only 1/3rd of working women feel confid ent about making all their financial decisions. The majority of IndiaLends' #WorkingStree survey respondents were in the 25-34 age group, representing 47.7 per cent of the total sample, followed by 35-44 year-olds at 30.8 per cent. The youngest age group of 21-24 years represented 13.7 per cent of the sample, while those over 45 and above made up about 7.8 per cent. In terms of professions, salaried employees represented the largest group of r espondents at 43.6 per cent, followed by selfemployed individuals at 31.3 per cent. Homemakers represented 12.3 per cent of the sample, while professional individuals such as CAs and lawyers accounted for 4.4 per cent. When it came to marital status, the majority of respondents were married at 70.6 per cent, followed by singles at 16.4 per cent.

CHECK YOUR KIDNEY'S HEALTH WITH THESE TWO SIMPLE TESTS!

Your kidneys play a crucial role in keeping you alive, just like your brain and heart. These two fist-sized organs, located in your lower back, play a very vital role in acting as filters by removing waste and extra fluids from the body. They also keep blood pressure under control. People are mostly interested in knowing their cholesterol and blood pressure numbers. However, they should also know about their kidney's status to see if their kidneys are healthy or if they have chronic kidney disease, which is also known as CKD.

CKD is a condition that means the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood the way they should. Diabetes is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease. In India also, the disease is commonly observed in people with diabetes. Studies have suggested that almost one in two people with diabetes suffer from CKD, which also indicates that it is underdiagnosed in our country. Another estimate suggests that one in eight Indians experience the chronic condition.

Why is it important to know about kidney health?

If you are diagnosed with CKD, then it means that you have had a kidney problem for the past few months. You might get chronic kidney disease slowly and silently, without even knowing. You may be losing kidney functions for many years without significant symptoms. People often get to know about their condition only when their kidneys have failed and it's too late for preventive treatment. In this situation, they usually need dialysis or a kidney transplant. That's why knowing your kidney numbers is important.

Two important markers to detect kidney disease

Two important markers to detect kidney disease are estimated a year, especially in all patients with diabetes. eGFR is more accurate than serum creatinine alone. Serum creatinine is affected by muscle mass, and related factors of age, sex, and race. eGFR is not reliable for patients with rapidly changing creatinine levels, extremes in muscle mass and body size, or altered diet patterns.

A uACR test basically lets the doctor or physician know how much albumin passes into your urine over a 24-hour period. Kidney disease may refer to a urine albumin test result of 30 or above. The test may also be repeated once or twice to confirm the results. We must get urine albumin excretion assessed yearly to diagnose and monitor kidney damage in patients with type 1 diabetes for five years or more or with type 2 diabetes. More frequent monitoring may be indicated in patients with changing clinical status or after therapeutic interventions. Apart from your kidney numbers, your doctor will use your medical history and perform other lab and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan to get a picture of your kidneys and urinary tract. In this way, a complete evaluation helps to confirm or rule out CKD. Tests like uACR and eGFR can minimise the burden on patients as well as healthcare delivery centers, besides supporting detection and sustained medical care more smoothly. Apart from that, these tests offer reliable results in a more convenient manner and can be used as a screening tool for risk stratification and early-stage screening as well. Such tests can also support doctors in selecting and adjusting treatment as per an individual patient, providing a certain degree of personalized treatment.

King Charles III's coronation has received a lot of attention, including what his guests choose to wear. The requests for visitors to dress in regal robes or ceremonial clothes were dropped in favour of a more casual, and an understated appearance.

There are probably few occasions in history that are more momentous than the coronation of a new monarch, and fashion at a royal ceremony is crucial.

Emma Thompson

British actor, Emma Thompson, appeared at the ceremony wearing a red overcoat from Emilia Wickstead with a monochromatic red rose print and her Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) medal as an accessory.

Nick Cave and Katy Pery

Nick Cave, an Australian artist, looked stylish in a three-piece black suit and Gucci horsebit loafers, while Katy Perry wore a pink skirt suit and a pearl choker by the late British designer Vivienne Westwood, who passed away in December 2022.

Olena Zelenska

Olena Zelenska, the first lady of Ukraine, looks very stunning at a royal occasion in an icy blue dress and coat ensemble.

Jill Biden and Finnegan Biden

In what could be interpreted as a sartorial nod to demonstrate support for Ukraine, First Lady Jill Biden wore a periwinkle blue Ralph Lauren skirt suit with a matching hair bow, and was accompanied by her granddaughter Finnegan Biden in a stylish light yellow cape dress by Markarian.

Princess Anne

Princess Anne made an appearance in a military outfit covered in thick gold braid to fulfil her duties as the "Gold Stick in Waiting" in charge of the monarch's safety. Anne is a colonel in a number of overseas regiments, so she is not unfamiliar with wearing a uniform.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and urine eGFR is calculated from stable serum creatinine levels at least once

Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR). While eGFR is measured by a blood test, uACR is measured by a urine test. eGFR shows how well your kidneys clean blood and uACR shows that if there is a protein called albumin in your urine it may mean that your kidneys are damaged.

The rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease in India not only takes a toll on patients but also on the entire healthcare system. CKD prevalence in the country is a rising burden on healthcare that needs to be tackled by making people aware and promoting screening to enable its identification or diagnosis at an early stage. The good news is that when CKD is found early and treated right, then the outlook for chronic kidney patients can be very bright.

Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau

On his approach to Westminster Abbey, Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, was seen along with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau who shone in a blush-toned satin dress with organza sleeves, brightening the gloomy day.