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KCR Announces Mega Insurance Schemes For Farmers

by Almog Ramrajkar | Oct 26, 2023

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.”

Lok Sabha Clears the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill 2015

by Almog Ramrajkar | Oct 26, 2023

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 Exercise Guide for Relief and Recovery

by iciclombard 01 | Oct 26, 2023

Updated on 11 Dec 2025

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 condition.

Benefits of exercise for tennis elbow recovery

Incorporating the right exercises into your routine can make a notable difference in managing the pain and supporting long-term recovery. Gentle stretching can reduce stiffness and ease discomfort in the elbow joint. Regular exercise also helps restore movement and reduce tightness in surrounding muscles. Moreover, enhanced blood circulation from exercise speeds up tissue repair.

Best exercises for tennis elbow

When recovering from tennis elbow, certain exercises can help restore strength, flexibility and function in your arm. The key exercises include:

1. Stretching exercises for tennis elbow:

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.
Wrist flexor stretch: The wrist flexor muscle stretch is one of the most effective stretches for tennis elbow and complements the wrist extensor stretch. It can help you create balance and promote joint mobility by stretching the muscles on the sides of the forearms.
Towel twist: The towel twist engages muscles in your forearms, promoting strength and coordination. Strengthening these muscles helps manage the load on the tendons that connect to the elbow.

2. Strengthening exercises for tennis elbow:

Wrist curls: This exercise strengthens the wrist flexor muscles. These muscles provide crucial support to the forearm and elbow. By building strength in these muscles, you reduce the stress placed on injured tendons.
Reverse wrist curls: Targeting the wrist extensor muscles, reverse wrist curls are essential for balancing muscle strength in the forearm. Strengthening these extensors helps offload the tendons affected by tennis elbow, reduces discomfort and enhances overall arm function during repetitive movements.
Grip strengthening: Using a stress ball or therapy putty, grip strengthening exercises directly engage the muscles involved in holding, lifting and carrying objects. Stronger grip muscles reduce overreliance on the tendons around the elbow.

3. Mobility and functional exercises

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.
Elbow bends: Bending and straightening the elbow through its full range of motion improves joint mobility and reduces stiffness. This exercise encourages circulation around the elbow, supports tendon healing and ensures smoother, pain-free movement during daily activities.
Finger stretches with a band: Using a rubber band around the fingers and slowly opening and closing the hand builds strength and coordination in the smaller muscles of the hand and forearm. These movements improve grip function, reduce muscle imbalance and enhance overall flexibility.

Tips for exercising safely with tennis elbow

Keep the following tips in mind while exercising:

Begin with light movements and low resistance.
Perform each exercise with proper technique.
Mild discomfort can be normal, but sharp or worsening pain means you should stop immediately.
Gentle stretches or a few minutes of light activity prepare muscles and tendons for exercise.
Allow enough recovery time to prevent further irritation and support healing.

When to see a doctor or physiotherapist?

Mild tennis elbow cases often improve with rest and exercise. However, professional care becomes essential if pain persists for weeks, worsens despite self-care or restricts daily activities drastically. A doctor or physiotherapist can provide tailored treatment, advanced therapies and guidance to prevent long-term complications.

Conclusion

Whether mild or severe, tennis elbow can affect daily activities. Hence, including these exercises in your routine can be a game-changer in your journey to recovery. Remember, consistency is the key. As you commit to these exercises and pair them with proper rest and care, you are on the path to regaining your freedom from tennis elbow discomfort.

Besides, it is critical to be ready for treatments or medications required in severe cases. Having a suitable health insurance policy can cover the cost of doctor consultations, medications and therapies. Depending on your needs, you can choose different plans, such as an individual health insurance plan, a critical illness insurance plan or a family health insurance plan. If you need advice on which plan is the most suitable for you, fill out the form on this page.

FAQs

Can tennis elbow heal on its own without treatment?

Mild cases may improve with rest, stretching and lifestyle adjustments. Still, medical guidance is often needed for faster and more complete recovery.

How long does it take for tennis elbow to heal with exercise?

Recovery time varies, but with consistent exercises and proper care, most people can see improvement within 6–12 weeks.

Should I avoid all physical activity if I have tennis elbow?

While activities causing pain should be limited, targeted exercises and safe movements can aid healing.

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 a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. 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.

Insurance Firms Barred from Using Health Data to Sell Policies

by Almog Ramrajkar | Oct 26, 2023

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.

A 'Zomato' Service for Hospitals from ICICI Lombard

by Almog Ramrajkar | Oct 26, 2023

This is the reason that every woman is excessively careful while pregnant. For a healthy delivery, it is suggested to offer her with complete medical care. A lady with calm mind and fit soul is perfect to deliver a healthy baby, whereas, women suffering from any sort of physical or mental health may get in trouble along with the baby in their womb yet to be born. Here comes the importance of dedicated maternity medical care. This completely ensures better health of mother and new born prior, during and post delivery period. There are maternity care specialists in medical sector, who are meant to offer quality health care to pregnant women.

Though, with development in medical technology, there have been introduced so many of modified maternity health programs. The machines and special medical facilities are made available to make the delivery less painful and safer. At the same time, the cost of such hospitals has increased with immense pace.

The use of high quality machines during delivery, high cost of maternity care in private hospitals, high consultation fee and big amount of money charged for nursing facilities are becoming major reasons behind increased tension level of people. Paying off such expenses is a big challenge and need of such facilities have become mandatory for the confirmation of safety of mother and newborn’s life.

Thankfully, there are various dedicated maternity health insurance policies, which are dedicated to cover the financial expenses covered during the entire period of pregnancy care. The policies are different and protection offered under them varies as per the premium prices. While talking about major cover offered under such maternity protection plans, it includes expenses of pre delivery medical check-up and doctor consultation expenses, expenses occurred during the time of delivery, nursing and medical care expenses throughout the time and post pregnancy care costs etc. If you don’t have a maternity cover, paying of these expenses can be really unbelievable and unbearable. This has increased the significance of medical insurance plans specially designed for health and wellness of mother and child both.

Another very important aspect of health insurance plan dedicated to maternity services is that it enables you to get the complete treatment done from private hospitals, where enriched and updated medical facilities are offered to the patients. In such case, the medical cover plan offers you reimbursement of hospital bill, doctor consultation fee, room charges, intensive care for baby and mother and other expenses related to maternity care.

Hence, being lucky mother-to-be if you are looking to offer best health care facilities to get quality care and maximum financial protection is very significant. This enriches your experience of being a mother and ensures you complete safety. This is the reason behind increased value of maternity health cover plans, which are being offered by top notch insurance sector players of current marketplace.

Which Are The Best Exercises For The Quadriceps?

by iciclombard 01 | Oct 26, 2023

Adequate lower body strength and stability rely on robust and well-developed quadriceps. These front-thigh muscles are pivotal for both day-to-day activities and athletic performance. To effectively enhance and fortify these muscles, it’s crucial to incorporate diverse exercises into your fitness regimen. Among the top-tier exercises that zero in on the quadriceps are squats, lunges and leg presses, as they activate the muscles across various ranges of motion.

Elevating the effectiveness of your quadriceps training can be achieved through activities like step-ups and cycling, which contribute to additional muscle growth and definition. This article will delve into optimal exercises for the quadriceps, guiding you toward attaining the utmost leg strength and functionality.

Best exercises for quadriceps

Here are the top 5 best exercises for the quadriceps:

Squats
Lunges
Leg presses
Bulgarian split squats
Wall sits

1. Squats

Squats represent the fundamental compound exercise that activates several muscle groups simultaneously, primarily emphasising the quadriceps. To execute a squat:

Stand with your feet at shoulder width.
Maintain an elevated chest; engage your core muscles.
Bend your knees and push your hips rearward, like settling into an invisible chair.
Descend until your thighs reach a position parallel to the ground, propelling yourself back up through your heels to reclaim the initial stance.

Beyond fortifying the quad exercises, squats enhance stability across the lower body.

2. Lunges

Lunges represent an excellent workout for focusing on the quadriceps and improving balance and coordination. To perform lunges:

Initiate by moving one leg forward and descending your body until the knees reach a 90-degree angle.
Ensure your front knee does not go past your toes.
Push through the heel of your front foot to return to the starting position.
Repeat on both legs.

You can perform lunges with weights or by holding dumbbells to increase resistance.

3. Leg press

The leg press is a machine-based practice that isolates the quadriceps. Sit on the leg press machine and ensure your feet remain separated on the platform at shoulder-width. Push the platform away by extending your knees without locking them. Slowly lower the platform back down towards your body. Now, adjust the weight according to your fitness level. The leg press allows you to target your quadriceps with heavy resistance, aiding muscle growth.

Which Are The Best Exercises For Cervical Pain?

by iciclombard 01 | Oct 26, 2023

Dealing with cervical pain can be a real pain in the neck! Cervical pain, also known as neck pain, refers to discomfort or pain in the cervical spine region, the upper part of the spine that encompasses the neck. Blame it on our modern lifestyles — hours spent hunched over screens and desks can wreak havoc on our necks.

But the good news is that incorporating simple exercises into your daily fitness regimen can make a significant difference in alleviating cervical pain. Let’s explore the five best exercises for cervical pain that can help you say goodbye to nagging neck discomfort.

Best exercises for cervical pain

Neck tilts
Neck rotations
Chin tucks
Shoulder blade squeezes
Ear-to-shoulder stretch

Let’s look at the correct technique to do each of these exercises for cervical pain.

1. Neck tilts

One of the simplest yet most effective exercises for cervical pain, neck tilts are a game-changer. Sit or stand straight, slowly tilt your head to one side and bring your ear closer to your shoulder. Maintaining the tilt on each side for about 15 to 20 seconds can work wonders.

Neck tilts primarily target the muscles on the sides of your neck, helping to release built-up tension and promote flexibility. This gentle stretch encourages better blood circulation to the neck area, reducing pain and increasing the range of motion.

2. Neck rotations

Neck rotations are soothing exercises that can help ease stiffness and enhance the mobility of your cervical spine. This exercise involves rotating your head to the left and right as if you are saying no. Begin with your head facing straight ahead, then gradually turn to the left and right. A fluid motion is critical here; avoid jerky movements.

By partaking in these rotations, you are effectively broadening your neck’s range of motion and easing the stiffness holding you back.

3. Chin tucks

Chin tucks target the deep cervical flexor muscles, which play an important role in maintaining proper neck alignment. Strengthening these muscles can lead to improved posture, reduced strain on the neck, and a more stable and comfortable neck position.

To do chin tucks while sitting or standing, gently retract your chin, bringing it towards your throat without tilting your head up or down. Hold this position for a few seconds, then release it. Repeat this exercise multiple times to help counteract the strain caused by hunching forward.