Cough Etiquette: Does that exist?

It’s winter and the respiratory ailments are here again. 
Colds and flu have the ability to spread easily via the transmission of the germs through the air, carried on droplets.

If dispersal of these droplets can be prevented then infection transmission can be reduced. Cough etiquette can help to contain infectious respiratory droplets at the source.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  
  A cloth handkerchief can act as a breeding ground for the germs that are causing the infection. Carrying a used handkerchief around when you are sick may spread your germs.

• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
  
  
  

• Turn away from other people when coughing/sneezing.

• Put your used tissue in a waste basket.
  
  
  
• Try to keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
  
  
  
• Remember to wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after coughing or sneezing.

• Help to prevent spread of infection by using face masks when sick.

• Keep safe distance of at least 3 feet from others when sitting in common public areas.

Love and a cough cannot be hid. 

Hangover: Alcohol or FOOD?

In the midst of the marriage season, it is not uncommon to encounter upset tummies the day after the big fat wedding. All fingers are pointed towards the catering staff and their lack of proper hygiene. But are they the ones to blame?

It is a well known fact that when we point a finger at others, four fingers point back towards us. So, let's introspect and unearth some revelations.

That gets us to this concept of Food Hangover. We have always heard of an alcohol hangover and logically the former too would indicate an overindulgence in food or simply put - overeating.

"Eat to your heart's content".  But more often than not, that would surpass your gut's content.

A fatty, spicy, salty, or sugary meal or a meal too big for the body to handle, especially a dinner would very likely cause a hangover the next morning.

Abdominal bloating, heartburn, indigestion and nausea are commonly experienced the next day. The body feels lethargic and may lead to inactivity.

The best way to prevent a food hangover is to plan the meals properly and avoid starving, which almost always leads to overeating. Avoid a heavy meal at night to allow the body to digest the food before bedtime. Avoid alcohol, aerated drinks and caffeine since these can cause dehydration and aggravate the issue.

However, the symptoms can be ameliorated by drinking lots of water, chewing gum which aids digestion by increasing the saliva formation, or by taking a walk in the park.

One should eat to live, not live to eat.