Wednesday, February 16, 2011

top sign of sexiness

Keeping your hands well-tended is not about metrosexuality, but something that goes beyond the modern day conventions of beauty and wellness. When women can go that extra mile to keep their bodies beautiful, clean, and soft to the touch, is it too much for men to offer them at least well-groomed hands. 

A man with neat, moisturised hands is a huge turn-on for a woman, making her want to hold it or even kiss it. It not only boosts the pleasure of lovemaking, but is also the most hygienic way out, for there are parts of a woman's body that are sensitive to grubby fingers or uncut nails. Even if you are prone to dirtying your hands, ensure they are properly washed, and the nails filed before you meet your lady. Remember, hands are as important a part of your body as any. And by keeping them clean, soft and well-tended, you are only gaining her appreciation. So, take care of your hands, and follow a few quick steps to keep them in top-of-the-world condition. 

Wash and cleanse them To forget washing your hands after a meal is common. Even though you have used a tissue paper, food particles remain stuck around the corner of your nails. So, always remember to use soap and rinse your hands thoroughly. Use a gel or cream cleanser on them everyday before retiring to bed or after a bath. Here you can even adapt a homegrown technique. Use the juice of citrus fruits such as orange or lemon onto your hands, and massage well before rinsing it off with soap. Always towel-dry your hands – they stay soft that way! 

Chip off calloused skin and moisturise Exfoliation is most important for your skin, particularly in maintaining soft, kissable hands. This can be done by soaking your hands for a few minutes in lukewarm water. You can even add drops of hand-wash gel to the water and stir it, before dipping your hands in it. After five minutes, you will be able to peel off the dead skin with a damp sponge. Another way of doing it is to squish orange or cucumber pulp and dab it on your palms, and do a thorough massage. Rinse your hands, and follow it up by rubbing a small quantity of moisturiser into them. Gradually, you can cultivate a habit of using moisturiser every time you wash your hands. 

Trim your nails regularly Men, as a rule of thumb, should always keep their nails clipped. Claw-like nails are capable of bruising your girl in sensitive places, which in no way will be overlooked by her! It is not only an embarrassing situation, but also a matter of how hygiene conscious you are. After trimming, round off the edges with a filer. Don't forget, women observe! 

Use nail hardener – there is nothing dandy about it! You can even use a nail hardener; it is a kind of varnish for your nails. Hardener helps keep your nails clean and healthy. It is in fact an apt finish to a well-groomed hand. And be sure she will notice your hands with a sense of admiration. 

Go for calcium tablets Brittle nails are indicative of calcium deficiency. There is a range of calcium tablets and supplements on the market that makes nails strong and healthy. Nails too need nutrition, and this can be provided by taking multivitamins with a big dose of calcium. You can even consider a breakfast of green salad with a glass of toned milk. Not to mention, an adequate intake of water during the day. 

Care for your hands, and this time, let them do the talking!



Tuesday, February 15, 2011

why morning sex is good for you

Want to kick start your day feeling healthy and positive? Look no further than the bedroom, suggests a new study.

According to the research, adults who make love first thing in the morning apparently not only feel more upbeat for the rest of the day, but also benefit from a stronger immune system.

Health and happinessThe study suggests that adults who begin their day this way are healthier and happier than those who simply opt for a cup of tea and some toast before heading out of the door.

Not only does it make them less likely to catch a cold or flu, it can also improve the quality of their hair, skin, and nails.

Love factor"Having sex in the morning releases the feel-good chemical oxytocin, which makes couples feel loving and bonded all day long," the Daily Mail quoted Dr Debby Herbenick, an American research scientist and sex advice columnist, as saying.

Beauty benefitsDr Herbenick, author of the book Because It Feels Good, added: "It makes you stronger and more beautiful too: Morning sex can strengthen your immune system for the day by enhancing your levels of IgA, an antibody that protects against infection.

"And it releases chemicals that boost levels of oestrogen, which improves the tone and texture of your skin and hair."

Other studies suggest that the benefits do not end there. A study at Queens University in Belfast found that having sex three times a week could halve the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Research from Nottingham University also revealed that men who kept up a regular sex life in their 50s were also at lower risk of developing prostate cancer.


Source: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Monday, February 14, 2011

10 healthy diet tips during holidays

Dreading the holiday season, as it would crash your plans to maintain a healthy diet? Well, you don't have to worry, for an expert has come up with a few tips to help you keep healthy habits intact during this time of the year. 
"Attitude and commitment are so important to eating healthy any time of year," said Brittany Glassett, registered dietitian at Porter Adventist Hospital. 
"There is no need to deny yourself all ''treats'' this time of year, but if you are mindful of what you are eating and practicing moderation, then you can be successful in your weight management goals - and know that you are sticking with your healthy habits," said Glassett. 
Here's is the 10 tips for healthy eating during the holidays: 
1. No skipping meals.
The old adage rings true -always eat breakfast. Eat small, frequent meals and healthy snacks during the day to help avoid overeating at holiday parties. 
2. If you overindulge at one meal, don't stress about it - just get back on track with your next meal. 
3. Don't drink your calories! Monitor alcohol and soda consumption. Both are high in calories. Try alternating water with alcoholic beverages. 
4. Substitute - yogurt for cream, sour cream and mayonnaise, and substitute herbs and spices for salt and fats. You can also add strained applesauce instead of butter or cooking oil when baking. 
5. Eat smaller portions or use a smaller plate. Share a piece of pie and don't go back for seconds. 
6. Pace, don't race. Eat your food slowly. If you eat too fast your stomach won't have time to register that it is full. Savour each bite. 
7. Skip the appetizers - or bring your own healthy appetizer to a gathering. Nibble on raw vegetables, low fat dips and salsa. 
8. Don't loiter in the same room as the food. Focus your attention on the company, rather than the buffet or the bar. 
9. Trim back the trimmings. Dressings and side dishes are typically high in calories. Eat 
turkey without the skin, make gravy with little or no fat and use lighter dressings. 
10. Make sure you get regular exercise throughout the 
holidays. It helps you maintain your weight and decreases your stress. Get the family together for a walk after dinner or get to the gym in the mornings before the holiday activities begin. Better yet, sign up to run (or walk) a Turkey Trot or other event. 
Finally, don't deny yourself, said Glassett. Have a tiny taste of those things you really enjoy, but the key word is taste.

Source: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Sunday, February 13, 2011

get rid of puffy eyes

Protection of eyes and their maintenance should be given utmost importance by all of us. According to a recent research, about 22 per cent people suffer from puffy eyes because of stress. They are the indicators of our health condition. Puffy eyes usually make people look more tired and aged. 
Causes Lack of sleep, excessive crying, lots of sodium or salt intake, emotional or physical stress, build-up of toxins and wastes in the body, post-operation or surgical recovery, heredity or genetic predisposition, allergic reaction or dermatitis, excess consumption of alcoholic beverages, irritation from contact lenses, body fluid fluctuations due to hormones, sinus problems, vitamin deficiency. 
Symptoms      Swelling around or at the corners of the eyes. Puffiness of the eyelids, of the eyes. Difficulty or inability to open or close the eyes due to swelling. 
Prevention Sleep well 
Give your eyes the muchneeded rest. Sleep deprivation makes them work overtime and causes bags underneath. This is because all the fats and fluids settle down and accumulate in the area. As the skin underneath the eyes is very thin and fragile, the extra fluid becomes more prominent. 
Pamper your eyes Apply cucumber slices or cool tea bags to your eyes on a regular basis. Tea bags contain tannin that reduces the swelling and discolouration of eye bags, while cucumber soothes the puffiness around the eyes. Keep cool cucumber slices or tea bags in the refrigerator overnight and the next day put them on your eyes for about 15 minutes. 
Eat a balanced diet Deficiency of Vitamin K or B12 is known to be a major cause of puffy eyes. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet along with plenty of water to get all the vitamins and minerals. Decrease your salt intake. 
Quit smoking
Smoking is bad for your health and can also cause under eye circles and puffiness. 
Avoid rubbing your eyes Rubbing on the eyes and eye contours may break the tiny capillaries underneath the skin and lead to more dark circles and puffiness. 
Take care of eyes while you sleep Before going to bed, dampen a soft cotton cloth in cold water and squeeze it to remove excess water. Then put this cloth over your eyes as you sleep. 
Take regular breaks Learn to take regular breaks during work, especially if you are working on computers. 
Visit a doctor If the swelling around the eyelids is 2-3 times more than normal, you should visit a physician immediately.

Source: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Saturday, February 12, 2011

top 10 sex romps

Are you always complaining that your sex life is running out of steam? Well, what's stopping you from getting adventurous and innovative? Charge up your sex life using this list of the 10 craziest places to fool around...or you could get inspired and think of a few of your own! 
1. On the couch
After the bed, the couch in the living room is screaming for attention. And the best part...it's comfy too. The cushions work as a support system to get those curves and arches to enjoy the perfect moves, while the lack of space will keep up the intimacy levels. Want some more action? Put on a wild flick on video and you have a perfect mood maker! 
Word of caution
Watch out your moves, going out of control is injurious...for the couch of course! 
2. In the bathtub
Things can get real hot even in a cool bath tub. For the ultimate romantic experience, arrange for a bubble bath with aromatic rose petals and passion perfume. Add some mood lighting, splash a few drops of 'ylang ylang' essential oil and be certain that the sensuous experiment will lead to some supah hot sex. 
Word of caution
Check out the water temperature, you don't want to end up with painful blisters or a frozen lover...isn't? 
3. In the kitchen
Be it 91/2 Weeks or Fatal Attraction , the kitchen has borne witness to quite a number of sexapades. The sturdy surfaces and shelves offer great support, especially for stand-up acts, while the feeling of being at an unconventional place pumps up the excitement to newer heights. And how can you miss the yummy treats your kitchen is loaded with? Eat them, but off each other's hot bods. Think chocolate, cream, jams and jellies! 
Word of caution
Know the stuff you are eating and applying...some edibles are good only to eat. So watch out for allergies! 
4. In the pool
Though not many are privileged to have one in the confines of their home, if you are one of the lucky few, make the most of it. Challenge your swimming skills and get under for into some underwater escapades. Who said that the inflatable water turtle is meant only for tanning, use it for some steamy adventure...ride it together and get a new high! 
Word of caution
You need not be swimming champs, but fairly decent floating skills are definitely expected to get into the water-y fun. 
5. In the car
Yes it's crammed, but it's cosy too. A quickie in the backseat can rekindle the excitement that you felt during your heady college days. Put on some romantic retro tracks and switch on the AC. Don't fret, it won't cool down the passion. When the place is different, the position can't be a drab. It's tough to adjust facing each other, but turning the world around can definitely help...hope you got the clue! 
Word of caution
Just be careful where you park...you don't want to get busted! 
6. In the dressing room
How about catching her unawares in the dressing room of a store? Sounds dangerous but thrilling too! The fear of getting caught will only add to the sensual experience, while the lack of time is perfect to give you a never before quickie. Thinking comfort? Sorry! All you have is a stool...let him stand as you take charge! 
Word of caution
Making noise is not allowed here and do take care of hidden cameras and key-holes. 
7. The stairs
If you are thinking they can be a pain to one's body, think again, as they can be adventurous too. After all, they can give you those highs and lows, especially when the girl is comparatively short. 
Word of caution
Don't get really aggressive if getting cramps in your lower back is not on your mind. 
8. On the roof
Yes, this can be a great playground; the gentle moonlight, a cool breeze to caress your passionate entwinings. Pep it up with some paper lamps or scented candles and light music, which will just add to the mood. You have all the space to set the ball rolling...so go ahead and explore her contours under a starry sky. 
Word of caution
No physical risks are involved...but just take care of peeping Toms around. 
9. In a sleeping bag
Nothing could bring you as close as that sleeping bag that's meant for a single person and is loaded with two! Why not get into some naughty action and add to a fun-filled camping trip? Instead of the normal position, turn around and have some fun from behind. Talk about kinky fantasies! 
Word of caution
Zip the bag properly, you don't want end up killing insects in the mid of the act. 
10. On a plane
You can try the toilet and if that's too cramped, the seat in a Business or First class cabin. Some airliners with long-haul flights now boast of recliner seats that go as flat as a bed. Take a flight of fantasy. 
Word of caution
Don't try it if you already have flight phobia and take care of people lining-up outside the loo. 
Source: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Friday, February 11, 2011

8 lies of a mother

8 lies of a mother-a teacher  tells sacrifice tale-bhupinder
_________________________________________________________
how eager we are to pounce on others to  insult others--but we may know sacrifice to be better human beings
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This is truly wonderful – I salute the person who compiled it.  Don’t any time doubt parents’ love and care.   You will value  it more and more with passage of time   !!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

5 foods every woman must eat

We bring to you five nutritional eats that every woman should include in her diet. Happy eating! 
Leafy vegetables
It is not possible to meet your nutritional needs without having leafy vegetables in your diet. Spinach, legumes, asparagus, lettuce, fenugreek leaves, broccoli are available in abundance and are huge sources of fibre, Vitamin C and K, folic acid. It is also a vision protector and provides four essential minerals, i.e. calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. Try to have it daily in your diet and darker the better. 
Whole grains
Whole grains have up to 96 per cent more fibre and essential nutrients and vitamins than refined grains. Advises diet expert Honey Shah, "I advise my clients to have whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice as they are high in essential nutrients and do not contribute to weight gain. You can start your day with whole wheat cereal or a whole wheat bread toast." 
Nuts
Make nuts an essential ingredient in your diet. Sprinkle it on salads or breakfast cereals or stir them into yoghurt because they are an excellent source of protein, magnesium and B & E vitamins. They are useful in fighting heart disease and cancer. Nuts are high in fat calories, but their fat is the heart-healthy kind. You can also eat them as an evening snack. But make sure you don't overdo them. About a quarter cup or about 15-20 almonds, cashews, walnuts are good enough a week. 
Yoghurt 
Low fat or plain yoghurt is a great source of vitamins, protein and calcium. It also has healthy bacteria which can fight diseases. "Three to four cups a week is good enough for your diet. But make sure you don't add sugar to it. Instead choose plain yoghurt and add fruits or berries to it," suggests dietician Pinky. 
Berries 
Ever wondered why most of the diet fibre products have berries in them? Reason being berries are high in fill-you-up fibre and also helps curb weight. Berries have more protective plant antioxidants than almost any other food. These antioxidants not only lower your disease risks, but also help prevent memory loss. You can have a bowl full of them thrice a week. It could be fresh or frozen, benefits stay! 
Source: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

hottest sex positions to try in 2011

Think your sex life is rather boring and there isn't much you can do to spice things up? Well, think again! Get this: Sex never goes out of style. And with these variations that seem to be the rage at the moment, it'll never be boring. So like with booties, you have to try these positions out at least once!

Here are some of the most exciting sex positions to try in 2011:

Butterfly
Lie down at the edge of your bed or your kitchen platform and let your legs fall over the edge. Get him to kneel or stand at the edge of the bed or platform and slowly lift the small of your back as he enters you. Rest your legs on his shoulders. This is an exciting position as it lets the blood rush to your head as he enters you. It will send you orgasming in a jiffy!

Eagle
You stand on a staircase with your legs spread wide apart. Make him stand on the stair under yours, facing you. This will make it feel like you are doing it against the wall, but you aren't really taking the support of anything. You could also entwine your legs around him if he can take your weight.

Ballerina
Like the spooning position, you sleep beside him. Lift your top leg and hold it outstretched in the air. Allow him put his leg between yours as he enters you from behind. Again, like the spooning position, it allows for deep penetration and maximum pleasure.

Wheelbarrow
Lie face down at the edge of your bed and let him stand in between your legs. Bend them upwards and let him hold your thighs. He will enter you from behind as he stands and you remain lying down. It gives him a clear view of you, increasing his pleasure and yours.

Triangle
You lie down flat on the bed. You have to get him on all fours over you with his arms close to your head. Put your legs over his calves and let him enter you gently. Slowly raise your lower back as he penetrates you even more deeply. A great position for an orgasm! 

Don't let your sex life take a beating. Our mantra is: don't be afraid to try out new things. Make sure you find ways of improving it and always be innovative.

Source: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

the perfect mid-20s skincare guide

The teenage years are behind you and now you are a fine young woman in your twenties. This is definitely your time to shine. That's why we have compiled a list of skin concerns women usually have in their twenties and how to tackle them.

Acne
Yes the hormones haven't stopped acting up as yet which is why you might complain of breakouts on your face, back and neck. Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Sudhir Shetty explains, "Due to hormonal changes in your twenties, the activity of oil-producing sebaceous glands increases and leads to acne. Other causes can be environmental and genetic."

Solution
Dermatologist and MD of Cutis Clinic, Dr Apratim Goel says, "You must realise that acne is a medical condition so it has to be treated by a dermatologist. For those suffering from severe acne, avoid using toner. If you complain of acne scars, visit the dermatologist for skin polishing or laser treatment." Keep a check on what you eat and drink, as twenties is the time when you start earning and dine out more often. Oily, fried and junk food must be avoided if you are suffering from acne.  

Dark circles

Working long hours, partying all night or staying up late is one of the main reasons for spending on a new make-up product - concealer to cover dark circles. What will a twenty-something girl do without the compact and concealer. Sometimes even the boyfriend digs into her make-up pouch craving for some disguised glow! So, how do you get real and treat dark circles?

Solution
Dr Goel's advice is to monitor your lifestyle. "Get enough sleep and eat foods rich in Vitamin C like guavas, oranges and citrus fruits. Whenever you step out in the sun, wear dark sunglasses. Also, apply Kojic acid under a dermatologist's supervision." Dr Shetty says, "Dark circles can be caused due to low levels of haemoglobin and anaemia. Include a lot of fresh green leafy vegetables in your diet, beetroot, liver and foods rich in iron."

PigmentationSometimes women in their twenties notice brown patches appearing on their skin that can be caused due to exposure to UV rays without any protection. Many women also complain of skin darkening. 
 
Solution
The most practical solution is to apply sunscreen every time your skin is exposed to UV rays. Dr Goel reveals, "People believe that they should apply sunscreen only when they step out in the sun. But the truth is even when you are sitting in front of the computer you are exposed to UV rays. TV and lights also give out UV rays. So apply sunscreen even when you are not out in the sun." You can also opt for skin lightening ointments under a doctor's supervision and go for chemical peels. 

Fine lines and wrinkles

Both the dermatologists agree that fine lines and wrinkles don't appear in your twenties unless you have bad lifestyle habits like smoking.
 
Solution
Dr Goel explains, "You can opt for anti-ageing creams as a preventive measure. But wrinkles are very rare in your twenties because this is the time when oil glands are very active. 

Your skin care regime Dr Shetty and Dr Goel have listed these pointers for skincare regime in your twenties:

  • Focus on your lifestyle, food and keeping your skin clean.
  • Workout to increase blood flow and maintain the health of your skin.
  • Although most women believe in the CMT (cleansing, toning and moisturising) routine, toner is not advisable for those with dry skin. Also, avoid using toner during the winter or if you suffer from excessive acne.
  • Always apply a moisturiser at night and keep a light moisturiser during the day. This retains the youthfulness of your skin. Avoid using soap.
  • Finally, don't forget your sunscreen.
If you want to go the extra mile to pamper your skin, opt for a facial at least once a month after you've crossed 25 years. Body massages relax your muscles and give your skin the glow. Besides these all you need to do is stay happy and not get too stressed about work or boys!
Source: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Monday, February 7, 2011

10 ways to keep your car out of the shop

THESE DAYS, CARS are made better than ever before. Drivers of most new models can expect a good 200,000 miles' worth of engine life — as long as they follow the instructions in the owner's manual to the letter.
Sadly, most of us never reach that milestone, because of bad driving habits that take years off the lives of our beloved cars. Even worse, our nasty driving habits can end up costing us thousands in repairs that could have been prevented.
But there's hope. Here are 10 ways you can add longevity to your car and keep it out of the shop.
1. Start It Up Properly"
Most of the wear on an engine happens when you start the car," says Edmunds.com's automotive expert Karl Brauer. "If you can get the starter stuff down, you'll find cars will wear much less over time." How do you do that? Make sure any extra accessories, such as headlights or climate control, aren't on when you turn the ignition. If you do, you're asking the engine to work harder than necessary right off the bat.
An even more destructive habit: revving the engine. Believe it or not, this won't help warm up the car. In fact, revving can do serious damage to the engine and significantly shorten its life. Engines need oil to run smoothly. But right after you turn over the ignition, the oil is still sitting in the pan. When you floor the gas pedal, you're asking the engine to work overtime without lubricant — putting metal to metal. Wear out this most important drive train component and you can expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for a new one.
2. Come to a Complete Stop
Ever pull out of a parking spot and pop your car into drive while it's still coasting backward? If the answer is yes, you can kiss your transmission goodbye.
By shifting into drive while the car is still in reverse, you're asking the transmission to do the work of the brakes — and that will wear down your gears, says Edmunds.com's Brauer. Essentially, you're putting several months of wear and tear onto that transmission compared with normal driving, he says. So while a transmission driven properly should last more than 100,000 miles, one owned by an aggressive or impatient driver will give out long before that. Fixing the transmission will run anywhere from $1,000 and up, while a brand new one sells for at least $3,000.
And by not braking before shifting gears, you're also wrecking your drive shafts, which propel the wheels forward. If you notice that your front suspension and handling start to feel a little sloppy, it could be a sign of damaged drive shafts, warns David Champion, the director of automobile testing for Consumer Reports. Replacing both can cost $500.
3. Don't Run the Needle Down to Empty
You may not realize it, but sediment collects at the bottom of the fuel tank over time. You never want to do anything to unleash that dirt into your fuel system. Even the smallest amount could clog or damage parts, says Tony Molla, spokesman for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and a former automotive technician.
You can stir up sediment by driving with less than a quarter of a tank of gas. Prolonged abuse could wreck your fuel injector, which costs about $80 to $100. You may also need a new fuel filter, which is twice as expensive. And if you're the type who loves to drive on fumes, you could be in for a big surprise. By continually using the filthiest gas in your tank, you could, one day, need a fuel-system flush and cleaning. Expect to pay a startling $1,000 for this service.
4. Turn Gently
Cutting the steering wheel too far to the right or left — something nearly everyone is guilty of while parallel parking — can also do damage. By turning the wheel to the point where it can move no further, you're putting 50 times more wear and tear on your steering pump than normal, Brauer says. Most people will never need to replace the steering pump; it should last the life of your car. But if you continually put massive stress on it, prepare to fork over $300 to $500 for a new one someday.
5. Check Your Tires
The next time you roll into a gas station, take a minute and check your tire pressure. Too little or too much pressure can cause all sorts of problems. If you drive with too little air, your tires will get quite hot; excessive heat will wear out the tread much faster than normal driving. If you drive with too much air, less rubber will hit the road than necessary. Next thing you know, the outside portion of your tire will be doing all the work and wearing out faster than the inside. And don't fool yourself thinking that your tires are under warranty. That manufacturer will replace them only if one, for example, gets punctured by a nail, says Consumer Reports' Champion. Poor maintenance is your problem. Since proper air pressure is different for every car, check the sticker on the door. Never look at the tire itself for guidance, he says.
6. Don't Ride the Clutch
We all know we aren't supposed to ride the clutch while we drive. But some of us use the clutch to avoid rolling backwards while on a hill. If the clutch is balanced just right it will even propel the car forward on an incline. While this is a neat party trick, it doesn't exactly add longevity to the life of the clutch. If you want to get 100,000 miles out of it, you'd better use the emergency brake instead. Another clutch-preserving tip: Pop the car into neutral and take your foot off the clutch while sitting in traffic. Ignore this advice, and you'll have to shell out $500 for a new one someday.
7. Listen to Your Car
Every little sound your car makes is a cry for help. Ignore it, and a small problem could turn into a huge one. The most common sound people ignore is squeaky brakes. As soon as you hear the sound, you probably need new brake pads, says Lynne Cardwell, a co-owner of Sacramento, Calif.-based Car Care Center and a member of the Automotive Service Councils of California. That's a $100 problem. Keep driving until the metal starts to screech, and you'll need to replace the brake rotor. That'll set you back $400 or more.
Steering systems need attention, too. Once you hear the whine of the steering wheel, you need to have it checked. If you're lucky, you may need to replace only the fluid or an aging hose. But if the pump is damaged from continued driving with insufficient fluid flow to the pump, the pump itself will need to be replaced, Cardwell says. As we mentioned earlier, that'll cost $300 to $500.
8. Heed Those Warning Lights
Don't ignore the warning lights on your dashboard. While we all lead busy lives and may think the problem can wait, it usually can't. By waiting even a few days, you can turn a simple problem into a disaster, says Cardwell. In some cases, you need to stop your car immediately and get it towed. Otherwise, you could do serious damage that could cost thousands of dollars to fix.
Here are two such situations. The first is when you see that your engine is overheated. "If the temperature gauge crosses into the red zone, it is as dangerous to your car as a heart attack or stroke is to the human body," says Cardwell. The price of driving even a few extra blocks could cost you your engine. You'll also ruin your engine if you drive after the loss of oil pressure. The engine oil light will pop up if this happens. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, says Cardwell. Drive without it, and you'll cause catastrophic damage.
9. Drive More
Many people don't realize it, but not driving your car can be as damaging as driving it too hard. "The worst thing you can do with a machine is not use it," says Molla of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. So if you have a spare car, make sure you use it for more than a Sunday drive.
What can happen if you let your car sit too long? First, the battery might go dead. That's because certain electrical devices are always on in a car, drawing power from the battery. (The clock is one example.) A battery needs to be run in order to recharge itself. If it dies, you'll have to spend $80 or more for a new one — plus labor and the tow you'll need to get the car to the shop.
Rust is another concern, since moisture can build up under your car. One of the first components to be affected is the brake rotor. Once the rotor rusts, it must be replaced. As we mentioned earlier, a replacement will cost you at least $400. So if you're planning on going on a long vacation, ask a family member or friend to take your car out for a spin from time to time.
10. Neglect Will Cost You
The single most important thing you can do for your car is take it in for regular maintenance. Every year, drivers neglect more than $60 billion worth of basic auto maintenance, according to the Car Care Council, a nonprofit organization. Not only will your car break down faster, but lack of maintenance also undermines the safety of your vehicle.
Most important: the oil change. Regular oil changes every 3,000 or 4,000 miles can double the life of your car, says Cardwell. But you also need to have the filters changed, belts checked (and sometimes replaced) and all of the fluids inspected. This is sometimes referred to as a health check or a general inspection. Do it roughly four times a year — which should cost you about $200 annually — and your car could last 250,000 miles, she says. (During the later years, some small parts may break down, but replacement costs should be minimal.) "You could have an inexpensive hose that, if ignored, could cause a huge problem with overheating," Cardwell says.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

talking to your kids about sex

Though every parent's nightmare, it's none-the-less that one ultra important conversation that every parent just has to have with their children. What? The talk about sex, puberty and sexually related nitty-gritties. Ask any child expert and they will not be able to emphasise enough on how important it is for parents to talk to their children about sex, and at an early age itself. Why? So that the misconceptions they develop about the subject, especially from peer group conversations and information gained from the Internet and television, can indeed lead to wrong notions about sex and sexuality. Children are naturally curious about their own bodies and this curiosity is healthy and normal.
Unfortunately, talking to your tiny tots about sex is never an easy task. Moreover, it's not comfortable for any of the parties involved — parents are afraid of it and children, mortified by it. That's probably the reason why this talk is often delayed, swept under the carpet or totally ignored with many parents who instead depend on teachers to do the needful. Children are an inquisitive lot and when it comes to sex, the curiosity levels zooms up quite a few notches. Hence, one cannot turn a blind eye and hope someone else does the 'dirty work'. Parents need to be proactive in talking to their children about sex. However, if done wrongly, it can either scare your child completely or just increase their curiosity even more.
"When you're talking to your child about sex, it has to be a very clinical talk, very matter of fact. Don't use any words or phrases that may indicate that it is something dirty or a taboo act. Also, don't talk about a gender bias. Avoid sentences like 'women always do this...' or 'men always do...'," says child psychologist Bela Raja.
According to her, the kind of sex talk parents have with their children depends on the age group of the child as at each different age, different things are to be said to a child.
For a child between the age group of seven to 10 years, the sex talk should emphasise on the commitment and bonding angle. "Since this is his/her first exposure to sex, talk to your child about how sex is a natural process and a part of the body. Tell them about the beauty of relationships but don't bring up the violence or rape angle," Bela advices.
If your child is aged between 10 years to 13 years, it is the right age to describe the biological facts and of course, the emotional angle. "Link your sex talk to the biological changes that they are experiencing in their body," Bela says.
For a 15 year old, however, she says, the emphasis must be on explaining the actual act of intercourse. "More importantly, explain that sex is not something to be used for any kind of gain or as a sign of power," Bela adds.
"The most important thing when talking to your child about sex is to not make it sound like a bad thing or a taboo," says child expert, Dr Nirmala Rao. According to her, most parents feel shy about talking to their children about sex thus leading to wrong concepts. "One must remember, children are very imaginative. If the concept itself is wrong, they will either get scared about sex or extra imaginative about it. Hence, be normal and casual when talking about sex. Explain, as naturally as possible, about anatomy and the related changes," she explains.
As kids grow, so does their curiosity, especially about sex. "So when your talking to your six or seven year old about his or her private parts, don't say things like 'chee, it's dirty', 'don't touch it, it's a sin'. Instead, tell them about the functions of these parts and teach them how to keep it clean just as you would tell them to wash their hands of feet," she says.
According to her, young girls need to be told about puberty and the changes it will bring in the body. "Teach them how to differentiate between a good touch and a bad touch. But don't petrify them that every man is just out to get them. For boys, meanwhile, fathers should talk to them about sexual organs, their growth and things like night emissions. When it first happens, the child may get scared or start feeling guilty. Explain to them that it is a natural growth process," she explains.
Make the talk easier Start early
You'll find it less awkward if you introduce the topic when your child is very young. More importantly, answer questions simply and naturally, don't beat around the bush and use complicated or cliched metaphors.
Use everyday situations to start conversations
TV programmes are often a good opportunity to initiate the talk about sex. You can also talk when you're doing an activity together like washing up, laundry, a jigsaw puzzle, etc. This makes your child feel that sex is a normal part of family life and not a taboo subject.
Use books or leaflets
Finding it too difficult to get into nitty-gritties? Get help. Book stores have plenty of material that tells you how. That apart, there are also books that you can get your child to read or that you can go through together.
Be prepared
There will be those difficult moments when your child will, in the oddest of places, demand for an explanation about something they see. Don't fumble. Instead, say something like 'That's a good question, but let's talk about it when we get home'. Also, make sure you do, don't lose out of a good opportunity.
Be truthful
Forget those old grandmother ways of talking about 'bees and birds', storks, etc. Stories like these will just confuse children.
Ask your child's opinion
Talk to your children and ask them what they think about certain sex related issues, especially if it's in the news. More than anything else, this tells give you a fair idea of how much they know and understand.
Don't shun the issue
Don't ignore it if your child asks you a sex related question. Moreover, don't get angry with them. This will give them an impression that it is not a topic to be spoken about.
Don't beat around the bush
If you don't know the answer, say so and tell them you'll find out and let them know. This is a far better option to bluffing them, they are bound to find out the truth sooner or later.
Source:
www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Saturday, February 5, 2011

ugg boots cause fungal infections

Uggs-the trendy, flat-booted suede boots which are popular among celebs and comfort-craving pedestrians-can increase your chances of getting fungal, infection especially if you wear them without socks.
A fungal infection can result from any shoe that doesn't "breathe," said Mitchell Greenbaum, chief of podiatry at St. Francis Hospital.
"There are a lot of boots that create warmth but make your feet
sweat," she said. And, without socks, there's nothing to absorb the sweat.
"It can definitely be a breeding ground for fungus," the New York Daily News quoted Greenbaum as saying.
Meanwhile, Olivier Zong, of surgery at NYC Footcare, told Fashionista.com, "Fungus breeds in dark, wet environments -- conditions that are usually seen inside trendy sheepskin boots."
Gregg Cohen, attending physician at
Long Island College Hospital, said that if you notice redness, scaling, itching in the feet, skin changes such as blisters, and cracks between the toes then something is wrong.
Wearing socks, airing out the feet periodically by removing the sheepskin boots, and using a powder on your feet to keep them dry can all lessen the risk of a fungal infection, added Cohen.
Source:
www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com