The Lotus flower symbolises purity, beauty, grace, wealth, knowledge and serenity. The Pink Lotus is the National Flower of India. Nelumbo nucifera is known by a number of common names including Sacred lotus, Indian lotus and Sacred water-lily.
The history and symbolism of the lotus flower dates back thousands of years.In Buddhist symbolism the lotus is symbolic of purity of the body, speech, and mind as while rooted in the mud, its flowers blossom on long stalks as if floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. It is also symbolic of detachment as drops of water easily slide off its petals. What makes the lotus flower so special? The lotus flower is one of the most ancient and deepest symbols of our planet. The lotus flower grows in muddy water and rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty.

Untouched by the impurity, lotus symbolises the purity of heart and mind. The flower is thought to reassure happiness and friendship. The Lotus flower basically symbolises the clarity of heart as well as the mind. In other words the Lotus flower represents strength, good luck, long life as well as honour and respect. Some scholars have even talked of the lotus flower being a universal representation of the spiritual presence in human lives.

Lotuses are in white and pink colours in common and they grow in shallow and murky waters. Lotus flowers enjoy warm sunlight and are intolerant to cold weather. This is why the Lotus is not seen blossoming in the winter. The floating leaves and Lotus flowers have long stems, which contain air spaces to maintain the buoyancy. The plant has its roots in the mud and sends out long stems to which their leaves are attached. The roots of the Lotus are planted in the soil of the pond or river bottom, while the leaves float on top of the water surface. The Lotus flowers are usually found on thick stems rising several centimetres above the water.
When the Lotus flower’s petals drop down , they are replaced by a flat-topped seed pod divided into compartments. Anybody who has ever observed a lotus flower emerging from a murky pond cannot fail to see the beauty of this exquisite plant.
The flower always looks very clean and beautiful against the background of the dirty pond.
As a lotus is able to emerge from Muddy Waters non spoilt and pure it is considered to represent a wise and spiritually enlightened quality in a person.

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Ginger is a flower bearing plant and widely used as a spice and medicine. It grows about a meter tall bearing narrow leaf blades. Ginger is one of the most profitable Items to grow. It is known as one of the hardest crops to cultivate. It is popular for its aromatic rhizomes which are used both as spice and medicine. . Health benefits include relieving nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness, and pain. The root or underground stem of the ginger plant can be consumed fresh, powdered, dried as a spice, in oil form, or as juice. Ginger is the healthiest and most delicious spices on the planet. It is loaded with nutrients and bio-active compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils.

• Ginger is a popular spice. It is high in gingerol, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Used as a sea sickness remedy and also relieve nausea. But it may be the most effective when it comes to pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness.
• Ginger is effective against exercise-induced muscle pain. Ginger appears to be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain.
• Combination of ginger, cinnamon and sesame oil, can reduce pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients when applied topically.
• Ginger helps to lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Ginger speeds up emptying of the stomach which is beneficial for people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort.
• Ginger is very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period.
• In both animals and humans ginger can lead to significant reductions in LDL cholesterol and blood triglyceride levels.
• Ginger contains a substance called 6-gingerol, which may have protective effects against cancer.
• Ginger can protect against age-related damage to the brain. It can also improve brain function in elderly women.
• Ginger is a popular ingredient in cooking and has also been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes.
• Ginger can be used to make tea, chopped or crushed in curries and savoury dishes, and dried or crystallised in sweets and confectionery.
• However, some herbs and spices may offer additional health benefits. One of these is ginger.
• Ginger contains hundreds of compounds and metabolites, some of which may contribute to health and healing.
• Chewing raw ginger or drinking ginger tea is a common home remedy for nausea during cancer treatment.
• During cold weather, drinking ginger tea is good way to keep warm.
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds found in ginger that that are beneficial to health include gingerols, beta-carotene, capsaicin, caffeic acid, curcumin and salicylate.

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Ragi also known as Eleusine coracana, or finger millet is a herbaceous plant widely grown as a cereal crop in Asia and Africa. Ragi is a whole grain that is gluten-free and a very common staple in South India. It is rich in fiber that helps with weight loss and diabetes. It is packed with calcium, good carbs, amino acids and Vitamin D. Ragi is a powerhouse of health benefiting nutrients.

Amazing benefits of Ragi

• Helps in Weight Loss. Ragi benefits weight loss in a unique way. It is low in unsaturated fats that make it the ideal cereal for those looking to loseweight. The heaviness of the dietary fiber slows down the rate of digestion thereby keeping us fuller for longer with very less calories. Ragi is consumed for weight reduction
• Benefits of ragi are numerous and it is a highly nutritious cereal loaded with calcium, proteins, iron and other minerals.
• It is rich in fiber and contains very less unsaturated fat that makes it a perfect food for weight loss.
• Ragi benefits weight loss in a unique way and holds a significant place in diet programs for weight loss. It has a higher rate of fiber compared to any other grain or rice. The high amount of dietary fiber combines with water and keeps the stomach fuller for a longer period of time
• Ragi is loaded with calcium and vitamin D that makes it a vital component for increasing bone strength. It also works as an effective food to avert Osteoporosis.
• Ragi helps to reduce the risk of Diabetes Mellitus because of its high content of dietary fibers and polyphenols.
• Ragi has been proved to work wonders in bringing down blood cholesterol levels and is one of the best home remedies for heart health.
• The abundance of antioxidant in Ragi help in fighting damage causing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. It works as a natural relaxant and helps in relieving stress related ailments like anxiety, hypertension, depression and headaches.
• It also helps in relieving sleep disorders like Insomnia along with cerebral pains and Migraine.
• Ragi is one of the best natural protein sources.
• It is also rich in health benefiting amino acids and mineral like Calcium, Iron.
• The important amino acids present in ragi helps in muscle functioning, maintaining metabolism, blood formation, fighting anxiety and depression and also promotes the release of growth hormones.
• Ragi is one of the healthiest cereal to eat to load up on Iron that helps in increasing blood formation in persons suffering from anaemia or low haemoglobin levels

• The high level of dietary fibre in this cereal aids in proper digestion, normal bowel movement and prevents constipation.
• Ragi is a great source of nutrition for feeding mothers along with improving the haemoglobin levels. Lactating mothers are suggested to include green ragi in their daily diet in order to improve milk production. It also enriches the milk with all the essential minerals for the body like iron, calcium and vital amino acids that is extremely important for the child as well as the mother.
• Ragi not only helps in maintaining proper health but also works wonders for maintaining youthfulness by blocking premature aging. Ragi can be used to be the most effective natural anti aging drink
• It supports the skin tissues to make it supple and lively thereby making it less prone to wrinkles and sagging.
• Ragi is a perfect cereal for weight loss and must be included in weight loss recipe.
• The high amount of fiber and low level of unsaturated fat makes it an ideal food for healthy lifestyle.
• Ragi malt is a natural energy drink that helps keep the body energised throughout the day and good for weight loss.
• Ragi Soup is a simple and healthy way of balanced food with the fresh vegetable that is perfectly oil free and does not add to your calories.

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Naphthalene is a solid, white material with a distinctive odour and it is found naturally in fossil fuels like coal and oil.

Naphthalene balls are also known as moth balls or camphor balls.

They are spherical pieces of a white solid material containing at least 98 percent naphthalene. Important thing is to use it properly .Use it in a air tight container exposure to open air can cause harm to human beings and pets . Its a good chemical but do use it very carefully.

Uses of Naphthalene balls

• Naphthalene balls are widely used to repel moths and cockroaches and as deodorants for urinals and bathrooms.
• Used to keep insects and moths away from the clothes especially when they are not used for a long time and are stored in the cupboard. They keep the fabric eating insects away.
• Helps in keeping the rodents at bay in the garden, lawn and plantations. It also keeps other pesky animals away. It can also be crushed and scattered in the pots to avoid insects.
• Naphthalene ball helps to keep the bats from entering the attic due to its pungent smell it drives away the snakes and other reptiles too.
• Rodents feel suffocated by the smell of the naphthalene balls.It reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of their RBCs. Hence, mothballs will not only prevent their pesky presence in the house, but also avoid the chances of them breeding inside your house.
• Naphthalene balls can prevent stored silver from rusting by adding one or two balls to keep them shining.
• While storing things in a box for a longer time or several months place some naphthalene balls to protect them from silverfish.
• While vacuuming, add some naphthalene balls in the vacuum bag. This kills fleas or insects that are sucked in.
• The fumes they produce are trapped and the trapped fumes build up and kill any cloth moths inside.
• Naphthalene balls are commonly used insecticides for repelling or killing fabric insects

• Being good deodorizers, the smell of mothballs will balance the rotten and decaying smell coming from outside.

Precautions:

• Keep them away from children and pets. They look like white eatable sweet hence it is dangerous as the kids are attracted to put them into their mouth. It is better to store the naphthalene balls  in small box or storage containers. Do not keep them lying around the house.
• Before using clothes that were in naphthalene balls  make sure that you wash them properly.
• Inhaling their toxic fumes will harm your health, be careful while inhaling. Long exposure to their smell is risky.
• Naphthalene balls might contain very high concentrations of either naphthalene or paradichloro benzene as active ingredients. Each active ingredient can cause different health effects if the exposure is high enough.
•  Naphthalene balls slowly turn from solids to toxic vapor. When you smell them, you are inhaling the insecticide. They can also be dangerous if they are chewed or eaten.. Some consumers place naphthalene balls under or around the bed or between the mattress and box spring for controlling or repelling bed bugs.
• Naphthalene  balls are poisonous. If you can smell naphthalene balls,you are inhaling them and exposing yourself to their harmful effects.
• Naphthalene  balls exposure can result in dizziness, headaches, nausea, disorientation and breathing difficulties.
• Chemicals in naphthalene balls and air fresheners may increase the risk of cancer.
• Naphthalene and para-dichlorobenzene are recognised pollutants that can cause cancer in rodents.
• Experts believe they are also likely to be harmful to humans.

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Time management is defined as the process to plan and exercise the control of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity. It is the process of organising and planning how to divide your time between specific activities. It involves an act of various demands upon a person relating to work, social life, family, hobbies, personal interests and commitments with the definiteness of time. Using time effectively gives the person to maintain and always be productive. Time Management is to allocate right time to the right activity effectively.

Good time management enables you to work smarter so that you get more work done in less time, even when time is tight and pressures are high. Failing to manage your time damages your effectiveness and causes stress.It seems that there is never enough time in the day. But, since we all get the same 24 hours, why is it that some people achieve so much more with their time than others? The answer lies in good time management.The highest achievers manage their time really well and function more effectively even when time is tight and pressures are high.Good time management requires an important shift in focus from activities to results: being busy isn’t the same as being effective.

Spending your day in an activity often achieves less, because you’re dividing your attention between so many different tasks. Good time management lets you work.

 “Time management” also refers to the way you organize and plan how long you spend on specific activities.

It may seem intuitive to dedicate precious time to learning about time management, instead of using it to get on with your work, but the benefits of managing time are beyond words.

Why do we need to Manage Time

• Save time
• Reduce stress
• To increase our work output
• Have more control over job and responsibilities
• Greater productivity and efficiency.
• A better professional reputation.
• Less stress.
• Increased opportunities for advancement.
• Greater opportunities to achieve important life and career goals.

How to use time effectively?

• Plan wisely
• Set goals and objectives
• Set deadlines
• Delegate responsibilities
• Prioritize activities as per their importance
• Spending right amount of time on the right activity
• Create a life schedule
• Be flexible and realistic
• Avoid time for planning in order to avoid repetition
• Keep a journal of activities for a week to identify the times of day when you are most productive. Use that time and schedule tasks.
• Take time at the start of each day to make a plan for what you want to achieve. 
• Schedule tasks according to priority and include unscheduled time in your day. 
• Manage your communication availability. Keep track of email and instant messaging applications.

Failing to manage time effectively leads to below consequences

• Miss the deadlines.
• Inefficient work ethics.
• Weak work quality.
• A poor professional reputation and paused career
• High stress levels.

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The general attitude of expecting the best in all things is Optimism.

Optimists have a positive outlook on life, they always believe that things will work out in the end.An all time example of optimism we read everywhere is the question.

Given a glass that has been filled half way, is it half filled? Or Half empty?

 Research says that facial expressions and moods are contagious.Optimism is looking at a more favourable side of events and simply anticipating the best possible outcome in any situation. Smile helps your brain to think positively. An optimist looks at the problem and tries to find the outside reasonsA pessimist always makes the problem internal global and permanent.When you have a problem try to look at it in different anglesDo what matters most to you; do what makes you feel alive and happy. Don’t let the expectations and ideas of others limit who you are.

The power of optimism is very strong and can be valued like a life changing virtue for success and personal growth. Research shows that optimism results in higher achievement . Even in the darkest times, people who have found themselves negative, depressed, or in despair chose instead to focus on the positive things in their lives that made them feel happy and inspired. Optimism and pessimism are mere matters of optics, of how you look at things, and that can change from day to day, or with a new prescription from your glasses.

Benefits of Optimism:

• Good Health and self motivation.
• Lack of fear and high confidence level.
• Great Self Esteem.
• Feeling of everything will go well.
• People like to mingle with you.
• Creates a positive anticipation of the future.
• Increases level of productivity.
• Gives a happy reason to live
• Reduces stress level
• Enables to keep your emotions in check.
• Promotes happiness.
• Increases self respect and integrity
• Creates a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.
• Helps to develop patience.
• Adds proactive behavior.
• Improves your physiological and psychological health.
• It enables you to take a balanced approach to life by dealing with the constant negative thoughts.
• It increases effective problem solving skills.
• It gives you peace of mind.
• It enables you to generate an alternative, more hopeful explanation for various difficulties experienced.
• It ensures you believe in your dream.
• It creates a positive attitude.
• It increases your tolerance levels because it lowers the risk of you being irritated by little things.
• It allows you to develop the habit of being thankful and also promotes laughter
• It increases your level of motivation.
• It builds successful careers by promoting productivity and doesn’t let you deny yourself.
• It creates positive expectations.
• It sets your mood for the day.
• It promotes positive relationships.
• It promotes self confidence and boosts self esteem and ensures you are focused.
• Reduces frustrations and worries.
• Promotes forgiveness and bonding between individuals.
• Enhances communication skills.
• It increases spiritual development and provides peace of mind.
• Stops you from limiting beliefs which try to keep you from using your abilities.
• Allows self expressive and boosts the same.
• Increases mental feasibility.
• It is a therapy.
• Gives you a good and healthy social life.

Ways to inculcate Optimism

• Having real life goals and expectations.
• Always remember humans make mistakes and are filled with a lot of imperfections.
• Acknowledge past events but always manage the present along with creating bright future.
• Never feel low or hopeless, always remember Good or Bad, Things pass away.
• Be true to yourself and never doubt on your strength.
• Connect with people who possess optimism and build a positive circle.
• Trust yourself and believe that you can achieve your goals and dreams.

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Example:

Fungicides – Fungi

Bactericides – Bacteria

Herbicides – Plants

Larvicides – Larvae

Rodenticides  – Rodents

Insecticides – Insects

Pesticides are poisonous and can harm more than just the pests, they are toxic and exposure to pesticides can not only cause a number of health effects but also can lead to serious illness and diseases in humans which include respiratory problems to cancer. Pesticides are detrimental for the environment and produce damage to the ecosystems. Pesticides pollute air, water and soil leading to wide range of human health hazards ranging from short term impacts such as headaches and nausea to chronic impacts.

Wildlife  can be impacted by pesticides through their direct or indirect application, secondary poisoning, runoff into local water bodies or ground water contamination. It is possible that some animals could be sprayed directly, others consume plants or prey that have been exposed to pesticides.

Pesticides are useful in the prevention of insect damage to crops, garden plants, and buildings, and keeping them out of our homes where they can spread disease and ruin food stored in pantries and bins. Safety is of utmost concern when using these toxic chemicals.

 Read and follow all label instructions.Many pest control products have brochures or instruction pamphlets enclosed or attached to their container.

Pesticides are useful in the prevention of insect damage to crops, garden plants, and buildings, and keeping them out of our homes where they can spread disease and ruin food stored in pantries and bins. Safety is of utmost concern when using these toxic chemicals.

The warning label contains specific information about the product skin. Many chemical products may be absorbed through skin. Avoid sparks or open flame. Pesticides are often suspensions in petroleum distillate solvents, which can be highly flammable.

Use only appropriate containers for measuring, mixing, and applying pesticides. Never use food preparation utensils for this purpose.

Wash all equipment after each use.Use copious amounts of water, and do not allow run off from washing to go into waterways. Keep the washing operation away from wells or other drinking water supplies.

Use appropriate safety equipment.

Never smoke, drink, or eat while applying pesticides.

Keep people and animals out of areas treated with insecticides and other chemicals for the period recommended on the product label. If you are using a liquid spray, no one should reenter the area until the product is completely dry.

Be extremely careful applying pesticides in buildings or homes. Use only products specifically labelled for this purpose, and remove any loose items such as clothing, books, and toys prior to applying.

Do not use pesticides after the expiration dates on the package. Chemicals undergo changes over a period of time, and pesticides may become unstable, more toxic, or ineffective after the expiration date listed on the package.

Use pesticides only as recommended by the manufacturer.

Apply pesticides in the early morning or late evening to avoid excessive drift and to prevent exposing beneficial insects like bees and bugs to the effects of them.

Look for the environmentally safe, and less toxic pest control method.

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We are all influenced by our surroundings but the major factor lies how strongly we let it affect our mental health. A peer group is a social group that consists of individuals of the same social status who share similar interests and are close in age. Responding to the peer pressure is a part of human instinct. It is a feeling to do the same thing as other people of social group in order to be liked or respected by them. It is unavoidable and major groups affected are the teenagers. It is a part of person’s routine life. The intensity of peer pressure generally with age and maturity. One of the reasons for this is that teenagers spend majority of their time with their peers than with parents. Trying to fit into a group of peers can increase stress. Poor self esteem is a key factor that leads to destructive behaviours. Peer pressure can occur at all ages.

People are influenced by peers because they want to fit in, be like peers they admire, do what others are doing, or have what others have.

Peer pressure in teenage is harmful because it can lead to teen depression, high stress levels, negative behaviour issues.

People may feel pressure to conform so they fit in or are accepted, or so they don’t feel awkward or uncomfortable. When people are unsure of what to do in a social situation, they naturally look to others for cues about what is and isn’t acceptable.

Examples of peer pressure:

Having unaffordable luxuries because others in peer group have one

Spending lavishly throwing parties

Taking dangerous risks in driving

Consuming alcohol or falling prey to smoking

How to resist peer pressure:

 Good communication with parents

Children should have a close relationship with their parents. It helps them to resist peer pressure easily. Have regular conversations with your child. Talk about their  day and about yours. Answer questions or help them  solve a problem. Stay involved in your child’s daily life.Spend time with your child. Learn about his favorite activities, and his likes and dislikes—and help him learn about yours too. Get to know your children’s friends.

 Help your child establish healthy friendships.

Talk to your child about qualities that are important in a friend qualities Give examples of being a good friend and discuss the importance of choosing friends carefully. Encourage positive friendships with play dates.

Encourage healthy activities and hobbies.

Allow your child to pursue their interests. This can boost his self-esteem and help them develop strong, healthy friendships and ultimately enable themto resist peer pressure easier.

 Talk to your child about smoking, alcohol and drugs.

Stress the importance of making healthy choices  when your child is young. Many experts recommend discussing the dangers of destructive decisions with children before the age of 10. Talk about smoking, alcohol and drug use on TV, in movies, online or in family.

Teach your child to trust her instincts.

If a friend asks your child to do something, encourage them  to think for a few minutes before making a decision especially if they feel unsure, uneasy or uncomfortable. Teach her to think ahead and make a list of pros and cons to decide.

Help your child say no and mean it.

It may be easier for your child to resist peer pressure when he can casually reinforce his position with an excuse. For example: “No thank you. I’m training for next week’s big game.” Or, “I can’t even stand the sight of cigarettes—my aunt is fighting lung cancer.”

Count on the support of good friends.

It’s easier to resist peer pressure with the support of friends, so encourage your child to let their friends know and is counting on them to have his too. Encourage them to be a positive influence and a leader rather than a follower whenever possible.

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Bananas are delicious aren’t they? Bananas are rich source of nutrients which helps in maintaining good heart health and weight loss. Bananas vary in size shape and also colour. Bananas are rich in fiber and antioxidants, banana has little protein and no fat, bananas are rich in carbs.  Unripe bananas mostly consist of starch which converts into sugar after ripening. Bananas moderate blood sugar levels.

Nutritional profile of banana

Iron-3 mg
Vitamin A- 81 IU
Manganese- 3 mg
Protein- 1 g
Magnesium- 34 mg
Dietary fiber- 3 g
Potassium- 450 mg
Folate- 25 mcg
Riboflavin- 1 mg
Vitamin C- 9 mg
Niacin- 8 mg

Here are 15 health benefits of eating bananas

1. Bananas contain high level of tryptophan which is converted into serotonin- happy mood neurotransmitter.
2. Bananas sustain blood sugar and gives energy to the body.
3. Bananas protect against muscle cramps.
4. Eating banana makes bones stronger by providing calcium.
5. Bananas reduce stress , reduces PMS symptoms.
6. Bananas reduce swelling, aids weight loss, helps in the production of white blood cells.
7. Bananas strengthen the nervous system, protects from diabetes.
8. Banana relieves anemia because it is rich in iron.
9. Bananas lower blood pressure, protects against stroke.
10. Bananas are rich in potassium, and contains high levels of vitamin B6.
11.  Bananas are rich in pectin and chelates toxins and heavy metals from the body, bananas assist in absorbing nutrients.
12. High fiber in bananas can help normalize bowel motility and helps in restoring electrolytes after diarrhea.
13. Bananas provide relief from acid reflux, relieves stomach ulcers by coating the lining of the stomach.
14. Bananas help in preventing cancer.
15. Bananas are rich in antioxidants providing protection from free radicals.

When should we eat bananas?

Eat two bananas before a strenous workout.
Bananas must be eaten raw.
Bananas must not be consumed on empty stomach.
Eat 2-3 bananas per day to stay healthy.

Summary

Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals and must be a part of our balanced diet.
Eating banana helps you stay stronger. Aids weight loss.
Bananas protect against cancer and several health issues.

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