8 important manners you should teach your little ones

8 important manners you should teach your little ones - We all want to raise our little ones to be polite and well behaved, and learning those lessons starts at home. It's never too early to teach your little ones basic manners! Here are eight of the most important manners you should try to teach your little ones before they go to school. They won't remember them all, or get them right every time, but patience and perseverance should get you through:

1. Always say please and thank you. 

Whether they're activities as small as giving your little one a snack, or them asking if they can play in the garden, always reinforce the importance of saying please and thank you. No matter how young your children are, you can't start enforcing this rule too early! 

2. Table manners

When your tiny tots are just learning to eat at the table, start teaching them the manners you'd like them to have for the rest of their lives! Rules like not eating with their mouths open, or not putting their elbows on the table, are good life lessons for your children to learn as soon as possible. 

3. Play dates

When you're little ones go on play dates, or to birthday parties, remind them to thank their friends parents for having them over. If you aren't going to be attending the play date or event with your little one, ensure your little ones know they should treat their friends parents (and all grown-ups) with the same respect they treat you. 

4. Birthday party etiquette

It's often said that kids go wild at birthday parties - all the sweet snacks and fun can make little ones get excited, and sometimes forget their manners. But no matter how excited your little one is on their birthday, there are some manners they shouldn't forget: to open their presents thoughtfully (not ripping off the paper, or tossing the present to one side as soon as they've seen it) and to say thank you for every gift, and to every attendee. 

5. Mind the language

There will come a moment every parent dreads: the moment your little one swears. And then finds it funny! The worst thing you can do in this scenario is laugh. Let them know that you already know that word, you think it's unpleasant, not funny, and ask your little one not to use it again! 

6. Don't be mean

Kids tease each other, and they find it funny. But this can sometimes go a step too far and lead to bullying. Make sure your little ones don't call others mean names, and don't make fun of anyone for any reason. Ganging up on someone else is cruel, not clever.

7. Excuse me!

Once your little ones have mastered saying please and thank you, teach them to say excuse me. It's the polite thing to say when you have to interrupt someone, or bump into somebody. 

8. TMI!

There are some things that are too much information, and that your little ones shouldn't talk about in public! These include genitals, poo, nose picking, and all the other gory things that amuse kids! ( Gurgle.com )

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No Kids? Men More Depressed About It

No Kids? Men More Depressed About It -Even though there's often more social pressure on women to have kids, men may actually feel more depressed and lonely over not having children, according to the results of a small British survey.

The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the British Sociological Association in London Wednesday (April 3) by Robin Hadley, of the United Kingdom's Keele University, who polled 27 men and 81 women who didn't have kids.

About the same proportions of men and women said they wanted kids (59 percent of men and 63 percent of women). Among that group, half of the men said they experienced isolation because they weren't parents, while just over a quarter of women said the same.

Compared with women, these men also were more likely to feel jealous of other parents and sad, angry, and depressed over not having kids.

No Kids? Men More Depressed About It 

"There is very little research on the desire for fatherhood among men," Hadley said in a statement. "This challenges the common idea that women are much more likely to want to have children than men, and that they consistently experience a range of negative emotions more deeply than men if they don't have children." 

There was one area where women beat the men: guilt. None of the men who wanted kids felt guilty about not having them, compared with 16 percent of women.

The survey was conducted with an online questionnaire among adults ages 20 to 66, with an average age of 41. Most were white, heterosexual and had full-time jobs.

In another poll of 125 people who were already parents, Hadley found that women who wanted more children had higher levels of anger, depression, guilt, isolation, sadness and yearning than men when they thought about not being able to have more kids.

Whereas the focus of this study was childless adults who wanted kids, it's important to note that not all people without children are the same. There are those who choose to be childfree and those facing infertility, job demands or financial concerns.

An American study published last year found that women who choose to be childfree felt more pressure to reproduce than other women without children, but they weren't so distressed about their life without kids. Meanwhile, women who wanted children but did not have them because of fertility or medical issues were the most distressed, according to those results, published in The Journal of Marriage and Family. ( LiveScience.com )

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600,000 'tricked, trapped' into labour in Mideast

600,000 'tricked, trapped' into labour in Mideast - An estimated 600,000 people have been "tricked and trapped" into forced employment in the Middle East, many of them also sexually exploited, the UN's labour agency said on Tuesday.

The International Labour Organisation, issuing the findings of a two-year study based on 650 interviews, called for an overhaul of employment practices in the region, notably an end to the "kafala" system of sponsorships.

Kafala, mostly prevalent in Arab states east of Egypt, which are home to more than 12 million foreign workers, requires all such labourers to have in-country sponsors, usually their employers, who are responsible for their visa and legal status.

"Labour migration in this part of the world is unique in terms of its sheer scale and its exponential growth in recent years," said Beate Andrees, head of an ILO programme to combat forced labour.

 

View PhotoAFP/Fayez Nureldine - A maid puts out a folding chair for her Saudi employer during a visit to the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah, on July 6, 2011 

"The challenge is how to put in place safeguards in both origin and destination countries to prevent the exploitation and abuse of these workers," she said at the opening of a two-day conference on the issue in Amman, Jordan.

The 150-page report entitled "Tricked and Trapped: Human Trafficking in the Middle East" was based on research carried out in Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.

"Although data is scarce, the ILO estimates that there are 600,000 forced labour victims in the Middle East," it said.

The study singled out the kafala system, saying it was "inherently problematic" because it created an unequal power dynamic between employers and workers.

"Reforming the kafala system would significantly improve labour migration governance in this regard," it said.

The study addressed the issue of animal herders, who are recruited from many Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

"Several migrants interviewed by the research team had originally been recruited as domestic workers but later were moved on to work as animal herders, taking care of sheep, camels and other livestock out in the desert," it said.

"The vulnerability to debt was highlighted by the results of a survey of Asian workers in Qatar: Half of those interviewed had paid recruiting agencies a fee before leaving home; the average fee was 2,000 Qatari rials ($550), and some had paid much more, putting themselves deep in debt."

The report said the research team found evidence that showed "the particular vulnerability of Asian and African women migrant workers to deceived and coerced into sexual exploitation."

Some women who have migrated to work as domestic workers, nurses, teachers or waitresses, "are abducted upon arrival by their freelance agents and obliged to provide commercial sexual services to clients out of private or isolated apartments or villas."

The study criticised as insufficient laws that "reinforce underlying vulnerabilities of migrant workers" and restrict their ability to terminate employment contracts and to change employers.

A lack of inspections kept domestic workers isolated and heightened their "vulnerability to exploitation," said the study, warning against "the real risks of detention and deportation for workers who are coerced into sex work".

In male-dominated economic sectors such as construction, manufacturing, seafaring and agriculture, "workers are routinely deceived with respect to living and working conditions, the type of work to be performed, or even the existence of a job at all," it said.

"Human trafficking can only be effectively tackled by addressing the systemic gaps in labour migration governance across the region," said Frank Hagemann, ILO deputy regional director for Arab states. ( AFP )

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Police discover hidden underground tunnels used by the homeless

Police discover hidden underground tunnels used by the homeless - During a routine crime investigation, Kansas City police discovered a series of underground dirt tunnels being used by the city’s homeless.

Local affiliate KMBC was on hand for the discovery when newscasters accompanied Kansas City Police Officer Jason Cooley, who was leading an investigation of stolen copper wiring from a nearby grain mill.

While checking on the seemingly ordinary homeless campsites, Cooley discovered a series of tunnels that went several feet under the earth and stretched nearly 25 feet.

“It was kind of in a little hill and probably four feet beneath the surface,” Cooley told the Kansas City Star.

Hope Faith Ministries, a local homeless organization, said the group had never seen anything like it. Carla Brewer was on site from the organization, offering the homeless individuals a place to shower and sleep away from the camp.

Police said they were especially concerned about a pile of dirty diapers discovered next to one of the underground tunnels.

"We're working to find out if, in fact, they've got kids down here, because this is not a safe environment for that," Cooley said.

The tunnels appear expertly crafted and obviously required a substantial amount of time and effort to create. In fact, authorities said they aren’t exactly sure how the individuals squatting at the site were able to create them.

After discovering the tunnels, a police robot was used to further investigate the underground dwellings. Once police were able to confirm no one was inside them, they brought in a tractor to fill in the tunnels. ( The Sideshow )

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Don't Fall Into These Social Security Traps

Don't Fall Into These Social Security Traps - If you're looking forward to turning age 62 so you can begin collecting Social Security benefits and live on easy street, you might get caught off guard. Some of the Social Security rules can be frighteningly complex. Because it will likely represent a large portion of your retirement income, it's important to understand how the government program works.

For instance, there are limits on how much you can earn while collecting benefits, and if you exceed those limits, your Social Security benefits will get cut substantially. That's just one of the snares that could trip you up.

Make sure you plan appropriately to avoid these six Social Security traps.

Trap No. 1: Social Security may be taxable

If your earnings exceed a certain level, up to 85 percent of Social Security benefits may be taxable. Even income sources that are normally tax-exempt, such as income from municipal bonds, must be factored into the total income equation for the purpose of computing tax on Social Security benefits.

Eric Levenhagen, CPA and Certified Tax Coach with ProWise Tax & Accounting, says to find out whether any of your Social Security benefits are taxable, "Look at your total taxable income plus half of your Social Security benefit. Make sure you add back any tax-exempt interest income."

When your taxable income, tax-free income and half of your Social Security benefit exceed $25,000 ($32,000 for married couples filing jointly), that's when you're in the zone to pay taxes on Social Security income.

Another unexpected income source that could impact taxes on Social Security: proceeds from a Roth conversion.

If you're thinking about doing a Roth conversion, do so before receiving Social Security benefits, says Steve Weisman, an attorney and college professor at Bentley University. "A lot of people considering converting a traditional (individual retirement account) into a Roth IRA should be aware that if they do that, they will end up paying income tax on the conversion, which will also be included for determining whether Social Security benefits are taxable," he says.

Trap No. 2: Must take required minimum distributions

Required minimum distributions, or RMDs, must generally be made from tax-deferred retirement accounts, including traditional IRAs, after a person reaches age 70 ½. The distributions are treated as ordinary income and may push a taxpayer above the threshold where Social Security benefits become taxable.

"This is a double-edged sword," says Weisman. "If you are over 70 ½ , you are required to begin taking distributions from IRAs (except Roth IRAs) and other retirement accounts."

"Here again, you take half of the Social Security benefits plus all other income to determine whether Social Security benefits are taxable. RMDs will be included and drive that up," says Levenhagen.

You can't avoid required minimum distributions, but you can avoid being surprised at tax time.

Trap No. 3: Some workers don't get Social Security

Most people assume Social Security is available to seniors throughout the U.S., but not every type of work will count toward earning Social Security benefits. Many federal employees, certain railroad workers, and employees of some state and local governments are not covered by Social Security.

"Some of my clients have participated in retirement programs offered by employers that don't pay into Social Security," says Charles Millington, president at Millington Financial Advisors LLC in Naperville, Ill. "If your employer does not participate in Social Security, then you should be covered under the retirement program offered by your employer."

However, certain positions within a state government may be covered by Social Security.

Find out whether your employer participates in Social Security or not and if not, whether your position may be covered by Social Security. Make sure you understand where your retirement benefits will be coming from.

Trap No. 4: Early benefits could be a big mistake

If you opt to take Social Security as soon as you are eligible, you may be doing yourself an injustice.

"If you delay taking benefits until age 70, you will see as much as an 8 percent increase in benefits for each year you delay," says Steve Gaito, Certified Financial Planner professional and director of My Retirement Education Center. "In addition to receiving a higher benefit, the annual cost-of-living adjustment will be based on the higher number."

"It's hard to find that kind of rate of return on regular investments, so it's good to delay if you can," says Weisman.

Of course, life expectancy plays a part in the decision of when to begin drawing benefits. "You generally know how healthy you are and what your family medical history is," says Ryan Leib, vice president of Keystone Wealth Management. "We advise clients to determine whether they think they will live longer than age 77. If so, delaying until age 70 will net you more in benefits than opting to start collecting benefits early."

If you're able to live off other funds and delay taking Social Security, you should seriously consider doing so. "Delaying taking Social Security until age 70 could mean the difference between cat food and caviar in retirement," says Leib.

Trap No. 5: Windfall elimination provision

If you work for multiple employers in your career, including both employers that don't withhold Social Security taxes from your salary (for example, a government agency) and employers that do, the pension you receive based on the noncovered work may reduce your Social Security benefits.

"Many people are not aware that their actual Social Security benefit may be lower than the amount shown on their statements or online because the windfall elimination provision reduction does not occur until the person applies for their benefits and (the Social Security Administration) finds out they are entitled to a pension," says Charles Scott, president of Pelleton Capital Management in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Social Security applies a formula to determine the reduction. In 2012, the maximum WEP reduction was $383.50. There is a limit to the WEP reduction for people with very small pensions.

If you have worked for both noncovered and covered employers, don't let the windfall elimination provision catch you by surprise.

Trap No. 6: Limits on benefits while working

You are allowed to collect Social Security and earn wages from your employer. However, if your wages exceed $15,120 in 2013, your Social Security benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above that level, says Mark Spittell, senior director at Alvarez & Marsal Taxand.

During the year in which you reach full retirement age -- which ranges from age 65 to 67, depending on your birth year -- you can earn up to $40,080 before $1 of your Social Security benefits will be deducted for every $3 you earn above that threshold. However, the money isn't lost forever. You will be entitled to a credit, so your benefits will increase beginning the month you reach full retirement age.

At full retirement age, no income restrictions apply. "There is no penalty for additional income earned," says Gaito.

If you plan on working beyond age 62 and anticipate earning more than $15,120 per year, strongly consider putting off Social Security benefits. ( Bankrate.com )

READ MORE - Don't Fall Into These Social Security Traps

How to 'clean up' online to land that job

How to 'clean up' online to land that job - Controversial Tweets can haunt any web user - with 70% of recruiters having turned down employees due to posts online. Here's how to stay private.

More than half of UK adults would remove everything they had ever posted online about themselves if they could, according to a survey conducted by Norton by Symantec in 2011. 

The controversy around Tweets posted by Britain’s first youth police commissioner, Paris Brown, highlights a growing problem for young workers - how to get rid of embarrassing material they or others have posted online.

Brown, 17, stepped down from her post over the Tweets, which date from when she was aged between 14 and 16 - and contained homophobic statements, as well as references to drugs.

The problem of posts ‘haunting’ people is not restricted to public figures, though - with research from Microsoft showing that 70% of recruiters have turned potential employees down due to controversial material that has shown up in web searches. 

More than half of UK adults would remove everything they had ever posted online about themselves if they could, according to a survey conducted by Norton by Symantec in 2011.

Thankfully, 'pruning' your own online reputation is a lot easier than many people imagine - a few basic steps can ‘police’ your profile on sites such as Twitter and Facebook, simply by adjusting privacy settings, or hiding and deleting unwanted posts. 

Below are some tips from security experts at Yahoo! and Norton by Symantec. 

There are ways to hide embarrassing posts or photos on blogs and other sites, even without their owners agreeing to delete them, says Yahoo! technology expert Becky Worley. 

The best tactic in this situation is ‘flooding’ Google with results that push unwanted ones down.

“Take solace from the fact that 97% of searchers never look beyond the first 3 pages of search results,” says Worley in a detailed video guide here. “If you can push the negative results down by posting positive or neutral information that's more current or has more appeal to search engines, you'll win the battle 97% of the time.”

Worley suggests creating a Google Plus profile with information you want employers to see, as Google searches tend to rank its own social network highly - and creating a LinkedIn profile with job information. Filling both of these with information about your skills is a useful first step.

Worley recommends creating profiles on other social sites to ensure a 'managed' public profile - and sending information to school and university sites to ensure profiles there are up to date. 

Norton's security experts recommend using image and blog search functions to ensure you stay on top of information posted about you - and warns against posting any details about political or religious beliefs. Sections for religion or political leanings are part of profiles on many social sites including Facebook. 

Norton also warns not to trust privacy settings on social networks - as these may change.

Managing friends lists can also be a good way to control what is posted online - so that, for instance, you can control who mentions you, or tags you in images.

“Do not rely on default privacy settings,” says the company. “Review the privacy controls offered by the social networking sites you use and determine what’s right for you. These controls are still evolving and providing more choices. Continue evaluating them over time.”

“Regularly evaluate the social networks and online services that you actively use. Cancel the ones you don’t. Regularly review the lists of people you’re connected to online. Keep your lists of friends, linked organisations and associations current and ensure you’re happy with your connections.” (Yahoo! News )

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Healthier fruit juice chocolate is on its way

Healthier fruit juice chocolate is on its way - Chocolate-fans may soon be able to injuldge in their favourite confectionery guilt-free as scientists replace fat with fruit juice - Chocoholics rejoice, for a healthier chocolate bar is on its way.

UK scientists have revealed their new chocolate-making method, explaining how they can recreate our favourite treat with 50 per cent less fat than usual - by replacing it with fruit juice.

Revealing their discovery at the National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society in New Orleans, study leader Stefan A. F. Bon PhD said: "We have established the chemistry that's a starting point for healthier chocolate confectionery. 

"This approach maintains the things that make chocolate 'chocolatey', but with fruit juice instead of fat. Now we're hoping the food industry will take the next steps and use the technology to make tasty, lower-fat chocolate bars and other candy."

Using micro-bubbles of liquids, chocolatiers will be able to use vitamin C water, diet cola or fruit juice to create healthier chocolate that still melts in the mouth like the traditional stuff.

In moderation chocolate is already known for its health benefits - dark chocolate particularly contains a high level of antioxidants. But it's also high in saturated fat and sugar due to the use of cocoa butter that gives it a creamy texture and luxurious taste.

Replacing this with fruit juice allows scientists to keep what we love about chocolate, while making it better for us. But what about those of us who aren't keen on chocolate orange in the first place?

"Fruit-juice-infused candy tastes like an exciting hybrid between traditional chocolate and a chocolate-juice confectionery," Stefan explains. 

"Since the juice is spread out in the chocolate, it doesn't overpower the taste of the chocolate. We believe that the technology adds an interesting twist to the range of chocolate confectionery products available," adds. 

The technology works with milk, dark and white chocolate so it shouldn't be long before we can indulge our sweet cravings with 50 per cent less guilt.

Let's just try not to overdo it by eating twice as much... 

( Yahoo Lifestyle )

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How beta blockers help reduce stress reaction on the heart

Beta-blockers are commonly used by musicians and public speakers to calm things down before performances. But they have a much more serious role in modern medicine. The adrenalin system is activated in all of us when we're frightened or otherwise under stress. This is a major source of cardiovascular risk. Almost all the cells of the body have receptors on their walls which respond to adrenalin released under stress. This increases our heart rate and blood pressure in preparation for 'fight or flight'.

These receptors have been classified into several types, and the beta-receptors are one important subtype. In 1958 the first drug which blocked the effects of adrenalin on the heart was synthesised and by 1962 the first clinically useful agent, propranolol, was developed. Propranolol revolutionised the medical management of angina pectoris, arrhythmias and blood pressure. This class of agents is one of the most important in use today.

In recent years, drugs that more selectively affect the heart, such as atenolol, metoprolol and carvedilol have been developed. As a general rule we cannot say that one beta-blocker is more effective in improving cardiovascular outcome than any of the others. Beta-blockers are generally well tolerated. Side-effects can include a slow heart rate, fatigue, a depressed mood, unusual dreams, and in susceptible individuals, asthma attacks. All these are more likely to occur in the elderly. Contraindications to B-blockers are extremely slow heart rate, pre-existing heart conduction block or a history of asthma.

The New Role

In the last decade, a new role of B-blockers has revolutionised the management of heart failure patients. In patients with reduced pump function and heart failure, whether from heart attack damage or from some other causes, B-blockers (specifically, bisoprolol, long acting metoprolol and carvedilol) prevent further deterioration, helping them live longer and feel better than ever before.

Targeting blood pressure for primary prevention

Beta-blockers are very effective BP meds-by blocking adrenaline, heart rate and blood pressure are both lowered, and heart attacks and fatalities are prevented. There is currently some debate as to whether they are as good as other classes of BP meds for preventing strokes, and therefore whether they should be the firstline agents when being used primarily for BP. So far, we cannot draw a firm conclusion about this.

Major benefits in secondary prevention

The biggest role for these meds is in secondary prevention after a heart attack. The benefit seems to begin almost immediately, so intravenous metoprolol is commonly given in emergency rooms to heart attack victims. In patients with prior heart attacks, betablockers have reduced deaths anywhere from 19 to 48%, with a 28% decrease in second heart attacks as well.

Beta-blockers appear to protect people after a heart attack by preventing serious arrhythmia and sudden death, one of the major long-term risks for survivors. They are a critical line in the defence against future cardiac problems, and should be started immediately after an attack and continued at least for the first year, probably indefinitely.

We don't yet know if their protective effect wanes over very long time periods. Evidence also suggests they can be safely taken by diabetics. In patients with angina pectoris, the chest discomfort that comes with exertion in someone with blockages and stable angina (chest pain that occurs with stress or activity), beta-blockers make the heart work less hard, rebalance oxygen needs and reduce the symptoms of discomfort

Safe to Drink?

People say that drinking water stored in copper vessels is good for health. I think it's toxic! -Mani, Kolkata

We need a tiny amount of copper in our diet, it is what is called an essential trace element. Except for certain unusual disease situations, deficiency of the metal is extremely rare, as it is widely present in food-in wholegrain cereals, fruits and nuts. In fact, ingesting excess amounts of copper can be toxic, with symptoms ranging from vomiting blood to kidney damage.

Although high concentrations of copper can kill bacteria, this property has been used mainly for agricultural work, and even there, copper compounds are considered toxic, with many better alternatives. Some communities traditionally store drinking water in copper vessels, and even though several health benefits are attributed to the metal, it is difficult to say how much copper actually dissolves in the water. However, it would be quite reasonable to say that it could contribute to toxicity, without giving any benefits, as most people are ingesting enough of the metal anyway. Do remember that a few years ago, another commonly used metal, aluminium, was linked to Alzheimer's disease. There are more effective and less toxic ways to store clean water. ( preventionindia.in )

READ MORE - How beta blockers help reduce stress reaction on the heart

Is food your solution to emotional distress?

Feeding your emotions? Feeling low can lead to binge eating - Are you stuffing your emotions down with food? That’s the question we’re asking.

Is food your solution to emotional distress?

If you catch yourself eating large quantities of food, typically “comfort food” (chips, cookies, chocolates) in response to feelings rather than hunger – then it’s quite likely you are.

 

Is food your solution to emotional distress?

Emotional eating!

Broadly called emotional eating, experts estimate that nearly 75% of overeating is caused by emotions.

“Culturally, we are taught to cheer ourselves up with food,” says Jyothi Dayal, a practicing psychotherapist in Bangalore. For instance, “When a child is emotionally distressed, most mothers show support by whipping up a special dish to lift his/her spirits.” Along the way — this — she says, “conditions us to reach for food when we’re feeling low.”

Overeating feeds depression

Typically, a person struggling with the problem of binge eating/overeating is also struggling with depression. Depression, loneliness, anxiety, chronic anger, boredom, poor self-esteem, problems in interpersonal relationships can all result in overeating, leading to unwanted weight gain.

Overeating feeds into the cycle of depression. It gives you a temporary fix. Dr Abha Bang, a Mumbai-based psychiatrist says, “Food stimulates a neurotransmitter (endogenous chemical) called serotonin, the happy chemical in your body. Therefore, providing temporary relief, and tempting people to reach for food to bring comfort.” But that feeling dissipates quickly. And you’re likely to feel compelled to eat more to achieve that temporary relief again.

Dayal stresses that, “Covering your emotions with food will only make the problem worse. It’s only a temporary solution.” While food may provide an escape route, it only worsens the problem in the long run. An emotional eater also feels extreme guilt or shame after a binge. So, after binging on that bag of chips or cookies, you’re likely to beat yourself up for doing so.

By turning to food to heal our emotional problems, we deprive ourselves of learning skills to effectively resolve emotional distress. Experts suggest that by identifying what triggers our eating, we can substitute it with suitable methods to manage our emotional problems.

How to identify eating triggers?

Keeping a food dairy to record what you eat and when; in addition to jotting down thoughts, emotions and stresses you’re facing will help you identify eating triggers. Soon, you’ll be able to notice patterns that lead you into excess eating.

Break the habit of binge eating!

Break that habit by substituting it with a healthier one. So every time you’re tempted to eat try any of the following:

• Pick up something to read
• Go for a walk
• Take a shower
• Do deep breathing exercises
• Talk to a friend
• Do housework
• Meditation

How to treat emotional eating?

Merely finding a distraction won’t do away with the problem. What you need to do is treat the underlying cause.

Individual or group counselling might be an effective tool. This addresses the root of the problem, that’s causing you to binge. It will also enable you to learn effective ways to resolve the issue and cope better with the stress around you.

Most importantly, “overeating could be a sign of depression,” says Dr Bang. So if you find yourself binge eating, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Dr Bang stresses, “Depression is an illness that can be treated.” ( mdhil.in )

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Blame It On Your Jeans!

Blame It On Your Jeans! - Jeans are like your partners in crime. They come to your rescue in every situation. There is no fuss about jeans.

You get up, you get them on and you move around freely feeling like the hottest body in town. But is that your only option for a pair of pants? No. Look around. They come in all fabrics and shapes. Here is a bottom-wear style cheat sheet:

Cargos

The cargos are your Friday dress. Casual, cool and very manly, they have enough pockets to carry your attitude. Cargos are amongst the best options that let you break the proverbial glass shields you have built around yourself regarding trouser fashion.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Corduroy Pants

They are the ultimate replacement for denims. Corduroy pants are great for comfort and they look pretty exceptional too. You can wear these pants for a casual outing or as part of your semi-formal attire to office. For a casual look, pick a light colour. For a formal one, go for black.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Wrinkle-Free Trousers

All that a man needs is a lot of carefree fun. The wrinkle-free ones are fit for your office. The best part is you don’t need to iron them over and over again. For men living alone, there is not a better option.

 Plain Pants

Very formal! That's the shortest description for a plain style. They help save face most of the times. The good old formal trousers, whether in pleated or monochrome, make a good impression on occasions both professional and personal. The only place where you can't wear them is to discs or to bed.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Three-Fourths

Go funky with three-fourths. Now you don't need to wax your legs but you should keep them in shape to flaunt a chic pair of three-fourths that you can wear Saturdays and Sundays on a long-drive or for a get together with buddies. They are comfortable and they are cool.

It can be a little depressing to part with the good ol' pair of jeans and follow a monotonous routine of trousers, but sometimes you have to. And with the afore-mentioned options, the ‘have to’ can easily be transformed into ‘want to’. ( MensXP.com )

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5 Quick Fixes for Wedding Day Beauty Emergencies

5 Quick Fixes for Wedding Day Beauty Emergencies - On your wedding, you want everything to be perfect. Be it the decorations at the venue, the catering, transportation or anything else. Most importantly you want your dress, makeup, hair, footwear and jewellery to be nothing less than impeccable. However, things can go wrong. Here are 5 wedding day beauty emergencies and their quick fixes.

A zit

Pimples commonly pop up on wedding days because you tend to eat more sweetmeats and oily foods during the pre-wedding functions. Added to this are lack of exercise and inadequate sleep. A combination of all these factors is a perfect recipe for pimples.

If you see a pimple on your D-day, don’t panic. Keep the area cool by applying ice. Coolness subdues the bacteria in the pimple. Apply a thick paste of cloves and cinnamon. During makeup, avoid applying oily foundation on the spot. Use an oil-free concealer to camouflage the difference in skin tone around the affected area.

Puffy eyes

Unhealthy diet, late night celebrations and inadequate sleep are the cause for puffy eyes. Don't worry, puffy eyes usually subdue within a few hours. However, if you have a morning or noon wedding, it could be a problem.

A simple remedy is to use frozen teaspoons on the lids. Put two teaspoons in the freezer for around half an hour. Place them on the eyes such that the concave part touches the eyes. Repeat a few times until the puffiness recedes. You could also try placing icepacks, frozen cucumber slices and warm teabags.

Dark circles

Again, lack of sleep is the main culprit here. You can avoid most of the beauty emergencies by not compromising on your sleep. However, if the problem is unavoidable, make sure that you apply a cooling pack for the eyes before you sleep the previous night. Wash off and apply moisturiser before sleeping. Use a good quality concealer to even the skin tone.

Smudged eye makeup

Weddings make you emotional and you might find your eyes welling up. A few tears might run down your cheeks and along with them, your mascara and kohl. The only preventive measure for this problem is to use waterproof kohl, eyeliner and mascara. Do not compromise on this matter.

Chipped or ruined nails

Chipped nails are very common during weddings. Keep a nail file, nail polish and nail polish remover handy. Use them to smoothen chipped nails and reapply a coat of polish.

Everyone gets nervous on their wedding day because somewhere in the back of their mind they know that things can go wrong at the last moment. The only way to counter the anxiety and be confident is to be prepared for these untoward incidents. ( Bollywoodshaadis.com )

READ MORE - 5 Quick Fixes for Wedding Day Beauty Emergencies

Now watch out for animated Tendulkar in 'Master Blasters'

Now watch out for animated Tendulkar in 'Master Blasters' - Indian cricket's master blaster Sachin Tendulkar now has an animated avatar. It will be seen in "Master Blasters", a 3D action, comedy and adventure TV animation series.

In the show, the animated Sachin is appointed by the Programme for International Training of Cricket Heroes (PITCH) to head a cricket camp and mentor 12 young cricketers from around the world.

A dog will accompany them too. Another cricket camp will be headed by an animtaed version of cricketer Peter Taylor, who will compete with Sachin's team members. Sachin is excited.

"I have always been fascinated with the world of animation and have enjoyed watching it with my children. The challenge for the production team will be to ensure that some human values and learnings are imparted while continuing to entertain the viewers through the series," Sachin said in a statement.

"It will indeed be a different experience to see one's own rendition on the animated screen, performing larger-than-life action much beyond the limitation of the real world," he added.

The show, co-produced by Shemaroo Entertainment and Moonscoop LLC, will feature 26 episodes. But it is yet to be decided where the show will be telecast.

The show is likely to have good quality computer generated imagery.

Young cricketers will play a series of international, competitive matches in a futuristic, high-tech, spaceship-like cricket stadium that can actually fly and land anywhere in the world.

"Cricket runs in the blood of every Indian and working with an icon like Sachin is a dream come true. We plan to introduce this unique format to non-cricketing countries as well," said Smita Maroo, vice president, Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd. ( Indo-Asian New Service )

READ MORE - Now watch out for animated Tendulkar in 'Master Blasters'

Five things you should do when you're pregnant

Five things you should do when you're pregnant - Once you've seen for yourself those two blue lines on the pregnancy test, or maybe you heard it from the horse's (well, your doctor's) mouth, what do you do next?

What to do when you're expecting

Congrats – you're pregnant! Once you've seen for yourself those two blue lines on the pregnancy test, or maybe you heard it from the horse's (well, your doctor's) mouth, what do you do next? Here are our top five tips on what to do whilst you wait for the stork's arrival:

What to do when you're pregnant, rule 1: Attend pre-natal appointments

Once you've established that you're pregnant, done your happy dance, gone through every emotion in the book, and finally gathered your thoughts, it's important to attend a pre-natal appointment. Whether it's your first appointment or you've been attending them for a while, appointments for mamas-to-be are important for keeping you and your baby healthy and giving your unborn the best start in life. Whilst we all pray that there aren't any problems, if any issues did arise then the doctor has a better chance of treating them.

What to do when you're pregnant, rule 2: Do get your recommended daily dose of folic acid

Your pregnancy diet plays a vital role in your baby's development, and it's important that you get a good dose of folic acid to reduce your little one's risk of heart defects and spinal problems such as spina bifida. Indeed, numerous studies have shown that women who eat folate-rich foods before and during their pregnancy have a lower chance of having a baby with a neural tube defect. Some foods such as spinach, sprouts and green beans are all naturally high in folic acid, but these don't provide enough for your baby's development so you might choose to take folate supplements too. Women suffering from diabetes, sickle cell disease, and a number of other medical issues usually need more folic acid during pregnancy, and the recommended daily allowance can vary between individuals so it's important to speak to your doctor before making any changes to your pregnancy diet.

What to do when you're pregnant, rule 3: Do relax and pamper yourself

The phone won't stop ringing, the laundry pile is never-ending, and so is your workload come to think of it. Add a touch of pregnancy into the mix and you're a fully-fledged stress head. It really is important that you find the time to relax because pregnant bodies are already under huge pressure trying to supply everything your little love needs – added stress on top of this can be potentially harmful to you and your child. It's really important that you make time to relax as stress can increase the chance of premature birth and could cause abnormalities in your child. You may find it helpful to join a local support group where you can network with other pregnant women and discuss your worries and anxieties. You will probably find that whatever is worrying you is on the minds of the other pregnant women you meet too, and this will put your mind at ease – a problem shared is a problem halved.

What to do when you're pregnant, rule 4: Do make the most of your free time

Make sure you make the most of your free time before the baby arrives. Go out with your friends or watch a comedy film to make you laugh and reduce your stress levels, which can be harmful to you and your baby if they rise dramatically during pregnancy. Whatever your preferred 'pregnancy hobby', ensure that you enjoy your time before the birth because once you're exposed to excessive amounts of baby sick, sleepless nights and dirty nappies, 'me time' tends to take a back seat. You could also appoint a responsible baby sitter for when your bundle of joy arrives too, because going out and enjoying yourself on the odd occasion makes you a happy parent, and a happy parent makes for a happy child. Learning how to balance your relaxation time with a growing family is an on-going process, but you will soon get used to it.

What to do when you're pregnant, rule 5: Attend a pregnancy photo shoot

Pregnancy photo-shoots are specially geared towards getting the best shots of your bump. Once a bump has started to appear – or once you have a fully-fledged baby tum – this is the perfect time to attend a photo shoot to create a beautiful keepsake which will last a lifetime. A little miracle is growing inside you and a photo shoot offers the ideal way to capture this exciting time of your life. You can attend a photo shoot with your partner, family or even your friends. Once you've given birth, you will enjoy looking back on the photographs in years to come, and once the impending little one is all grown up, they will enjoy seeing what they looked like in mama's tummy. Enjoy! ( realbuzz.com )

READ MORE - Five things you should do when you're pregnant

Halle Berry Cradles Her Growing Baby Bump at Argentina Premiere

Halle Berry is embracing motherhood at 46. (Lalo Yasky/WireImage)

Halle Berry Cradles Her Growing Baby Bump at Argentina Premiere - Halle Berry's baby secret is out -- and the glowing mom-to-be happily showed off her growing pregnancy belly on the red carpet. 

The 46-year-old looked positively radiant at the premiere for "The Call" in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Monday. Wearing a figure-hugging, one-shoulder purple gown with metallic detailing along the top and side, the actress played up her new "accessory" by rubbing her stomach for photographers and then posing with both hands cradling it. 

Berry paired the dress -- which was not your traditional maternity look -- with diamond drop earrings and her emerald engagement ring from fiancé Olivier Martinez. For makeup, she rocked smoky eyes and pale dewy lips. 

The actress' look was a departure from her appearance on the red carpet the night before. While equally glam and gorgeous, she played down her changing body by wearing a drapey black dress. Though it was appropriate as she was being honored at a United Nations event. 

During an interview airing Tuesday on CNN, Berry talked about her pregnancy this time around. 

"I feel fantastic," Berry said. "This has been the biggest surprise of my life to tell you the truth." 

Already the mother to 5-year-old Nahla (with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry), Berry -- who has candidly discussed her troubles conceiving in the past -- didn't think her family would grow again. 

 

A side view of the radiant mom-to-be (Lalo Yasky/WireImage) 

"I thought I was kind of past the point where this could be a reality for me," she shared. "So it's been a big surprise and the most wonderful." 

When asked if she is expecting a boy, which has been rumored, Berry said she hasn't learned the baby's gender. 

"I don't know," she replied, adding, "But healthy." 

Berry has previously talked about becoming a mother for the first time in her 40s. 

"I'm a much better mother at 46 -- or 41, when I had her -- than if I were like 21 or 25," she said on "The Wendy Williams Show" in November. "I mean, I was just a little baby just trying to figure it out -- trying to figure out who I was, let alone having the responsibility of trying to help another little soul develop and grow. I'm so glad I waited." 

However, waiting made it trickier when it came to giving Nahla a sibling. 

"Every night, we do our prayers,” she noted. "We pray to God, so sweet. She says, 'God, please bring me a bunk bed and a baby sister.' And I say, 'I can do one of those things, I know for sure. The other one, we've got to keep praying on.' What do you say to her when she wants that and can't understand why God's taken so long?" 

Well, the wait will continue -- for a few more months at least. Berry is rumored to be due this fall. ( Runway )

READ MORE - Halle Berry Cradles Her Growing Baby Bump at Argentina Premiere

Tom Cruise on Katie Holmes Divorce: ‘I Did Not Expect That’

Kate Holmes and Tom Cruise (Getty Images) 

Tom Cruise on Katie Holmes Divorce: ‘I Did Not Expect That’  - Apparently, Tom Cruise was as surprised as everyone else when news broke that he and Katie Holmes were getting a divorce. 

"I did not expect that," Cruise said, opening up about his split for the first time on German TV network ProSieben. 

After five years of marriage, Holmes announced she was leaving Cruise on June 29, 2012, which reportedly left the actor heartbroken and blindsided. 

However, the "Oblivion" star now reveals he has had "an incredible amount of time to reflect" on life after the break up. 

"Life is a challenge," Cruise says. "To be 50 and have experiences and think you have everything under control, and then it hits you — that's what life is … Life is tragicomic. You need a certain sense of humor." 

The couple has one daughter together, 6-year-old Suri, and reports circulated at the time she was one of the main factors in Holmes' decision to leave Cruise. 

People reported the divorce "was a long time coming" for Holmes who was "mostly concerned about the education and care of her daughter Suri." However, the element of surprise was key for Holmes to make that happen. 

"She was talking to Tom on the phone up until [the week before] saying, 'I love you,'" a source told the magazine. "Her inner circle [had] been planning this and switching out cell phones since she was in China [in mid-June]." 

Holmes' attorney father even helped orchestrate his daughter's quick exit. 

In the wake of their separation, Cruise threw himself into work. The actor spent time in Iceland and L.A. wrapping production on "Oblivion," and was rarely spotted outside of work as he and Holmes attempted to reach a settlement regarding custody of Suri. 

Meanwhile, Holmes seemed to transition back into the spotlight more easily. The "Jack and Jill" actress made her first public appearance a little over two months after announcing she was leaving Cruise at New York Fashion Week. Cruise retreated out of seclusion later that fall when promotional duty called for his next film, "Jack Reacher." 

While Cruise is currently single, Holmes, 34, has very recently been linked to jazz musician Peter Cincotti. ( yahoo )

READ MORE - Tom Cruise on Katie Holmes Divorce: ‘I Did Not Expect That’