Battling Diabetes

Healthy living is the theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day

14 November is commemorated as World Diabetes Day every year to raise awareness and control the dangers of this dreaded disease. According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 371 million people in the world have diabetes and that one out of every two people with diabetes doesn’t even know they have it. This is a cause of serious concern as more people are not aware of the disease and are living with it.

Dr Jothydev Kesavadev, Chairman and Chief Diabetologist, Jothydev's Diabetes Research Center, Thiruvananthapuram, believes that a diabetic needs to accept the situation and develop a positive and holistic approach to it. “He should be empowered to be part of a bigger team consisting of the doctor, counsellor, dietician and the family support, which is equally important,” says Kesavadev.

According to Dr Tom Babu, Medical Director & Consultant Endocrinologist, Silverline Hospital, Kochi, healthy living through proper diet and exercise is more effective in managing diabetes than some of the best medication available for diabetes. With this year’s focus on practising healthy living, here are a few things that diabetic people should keep in mind for better control of diabetes.

A healthy diet 
It is important to begin your day with a healthy breakfast, considered the most important meal of the day. Include plenty of proteins and whole grains for breakfast in the form of eggs, fruits, cereals, whole grain bread, skimmed milk and good unsaturated fat like peanut butter or cashew butter and plenty of yogurt. A good breakfast gives you the energy to continue through the day, while keeping the blood sugar levels under control, preventing weight gain and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Regular health checks 
When it comes to treatment of diabetes, the duration of the disease and the age of the patient are of pivotal importance. Apart from monitoring the blood sugar or blood glucose, a diabetic patient needs to carry out kidney function test, liver function test and thyroid function test besides checking the lipid profile, urine microalbumin once a year. 

To conclude, diabetes is a lifestyle ailment and awareness and educating young is the key to the problem. Simple lifestyle measures are effective in preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight, enjoying physical activity at least half an hour for 5 days a week and consuming a healthy diet by reducing intake of sugar, fats and increasing fibre. 

Nostalgic Kochi

Kochi spells pride and nostalgia for many who live here and away from this beautiful city

A famous dialogue from a popular Malayalam movie goes thus: Kochi pazhaya Kochi alla, meaning, Kochi is not the same old Kochi anymore. True, the commercial capital of Kerala, with its elite cosmopolitan crowd and growing infrastructural development, has transformed so much over the years and is almost unrecognisable now. 

But for many who live here or away from the city, it’s a nostalgic feeling. Be it the Marine Drive walkway, historic Fort Kochi, Broadway, there is a sense of belonging that attracts people to return to this place. What is it about the place that brings a smile, a sense of pride to each Kochiite?  

If Thara loves Kochi for its vibrant nature, P D Joseph recalls his good old days of frequenting the Indian Coffee House and Bharat café at Broadway. Kochi is native to many a migrant population like the Kutch Muslims, Marwaris, Gujaratis, Anglo-Indians, Tamilians and Jews who have lived here all their life. As someone born and brought in Kochi all her life, Krishna, currently based in Delhi, misses the warmth of the people, the incessant rains, the little food joints at every nook and corner of the bustling city, the long walks on the streets of Fort Kochi, the crazy traffic and most importantly, the feeling of friends and family. 

Needless to say, Kochi has something in store for all who live and belong here, something to call ‘Ente Kochi’ or my Kochi.

Khadi in vogue

This Gandhi Jayanthi, let us don the traditional khadi that spells patriotism and comfort

Khadi has always been synonymous with Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation. This hand-woven cloth, which is defined by the effort that goes into its creation, often stands for patriotism, self-reliance and emancipation. It is no wonder that the prime minister, Narendra Modi himself went all out to promote khadi in 2014, bringing it back in fashion.

And that’s not all. Fashion designers swear by it, youngsters sport it and foreigners love to explore it. The hand-spun cloth has evolved considerably -- from its modest origins, the versatile fabric is now taking up numerable forms, even gracing the ramps and catwalks. Khadi now comes in more than 30 colours, and is no longer called the almond-coloured fabric. In addition, you have kurtas, trousers, shirts, pants, t-shirts, dresses and jackets.

Khadi kurta is very popular with youngsters. “Donning a kurta with a pair of jeans is not only comfortable but looks very smart,” says Mathews Jose, who switched to Khadi fabric recently. For Sneha Lakshmi, khadi looks chic as well as elegant. Khadi not only comes cheap but is skin-friendly as well. Variety in design and colour spoil us with choices,” says Lakshmi.

The sale of Khadi fabric has nearly doubled after the Government of Kerala campaign in 2007-08 to promote khadi. “The overall sales have shot up from 54 crores in 2007 to 120 crores by 2015. Around 50 per cent of the  sale of Khadi fabric happens during Onam,” says Suresh Babu, Director, Marketing, Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board.

Apart from Khadi fabric, other Village Industries products include wooden and metal handicrafts, soap, footwear, bags and food items like pickles, snacks, oil and honey are also in demand these days. There are about 200 Khadi board outlets across Kerala today and these products are gaining wider acceptance.

Fort Kochi: A heritage haven

There is something in store for every visitor to this tiny island. A walk through the streets of Fort Kochi is a mesmerising experience, a perfect blend of the past with the present

A melting pot of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English culture and architecture, Fort Kochi boasts of an intriguing history, making it a perfect haven for natives and tourists alike. Its population is a good mix of Anglo Indians, Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Jews. Different communities such as the Gujaratis, Kutchis, Punjabis, Konkanis and so on, have made Fort Kochi their homeland and have been living here for decades. 

“The government of Kerala is implementing projects for the comprehensive development of tourism in Fort Kochi. Infrastructure improvement including the development of parks, beautification of roads and walkways, children’s park, parade ground and so on is part of it to make the place a favourite spot of tourists,” says S Suhas, Sub Collector, who is also the secretary, Ernakulam District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).

The sheer beauty of the decade old town speaks for itself. The tress are old, mighty and well-maintained, a rarity for the city dwellers. St Francis Church, also called the Vasco da Gama church, the oldest European church in India is in Fort Kochi. A walk by the Fort Kochi beach looking at the vast endless ocean is the best way to unwind after a tiring day. 

For Priyadarsini Deepak, Fort Kochi is truly a heritage heaven and her soul lies there. “A drive to Fort Kochi is an unforgettable experience. The stillness and calmness of the place encompasses you. Walking through its clean streets amongst the heritage monuments and age old buildings is like walking into the past. The decade old churches, especially the Santa Cruz Basilica and St Francis church stands majestic and magnificent even today,” says the 40 year old lawyer, who has been born and brought up in Fort Kochi.

Every nook and corner of this land is soaked in history and the specimens of the past are still alive, offering something amusing to every person landing here. 

What to see: Chinese fishing nets, the synagogue, Jew Town, Fort Immanuel, David Hall, Vasco-da Gama square, Bastion Bungalow, Santa Cruz Basilica, parade ground, Maritime Museum and the Indo-Portuguese Museum.

What to do: A stroll on the beach, walk through the historic streets, shopping for artefacts, cycling, journey on a jankar, a rejuvenating massage at the Ayurveda centres 

What to eat: Sea food specials, traditional Kerala cuisine, north Indian dishes…. Do not miss the speciality restaurants and cafes.

 

Canada calling

Canada is increasingly becoming a favoured overseas study destination for numerous Indian students

Kerala, the state with the highest literacy in the country is on a change mode with many students seeking opportunities overseas to pursue their higher education. Popular colleges across India have a tie-up with foreign universities and business schools, leading to an increase in the flow of students seeking foreign education.

There are many advantages of studying abroad. Unlike in India, overseas educational system focuses on research and innovation. Apart from quality education and international exposure, scholarship programs offered for Indian students in many European countries are an added attraction.

Canada beckons

Among the European countries, Canada is currently one of the most popular destinations for international students. Job opportunities, permanent residency prospects, migration possibilities are some of the major attractions for students wanting to migrate to Canada for higher studies. And what is more, Canada encourages its international students to stay back and work in the country. 

Experts believe that Canadian qualifications are valued around the world. Students can also apply for paid internships while studying in Canada which will help them to earn while they learn. Affordable education compared to other English speaking countries, safe environments, work permit for 3 years after graduation and eligibility to apply for immigration are added attractions.

Top universities in Canada

Canada is home to a number of well-established reputed universities and colleges that offer a variety of courses for international students. Ranked as the seventh most popular country for higher education, top universities include McGill University, University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, Université De Montréal, McMaster University, the University of Waterloo, Western University, the University of Calgary, and Queen’s University, among others.

To conclude, the highly applied nature of Canadian education programs, strong growing economy and stay back facilities to explore job opportunities make Canada a favoured destination for international students.

SALAAM KALAM

Thoughts of late President APJ Abdul Kalam are dear as the entire nation pays homage to the People's President on his first death anniversary

It’s been exactly a year since APJ Abdul Kalam, popularly known as the The ‘Missile Man’ left us.  A simple man with an indomitable spirit and never-say-die attitude, Dr Kalam was a teacher, scientist, author, poet, apart from being the 11th President of India. Most educational institutions across the country celebrated the birth anniversary of the 'missile man' on 15 October last year by organising blood donation camps, seminars, conferences and planted saplings in memory of the President.

Here are some trivia about the ‘People’s President’:

Favourite books:

1. Lights from Many Lamps containing the writings of various authors.

2. Thirukural by famous Tamil poet, Thiruvalluvar

3. Man the Unknown by Nobel laureate Alexis Carrel.

Favourite food:

A man of simple tastes, Kalam was a vegetarian and his favourite food was his mother Ashiyamma's home-cooked food of rice and sambar with coconut chutney.

Kalam’s 5 takes:

On the power of dreams

Dreams are not those which comes while we are sleeping, but dreams are those when u don't sleep before fulfilling them

On the importance of learning

Learning gives creativity, Creativity leads to thinking, Thinking provides knowledge, Knowledge makes you great.

On winning people

It is very easy to defeat someone, but it is very hard to win someone.

On our aim for India 

The country doesn't deserve anything less than success from us. Let us aim for success.

On taking responsibility

Be active! Take on responsibility! Work for the things you believe in. If you do not, you are surrendering your fate to others 

(Kalam’s poetic tribute to his mother)

I still remember the day when I was ten,

Sleeping on your lap to the envy of my elder brothers and sisters.

It was full moon night, my world only you knew Mother!, My Mother!

When at midnight, I woke with tears falling on my knee

You knew the pain of your child, My Mother.

Your caring hands, tenderly removing the pain

Your love, your care, your faith gave me strength,

To face the world without fear and with His strength.

We will meet again on the great Judgement Day. My Mother!  

Eid Mubarak!

Eid, popularly known as Eid-ul-Fitr, is a festival observed by the Muslim community to celebrate the conclusion of the month of fasting

Ramzan is the time for fasting or keeping roza, as there is a promise of salvation for those who fast during this month. 

Eid-ul-Fitr literally means 'festival of breaking the fast'. Like other festivals observed by the Muslim community, this festival symbolizes faith. The festival is celebrated based on an Islamic belief by following the form of social practice. 
Fasting is one of the duties which has to be performed by a devout Muslim, just as he has to offer prayers, do charity, read the Koran and undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca. Ramzan is the time when he is able to perform all these acts. Ramzan, the month of fasting, symbolizes a lot practices and beliefs of the community. It is not merely restraining oneself from having food but also to abstain from all kinds of evil and unlawful practices in Islam.

Even as the layman is aware of the sehri and Iftars, which are meals before sunrise and after sunset respectively, there is a strict regimen of prayers too that is to be followed. A roza cannot be complete without offering prayers or namaaz five times during the day. Many Muslims also try to read the entire Koran during this period. The term 'roza' us an Arabic word means abstinence. The month long fasting ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr that symbolizes a reward for their fasting. 

Charity forms a very significant part of Islam, and so the Eid which falls at the end of this holy month is called Id-ul Fitr, fitr meaning charity. It is also believed that any good deed done during this period is seventy times more blessed than when performed otherwise. 

Soon after the namaz was over, people hug each other and wish "Eid Mubarak", exchange gifts and enjoy special dishes, particularly 'sewai' and different varieties of biryani and kebabs. Devout Muslim families also offer food to the poor and needy outside the mosques. Special prayers were offered at various mosques and religious centres and alms were given to the needy. Eid-ul-Fitr that marks the end of the Islamic month of Ramzan and is celebrated with much fervour.

Moreover, ahead the festival, the markets are filled with fascinating items in the shopping list for Eid. Fancy and food items mostly dominate the festival and as the festival approaches excitement to celebrate gains momentum not only with Muslims but also with shopkeepers and traders doing a brisk business. 
The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr is no-doubt perks up the spirit inherent in all the festivity. The significance of this festival is also interpreted as a good time to bring people together in harmony and gratitude.

Kerala beckons

A trip down the backwaters of Kerala is a sublime and rewarding experience that one must never miss in a lifetime

Kerala, with its placid beaches, lush greenery and pristine backwaters has always been irresistible. There are numerous resorts along the backwaters of Kerala that offer tourists an enchanting experience of God’s own country. 

What is it about Kerala that attract tourists from across the country and abroad? A P Anil Kumar, minister for Tourism, himself vouches for the fact that backwaters holds the best experience for tourists coming to Kerala. Backwaters have been immensely promoted by the Kerala Government and although the state is quite new to the tourism sector, it has a lot of natural bounty to showcase in terms of its beaches, greenery, hill stations, backwaters and so on.

Besides, the backwaters offer the visitors a host of activities like bird watching, sight seeing, relaxation and mouth-watering cuisines. He is sure that the backwaters will continue to be the best experience for tourists coming to Kerala. “Through constantly reinventing its products, exploring new ideas and mediums for marketing, Kerala Tourism attracts people from across the world and retain its unique positioning among global tourist destinations,” he says. 

According to P M Ali Asgar Pasha, managing director, KTDC, backwater tourism is the most promoted aspect of tourism by the government and Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).  Backwaters is a natural phenomenon that is unique to Kerala alone and has a huge potential to attract tourists both domestic and foreign to the tropical paradise,” says Pasha.

Houseboat experience

The backwaters of Kerala is best experienced on a houseboat or a kettuvallam. A cruise on a houseboat along the backwaters of Kerala is an unforgettable experience and should never be missed. For Asa Abraham, head, PR and communications, Kumarakom Lake Resort, houseboats are a major attraction of Kerala’s backwaters. “It is exclusive, of excellent quality and a unique experience in itself, attracting people from within the state, as well as other parts of the country and abroad,” says Abraham. 

The backwaters of Kerala is best experienced on a cruise down Vembanad lake in Kumarakom. In fact, Kerala tourism first implemented its Responsible Tourism project at Kumarakom incorporating the local people. While there, a visit to the bird sanctuary is a must for tourists as well as a boat ride on Vembanad lake. Kumarakom village has got a rich expanse of mangrove forests, paddy fields and coconut groves. 

“Be it a one day cruise on a small houseboat or an overnight stay in a fully air-conditioned luxury houseboats, it is the ultimate experience of a lifetime,” says Noida based IT professional Aditya, who plans to visit Kerala soon with his family. While most backwater resorts offer sunset cruise to its tourists along the backwaters, some even offer a canal cruise along the inner canals of Kumarakom. 

It therefore comes as no surprise that the print campaign of Kerala Tourism titled, “The Great Backwaters", that presents the state's famous water bodies as a single destination won the ITB-Berlin's Golden City Gate Gold Award in Germany last year.

The future looks bright for Kerala tourism as it continues to charm people from across the world. The latest figures show that while the domestic tourist arrivals have grown to 1.17 crores with increase of 7.6% over last year, international tourist arrivals have grown from 8.58 lakh tourists to 9.23 lakhs. And the total income generated by the industry grew to 24885 crores, showing an increase of 12.11%. So, what are you waiting for? The backwaters beckon you. Come and experience it!

For an avid traveller

Here are a few travel tips to remember while on a trip to Kerala

Kerala is undoubtedly an ideal place for a holiday with your family. Its natural beauty, pleasant climate and the various places of interest will make for a wonderful stay here. The following tips need to be kept in mind while holidaying in Kerala:

What to wear - Kerala has a tropical climate and so it is warm throughout the year with the exception of the monsoons. Wear light cottons during your visit to Kerala. Since there are several beaches and lakes here, you might as well come all prepared with your swimming gear. 

Must-have's - Do not forget to bring your sunglasses, hats, umbrellas and sunscreen lotion. Generally speaking you must include cotton outfits, sunglasses, hats, mosquito repellent cream/lotion, shoes/ light sandals, moisturising lotion and sun-block lotion mandatory, while planning your trip.

Accommodation - Plan your trip well in advance. Make your bookings in time and choose a hotel that suits you as well as your budget. As soon as you arrive here, your needs will be taken care of by the hotel you are staying in. Home stays are a good option if you want to experience the traditional Kerala lifestyle. Ask the hotel staff for information about the places you wish to see. Ask for a guide who can show you around. 

Water – Carry a bottle of mineral water with you at all times. Do ensure that the seal is not tampered with when buying mineral water bottles. Do not drink water from public taps or road-side vendors. If you feel like having a juice, please have it from a hygienic restaurant than from a road-side shack.

Skin care - Apply heavier moisturiser a day before you are going to travel. This will help in maintaining hydration in your skin before you are exposed to dehydrating effects of cabin pressure or air conditioner effects. Similarly,  If you can carry just a single skin care item from home, go for your cleanser as change in cleansers can abrupt skin's acid balance and results in breakout. Carry a hand sanitizer with you and use it generously as a hand sanitizer could you save you from getting stomach ailments.

Course connect

Pratibha Jain gives a snapshot at some new-age certificate courses that students can pursue for a career

Certificate courses focus on training students in a specific skill area. They give learners from all age groups an opportunity to experiment and follow their hobbies beyond traditional curricula. Online and distance-learning programmes have further increased access to learning different skills taught by experts from across the globe. Here are a few new-age courses that students can pursue. 

Spa therapy and spa management:
Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC)/ (International Therapy Examination Council) ITEC certifications in international spa therapy are offered by specialised centres like the Ananda Spa Institute in Hyderabad, Oriental Spa Centre in Jaipur, Annabel Spa Institute in Kochi, Kerala Ayurveda Academy in Aluva (Kerala) and the Jindal Centre in Bangalore, among others. The course is designed to train students in Ayurvedic methods of healing mental and physical ailments, pressure point massage and deep tissue healing designed to create an overall feeling of wellness.

Beauty, hairstyling and skincare:
Experts in this field offer training in haircare and skincare, beauty therapy, hairstyling, cosmetology, hair treatment, make-up, etc. A number of well-known cosmetics companies run centres for training aspirants. Additionally, the National Vocational Training Institute for Women, through its centres in Noida, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Jaipur, Vadodara and Allahabad, offers certified courses in haircare and skincare.

Nutrition and dietetics:
A certificate course in this stream involves the understanding of the nutritive value of different foods, developing diet plans to improve health, fitness and controlling disease, etc. The Institute of Home Economics and Lady Irwin College in Delhi; SNDT Women’s University, Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition and Sophia College for Women in Mumbai; St John’s Research Institute, Bangalore; Public Health Foundation of India; and IGNOU, through study centres across Gujarat, Mumbai, Rajasthan and Hyderabad, offer certifications in nutrition and dietetics.

Gardening, landscape design, horticulture and plant tissue culture: 
The State Institute of Vocational Education and Board of Intermediate Education, Hyderabad; and Dr BN College of Architecture, Pune, offer short courses in gardening, garden design, garden development and maintenance. The Institute of Horticulture Technology offers a range of courses covering different aspects of horticulture. Horticulture courses provide practical training in composting, mulching, vermiculture, seeding, irrigation, greenhouse management and cultivation of vegetables and high-value crops in controlled environments. Bharati Vidyapeeth and Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University offer courses in gardening and landscape designing.

Cake decoration: Institutes such as Cakekraft in Mumbai, Sugarcraft India in different cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc and the Culinary and Cake Decorating School in Delhi offer training in baking and decorating cakes. 

Radio jockeying:
A course in radio jockeying and broadcast management develops one’s capabilities to host a talk show on the radio. The course focuses on voice modulation, diction, wit, humour and alertness to deliver the script while playing music and engaging with the audience via the telephone, email, social media and SMS. Radio City School of Broadcasting and Xavier Institute of Communications in Mumbai; Indian Institute of Mass Communication and Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi; the Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA) and the Institute of Radio Jockeying in Chandigarh offer courses in this field. 

(The author is a career counsellor based in Mumbai)