The mother of the Dec 16, 2012, Delhi gang-rape victim who succumbed to her injuries, was given the Rani Lakshmi Bai Award for ‘the spirit of Nirbhaya’, nickname for the girl. ‘Nirbhaya, as she is now known, was a brave and courageous girl who fought till the very last minute for her dignity and her life. She is a true hero and symbolises the best in Indian youth and women,’ Mukherjee said. He added: ‘Her sad demise should not be in vain. We must do everything possible to ensure that such an incident never happens again.”

Others who received the award were Pranita Talukdar of Assam, Sonika Agarwal of Delhi, Guramma H. Sankina of Karnataka, Omana T.K. of Kerala and Olga D’Mello of Maharashtra.

The president said: ‘We must strive to ensure that women feel safe and secure at all times in our country.’ ‘The figure for female literacy is 16.7 percent below male literacy. Surveys have indicated that female hourly wage rates in agriculture vary from 50 to 75 percent of the male wage rates. More disturbing is the increase in the incidence of violence against women,’ he said.

Source: IANS

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

The eternal beauty icon and a favourite of millions, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is considered to be among the most beautiful women in the world. Her enigmatic eyes and smile have stolen the hearts of many and she broke many of them when she got married to Abhishek Bachchan in 2007. Her comeback film after her pregnancy is highly anticipated by her fans and the film industry.

Chitrangada Singh

One of the hottest-looking actresses in B-town, Chitrangada made her debut with Hazaaron khwaieshen aisi in 2005. Her performance was lauded by greats like Shekhar Kapur who said she had outdone Smita Patel. She also won praises in Washinton Post for her performance. After a three-year hiatus, Chitrangada was back in the scene with Sorry Bhai! The film did not fare well but Chitrangada got many endorsement deals. Her item song in Joker was a hit with the audience.

Deepika Padukone

She epitomises the young, modern Indian woman and her giggly laughter is certainly infectious. In her debut film Om shaati om, she played a yesteryear superstar in the first half and a modern, carefree girl in the second, both with equal élan. She has always been in the news for her style statement or link-ups but Deepika’s confidence hardly wavers. This dusky bombshell has made her way to the top, both as a sought-after actress and a beauty and style icon.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

The media has followed Kareena’s style ever since her debut in Bollywood. Be it her size-zero figure, her attire at award functions or her beauty secrets. Kareena was one the few actresses who took the bold decision to appear onscreen sans any makeup in her film Dev. Probably because she knows she is naturally beautiful and does not have to depend on too many cosmetics to enhance her beauty.

Katrina Kaif

A treat to watch is what most will describe Katrina as. Looking perfect almost always, she carries off any look effortlessly. Be it playing an NRI, raunchy Sheila or the rustic Chameli, Katrina gets it right all the time. Her acting abilities are questioned repeatedly, yet she is one of the top actresses we have today in Bollywood. Her charm never fails to get the audience’s attention.

Madhuri Dixit Nene

Her smile can melt hearts, her dance can enchant anyone, and her acting can blow your mind. What else does one need to become one of the reigning queens of Bollywood? She left the industry and her fans in a state of shock and sadness when she decided to move to the US after marriage. But her recent comeback has once again rejoiced her fans who just don’t seem to get enough of their favourite beauty icon, Madhuri.

Priyanka Chopra

She can dance, she can sing, she can act and she is good at all of it! Her looks are smouldering and she can throw kicks and punches as convincingly as she can romance and cry on screen. Priyanka is a master of many trades. She started out as a teenager and conquered the world with her beauty by winning the Miss World title in 2000. Now an established actress, she is one of the few who can act as well as look glamorous at the same time.

Sonam Kapoor

Sonam is undoubtedly Bollywood’s style icon. She is more in the news for her clothes and accessories than her films. Her quirky yet classy fashion sense is a breath of fresh air which has impressed many girls to follow her stylish footsteps. Once weighing over 80 kg, Sonam managed to shed all the extra pounds and fit into her fabulous designer dresses that she now flaunts with much poise.

Sushmita Sen

She shot to fame when she beat Aishwarya at the Miss India Pageant and went on to pick up the Miss Universe Crown in 1997. She wowed us with her sexy sarees in Main hoon na and stole our hearts with her dance number Mehboob mere in Fiza. Sushmita is truly a self-made woman and her beauty has charmed many. She is hardly seen in any movies these days but her fan following hasn’t decreased nonetheless.  Her Bong-looks still have their magic!

Vidya Balan

The versatile Mrs Balan captured our attention from her very first film Parineeta. Her traditional attire and big brown eyes spoke volumes through the poster. She broke moulds by not following the trend of attaining the perfect figure, rather took pride in embracing her curvaceous body and inspired many Indian women to do the same.  She proved her mettle as an actor through her versatile roles in Paa, Kahani and The Dirty Picture for which she won various awards. 

Also read: Women’s Day Special: Fitter, Sexier Healthier

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One hundred million missing women

In an essay in 1990, India’s only Nobel-winning economist Amartya Sen had hypothesised that over a hundred million women were ‘missing’ in Asia. The ‘missing’ here refers to the fact that these women were eliminated because of sex-selective abortion, infanticide or inadequate nutrition. While Sen’s essay spoke about Asia in whole, the situation in India is very much similar. Biology suggests that if given equal nutrition and medical attention, women actually outlive men and are far less susceptible to diseases and the fact that women outlive men verifies this hypothesis. In most developed nations, women outnumber men but in India,the gender ratio is a shocking 0.94 and the situation is far worse in a few of the states like Delhi (.866), Haryana (0.877) Punjab (.893) and Chandigarh (.818).

Note: All figures are from the 2011 census.

 On this Women’s Day, let us realise how badly we’ve treated our daughters and look back at some things we should be really ashamed of:

Sex-selective abortion

It’s sad that it took a TV show like Satyamev Jayate to force the nation to wake up to the ugly reality of female foeticide. Although the Pre-conception and Prenatal Diagnostic (PCPDT) Act which prohibited sex selection was passed in 1994, sex selective abortion remains rampant and the laws still remain toothless almost 20 years later. British records have actually found that sex selection was rampant even in the 19^th century in North India and it will take more than a few laws to change people’s attitude about the girl child. What needs to change is the parochial, patriarchal mindset that plagues the country.  

 Poor nutrition among women

It’s shocking how boys and girls are treated differently. Even in normal well-to-do family it’s the norm for the male sibling to be given better, more nutritious food than his sister and it’s often the mother who reinforces this as a normal state of affair throughout a woman’s life. Biology has shown that if women and men get the same amount of nutrition then they actually outlive men and life expectations in Western countries have shown that and it’s shocking how poor nutrition has affected the health of women in our country. It’s estimated that about 50% Indian women are anaemic – that is lack of red blood cells which is caused by inadequate nutrition. The maternal mortality rate is so bad that one woman dies every ten minutes in India and poor childbirth practices coupled with malnutrition plays a major part in this. 

Sexual violence against women

And perhaps the worst thing that we do to our women is sexual crimes that we commit against them. I am saying we because it’s men who are part of our society that do it. Women in India are exposed to the most horrible forms of sexual violence – eve-teasing (verbal sexual harassment), knife attacks, horrific rapes and acid attacks – the list of sexual crimes is endless. The recent Delhi rape case has thrown it all into sharp focus and exposed the dark, chauvinist underbelly of urban India. The comments by politicians and other prominent people gives the impression that somehow the woman is responsible for her fate – be it because of her being out late or because she was wearing the wrong kind of clothes or because she said no to a man’s advances. Sometimes it’s because men believe that women are ‘loose’ or because she had sexual relations with another man.

It’s time we stopped accepting all this as a way of life. Women are our equals and need to be treated as such. Until we learn to treat our women with respect, we don’t deserve to call ourselves a democracy. We take great pride in our so-called Indian values in which women are expected to behave and dress in a particular manner. They are not ‘Indian’ by any stretch of imagination, but 19^th century Victorian English values which were known for their narrow-mindedness and conservatism. It’s time we said goodbye to them and moved on to the 21^st century where everyone is treated equally as the Indian Constitution promises – irrespective of their gender, religion, caste, skin colour or creed. 

Mistry was grief-stricken after her husband died, but she resolved to build a hospital for the needy so that others would not have to suffer the same fate as her husband. What followed was a life of abject poverty and extreme physical labour as the mother of four soldiered on with the single-minded pursuit of setting up the hospital. Over time, she managed to save enough to buy a one-bigha (one-third of an acre) plot. Now 47 years down the line, Humanity Hospital, in Hanspukur village near Kolkata, stands tall and proud, serving the poor free of cost since 1996, a testimony to a single woman’s grit, determination and never-say-die spirit against all possible odds. 

As Mistry, a pygmy of a woman in girth but an extraordinary woman in deed, looks back at her past, and says in a firm voice: “This is all I could do on my own. I don’t regret that I had to put two of my children in an orphanage, that I couldn’t educate them. There were things needed to be done for the greater good.” Mistry told IANS: “When my husband passed away, I was in shock initially. Then I realised I had four hungry mouths to feed. My oldest child, a son, was four-and-a-half-years old at the time. My youngest, a daughter, was one-and-a-half.

“I had no education and couldn’t even tell the time. So I decided I would do whatever work that was available. I started out as a aayah (domestic help) in the nearby houses.” During that period, she made a silent promise to herself: she would set up a hospital for the needy that would provide treatment free of cost. Gradually she realised that house work alone would not suffice; so she took to brick-laying and other physically demanding chores to supplement her meagre income. Her two sons would lend a hand at work. Early on, she had made up her mind that come what may, she would educate one of her sons to be a doctor.

Now the younger son Ajoy, a doctor, carries on her mother’s mission at the hospital. ”I did everything. My children used to earn Re.1 while I used to get Rs.1.25. I never spent on myself. Whatever I earned, I saved most of it for the hospital. ”Some of my earnings were spent on educating my younger son and daughter. Unfortunately the other two I had to sent to an orphanage,” Mistry said.

She put aside the majority of what she earned and after around 30 years of scrimping and saving, she had collected enough to buy a plot of land. ”One of the babus (landlords) was selling off his land. I went to him and fell at his feet to let me buy the plot for a lesser amount. He relented and finally a part of my dream came true,” said Mistry. In 1993, the Humanity Trust was formed and a temporary clinic was set up with the combined effort of all the residents.

“I went about asking them to contribute in any way they could. Some donated money, some wood, some gave the material needed for construction while some volunteered for construction work,” said Mistry. Bit by bit, a one-room clinic came into being. And at Mistry’s behest three doctors from nearby areas started treating the sick free of cost. In 1996, a permanent building was inaugurated by then West Bengal governor K.V.Raghunath Reddy. Since then Mistry and her small staff, which includes one of her daughters, has never looked back. In 2009, she won the prestigious Godfrey Phillips Bravery Award in the mind-of-steel category. According to Mistry, a lot of things remain to be done which have hit a pause due to a financial crunch.

“Our main problem is shortage of doctors. They are only available on specific dates. Since we do not pay them, they are less inclined to visit regularly. ”Due to lack of funds, the ICU is yet to be completed. I wish I could somehow get the finance to see these things through,” said Mistry, who presides over urgent matters every day. Despite the tough road ahead, Mistry refuses to be bogged down.”My wish will be fulfilled entirely when doctors and nurses are available round the clock and when we can provide all the services of a modern hospital,” she said.

Humanity Hospital: Kalagachia Road, Joka, Biaage Agns Pukur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700104. Phone: 033-24670639.

 Also read: Women’s Day Special: Fitter, Sexier Healthier 

Tired of reading? Check out our YouTube Channel 

March 8 is International Women’s Day.

If there’s one question that most men want answered, it’s this – What do women really want in the bedroom? What kind of sex do they expect? Do they want more foreplay? Do all women like to cuddle after sex? And what can men do to facilitate better sex for women? Rachel Hercman, a female sexuality psychotherapist lays bare the answers to the most important question in the world – what do women really want in the bedroom?

What Does She Want

If I asked you what a woman wants to order when she sits down at a restaurant, you’d probably answer with, “Well, what does she like?”  There may be certain food groups that women tend to prefer, like fruits and vegetables, but the reality is that each woman has different affinities for different tastes and types of foods.  Her hunger today may not be the same level of hunger as yesterday, and what she would order today is not necessarily what she would want to order tomorrow.

 The same thing goes with the bedroom. While there may be commonalities in women’s preferences when it comes to sexual pleasure, it is important to remember that each woman is unique in what she enjoys and how she relates to the sexual experience with a partner. 

 What is desirable and is pleasurable for one woman may not work for another.  One woman may be satisfied with having sex one time a month; another woman may want to have sex multiple times a day.  Some women prefer sex to be long and slow with lots of foreplay; others prefer a more accelerated process. Some women want to cuddle afterwards and have ‘pillow talk’; others are fine with falling asleep.

 It is important to keep in mind that a woman’s social personality may not necessarily reflect what her private desires are when it comes to sexual connection. For many women, it takes being in a comfortable, respectful relationship for them to allow themselves to be vulnerable to express what they want in the bedroom, and even in many of those relationships it is still difficult nonetheless.

 What Does She Expect

Women’s expectations and attitudes towards sex vary across the spectrum and for many women, can vary across different relationships. Religious upbringing and social influence can play a significant role in a woman’s way of relating to sex; she might view sex as sinful or dirty and feel guilty having sex even when she is married and part of a sanctioned relationship. It’s difficult to experience and increase sexual pleasure when she cognitively perceives sex as solely a religious obligation, a vehicle for procreation, or a necessary concession to keep a man from straying.

For other women, sex is a source of passion and electricity in a relationship, and allows the couple to convey their feelings for each other on a deeper level.  It is a way to feel closer, to feel connected, and to feel like one unit.  In my counseling work, I’ve met many women who have been with the same partners for decades and said that even as their bodies age, sex continues to be an area where they feel young and vibrant.

For women who grew up with little or no sex education and their first sexual experience is their wedding night, the expectations and attitudes going into sex can be naïve and confused.  They may find it difficult to allow themselves to experience pleasure or feel that is their religious or social obligation to be passive.  It is thus imperative that brides who have limited sexual knowledge are properly educated about sex before their weddings: This is essential not only for the sanctity of the marriage, but for a healthy sense of empowerment for the woman when it comes to her body.

 When Men Can Do To Facilitate Positive Sex

Even for men who have previous sexual experience, developing a sexual relationship with a new partner does not necessarily happen effortlessly.  Similar to two musicians who are meeting for the first time, it may take time and practice for them to work harmoniously together and adapt to each other’s strengths and preferences.  Most people are not mind-readers, which means that for a couple to have a satisfying sexual relationship, it takes open communication to convey what is desired, what feels good, and what needs to change to make the experience better.

 However, many women do not feel comfortable expressing their sexual desires to their partners.  For some, there is shame in being a sexual being and communicating needs to a partner feels wrong and inappropriate.  Thus, if the man helps create a space where he shows her that he wants to make her feel good and wants to know what is pleasurable for her, she will be more comfortable opening up.  No matter how assertive she may be when it comes to other topics, this area may be one that she feels unworthy of expressing her wishes and desires.

 Ultimately, regardless of a couple’s chemistry, it takes time for partners to find their way when it comes to developing a mutually satisfying relationship.  Bumps in the road are not only normal but should be expected, and can present an opportunity to grow together in improving communicating about experiencing sexual pleasure in the relationship.  For some, talking about sex can feel dirty and inappropriate.  However, there should be nothing shameful about a woman being open with her partner about what feels good, and how her partner can give her pleasure, and how the relationship can become more passionate. 

 Tips to remember

•  It’s important to remember that each woman is unique in what she enjoys the in the bedroom.
• Women’s expectations and attitudes towards sex vary across the spectrum and for many women, can vary across different relationships.
• It takes open communication to convey what is desired, what feels good, and what needs to change to make the experience better.

Rekha

The original ‘Umrao Jaan’ of Bollywood, Rekha wins hands down when it comes to timeless beauties. There might not be a list where she isn’t featured in this category. Even today at 58, she manages to capture hearts with the same elan as she did in the ’80s with films like Khubsoorat and Silsila. Her grooves on Kaisi paheli hai in Parineeta was the highlight of the film.

Hema Malini

‘Dream Girl’ Hema Malini just gets better with age. She has donned the role of a mother, dancer, producer and politician with equal feat as the role of an actress. One of the most successful actresses of Indian cinema, Hema’s eternal beauty has floored many from the ‘60s, and still continues to charm onlookers.

Sridevi

Touted the ‘first female superstar’ of Bollywood, Sridevi has proved time and again that she is a rare mix of talent and beauty. Her recent comeback film English Vinglish won her awards and accolades from the masses and classes. Even at 49, she manages to turn many heads at award functions and fashion shows with her lovely figure and panache.

Helen

A movie was hit if it had a Helen dance number in it. Such was the magic of her charm and sex appeal. Girls tried hard to ape her and men couldn’t take their eyes off her. Certain actresses tried to recreate her magic by dancing on songs like Mehbooba o mehbooba, Yeh mera dil in their films but none could get close to what Helen did.

Also read: How to prevent wrinkles and other signs of ageing

Sharmila Tagore

The first Indian actress ever to don a bikini in a film, Sharmila broke many stereotypical moulds with her performances and set the trend for others follow in her films. Those fish-like Bengali eyes are breathtaking even today. She has aged gracefully over the years and is still a symbol of elegance at 68.

Zeenat Aman

One of the first sex symbols of Indian cinema, Zeenat brought a western look to her onscreen characters which became a rage in the ‘70s. Her iconic performances in Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Don, Hare Rama Hare Krishna and many others are talked about till today.

Jaya Bachchan

Jaya perfected the girl-next-door role since her effortless portrayal of a schoolgirl in Guddi. Her later films further cemented this image and she became a household favourite. After a long hiatus, Jaya took on motherly roles in Kabhi khushi kabhi gham, Kal ho na ho etc where her performances were much appreciated. She may not be the best-looking actresses but her charm reels even today.

 Tina Ambani

Making her mark in Bollywood in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Tina later decided to devote her time to philanthropic work. Even after having 2 kids and being involved actively with her NGO, school and hospital, Tina still manages to look radiant. Married to business tycoon Anil Ambani, Tina recently attended the Oscars and looked beautiful in an ethnic white ensemble.

Saira Banu

Married to legendary actor Dilip Kumar, Saira made her Bollywood debut at the young age of 16. One of her most popular films, Junglee won her an award nomination for the best actress. During her prime, she was known for her gorgeous looks and ethereal beauty. Even now, at 68, she doesn’t fail to impress.

Neetu Kapoor

Neetu gave many Bollywood hits as a leading lady and was known for her bubbly onscreen characters. Her most memorable films are Yaadon ki baraat, Raffoo chakkar, Amar Akbar Anthony and various others. She made a comeback after 26 years and starred in films like Love aajkal, Do dooni chaar and the recent Jab tak hai jaan. Even today, she can carry off any attire and is an epitome of grace.

Also read: Keep your face fit with face yoga

Waheeda Rehman

She belongs to the ‘goldern era’ of Indian cinema which gave us classics like Pyaasa, Kaagaz ke phool, Sahib biwi aur ghulam and many others. Her mentor Guru Dutt cased her as his leading lady in many of his films. She was one of the few actresses with extraordinary grace, ample talent and inherent beauty. Even today, all these qualities can be seen in whichever roles she plays.

Shabana Azmi

One of the most versatile actresses Bollywood has witnessed, Shabana portrays every role she takes up with perfect élan and dedication. Be it going bald or learning classical music, she puts in a lot of effort to get into the skin of her character and wows her with her acting prowess all the time. Even now, her sense of style is offbeat which makes her stand out in a crowd of perfectly made-up celebrities.

Nafisa Ali

She won the ‘Miss India’ title in 1976 and charmed us with her performance in Life…in a metro. Though she is 56, she still looks desirable and carries the salt-and-pepper look with much elegance. Nafisa’s moving portrayal of a mother of a quadriplegic who appeals for mercy killing in Guzaarish won her a lot of appreciation from the audience and industry alike.  

Dimple Kapadia

She stole our hearts with her debut performance in Bobby, she was only 16 that time; then she shocked the world by getting married to Rajesh Khanna, 15 years her senior. But after her separation from him, she became one of the leading actresses of the ‘80s. Her looks were mesmerising. Her later performances in Dil chahta hai, Being Cyrus and Cocktail were exemplary telling us that she’s still as talented and beautiful.

Also read: Smile! It keeps you looking younger

Sarika

She started as a child actor and later played roles of a western girl in many movies in the ‘80s. After her marriage to Kamal Hassan, she gave up her career when it was at its peak and moved to Chennai. But she later returned to movies again. Even at 50, her beauty is enthralling and you can’t take your eyes off her. Her performance in Parzania won her a National Award for best actress.

March 8 is International Women’s Day.

First celebrated in 1909, it was a socialist movement which demanded that women be treated as equals. Since the day has developed a universal appeal which echoes throughout the world celebrating all forms of womanhood. We from health.india.com however, felt that one day was not enough and have decided to designate March Women’s Health Month. Throughout the month we will have a complete coverage of issues pertaining to Women’s Health – Fitness, Beauty, Sex, Diseases and Pregnancy. We will also touch upon the major theme of this year’s International Women’s Day – ‘A promise is a promise: End violence against women’

Women’s Health Concerns

Cases of ill-health among women seem to be on the rise and experts are at a loss to explain the exact reason for it. It could be rapid urbanisation, an increase in smoking and alcohol consumption and/or poor dietary habits. The problem is compounded by the fact that more and more women are entering the workforce and their traditional homes haven’t caught up with the fact forcing them to play both homemaker and breadwinner which is taking a toll on their health. Here are some health-related 

• Breast cancer runs in your family? Genetic assessment can help!
• Cervical cancer: Causes and Symptoms
• Osteoporosis: What you ought to know
• Why more and more women are suffering from heart disease
• Fibroids: What are they?
• Freedom from vaginal infections is possible!
• Tried and tested tips to reduce pain during menstrual periods
• Menopause: Dealing with its signs and symptoms
• Load up on iron, ladies!
• Slow down Superwoman!
• Top Indian women in the healthcare sector
• Mastectomy blouse:  For women who’ve lost breasts to cancer (interview)

Women’s Fitness

With an increase in obesity-related conditions like heart disease, diabetes and hypertension among women it’s become far more important for them to take care of their health by exercising properly and eating right.

• Five fitness tips for women
• Dance away the weight with Zumba?
• Why women need weight training
• Power Yoga: What you need to know
• India – no country for fit women?
• What you can learn from Naini Setalvad’s amazing weight loss story
• Is your cooking oil making you unhealthy?
• The Food Pyramid: The secret to eating healthy and losing weight
• Fad diets: Why they are bad for you?
• Women’s special dietary needs
• Is Parineeti Chopra’s 8 kg weight loss in a month a good idea?
• 4 sexy and unusual ways to lose weight

 Women and beauty

Indian women are known to be one of the most beautiful ones in the world. Their exotic looks have caught the fancy of many worldwide. But every woman suffers from one beauty problem or the other – be it acne, dandruff, dark circles or ageing. Get all your beauty problems answered here with tips from our experts, in-depth analysis of the problem and solutions from cosmetic to home remedies. 

•   Get rid of puffy eyes naturally
•  Home remedies for burns and scars
•  Facials: do you really need them
•  Eat healthy for your skin
• Keep your face fit with face yoga
• Herbs for hair care
• Top Indian skin problems
•  Traditional Indian home remedies
• DIY tips for acne free skin
• 10 tips to prevent wrinkles and other signs of ageing
• Top 10 beauty problems women face
• 15 timeless Indian beauties
• How to get rid of dark under-eye circles with a concealer
• Waxing or shaving – which hair removal method is a better choice to get rid of unwanted hair?
• Herbal home remedies to colour your greying hair
• How high heels are ruining your feet
• Multani mitti: Herbal home remedy for flawless skin

Women and sex

The demure maiden is long gone and the modern woman is neither afraid of expressing her sexuality nor her sexual desires. Sadly, most men still have a medieval mentality towards sex and are clueless about pleasing their women in bed. Here are some tips for those hapless males out there to make them better lovers and some tips for women to help them get there:

• What women really want in the bedroom?
• Non- penetrative sex: Foreplay, mutual masturbation and more
• Outercourse: Things you don’t know about sex
• Painful sex: The issue no one talks about
• Female masturbation: You don’t need a man to please you
• Sex Education: The need of the hour
• Charge your sex life with these herbs
• Female condoms
• When should you see a sex therapist?
• Sex addiction: Is it a mental illness?
• Give your woman an orgasm she won’t forget

 Women and Pregnancy

Pregnancy-related complications are also on the rise among women with more women choosing to take the career route and marrying later.

• What parents of newborns ought to know
• Morning-after pills – are they safe?
• Your most common pregnancy queries answered
• Miscarriage: Causes, symptoms and treatment
• Understanding induced labour and caesarean sections
• Breastfeeding: What you need to eat
• 10 expert tips to make the house safe for your baby
• Pregnancy myths busted
• Symptoms of pregnancy
• Fertility treatments: How safe are they?
• Get pregnant faster

Being a woman, is tough stuff! Worrying about work, home, kids, family and still  managing to look stunning can be hard work, but when that one tiny beauty issue spoils the show it can be quite annoying. As a run up to women’s day we bring you a list of the top 10 beauty problems and what you can do  to get rid of them.  

1.Acne/Acne scars: These unsightly bumps which all women dread are actually clogged pores that become infected. If you have oily skin you are much more prone to them, because the oil attracts dirt which then clogs and infects the pores. Pimples are usually quite painful and are seen on the face, neck and back.
Tip: If you are prone to pimples, you should maintain a good cleansing, toning and moisturizing regime. Remember to wash your face regularly and choose the right products for your skin type.

To know more, read: Acne vulgaris – what you ought to know

2.Dandruff: A very embarrassing and often uncomfortable problem, dandruff is caused due to flaking skin on your scalp. Untreated, it can lead to further problems like hair fall, acne and scalp infections. 
Tip: The choices available are umpteen but be sure to choose the right products for your hair type. Wash your scalp well, eat healthy. There are medicated shampoos available to get your dandruff under control too.

To know more, read:Questions to ask yourself if you have dandruff

3.Hair fall: is a common problem that most women face. According to experts if you lose anything more than 100 hair in a day, you should be worried.  Hormonal changes, lack of nutrition or just plain genetics can contribute to making hair fall worse.
Tip:  Wash your hair regularly and well. Your diet plays a very important role for healthy hair. If you have dry and damaged hair, pamper yourself by getting a soothing nourishing treatment for your hair once in a while.

To know more, read: How is hair loss caused?

4. Ageing/ wrinkles: As you age, your skin loses its natural firmness and elasticity. This is a normal process and you don’t need to really worry about it. Ageing of the skin happens because the body produces lesser amounts of collagen which leads to fine lines appearing on your face and body. Reversing the ageing process is not possible, but delaying it is.
Tip: There are a number of surgical and non surgical methods to reduce the appearance of fine line on your face. You could try using an anti-wrinkle cream as a non surgical option, while the surgical options include botox or filler injections. You could also try face yoga to help the muscles in your face  tighten up.

To know more, read: Anti-wrinkle treatments – what you need to know

5.Nails: A number of women notice that either their nails turn yellow with time or are dry and brittle. Another common problem is to notice your cuticles peeling .Your nails could indicate a lot about your health, for instance, yellowish or discoloured nails could indicate serious health problems.
Tip: If you do notice changes in the colour or texture of your nails, ask your doctor about what that might mean. Try to use nail polish minimally and if you simply must paint your nails, make sure you use one from a reputed brand.  

To know more, read: Tips for healthy nails

6.Skin colour: In India it is common to see women worry about their skin colour. The most common query we get is how women can make their skin lighter. It is essential to understand that skin colour in most cases is a hereditary trait and cannot be changed. Be proud of your skin colour and use the best products so your skin glows with health.
Tip:  To get rid of tanned skin use a pack made of multani mitti and cool rose water. This pack will help rejuvenate your skin and get rid of the tan.

To know more, read: Do skin fairness products actually work?

7.Dark circles: Can be quite unsightly and make you look constantly tired. Dark circles are actually just blood vessels that are easily seen through the skin around the eyes. Although all people have a thin layer of skin around the eyes, for some it gets thinner with situations like lack of sleep, stress, allergies, etc. If you do have dark circles, know that not all blemishes are permanent, there are simple remedies to cure this condition.
Tip: Try applying freshly extracted juice of cucumber soaked in cotton pads, around your eyes. Wash off the solution after 10-15 minutes.

To know more, read: Dark circles – why we have them

8.Uneven pigmentation: It is a condition that is usually due to sensitivity of the skin to the sun, ageing and in some cases due to an allergic reaction, or hormonal imbalance. Uneven pigmentation is a result of over production of melanin in certain parts of the face or body.
Tip: Make sure you use a good sunscreen 15 minutes before you step out into the sun.

To know more, read: Sun-proof your skin this summer

9.Neglected feet: Our feet are the most neglected parts of our body, but they do the maximum work. But tanning, calluses and cracks can make them look less than pretty. It is a misconception that one needs to burn a hole in their pocket in order to get regular professional pedicures done.

Tip: If you don’t have the time to get regular pedicures, you could invest in a good pumice stone to get rid of calluses and other foot issues. You could also use a good foot cream to keep your feet supple and soft.  

To know more, read: Six fixes for beautiful and happy feet

10.Unwanted facial/body hair: It is a common problem most women suffer from, and can be very annoying and embarrassing. Unwanted facial hair could be because of unbalanced hormones or simply be a hereditary trait.
Tip:  There are a number of methods to get rid of your body hair, but after the procedure be sure to take care of your skin with a good moisturizer.

 To know more, read: 

• Get rid of unwanted body hair naturally! 
• Laser Hair reduction – all you need to know (Expert interview) 

March 8 is International Women’s Day.

With Women’s Day around the corner, here are five simple tips for all the lovely ladies out there to stay fit and gorgeous:

Tip #1 - Eat healthy

The first step to getting fit is eating the right food at the right time. Skipping meals or eating them late will harm your health in the long run and make you more prone to diseases and infections. It’s also important to keep in mind the nutrients every woman needs to go through a healthy life cycle like iron, calcium and folic acid. Make it a point to include items rich in these nutrients in your daily meals. Flax seeds, green tea, dairy products like eggs, milk and curd are a few things that you should consume regularly. Eat dry fruits, fruits and veggies to better your system. Include salads and power drinks like juices and smoothies in your meals for added energy.

Also read: Expert opinion: Nutrition for women

Tip #2 – Exercise

In a busy lifestyle, your body and health often gets neglected in a rush to meet a deadline and eating out becomes a norm. It is highly important to undergo some kind of physical exercise on a daily basis to keep your body agile and fit. Sitting on a chair for long hours and staring at computer screens can lead to various health problems. Go for walks in between, stretch yourself, take the stairs instead of the lift and get some fresh air. Go to the gym or take up any physical activity like swimming, squash, yoga, Pilates, etc. to give your body some kind of exercise. If you find regular gymming boring, you can sign up for some fun options like Zumba, power yoga, belly dancing etc.

Also read: Women and weight training

Tip #3 – Have some ‘me-time’

Recharge your batteries by having some time only for yourself. It will replenish your senses and rejuvenate your mind. If you don’t know what to do, here are a few ideas. Indulge in a spa treatment which will relax your body and mind or take up a hobby. It could be as simple as reading a good book, writing poems, and going on a drive or trek all by yourself or even listening to music. You may not realise it but by doing this, you are relaxing your mind and letting go of your pent up stress.

Tip #4 – Regular health check-ups

They are vital so you know if you’re suffering from any hidden illness. Early detection always leads to better treatment and sometimes the symptoms aren’t so clear and you won’t feel anything until it’s too late. To avoid this scenario, visit your doctor and get routine tests done regularly. According to your age and medical history, your doctor will be able to guide you as to which tests you should undergo. Some common tests that every woman above 25 years of age should get examined for include screening for cervical cancer, breast cancer, STDs, bone mineral density, diabetes etc. Know your body well so that you know if there is something unusual and visit the doctor however small the problem is.

Also read: 10 lifestyle changes to prevent cancer

Tip #5 – Reduce alcohol intake and smoking

Going for a casual drink once in a while has become a trend for many urban women and so has smoking. One often finds many women going for smoke-breaks during office hours or heading out to a club or pub for a round of drinks. What one must keep in mind is to not go overboard with it as anything in excess could lead to problems later. It is recommended that women not drink more than 2-3 units of alcohol every day or more than 14 units per week. These units are calculated based on how strong the drink is and how much alcohol content it has. Below is a table which shows what comprises of a unit of alcohol. You could also download an app to check the units for every drink.

Also read: Why drinking is bad for your weight loss regime

While any amount of smoking is bad, it may be difficult to stop it all together at once but try and cut off little by little until you don’t have the urge to smoke any longer. Think about the harm you are causing your lungs every time you step out to smoke. So this Women’s Day, start your journey towards better health and a better and fit life ahead.

Also read: Smoking more dangerous for women now

March 8 is International Women’s Day. 

A dimly-lit or dark room, a yelping woman, a callous villain and a hero who saves the helpless victim. Bollywood of the 1950s to 1980s almost had a set rape ‘formula’. Fortunately, this has diminished on the silver screen, but sadly, rapes are on the rise off-screen. India witnessed a staggering spiral of 873 percent in rape cases between 1953 and 2011, according to statistics compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau.

Is Bollywood to be blamed? ‘Blaming cinema for influencing young minds is not a fair assumption,’ says film historian S.M.M. Ausaja. ‘Yes, the youth forms a major fraction of the cinema-going public, but every entrant in the theatre is aware of the film’s make-believe nature. Today’s generation is more educated, less gullible and doesn’t fall prey to fiction,’ Ausaja told IANS. Rewind over two decades into the film world – from Pran to Prem Chopra, from Shakti Kapoor to Ranjeet, the arch villains of the bygone era played rapists over and over again. Sometimes as a revenge tool and sometimes as a mark of men’s superiority over the fairer sex – whatever it was, rape unabashedly featured in film scripts.

Mehboob Khan’s ‘Amar’, B.R. Chopra’s ‘Insaaf ka Tarazu’, N.N.Sippy’s ‘Ghar’ and Rajkumar Santoshi’s ‘Damini’ are some examples. But change ensued. Today’s cinema doesn’t have rape scenes per se, but many have blamed double entendre lyrics in sleazy item numbers like ‘Munni badnaam’ and ‘Sheila ki jawani’, uninhibited skin shows and lovemaking on the big screen as aggravators of increased sexual violence against women in real life. The brutal gang rape of a Delhi girl in December 2012 triggered off a national debate over the portrayal of women in popular cinema and TV, and its impact on the general public. However, showbiz singularly cannot be blamed for the rise in crimes against women, noted Samir Parikh, director, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare.

‘No one parameter can be blamed for the rise in any crime. But it is scientifically proven that watching aggression increases the tendency of aggression. Similarly, even if there are too many rape scenes in movies, the objectification of women itself can impact minds. If you promote that, it will have its impact,’ Parekh told IANS.

The need of the hour, then, is perhaps, as veteran actress and social activist Shabana Azmi once put it, that our heroines ‘make more discerning choices’. ‘Crass lyrics, voyeuristic camera angles, fragmented images of heaving breasts, swivelling navels, swinging hips rob women of autonomy. So much easier to blame than to reflect and share part of the blame. All sections of society including films need to analyse how we are part culpable,’ Shabana posted on Twitter.

But that, to no effect so far – except the fact that rape scenes are now abysmally low on the big screen. Reasons Ausaja: ‘It has vanished because a new generation has arrived which doesn’t have cinema as an avenue for titillation, there are other far superior means. Rape in the 1970s and the 1980s unfortunately was used more for its ‘item’ value than as a necessity of the script. ‘There was no internet, no access to porn and no open sale of desi Playboys, and the families were largely conservative. Today’s generation has access to myriad forms of nudity, and they won’t watch a film just because of some skin show in it,’ he added.

To some extent films may impact people’s psyche, but at the same time Parekh feels there are othre important factors that can’t be ignored in perpetuating sexual violence. ‘Like how people here just stand by and let things happen; the law and order of our country; the society – all crimes are a result of collective factors,’ he added. Perhaps then a vivid display of the consequences of rape can help in reducing such crime, once said psychologist Neha Patel. ‘When films show rape scenes, they often focus on the suffering of the girl instead of showing the consequences borne by the man. If this is shown, it might inculcate a feeling of fear in men,’ she said and added: ‘We have seen how ads send out subtle messages.’

Source: IANS