Surya Namaskar, also known as Sun Salutation, is a sequence of 12 powerful yoga poses that offers various benefits for the body and mind. Its benefits include maintaining cardiovascular health, stimulating the nervous system, toning muscles, and more. Not only does it provide an excellent cardiovascular workout, but it also has a positive impact on overall health and well-being. Hence, it is a great way to express gratitude to the sun for its life-sustaining energy.

However, most people don't know how to do the Surya Namaskar or are unaware of its benefits. Here, we will guide you to perform this series of yoga postures correctly.

How to do the Sun Salutation – Learn step-by-step

Learn how to do the Surya Namaskar step by step:

• Step 1. Pranamasana (Prayer pose)

Stand at the edge of your mat with feet together and hands in prayer position at your chest.

• Step 2. Hasta Uttanasana (Raised arms pose)

Inhale as you lift your arms up and back, keeping them close to your ears. Stretch your entire body upward.

• Step 3. Hastapadasana (Standing forward bend)

In this step, exhale as you bend forward from your waist, keeping your spine straight. Bring your hands down beside your feet.

• Step 4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)

Inhale as you step your right leg back, bringing the right knee to the floor. Look up as you stretch your chest.

• Step 5. Dandasana (Stick pose)

Breathe in and take your left leg back to bring your body into a straight line.

• Step 6. Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute with your eight parts or points)

Gently lower your knees, chest and chin to the floor while exhaling, raising your hips slightly.

Precautionary steps to keep in mind to avoid the central nervous system disorder

Parkinson’s Disease Is a Progressive Neurodegenerative Disorder. Parkinson’s Affects Control Over the Movement of the Body as Well as Emotions. the Levels of the Neurotransmitter Dopamine Gradually Drop in the Brain of the Person Affected by Parkinson’s Disease. Due to Reduced Dopamine Levels, Control Over the Body Is Lost. Health Insurance Is Essential in Covering the Costs Associated with Managing the Symptoms and Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease.
While the Exact Cause of Decreasing Dopamine Levels in People Affected by the Disease Is Not Known, Aging Is the Most Important Known Risk Factor. There Is No Cure Currently for Parkinson's, but It Is Possible to Take Precautionary Steps to Prevent It.

Discard Produce Filled with Pesticides and Herbicides

Research has found that people suffering from Parkinson’s disease have higher levels of pesticides and herbicides in their brain. Choosing the local organic produce is the right way to go. Not only will it help in preventing Parkinson’s, but it will also provide a variety of other health benefits.

Increase the Intake of Folic Acid

Folic Acid is a Vitamin B that is abundantly available in dark green vegetables like kale, spinach, broccoli, asparagus and Brussels sprouts. Researchers have found that increasing the intake of folic acid is a significant way to prevent Parkinson’s disease. Here’s another reason to eat your vegetables.

Drink Green Tea

Significantly reducing the risk of Parkinson’s disease is another benefit in the long list of health benefits of green tea. Consumption of green tea was able to help preserve the dopamine levels in those already affected by the disease. Green tea further reduces the risk of cancer, improves brain function and is anti-inflammatory.

Sufficient Vitamin D exposure

Studies show that over half the people diagnosed with the Parkinson’s disease have a Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D helps in absorbing the right amounts of calcium and phosphorous required for our body to function properly. This important vitamin is hardly present in food. Sunlight and animal fat are two major sources of Vitamin D. Deficiency of this essential vitamin has several other serious implications.

Indulge in Aerobic Exercise

Regular aerobic exercise is a general suggestion to maintain good cognitive health. Indulging in regular aerobic exercise helps in reducing inflammation in the brain. Thus the inflammatory signals that lead to the development of Parkinson’s can be prevented. Due to its protective effect on the brain tissue, aerobic exercise is highly recommended for people in their 30s and 40s, the age before Parkinson’s typically strikes.

People often question how to remove pimple scars in one day. We know that pimples can be a nuisance, but the marks they leave behind can be even more bothersome. Those stubborn pimple marks can be a real downer; but fear not! We've got your back with some easy home remedies that work their magic in a single day. No need to break the bank or use complicated products – just a touch of nature's goodness and a sprinkle of patience. And remember, if you have health insurance, you can rest assured that your skin care needs are covered.

12 Top Home Remedies to Remove Pimple Marks Quickly

Ever wondered “how to remove pimple marks in one day with home remedies?'' We've compiled a list of 12 natural remedies that could help you reclaim your skin's natural radiance.               

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a trusted friend when it comes to soothing and healing. Its gel might help in reducing inflammation and fading pimple marks. Apply fresh aloe vera gel to your pimple marks and let it rest for around 30 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

2. Lemon juice

Lemon juice, with its natural bleaching properties, could be your go-to for lightening those stubborn pimple marks. Simply squeeze out fresh lemon juice and dab it onto the marks with a cotton ball. Keep it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off.

3. Honey

Honey isn't just delicious; it's a natural moisturiser that might help reduce the appearance of acne scars. Thinly layer some honey on your pimple marks and leave it on for around 30 minutes before washing off.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is a superstar with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant prowess. You can create an effective paste by mixing turmeric powder with water and applying it gently to the marks. Let it do its thing for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.

5. Coconut oil

Coconut oil can be your skin's best buddy. Its moisturising abilities might aid in fading pimple marks. Massage a small amount onto the marks, leave the oil on the marks overnight, and wash it off in the morning.

6. Green tea

Green tea's antioxidants can be a game-changer for inflammation and acne scars. After brewing a cup and letting it cool, use a cotton ball to apply it to your pimple marks. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

7. Cucumber

Cucumber isn't just for the eyes; it can help heal your skin too. Slice a fresh cucumber and apply the slices to your marks. After around 30 minutes, rinse it off for a refreshed feeling.

8. Papaya

Papaya's enzymes can be a boon for exfoliation and fading acne scars. Mash up a ripe papaya and gently apply it to your marks. Let it work its magic for 10-15 minutes before washing it off.

Before trying out these home remedies for your facial skin, it is important to conduct a patch test to ensure that you will not have any adverse reactions to the ingredients they contain.

9. Sandalwood Powder and Rose Water Paste

This is an ancient skincare solution trusted by the royals. To treat your pimple marks, mix sandalwood powder with rosewater to make a paste and apply this to your face. Let the mask dry and wash it after 10 to 15 minutes. You can add a few drops of honey to this mix as well.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

It provides the perfect nutrition to skin cells and aids in balancing the pH of the skin. Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water and apply this mixture on your skin for a few minutes. Once dried, wash this off.

11. Baking Soda

 Make a paste using baking soda and water and apply it to your face. Leave this paste till it dries slightly or for 10 minutes. If you have dry skin, do not overuse this method, as it could lead to further skin drying.

12. Potato Juice

Potato juice has starch and enzymes that remove pimple scars. Simply rub a piece of potato on your skin. You can also make a paste of the potato and apply it to the face. Wait for the paste to dry, and then rinse it with lukewarm water.

Conclusion

You can effectively treat your pimple scars using the remedies listed here without much hassle. If you have a chronic acne condition that requires medical treatment, check your health insurance plan to see if the cost of the procedures is covered by your claims. With a balance of self-care and medical treatments, you can achieve your desired healthy and glowing skin.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

Life and times today are so fast that people spend time on earning wealth ignoring their health – that is hard fact of the competitive world.
So you have to lead a very hectic life to remain ahead of others and there is something happening constantly in your mind. There are personal and professional matters to deal with. Various occupational, psychological and physical factors affect your well being most of the times. Thus it is utmost important that you secure your health and keep yourself ready for any kind of medical emergency. Your health insurance will help you in case you are hospitalised and need financial assistance immediately.

Why Health Insurance:

These days, hospitalisation and medicines come at a price that can amount to a lot. If you have a medical emergency, it may prove to be a financial burden. You may not be able to arrange for money at once. Thus, you must secure a health policy so that you can be ready to face any difficulty.

Benefits:

There are many benefits of purchasing personal accident insurance. You not only avail cashless hospitalisation during an emergency, but you also get tax benefits when you purchase health insurance. You also get pre and post hospitalization charges when you buy a health policy. Various discounts and added cover provides further value to your money. You can claim cover for pre existing illnesses, ambulance charges and also dental treatment on your health policy.

Heavy lifting is one of the main causes of hernia. Read on to know how to prevent it while working out.

Hernia is when a part of the intestine squeezes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscle lining. It is usually caused by genetics and can be present at birth or occur at a later stage in life due to muscle weakness. It is not dangerous, but it does not naturally heal itself. The only way to cure hernia is through surgery. If you suspect you have a hernia, it is recommended to visit a doctor, avail health insurance, and undergo treatment before the condition gets worsened.

Causes of Hernia

Hernia is caused due to weakness or an opening in the muscle and pressure. This can be congenital or by other factors that cause muscle weakness. Congenital hernia is caused if the abdominal wall fails to close properly in the womb, which leads to muscle weakness. Persistent cough, diarrhoea, constipation, injury damages lead to the weakening of the abdominal lining. In addition to this, obesity, smoking, lifting heavy weights, and lack of adequate nutrition also increase the risk of hernia.

Types of Hernia

Hernia can be classified into various types depending on what area of the abdomen the organ breaks through. The types are:

• Inguinal hernia –This is the most common type of hernia, because of natural weakness of the groin. It occurs when the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall, often in the inguinal canal. It accounts for 80% of hernias and is more common in men than women.

• Femoral hernia –Femoral hernia occurs more in women and can be caused due to pregnancy related stress or obesity. It occurs when part of the intestine enters the canal carrying the femoral artery into the thigh.

• Umbilical hernia –It occurs when the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall near the navel. It can occur in babies under 6 months and normally goes away on its own by the time the child is 1 year old. Obese adults are also more susceptible to this type of hernia.

• Hiatal hernia –Hiatal hernia occurs when the upper stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest. This type can cause gastroesophageal reflux, leading to heartburn.

• Incisional hernia –Incisional hernia occurs when the intestine pushes through the area of an abdominal surgery, usually at the incision scar or surrounding weakened tissue.

Steps to Prevent Hernia When Lifting Weights

Lifting heavy weights is one of the main causes of hernia as it strains your abdominal muscles. Occurrence of hernia due to heavy lifting is more common in people who do not lead active lifestyles and do heavy lifting after a long time. This usually becomes a concern for weight lifters or bodybuilders, but there are several hernia prevention measures to keep in mind while working out. Some of these are:

• Remember to warm up –Heavy lifting puts your body under a lot of stress, which makes it important to warm up before you begin lifting weights or any other workout routine. Warm-up routines helps your body build endurance.

• Start slow –No gym trainer is ever going to tell you to lift heavy weights from day one. Lift within your capacity and then gradually increase in small increments. This will prevent injuries to your body while working out.

• Focus on your breathing technique –Inhale when you are lowering the weight and exhale when you are pushing it. Abdominal breathing is safer and stabilises your torso.

• Don’t do forced reps –Often lifters go beyond their endurance just to finish their sets. Instead of building endurance, it can cause injuries or conditions such as hernia. It is more advisable when you can’t finish a set before starting another one.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Giddalur, Andhra Pradesh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance policies :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance policies :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Chirala, Andhra Pradesh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Chilakaluripet, Andhra Pradesh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance policies :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Anaparthi, Andhra Pradesh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Health Booster (Top Up Health Insurance)
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Health Booster (Top Up Health Insurance)
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

As a diabetic person, ensuring that you maintain or regulate your blood sugar levels within your desired range is incredibly important. This practice helps reduce the chances of facing long-term and serious health issues such as heart disease, vision problems, and kidney disorders. By consistently staying within this range, you not only boost your energy and emotional state but also actively work towards preventing or delaying potential complications. Let’s see how to reduce sugar levels with home remedies.

Six ways to lower blood sugar levels naturally

Following are some of the popular tips on how to control sugar levels with home remedies.

• Regular physical activity offers you a pathway to achieving and sustaining a moderate weight, alongside bolstering your insulin sensitivity. Heightened insulin sensitivity translates to an enhanced capacity of your cells to optimally utilise the circulating sugar in your bloodstream. Moreover, exercise is pivotal in enabling your muscles to effectively employ blood sugar for energy generation and muscle contraction.
• It is advised to consider a routine practice of monitoring your levels before and after physical activities. This practice yields valuable insights into your responses to diverse activities, thereby preventing undesirable fluctuations in your blood sugar levels.
• Incorporating intermittent exercise routines helps mitigate blood sugar fluctuations and counteract the potential harm stemming from prolonged periods of sedentary behaviour. This approach involves taking short bursts of physical movement, such as brief walks or light resistance exercises, throughout the day, effectively interrupting extended periods of sitting. It is worth noting that an array of physical activities, typically involving weightlifting, brisk walking, running, cycling, dancing, hiking and swimming, contribute to the pursuit of an active lifestyle. Irrespective of the intensity, any form of regular movement trumps a sedentary way of living.
• The significant impact of carbohydrate consumption on your blood sugar levels is undeniable. Carbohydrates undergo breakdown into sugars, predominantly glucose, which is then harnessed and stored by insulin for energy. However, overindulgence in carbohydrates or disruptions in insulin function can disrupt this process, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.

Are you looking for a healthier, natural way to get glowing skin? Many people buy expensive skin care products that are packed with harsh chemicals; but there are so many natural ingredients out there, such as fruit juice, that can be just as effective. Let’s discuss which fruit juice is good for the skin.

Best fruit and vegetable juices for healthy and glowing skin

Let’s read about some of the best fruit and vegetable juices beneficial for our skin:

• Spinach juice: Spinach is known to be a great source of vitamins A and C that have a positive effect on our skin, hair and bones. It can help us control skin ageing and reduce wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles. This is due to its high antioxidant agents such as lutein, beta carotene, coumaric acid, and ferulic acid that repair skin cells and prevent further damage.

• Cucumber juice: Drinking cucumber juice in the morning provides more than just a refreshing start to our day. It is packed with many nutrients and is rich in water content, making it a perfect beverage for our skin, especially on hot days. Cucumber is known to have numerous nutrients and phytochemicals that add up to some beneficial properties.

• Lemon juice: This round yellow fruit commonly found in every kitchen cannot be ignored when making juices. Well-known for its distinctive sour taste, 90% of a lemon contains water. It also has electrolytes, vitamin C and antioxidants. It can aid in weight loss, lower blood sugar, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

This add-on to your cover is the need of the hour

As per the findings of a white paper released by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in the year 2015, one out of four Indians is at risk of dying from non-communicable diseases (NCD) like diabetes, cardiovascular ailments or cancer before the age of 70. Health insurance plays a vital role in mitigating the financial burden associated with such diseases.
In addition to this alarming statistic, media reports also reveal the growing treatment costs for such diseases. Herceptin, a medicine for breast cancer, ranges from ₹75,000 to 1 lakh per vial. The cost of single valve replacement surgery for heart disease is commonly between ₹1 lakh to 3.5 lakhs.

Why is a basic health insurance policy insufficient?

The growing susceptibility of Indians to lifestyle diseases, and the rising healthcare costs indicate that such disease can cause a financial dent, in addition to the physical and emotional trauma. While a health cover might be a saviour, will that be enough? Worse still, what if your earnings come to a standstill during the period of illness? Even if you have a ₹3-5 lakhs health cover, will it cover your incidental expenses?

Critical illness insurance is an indemnity-based insurance that covers the cost of hospitalisation incurred. It comes with certain limit on specific expenses like medicines, hospital room, intensive care unit admission, and duration of hospitalisation. Also, all the critical diseases are not covered under a single insurance policy.

• Cancer
• Coronary Artery By-pass Graft Surgery
• Myocardial Infraction
• Kidney Failure
• Major organ transplant
• Stroke
• Paralysis
• Heart valve replacement surgery

What is a Critical Illness Cover?

A critical illness cover helps you tide over medical emergencies. It is a lump sum paid to the insured in case he/she contracts any of the specific illnesses specified in the policy document. It can be bought as a standalone policy or as a rider in your existing health cover.

List of key changes made in the health insurance regulations by the IRDAI

Rising medical costs and increasing awareness have convinced more and more people to buy health insurance policies. An increase in the sector led to the formation of a framework for the operation of health insurance products by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in 2013.

In view of the representations made by various stakeholders and other issues pertaining to the existing framework, IRDAI through a notification issued the health insurance regulations, 2016. Some of its salient features are:

Discounts and incentives for early buyers

Health conscious people who plan to buy a health insurance at an early age, when they are healthy and fit, will get an early bird discount. What’s more, if they maintain good health they will be entitled to incentives, which will be disclosed in the policy document.

These wellness benefits will be in the form of discounts in diagnosis, consultation and medicines across a network of hospitals and diagnostic centres. This initiative will further encourage people to opt for health insurance.

Pilot products

In an attempt to attract new customers and to offer innovative products, the IRDAI has allowed health insurance companies to offer pilot products for a maximum period of 5 years. After this period, these will become regular health insurance products.

However, if the pilot product is not feasible then the insurance company can discontinue the same. This initiative will result in innovative and attractive health insurance products in the coming years.

Health insurance can help you get cashless treatment

More than a month after the demonetisation move, the nation has begun to realise its implications. The move has affected several practices and processes that require daily cash transaction. A significant area where the cash crunch has shown significant impact is the access to healthcare.

Decline in Healthcare Delivery System

In an economy that primarily runs on cash, the healthcare sector has taken a severe blow from demonetisation. There have been requests to postpone surgeries, cancellation of appointments and several patients have dropped from clinic follow-ups. Usually, national festivals, school holidays and unfavourable weather reduce the number of patients, but none of these reasons contributed in the past month.

In the Indian healthcare system, people travel from remote areas to access healthcare facilities. For example, most people that visit AIIMS in Delhi are not from Delhi alone but from different parts of North India. The cash crunch has significantly hit people's ability to move out of their hometown to access healthcare facilities.

Dip in Patient Numbers at Private Hospitals

Private sectors deliver around 70% of healthcare in the country. When government hospitals with a little or no demand on patient's pocket are facing a severe blow, it is not difficult to imagine the condition of private hospitals. Patients are coming to hospitals but not initiating the actual treatment due to lack of cash.

The common man has cut down on his healthcare expenses. Patients from the middle-class background suffering from critical illnesses have been forced to take credits. Although the inpatients are not facing serious problems, the inflow of patients has taken a severe blow despite several efforts from the hospitals.