In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a heightened focus on maintaining robust immune systems. Many individuals have turned to home remedies and various medications, often marketed as immune-boosting solutions. This surge in interest has given rise to an entire industry dedicated to chewables, pills, and powders claiming to fortify our immune defenses. From the popular haldi ka doodh (turmeric milk) to salt gargling, several pseudo-scientific approaches gained traction.
As attention shifts back to the ongoing threat posed by the newest variant, JN.1, concerns about our susceptibility to illness have resurfaced. While vaccines and universal masking strategies take center stage in the battle against Covid-19, Shweta Gupta, unit head of dietetics at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, emphasizes the importance of incorporating immune-building practices into our daily routines.
Recognizing that there is no foolproof method to prevent Covid-19, experts suggest a combination of lifestyle changes and healthy habits to naturally enhance the immune system. Shweta Gupta advocates for a nutrient-rich diet, emphasizing the consumption of foods rich in vitamin C (found in citrus fruits like seasonal oranges, malta, and guava), vitamin D (abundant in fatty fish and fortified dairy), and zinc (found in nuts, seeds, and legumes). Dr. Gupta advises against relying on immunity-boosting drinks, urging individuals to opt for colorful fruits and vegetables that are loaded with antioxidants, potentially shielding immune cells.
Furthermore, Dr. Mahua Kapoor Dasgupta, director of medical affairs in infectious diseases at HaystackAnalytics, stresses the importance of obtaining these essential nutrients from food rather than supplements. She highlights that supplements often lack the full spectrum of nutrients and enzymes found in whole foods.
Protein intake is highlighted as crucial for supporting white blood cells, integral to the immune system’s defense against infections. Dr. Gupta recommends ensuring an adequate intake of protein from sources such as dals, legumes, milk, eggs, chicken, and fish. With Indian diets typically rich in carbohydrates, extra attention to incorporating proteins is advised.
Gut health is identified as another key element in immune system support. Dr. Gupta suggests consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and other fermented items to foster a healthy gut microbiome, which is closely linked to immune function.
Hydration is emphasized as a fundamental aspect of immune health. Dr. Dasgupta underscores the role of water in facilitating the circulation of blood and lymph, both essential for carrying immune cells crucial in defending against pathogens and maintaining overall health. It is recommended to consume around 2-3 liters of water daily, considering external and internal factors such as diet and season.
Moderate exercise is proposed as a means of enhancing immune function by reducing inflammation and promoting the healthy turnover of immune cells. Dr. Divya Singh, a senior surgeon at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and director of Maaiya Social Front Foundation, advises engaging in activities like brisk walking or swimming, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Adequate sleep emerges as a vital yet often overlooked factor in immune health. Dr. Singh stresses the importance of adults getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night, with teens and younger children requiring 8–10 hours and up to 14 hours, respectively. Establishing good sleep hygiene practices, including limiting screen time before bed and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, is recommended.
The impact of stress on immune health is acknowledged, with chronic stress potentially weakening the immune response by reducing the number of natural killer cells or lymphocytes in the body. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing, are suggested by Dr. Gupta to mitigate the negative effects of stress on the immune system.
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are highlighted as crucial components of immune health. Recognizing the potential negative impact of these lifestyle choices on the immune system, individuals are encouraged to adopt practices that contribute to overall well-being.
While there is no guaranteed method to prevent Covid-19, a holistic approach encompassing lifestyle adjustments and healthy habits can play a significant role in enhancing the immune system. The advice from experts emphasizes the importance of a nutrient-rich diet, protein intake, gut health, hydration, moderate exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and a balanced lifestyle in fortifying the body’s defenses against infections and illnesses. As we navigate the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, incorporating these practices into our daily lives may contribute to a resilient and robust immune system.
After five years in the workforce, Ms. Madoc was soon promoted to Regional Manager at Cipla, a large Pharmaceutical company in India. She describes, “The key to my success in my first organization was purely results.” Even when asked about a few lifetime achievements, Ms. Madoc takes pride in being the first ever Woman Regional Manager in Cipla.
engagement, executive development, and performance management, Ms. Madoc’s expertise spans various HR roles, underpinned by a deep understanding of labor laws and service conditions. Ms. Madoc confidently claims, “I have contributed to the success of diverse organizations, including a Foreign Mission, an International School, Corporate Healthcare, a Charitable Private Mission Hospital, and a Corporate Pharmaceutical Company.”
Ms. Alfons greatly admires her time at St. Stephen’s Mission Hospital, where she spent nine years in health care. “While my role was primarily in HR, whenever I got an opportunity, I worked as a Social Worker there at the Hospital,” catering to the diverse needs of the patients and families.
Commission, where she was recruited as the Head of HR for the Southwest Asian Region. She explains her work at the Foreign Mission as “a wonderful journey through the global outreach of HR, how HR functions beyond the Indian borders, and how cross-cultural experiences and cross-cultural competencies come into play.”
Ms. Alfons emphasizes the need to be aware of how we do what we do and also the importance of knowing why we do what we do. Recognizing her dynamism, creativity, and leadership, Ms. Madoc was awarded the High Commissioner’s Excellence Award for her contributions to the Australian High Commission.
rooted in the foundational values instilled by my parents and family” as the keys to her success. “Beyond the tangible elements, the true secret is steadfast belief in one’s capabilities. I firmly believe that faith can move mountains,” Ms. Madoc adds.
What are TED or TEDx talks?
Why do a TED talk or why did you do these TEDx talks?
I can empathize with the perspectives of both white and black Americans who view socialism as a potential solution to their problems. The grass looks greener on the other side. However, I find it troubling when immigrants, especially those from my home state of Kerala, attempt to reshape America into a replica of their native lands but they choose to live here.
An aspiring doctor and model, Rijul, 24-year-old Maini aims to be a surgeon and hopes to serve as a role model to women everywhere. “I am so humbled and grateful to say that I am the new MISS INDIA USA 2023! I am especially grateful for the family of amazing, strong, confident women I gained throughout this process. Your light shines so bright, never dim it for anyone,” she said in an Instagram post.
USA, Mrs. India USA and Miss Teen India USA. Winners of all three categories will be getting complimentary air tickets to take part in Miss- Mrs.-Teen India Worldwide organized by the same group.
providing healthcare to India’s 1.4 Billion people, who live in the congested urban centers and in the rural/remote regions of the country. The 17th annual GHS will build on the past initiatives and add several new programs, Dr. Samadder added.
While elaborating on the themes and areas that are going to be covered during the Summit, Dr. Sampat Shivangi, Chair of GHS 2024 said, “Future of Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence” will be the theme for the GHS 2024, which is organized by AAPI in collaboration with Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, the Indian Medical Association, and the Government of the State of Karnataka.”
The community memebrs in the audience was pleasantly surprised by the amount of knowledge Muhammed displayed about Hindu traditions, including his flawless recitation of many Sanskrit shlokas from the scriptures.
Traditionally performed during Navratri, the nine-day festival that is celebrated to honor the devine feminine energy, Garba is among the oldest folk dances of India. The UNESCO officials appreciated the dance for its “inclusive” nature and hailed it as a symbol of bringing communities together.
Mission LiFE, a global initiative for ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ is a groundbreaking step towards sustainable living, according to Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN. Kamboj was speaking at a reception hosted by India’s Permanent Mission to the UN on December 4, 2023 at the UN headquarters in New York to highlight 2023 as the International Year of the Millet.
This unprecedented move comes after the Security Council’s delay in adopting a resolution supporting a ceasefire. In the letter, Guterres conveyed the grim reality of more than eight weeks of conflict, emphasizing the “appalling human suffering, physical destruction, and collective trauma across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
At least 17 people were killed in rain-related incidents in Chennai, which suffered the most damage from the cyclone, according to city police. These deaths were caused by collapsing walls, electrocution, drowning, and falling trees. More than ten people were injured in the city and taken to various hospitals for treatment. Despite Michaung making landfall with sustained winds of 90-100 kmph, no casualties were reported in Andhra Pradesh.
The 26th House District includes the South Riding and Brambleton areas, and stretches from the Dulles Greenway to the southeastern corner of Loudoun County.
83% of all U.S. adults believe people have a soul or spirit in addition to their physical body.
the difficulty of defining and separating those concepts.
About a quarter of U.S. adults believe that spirits or spiritual energy can reside in certain objects, such as crystals, jewels or stones (26%).
once or twice a month they feel a deep sense of wonder about the universe. A similar share (44%) say they feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and well-being that often.
Fully 45% say they have had a sudden feeling of connection with something from beyond this world, and 38% say they’ve had a strong feeling that someone who previously passed away was communicating with them from beyond this world. Three-in-ten say they believe in spirits or unseen spiritual forces and also say they have personally encountered one.
important reason why they engage in each of these activities: Is it to “feel connected” with something bigger than themselves, with their “true self” or with other people? Is it to get health benefits, including relaxation? To have fun and enjoy the experience? Or for other reasons?
Roughly four-in-ten Americans meditate at least a few times a month (38%), including 22% of U.S. adults who meditate mainly to connect with their “true self” (11%) or with something bigger than themselves (10%).
no more spiritual, on average, than U.S. adults who are both religious and spiritual. For example, large majorities in both groups say they believe “people have a soul or spirit in addition to their physical body.” Smaller majoritie“Women suffer a lot of discrimination generally, and so they’re less likely to be willing to stake out a position that could subject them to more discrimination, so they say, ‘I may not be religious but I’m spiritual,’” Cragun said. “And that softens the blow very quickly.”
Forbes also included four Indian women in their list of the 100 most powerful women in the world. The country’s finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, came in at number 32 in the politics and policy category. HCL Technologies chairperson and industrialist Roshni Nadar Malhotra ranked number 60 in the technology category. Soma Mondal, CEO of the Steel Authority of India, was number 70 in the business category. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, an entrepreneur, was number 76 in the business category.
“If they’re going to continue to bring in record numbers of students, that they are being part of the solution as well by making sure that they have a place to live,” Fraser had said. He called out institutions for exploiting students by enrolling more than they had space for, which in turn also hurt the housing market.
Additionally, the US could also explore activities to improve prospects for dialogue leading to a negotiated agreement on Tibet and coordinate with other governments in multilateral efforts towards the goal of a negotiated agreement on Tibet. Furthermore, it should encourage the Chinese government to address the aspirations of the Tibetan people regarding their distinct historical, cultural, religious and linguistic identity.
“The launch of Add-ons on ZEE5 Global is a significant milestone, further cementing our leadership position as the No.1 South Asian streaming platform,” said Anand. “Add-ons will bring the best of South Asian content from multiple streaming platforms within ZEE5 Global for the diaspora in the US and soon globally, and at the best possible value.”
Meghani emphasized the importance of Hindu Americans being proud of their heritage while actively engaging with others to foster better understanding. The Hindu American Foundation, initially volunteer-driven, has now expanded significantly, with plans for further growth to continue advocating for Hindu causes and enhancing awareness of Hinduism in American society.
The program which started 0n December 1st, aims to have around 20,000 work visa renewals, constituting approximately 10% of the anticipated 583,420 H-1B visa holders. The program was initially proposed in February gained formal announcement and recognition during PM Modi’s visit to the US in September.
Japan
Dr. Murthy, an Honorary Advisor to the Government of Odisha (Health and Family Welfare), recommends that all the State Governments in India initiate statewide Community, Police, and High-school CPR programs to “Save Lives” in Sudden Cardiac Arrests due to any cause. Odisha was the first state in India to implement statewide CPR programs among Odisha communities. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Mr. Naveen Patnaik, officially launched the governmental “Saving Lives with Bystander CPR Training” project on February 1,2023 at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. The project’s key players include service-oriented Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations, Odisha, and Sri Jagannatha Service Foundation. The ongoing community programs have trained so far, a few thousands of community members and students, including 1000 police personnel. Dr. Murthy hopes to see all the states in India initiate community CPR training programs in the near future with support from their respective state governments and non-governmental organizations.
