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‘Second time is much easier’: Nakuul Mehta on parenting second child; expert flags ‘actual parenting’ demands

 ​On a podcast, ‘What not to do as a parent,’ actor Nakuul Mehta shared that his wife, Jankee Mehta, can convince anyone to have a second child. Elaborating further, Jankee explained, “Jo couples hote hein, jinko lagta hai second baby nahi karna hai, kyun ki first baby bahut hectic tha, unko waapis wahi stress hoga. I just want to tell you all that the second time is much calmer, much easier. The thing is that challenges will happen, your child will get fever, your child will have choleric…or health issues, but it will all pass. Aur woh pass wali feeling jo hai, woh first child ke baad hi aati hai, kyunki pata chal jaata hai ki woh hone wala hai pass, you know fever aayega, woh 3-2 din ka cycle hai…”. While the sentiment resonates with many parents, is the second child actually easier? According to Dr Vikas Kumar, the answer lies more in the parental mindset than in the child itself.. Is the second child really easier?. “The second child is not necessarily easier in terms of actual care,” says Dr Kumar. “What changes is the parent’s emotional preparedness.”. He explains that first-time parenting comes with a steep learning curve. “Everything—from feeding to sleep patterns—feels new and stressful. By the time the second child arrives, parents have built confidence and practical skills,” he says.. Experience vs actual parenting demands. “A large part of the reduced stress comes from experience rather than a decrease in parenting demands,” explains Dr Kumar. “In fact, managing two children can increase responsibilities, especially in terms of time and attention.”. What shifts is perspective. “Experienced parents are better at prioritising, setting routines, and letting go of perfection,” he says. “They are less likely to panic over minor issues.”. ALSO READ | From ‘nangu-pangu’ to ‘be a good girl’. View this post on Instagram. Does confidence increase, or does emotional load double?. Parenting a second child can bring both confidence and complexity. “Having a second child often improves a parent’s ability to handle uncertainty because they’ve already faced many unpredictable situations,” says Dr Kumar. “This familiarity builds emotional resilience and problem-solving skills.”. Story continues below this ad. However, there’s another side. “It can also increase the emotional load, as parents now have to balance the needs of two children,” he adds. So while anxiety may decrease, responsibility certainly doesn’t.. What should couples consider before planning a second child?. Before taking the plunge, experts recommend a reality check. “Couples should think about their emotional readiness, physical energy, financial stability, and support systems,” advises Dr Kumar.. He highlights practical concerns: “It’s important to consider how you’ll divide time between two children, maintain your relationship, and handle increased responsibilities.”. External factors matter too. “  

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‘I can’t put into words what they’ve gone through’: Zayed Khan reveals why sister Sussanne and Hrithik Roshan’s divorce was actually a healthier choice; expert weighs in

 ​Zayed Khan’s reflections on the end of his sister Sussanne’s marriage to Hrithik Roshan offer a refreshingly mature take on divorce. (Source: Express Archives). Relationships don’t always follow a straight path, and sometimes even long-term partnerships end despite shared history and effort. In a recent interview, actor Zayed Khan reflected on his sister Sussanne Khan and her former marriage to Hrithik Roshan.. He said, “It wasn’t meant to be. And it would be even worse if you try to hold on to something that isn’t; both people suffer. For what? I mean, you have your children to look forward to, to participate in their lives, to witness the moments of them growing up, turning into such young, wonderful gentlemen. So that became the focus.”. He further added, “It’s done, it’s finished. Now let’s focus on this, and go find your version of happiness for yourself. We are not the typical, sort of society-pressure-driven family. We are a little more aware, a little more educated about certain things. And I know, by and large, people find it very bizarre. Some people are young; some people are unhappy; some people just don’t understand it, and that’s okay. It’s fine.” Khan’s remarks also touched on how societal expectations can shape perceptions of relationships and divorce, even when individuals are trying to make healthier choices for themselves.. Reflecting on how relationships can evolve, he told Zoom, “I think love is a very broad word. I think the respect and care they have for each other is even more meaningful. I think they’ve got amazing partners. I’m so fond of Saba (Hrithik’s long-term girlfriend), and I think she’s such a wonderful person. I’m so fond of Arslan (Sussanne’s boyfriend), he’s like my little junior brother. And you know, life goes on.”. He also spoke about the emotional strength it takes to move forward, adding, “I can’t possibly put into words what they’ve gone through, but I respect them even more for how they’ve handled it, how they’ve moved forward, achieved what they have, and found love again along the way. I truly respect that. It’s very hard. At the end of the day, what is it? It’s about having someone you trust, which is very important. Having the most honest sounding board is essential (sic).”. So when a long-term relationship ends, how can individuals emotionally process the idea that ‘it wasn’t meant to be’?. Gurleen Baruah, existential psychotherapist at That Culture Thing, tells indianexpress.com, “Isn’t ‘it wasn’t meant to be’ sometimes the best narrative or meaning we can give to something that hasn’t worked in the past? That’s a life-forward approach.”. She continues, “Learning lessons from it, carrying that understanding, and moving on with grace. Not everything works out the way we intend, and that is also part of life. It wasn’t meant to be what it is. That’s it.”. Story continues below this ad. Shifting from roman  

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India’s ‘designer rice’ breakthrough: 3x protein, low GI grain for type 2 diabetes

 ​Rice is a carbohydrate staple, but scientists are giving it a protein-rich makeover. Enter ‘designer rice’: a high-protein, low-GI innovation that transforms how we fuel our bodies. Scientists at CSIR – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, have developed this rice, which is touted to pack “three times the protein of normal grains while maintaining a low glycemic index to help manage diabetes”. “By transforming broken rice into a nutrient-dense powerhouse, this innovation aims to nourish millions and tackle malnutrition one plate at a time,” CSIR, India states in a post on X.. White rice, often a comfort food for many, fuels over half the global population, but scientists note that polished white rice carries a silent burden owing to its starch content, which the body quickly turns into sugar, contributing to a rising tide of Type 2 diabetes.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. According to CSIR India’s post, this designer rice is not merely a “grain with vitamins and minerals merely sprayed onto its surface”, it is a “fundamental re-architecture of our most basic staple”. “By deconstructing the rice grain into its primary components — starch, protein, and fibre — and then precisely reassembling them, scientists have created a nutrient-dense food that functions as a proactive, structural solution for metabolic health. This process allows the rice to retain its familiar taste and cooking properties while delivering a superior nutritional profile,” it reads.. Dr C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST and the visionary behind the project, noted, “To understand this, imagine a building. If traditional rice is a house made mostly of ‘sugar bricks’ (starch), the CSIR-NIIST team took that house apart. They removed a significant portion of the starch and replaced it with ‘protein beams’.”. Traditional white rice has starch (Photo: Freepik). The team of scientists did not opt for genetic modification. Instead they used “food-processing technology” where they took the broken rice, the bits usually sold at a discount, ground them into flour, and blended them with protein and micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. They then “reformed” this mixture into grains that look, feel, and taste exactly like the rice we know, their press statement read.. According to the scientists, designer rice benefits as it has a low GI which is below 55. “It releases energy slowly, preventing the sugar spikes that plague diabetics.”. Protein powerhouse: While normal rice has about 6–8 per cent protein, this version boasts over 20 per cent.. Story continues below this ad. Fortified defense: It bridges the gap for anaemia by embedding iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12 directly into the grain’s structure.. The  

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Vikram Bhatt recalls health scare in Udaipur Central Jail, says he stopped eating oil, salt to tide over fever: ‘One particular night in Barrack Number 10’

 ​Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, 57, recently recalled facing a health scare in Udaipur Central Jail, where he was lodged due to an alleged Rs 30 crore cheating and fraud case. Bhatt, who admitted to having “a serious autoimmune disorder called axial spondyloarthritis”, opened up about suffering from fever for nights together.. “It must have been three or four weeks since my incarceration in Udaipur Jail. It was the middle of January, and the cold was biting in a way only those who have spent a winter night in prison can truly understand. I remember one particular night in Barrack Number 10. There are no clocks in prison, so I do not know what time it was. But I remember waking up suddenly, shivering uncontrollably. My body felt as though it was on fire. It was obvious that I had a fever, though there was no way to measure it. Even with two blankets wrapped tightly around me, I was shaking as if I had no clothes on at all. The men who slept on either side of me woke up when they saw me trembling. Without saying much, they found two more blankets from somewhere and laid them over me. Even under four blankets, my body kept shaking. I swallowed a paracetamol tablet and hoped it was something that would pass,” he recollected in a detailed post on Facebook.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. Bhatt, who came out in February 2026, after spending 71 days behind bars, went on to encapsulate his struggle with fever the following day, which had “worsened”. “I was burning up. We went to the prison hospital. The doctor had not arrived yet, and strangely, there was no thermometer to measure my temperature. They checked my blood oxygen saturation instead and told me everything was fine. I remember looking at the attendant and saying, “You must be joking. I’m shaking with fever, and you say I’m fine?” When the doctor arrived, I explained my condition to him. I suffer from a serious autoimmune disorder called axial spondyloarthritis, and in my case, a high fever can trigger severe complications. I told him clearly that I needed to be taken to a proper hospital. To his credit, he understood the seriousness of the situation and immediately wrote a note recommending that I be taken outside the prison for medical treatment.”. Vikram Bhatt on his ordeal (Photo: Vikram Bhatt/Facebook). However, he was “informed that the prison guards themselves could not escort me”. “And so I waited. I waited the entire day, but no one came. The next morning, my fever had reduced slightly, but my autoimmune condition had flared up, and the pain in my body was terrible. I was told that I would be taken to the hospital by the afternoon. By afternoon, the fever returned. By evening, I was told that a very important dignitary was visiting the city, and all the police were busy with security. There was no one available to take me. T  

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‘How can you check if you have a heart blockage. My blood pressure is always good, but aren’t there blood tests that can give us clues?’

 ​Does a normal blood pressure mean all is well? This is a common and dangerous misconception: the belief that a healthy blood pressure reading is a clean bill of health for the entire cardiovascular system. While blood pressure is a vital metric, it is only one piece of a complex puzzle. To get an insight into a similar Quora query — “How can you check if you have a heart blockage? My blood pressure is always good, but aren’t there blood tests that can give us clues?” — we consulted an expert.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. Dr Saumya Sekhar Jenasamant, a consultant cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said that while normal blood pressure is reassuring, “it doesn’t rule out blockages in the heart arteries”. “Many people with coronary artery disease have normal blood pressure readings. Blockages develop due to plaque buildup, which includes cholesterol, fat, and calcium. This process can remain silent until it becomes significant. That’s why relying on just blood pressure can be misleading,” said Dr Jenasamant.. Any early warning signs to watch for?. Yes, but they’re not always obvious, mentioned Dr Jenasamant. “Subtle symptoms often get ignored, such as chest heaviness during physical activity, breathlessness when climbing stairs, unusual fatigue, or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or left arm. Some people, especially those with diabetes, may have silent symptoms or no symptoms at all. If something feels new, lasts a while, or is related to activity, it’s worth getting checked out.”. What tests can help detect heart blockage early?. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all test, but a step-by-step approach works best, according to Dr Jenasamant.. – ECG (Electrocardiogram): A basic screening tool that can show past or ongoing heart strain.. – Treadmill Test (TMT): Assesses how the heart performs under stress and is useful for detecting changes during exercise.. – 2D Echocardiography: Evaluates heart function and muscle movement.. When should you be careful? (Photo: Quora). – CT Coronary Angiography: A non-invasive scan that can visualize blockages in coronary arteries.. – Coronary Calcium Score: Helps identify early plaque buildup, even before any symptoms start.. – Coronary Angiography: This is the gold standard for diagnosing blockages in coronary arteries. In this procedure, a contrast dye is injected directly into the arteries to precisely identify any narrowing or obstruction.. Story continues below this ad. Here’s how you should take care of your heart health (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock). Who should consider getting these tests done?. Dr Jenasamant said that anyone with risk factors, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or a family history of heart disease, should think about screening, even if they  

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LifestyleNews

Ankur Warikoo’s fitness coach, Sagar Ahuja, on his transformation: ‘He maintains a six-pack without anyone’s help’

 ​Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo has been training extremely hard to keep fit. And the man behind his current transformation is coach Sagar Ahuja, who believes that maintaining a six-pack all year round is actually possible with the right guidance and mindset.. “He is now leaner and stronger, he lifts more weight than most 20-year-olds going to the gym. Bodyweight went from 82 kgs to 69 kgs, waist went from 36 to 29.5 inches, chubby fat to chiselled six-pack abs at 43. More importantly, better energy, improved posture, and higher consistency in daily routine,” he told indianexpress.com in an exclusive interview.. When someone like Warikoo shares his transformation publicly, it sets a standard. An excited Ahuja, who started working with Warikoo in 2023, expressed, “It feels great, but more than validation, it’s a responsibility. People don’t just see results – they see what’s possible. We started working together in 2023 when he wanted to specifically target belly fat and overall conditioning, without compromising his lifestyle. I connected with him via email first, and then we had a Zoom call. My main goal was not only to help him achieve his best physique but also to improve his eating habits so that he stays in shape year-round.”. Ahuja, who has coached more than 4,000 men, including founders of companies like Urban Company, Zomato, MakeMyTrip, and Eazydiner, apart from CEOs and creators, talks about his mission to help men become sharper physically and mentally, not just lose weight—the main reason why he started Alphamen, a wellness company focused on men’s health.. View this post on Instagram. “Early on, I realised most fitness advice fails because it doesn’t fit real lives. Busy professionals don’t need perfect plans; they need sustainable systems. Over the last few years, I’ve coached many, helping them lose fat, improve energy, and build discipline that carries into every area of life,” Ahuja said.. The duo went on to achieve “shredded physique in 10 months”. “Through his improved eating habits and awareness, now he maintains a six-pack year-round without anyone’s help. Once in a couple of months, I check on him regarding things, that’s it,” Ahuja shared.. The goal was kept “simple”: “Lose fat till he achieves six pack abs, improves strength, and makes it sustainable.”. And the approach? “No crash dieting; no overtraining; flexible workouts as he travels a lot; focus on habits, systems, not motivation; and build a routine that fits his calendar.”. Story continues below this ad. While initially, it was about fat loss, now it’s about maintenance, longevity, and performance –staying fit despite a demanding schedule. “He trains typically 4-5 days a week, and his focus areas are strength training (hitting two muscle groups a day); daily one hour tennis, and light cardio,” mentioned Ahuja, who also coached Warikoo’s parents, who are over 70.. Notably, Warikoo’s current wellness routine  

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