Showing posts with label general awareness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label general awareness. Show all posts
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
10 Dating Don'ts For Men
Dating is picking up popularity in India, as a means to find a partner. But the quest to find ‘the one’ entails meeting all kinds of other specimens along the way. Based on some of my (mis)adventures, here’s a list of things that I wish guys WOULD NOT do on dates.
1. Staring at my bust
There is just no excuse for this. Without entirely condoning it, I’m willing to see that a random guy on a bus or across the street may do this. He has the right to look where he wants. And I have the right to mentally strike him off my list of people I would ever go out with. But when I’m on a date with you, I don’t have that option anymore. Not at least till the end of the date, I’m at least that nice. Be nice to me and don’t treat me like a sex object the very minute we start the date.
2. Ogling other women
This follows from the first since some men use the excuse that ‘I can’t look at you so I’ll look at others’.
1. Staring at my bust
There is just no excuse for this. Without entirely condoning it, I’m willing to see that a random guy on a bus or across the street may do this. He has the right to look where he wants. And I have the right to mentally strike him off my list of people I would ever go out with. But when I’m on a date with you, I don’t have that option anymore. Not at least till the end of the date, I’m at least that nice. Be nice to me and don’t treat me like a sex object the very minute we start the date.
2. Ogling other women
This follows from the first since some men use the excuse that ‘I can’t look at you so I’ll look at others’.
We’re out on a date. That means you and I are getting together to spend some time with each other. Focus on he last three words. One date does not tie you to me but it does warrant the courtesy of your undivided attention at least.
3. Boasting
Showing off probably comes naturally to the male species especially when in the presence of the opposite sex.
Animals do it, insects do it and human men do it too. Only don’t go on and on about it. The showing off is a mating ritual among the aforementioned life forms and ceases once the connection has been made. Assume that the connection has been made the minute the date has been accepted.
3. Boasting
Showing off probably comes naturally to the male species especially when in the presence of the opposite sex.
Animals do it, insects do it and human men do it too. Only don’t go on and on about it. The showing off is a mating ritual among the aforementioned life forms and ceases once the connection has been made. Assume that the connection has been made the minute the date has been accepted.
There’s really no reason to go on and on about the number of foreign trips you go on, how earth-shatteringly important you are to your company, how you were having tea last week with the Dalai Lama and how many thousand books you read in the past year. It’s off putting and most importantly it’s boring. I tuned out the minute you started throwing numbers at me.
4. Not listening at all
It’s a conversation. That means both people talk and listen. Talk some, I’ll listen. Then I’ll talk and you need to do more than stare around the room, ask the waiter for refills and interrupt to tell me about the movie I saw. Believe me, I could interest you with more than my bust. I have a sense of humour, an opinion and intelligence too. Give me a chance to let you see that too.
5. Calling me things like ‘Babe’, ‘Sweetheart’ or ‘Honeybun’
It’s a first date. I could be your girlfriend but I’m not, yet. We could be friends but we haven’t gotten to the place, right now. Undue familiarity and worse, sexist phrases are instant turn-offs. I have a name, use it. I might permit you to give me a nickname, but at least be original.
6. Playing SuperShrink
You’ve probably heard that women dabble in pop psychology. Maybe I have issues. Everyone does, it’s normal.
Don’t put me under a microscope and psycho-analyze me on a date. It’s immensely offensive to tell me I am afraid of getting too close to men because of my Electra complex. If you’re a doctor, that’s work during a leisure activity. BORING. If you’re not a doctor, it tells me you’re just being a creep.
7. Caveating
It’s not cool to be commitment-phobic. I am not concerned with how messy your love life has been so far or how busy you are at work. You can go for a movie alone or have lunch on your own if those are true. If this date is happening, it’s because you agreed to it. Don’t waste my time and yours by coming to a date and then telling me why it can’t go further. If it’s not coming along as well as you thought, just tell me so. I may be disappointed but that’s better than being disgusted. If you’re that terrified of telling me the truth, at least wait till the date’s over. Don’t scuttle it while it’s in progress.
8. Bringing other people along
Are you serious? Friends? Mothers? Siblings? Colleagues? If it’s a date, it’s between two people. Any more and it’s a party, a group or worse – an orgy. I’ve nothing against meeting big groups of people. But not on a date. You ask people out because you want to spend time with them alone. You accept a date for the same reason. For group dos, you get invited and drop in or not. It’s different. Please get that, it messes things
up if you don’t.
9. Self-help style follow throughs
This is important. If the date went well, it’s okay to keep in touch. Strike that, it’s good form, it’s good for you and for me to keep in touch. Please forget what you heard about waiting 2 days before calling (or whatever it was you learnt in school and college). Those games are for adolescents. Send a text message saying it was fun and you’d like to catch up again. Add me on Facebook. Email or drop me a note. Open a chat window and say hi. There are loads of embarrassment-free ways to say that you liked what you saw and would like to know more.
10. Being a jerk
This is super-critical so listen up: Do everything or anything in point.9 only, repeat ONLY if you are interested in going out again. There’s no easy way to say that it didn’t quite ‘happen’ so just don’t say anything at all. But don’t prolong the agony by keeping up the conversation. We’ve spent some time in each other’s company. If it didn’t work out, there’s no reason to waste any more of each other’s time. You don’t get brownie NiceGuy points for acting interested when you are not.
4. Not listening at all
It’s a conversation. That means both people talk and listen. Talk some, I’ll listen. Then I’ll talk and you need to do more than stare around the room, ask the waiter for refills and interrupt to tell me about the movie I saw. Believe me, I could interest you with more than my bust. I have a sense of humour, an opinion and intelligence too. Give me a chance to let you see that too.
5. Calling me things like ‘Babe’, ‘Sweetheart’ or ‘Honeybun’
It’s a first date. I could be your girlfriend but I’m not, yet. We could be friends but we haven’t gotten to the place, right now. Undue familiarity and worse, sexist phrases are instant turn-offs. I have a name, use it. I might permit you to give me a nickname, but at least be original.
6. Playing SuperShrink
You’ve probably heard that women dabble in pop psychology. Maybe I have issues. Everyone does, it’s normal.
Don’t put me under a microscope and psycho-analyze me on a date. It’s immensely offensive to tell me I am afraid of getting too close to men because of my Electra complex. If you’re a doctor, that’s work during a leisure activity. BORING. If you’re not a doctor, it tells me you’re just being a creep.
7. Caveating
It’s not cool to be commitment-phobic. I am not concerned with how messy your love life has been so far or how busy you are at work. You can go for a movie alone or have lunch on your own if those are true. If this date is happening, it’s because you agreed to it. Don’t waste my time and yours by coming to a date and then telling me why it can’t go further. If it’s not coming along as well as you thought, just tell me so. I may be disappointed but that’s better than being disgusted. If you’re that terrified of telling me the truth, at least wait till the date’s over. Don’t scuttle it while it’s in progress.
8. Bringing other people along
Are you serious? Friends? Mothers? Siblings? Colleagues? If it’s a date, it’s between two people. Any more and it’s a party, a group or worse – an orgy. I’ve nothing against meeting big groups of people. But not on a date. You ask people out because you want to spend time with them alone. You accept a date for the same reason. For group dos, you get invited and drop in or not. It’s different. Please get that, it messes things
up if you don’t.
9. Self-help style follow throughs
This is important. If the date went well, it’s okay to keep in touch. Strike that, it’s good form, it’s good for you and for me to keep in touch. Please forget what you heard about waiting 2 days before calling (or whatever it was you learnt in school and college). Those games are for adolescents. Send a text message saying it was fun and you’d like to catch up again. Add me on Facebook. Email or drop me a note. Open a chat window and say hi. There are loads of embarrassment-free ways to say that you liked what you saw and would like to know more.
10. Being a jerk
This is super-critical so listen up: Do everything or anything in point.9 only, repeat ONLY if you are interested in going out again. There’s no easy way to say that it didn’t quite ‘happen’ so just don’t say anything at all. But don’t prolong the agony by keeping up the conversation. We’ve spent some time in each other’s company. If it didn’t work out, there’s no reason to waste any more of each other’s time. You don’t get brownie NiceGuy points for acting interested when you are not.
A version is posted on http://xxfactor.wordpress.com/10-dating-donts-for-men/
Monday, March 07, 2011
WAYS TO UNDERSTAND A BOY
5 ways to understand him better
Women have puzzled over it for years — why the heck do men do the things they do? Why do they profess their love for you one minute, then ignore you the next (say, when an Attila the Hun special turns up on TV)? Why can they not remember our birthdays? Let science explain some of these conundrums — and help you rev up your relationships!
1. Be patient with his memory
The hippocampus, where initial memories are formed, occupies a smaller percent of the male brain than the female brain. If on your first date he can’t remember where you work, even though you told him all about it when you met, just remember that size matters… hippocampus size, that is. Don’t take it personally. (Oh, and don’t be surprised when, months down the line, he has no clue you’ve just changed your hair.)
2. Don’t expect him to get hints
Have a crush on him? You may have to put it out there, because men aren’t as skilled at women at reading subtle emotional cues. As Dr. Larry Cahill of the University of California at Irvine puts it, “We have been assuming that the ways in which emotions are organized in the brain are essentially similar in men and women,” but they aren’t. Parts of the limbic cortex, which is involved in emotional responses, are smaller in men than in women. Additionally, scientists at McMaster University have found that guys have a smaller density of neurons in areas of the temporal lobe that deal with language processing. That’s why it’s probably a good idea to tell him directly how you’re feeling (“I’m kind of hurt that you forgot I hate sushi”). Expecting him to infer from your hints could leave both of you scratching your heads.
1. Be patient with his memory
The hippocampus, where initial memories are formed, occupies a smaller percent of the male brain than the female brain. If on your first date he can’t remember where you work, even though you told him all about it when you met, just remember that size matters… hippocampus size, that is. Don’t take it personally. (Oh, and don’t be surprised when, months down the line, he has no clue you’ve just changed your hair.)
2. Don’t expect him to get hints
Have a crush on him? You may have to put it out there, because men aren’t as skilled at women at reading subtle emotional cues. As Dr. Larry Cahill of the University of California at Irvine puts it, “We have been assuming that the ways in which emotions are organized in the brain are essentially similar in men and women,” but they aren’t. Parts of the limbic cortex, which is involved in emotional responses, are smaller in men than in women. Additionally, scientists at McMaster University have found that guys have a smaller density of neurons in areas of the temporal lobe that deal with language processing. That’s why it’s probably a good idea to tell him directly how you’re feeling (“I’m kind of hurt that you forgot I hate sushi”). Expecting him to infer from your hints could leave both of you scratching your heads.
3. Don’t take conversation lulls personally
In fact, guys in general just aren’t as verbally adept as women are. Large parts of the cortex — the brain’s outer layer that does a big part of recognizing and using subtle language cues — are thinner in men than they are in women. A study led by Dr. Godfrey Pearlson of Johns Hopkins University has shown that two areas in the frontal and temporal lobes that play an important role in language processing are significantly smaller in men. Using MRIs, the Johns Hopkins scientists measured gray matter volumes in several brain regions in 17 females and 43 males. Women had 23 percent more volume than men in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and 13 percent more volume than men in the superior temporal cortex. “Women,” explains Dr. Cahill, “excel in being able to come up with appropriate words, given cues.” Men — not so much. Don’t expect him to chatter with you on dates with the skill of a girlfriend, and don’t assume he’s not interested in you if he occasionally lets the conversation lapse. Think of it this way: he’s simply basking in your moments of quiet companionship.
4. Appreciate his naturally upbeat nature
Does he seem to be “up” most of the time? It’s not your imagination: male brains produce 52 percent more serotonin (the chemical that influences mood) than female brains, according to a study done at McGill University. And studies show that fewer men than women suffer from depression. Guys may also have an easier time rolling with life’s big stresses. If he tells you he recently lost his golden lab or suffered a job loss and doesn’t get all teary, it doesn’t mean he’s heartless; rather, he has healthy stores of serotonin in his system.
5. Don’t expect his take on your relationship history to match yours
He may be incapable of seeing your shared past the way you do. Brain images have started to show that men and women use their brains in vastly different ways. For example, women use the left part of the amygdala — the part of the brain that creates emotional reactions to events — to put memories in order by emotional strength, meaning that something emotionally important to them (like a great first date a couple of months ago) will be ordered in front of what they ate for breakfast yesterday. Men, however, use the right part of the amygdala to put memories in order. Traditionally, the right hemisphere of the brain is associated with the central action of an event, while the left hemisphere is associated with finer details. Translation: you’ll both remember your first date, but he might not remember the color of your sweater or the light rain that was falling that night. It doesn’t mean he was checked out; it just means he’s a guy.
Snehitulam: TIPS TO GET CLOSER TO A GIRL
In fact, guys in general just aren’t as verbally adept as women are. Large parts of the cortex — the brain’s outer layer that does a big part of recognizing and using subtle language cues — are thinner in men than they are in women. A study led by Dr. Godfrey Pearlson of Johns Hopkins University has shown that two areas in the frontal and temporal lobes that play an important role in language processing are significantly smaller in men. Using MRIs, the Johns Hopkins scientists measured gray matter volumes in several brain regions in 17 females and 43 males. Women had 23 percent more volume than men in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and 13 percent more volume than men in the superior temporal cortex. “Women,” explains Dr. Cahill, “excel in being able to come up with appropriate words, given cues.” Men — not so much. Don’t expect him to chatter with you on dates with the skill of a girlfriend, and don’t assume he’s not interested in you if he occasionally lets the conversation lapse. Think of it this way: he’s simply basking in your moments of quiet companionship.
4. Appreciate his naturally upbeat nature
Does he seem to be “up” most of the time? It’s not your imagination: male brains produce 52 percent more serotonin (the chemical that influences mood) than female brains, according to a study done at McGill University. And studies show that fewer men than women suffer from depression. Guys may also have an easier time rolling with life’s big stresses. If he tells you he recently lost his golden lab or suffered a job loss and doesn’t get all teary, it doesn’t mean he’s heartless; rather, he has healthy stores of serotonin in his system.
5. Don’t expect his take on your relationship history to match yours
He may be incapable of seeing your shared past the way you do. Brain images have started to show that men and women use their brains in vastly different ways. For example, women use the left part of the amygdala — the part of the brain that creates emotional reactions to events — to put memories in order by emotional strength, meaning that something emotionally important to them (like a great first date a couple of months ago) will be ordered in front of what they ate for breakfast yesterday. Men, however, use the right part of the amygdala to put memories in order. Traditionally, the right hemisphere of the brain is associated with the central action of an event, while the left hemisphere is associated with finer details. Translation: you’ll both remember your first date, but he might not remember the color of your sweater or the light rain that was falling that night. It doesn’t mean he was checked out; it just means he’s a guy.
Snehitulam: TIPS TO GET CLOSER TO A GIRL
TIPS TO GET CLOSER TO A GIRL
5 Tips To Feel Closer To Her
I wish every guy had this magical ability to see through what us girls want from them, and then do precisely that. So this post is dedicated to all those clueless boyfriends/husbands; my sincere wish is that you find some answers with this post.
Okay look. Let’s face it. We girls are simple creatures. We like to be loved, pampered and spoilt. But, but, but… before you make up your conclusion, know this. Sometimes its just not that simple. And man, you have to keep up.
This nice story on match.com gives a super explanation of how you men can bond better with us women. And trust me, if you follow these instructions, you will have a seriously happy partner (which makes a seriously happy you, right?
Laura Schaefer, the author of ‘Man with Farm Seeks Woman with Tractor: The Best and Worst Personal Ads of All Time‘, wrote this story called 5 tips for bonding with her better, and here are some really reliable (believe me) tips she has given
These are:
1. Pay attention to the little things
So true. If I mention to my guy while he is off at work, that I just got a really bad cough and cold suddenly, would I be happy if that evening, he brings home a huge family pack of ice-cream (even though it’s my favourite)? No. I rest my case.
2. To keep up with her memory, take notes
It’s a scientific fact: women remember everything. And that is why the daily planner was invented. So if we ask you to get the ironed clothes from the ironing-guy on your way home, there is a reason why we ask. All you have to do it remember to get it, or wear a crumpled shirt to work tomorrow.
3. Follow her calm lead versus instigating fights
In public places, especially in restaurants, how many times have you wanted to punch the waiter for getting the wrong item? Relax. That’s you. But if you want to score extra brownie points with your woman, do keep that aggression (and tone as well) to the minimum and the politeness to the max.
4. Write her a poem… or at least a cute email
Yes. Yes. Yes. I know you guys may not be Lord Byrons and John Keats of the world; but hey, a romantic little handwritten note, or a cute e-card (no excuses, there are sooo many e-card websites) once in a while would be such a bonus … for you.
5. Be her serotonin
Now, there is a reason why women are much more emotional than men. It’s a proven fact that women’s brains produce much less serotonin — the ‘happy’ brain chemical — than male brains do. What does that mean? It simply means, we need to vent if we have a hard day at work, and we want your full attention. Also, a foot rub or massage would be such a bonus … again, for you. After all, you are scoring all those points, aren’t you?
Try these out and tell me what you think.
And for the ladies, for the other side of this story, make sure you read 5 Ways To Understand Him Better.
How love keeps you healthy
Get in the mood
A fulfilling relationship with your partner helps you overcome your daily challenges-a difficult boss, rush hour traffic, rising prices and random rudeness from strangers-and multiplies your joys. You have something (or someone) to fall back on every day (thank God!). You are calmer and securer. How could that not be good for you? But it's not just that feeling of high, or the sense of security that makes love so wonderful.
There's emerging evidence about the physical benefits of love too: sex, kinship and caring all improve heart health, boost immunity, lower stress and give that wow glow to your skin! In fact, it may not be long before doctors prescribe steamy sex, romantic getaways and compassionate communication in addition to a healthy diet, exercise and sleep. Sounds good? Explore love with your partner to bring on happiness and cash in on the health gains.
There's emerging evidence about the physical benefits of love too: sex, kinship and caring all improve heart health, boost immunity, lower stress and give that wow glow to your skin! In fact, it may not be long before doctors prescribe steamy sex, romantic getaways and compassionate communication in addition to a healthy diet, exercise and sleep. Sounds good? Explore love with your partner to bring on happiness and cash in on the health gains.
Love protects your heart
A 2007 study from the University of Pittsburgh found that women who are in good marriages or relationships have a much lower risk of heart disease than those in high-stress ones. "This is possibly because being in a loving relationship reduces stress, which is a major risk factor for heart disease," explains Dr Anil Mishra,medmedical director and senior consultant interventional cardiologist at Kolkata's BM Birla Heart Research Centre.
It's equally beneficial for men: men who have sex twice or more a week are up to 45% less likely to have a heart attack and stroke than those who have sex once a month or less, according to several studies.
A 2007 study from the University of Pittsburgh found that women who are in good marriages or relationships have a much lower risk of heart disease than those in high-stress ones. "This is possibly because being in a loving relationship reduces stress, which is a major risk factor for heart disease," explains Dr Anil Mishra,medmedical director and senior consultant interventional cardiologist at Kolkata's BM Birla Heart Research Centre.
It's equally beneficial for men: men who have sex twice or more a week are up to 45% less likely to have a heart attack and stroke than those who have sex once a month or less, according to several studies.
It keeps you disease-proof
Studies have shown that lovemaking increases the levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that is the body's first line of defence in fighting bugs that cause diseases and infections. This gives your immunity an overall boost helping you keep diseases at bay.
One of the most concrete pieces of evidence comes from a study by Carl J Charnetski, PhD, a professor of psychology at Wilkes University and co-author of Feeling Good Is Good for You. He measured the immune function of 112 college students, many of whom were in close, loving relationships.
He found that those who had sex with their partner once or twice a week had higher amounts of immunoglobulin A than those who had sex less than once a week or not at all. Charnetski was, however, surprised to discover that the immune systems of those who had sex three or more times a week werecomparable to the no-sex group. According to Charnetski, the possible explanation for this was that "couples who have sex just once a week are simply in healthier, more secure relationships and have nothing to prove."
Studies have shown that lovemaking increases the levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that is the body's first line of defence in fighting bugs that cause diseases and infections. This gives your immunity an overall boost helping you keep diseases at bay.
One of the most concrete pieces of evidence comes from a study by Carl J Charnetski, PhD, a professor of psychology at Wilkes University and co-author of Feeling Good Is Good for You. He measured the immune function of 112 college students, many of whom were in close, loving relationships.
He found that those who had sex with their partner once or twice a week had higher amounts of immunoglobulin A than those who had sex less than once a week or not at all. Charnetski was, however, surprised to discover that the immune systems of those who had sex three or more times a week werecomparable to the no-sex group. According to Charnetski, the possible explanation for this was that "couples who have sex just once a week are simply in healthier, more secure relationships and have nothing to prove."
It helps you fight cortisol
"Research on the neurobiology of love has shown its impact on several hormones and neuro-transmitters," says Prevention advisor Dr Prabha S Chandra, professor of psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru. Romantic love, triggers the release of several neuro-transmitters such as dopamine, neuro-hormones like oxytocin and neuro-peptides like endorphin, that have an overall bearing on stress and well-being.
"These happy chemicals have a positive effect on your cerebral (and physical) ambience and seem to dispel disease-and-stress-inducing negative chemicals," explains Dr Jitendra Nagpal, senior consultant psychiatrist, Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (VIMHANS) and MoolchandMedcity, New Delhi. The release of oxytocin, for example, evokes feelings of contentment, calmness and a sense of security focussed around your partner. Combined, all of these help to reduce stress.
Sex, experts emphasise, is only one aspect of love, important, but not as powerful as the real magic in relationships-bonding. That sense of being united, even when bad times strike, is what Brian Baker, a psychiatrist at the University of Toronto, calls cohesion. And Baker's research has found that cohesion is crucial to both health and happiness (more than a good sex life!).
In one study, he tracked 229 adults under job strain. Though they had higher BP to begin with, spouses in pleasurable marriages actually helped to lower systolic BP by 2.5 mm/Hg over a 12-month period.
He also found that happy couples seem to know almost instinctively that doing things together and spending more time with each other adds to their happiness (see Work Out Together and Come Closer). It's not that sex didn't matter to these couples. "It's one component of satisfaction, but at the end of the day it was their emotional collaboration that kept the marriage strong," Baker adds.
It keeps you fit
Sex is a fantastic workout! Says Dr Sudhakar Krishnamurti, andrologist, micro-surgeon, sexual medicine expert, and founder of Andromeda Andrology Centre, Hyderabad, "A vigorous round of sex can burn mega calories!" Studies say it can vary from 85 to 200 calories depending on the intensity and duration.
This is the equivalent of walking between half an hour to an hour on the treadmill. "If it's vigorous, the pulse rate rises to about 150, which is equivalent to an athlete's pulse rate at maximum effort. Plus, the sexual act builds the muscles of the pelvis, buttocks, thighs, arms, neck and the thorax," says Krishnamurti.
Mumbai-based Reebok master trainer Vinata Shetty explains that the pelvic floor muscles that you build through sex not only prevent conditions like urinary continence but also lead to improved core strength.
It makes your skin glow
Sex increases blood circulation which pumps oxygen into your skin, making it glow. "Also, when you are happy (and love does makes you happy, right?), your endocrine system (that regulates your hormones) functions properly, creating a good oestrogen-progesteron balance that has a good effect on your skin," explains Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Aparna Santhanam.
Get in the mood for love, people. Getting healthy will never be so much fun!
"Research on the neurobiology of love has shown its impact on several hormones and neuro-transmitters," says Prevention advisor Dr Prabha S Chandra, professor of psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru. Romantic love, triggers the release of several neuro-transmitters such as dopamine, neuro-hormones like oxytocin and neuro-peptides like endorphin, that have an overall bearing on stress and well-being.
"These happy chemicals have a positive effect on your cerebral (and physical) ambience and seem to dispel disease-and-stress-inducing negative chemicals," explains Dr Jitendra Nagpal, senior consultant psychiatrist, Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (VIMHANS) and MoolchandMedcity, New Delhi. The release of oxytocin, for example, evokes feelings of contentment, calmness and a sense of security focussed around your partner. Combined, all of these help to reduce stress.
Sex, experts emphasise, is only one aspect of love, important, but not as powerful as the real magic in relationships-bonding. That sense of being united, even when bad times strike, is what Brian Baker, a psychiatrist at the University of Toronto, calls cohesion. And Baker's research has found that cohesion is crucial to both health and happiness (more than a good sex life!).
In one study, he tracked 229 adults under job strain. Though they had higher BP to begin with, spouses in pleasurable marriages actually helped to lower systolic BP by 2.5 mm/Hg over a 12-month period.
He also found that happy couples seem to know almost instinctively that doing things together and spending more time with each other adds to their happiness (see Work Out Together and Come Closer). It's not that sex didn't matter to these couples. "It's one component of satisfaction, but at the end of the day it was their emotional collaboration that kept the marriage strong," Baker adds.
It keeps you fit
Sex is a fantastic workout! Says Dr Sudhakar Krishnamurti, andrologist, micro-surgeon, sexual medicine expert, and founder of Andromeda Andrology Centre, Hyderabad, "A vigorous round of sex can burn mega calories!" Studies say it can vary from 85 to 200 calories depending on the intensity and duration.
This is the equivalent of walking between half an hour to an hour on the treadmill. "If it's vigorous, the pulse rate rises to about 150, which is equivalent to an athlete's pulse rate at maximum effort. Plus, the sexual act builds the muscles of the pelvis, buttocks, thighs, arms, neck and the thorax," says Krishnamurti.
Mumbai-based Reebok master trainer Vinata Shetty explains that the pelvic floor muscles that you build through sex not only prevent conditions like urinary continence but also lead to improved core strength.
It makes your skin glow
Sex increases blood circulation which pumps oxygen into your skin, making it glow. "Also, when you are happy (and love does makes you happy, right?), your endocrine system (that regulates your hormones) functions properly, creating a good oestrogen-progesteron balance that has a good effect on your skin," explains Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Aparna Santhanam.
Get in the mood for love, people. Getting healthy will never be so much fun!
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
FEW IMPORTANT TIPS TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE BATTERY……
DEAR ALL,
FEW IMPORTANT TIPS TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE BATTERY……
Notebook PCs operate on two kinds of power: A/C power (the kind of power
that you get from plugging a power adapter into a wall outlet) and D/C power
(the kind of power that you get from a battery). Get the most out of your
notebook's battery life cycle by following these suggestions.
Users often ask how long should their battery last between charges, or why
does one model of computer get better battery performance than another.
There is no simple answer. Battery life will vary depending on the product
configuration, product model, operating system, applications loaded on the
product, power management setting of the product, and the product features
used by the customer. For all batteries used in an electronic device, the
maximum capacity of the battery will decrease with time and usage.
Power plans
A power plan is a collection of hardware and system settings that manages
how your computer uses power. Power plans can help you save energy, maximize
system performance, or achieve a balance between the two. Learn more about
power plans by clicking HP
<http://h10025.www1.hp.com/
8> Notebook PCs - Power Management for Vista or HP
<http://h10025.www1.hp.com/
3> Notebook PCs - Power Management for Windows 7 .
Maximizing the capacity and life span of the battery
It is important to be aware of ways that you can care for the battery in
your notebook PC. There are conditions that may reduce battery run time and
life span.
Factors that contribute to loss of battery capacity
* Li-Ion battery cells suffer gradual, irreversible capacity loss with
each discharge-charge cycle. Such aging occurs more rapidly as temperature
and discharge loads increase.
* The self-discharge rate of a Li-Ion battery is higher if the battery
is left in an unpowered notebook.
* During prolonged storage or non-use, the battery charge will
decrease below its recommended low-voltage level.
* Leaving the battery in a depleted condition for an extended period
accelerates the decrease in full charge capacity. Leaving the battery at a
high level of charge in a high-temperature environment for extended periods
(for example, running a notebook computer in a docking station under a heavy
load) also accelerates the loss of capacity.
* Running high-end applications using the battery accelerates the loss
of capacity. For example, playing 3D games lowers full charge capacity
faster than using word processing applications.
Recommended battery care practices
Recommendations for battery usage and storage are covered in the HP User
Guides for each model.
Additional battery care practices are as follows:
* Store Li-Ion batteries between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F) with
30% to 50% charge.
* Do not disassemble, crush, or puncture a battery; do not short the
external contacts on a battery; and, do not dispose of a battery in fire or
water.
* Do not leave batteries exposed to high temperatures for extended
periods. Prolonged exposure to heat (for example, inside a hot car)
accelerates the deterioration of Li-Ion cells.
* Remove the battery if the notebook will be stored (turned off and
not plugged into AC power) for more than 2 weeks.
* Remove the battery from the notebook if the notebook will be plugged
into AC power continuously (via a wall adapter or docking station) for more
than 2 weeks.
* Use the type of battery with the highest capacity (Ah) rating if the
notebook will run high-end applications on battery power.
* Calibrate the battery based on the usage model. Under normal usage,
batteries should be calibrated a minimum of once every 2 - 3 months;
however, a battery that is rarely discharged fully should be calibrated
about once a month.
* Keep the battery away from children.
* Use only the battery provided with the computer, a replacement
battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased as an accessory.
* Run the Battery Check in the HP Support Assistant once a month to
maintain the battery.
Back
<http://h10025.www1.hp.com/
lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN#
Tips for conserving battery power
You can manually change the power consumption of your notebook PC and
conserve battery power.
* Reduce the number of open applications . Every application uses
memory, and therefore power, even when the application widow is minimized.
Exit any application the is not being used.
* Reduce the brightness of the screen to the minimum readable level.
Use the Fn and F7 or F8 keys to adjust the brightness.
* Remove peripherals when not in use. External hard drives, CD-ROMs,
Zip drives, PC cards, and other peripheral devices can draw power from your
battery even when they are not in active use. Disconnect them when you are
finished using them.
* Reduce the speed of your processor. The faster your computer works,
the more quickly it uses up the supply of power. You can extend the charge
of your battery by slowing down your processor's speed. Methods to reduce
processor speed vary from model to model, and your manual should provide
instructions for doing so.
* Turn off the Wireless On-Off button when it is not in use. If your
notebook has one, press the Wireless On-Off button so that the light turns
off.
* Change the power option setting from High performance to either HP
Recommended or Power saver to conserve battery power.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
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