STOP SMOKING Reason #1000+++ to stop Smoking NOW !!! Many including you might have suggested a smoker to quit smoking.....most of the reasons are to consider their own health and risk....but this one reason might be alot effective if that smoker is expecting a child soon!!! You've heard of second hand smoke, but the thirdhand kind that sticks to clothes, skin and hair has been found to pass nicotine into babies. Infact, tots who sleep in the same room as a smoking parent have three times the level of nicotene in their bodies than those who sleep in a different room, a new study finds. Quit smoking and it will help the person live longer and healthier, looking younger and healthier, the developing wrinkles will disappear. They will be a role model to thier children, and help the kids too live longer, for which they will thank the person one day soon!!!!   - Prathyusha Talluri More articles from this author.... COLORED FOODS

COLORED FOODS Apples, Beetroots, Strawberries, Jamuns, Blueberries, raspberries, Carrots, Cranberries, Gooseberries, green-red-yellow Capsicum, Tomatoes, Grapes, Pomegranate are interesting to eat and are heavily colored..truly naturally colored. Various intensely colored fruits and vegetables contain substances called Phytochemicals that may play key roles in health improvement and disease prevention. Some studies indicate the more intense the color of these foods, the higher the phytochemical content. One of the most studied phytochemicals are Anthocyanins, the key components in colored pigments in foods. In general, consumption of foods containing anthocyanins included improvements in Cardiovascular, Neurological, Immunological and Insulin function. There is also evidence that these foods substances may reduce Cancer risk. These foods may not be available everywhere and everytime, hence our body is ready to cash on the benefits from these if eaten two or three times a month. Berries that are highly colored, contain high Vitamin C, health-enhancing phytochemicals, fiber and are low in fat.   - Prathyusha Talluri

Premenstrual Syndrome and its Management!! Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of emotional symptoms with or without physical discomforts. The prominent symptoms include irritability, tension and dysphoria-prolonged unhappiness. Women also complaint of: headache, mood swings, stress, anxiety and insomnia-difficulty in sleeping. Fortunately there are a set of foods which help we, women to combat with this disturbing syndrome! Including these foods prior and during menstrual cycles is of great help!! Cheese, many of avoid it as it has too much of fats! Very true but one of the main causes of PMS is calcium deficiency, which well handled by dairy products and cheese. So, during menstrual cycles pump in more cheese!! Pineapple, there are three main reasons why menstruating women should have this fruit. First, it has copious amounts of magnesium which stabilizes mood swings. Second, it has high amounts of water-content which reduces the bloating -excess fluid accumulation during monthly cycles. Finally, it a nice way of satisfying your sweet-tooth! Almonds, these tiny nuts are a great source of PMS relief. Owing to their high magnesium content and other mineral they are victorious in expelling: headaches, stress, anxiety and depression. A handful of almonds during these times are very fruitful indeed! Menstrual cycles are fragile phases of our life! Taking proper precautions is of utmost importance!! Take care!!   - Siri

How to Control Cholesterol Levels Teluguone Vanitha provides tips for how to control cholesterol. Follow these cholesterol reducing tips to live a longer healthier life. By Dr Padmaja Prasad Nutritionis.

Healthy food- happy life When you are mentally disturbed, that disturbs your food habits too. Subsequently, when you are unhealthy, you demonstrate most of your negative traits as you will not be fit enough to think and act properly. They both are interdependant. In most of the cases, people suffer from either of the problems mentioned above. Sometimes physical health disturbs our mental condition; hence disturbance arises in human relationships. According to experts, if you identify any problem in one area, it is an alarm that says, “ you need to correct the other area and take precautionary measures to keep it intact”. Generally couples make their dining table as discussion place and discuss various problem while eating; Experts suggest us to discourage such habits as you tend to consume imbalanced diet as you are distracted often. Taking healthy food should always be combined with a pleasant environment then only it is accepted as healthy food. If you are angry, irritated, and annoyed and consuming a perfect diet, still it is not being absorbed properly by the body. Hence you need to be always cool while at your dining table. Make this place as much fun filled as possible; avoid talks and discussions which leads to brainstorming sessions. By doing this you and your family will be healthy both physically and mentally too.   - M.S.Bhavana

Thyroid Diseases!! Thyroid gland is a tiny butterfly shaped gland situated in neck which is the spearhead for the entire metabolism taking place within the body. It is monitored by the Pituitary gland and the Hypothalamus. The major types of the disorders include: Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism and Goitre. Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder in which thyroid gland produces inadequate quantities of thyroidal hormones. Iodine deficiency is the major cause for hypothyroidism. Brittle fingernails, itchy and dry skin, whooping and sudden weight gain, swollen eyelids, puffy facial skin and hair loss are all indicatives of hypothyroidism   Hyperthyroidism refers an overactive thyroid gland wherein the gland secretes excessive amounts of thyroidal hormones. Its causes are varied which all lead to overproduction of hormones! Every function of the body tends to speed up. Muscle aches, hair loss, profuse sweating, frequent bowel movements and popping of the eyes are all the indicatives of hyperthyroidism.   Goitre is often called a normal abnormality. It is the swelling of the neck or larynx due to the enlargement of thyroid gland. Iodine and selenium deficiency These are thyroidal disease are cured by the use of certain drugs, thyroidectomy surgical removal of the gland and radio-iodine therapy.   - Siri

Seafood and its Skin Benefits     Signs of ageing : Seafood is one of the easiest ways to prevent signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines, crow feet, dull and dry skin, and pigmentation. It has vitamin E, which helps you in maintaining a youthful glow. This is why many skincare products contain this beneficial skin agent. Protection against uv rays: UV rays are very harmful for the skin and cause sunburn, pigmentation, wrinkles and skin cancer in severe conditions. But seafood, which has ample fish oil, helps protect the skin against these harmful UV rays. Makes skin smooth : Usually, people who include seafood in their diet have flawless skin. The omega-3 fatty acids help maintain the production of natural oil in the skin and keep it soft and supple. Also, seafood boosts the production of collagen, which gives you supple skin.   Great for your heart : It's no coincidence that fish-eating Inuit populations in the Arctic have low levels of heart disease; seafood is low in saturated fat and high in omega-3, which can both protect the heart from disease and lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood. One study has even suggested that an extra portion of fish every week can cut risk of heart disease in half. Health benefits : Research has shown that eating fish and shellfish regularly is beneficial to our bodies in many ways; here are ten great reasons to introduce a little more seafood into your diet. Clearing the vessels : Eating fish can improve your circulation and reduce the risk of thrombosis. The EPA and DHA - omega-3 oils - in seafood can save your body from having to produce eicosanoids, a hormone-like substance which can make you more likely to suffer from blood clots and inflammation. Joint benefits Eating fish as a regular part of a balanced diet has shown to ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a condition which causes the joins to swell up. Recent research has also found a link between omega-3 fats and osteoarthritis, suggesting that eating more seafood could help to prevent the disease.

Whiten your teeth in a natural way! Well everyone wants sparkling white teeth! Clean and white teeth just indicate how well-groomed a person is! However, if you feel spending fat at your dentist is the only way for keeping your teeth sparkling, you may be wrong. You can simply pick up a few things from your kitchen for a dazzling smile! Baking soda: Well this is also known as the universal cleanser for all right reasons! Add some baking soda to your toothbrush and you can brush the teeth how you would normally do it! Peroxide: This is not only used for cleaning but it also kills germs. Teeth shows discoloration due to the presence f natural colorants in the food we take followed by the presence of bacteria and germs which live on our teeth. After brushing, ensure that use peroxide to rinse your mouth with peroxide for cleansing and whitening your teeth. Apple cider vinegar: You can gargle or simply dip your toothbrush in a solution of apple cider vinegar and then you can start brushing your teeth to gain a perfect toothy grin. Celery: It contains mostly water and only has little colour of its own. Chewing celery can help in dislodging plaque which is settled on your teeth even as cleaning the spaces between teeth can remove food and germs.   - Kalam Dhari More articles from this author..... Glowing skin with coconut water! Healthy oils which can be used for deep frying!

ఆహార ధాన్యాలతో ఉపయోగాలేమిటి...? మనకు ఆహార ధాన్యాలు మంచివని మాత్రమనే తెలుసు. కానీ అవి మనకు ఎలాంటి మేలు చేస్తాయో తెలుసా..? మరి అసలు ఆహార ధాన్యాల వలన ఎలాంటి ఉపయోగాలున్నాయో ఒకసారి చూద్దామా! మనం తీసుకునే ఆహారంలో రోజు ఒకే రకం కాకుండా... అన్నిరకాల ధాన్యాలను తీసుకుంటూ ఉండాలని పోషక నిపుణులు చెబుతున్నారు.పిండి పదార్ధాలలో మొదటిదైన వరిలో తక్కువ మోతాదులో కొవ్వులు ఉంటాయి. కానీ కొలెస్ట్రాల్ ఉండదు. గోధుమలలో B కాంప్లెక్స్ వనరులు,యాంటీ ఆక్సిడెంట్లు,E - విటమిన్లు కూడా ఉంటాయి. బార్లీలో బీటా గ్లూకాన్, మొక్కజొన్నల్లో థైమీన్(హెచ్1) సమృద్దిగా దొరుకుతుంది. ఓట్స్ లలో త్వరగా జీర్ణమయ్యే పీచుతో పాటు యాంటీ ఆక్సిడెంట్లు పుష్కలంగా ఉంటాయి. ఇవి చెడు కొలెస్ట్రాల్ మధుమేహాన్ని తగ్గిస్తాయి. జొన్నలు పాస్పరస్ నిల్వలు, రాగులు కాల్షియం సమృద్దికాలను కలిగి ఉంటాయి. పాలు, పాల ఉత్పత్తులు పడనివారికి ఈ ఆహార ధాన్యాలు మంచి ఆహారం. ఈ ధాన్యాలన్నింటిని 100 గ్రా. చొప్పున తీసుకుంటే.. మన శరీరానికి సుమారు 330 క్యాలరీలు చొప్పున లభిస్తాయి.

Mixed fried eggs for breakfast! Well we have heard of mixed fried rice; but why not try a mixed friend eggs! They are said to be a good source of selenium, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. You can make use of olive oil or alight cooking spray for frying the eggs.   Spinach and fried eggs : This is an easy one. Saute some garlic and now add spinach to it. When it wilts, keep it aside. Take one more pan, gently saute boiled some chickpeas, little tomato, and then add some spinach and garlic. Once it is done, in this pan, break two fried eggs and remove the pan when set. Serve this dish with nice crusty bread. Spinach and mushrooms : Melt some butter over a saucepan followed by addition of spinach and mushrooms to this mixture. Sprinkle some pepper and heat. Top it with the fried egg. Serving with sliced bread and butter can tempt your taste buds! Eggs and tomato : Extarct a puree from three tomatoes. Add some boiled onion, garlic and basil to this puree. Season it with table salt and pepper. When this is cooked, break two fried eggs over it. Drizzle some cheese over the top and now serve.   - Kalam Dhari   More articles from this author.....   http://teluguone.com/vanitha/content/benefits-of-cardamom-75-25153.html#.Uo7vSCfQtQA http://teluguone.com/vanitha/content/healthiest-oil-for-deep-frying-75-25167.html#.Uo7vRCfQtQA

Healthy oils which can be used for deep frying! Deep frying has to be done consciously since it is the key for healthy calories! Groundnut has high amount of good fats, has a high smoke point and is ideal for use in cooking since it cannot absorb or transfer the food flavours. Sunflower oil is also ideal for deep-frying since it is a highly oleic oil which has high monounsaturated fats and contains no harmful trans fat. The oil is mild in flavour and also high in antioxidant vitamin E. Soybean oil is extracted from soybean, which is a good source of antioxidants which remain in the oil even after it s extracted. Soybean oil is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids and also polyunsaturated fats. Canola Oil is derived from a relative of mustard called rapeseed and is considered as third most friendly cooking oil for heart after olive and sunflower oils). It is very much suitable for deep-since it has a neutral flavour. A deep-fat thermometer is the best way to find out if the oil is sufficiently hot enough for deep-frying.   - Kalam Dhari

Why cardamom is a blessing! Cardamom is widely used spice in Indian cuisine due to its amazing taste. Apart from making your recipe tasty, this spice is also a medicine for various treatments such as mouth ulcers. Benefits of Cardamom Digestive disorders Cardamom boosts digestive health. It stimulates the digestive system and also reduces the gas and bloating and helpful in relieving acidity. Bad breath If you are facing some trouble with your bad breadth, then simply chew some cardamom. It works wonders a mouth freshener to get rid of your bad breath. Depression If you are suffering with bouts of depression or anxiety, then take some cardamom powder boil it in hot water and prepare cardamom tea. The pleasant aroma relieves your depression and any other mental problems. Breathing problems Cardamom improves circulation to lungs, hence it is recommended for people who suffer from asthma and bronchitis. Impotency Cardamom can also spice up your sex life by treating sexual dysfunctions such as impotency and premature ejaculation.   In addition to this, cardamom offers a cooling effect; it stimulates the appetite and lessens stomach cramps.   - Kalam Dhari

GUMMY TREATS TO FIGHT COLD   Season of Chill...runny noses common...are treats and sweets only for the better days!! Why shouldn't we make some to feel better...interesting idea, isn't it?! Pomegranate juice is high in vitamins A, C and zinc (all good cold fighters) and plenty of antioxidants to speed recovery. Ginger is an immune system booster and combats nausea or an upset stomach. Lime juice offers another blast of vitamin C, and honey can sooth a sore throat. All wrapped up in a tasty and easy-to-digest package, these healthful treats are good if you’re under the weather or trying to keep your immunities up when colds are being passed around. Materials : 1 cup pomegranate juice 1/4 cup ginger tea, Instead try Canada Dry, Schweppes, Seagram's Ginger Ale 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 4 tablespoons powdered gelatin Tools : Saucepan, Try PYREX Rectangular Glass Containers as one option 8″ glass baking dish or candy molds Step 1 Gather ingredients. If pomegranate juice doesn’t appeal, other no-pulp juices with high vitamin content may be substituted (like cherry or blueberry). Authentic ginger ale may be used in place of ginger tea, but it will increase the sweetness. Step 2 Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. and stir over low heat until the gelatin has completely dissolved. Step 3 Pour into an 8-inch glass baking pan or into candy molds and place in the freezer for 10 minutes, or into the refrigerator for 1 hour, to solidify. Step 4 Cut into bite-sized squares (or remove from candy molds) and they are ready to eat.   - Prathyusha Talluri

Boosting pregnancy chances for diabetic women! Pregnancy is a boon and a celebration of womanhood. But Women suffering from diabetes stare at a challenge of getting and also staying pregnant. Poor glucose control in their body followed by high sugars prevents women from conceiving and also in maintaining the pregnancy. The rate of miscarriages among women suffering from diabetes is as high as 30 to 60 percent. The formation of a baby's brain, kidneys, heart, and lungs occur during the first two months of pregnancy, hence high levels of blood glucose levels are harmful during the early stage. The main complication of women suffering from diabetes is macrosomia, also called as big baby in terms of birth weight. For women suffering from Type 1 diabetes need to be administered with insulin before pregnancy, during and also after their pregnancy. But for a woman suffering type 2 diabetes, oral medications with or without intake of insulin can help in controlling diabetes. For healthy baby, diabetic women should coordinate their efforts with a health care team for maintain their levels of blood glucose levels before going for pregnancy and it is important. In a modern world with advanced health care facilities, it is possible for a lady to get pregnant even though she has diabetes with advanced medical care and supervision.   - kalam dhari

అల్లంతో ఆరోగ్య ప్రయోజనాలు   అజీర్ణం, మలబద్ధకం వంటి కారణాలవల్ల చర్మం మీద దద్దుర్లు ఏర్పడుతుంటే పూటకు టీ స్పూన్ అల్లం రసాన్ని సమాన భాగం పాత బెల్లంతో కలిపి రెండుపూటలా తీసుకోవాలి. అల్లం రసాన్ని కొద్దిగా వేడి చేసి నువ్వుల నూనెను, తేనెను, సైంధవ లవణాన్ని కలిపి 2-4 బిందువుల చొప్పున రెండు చెవుల్లోనూ రోజుకు 3-4సార్లు నొప్పి తగ్గేవరకూ వేసుకోవాలి. రెండు టీ స్పూన్ల అల్లం రసంలో టీస్పూన్ తేనె కలిపి ఉదయం, సాయంకాలాలు రెండుపూటలా తీసుకుంటూ ఉంటే జలుబు తగ్గుతుంది. రెండు చెంచాల అల్లం రసంలో చిటికెడు పిప్పళ్లు చూర్ణం, చిటికెడు సైంధవ లవణం (రాతి ఉప్పు) కలిపి రాత్రి పడుకునే సమయంలో వారంపాటు తీసుకుంటే ఉబ్బసం, ఆయాసం వంటి సమస్యలు తగ్గుతాయి. అల్లం రసాన్ని ముక్కు రంధ్రాల్లో నస్యంగావేస్తే తెలివి తప్పిపడిపోయిన వారికి తిరిగి స్పృహ వస్తుంది. అల్లంకు సమాన భాగం బెల్లం కలిపి పూటకు రెండు టీస్పూన్ల మోతాదులో రెండుపూటలా తీసుకుంటే మూడు దోషాలు ఏక కాలంలో వికృతి చెందిన సందర్భాల్లో గుణం కనిపిస్తుంది. అల్లాన్ని ముద్దగా దంచి దంతాల మీద, చిగుళ్ల మీద కొంచెం సేపు ఉంచుకుంటే జలుబులో దంతాలు లాగటం, జివ్వుమనడం వంటి సమస్యలు తగ్గుతాయి. అల్లం రసాన్ని కొద్దిగా వేడిచేసి రెండు చెవుల్లోనూ 4-5 చుక్కల చొప్పున వేసుకోవాలి. అల్లం రసాన్ని పూటకు 2 టీస్పూన్ల మోతాదులో తీసుకొని జీర్ణమైన తరువాత రెండుపూటలా ఉడికించిన బియ్యం, పాలు ఆహారంగా తీసుకోవాలి. అల్లం రసాన్ని ఏడాదిపాటు నిల్వచేసిన నెయ్యిలో కలిపి ముద్దకర్పూరం కలిపి వేడిచేసి ఛాతిమీద ప్రయోగించి సున్నితంగా మర్ధనాచేస్తే న్యుమోనియాలో ఛాతి నొప్పి వంటి సమస్యలనుంచి ఉపశమనం లభిస్తుంది. టీ స్పూన్ అల్లంముద్దను నెయ్యిలో ఉడికించి తీసుకుంటే శోథ, తుమ్ములు, ఉదర భాగంలో పెరుగుదలలు, ఆకలి మందగించటం వంటి అనేక రకాల సమస్యల్లో హితకరంగా ఉంటుంది. రెండు చెంచాల అల్లం రసంలో రెండు చెంచాల ఉల్లిరసం కలిపి తీసుకుంటే వాంతులు తగ్గుతాయి. పూటకు రెండు చెంచాల అల్లం రసంలో తగినంత పటిక బెల్లం లేదా పంచదార కలిపి రెండుపూటలా తీసుకుంటూ ఉంటే బహుమూత్రం సమస్య తగ్గుతుంది. ఇది మూత్ర సంబంధపు ఇనె్ఫక్షన్ల కారణంగా వచ్చే బహుమూత్రత్వంలో ఉపయుక్తంగా ఉంటుంది. అల్లం, త్రిఫలాలు, (కరక్కాయ, తానికాయ, ఉసిరికాయ) బెల్లం సమాన భాగాలు తీసుకొని కలిపి ముద్దగా నూరి పూటకు టీ స్పూన్ మోతాదుగా రెండుపూటలా తీసుకుంటే కామెర్లు తగ్గుతాయి. ఒక లీటర్ అల్లం రసంలో అర కిలో నువ్వుల నూనె కలిపి ద్రవాంశం ఆవిరై కేవలం తైల భాగం మిగిలేంతవరకూ చిన్న సెగమీద మరిగించి వడపోసి నిల్వచేసుకోవాలి. దీనిని కీళ్లమీద, నొప్పులున్న శారీరక భాగాలమీద రాసుకొని మృదువుగా మర్ధనా చేసుకుంటే నొప్పులనుంచి ఉపశమనం లభిస్తుంది. 10గ్రాములు అల్లం, 10 గ్రాముల జిల్లేడు చెట్టు కాండం వీటిని రెంటిని ముద్దగా దంచి మిరియం గింజలంత పరిమాణంలో మాత్రలుగా చుట్టి నిల్వచేసుకోవాలి. వీటిని రోజుకు రెండుమూడుసార్లు వేడినీళ్లతో తీసుకుంటే కలరాలో ఇనె్ఫక్షన్ తగ్గుతుంది. అల్లం రసం, తులసి రసాలను సమానంగా కలిపి దానికి తేనె, నెమలి ఈకల భస్మంను కలిపి టీ స్పూన్ మోతాదుగా 2-3సార్లు తీసుకుంటే కలరా నియంత్రణలోకి వస్తుంది. రెండు చెంచాల అల్లం రసానికి 5గ్రాముల పాత బెల్లం కలిపి తిని, మేక పాలతో తయారుచేసిన ఆహారం తీసుకుంటుంటే సాధారణ వాపులు తగ్గుతాయి. త్రికటు చూర్ణం, (శొంఠి, పిప్పళ్ళు, మిరియాలు) రాతి ఉప్పు (సైంధవ లవణం), అల్లం రసం సమాన భాగాలు కలిపి ఉదయసాయంకాలాలు పూటకు అర టీస్పూన్ మోతాదులో తీసుకుంటే సన్నిపాత జ్వరం, ప్రలాపనలు తగ్గుతాయి.

  The commonest phrase we hear when asked for any visible illness is ‘Hormonal Imbalance’. Well, Are hormones so important for us? Are they so influential? How do we balance them? These are the series of questions that will pop in our minds as soon as we hear that phrase. It is would be right to say that Hormones are the fuel on which our body metabolisms are carried out. They are important for the control, coordination and regulation of the body systems. It is surprising to know that you can bloat up like balloon or become as lean as a stick when the hormones loose their balance! To maintain proper built and good health it is very essential that these hormones strike the right balance! Here are some prescribed ways to balance the hormones: • Buy organic foods as far as possible, try to avoid the high-end fruits. It is advised to use filtered water rather than package drinking water, the packed or tinned foods have a component called Bisphenol A which disrupts your hormonal balance. • It is a known fact that Liver is the terminator of excess hormones produced by our body if we feed our Liver right, the hormones can be balanced aptly! It requires the plant nutrients from the leafy veggies such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower; it also needs the sulfur compounds found in garlic and onions. Try including these foods into your diet and you will be startled at the difference it will make! • Especially in women it is beneficial to ensure proper pelvic circulation by an oil massage with sesame oil with few drops of garlic oil or by applying the compress of hot tea with freshly chopped ginger!! Besides, always consult a medical practitioner for undying hormonal woes!! Take Care!!   - Siri

TIPS TO PREVENT TYPE 2 DIABETES In addition to regular visits to your doctor, who can monitor your blood sugar levels and detect if you have pre-diabetes, following a healthy lifestyle can help you delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes. a high-fiber diet and regular physical activity, which are crucial for weight loss (a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes). Here is the top 10 list of ways to ward off the disease: Lose weight. Exercise regularly including strength training (aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day). Eat five servings per day of a variety of non-starchy vegetables and fruit each day. Get plenty of fiber (aim for 25 grams per day). Replace unhealthy saturated fats like butter, cream and mayonnaise with healthy fats like nuts, avocado and olive oil. Make most of your grains whole grains. Limit sugary beverages including sodas, sports drinks and juices. Limit refined carbohydrates including sweets, candy, cookies,and crackers. Avoid trans fats as much as possible (avoid products with the words "partially hydrogenated" in ingredients list). Choose lean protein like skinless chicken and fish over higher fat meats and cheese whenever possible.

Tips for a Safe and Healthy Diwali Top 10 tips for you to celebrate, stay safe and stay healthy this Diwali. 1. Sweets are hard to resist and during Diwali, when there is plenty of colorful sweets everywhere, it becomes even harder to resist. Remember the fact that Indians are genetically prone to diabetes and so it is always advisable to keep the intake of sugar and starch minimal. 2. Stay away from sweets that use chemical preservatives, because the intake of such preservatives can cause damage to our kidneys and liver. It can also cause asthma attacks and cancer. 3. Avoid sweets that have ‘silver’ coating. Such foils are often adulterated by aluminum and aluminum being a hazardous metal can accumulate in our body tissues and can also enter the brain. 4. In times of increasing air and noise pollution that we are witnessing today, it is important that we be responsible while using firecrackers. It is good to buy as little firecrackers as possible, because that can help us spend less and can also stop us from polluting our environment. 5. While using firecrackers we are definitely faced with the risk of burn injuries and so a few precautions are necessary. Always wear slippers during your fun time with firecrackers and never try to do anything to a firecracker apart from lighting it from a safe distance. Kids should be allowed to burn firecrackers only under adult supervision. 6. Do not light firecrackers in crowded areas or on the roadsides, because that might prove to be dangerous for bystanders and the general public. 7. Wear earplugs while exposed to explosive firecrackers. It might sound a bit fancy, but if we ignore it the excessive noise might damage our ears in the long run. 8. It is better to say ‘No’ to alcohol, as any excess is easily possible on this day of celebration. You can avoid a hangover and also the risk of driving while intoxicated if you must drive your car and visit your friends and family. 9. Diwali is a festival that brings a lot of gifts to people, so use the occasion to choose sensible gifts for family and friends. Try gifting fruits or low calorie sweets and snacks instead of ghee-laden sweets. 10. Diwali is also the festival of joy so make it special especially if there has been any unpleasantness with your family or friends in your past. Shed all your inhibitions and misgivings and make a fresh start. Wish them a ‘Happy Diwali’ and embrace them in joy.