Friday, April 9, 2010

SAVE THE WORLD EVERY DAY
June 5 is Environment Day, aperfect time to ingrain eco-friendly habits inthe house.
* Install (and use !) dimmers and energy-saving lamps.
* Carry your own shopping bags. Gift jute/fabric bags to family and friends on festive occassions.
* Shun packaging: Avoid aerosols, Styrofoam and plastic containers. Buy bulk - it iseconomical and saves on packaging.
* Use herbal toileteries. Avoid products tested on animals.
* Plant/adopt atree to celebrate personal milestones - such a beautiful standing memory!
* Use rechargeable batteries. Alkaline onesrelease toxic metals into landfills,which seep into soiland reach the food chain.
* Swimming pools typically chlorinate water. Lobby for UV systemto destroy bacteria and filter water.
* Use both sides of sheets of paper.
* Arrange your day well so your car does not make wasteful runs. Drive slower and keep tyres inflated.
* Choose reusable alternatives to disposable products: use sponges(not paper towels) for cleaning ; cloth napkins (not paper) : reusable razors (not disposable) ; crockery (not paper plates) cloth diapers (not disposables) ; handkerchief (not tissues) ; reusable mesh coffee filter (not filter paper) .
* Don`t hoard - give away excess foodstuffs, clothes, furniture, toys ......

Diabetes in children
It`S your responsibility to ensure a diabetes-free fuure for your child
Diabetes rests upon habits that have been inculcated in us from our childhood. If you `ve been brought up on junk food, it`s very difficult to kick that habit in a jiffy.Your child`s health - especially in his/her adult life - is really in your hands now.
Involve your child in a sport and encourage his/her to partake of healthy, nutritious meals.'The government should simply ban the sale o fast foods, especially in schools,to avoid our teenagers falling prey to obesity and related ailments,' urges Dr, Wangnoo.Ameeta Wattal, principal of Spring dales School, echoes similar sentiments: 'Obesity is real problem and diabetes almost a direct outcome of that.You simply won`t find any aerated drinks in our school canteen. What`s more, we have regular seminars and interactive sessions with students and parents wherein we explain the importance and benefits of regular Indian meals, which are nutritious without being rich in fats and sugar.'