Diabetes - The creepy ghost lurking under the bed

A recent WHO report says that the incidence of diabetes in India has risen by 100% in the past 13 years (Read article here) and the number of diabetics is projected to rise up to 101.2 mln by 2015. Although diabetes does not sound as alarming to the general public as cancer or TB, the truth is that this disease is a silent killer.

Diabetes increases complications in the treatment of other diseases or injuries. It affects all organs of the body and can also cause damage to them if left uncontrolled. Treating it does not simply mean cutting down on sugar - it requires careful diet control which keeps track on all carbohydrate consumption, in addition to medication. And yes, medication can be expensive too.

Considering the fact that a reasonably healthy lifestyle can keep this disease at bay (at least for Type II diabetes), it is truly alarming that the number of diabetics is rising so steeply. A balanced diet, some regular exercise, good sleep and an eye on stress levels - and you are safe from most lifestyle diseases. Then why are the numbers rising?

Trends indicate that we have gotten used to a more sedentary, more unbalanced lifestyle. We sit for longer, eat more than required, sleep less and worry more. Indeed on the Global happiness index, India ranks 118 out of 157 countries. I think we seriously need a complete makeover.

Related Articles:

Change in lifestyle can reduce risk of diabetes, say experts

World Health Day: Diabetes affects one in 11 peopleglobally, says WHO

India getting fat due to soft drinks, junk

Do you care enough for yourself??

A recent news article (see link here) covered a study that indicates, there is a 36% rise in the number of male smokers in the 15-69 age group in India, from 1998 to 2015. And that too with all the media attention, warnings on packets, ads in movie theatres / radio / TV and the rising taxes on cigarettes / tobacco. 

Tobacco use and the factors that cause people to get addicted to it - is a vast topic worthy of a debate. But what articles like this one, and the behaviour of some of the people I have come across indicates, is that there are quite a lot of people who don't care even about themselves. Whether the cause is an unhappy childhood, health issues, past incidents or the social environment - it still seems like a major issue to me. Have you ever wondered?

I have seen people blindly acting as per their parents / teachers / superior's instructions, even if it were completely against their own wishes. I have seen people sacrifice their happiness for family, friends even at the cost of their own joy and self-worth. No, I am not talking about the dutiful Bahu of our Saas-Bahu operas - they seem to be God's own children and are truly fictional. And I am not talking about the great leaders and patriots who have served the country - they did so willingly and happily.

I am talking about the child who does not paint, because the parents don't like it. I am talking about the youth who chooses the occupation his family and friends appreciate. I am talking about the lady who dresses as per her in-laws wishes. These are  mundane examples, the level of self deprivation that some people go to; you and I can only imagine. What causes such low self esteem or self-depriving behaviour?

Psychology, psychiatry has suggested some answers about the behaviour of people. One interesting theory is that of Transactional Analysis by Eric Berne. It talks about different ego states within the person - parent, child and adult. In parent ego state, people behave the way they have been programmed since childhood - things they have learnt from their parents, family when young. In the child ego state, people respond the way a child would - spontaneously. In the adult ego state, people act rationally - they can identify right from wrong, differentiate between what has always been done and what is logically correct - what can be called the ideal ego state.  

Further on, it describes how Parent ego state can be nurturing or critical and how Child ego state can be spontaneous or adapted - all depending upon the person's childhood. If a parent has been extra caring regarding your health, you grow up to be health conscious. If a parent is critical about your talensts, you grow up doubting yourself. Until the time you stop to think and wonder why you do some of the things you do. 

An essential exercise when we step into adulthood - activating our thinking wheels. And identifying the reasons behind the things we absolutely love or completely hate - the base behind our strongest opinions and emotions. If we do not get into the habit of questioning ourselves, we do what others have taught us - automatically and often inadequately. It is a matter of our intellectual and spiritual growth - taking good care of our own selves.

One can say that so much of the personality gets shaped in childhood that it proves that good parenting is essential for a person's overall growth. But the individual kicks in somewhere during the growth period - whether or not the circumstances are ideal, you will find good, strong people emerging from them. It is a choice we make for ourselves - to be the way we want to be.

Related Links:

1. Transactional Analysis - Wikipedia
2. I'm OK, You're OK - Thomas Harris, wiki-link

Do you know about the vampires that suck your electricity??

Oh, ok! I agree - I was only trying to make the title attractive. But continuing my energy-conscious series of blogs, I wanted to check just about how many people understand the concept of standby power / phantom energy / vampire energy. (For definition, here's the wiki-link)

Standby power is the power consumed by electrical / electronic devices when switched off, but while connected to the power source. Ideally, they should not consume any power when they are switched off, but many innocent looking devices around our home actually consume some little power even when switched off - chargers (phone / laptop) being one of the prime culprits.

So how much electricity do they suck away silently? Well, not a very huge significant portion of your residential electricity bill - a maximum of 10% maybe. In fact, it can also be marginal if you have fewer devices. So if your power tariff is low, then there is not much cause for alarm as such. But remember that power tariffs are increasing by the day. And although this is something minor for your home; for your city, state or country - that little amount translates to huge numbers. So environmentally, it makes a big difference. 

So what can you do to prevent this energy loss that you are paying for, and did not even realize? There are quite a few things you can do:

1. Replace old electronic devices with more energy efficient ones - the BEE star ratings can guide you with it. 
2. Use of Smart power strips and surge protectors - things that look like spike guards, but offer the additional benefit of protecting against voltage fluctuations and preventing energy loss. However, these smart devices are more commonly available in the western world and are somewhat expensive too.
3. You can use devices that track which of your electrical equipments consume the most power in standby mode

But the cheapest and best option available is to simply unplug devices from their power sockets! Ok, so that is not very convenient. But for devices that are not frequently in use, it is always a good thing to do - it is also a safeguard against fire risks. For eg: the juicer /mixer in the kitchen, the water purifier, the charger, even the geyser or washing machine - devices that are used just about once a day, can easily be kept unplugged. A few seconds of inconvenience can save you money with the additional benefit of having done something good for the environment. Will you do it?

Related links:

1.  How Vampire Power Works
2. Are Energy Vampires Sucking You Dry?

News Titbits - Budget 2016: For the farmers, the poor and the economy

Another year, another budget, and the message to the middle class remains the same - fend for yourselves, we have nothing more to offer to you, except for a new Krishi Kalyan Cess. Here are the budget highlights - if you feel like going through it. Well, hope that the good that has been planned for the farmers, the BPL families and infrastructure - yields results fast.

How safe is your Roti, Kapda and Powder??

A jury in US has directed an MNC to pay $72 millions in damages to the family of a woman who died from ovarian cancer, claimed to have been caused by prolonged use of the company's talcum powder. (Newslink) The company has said in its defence that there is not enough scientific evidence to directly link the use of talc and the risk of ovarian cancer.

But the point to ponder here is that - that we generally take for granted the safety and quality of many of the cosmetic or personal care products that we use on a daily basis. Remember the messages about the dangers of use of lipsticks, antiperspirants, deodorants even baby powders? There was something about the lead content in long-stay lipsticks (and Maggi too!!). Antiperspirants have acquired a bad name around the world because of their suggested link with the risk of breast cancer. Some also suggest that Triclosan present in many handwashes, soaps, detergents, anti-bacterial products, might be responsible for some allergies. Wrinkle-free shirts are also not popular because of possible skin trouble.

The primary concern here in India is that most of these products - especially small items of cosmetics, sachets of shampoos or other use and throw packs of these products - do not contain essential labelling of the ingredients. A simple warning - whether the product is safe for use on children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, convalescing patients - is missing in most cases. We however, being a bunch of optimistic people, assume that since there is no warning then it means that all is well. Nor do we pay much attention to the ingredient list.

Food is a different matter altogether. Our fruits and veggies are supposed to have pesticides. Grains may be genetically modified. Every few months, there is a report on adulterated milk, adulterated food - even in the free midday meal programme. Maggi got a lot of media coverage because of its popularity and probably because it is an MNC. Anti-biotic fed chicken also received their share of the limelight some time ago. But somehow, these issues are forgotten after some time. Remember Cadbury?

Although there is a lot on the administration/government front that can be done; as actual consumers we also need to be aware of what we eat, what we use and what we share with others. The world is changing; our environment - the pollution levels, diseases, climate, the hygiene levels - everything is changing. It is not necessary that someone prove to you that something is bad for your health - common sense can come to our rescue in most of these areas. Remember that too much of anything is bad - healthy living is being aware of our own needs and maintaining that right balance in everything else.

Some useful links:
1. Safe skincare products in pregnancy
2. When Wrinkle-Free Clothing Also Means Formaldehyde Fumes

The under-rated power of online reviews

India's online market place is growing at a great pace. Everything from a shoe to a house - gets bought and sold online. Consumers jump from one marketplace to another depending upon the prices offered, the delivery time, the variety of options available and the reliability of the seller. When it comes to reliability and product quality, most of the customers fall back on the reviews posted by others who have bought the same product. Considering these, all the online retail biggies or the wannabe biggies - ought to pay a little more attention to collecting reviews from its customers. 

Around the world, there are dedicated review sites which provide reviews for everything - from consumer products to software to websites to businesses. And they pay their reviewers good money for doing so. India can boast of only a few review sites - mouthshut.com, tripadvisor.com, zomato.com. For reviews, most of the online shopping community depends upon feedback posted on Flipkart, Amazon, Snapdeal etc. by certified buyers.

Strangely, some of the biggies do not give an option to review. Ebay only allows buyers to rate the transaction and provide them feedback, while PayTm , allows only seller ratings. Even bigbasket has no place for product reviews. On the other hand, there is the cosmetics/personal care website purplle.com, which rewards users with loyalty points for giving reviews. 

I believe that not only e-commerce sites should encourage and actively seek customer feedback, but going forward, reward them for doing so with loyalty points. It does not have to be a big gesture or reward - just a simple acknowledgement for the customer who does take time out to review. It will also ensure that instead of only negative reviews (which people tend to be more eager to post), positive reviews will also be encouraged.

Oh! The Stock Market Bulls and Bears

The kind of things people say sometimes! Listen to this one mentioned in the news a couple of days ago - 'If the market falls 20% more, sell your house and buy equity,' Nilesh Shah, MD Kotak MF.

I understand that the gentleman must have meant that with a further fall of 20%, the Indian stock market would be a lucrative buy, as against real estate or any other investments. But in the stock market world, it is always better to be clear. For many fortunes have been made and lost here in an attempt to reach into the heart of this seductive temptress.

Personally, I am in no position to give advice on the stock market. I have not really followed or kept track of it. Once when tempted into it, have managed to lose a few thousands here and there - thousands which would not have been lost, had I not developed cold feet a few months into the investment. A fair few times, I have also made money, when I have invested wisely - through mutual funds. But again, I could have made more money if I had waited for the right time.

All I can share is my personal experience for those who really want to invest. My experience says that, unless you are following the stock market very carefully and religiously, it is better not to buy shares blindly based on market gossip or tips from your brokers or friends / families - however reliable it seems. If you must; invest in A group shares with reputed company names (read here about classification of shares). But better still, do not put your own head into deciding what to buy. Let better heads decide - i.e. invest through mutual funds.

There are rating agencies, brokerage houses online - all give you good information on which funds are doing well over a 5 year or other reasonable period and which are not. Additionally, equity mutual funds enjoy good tax benefits in our country - equivalent to the purchase of equity shares - no taxes if you hold for a minimum of 1 year. Also, you can invest small amounts regularly - through Systematic Investment Plans or SIPs. Small amounts like Rs. 500/ Rs.1000 per month can be invested. Unlike in case of shares, where you have to buy according to the market value. A big plus these days is that mutual fund investment can be easily done online now and direct investors do not attract brokerage charges or annual fees.

Second thing is, to know that for really good returns, you have to consider holding onto your investments for at least 5 good years (provided that you have invested wisely - through good mutual funds or directly in good A group shares that you have researched on). Once you have invested wisely, sit back and don't look at your investments frequently - forget it for a couple of years at least. Okay, you may keep a track of your investments if  you can't forget about it. But remember that market fluctuations are cyclical - so don't jump to buy as soon as the stock market falls and don't rush to sell as soon as the market picks up. The vice versa is also true. Stock market investments are not for the faint-hearted. One who wants to win, has to have the patience to wait for the right time.

Third thing is - how do you know when the time is right? For starting with your investment in baby steps through mutual funds - almost any time is right. For directly buying shares, you will need to do some research. But if you wish to buy good quality shares that you know have great potential, again any time is right. The perfect timing is a matter of concern for regular / daily traders and brokers, who invest in all and any kind of shares - depending upon market news, day to day changes. For us common folk, being a long term steady investor makes more sense. It gives you more peace of mind too. And good time to sell? Well, after you have been invested for at least 3-5 years and have accumulated a good base, sell whenever you need the money. Don't go by greed, just by your need.

I know what I have mentioned above is not much. I have only stated what everybody intuitively knows about the stock market. But there are fears and stigmas attached to investing in stock markets - I would suggest that today investors be brave enough to invest in the markets, but through mutual funds. The amount of knowledge and information available through the internet today for investors is pretty good. One can use it to good advantage and also play a role in helping our economy.

Renewable Energy India - take a quick look

Along with the LED and Bijli bachao campaigns, another subject that keeps hinting at great potential - are the renewable sources of energy. Based on the data sourced from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), lets take a quick look at the renewable energy scenario in India.

The projected capacity requirement of energy in India for the year 2030 is estimated at 7,55,719 MW (source: CSE). The present installed capacity as of 31.03.14 is 284,634 MW. If we look at the table below for Renewable Energy potential in India, it is clear that Solar Power on its own can meet this target. Wind and Solar Power being the high potential areas for our country for meeting our energy needs. 

Do check the below links for the original reports - they have provided some good state-wise graphs and figures.

1. Energy Stats 2015

2. Renewable Energy in India: Growth and Targets

Mosquito Menace

Trying to decide whether I should switch off the fan on a cold winter morning - the choices being getting bitten by mosquitoes or feeling the chill in my bones, I am struck by the thought that so many of my household decisions recently have depended upon the presence or absence of mosquitoes.

There is a plot under excavation in the neighbourhood and the water logging there has led to an increase in the number of mosquitoes. But then, winters have always meant more mosquitoes. The trouble is that lately there is not much relief even in other seasons. And the fear of malaria, dengue and other mosquito borne diseases (Zika being the new addition), always keeps us on our toes.

So we have mosquito repellent machines, fast action cards for difficult days, mosquito repellent cream, had even bought mosquito nets for bed, but found it a cumbersome task to use. One window has a net against mosquito, planning for the others now. We keep the fan switched on even when we do not need it, only to keep mosquitoes away. We think before we keep indoor plants, keep windows shut in the evenings and have made ourselves miserable in every possible way.

Why is it that mosquitoes have become such a menace? Haven't we paying enough attention to the health risks that result in letting mosquitoes breed? Researchers in China are working on a project to infect mosquitoes with bacteria to bring down their population - read link here. Brazilian armed forces have now taken up the task of fighting the Zika menace (read here). Why aren't we in India taking things as seriously? We are focusing more on the protection equipment and cures for disease - all very good for the businesses working in the area, but not for the rest of us.

Whatever results such projects give, it will be very difficult to fully eradicate the species - not that one would want to do it either (remember the link between possible extinction of bees and the food chain?). But bringing their population under control is the need of the day. We are spending more and more on preventing mosquito bites. We really do need our scientists to work on the China model. What say?

Following are links that suggest some natural remedies against mosquitoes. Check and let me know if any of these work for you.

A safe and Natural Mosquito Repellent which can be made at home

5 Home remedies to keep mosquitoes away this monsoon

10 Ways To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes

News Titbits - 'Google Says Indian Internet Users More Conscious About Online Security'

If you are comparing Indian Internet users with those in the US, then we win hands down in this one! My colleague was shocked to find out that credit card purchases on amazon.com required no OTP authentication or password! The card details saved on the site were enough. I guess, back in US, all they care about is fingerprint / password protection on their devices. It would scare most of us here in India to not have a password / OTP authentication for online transactions. Why, most of us opt for two-step authentication.

In the news article, Google says that more and more internet users in India are searching the internet on questions like password protection, two step authentication - a very good thing. Read the PTI article here.