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It may seem simple to check your blood pressure at the comfort of your own home. Just wrap the cuff around the arm, press the button and take note of the readings. According to Dr PramodTripathi, even small habits can cause readings to be distorted. In an Instagram video he listed “Extremely Common 10 Mistakes People Make While Checking BP At Home, Telling Them From Bottom To Top For Easy Memory (sic). His advice is surprisingly useful but easy to overlook. He begins with posture. “Number 1, keeping your feet in the air is incorrect. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Number two, crisscrossing your feet can also increase your BP. “Number 3, keep your bladder full. Always empty your bladder before you check your BP.” Even the back support can affect readings. The number four mistake is to keep your back straight and upright. You should keep your spine relaxed. Clothing and cuff placement is another common mistake. “Number five: Always fold the clothes under the cuff. Number six, place the tube on the inside and not the outside. Number seven, support your arm at the level of the heart. Not below, nor above. “Number 8, avoid talking when you are taking your blood pressure. Number nine, you must drink tea or coffee at least 30 minutes before checking your blood pressure. Number 10, not being stressed, or having exercised after. You must be relaxed. When taking BP, take two readings and average them. The ideal BP is below 130/80.” “The upper reading is called systolic,” he explains. If your BP is rising, which is diastolic, this could be a sign that the arteries are becoming stiffer as you age. If your lower BP rises, this is diastolic. This means that the smaller arteries away from the heart also get tighter due to more insulin or sympathetic nerve system stimulation. This is stress or sodium. If the difference between your upper and lower BPs is greater than 60, it could lead to heart problems. Let me know if you need any more videos on managing blood pressure. But before you do, avoid these 10 mistakes.”Story Continues Below This AdHow much can small errors in posture and positioning alter blood pressure measurements?Kanikka malhotra is a consultant dietician and diabetes education. She told indianexpress.com that “Posture errors and positioning errors can drastically change home blood pressure results, often by 5-20mmHg. That’s enough for hypertension to be misdiagnosed or masked.” Slouching can increase systolic blood pressure by 6-10mmHg because of increased cardiac workload. Crossed or dangling legs can increase systolic pressure by 4-8 mmHg due to the reduced venous return. Hydrostatic pressure can cause readings to spike by 10-20 mmHg when an arm is positioned below the heart level.
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She says that the most important factor is to keep the feet flat on a floor with the knees and thighs at 90 degrees and the back supported by a chair. “Always use an upper arm that is bare and positioned at the heart level. No tight clothing should be worn.” A proper setup can help prevent false positives of 15-30%, which allows for accurate self-monitoring,” says Malhotra. If you have consistently high readings at home, it is time to consult a doctor. Early intervention can help prevent serious health problems such as stroke or heart disease. Check your blood pressure two times daily (morning & evening) after you have sat quietly for 5 minutes. Seek medical advice if the weekly average is higher than 135/85mmHg or if readings are frequently above 140/90mmHg. This can include lifestyle changes, such as dietary changes, increased activity or medication. If you have a reading over 180/120 mmHg seek immediate emergency care, especially if it is accompanied by dizziness or severe headaches, chest pains, or breathlessness,” says Malhotra. She recommends taking readings twice a day for a week to distinguish between a temporary spike due to stress, caffeine or measurement errors and sustained hypertension. Calculate the average and ignore obvious outliers. Temporary spikes are more likely to fluctuate, and correlate with triggers. However, sustained hypertension remains elevated under ideal conditions. “Keep a written journal to identify patterns, and share it with the doctor. If clinic anxiety is suspected, they may recommend ambulatory monitoring (24-hour monitoring). Early detection is crucial. Avoid self-adjusting medications without professional guidance. Disclaimer: This article was based on public domain information and/or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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Pooja on being single and quitting alcohol (Source: Express Archive Photo)After her divorce from her husband in 2014, Pooja has spoken openly about living a life which is both independent and deeply satisfying. She said that her journey was “glorious” when reflecting on it. I am enjoying being single. I have been in relationships since I was 16 years old. I am free as a crow now. I am the captain my own ship. I am the captain of my own ship. I love the world so much. I have cats, friends, books, and my craft. I am a nomad and I travel often. I want to be free to grab my bag and leave whenever I please. I discovered gymming when I was 50. My gym is now my temple. Her words capture the shift that many people experience in later life, moving from a relationship-defined identity to a self-directed, joyous sense of purpose. She told Times of India that she will always be someone to celebrate love. I have friends who have been married 40 years, and others who have been divorcés four times. I don’t feel like I’m missing anything. For the first time, I feel complete. It took me a while to realize that it’s not just about finding the perfect person, but also about being the perfect person. I stopped drinking alcohol eight and half years ago. It was easy to quit alcohol, but once you do, you realize what you were running from when you used that drink as a painkiller. Love is no exception. “How does long-term dependency on a relationship shape one’s self-identity? Gurleen Baruah is an Existential Psychotherapist with That Culture Thing. She told indianexpress.com that there is no fixed way to look at this. Everyone is different, so everyone will respond differently. “People who leave long-term relationships for singledom do so for their own reasons.” She notes that, in this case, Pooja Bhatt shared, it reflects a growth in happiness, and a focus on quality relationships, rather than simply being in one. It really depends on where the person is at in their life, what they want and what feels healthy for them. I’m not sure if being “complete” should be a goal that is set in stone. Baruah says that humans “are wired to experience emotions through life; there is an ebb-and-flow.””We have the hedonic cycle, where happiness and satisfaction return to a baseline. Completeness may not be permanent or even necessary. Baruah says it may be about being able sit with uncertainty while still feeling okay within yourself. “There is awareness.” After awareness and acknowledgment, you can begin to change. This change is about taking control of your life, making decisions with intention, and developing an internal locus-of-control rather than relying externally on ways to cope.

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Five bird species that were long thought to be “missing” in the wild have been rediscovered by 2025. This is a major boost for conservation efforts around the world. According to the Lost Birds List’s latest update, these species were undocumented in the wild, unheard or unseen for more than a decade. The return of these birds is a reminder to us that “missing does not always mean extinct”. Many birds disappear from records due to remote habitats, limited research, or declining populations rather than complete extinction.Rediscoveries like these play a crucial role in conservation. They can help scientists reassess the status of species, identify habitats that need protection, and inspire renewed efforts for biodiversity. These discoveries are not only exciting for birdwatchers, but also vital for conservationists who work to protect fragile eco-systems. Bismarck KingfisherAfter thirteen years without a confirmed site, the vibrant Bismarck Kingfisher in Papua New Guinea was photographed in May of 2025. The bird, which is known for its striking plumage and had eluded scientists for over a year, was a major discovery for ornithologists. Biak MyzomelaBiak Myzomela (Photo: Mehd Halaouate/searchforlostbirds.org)This tiny honeyeater was documented again after 21 years on Biak Island in Indonesia. Biak Myzomela was absent for 21 years, which raised concerns about the species’ survival. However, its recent sighting gives renewed hope. Broad-billed FairywrenRediscovered in March 2025 in the mountainous regions of West Papua, this species had not been recorded for 11 years. Photographs and sound recordings confirmed the species’ presence, providing valuable information for future studies. Sulu CuckooshrikeThis bird was found again in November 2025 on the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines. It had been unrecorded in 18 years. This rediscovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the region, and the need to continue conservation efforts. Story continues below this advertisement. This elusive flycatcher, last documented 17 years ago on Luzon Island, was photographed in March of 2025. The return of this flycatcher has sparked an interest in further surveys.
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Umesh Sadanand Pawar, the’makeup artist’ of Tamil actress Trisha Krishnan, is responsible for many of her iconic looks. He humbly recalls that his association with the actor from ’96 was a professional accident, but he says that it has evolved naturally over the years. Pawar, who hails from Mumbai, said that he has been working with her for about 19 years. Pawar is currently engaged in prosthetic makeup with Akshay for the upcoming Golmaal 5 film. I am currently working on a creatively challenging and exciting prosthetic makeup assignment with Akshay Kumar for the upcoming Golmaal 5. I then moved into film and gained experience in various fields, including television commercials and fashion shows, magazine shootings, bridal makeup and portfolio work. My father recognized this and encouraged me to pursue makeup as a career. He introduced me Ramesh Novate, a makeup artists in the film industry who mentored and guided me into this profession. This was the beginning of my career. My craft is my passion. Over the years, I have made my work not only my profession but my identity. I take great pride in constantly refining my abilities and contributing creatively to each project I undertake. Q: Tell us about the beginning of your association with TrishaPawar. Jyotika referred to me by name. Trisha was impressed with my work after the shoot and invited me to be her personal makeup artist. Since then, we haven’t looked back.Trisha as Ponniyin Sevan (Photo by Umesh pawar)Our first film project was the Telugu movie Krishna in 2007. It was an amazing experience that paved the way for a successful and long-lasting professional relationship. Trisha is warm, caring and thoughtful. She is a team player and values her staff. She maintains a respectful and positive work environment. Story continues below this adQ. Can you decode Trisha’s skin and make-up routine?Pawar. She is versatile, and comfortable with both bold and minimal looks. Her choice depends on the character, the scene and the needs of the actor. Her signature look is a combination of defining her lips and eyes, as well as enhancing her T zone. The goal is to enhance her natural features, while maintaining elegance. Trisha believes in minimalism. She uses fewer products to achieve an elegant, natural look. She is also very particular about skincare, and follows a strict routine to keep her face healthy. The makeup industry has changed dramatically over the years. The makeup industry has evolved tremendously over the years. I invest a lot of time in research and developments. It is important to stay informed about new products, emerging techniques, and weather conditions. Continue the story below this adUmesh pawar with Suriya. (Photo: Umesh pawar)Q: Which is the biggest challenge when shooting long hours?Pawar : The biggest challenges are weather conditions, varying types of skin, and selecting products that can withstand the long hours in demanding circumstances. I use high-quality skincare products like sunscreen, moisturiser and primers to create a strong base. Pawar: *Always stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. Wedding planner-turned-baker Ruchi Grang on designing Akaay Kohli’s birthday cake on Anushka Sharma’s call: ‘I won’t say something very extra’* Understand that perfection is a journey, not a destination.Success in this field requires focus, dedication, and consistency. Give your best effort to every project. Stay committed to your craft and strive for excellence.

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Weight loss advice can be found everywhere. Weight loss advice is everywhere. On social media, during gym conversations, or even by friends and family. Not all of it is true. Many commonly held beliefs can be misleading, oversimplified or even counterproductive. These ideas, from rigid diet rules to quick fixes, can create unrealistic expectations, and make it difficult for people to develop sustainable habits. We spoke to an expert about some of the most common fitness and weight-loss myths. This article is based solely on information that we obtained from public sources and/or experts. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Sadhna Singh is a senior fitness and lifestyle advisor at HereNow Official. She told indianexpress.com that “Weight loss myths persist because they provide quick, simple solutions for what is actually a long-term, complex process.” People are drawn to shortcuts which promise quick results with minimal effort. Social media plays a large role in amplifying the myths. Singh says, “Influencers share anecdotal stories of success without scientific backing. This can be more appealing than evidence based advice which requires patience and consistency.” Singh says that people often fall into the traps of popular but false weight loss beliefs. She says that the most common lies are:Story continues below the adYou have to starve yourself in order to lose weightSevere caloric restriction slows the metabolism and causes muscle loss, which makes weight loss unsustainable.Carbohydrates is the enemyCarbohydrates provide energy. Carbohydrates are not the problem, but rather excess and low-quality carbs. More sweat equals more fat lossSweat is a reflection of fluid loss, not fat loss. You can target fat loss in specific areas with exercise. This is a myth. Story continues below this advertisement. Skipping meals will help you lose weight faster. This often leads to overeating and disrupts metabolism. Healthy fats should be avoided. Eliminating them can be counterproductive.Cardio is the only way to lose weightStrength training is equally important as it builds muscle and boosts metabolism.Supplements and fat burners are necessaryMost results come from diet, training, and consistency, not shortcuts.Story continues below this adWeight loss is always linearFluctuations are normal due to water retention, hormones, and other factors.The weighing scale tells the whole storyBody composition, measurements, and overall health matter more than just scale weight.”These myths create unrealistic expectations and often lead to frustration or unhealthy habits,” states Singh. These myths are perpetuated, even though they are not supported scientifically. Story continues below this advertisement. What to look for when seeking advice on weight lossSingh states that “consistency with established principles of fitness and health is the first step.” Any approach which promotes extreme restrictions, eliminates whole food groups without medical reason, or promises a rapid transformation should also be viewed with caution. It is usually backed by professionals, such as certified dietitians, nutritionists, or fitness experts, rather than unverified sources online. It is unlikely that a method will be sustainable if it feels too restrictive, difficult to maintain or depends on specific products or hacks. Consistency is the key to a sustainable weight loss, Singh says. Disclaimer: This article was based on public domain information and/or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.