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Experts explain that the target varies from person to person based on a mix of health, genetics, and lifestyle factors. This article is based upon information that was obtained from the public domain or from experts we interviewed. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Dr Pranav Ghody is a consultant endocrinologist at Wockhardt hospitals in Mumbai Central. He explained that HbA1c represents the average blood sugar level over a period of 12 weeks. “Most people who have type 2 diabetes are healthy when their HbA1c is between 6.5 and 7 percent. Aiming lower isn’t always safer. Dr Ghody said that aiming for a number below 7% for most adults is the best option. This is because it reflects well-controlled blood glucose levels and is linked to a reduced risk of long-term complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and eye problems. However, for older patients or those with multiple health problems or at higher risk for low blood sugar, experts may relax targets to around 7.5 to 8%. HbA1c doesn’t show how much glucose fluctuates from day to day. It’s important to tailor the plan, combining HbA1c with regular blood sugar monitoring. What is the real goal? ‘How do you control type 2 diabetes with diet?’Consistency is also crucial. “Sudden fluctuations or frequent lows are just as harmful as consistently high levels of sugar. HbA1c is always a good indicator of overall health, daily glucose readings and symptoms. The goal is to maintain stable, safe blood sugar control which fits into the patient’s life style sustainably,” said Dr Negalur. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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Sonali Bendre recently spoke candidly about the physical changes that she experienced following childbirth and cancer treatments. She said, “Mere cancer treatment ke baad steroid ki wajah sa, I gained weight …” Her statement resonated strongly with many cancer survivors struggling with sudden weight gain after or during treatment. Do steroids cause sudden weight gain? This article is based upon information that we obtained from public sources and/or experts. How steroids cause weight gain? “Steroids commonly prescribed during cancer treatment can increase appetite, making people crave high-calorie food,” explains Dr Malhotra. These medications also affect the body’s energy processing. He says that steroids can cause fluid retention and slow metabolism. They also change the way your body stores fat around the face, neck, and stomach. Dr Malhotra says that steroids can cause water retention in many cases. This makes weight gain more apparent. He explains that weight gain, bloating or hair loss can have a significant impact on self-confidence. Story continues below this advertisement. According to Dr Malhotra many patients feel emotional distress as the recovery process is unpredictable and overwhelming. He says that stress, anxiety, and frustration can be common during this phase.
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Should cancer survivors try losing weight immediately?Dr Malhotra cautions against aggressive weight-loss attempts soon after treatment.”Cancer survivors should avoid rapid or extreme weight-loss methods immediately after treatment because the body needs time to heal and regain strength,” he explains.”Weight-loss plans should ideally be guided by a doctor or nutrition expert depending on the patient’s recovery stage and overall health,” Dr Malhotra advises.ALSO READ | Sonali Bendre just shared her favourite khichdi recipeHealthy ways to manage steroid-related weight gainAccording to Dr Malhotra, the goal during recovery should not be quick weight loss but overall healing and long-term wellness.Story continues below this ad”The best approach is balanced meals, portion control, and gentle physical activity like walking or yoga,” he says.He recommends focusing on protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and fiber to help regulate appetite and support recovery. He says that staying hydrated, managing stress, and sleeping well are all equally important. Most importantly, Dr Malhotra emphasizes patience. “Instead of quick fixes, gradual and sustainable habits are much safer and more effective during recovery.”DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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Celina Jaitly’s Instagram account recently posted a picture in which she is glowing. Reason? A traditional Indian ingredient, along with exercise, clean eating and self-care. In an Instagram post, No Entry actor revealed she had been eating “gond katira”, continuously for 21 consecutive days as part her wellness routine. “21 days of eating Gond Katira, workouts, of course, & healthy diet… and my skin is glowing where stress once lived,” wrote.Calling gond Katira part of her “Indian grandma’s wisdom,” Celina referred to it as a “natural, edible tree gum” which has quietly existed for generations in Indian households. Let’s find our.DISCLAIMER : This article is based upon information that was obtained from the public domain or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. What is Gond Katira exactly?
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According to Dr Garima Tiwari, Head – Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, ShardaCare-Healthcity, gond katira is known for its cooling and hydrating properties and has long been used in traditional Indian diets, especially during summer.”It contains soluble fiber, which may help improve digestion, support gut health, and keep the body hydrated, especially during hot weather.”She adds that many people also consume it for improved energy levels and skin health. It can also increase fullness when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Experts say that only a small amount is needed. Beyond plain water: Why Banita Sandhu swears by consuming electrolytes, ‘especially before my period’Can you really see visible changes in 21 days?Dr Tiwari stresses that it is important not to treat any single ingredient as a miracle solution. While gond Katira can support hydration and digestion, as well as overall wellness, the best results are usually achieved by combining consistent lifestyle habits, rather than just one food item. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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An Indian tourist documented her ordeal recently after being denied boarding in a Southeast Asian airport because she failed to show 400 USD cash to officials of operating airline. The tourist, a girl who was from Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam and flew from Cambodia to Laos, posted on Instagram: “As an Indian you should be aware of this if you plan to travel to South East Asia. I was in Cambodia literally two weeks back for a week. I had no problems flying from Bangkok to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in Cambodia )…. I was able to pay for my visa at the airport and enter the country. She advised to carry “some cash to prove you are a legitimate tourist and not an illegal person”. She said that despite “many proofs”, such as a bank account statement, her travel history and the fact that she had “paid by credit card to enter Cambodia without any hassle two weeks ago…they didn’t let me”. “They didn’t allow me.” The airlines are very strict about it. When I ask for proof, they only show me a Messenger group where some random people are chatting about my info. You will face this problem if you are Indian, especially in Laos. When I crossed the border from Cambodia to Laos they demanded I purchase a return ticket, regardless of whether I could cross the border. They wouldn’t let me in because they were afraid that I would work illegally and enter the country. In a subsequent Instagram Story the solo traveller revealed that she had returned to Cambodia. “Thank you, everyone, for your support.” She said, “I made it safely to Cambodia.” We tried to reach her personally, but she had not yet responded to our question. Many of her followers responded with similar experiences. One person wrote “I agree!” I experienced the same thing. I was flying to Cambodia from Bangkok and was asked to present $800 in cash. The airline staff apparently asked another Chinese tourist whether they had cash while I stood on the side. They didn’t have any cash – they just said it was fine & let the other person go. But I was asked. “Annapurna arrived safely in Cambodia (Photo: Lalatrails/Instagram stories)”A Chinese traveller shared, “It’s not for Indians. I’m Chinese. I was also treated that way. When I flew from Cambodia to Thailand, the Cambodian staff asked for 500 dollars at the airport. And when I returned to Cambodia, immigration asked for my return ticket. The staff at the airport also asked me for 300 dollars when I flew to Cambodia from Thailand.”Story continues below the adYet, another supported the scrutiny. “People calling Laos uncivilised? It is not illegal to have immigration rules that are geared towards citizens of uncivilised countries. India’s supremacist attitude will lead to more countries imposing stricter entry requirements for India. India is a third world, accept, and stop calling others uncivilised!”Interestingly, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ website, Cambodia, which is listed under ‘countries which provide Visa on Arrival facility to Indian nationals’, states that tourist visa and business visa on-arrival for Indian nationals have a single entry/one month, extendable by one more month, subject to following documents: Confirmed hotel booking or accommodation details in Cambodia and Return flight Tickets. Cambodian Immigration Police might ask for some cash in USD ($500 minimum per passenger). Cambodian Immigration Police may ask for proof of funds up to $500-$1000. This is not a strict or universal rule. Mother documents minor daughter’s disappointment after being denied boarding on Dubai flight: Are kids not allowed to travel with relatives sans parents?Key considerations for carrying cash:*Proof of funds: It is wise to carry some USD cash and have access to bank statements/credit cards to show you are a genuine tourist.*Currency : Countries with a heavily dollarized economy are widely accepted.

MEA India photo. Laos is one of the countries that offer Visa on Arrival to Indian citizens. “Travelling overseas is a task one must manage strategically. He said that visas, immigration, and currency were important. According to Bawa, each country has its own experience with different types of people and communities, and they may ask for these things in their own interests or in the interests of travellers. View this post on Instagram Bawa advised that the rules be publicised in an effective way to avoid causing inconvenience to genuine travellers. Tourists should be informed of these rules in advance and should know what to do or not do upon entering the country. He said that some countries have a problem with digital transactions, and require cash to be shown.

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Neetu shares candid details about her relationship with Rishi Kaoor (Source: Instagram/Neetu Kaoor)Veteran actress Neetu reflected recently on her marriage to late actor Rishi kapoor. She shared candid details about the disagreements that often led them to long periods silence. Neetu Kapoor revealed during a podcast interview with Soha Ali that arguments with Rishi were often transformed into “cold wars” lasting months. My husband was a very strong-minded man. I could never convince him to listen to me when we had a disagreement. I would have a cold war with him for a few months. I would not bend until he asked, “Okay what’s your issue?” She also explained how these long silences were so common in their relationship that even family members made jokes about them. Neetu said that even her mother in law teased the couple, saying they had only been married for half of the time because they didn’t speak to each other. She recalled that Rishi would eventually reconnect. “He would message the kids, spoken to Mom? Is she OK? What’s happening? Then he would ask me, “What’s wrong?” He would then do whatever I said. She said, “He would do anything I asked him to. He would go on a diet and lose 5-10 kgs and start exercising. I’ve noticed that couples who stop communicating after a disagreement do not settle their nervous system. The stress is simply quieted. One partner may feel emotionally unsafe or unnoticed. The other partner may think that silence will protect the relationship. Over time, both parties stop feeling emotionally accessible to each other. “Cold Wars also create interpretation gaps. Emotional intimacy weakens because repair never fully happens,” says the expert. Expert: “Emotional intimacy is weaker because repair never happens fully.” Why do some people emotionally withdraw or shut down during conflict? “I regularly observe in my practice that people close down when they don’t feel emotionally heard,” says Mandhyan. She adds that after repeated experiences with interruption, dismissal or overpowering reactions, our nervous systems begin to protect themselves through withdrawal. In psychology, this can be referred to as a freeze reaction. The person feels that expression will not change anything, so silence begins to feel safer than vulnerability.Healthier conflict-resolution habitsFirst and foremost, Dr Mandhyan stresses, it needs to be acknowledged that conflict becomes healthier when couples stop seeing disagreements as threats to the relationship, or as battles to win.She adds that difficult conversations usually go better when both people are emotionally regulated rather than reacting in the heat of anger. “I encourage couples not to avoid or disappear into silence, but to pause and settle before returning to the conversation. Feeling heard can reduce emotional escalation. Even small repairs are important. “A calm check-in or apology, as well as acknowledging the other’s hurt, can prevent distance for long periods. Conflict is a part of all strong relationships. They are repair-oriented,” says Dr Mandhyan.