​

Garlic is a traditional medicine that has been used for centuries. Some studies suggest that it can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. Can a pre-diabetic quit taking Metformin if they eat garlic instead? Dr Pranav Ghody answered this Quora question and dispelled the myth that garlic can replace metformin, or any medication prescribed to treat pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a sign that the body has begun to experience insulin resistance. While lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercising, stress management, and proper sleeping can improve blood sugar, relying on a single food, like garlic, is neither safe nor scientifically valid,” said Ghody. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Metformin is particularly helpful in reducing hepatic sugar production and improving insulin sensitivity. Its effects are well studied and monitored by medical professionals. Garlic may provide health benefits but it doesn’t have the same reliable effect. “Adding more garlic while “neglecting lifestyle changes or stopping medications without guidance can delay the proper treatment and increase risk of Type 2 diabetes”.Many pre-diabetics can reduce or stop medication over the course of time but this is usually due to lasting lifestyle changes rather than consuming a’superfood.’ “A balanced diet with fibre, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins is much more effective than focusing on individual remedies,” said Dr Ghody.Stop relying on one-stop measures (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)There is also a growing trend of promoting kitchen ingredients as “natural cures”. “People should be cautious with these claims. Natural does not mean that it is effective or safe for all. Do not rely solely on supplementary methods. If blood sugar levels are improved through diet, exercise and weight loss, a doctor might reconsider the need for medication. However, stopping metformin on your own and replacing it with garlic is not a good idea,” reiterated Dr Ghody.Story continues below this adThink of garlic as a healthy addition to your meals, not a replacement for medical treatment.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.

 ​

Chunky Panday, 63, has been seen at the gym doing bodyweight exercises such as push-ups and weight lifting. Panday’s personal trainer Rohan Apte wrote on his Instagram: “Hustle to the muscle @chunkypanday.” The dumbbell chest press and push-ups primarily target the chest and shoulders, improving functional pushing movements and building upper body strength. Garima Goyal, a dietitian and fitness specialist, said that the chest press, in which he lies on a flat bench and presses dumbbells up, is particularly effective for controlled strength-building. Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise routine. This is a realistic and refreshing approach to staying fit as you age. “Instead chasing extreme changes, his routine reflects sustainability, functional movement and consistency, which are the true pillars of long term fitness,” said Goyal. From a clinical standpoint, workouts should focus on maintaining muscular mass, improving joint flexibility, and supporting cardiovascular. As we age, our muscle strength and flexibility naturally decrease. Goyal said that regular movement, even moderate intensity, can help slow down this process. It also supports daily functioning. Exercises that emphasize balance, coordination and stability are important because they reduce injuries and promote better posture. This type of training is easier to maintain and more sustainable over time,” Goyal said.
View this post on Instagram
The metabolic health is also important. Staying active improves insulin sensitivity, helps with weight management and reduces the risk for lifestyle disorders like diabetes and heart disease. Nutrition continues to be a key support. “Adequate intake of protein helps maintain muscle mass, while proper nutrition and hydration support recovery and energy levels.” Story continues below this advertisement. (Photo: Freepik). His routine reflects a shift in mindset. It’s not about intensity in every stage of your life. Sunaina Roshan, 54, reveals why she chose strength training after being diagnosed with jaundice: ‘Not for muscles…’You don’t need extreme workouts to stay fit. Goyal said, “You need regular movements that your body can sustain consistently.” DISCLAIMER This article is based off information from the public domain or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

 ​

Radhika Merchant in custom Erdem, styled by Rhea Kapoor (Photo: @rheakapoor/Instagram)The 61st International Art Exhibition-La Biennale di Venezia saw the Ambani family make a fashion statement, with each member serving up impeccable looks. Radhika Merchant, who previously made waves in a powder blue sari styled after Audrey Hepburn, has now taken the internet by storm with her second look. Styled by Rhea, Radhika wore an Erdem custom ensemble that featured an off-shoulder draped cape. One of the standout pieces of the outfit was a statement bow on the bodice, adding an edge to the structured silhouette.Contemporary stylingRadhika paired the top with straight-cut beige trousers. She wore statement accessories that complemented her look’s gold-heavy color palette. Her jewellery included oversized gold earrings featuring floral filigree and emerald stones. The multi-petalled cocktail ring was the star of the show, combining luxury with contemporary style. According to Rhea’s Instagram post, the fabric was woven in India by Swadesh and featured a metallic brocade with floral motifs. Radhika chose a glam look with shimmery brown eyeshadows, blushed cheeks and glossy lips. She also used a highlighter to give her a natural glow. Rhea shared a series photos and wrote “Ciao Venice”. I am so happy to have worked with @erdem and @swadesh_online on this ensemble featuring weaves by Radhika Ambani. See here:
View this post on Instagram
The Art Exhibition at La Biennale in 2022 was attended by over 800,000 people. The first International Art Exhibition of the La Biennale di Venezia was held in 1895. In the 1930s, three new festivals were created: Music, Cinema, and Theatre. (The Venice Film Festival, in 1932, was the first film fest in history). The first International Architecture Exhibition was held in 1980. In 1999, Dance debuted at La Biennale,” reads the official website.

 ​

Dr Kapadia, a vascular surgeon, recently spoke out about the limitations of “full-body check-up” packages. He said that many people misunderstand preventive healthcare. No number of tests will ever detect all the problems in your body. “A blood test alone is not enough to detect most problems. He explained that many patients arrive with a large number of reports from low-cost packages that include hundreds of tests. “We see many people saying’maine complete body check-up karwaya hai.’ They bring a folder jisme kuch 1,000 tests hain for Rs 999. They have not detected an ECG or echo. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Why ‘100-test package’ can create false assuranceAccording to Dr Amit Saraf of Jupiter Hospital in Thane, the issue is the growing misconception that more testing equals better healthcare. “Yes, they do in many cases create a false feeling of security,” says Saraf. He explains that numbers cannot be used to assess health. Story continues below this advertisementAccording to Dr Saraf a person can have normal blood results and still have early heart disease, sleep-apnea or glaucoma progression, fatty liver or certain cancers. “Cheap packages of ‘100 tests’ often create the impression that more tests mean better healthcare,” says he. “In reality, preventive medicine is personalised and age-specific. It also takes into account risk factors.”
View this post on Instagram
Blood tests are just one part of prevention care. “We rely too heavily on blood testing alone,” says Dr Saraf. He explains that different serious conditions require completely different methods of detection. The only way to detect structural heart abnormalities is through an ECG or echocardiogram. Structural heart abnormalities may only be identified through an ECG or echocardiogram.”As physicians, we often see patients who feel reassured because their ‘master health check-up’ was normal, while symptoms or risk factors were overlooked,” says Dr Saraf.He emphasises that meaningful preventive care begins with understanding a patient’s lifestyle, family history, sleep patterns, stress levels, blood pressure, waist circumference, and symptoms, not just laboratory values.Story continues below this adWhy preventive healthcare is becoming increasingly commercialisedAccording to Dr Saraf, preventive medicine today is often being marketed more like a product than a personalised healthcare service. He says that large packages with flashy claims such as ‘500 parameters’ are easier for marketers to market than a thoughtful doctor consultation. “But preventive medication is not about volume; it’s about relevance.” He explains that not all people need the same investigations. The risk profiles of a healthy 25-year old and a diabetic smoker 55 years old are completely different and require different screening strategies. “The danger is that the marketing often promotes uniform tests for everyone,” says Saraf. This can lead to unnecessary stress, false positives and missed priorities. Dr Saraf also stresses that low-cost screening packages aren’t necessarily bad. They are more accessible and encourage people to be health-conscious. However, the problem arises when people start using these packages to replace proper medical evaluations. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.