Lifestyle

Just, in this case, this was happening to a psychiatrist.

When Aashima Chander (name changed) joined the Psychiatry department of Chandigarh’s prestigious Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) three years back as a Junior Resident, she initially assumed it was the high-pressure job -- long working hours, strenuous academic demands and the massive number of consultations that were taking a toll on her.

“Those who make it to PGI’s post-graduate programme are overachievers and even a small dip in performance can lead to a feeling of worthlessness. And of course, there were times when I thought the teachers would think less of me -- that I am unable to cope with the pressure. I may have joined the Department of Psychiatry but I was still a novice and did not realize that I was suffering from a mental illness for a long time. It was during a long spell of crying in the washroom, that a friend pulled me and forced me to see one of our Professors,” recalls the 28-year-old, originally from Prayagraj.

Stressing that it was a time when she was not herself, Chander remembers asking the Professor if she would ever be a good psychiatrist -- considering she was battling the disease herself. Her doctor paused and assured her she would be a better one as she would always have a deeper idea of what her patients were going through.

Her husband, who is also a doctor pushed her to consult one. And Chandra’s mother played a special role. “She stayed with me when I was at my lowest. One day when I returned from the office, there were heart marks drawn with nail paint on every sharp object in her room -- knives, and paper cutters.”

Ask her if she ever feels a certain disbelief that a mental health professional is suffering from this condition, and she smiles, “Not at all. Because I am a psychiatrist and know that this is an illness that can strike anyone. ”

But Chandra recently who recently had a relapse, took a long time before she approached her consultant. “Let’s say, I was in denial -- like any other patient.”

Along with medications, what helped her were certain observations made by her Professor during multiple sessions. “The fact that I had a tendency to always seek and thrive on appreciation, something that made me push my boundaries to what I wasn’t comfortable with and force me to overwork. he told me that this could also lead to professional abuse. Frankly, I am still changing that about myself.”

As the conversation veers to how mental illness is perceived in India even in this time and age, she feels the situation is sad across the world: “A patient is assumed to be harmful and out of control. Media and film descriptions have also added to that, there were really weird depictions even 10 years ago, although we have become somewhat more sensitive about it now. In a corporate setup, the top management tends to feel that someone with mental illness may not be able to handle the stress and then eventually turn out to be a liability. And of course, then there are psychiatric illnesses deniers who insist it is a hoax.”

The doctor, who is no longer with PGI now, applauds other professionals in her department for their sensitivity and for giving her the ‘space’. “Not that I announced my illness, but they know. And have never been intrusive. Once during my low phase, I was on emergency duty with a very strict Senior Resident. There was an immense work backlog, and I just started crying inconsolably. It was a panic attack. He sat there, kept looking at me, and did not say anything. After a while, handed me a glass of water. The act of not offering a quick fix was extremely kind.”

--IANS

sukant/sha

Cleanse twice a day: Cleansing is an almost unsaid yet holy grail step in skincare that cannot be ignored. Cleanse when you wake up to take off any sweat, leftover makeup and night creams from the day before and before you go to bed to rid your skin of bacteria, sweat and makeup that have accumulated through the day. Try the POND’s Bright Beauty Spot-less Glow Face Wash With Vitamins that strengthens the skin's natural renewal process, revealing new bright cells and glowing skin.

Pro Tip: Wash your face with cold water that helps in increasing blood circulation, reducing puffiness and for an added boost to glowing skin.

Fade pigmentation with a brightening serum: Due to external factors such as pollution and ultraviolet rays, our skin tends to become extremely dull, leading to harsh dark patches. Use the POND'S latest Bright Beauty Anti-Pigmentation Serum, with a powerful, potent and efficacious blend of ingredients, including Gluta-Niacinamide that deeply penetrates 10 layers into the skin to reduce pigmentation and makes way for flawless radiance.

Pro Tip: Apply the serum before applying makeup for a dewy base and a hydrating look.

Moisturise with a lightweight gel: Opt for a hydrating lightweight formula that absorbs into the skin instantly without leaving any sticky feeling. You want to look for something that is ideal for the weather and that doesn’t weigh down your skin. Use the POND'S Super Light Gel that is infused with the goodness of Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and Glycerine. This super light moisturizer absorbs faster than regular creams and gives 24-hour hydration for a water-fresh glow.

Pro Tip: Gently massage with circular movements, starting from the centre to the contours of your cleansed face.

Top it up with Sunscreen: While the sun during the monsoons might not be at its shiniest best, the UVA and UVB rays could still damage skin and cause tanning and pigmentation if you step out without applying a protectant on your skin. Use the POND's Serum-Boost Sunscreen Range that comes in three gel and serum variants that are non-oily, don’t leave behind a white cast and help fade those stubborn dark patches created by sun exposure due to the addition of Niacinamide-C.

Pro Tip: Apply your sun protectant at least 30 minutes before you step out into the sun.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS

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Nourish from Within:

Beautiful hair starts with a healthy body. Dr. Singh emphasises the importance of a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Incorporate foods like salmon, eggs, avocados, spinach, and nuts into your meals as they provide essential nutrients that promote hair growth and strength. Additionally, stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water daily.

Gentle Cleansing and Conditioning:

When it comes to hair care products, choose those specifically formulated for your hair type. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner that cleanse without stripping the hair of its natural oils. Massage the scalp gently during shampooing to stimulate blood circulation and promote healthy hair growth.

Avoid Heat Damage:

Excessive heat styling can lead to brittle and damaged hair. Minimise the use of hot tools such as straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers. When necessary, apply a heat protectant spray before styling and use the lowest heat setting possible. Embrace natural hairstyles and give your hair a break from heat regularly.

Protect from UV Rays:

Just like our skin, our hair can also suffer from sun damage. Wear a hat or use a UV-protective hair spray or serum when exposed to the sun for prolonged periods. This helps prevent hair color fading and keeps the strands from becoming dry and brittle.

Be Gentle with Wet Hair:

Wet hair is more susceptible to damage, so handle it with care. Use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush to gently remove tangles, starting from the ends and working your way up. Avoid vigorous towel-drying, as it can cause breakage and frizz. Instead, use a soft, microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently blot excess moisture.

Regular Trims:

Regular trims are essential to maintain healthy hair. Schedule a trim every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft. This practice helps maintain hair length while promoting overall hair health.

Reduce Stress:

Stress can contribute to hair loss and other hair-related issues. Manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and self-care. Incorporating activities like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise can help maintain a healthy mind and body, positively impacting hair health.

Achieving and maintaining healthy hair requires a holistic approach that encompasses proper nutrition, gentle hair care practices, and overall well-being. Dr. Saru Singh, an experienced Aesthetic Physician, encourages individuals to embrace these tips and make them a part of their daily hair care routine. By following these expert recommendations, you can unlock the secrets to healthy, beautiful hair that radiates confidence and boosts your overall self-esteem.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS

IANSlife/tb

It is thought that music can make maths more enjoyable, keep students engaged and help ease any fear or anxiety they have about maths. Motivation may be increased and pupils may appreciate maths more, showed the peer-reviewed article in Educational Studies.

Techniques for integrating music into maths lessons range from clapping to pieces with different rhythms when learning numbers and fractions, to using maths to design musical instruments.

“Encouraging mathematics and music teachers to plan lessons together could help ease students’ anxiety about mathematics, while also boosting achievement,” said Dr. Ayca Akin, from the Department of Software Engineering, Antalya Belek University, in Turkey.

She led the study, a metaanalysis of 55 studies from around the world, involving almost 78,000 young people from kindergarten pupils to university students, published between 1975 and 2022.

The use of music, whether in separate lessons or as part of maths classes, was associated with greater improvement in maths over time.

The integrated lessons had the biggest effect, with around 73 per cent of students who had integrated lessons doing significantly better than youngsters who didn’t have any type of musical intervention.

Some 69 per cent of students who learned how to play instruments and 58 per cent of students who had normal music lessons improved more than pupils with no musical intervention.

The results also indicate that music helps more with learning arithmetic than other types of maths and has a bigger impact on younger pupils and those learning more basic mathematical concepts.

Dr Akin pointed out that maths and music have much in common, such as the use of symbols and symmetry. Both subjects also require abstract thought and quantitative reasoning.

However, limitations of the analysis include the relatively small number of studies available for inclusion. This meant it wasn’t possible to look at the effect of factors such as gender, socio-economic status and length of musical instruction on the results.

--IANS

rvt/uk

The book "Politics, Lies and Conspiracy Theories", by Marcel Danesi Professor of Semiotics and Linguistic Anthropology at the University of Toronto, Canada, analyses the speeches of dictators including Mussolini, Stalin, and Hitler, as well as prominent hate groups.

His research finds there is one thing they all have in common: they all use dehumanising metaphors to instil and propagate hatred of others.

“The intent of such speech is to attack those who do not belong to the mainstream, such as racial minorities, or people of different sexual orientations,” Danesi said, citing example of words like ‘pests’, ‘reptiles’ and ‘parasites’ used by the Nazi regime to compare outsiders and minorities to animals.

Danesi’s research shows that dehumanising metaphors like these are so powerful because they tap into and "switch on" existing circuits in the brain that link together important and salient images and ideas.

In effect, metaphors bypass higher cognitive reasoning centres, directing our thoughts to focus on certain things whilst ignoring others.

According to Danesi, the more these circuits are activated the more hardwired they become, until it becomes almost impossible to turn them off.

Similarly, research shows that people who believe conspiracy theories develop more rigid neural pathways, meaning they find it difficult to rethink situations.

“When we come across a big lie or a conspiracy theory, it can shape our ideas without us even being aware of it,” Danesi said.

“By being exposed to particular metaphors, we may develop hostile feelings towards specific groups - this is why hate groups use metaphors to turn the switches on, so as to motivate people to violent activism,” he added.

Unfortunately, once people begin to believe lies, they are unlikely to change their minds even when confronted with evidence that contradicts their beliefs, the research showed.

Moreover, they are more likely to seek out information that confirms their beliefs, avoid anything that is in conflict with them, or even turn the contrasting information on its head, making it impossible to change their minds ever.

According to Danesi, this can have devastating consequences. “When lies are used to generate hate, harmful behaviours tend to result, including violence and genocide against the target individual or groups,” Danesi said.

So, how can one protect from the power of lies?

Danesi said, the best thing we can do is to understand the metaphors of the other party, and to examine one’s own metaphors. However, history and science tells us that it is unlikely to work -- research shows that once a lie is accepted as believable, the brain becomes more susceptible to subsequent lying.

--IANS

rvt/vd

Through the power of ingestible skincare, Ayurveda enables us to treat our skin from within, unveiling a radiant and healthy skin:

Nourishing the Three Layers of the Skin:

Our skin consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. While topical skincare products mainly target the outermost layer, Ayurveda recognises the importance of nourishing all three layers. Ingestible beauty products inspired by Ayurveda focus on providing essential nutrients, antioxidants, and herbs that deeply nourish each layer. By nourishing the skin from within, Ayurveda promotes a healthy cellular structure, enhances collagen production, and supports natural skin rejuvenation, resulting in a luminous and youthful skin.

Strengthening the Skin's Natural Defence:

Our skin is exposed to various environmental stressors that can damage its protective barrier and lead to skin concerns like dryness, sensitivity, and dullness. Ayurvedic ingestible beauty products contain potent ingredients like Aloe Vera, Shatavari, and Mulethi, which help strengthen the skin's natural defence mechanisms. These herbs soothe and nourish the skin, reduce redness and irritation, and provide essential hydration, resulting in a resilient and healthy skin barrier that can better withstand external aggressors.

Enhancing Skin Radiance:

Ayurveda understands that true radiance comes from a harmonious balance within the body. Ingestible beauty products infused with Ayurvedic herbs, such as rose, pomegranate, and amla, offer powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that combat free radicals, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy skin glow. By incorporating these herbs into your diet, you can enhance your skin's radiance naturally that surpasses any topical makeup application.

Promoting Skin's Elasticity and Youthfulness:

As we age, our skin's elasticity and firmness diminish. Ayurveda addresses this concern by providing ingestible skincare solutions that nourish and support collagen production from within. Ingredients like shatavari, ashwagandha, brahmi, found in Ayurvedic formulations help strengthen the skin's connective tissues, boost collagen synthesis, and improve skin elasticity. By promoting a healthy and supple skin structure, Ayurveda helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, revealing a more youthful and clearer skin.

Ayurveda provides a holistic and effective solution for achieving radiant and healthy skin. By nourishing all three layers of the skin, promoting the skin's elasticity, enhancing radiance, and strengthening its natural defence mechanisms, Ayurveda revolutionises your skincare routine by enabling you to consume the right foods for your skin in the right proportions.

Embrace the power of Ayurveda by incorporating ingestible skincare products infused with potent herbs and nutrients, and witness the remarkable transformation of your skin.

(Dr Kriti Soni, R&D Head, Kapiva)

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS

kriti/tb

The London-born actor, 66, who is known for starring in a whole host of critically-acclaimed films, looked worlds away from his red-carpet-ready self six years after retiring from acting, reports Mirror.co.uk.

These days, the retired Oscar winner looks rather different after stepping away from the spotlight, with him now sporting longer looks and a more laidback and off-duty appearance. Spotted walking around Manhattan, Daniel was assisted by some crutches - which hinted that the star had suffered an injury or had undergone surgery.

Although he was aided by the crutches as he walked, the famous actor looked to be in good spirits as he smiled and grinned on his outing. Daniel could be seen wearing striking cobalt blue trousers, paired with a graphic t-shirt and a beige-coloured trench coat.

As per Mirror.co.uk, he wore a green baseball cap atop his head, with his wispy grey hair peeking out from underneath it. Daniel also donned a rust-coloured backpack and matching trainers, with him supported by his crutches while leaving a building and walking along the pavement.

Revealing the news to People Magazine at the time, his representative continued: "He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years. "This is a private decision, and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject."

Following his decision to retire six years back in 2017, Daniel revealed he felt "compelled" to do so but noted "great sadness" about his decision.

--IANSaa/kvd

According to the study published in Science Advances, disinformation generated by AI may be more convincing than disinformation written by humans.

To achieve the goals, the researchers asked OpenAI’s model GPT-3 to write tweets containing informative or disinformative texts on a range of different topics, including vaccines, 5G technology and Covid-19, or the theory of evolution, among others, which are commonly subject to disinformation and public misconception.

They collected a set of real tweets written by users on the same topics and programmed a survey.

The researchers then recruited 697 people to take an online quiz that determined whether tweets were generated by AI or collected from Twitter and whether they were accurate or contained misinformation.

They discovered that participants were three per cent less likely to believe human-written false tweets than AI-written ones.

According to Giovanni Spitale, the researcher at the Switzerland-based University of Zurich who led the study, the researchers are unsure why people are more likely to believe tweets written by AI, but the way GPT-3 orders information could play a role.

Moreover, the study said that the content written by GPT-3 was "indistinguishable" from organic content.

People polled couldn't tell the difference, and one of the study's limitations is that the researchers cannot be 100 per cent certain that the tweets gathered from social media were not written with the assistance of apps like ChatGPT.

Participants were the most effective at identifying misinformation written by real Twitter users, however, GPT-3-generated tweets with false information deceived survey participants slightly more effectively, the study found.

Further, the researchers predicted that advanced AI text generators such as GPT-3 could have the potential to greatly affect the dissemination of information, both positively and negatively.

"As demonstrated by our results, large language models currently available can already produce text that is indistinguishable from the organic text; therefore, the emergence of more powerful large language models and their impact should be monitored," the researchers stated.

--IANS

shs/prw

These are the first two such operations in the state conducted in private hospitals.

One of the hospitals raised a bill of Rs 3.50 lakh and the other Rs 3.19 lakh, and payment for the same was made, said the spokesman of the State Agency for Comprehensive Health and Integrated Services.

Sangeeta Singh, CEO, State Agency For Comprehensive Health and Integrated Services that monitors the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state, said, “Ayushman Bharat scheme has saved many lives and in the coming days more such operations will be conducted.”

In Uttar Pradesh, 2.9 crore Ayushman Bharat cards have been made and 22.8 lakh people have benefited.

--IANS

amita/uk

'The Birkin or Kelly that used to belong to your mother or grandmother still looks stylish today - as long as it’s in good condition.’Those made with jewels and precious materials, such as ostrich and crocodile, tend to achieve the highest prices at auction. 'Light pinks, yellows and blues also do well,' adds Blanckaert, 'as do the strong colours, such as Rouge Hermes, and special-order bags with bespoke colour pairings and the highly desirable horseshoe stamp.’

In recent years, the secondary market for Hermes has matured, expanding from a niche collecting category into an important luxury sector that draws buyers from all over the world. Christie’s, for instance, now sees participation from more than 50 countries in its Handbags & Accessories sales, with single-owner auctions taking place this year in Amsterdam for the first time. ‘It is the fastest-growing sector of the fashion industry, because collectors are now more concerned with sustainability and acquiring long-term investment pieces,’ says Blanckaert. ‘Buying at auction also offers collectors the chance to acquire discontinued pieces — and to bypass Hermès’s notorious waiting lists.’ Which, of course, drives auction prices up. In 2021, a Hermès Himalaya Diamond Kelly 28 became the most valuable handbag ever sold at auction when it achieved HK$4 million (US$515,416) at Christie’s in Hong Kong.

In June 2022, 257 Hermes lots, including 48 Birkins and 24 Kellys, were offered in Inside the Orange Box: A Lifetime of Collecting, Property from an Important European Collector. Last October, a further 266 Hermes lots from the same single-owner collection were offered in Inside the Orange Box: Part II. Following the success of these two sales in Milan, Christie’s presents part three of this extraordinary single-owner collection in Amsterdam from June 13 to 28, 2023. ‘This encyclopaedic catalogue represents a lifetime of collecting by a passionate connoisseur of all things Hermes,’ says Blanckaert. ‘It is such a joyful collection, full of colour, poetry and fantasy.’ As well as featuring the most desirable styles from the past few decades, the collection also includes playful designs and objects that reveal a lesser-known side of the French maison. ‘People may be surprised by what they see,’ says Blanckaert. ‘This collector had a real sense of humour. She took risks by acquiring unique editions and pieces not instantly recognisable as Hermes.’

These include a whimsical selection of Sacs a Malices (which translates as ‘bags of tricks’), first introduced in the 1980s, and a range of quirky pieces from Petit H, the upcycling line created in 2010 by Pascale Mussard, which comprises unique or limited-edition objects, designs and shapes made from existing Hermes materials. Of the Sac a Malice bags offered in Part I, Blanckaert was most taken by the white leather model with an ice-cream cone design and gold hardware. Offered in Part II were 12 more, including the dark grey leather model with a snowman design and gold hardware.

As for Petit H, Blanckaert was drawn to a set of nine tools and an unusual fringed white Clemence leather bag with black polka dots from 2010. ‘You wouldn’t necessarily think this was by Hermes,’ she says, ‘which shows the collector’s confidence and sensitivity towards all aspects of Hermes’s creativity.’ Coming to Christie’s in June is a rare Petit H Jaune d’Or Clemence leather, shiny black crocodile and black fox-fur Kelly 28 with gold hardware from 2015 (above). Also offered is a unique 2010 denim and black Evercalf leather Shadow Birkin 40 with palladium hardware (below), customised by Petit H in collaboration with the collector. ‘Hermes was the first luxury brand to invest in the circular economy, so Petit H was very avant-garde at the time,’ says Blanckaert. ‘Petit H designs are bolder and less typically Hermès in style and structure.’

Other highlights offered in Part III include a 2015 matte white Himalaya Niloticus crocodile Birkin 35 (below), one of the brand’s most highly coveted pieces; and a Fuchsia ostrich leather Retourné Kelly 32 with palladium hardware from 2006. Also in the sale is a selection of Hermès Birkin handbags in vibrant colours, including a matte Blue Paon alligator Birkin 35 (2017), a 2012 matte Geranium alligator Birkin 35 and a striking custom matte Cactus and Malachite alligator Birkin 35 from 2014. Other highlights offered in Part III include a 2015 matte white Himalaya Niloticus crocodile Birkin 35 (below), one of the brand’s most highly coveted pieces; and a Fuchsia ostrich leather Retourné Kelly 32 with palladium hardware from 2006. Also in the sale is a selection of Hermès Birkin handbags in vibrant colours, including a matte Blue Paon alligator Birkin 35 (2017), a 2012 matte Geranium alligator Birkin 35 and a striking custom matte Cactus and Malachite alligator Birkin 35 from 2014.

In addition to the handbags offered for sale in Part III, there is a diverse range of Hermes accessories, including bracelets, watches, notebooks, belts, silk scarves and Grigri Rodeo charms (below), which have been coveted by collectors since their launch.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS

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