It was found that traffic congestion (63%) and parking (56%) top the list of factors that cause high anxiety levels in Indian drivers. At least six out of every ten Indian drivers feel stressed due to these factors. These results have come to light when India has recorded the highest ever road deaths at 16 people per hour in the year 2014. According to K. K. Kapila, Chief of the International Road Federation, 'All these years we have been blaming drivers, and little has been done to find out what is the extent of road condition and driving atmosphere that are responsible for crashes as well.' This indicates a pressing need for health insurance for Indian drivers, considering the escalating road dangers. The other factors for stress, such as the fear of accidents and traffic fines, rated low. However, one of the key factors like honking on the road was not taken into consideration. Another fact that came out through this study was that the drivers feel relaxed by singing or listening to music. Almost 47% of drivers sing most of the time while driving.

During such times, getting optimal medical care is a top priority and not much thought is accorded to medical expenses and medical bills. It is at the time of settling bills that can cause stress as arranging for adequate finances at the last minute can get quite cumbersome or can affect your savings. Conversely, lack of adequate funds could come in the way of securing optimal health care for the ailing and can at times prove fatal. It is for these reasons that a health insurance policy is extremely essential so that you get optimal health care without endangering your savings.

Opting for a comprehensive health insurance would be beneficial as it offers extensive coverage. With a comprehensive health policy lends coverage for all hospitalisation bills, payment of doctor’s or surgeon’s fees, room rent, expenses incurred with the purchase of medicines etc. The coverage offered by a health plan differs from one insurance provider to another. Thus, it becomes important to read carefully the extent of coverage and any additional charges like deductibles or co-payments which may be applicable on certain medical services and coverage offered by your health insurance policy.

To buy an affordable health insurance comparing quotes is a must. An insurance quote gives you a fair idea about the premium payable for a particular cover. Based on this knowledge, you can easily narrow down on several insurance covers and select one which best meets your requirements and budget. The best health insurance would be one which offers the freedom to structure the policy premium as per the buyer’s convenience. For this reason, it would be beneficial to consider the Complete Heath Insurance plan offered by ICICI Lombard. This plan offers lifetime renewability and allows the option to structure the premium to your requirement.

This Health AdvantEdge policy (family health insurance)is a comprehensive insurance policy and can be tailored to cover an individual or a family. With the floater benefit, this insurance policy can cover a maximum of five family members (subject to policy terms) under a single premium which makes it affordable health insurance. You then do not need to purchase individual insurance policies for your loved ones. With such a policy, you need not fret about missing renewal and premium payment dates.

Several insurance providers offer the option of online purchase, payment and renewal which further simplifies the process of policy purchase. Thus, with a little careful consideration, buying the best health insurance is extremely easy to enjoy optimal medical and financial benefits.

Apply Now

Understanding how you can save tax from health insurance

Simply put together, a health insurance is an insurance policy that covers the medical expenses incurred for the treatment of an insured. The insured either pays the expenses from his own pocket and then obtains reimbursement or seeks cashless treatment wherein the insurance company makes the payment directly to the healthcare service provider.

The level or kind of indemnity against healthcare costs depends on the kind of health insurance cover and the level of sum insured opted for. The insured can claim medical expenses only on hospitalization if the insurance policy bought does not cover pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization expenses. If you want your insurance company to pay for pre-hospitalization as well as post-hospitalization expenses, then you must ensure these expenses are included when you buy the insurance policy.

You can also opt for a cover that includes offer of daily cash on hospitalization which takes care of petty cash expenses.

Premium Varies As Per Cover

Beware that the premium you pay for the health insurance cover will be higher or lower depending on the sum insured you choose and the healthcare expenses you choose to include in addition to hospitalization expenses.

The level of sum insured also determines the kind of hospital room you will be entitled. A lower sum insured will entitle you to a shared or general ward room and a higher sum insured can entitle you to a single bed room. The insurance company also links some of the other charges at the hospital to the kind of room you are entitled to. Actual expenses or charges at the hospital exceeding the sub-limits set by your insurance company are to be paid by you from your own pocket.

The Nipah Virus Infection (NiV) is a deadly viral infection that affects both humans and animals. Fruit Bats are the natural host of the virus, and it can spread from animals to humans and from humans to humans. Health insurance can provide crucial financial support for those affected by the virus, as the symptoms are similar to influenza but much more severe. Over 50 to 75 percent of those infected have died, making this a fatal disease. There is no known cure for it yet, but there are preventive steps you can take to stay safe.

Some preventive steps you can take to stay safe from the Nipah Virus

Don’t Eat Infected Fruits

Since the virus is primarily caused by Fruit Bats, it’s essential to take precaution when consuming fruit. Don’t pick up and eat fruits fallen on the ground, as they could have been bitten by fruit bats and could be infected. Even while buying fruits from the market, don’t have any that seem bitten or not whole.

Thoroughly Wash all Fruits and Vegetables

The Nipah Virus Infection is borne in fruits and since we can’t know which fruits are infected with our bare eyes, washing all fruits and even vegetables thoroughly is a must. Peeling fruits and vegetables before consumption is an even better precautionary measure. Only eat clean, well-cooked, home-made meals until the outbreak settles.

Don’t Consume Date Palm Sap

During an outbreak of the virus, there’s a high chance that date palms are contaminated and you should not consume date palm sap. Fruit bats gravitate to date palm trees and infect them with licking and other bodily secretions.

Stay Away from Infected Animals and Humans

A key precautionary measure is to avoid all contact with infected pigs, bats and humans. While human-to-human transmission of the Nipah virus infection is very uncommon, it’s not impossible. Stay away from those affected by the virus and in case you have to see them, wear a mask.

Maintain Strict Hygiene

In a situation of any virus outbreak, maintaining personal and home hygiene is a must. Wash your hands regularly, especially after coming from crowded public places and avoid using public washrooms. Keep your home surroundings extra clean and tidy.

Report Early Symptoms and Get Tested

The Nipah virus can develop without the infected person showing any symptoms. But in most cases the symptoms are evident and are very similar to those of influenza. Fever, muscle pain, headaches, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, mental confusion and disorientation are common symptoms. If you start to notice any of these symptoms, don’t delay a visit to a doctor.

While these steps are effective, they are only precautionary. Due to the complicated way that virus infections spread, you can never be too sure. Getting health insurance cover is the ultimate safety step you can take.

Related Article:

Everything You Need To Know About Viral Fever
Causes of Molluscum Contagiosum
Symptoms of Influenza
How to Prevent Malaria during Monsoon

Different health insurance plans pay for all of these functions in differing amounts and the premiums differ as well. Often, individuals will get access to a health care plan through their employer, which sometimes provide assistance on premium payment. As long as the individual remains current on their health insurance premium, they can count on receiving coverage. Health insurance generally covers:

Routine care- Routine procedures generally include physical examinations, regular tests, vaccines, booster shots and care for minor illness. Visiting a doctor regularly is important to ensure that no serious conditions develop. In general, the earlier that a serious condition is diagnosed by a doctor, the better the chances for recovery. Depending on the level of health care offered by the insurance plan, there may be no, some or complete coverage for such routine visits within certain limitations.

Emergency care- Emergencies include sudden injuries, acute illnesses, drug overdoses and other unexpected medical calamities. The emergency coverage provided by health insurance typically exceeds for mare predictable illnesses because of the reduced chances of their occurrence. This usually means a higher maximum payment and a lower deductible specifically for emergency. Emergency coverage can cover ancillary cost like ambulance fees as well.

Chronic conditions- Chronic conditions often require repeated treatment,extensive intervention and continual testing. As long as it’s not a pre -existing condition, health insurance companies will usually cover the bulk costs associated with such medical issues.

Pharmaceuticals- Pharmaceutical treatments, as long as they are prescribed by a doctor, are usually covered in large part by insurance plans. The deductible for pharmaceuticals can be quite high depending on the plan. As pharmacology is critical to the practice of modern medicine, almost every health insurance plan provision for at least some pharmaceutical usage for insurance holder.

Health care is changed since the days of family doctors and house calls. Today the rising cost of everything from prescription drugs to diagnostic treatments has turning us to managed care networks for workable health care solutions. Times may have changed, but there are still number of good alternative insurance options to consider. Health plans can be broken down into four basic categories, HMOs, POSs, PPOs and Free- for- Service (indemnity) plans.

Health Maintenance Organisation- By choosing an HMO plan, you will be paying for your coverage in advance, rather than paying for each health related service separately. For the price of your monthly premium, your HMO will offer you a range of benefits from preventative care to dental or vision coverage.

Point Of Service Plan- POS plans are HMO’s that allow you to control your own health care, rather than insisting on referrals from your primary care physician. Whenever you have medical need you will have three “point of service” choices.

Preferred Provider Organisation- your PPO plan negotiates lower overall fee arrangements with an assortment of doctors.

A list of things for ‘Amdavadis’ to know before choosing a health insurance policy

Health is extremely important to do anything in life and when you live in a fast-paced metro city like Ahmedabad, you put it severely at risk. However, health insurance can be your saviour, if you know which policy to opt for. Be sure to consider these factors before deciding on which health insurance policy will be best for you.

Cover

The total cover or sum assured of your health insurance plan should meet your medical needs. So, it is important to account for inflation and the cost of health care in your area while calculating it.

In Ahmedabad, as in most major metros, the cost of health care is pretty high. Since, Ahmedabad is also a fairly ‘high risk’ area, there is a greater chance of needing to make a claim. It is therefore, advisable to health insurance plan with a higher cover amount if you live in the city.

Budget

Your budget for the health insurance plan, is the amount you’re willing to pay as premium. This should be decided only after putting away enough money for your basic cash flow, including bills, rent, fees (if any), etc.

The cost of living in Ahmedabad is fairly low, compared to other metros. Therefore, you may be able to afford slightly higher premiums depending on your income. However, it is still advisable to find a health insurance policy that meets your needs, without burning too big a hole in your pocket.

Claim Settlement

The claim settlement ratio is an important factor to note while deciding the insurance company you wish to buy the policy from. Companies with higher claim settlement ratios (or lower claim pending ratios) are more likely to be better and more efficient at handling claims. A few health insurance companies in Ahmedabad, have good claim settlement ratios. You can choose one from among them.

A visit to the app store of any platform will give you hundreds of health and wellness-related apps. In our earlier article we had shared information about six such useful apps. In this article, we'll take a look at a few more handy apps which are available on both iOS and Android platforms. Don't forget to check out ICICI Lombard's ILTakeCare help with numerous features.

1. GotoAID First Aid

1. Name of Company:Jaargon Ltd.
   b. Type of App:Paid

How about a database that helps you to overcome medical emergency situations by providing clear and simple stepwise instructions? GotoAID First Aid helps identify the problem from the symptoms and then helps you provide life-saving first aid to people and pets. The database covers more than 400 topics and interactive tools. It also features a "disaster preparedness section." This is an absolute "must- have" for a first-aid novice since it helps the user provide first aid during problems as small as bee stings to complicated and potentially life-threatening ones like a heart attack.

2. Pact- Cash for Living Healthy

1. Name of Company:Pact Team
   b. Type of App:Free

Set your fitness goals and bet on it! How cool is that?! This app motivates you to set your exercise and healthy eating goals every week. You can manage how much money you want to put on line. Now, go hit a gym or workout at your place and track other people's workouts via GPS. If you achieve your goals, you get paid. The people, who do not achieve their goals, lose money. So you are paid for living healthy!

People in India are not aware of the adversities that one goes through while suffering from a mental illness. Be it financial or mental, one must seek support in times like these. Insurance regulator IRDAI issued a circular stating that insurers must cover mental illness, which is rapidly increasing in the country. Mental health conditions have always been excluded from health insurance policies.

On May 29th, the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 came into being. The Act states that it is mandatory to provide insurance for treatment of mental illness. The insurance policy should cover ailments such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. But, none of the 33 insurance companies in India has launched a single product covering these.

An executive from a top health insurance firm welcomed the move of providing health cover to those suffering from mental illnesses, stating that it will normalize the myths and stigma associated with the malady. This will make people aware of the problems faced by mentally ill patients and ensure a life of dignity for them.

Psychiatrist and Director at the Pune-based Indian Law Society’s Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy, Mr. Soumitra Pathare says that it is extremely inhuman to discriminate people in this manner. The only exceptions when it comes to covering mental health issues are Autism and Down’s Syndrome.

Sanjay Datta, Chief of Underwriting, Re-Insurance and Claims, ICICI Lombard General Insurance stated this as an actuarial and financial risk. He mentions that this is an uncharted territory. This insurance can be divided into two – OPD Cover for therapy, consultation, and drugs. Second, covering rehab or hospitalization, which would be long-term and expensive.

Companies wanting to include mental health coverage will have to file a fresh product with IRDAI or add this to an existing product and file again. A government official said,”Companies will have to revise rates, look at the actuarial risk, increase premium if need be. So far, no insurance company has filed for such a change with the regulator”.

Related Article:

6 Scientifically Backed Stress Management Tips to Bid Adieu to Stress
Health Insurance For Differently-Abled & Mentally Challenged Individuals

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Fatehpur, Uttar 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 Etawah, Uttar 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 Deoria, Uttar 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.

Permanent Disability involves injury or sickness that restricts a person’s ability to earn a living or be self-reliant. Individuals with permanent disability are unable to perform certain basic tasks and jobs that they would otherwise be eligible for by virtue of education, training or experience. Unfortunately, such disabilities often remain with them for a lifetime.

Several lifestyle products that are specially designed to help people with physical disability are available in the market. These include simple crutches, walkers, and canes, to customized products like the Jaipur foot. Here are some of the products and aids that can enhance the quality of life of people with disability:

Canes and Wheeled Walkers

Canes provide great help in increasing daily movement and continuing routine activities. They are easily available in the market in different shapes, sizes, materials, and even designs. Right from straight to molded, wooden to folding, and even seat canes are available to choose based on individual needs.

For those whom the cane might not be as beneficial, there are wheeled walkers too. They are easy and sturdy, to facilitate easy movement both indoors and outdoors. Being lightweight, with wheels in the front, makes it an ideal choice for the elderly.

Grab Bars

Grab bars is yet another lifestyle product that helps those with disability to take one more step to independence. Mostly used in washrooms, it makes it safer while walking on slippery surfaces and can be installed anywhere on the walls. These come with a strong suction to the surface so there is no drilling required.

Technology-powered Wheelchairs

Power chairs are the technologically advanced version of the regular wheelchairs and are specially designed for people with major disabilities. It can be controlled by a remote or a control panel on the armrest to direct the battery-powered wheels.

Future of Assistive Technologies

There have been quite a few developments in the Assistive Technological space to empower people with physical disabilities. E-books like Kindle and Sony E-reader are proving to be helpful for those with learning disabilities and other conditions. Text-to-Speech capability is also being developed to suit into all your devices.

Additional Assistive Products

There are many other assistive products that are easily available with a pharmacist or any disability product website. These include high-powered glasses, bath seats, joint support bandages, etc. These products can surely help in making the daily life activities smoother.

Such lifestyle products aim to give the lives of the disabled a new meaning and help them become differently-abled individuals. There are many who may have been permanently disabled due to circumstances but refuse to be bedridden. In such situations, these products prove to be a good support.

Avoid Financial Disability

Technology is being developed to facilitate and empower disabled individuals to get back into their mainstream life, as much as possible. Although things might not be normal, they can at least get a little better with sufficient aid and adequate financial help.

In most cases, one might never know when such a situation could arise. Therefore, being prepared and getting adequate cover can help. A substantial insurance cover will assist individuals to get back and reclaim their life by protecting financial losses. Disability might be a physical setback but don’t let it become a financial setback.

With an aim to provide social security to the people belonging to the low-income groups, the Government of India launched AABY on 2nd October 2007.

As per the Ministry of Labour and Employment data, approximately 93% of India's total workforce is employed in the unorganised sector. Workers belonging to these occupational groups often shy away from buying health insurance coverage due to their poor financial state. However, in case of accidental injuries, illnesses, or death, their families may have to face the excessive financial brunt.

To provide social security to this section of the population, India launched "Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY)" on 2nd October 2007. The literal translation of the name is the common man's insurance scheme. It provides coverage against natural or accidental death and disability to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families' breadwinners.

What is the AABY scheme?

As specified above, the Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY) is a social security scheme, launched on 2nd October 2007. It provides health insurance coverage against contingencies such as death or disability. It is targeted towards the breadwinners of low-income families in India, and benefits those working in the unorganised sector, such as daily wage labourers, fishermen, cobblers, auto drivers, etc.

The AABY scheme started operating successfully from 2013 under the supervision of the Finance Ministry of India.

Features & benefits of the AABY scheme

The scheme covers family heads or lone earning members of the families belonging to the low-income groups.

The coverage amount remains fixed throughout the policy period. The policyholder gets a lump sum in case of a claim.

In case of the insured person's natural death during the coverage tenure, the nominee or surviving family members will be paid ₹30,000.

In case of accidental death or total permanent disability (loss of both eyes or both limbs), the policyholder or his/her nominee gets ₹75,000.

In case of partial permanent disability (loss of one eye or one limb), the policyholder or his/her nominee gets ₹37,500.

The scheme is designed to cover the members of 48 occupational groups identified by the Government.

The premium amount that's charged to provide the benefits of AABY scheme is ₹200 per annum. While 50% of this premium will be subsidised from the Social Security Fund, the State Government or Nodal Agency will bear the remaining 50% amount.

The AABY scheme also offers a free scholarship of ₹100 every month to the eligible children (maximum of two children per person) to ensure that they receive uninterrupted education. The children must be studying between class 9th to class 12th to avail of this benefit.

By availing the AABY scheme's benefits, the insured person will also be eligible to claim certain tax benefits under Section 80(D) and Section 10(10D) of The Income Tax Act, 1961.

Insured members can approach their nearest Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) branch to solve their queries or issues regarding this scheme.

Eligibility criteria for AABY

As mentioned above, the AABY scheme is meant to benefit the low-income families of India. Below is the basic eligibility requirement for an individual to avail the benefits of this scheme:

• The applicant should be between 18 to 59 years of age.
• The applicant should be the head of the family or its lone earning member, belonging to the EWS, i.e. Below the Poverty Line (BPL), or slightly above the poverty line.
• The individual must belong to a rural landless household.
• The individual must belong to one of the 48 vocational groups, identified as beneficiaries under this scheme.
• Only one member per family can be covered under the scheme.

How to enrol for the AABY scheme?

The process to enrol for the AABY scheme is simple and hassle-free. No lengthy paperwork and documentation is required. However, since this is a Government-sponsored scheme, the process is slightly different from buying a regular insurance plan. Below are the steps one needs to follow:

Step 1 – Download and fill in the Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana application form from the relevant Government website.

Step 2 – Visit the Nodal Agency, an institution or NGO appointed by the Government, to carry out the enrolment process for this scheme.

Step 3 – Submit a specific set of documents along with the application form to the Nodal Agency.

Below are the documents that need to be submitted by the applicant to become a beneficiary under the AABY scheme:

• Duly filled application form
• Proof of identity (voter ID, aadhar card, ration card)
• Address proof
• Age proof, or extract of the applicant from his/her birth certificate or school certificate
• Income or BPL certificate

Once the documents are submitted to the Nodal Agency, the applicant would be enrolled to receive the scheme's benefits.

How to make a claim?

The claim process for this scheme is relatively easy as compared to other health insurance products. In case of a contingency, the insured member or his/her nominee will have to approach the Nodal Agency's designated personnel. While filing a claim, the claimant will have to submit the relevant documents such as death certificate of the insured person, autopsy report (in case of accidental death), copy of FIR, medical proof of disability, etc.

After receiving the relevant documents, the Nodal Agency officer will begin the process to verify the claim's authenticity. Once the claim is verified, the beneficiary amount will be transferred to the targeted bank account through the National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) process.

In a first-of-its-kind, ICICI Lombard General Insurance has come up with India’s first artificial intelligence-powered system to automate health insurance claims. While earlier the claims settlement process was a cumbersome one involving multiple persons, taking time, the AI-powered system aided by OCR can carry out the entire process in just a minute.

The AI-based system also aims to bring down the turnaround time for investigation of health insurance claims down to a day or even less. Girish Nayak, Chief, (service, operations and technology) at ICICI Lombard said that the moment a claim is raised, it gets into the queue and an investigator is notified about it on their app. Earlier, the investigation process, depending on its extensiveness, would take multiple days to complete.

Commenting on the new initiative, Sanjeev Mantri, Executive Director at ICICI Lombard said that since understanding medical diagnosis is a complex activity, the company has deployed AI technology. He further added that the system would help in better detection of frauds. He also pointed out a case where the consent for a cashless request for a patient admitted to a hospital in Vishakhapatnam was granted within a minute.

However, it’s essential to note that the system fails to work in case a proposal acceptance is refused. In such cases, an alert is raised, and the papers are scrutinized manually. Nevertheless, the AI-powered system from ICICI Lombard is another example of insurers deploying AI and technology to expedite claims settlement and enhance customer experience. Notably, it is already using AI for claim settlement related to cataract, hysterectomy, appendicitis and haemodialysis.

New Delhi: The insurance sector is abuzz with hopes of the influx of investments post the landmark ordinance that cleared the cap of FDI up to 49%. Speaking to news correspondents, Arun Jaitley, the Finance Minister of India said that the Government was hopeful to rope in around $6-8 billion for this sector soon.

Referring to the future growth potential of India's insurance industry, the IRDA Chairman, Mr. T. V. Vijayan said, "The domestic insurance industry needs investments worth up to ` 60,000 crore in next five years to increase penetration levels substantially from the current 3.9 per cent."

Mr. Vijayan also stated, "Our calculation was that, in the next five years, to increase the penetration, `50,000 crore to ` 60,000 crore is required. This was our calculation some time ago. When the sector started, it (insurance penetration in the country) was less than 2 per cent. It has doubled to 3.9 per cent now. I will not say it will double again. But there will be substantial growth (with the investments in the next five years)."

The current mood of top executives is buoyant and most believe that this year could be the turning point for this industry. A senior industry source said that health insurance takes center stage. This is mainly due to Modi Government's Universal Health Care Plan, a plan to provide health insurance to all citizens of the country.

A solid and stable core forms the basis of overall strength and physical fitness. Whether you’re an athlete aiming to elevate your performance or a corporate employee working towards improved posture and diminished back discomfort, prioritising the enhancement of core strength is crucial within your exercise regimen. But with so many exercises to choose from, which are truly the best for building a robust core? We’ll discuss the top five core-building exercises in this article.

Best exercises to increase core strength

Some of the most effective exercises for building core strength include:

1. Planks
2. Russian twists
3. Dead bugs
4. Hanging leg raises
5. Bicycle crunches

1.    Planks 

The plank is one of the effective classic exercises for core strength that targets multiple core muscles simultaneously. To perform planks:

• Start in a push-up position with both hands directly under your shoulders; your body must remain in a straight line from head to heels.
• Engage your core muscles; pull your belly button toward your spine.
• Hold this position for as long as you can maintain proper form, gradually increasing your endurance.

Planks work your rectus abdominis (the front of your abs) and engage your obliques, lower back, and deep stabilising muscles.

2.    Russian twists 

Russian twists are excellent for working the oblique muscles, crucial for rotational movements and maintaining stability. Sit down with both knees bent and feet flat on the floor in front of you. Keep your back straight but lean back slightly. Raise your feet off the ground while holding a weight or medicine ball in both hands. First, shift your torso to the left so the weight rests beside your hip. This exercise challenges your balance and coordination, and it strengthens the sides of your core.

3.    Dead bugs

The dead bug exercise is an underrated gem for core activation. Lie on your back, stretch your arms towards the sky, and bend your knees at a 90-degree angle. Gradually bring down one arm and the opposing leg towards the ground while maintaining pressure on your lower back against the floor. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. This exercise targets your abs and emphasises the importance of maintaining a stable core while moving your limbs.

Telengana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao announced a mega health-cum-life insurance scheme for farmers of the state at ‘Farmers Coordination Committee’ meeting in Karimnagar. Under this scheme, the ryots would be provided a cover of ₹5 lakh per annum for healthcare and hospitalization as well as in case of death.

The state government would allocate ₹500 crore for this insurance scheme in the upcoming Budget Session. The scheme is stated to benefit a total of 77 lakh farmers in the southern state. The families of these farmers will be paid the amount if the farmer dies of any accident or natural cause.

“The state government will pay the entire premium on behalf of the farmers,” the chief minister said, adding that state Finance Minister Etela Rajendra has to give his final nod for the scheme to be implemented.

The Chief Minister also informed that the insurance application forms would be sent to the villages soon and directed the FCC members to ensure that it is filled by every farmer of the state.

The announcements came in response to a farmer’s query seeking financial security for his family members. Telangana Rhythula Ikya Vedika (TRIV) who has been battling for farmer’s welfare have welcomed the decision and urged the government to provide pension to farmers who have crossed 60 years of age.

TRIV President, Venkat Reddy said,“CM’s announcement had brought much sought after respite to the farming community, who otherwise incurred huge amount for their medical treatment.”

The year 2015 has brought some cheer for general insurance policy holders. Be it mediclaim, home, motor or travel, industry sources say that the premium for any of these policies is unlikely to rise this year.

Though India recorded a large volume of claims in 2014 (due to natural disasters in Kashmir and the east coast), the insurance premium rates in the near future are expected to remain unaffected, largely due to a positive global scenario.

Unlike India, the international insurance market last year saw lesser number of claims and enjoyed abundant liquidity. These factors have helped in softening the global reinsurance rates by 10-20%, said a senior executive from the industry. The official also explained that the premium rates of general insurance policies in India depend upon the reinsurance rate that is offered to Indian Insurers by General Insurance Corp. and other reinsurance companies across the world.

Another reliable industry source added that due to an increase in the number of international reinsurance firms, the volume of the reinsurance market has witnessed a positive change. This could also aid in keeping the premiums low for 2015.

Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a clinical condition causing pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow does not exclusively afflict tennis players; it can affect anyone who repetitively engages in activities that strain the forearm muscles and the tendons attaching to the lateral epicondyle, which is a bony bump on the elbow’s outer part.

When the twinge of tennis elbow strikes, even the simplest motions can feel challenging. However, a series of targeted exercises can serve as your allies in the battle against this pesky condition.

Here, we will explore five meticulously chosen exercises that promise not just pain relief but a pathway to recovery and renewed strength.  

Best exercises for tennis elbow

Given below are the easiest and most effective exercises for tennis elbow.

1. Wrist extensor stretch
2. Wrist flexor stretch
3. Forearm pronation and supination
4. Eccentric wrist extension
5. Towel twist 

1.    Wrist extensor stretch

This stretch targets the wrist extensor muscles, which are often strained in conditions like tennis elbow. By stretching these muscles, you alleviate tension and promote blood flow. Regular practice improves flexibility and helps relieve pain and discomfort associated with tennis elbow.

How to do this exercise: Extend your arm forward, palm facing down. With your other hand, gently bend your wrist downward until you feel a stretch on the top of your forearm.

2.    Wrist flexor stretch

The wrist flexor muscle stretch is one of the most effective stretches for tennis elbow and complements the wrist extensor stretch. You create balance and promote joint mobility by stretching the muscles on the sides of the forearms. This can aid in reducing strain on the tendons and tenderness in the elbow. 

How to do this exercise: Extend your arm forward with your palm facing up. Gently bend your wrist downward using your other hand, feeling a stretch on the underside of your forearm.

3.    Forearm pronation and supination

This exercise strengthens and stabilises the muscles involved in forearm rotation. Strengthening these muscles enhances the ability to handle repetitive motions, reducing the risk of strain on the tendons that attach to the elbow. Improved muscle strength can contribute to better support for the affected area.

How to do this exercise: Hold a light dumbbell or a similar object in your hand. Rest your forearm on a table with your wrist extended beyond the edge. Slowly rotate your forearm, turning your palm up (supination) and down (pronation). 

The government is all set to monitor insurance firms, that use the health data of people to sell them policies. They have launched the Digital Information Security in Healthcare Act (DISHA) for the same.

According to the draft, "Digital health data, whether identifiable or anonymized, shall not be accessed, used or disclosed to any person for a commercial purpose and in no circumstances be accessed, used or disclosed to insurance companies, employers, human resource consultants and pharmaceutical companies, or any other entity as may be specified by the Central government."

The draft also says that, “Insurance companies shall not insist on accessing the digital health data of persons who seek to purchase health insurance policies or during the processing of any insurance claim. Provided that for the purpose of processing of insurance claims, the insurance company shall seek consent from the owner to seek access his or her digital health data from the clinical establishment to which the claim relates.”

Thanks to this move, any breach of health data is punishable by 5-year imprisonment, and a ₹5 lakh fine. The move was also welcomed by experts, since it allows the closure of many loopholes to the misuse of digital health data, and makes the digitalisation of healthcare easier.

What is surprising though is that globally, about 45% of people are willing to share health data with third parties. According to a survey conducted by a prominent health insurance company, people are willing to share their data with doctors (59%), a national health database (49%) and global bodies such as the World Health Organization (47%). On the other hand, the trust for insurance companies is low, with only about 35% trusting them.