Metro Mart April 2018

METRO mart Volume 07 Issue 10 `50 April 2018

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

All for a unique

dining experience

Mall

Culture the new vista

of shopping

Kochi gets

largest

convention center in India www.metromartdaily.com

April 2018

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April 2018

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A D I V I S I O N O F H A P PY & R U BY G R O U P 4

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April 2018

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

 Foreword Dear Readers The summer vacation is progressing. Children are enjoying their favourite time of the year.

Trips to cherished destinations, visiting their relatives, getting ready for the new school season – et al are happening across the State.

Vacation planners, hotels, resorts, and allied businesses find the crowd to be heartening.

The bounty of rains during the summer added to the touch of variety and gave a muchneeded respite from the summer heat.

Another Academic year is about to begin.

Schools are adding finishing touches to welcome the first timers and the promoted ones during the reopening. Galloping ahead is the government establishments in association with educational institutions, preparing for provide smooth traffic and ensure safety to students and teachers. Efforts are on to create awareness on safety and security measures among the students, inside and outside the campus.

And the Monsoon season is at our doorsteps.

The district administration has put in measures to provide the public a safe and secure monsoon season. What does the monsoon have for the tourism sector? Well, it is yet another opportunity for showcasing the natural and scenic beauty of Kerala.

Tourism organizations have already begun campaigning to bring in more and more tourists during the monsoon season. Going over the response in the past, it can be seen that monsoon season in Kerala is becoming a not-to-be-missed event for people who enjoy nature.

Siji Nair

Managing Editor & Director e-mail: sijicn@gmail.com

The Monsoon season is at our doorsteps. The district administration has put in measures to provide the public a safe and secure monsoon season.

As we continue to chronicle the delightful happenings in the State, we welcome you – readers – suggestions and comments on our articles.

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April 2018

CONTENTS Volume 7 - Issue 10 - April 2018

www.metromartdaily.com Read our e-edition: www.issuu.com/metromart Annual Subscription Rs 500

Publisher

Managing Editor & Director

Editor Editorial Assistant Creative Team

Hari Shanker Siji Nair

sijicn@gmail.com

V. Viswanath Ampili Nair Praveen Popins JIJU Popins

Business Development Manager Ratheesh Kumar Manager-PR Raj Nijith Asst Manager- Sales & Marketing Jayaprakash RP Manager-Administration Sajith Sadasivan

Corporate Office:-

10. M all Culture the new vista of shopping 18. Kochi gets largest convention center in India 22. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve 26. All for a unique dining experience 28. The Pinroll Live Bakery & Restaurant 32. Valiyakadayil Budget Restaurant 36. I mbibing Healthy Eating High Range Take Away Restaurant 40. SIST Annual day & tech fest celebrated

Metro Mart Thiruvananthapuram MERA 44, Eanthivila Lane, Murinjapalam, Medical College PO, Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 695 011 Tel: 0091 9995139933 / 9947733339 Email: metromart.tvm@gmail.com

42. G oAir bags Gold Award

Kolkata Office

48. M ambazha Puliserry From A Typical Palaghat Brahmin House

313, Dorikal Byelane, Jheel Avenue, Dum Dum Road, Kolkata – 700 074, India

Pune Office C-507, Wisteria Fortune Survey No: 95/2, Near New Poona Bakery Wakad, Pune - 411057

44. WED 2018 Less Plastic for Quality Life

50. Pediatric Endocrinology A Kaleidoscope

Published, Edited and Printed by Hari Shanker A G and Owned by Haritha Media Pvt Ltd and Printed by him at SB Press Private Limited, Statue, Trivandrum 695001 and Published from Tharangam, Kodunganoor Post, Trivandrum 695013 Metro Mart is a monthly journal published from Trivandrum. Views and opinions expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Publishers.

Metro Mart reserves the right to use the information published here in any manner whatsoever. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published in this edition, neither the Publisher no any of its employees accept any responsibilities for any errors or omissions. Š All Rights Reserved

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RNI No: KERENG/2011/40037

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April 2018

Shopping

Mall Culture

the new vista of shopping P J Sam Alex

10 April 2018

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

We

love to shop and its sprouting malls everywhere! Malls, the new Mecca of modern shopping!

India, in the era of prosumerism, has witnessed the emergence of a mass culture, wherein global proliferation of retail business has altered the nature of shopping in India. Shopping is no more a boring activity. Much of this shift in the buyer preferences have been attributed to the emergence of mall culture in India.

Thiruvananthapuram, known for its centuries-old cultural heritage and economic prosperity, is home to numerous

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Malls have become a high-end shopping destination with almost all international lifestyle brands made available.

Malls have seized the traditional marketplace.

April 2018

central and public sector undertakings and establishments. The city is all geared up to change its face as a sleepy town, the city of Babus (government servants) to an exotic shopping location in the coming years. A huge retail boom is all set to storm the city. The IT corridor from Chakka to Kazhakootam is being branded the New Trivandrum, owing to its share of upcoming development projects. Four shopping destinations are underway to be developed along this stretch near the NH bypass.

for the public by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Seven multiplex theatres, Playaza — a 15,000 sq ft play area with 11 indoor rides, 9D theatre, 60 video kiosks — a hyper market, jewellery showrooms, electronics and home appliances showroom, showrooms of lifestyle products, and a food court with 22 multi-cuisine restaurants are the key attractions apart from several brand outlets.

Ananthapuri has begun to bear a new landmark on its commercial landscape with the largest shopping mall in the state. The Malabar Group-owned Mall of Travancore is all set to change the shopping landscape of the city. It provides an experience of global standards. The visitors are greeted by a large vertical garden, boasted to be the largest in the country.With over 300 brand outlets, ultra-modern multiplexes and desi to international eating spots, the mall is sure to please the shopping and retail appetite of the city.

Mall of Travancore bears the exception of being the first green mall in the country.

A slew of environment-friendly initiatives have been taken by the authorities that make the project unique. The frontage of the Mall of Travancore, 70% of which is covered by vertical garden, is just an introduction to the green initiatives.

The sewage treatment plant, which can process three lakh litres of waste per day, will help in recycling water. This recycled water will be used in cooling towers in air conditioners, in toilet flush tanks and for irrigation needs of the mall. To reduce use of plastic waste, the mall authorities are using reusable cutleries on the food courts.

The Mall of Travancore has been opened

The mall has been envisioned to bestow

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upon the people of Kerala, a one stop shop for non-stop fun. The architectural wonder, on a whopping area of over 7 lakh sq.ft of shopping space, will provide a worldclass shopping experience. The Malabar Group is keen to provide an international shopping experience with a local flavor.

The Travancore mall is all geared up to be the prime lifestyle destination for all the shopaholics.

With a pleasant and energizing ambience, the mall hosts state-of-the-art facilities to cater to the shopping and entertainment needs of its customers. From spacious food court to specialized fine dining restaurants to exotic juice bars, the malls will surely please our appetite. Seven multiplex screens enabled with Dolby Digital Surround sound will provide a visually impressive cinema experience to all the cinephiles in the State. A vast play area for kids, 9D theatre and area for celebrations are all part of the package. With restaurants featuring exotic cuisines and global food

court brands, the mall is poised to be a lifestyle-integrated model. The exquisite food court proves to be an excellent hangout spot for friends and family.

Upon its grant inauguration, the Travancore mall has witnessed a great crowd especially during the weekends. New brand outlets are being opened, Easybuy, the new apparel value retail format from the Landmark Group being the latest. www.metromartdaily.com

Owned by Artech realtors, a new commercial space to start Future group’s retail branch Central in the city is on its way. With an area of about 1 lakh sq. ft, it will host food courts, four multiplex screens over the third and fourth floors and parking space in the basement. Apparently, Lulu Mall’s second project is expected to be launched around November 2019. It’s said to feature over 200 international brand outlets, the Lulu Hypermarket, food courts, a nine-screen multiplex and much more.

Another upcoming project, the Embassy Taurus World Technology Centre at

Seven multiplex screens enabled with Dolby Digital Surround sound will provide a visually impressive cinema experience to all the cinephiles in the State.

Technopark phase-III campus includes a 175 key business hotel to be operated

by Hilton. It will also have plug-andplay facilities for startups and small businesses. There is immense potential for employment generation as more malls and outlets of international brands are planning to open their facilities in the capital city, which may prove a boon for the economic sector.

April 2018

Being elite structures of architectural marvel, shopping malls have become signatures of the emerging metropolitan landscape in the state. Malls have become exceptional infrastructures housing a plethora of both international and local brands, bringing to shoppers a retail experience rich in luxury and top-notch facilities for entertainment. With the launch of HiLite Mall in Kozhikode and malls like the Prestige Forum Mall, Great India Palace, Lulu Mall in Kochi and Mall of Travancore and a second Lulu Mall in Thiruvananthapuram getting ready, the mall culture is reaching new heights in the State.

Lately, shopping malls are instrumental in shifting the consumer behavior in urban areas. They have become a socializing hub, where the entertainment quotient is of much greater relevance. Having transformed into a public space that’s committed to intensive urban activity,malls have become places not just to shop, but provide one-stop solution for their shopping, luncheons, meetings and also play spaces for their children. The emergence of a public domain where 14 April 2018

the middle class is fast growing to be economically stable has assisted in the success of shopping malls. They have changed the consumer perception towards shopping and made it a more enthusiastic affair. People have started to perceive shopping to be a fun and entertaining experience rather than being a pain in the neck.

Malls have become a high-end shopping destination with almost all international lifestyle brands made available. Malls have seized the traditional marketplace.

The market penetration of cosmopolitan lifestyle companies into the Indian market and an emerging class of brand-conscious consumers have made shopping malls a more lucrative aspect for the Indian retail industry. Malls present themselves as a one-stop affair for all needs of the consumer in the most pleasurable and economic way.

Malls have provided a growing space for multiplex cinema halls, where state of the art theatre screens impart an immersive film-going experience to the consumer. The use of most-advanced film exhibition techniques ranging from

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April 2018

4K-projection, IMAX to exceptional 3D-viewing experiences has boosted the entertainment industry and malls have become a favorite for the cinebuffs. The reluctance among audiences, especially the younger lot, to settle for anything but the best when it comes to movie experience has added to the cause of multiplex culture. Also, the film industry is shifting to the more public spaces of malls, from the high-end hotel settings, for their audio launches and other promotional activities, aiming for a wider reach.

Food court space is usually immediately absorbed in malls. Many visitors now see malls primarily as a repository of costeffective multi-cuisine food. From local to international food and beverage outlets, the malls are coming up with food courts with ambient atmosphere. Both regional and trans-national fast-food chains have made their presence in the shopping malls and witness steady surge in their clientele; international franchises like the KFC, McDonalds pull in a large mass.

With the shopping psyche of desi consumers changing,malls started providing space for recreational activities as well. There has been a steady growth in the recreational business on the grounds of shopping malls in the recent times.

Fun-areas with an objective to lure children have become major points of attraction in many major malls. Facilities like 7D - 9D theatres, mammoth rides for children are all becoming a part of the malls. Spaces for play areas, family get-together, partying areas for birthday celebrations are also being provided intended to improve the fun-element in malls.

Malls have transformed into a public space for the confluence of ideas, cultures and people. Nowadays, people of different ages, ethnicities, cultures and classtend to indulge in a variety of interactions through the various cultural and social events on the open premises of shopping malls. The numerous open events held at the central courts of the malls on every occasion, like Onam, Christmas, Ramzaan, Independence 16 April 2018

Day adds to the feeling of communal harmony and provides an ambience of joy and happiness.

The rising popularity of malls for shopping, less regulated interactions and leisure activities has changed the face of shopping in India. Malls have evolved now as a centre of urban lifestyle and a favorite place to hangout, which has evidently ushered in a shopping revolution in India.

They brought out a drastic transition in shopping patterns and made malls a place to rejuvenate, socialise and entertain. Thus, malls have been instrumental in changing the shopping and consumption pattern of the Indian consumer. They brought about a feeling of amusement and satisfaction to the otherwise tedious affair.

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April 2018

Tourism

Kochi gets

largest

convention

center in India

Lulu Group’s Rs.1,800cr. dream project inaugurated 18 April 2018

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

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AE based retail conglomerate, Lulu Group International launched its mega project in Kochi. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala officially inaugurated the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Center & Grand Hyatt in the presence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, UAE Minister for Tolerance, HH Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Bahrain Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Yusuffali MA, chairman of Lulu group along with ambassadors of UAE, KSA & Bahrain and other dignitaries.

The Rs. 1,800 crore mega project is part of its Rs. 13,000 cr. expansion plan in India in the retail, hospitality & food processing sectors.

Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre is billed as largest of its kind in India with over 10 lakh sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor space including two customizable and column-free venues with a total capacity of around 10,000 people. LIWA, is the largest hall in the convention center with 20,000 sq. ft. and can take more than 5,000 people at a time. It has also got a unique automated re-tractable seating system, which is first of its kind in the country.

Speaking at the glittering function Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the historic and vital

Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre is billed as largest of its kind in India with over 10 lakh sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor space including two customizable and column-free venues with a total capacity of around 10,000 people. role played by Indians especially Keralites, in the development of UAE and fondly recalled “Lulu, as where the UAE goes to shop”. Being the minister for tolerance , I am deeply touched by the hospitality, education and ever smiling spirit of Keralites”.

Bahrain Deputy PM hailed the long & strong relationship between India and Bahrain,

Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala officially inaugurating the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Center & Grand Hyatt in the presence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, UAE Minister for Tolerance, HH Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Bahrain Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Yusuffali MA, chairman of Lulu group and other top dignitaries.

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April 2018

and appreciated the role played by people like Yusuffali in further strengthening the economic & cultural aspects of Bahrain.”

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said “Kerala is a tourist hub and we need many more projects like this to boost

The convention centre has 3 helipads and parking capacity for more than 1500 cars. With a prime waterfront location, the convention centre is a 45-minute drive from Cochin International Airport and is connected to all major road networks.

our economy, and Kerala will always will welcome any investment in these sectors”

from Cochin International Airport and is connected to all major road networks.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said “the Govt. is prodevelopment and is working tirelessly to develop the infrastructure and road network across India and I invite investors to exploit the abundant possibilities available here.”

Speaking on the occasion of inauguration of the new project Yusuffali MA said “this is my dream project in Kerala and I am sure this will go a long way in making Kochi & Kerala the tourist and MICE hub of India”.

The convention centre has 3 helipads and parking capacity for more than 1500 cars. With a prime waterfront location, the convention centre is a 45-minute drive 20 April 2018

“With the increase in conferences & summits in Kerala, the tourism and related sectors will

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see tremendous growth in both revenues and economic activities which will propel all round growth of god’s own country”, he added.

The spacious urban, waterfront luxury project is set on 26 acres of landscaped grounds in an extraordinary location on the Bolgatty Island, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty will feature an array of Suites, rooms, luxury villas to suit the taste & demands of discerning travellers & tourists to God’s own country.

For guests looking to explore the local community, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty will provide a selection of extraordinary activities and locally inspired experiences, such as a guided tour of nearby Bolgatty Palace or a boat ride from the island’s jetty to Fort Kochi. With Kerala Tourism promoting the destination to the GCC www.metromartdaily.com

Yusuffali MA said “this is my dream project in Kerala and I am sure this will go a long way in making Kochi & Kerala the tourist and MICE hub of India”. with its ‘Yalla Kerala Campaign’, the state is gearing up for an increase in international arrivals this season.

Designed by architects from Wimberly Allison Tong and Coo UK Ltd (WATG), Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Center & Grand Hyatt Kochi is located near the historic and picturesque town of Fort Kochi and is fully surrounded by back waters with a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea. April 2018

Travel

22 April 2018

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Tiger Parambikulam

Reserve

The challenging hill ranges here are placed at an altitude of 300 to 1438 m above sea level and the place offers a good climate with temperatures ranging from 15 degree Celsius to 32 degree Celsius.

Pa

rambikulam Tiger Reserve is situated in Chittur taluk of Palakkad district and is about 100 km away from Palakkad. The challenging hill ranges here are placed at an altitude of 300 to 1438 m above sea level and the place offers a good climate with temperatures ranging from 15 degree Celsius to 32 degree Celsius. Sprawling over an area of 285 sq km, Parambikulam can boast of the first scientifically managed teak plantations of the world and also houses the world’s tallest and oldest teak tree.

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April 2018

The reserve’s claim to fame is the tiger population - which shows significant increase in periodical censuses. According to the 2010 census, Parambikulam and surrounding sanctuaries are home to 32-36 tigers. About 39 species of mammals, 16 species of amphibians, 61 species of reptiles, 47 species of fish, over 1000 species of insects and 124 species of butterflies have been reported from the region. The presence of 250 species of birds offers fantastic bird watching opportunities. The lush habitats are home to some spectacular species like the Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, the Peninsular Bay Owl, the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, the Black-capped Kingfisher, the Great Black Woodpecker and the Lesser Grey-headed Fish Eagle.

The reserve nestles between the Anamalai hills and the Nell eenery below. They are the 1438m-high Karimala Gopuram in the south, 1,290m-high Pandaravarai in the north, 1,120m-high Vengolimala in the east and 1010m-high Puliyarapadam. The Vengolimala is frequented by travelers to have a glance of the Nilgir Tahr, an endangered species. The Karimalai offers a spectacular view of the Thunakadavu and Parambikulam reservoirs. Travellers can climb the watchtower to get a panoramic view of the rivers and lush green valleys.

24 April 2018

The reserve’s claim to fame is the tiger population - which shows significant increase in periodical censuses.

The reserve is credited with the first scientifically managed teak plantation in the world which was later merged with the forest land. Here stands the world’s largest and oldest teak tree. Named “Kannimara” (corrupt version of Irish name Connemara), the tree is believed to be 350 years old has a height of 40m and girth of 6.4m. It requires four persons with their outstretched hands to encircle the tree. The tribals living in the forests consider the tree as an abode of celestial beings. Worships and special prayers are conducted here periodically.  For more details: The Wild Life Warden, Parambikulam Wildlife Division, Anappad, Via Pollachi, Palakkad. Ph: +91 4253 277233 mail: www.parambikulam@forest.kerala.gov.in Website: www.parambikulam.org

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April 2018

Dining

All for a unique dining experience

T

hiruvananthapuram, the otherwise laid back capital of the state too is catching up with the changes that happen in the world all over. Normally it is a humble city with its age old charm of complacency.

But now the mood is one of upbeat .The young brigades of the district want to savor everything the world has to offer. So much so, the city saw the mushrooming of many a food joints and hangouts in and around‌ The Mexican, Chinese, Thai, and the Arab world find its way into the dining habits of the urbanite and semi urbanite folks .The growth in the socio economic status of the people also cater to this boom of food courts. The old Gopalan nair and his tea shop, where the village folks assembled to discuss international issues has become a myth. The age old saying even if you go to the moon you will find Gopalettan running a teashop there no longer holds

26 April 2018

good. Even the old hamlets are a passÊ. The new gen gets to know of those cultures only through flick of that age. The Tamilians’ open kitchen joints where they serve tea and vada and the Bengalis who serve in moderate food parlours are the growing trends.

If you look at the evolution of thattu kadas or roadside fast food stalls, it can be traced back to three decades. This desi version of the fast food started as a means of

The growth in the socio economic status of the people also cater to this boom of food courts.

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A research on thattukadas or thattus as affectionately called reveals us that it was popularized by Pai brothers in 1984 food for bachelors and young migrants without family and as a cheaper alternative.

A research on thattukadas or thattus as affectionately called reveals us that it was popularized by Pai brothers in 1984. But the scenario has seen a sea change .If it was frequented only by bachelors and menfolk now without any gender bias all and sundry rely on this humble jaunt for their dinner. As cine artist Navya Nair once

anyone is the nadan or ethnic delights .Anything preceded with a nadan or thani nadan- the innate flavor is sure to tickle anybody’s palate. Sounds unsophisticated?

Hey! Come on, going traditional has become a fad. And it surely conjures up images of home cooked delicacies right?

Yes, that’s the idea worked out behind this lucrative business. Food joints that serve burgers to pizzas to big and moderate restaurants that present world class cuisine has changed the façade of the city over the years.

Mexican delights ,Thai special ,Chinese flavours ,Arab food you may find a plethora of food stalls that invite you with signboards of mouth watering delicacies .But the end of the day it’s the kappa(tapioca) meen curry(fish curry) or appam chicken stew that steals your heart. The city also offers you karimeen polichathu

said ‘all five star hotels taste bland, but each thattukadas are unique and each dish out different flavours’ .So it’s never tiring.

While the majority of the thattus serve dosa chutmey ,sambar, rasam and rasa vada .Eateries that cater to the need of non vegetarians are also available.

Now those who missed out their dinner till eleven o clock can go gaga over the delicacies awaiting you at manaveeyam veedhi .Many stalls are lined up for late diners and the traffic is through this road is closed after eleven .The project called foods on wheels is in full swing and it will be opened till three o clock in the morning after which its opened for traffic.

Another term that strikes a chord with www.metromartdaily.com

February April 2018

SHOPPING

The Pinroll

Live Bakery & Restaurant

Prominence to Hygiene, Health and Taste

I

n this age of packet foods, The Pinroll Live Bakery & Restaurant makes it their business to provide food items which is made on the spot. Whether it is parotta or cake or burger or any dishes, nothing is an extension of pre-cooked items. Right from the base, everything is made when client’s order. However, this does not restrict this restaurant in providing a huge variety of cakes in its bakery and also a large number of dishes in its restaurant.

The establishment has made extensive arrangements to meet the demand for any food item from the customers.

The cakes are designed by the craftsmen at The Pinroll as per the client’s interests. In 10 minutes they can provide the customer-

28 April 2018

opted, designed fresh cream cakes. Pizza, burger, sandwich – et al are made on the spot. In fact, the customer can see the entire process. The borma or the kitchen of the bakery is live. The transparent glass allows the customers to view their ordered items being prepared in a very hygienic kitchen. The Pinroll is equipped to handle catering orders too. Cakes of any sizes are made right at the venue of the event. The onsite manufacturing of cakes ensures the freshness of the cake. The craftsmanship of the designer is evident from the various cake designs available at The Pinroll. Within a short span, they have managed to get an order for a 200kg cake.

All varieties of ice creams available at The

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Pinroll are own production. The Pinroll adheres to its principle of purity. No additives or mixings are added. Those who have tasted ice creams at The Pinroll are forever fans.

The restaurant Al Manaar at The Pinroll offers the choicest of cuisines from all over the world. Those who have been to Arab countries and had Arabic food would find no difference of taste in the Arabic food items at Al Manaar. The chefs at Al Manaar have gained their experienced from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Tandoor items, Pin Roll Special kababs, etc. have become customer favorites for their typical Arabic taste. Al

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The restaurant Al Manaar at The Pinroll offers the choicest of cuisines from all over the world. Those who have been to Arab countries and had Arabic food would find no difference of taste in the Arabic food items at Al Manaar.

Manaar also makes it a point that the typical taste of each locality is maintained in each dish. If the dish is Keralite, then the taste would certainly be typical Keralite likewise for the North Indian dishes. There is an extensive variety of dishes at this restaurant.

Al Manaar has party hall facilities to celebrate an event or get together. An event of around 60 people can easily be accommodated at the party hall. The restaurant also facilitates parties for smaller groups. The parking facility and the easy

April 2018

the customers can satisfy themselves of the hygienic conditions. Transparency is the concept with which The Pinroll group goes forward. This enables them to reach their desired level of perfection.

The cityites can be delighted that The Pinroll has brought Live Borma concept to Thiruvananthapuram.

Celebrities have given rave reviews of The Pinroll and visits this Live Bakery and Restaurant on almost a daily basis. Foreign customers at The Pinroll have vouched for the taste of dishes which belong to their country. Foodies in online food groups have taken up The Pinroll and given a thumbs-up to the varieties and the tastes.

accessibility from Pattom Junction and the Highway make it an ideal place for events.

Hygiene is of prime importance to The Pinroll group. This is evident from a set of processes in place at this bakery and restaurant. These include purified water being used even for washing purposes, the Live Borma and kitchen wherein

30 April 2018

Premium food at budget rates seems to be basis of pricing items at The Pinroll. Thinktank of The Pinroll group is Mohammad Arsha (the MD), Shameer and Muhammed Salih. They adhere to the principle that only fresh items will be used and no storage items will be used. The Pinroll has set Hygienic, Healthy and Tasty as its motto – and it is unmistakable in its functioning and quality. The Pinroll - Bakery & Family Restaurant Marappalam, Pattom Trivandrum, India Ph: +91 92077 70011

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April 2018

Dining

Valiyakadayil Budget Restaurant

Serving Delicious Food for Nearly a Century

I

n 1921, Muhammad Kunju started a restaurant in Peroorkada – a resting place at that time for travelers and bullock carts loaded with goods and riders from City en route Chencottai. Valiyakadayil restaurant with its Oratti, mutton dishes, and Gundu (fruitcake) received a lot of good will from its clients. So much so, the

Sri. Muhammad Kunju 32 April 2018

bullock cart riders and villagers had even a song with Mammad Potty (as he was called) and his restaurant as the theme on their way from City. That good will has been maintained over generations and the client base has grown substantially. Over time the restaurant was handed over by Muhammad Kunju to his children. It was M.

Sri .M. Jalaludeen

Sri. Shafi Valiyakadayil

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Tourists on their way to Ponmudi and office goers from Peroorkada can be seen getting their parcels at Valiyakadayil, as they find it convenient en route to their destination.

Jalaludeen who developed the business to its current heights. His siblings and family supported him in this endeavour. The third generation – Shafi and Shamlu – running the restaurant now, feels the same way as the first in serving its customers. It is their belief that good food – even if it is a grain - is a right of the people. The restaurant moved to the current location in 2011 and Shafi and Habib - are managing the business. Shafi’s sister Mariyam owns and runs the online boutique – Amisha Hand Picked collections – at Ambalamukku.

Tourists on their way to Ponmudi and office goers from Peroorkada can be seen getting their parcels at Valiyakadayil, as they find it convenient en route to their destination.

The popularity of this restaurant and its good food is not limited to the locals who form a strong customer base. The restaurant has a variety of cuisines, which includes Arabic, Chinese, North Indian, and

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South Indian. Shafi says that the continued customer loyalty to Valiyakadayil is because of the homely food and efficient service provided. He said that no artificial flavors or preservatives are used. Food and the service at this restaurant give the customer a feel of home-away-from-home.

Mutton Biriyani at Valiyakadayil is very popular for its traditional form of cooking and recipe. Non-veg dishes of Mutton, Beef, and Chicken from across Kerala are offered at Valiyakadayil – cooked with traditional recipes. For the veggies, Mushroom Masala, Paneer Chilly, etc. include the varieties offered. The lunch hour finds many customers selecting yummy fish curry with meals. As meat items have great demand the restaurant makes it ready by 9 a.m.

Shafi – who has been involved in this restaurant for over 30 years - believes in the principle of giving back to the public

April 2018

– the restaurant has Happy Hours wherein a 5% discount is offered between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Even otherwise, the rates are easy on the purse at Valiyakadayil budget restaurant. The quality of this restaurant can be judged from the continued support it has derived from clients. There are customers from the third-generation of families who have been loyal to the restaurant.

The business establishments of Valiyakadayil have extended to Valiyakadayil Traders, Budget Restaurant, Valiyakadayil Restaurant, and Tea & Talk.

The Budget Restaurant at Nadan building

in Peroorkada and Tea & Talk offers good ambience, excellent service and value for money.

Tea & Talk in Valiyakadayil Tea shops have always been a place for people to get together and catch up on a lot of things for Keralites. A modernized version of it is the Tea & Talk outlet at Valiyakadayil. Grilled items such as Al Fahm, Shawai, Shawarma and fresh juices, milk shakes, crushers and ice creams are also available. Falooda varieties include White Falooda and Pakistani Falooda. The traditional Sulaimani or Black Tea finds a prominent place in the menu at the outlet.

Tea & Talk is seen as a place for youngsters as well as elders to hang around and reenergize themselves with their choicest snacks and drinks. It’s said a lot can be achieved over a cup of tea – and, Tea & Talk of Valiyakadayil offers a nice setting for that.

Valiyakadayil Restaurant Nadan Hotel Building, Peroorkada Jn, Trivandrum Ph: 7012 884 389

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April 2018

Dining

Imbibing Healthy

Eating

High Range

Take Away Restaurant

F

rom the distant high ranges of Adimali and Idukki comes a range of delicacies which are healthy and tasty. The Thiruvananthapuram foodies can take their pick from a variety of dishes that have been cooked based on traditional recipes and for which only typical household ingredients are used. High Range Take Away Restaurant adheres to its concept that adulterated

ingredients wont be used. The ingredients such as Cardamom, Clove, Pepper is sourced from their own cultivations, so as the freshness is assured, while, pure coconut oil is bought directly from trusted oil mills. The restaurant vouches that no masala is bought from outside. Instead Garam masala mixture is made in its entirety at their own kitchen at Adimali and brought to the restaurant in the city.

Whether it is chilli powder or coriander powder – it’s all produced by High Range itself. Antibiotic and hormone-free chicken is used for the chicken dishes. No color, preservative or tastemakers is added to the mix, thus ensuring no adulteration.

It is the passion for food that made Binu P. Raman, who has an IT background, to start this restaurant. Vishnu, a hotel

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management graduate, manages the restaurant.

Binu says, health is the focus of High Range Take Away Restaurant. The prices are formed in such a way to cover the costs of producing items in the most hygienic and healthy way. High Range Take Away Restaurant has tied up with orphanages to send any balance food available any given day.

The traditional techniques of producing the ingredients and cooking dishes are used to retain the authentic taste of items. The use of curd or lemon for softening the chicken is just one example of how natural methods of cooking are used at this restaurant.

Extreme care is taken to well define and follow the proportions of the various items in garam masala. The cost factor is made a nonissue by all these efforts in providing healthy food cooked in natural methods.

Kanthari Chicken Pirattu, duck pirattu, chicken fry, beef fry, are some of the varieties. The choices of Pork available at High Range Restaurant are most sought after by customers, especially Pork fry.

Another dish at High Range Restaurant that has its roots in the high ranges is ‘Idiyirachi.’ Kappa Biriyani, Pidi and Nadan Kozhi Varutharachathu, Kallappam are some of the other high range dishes available at High Range Restaurant.

The customers at High Range Take Away Restaurant can also get the different masala

The customers at High Range Take Away Restaurant can also get the different masala mixes, spices, and pickles produced by the High Range team. mixes, spices, and pickles produced by the High Range team. Pickles available include lemon and Dates mix, Veg, Fish, Garlic and apple cider vinegar is used in the making of it. Binu guarantees that the ingredients and methods of cooking are traditional and that anyone who buys the masalas from this restaurant can prepare the same dishes with the same taste at home.

In this age of enhanced awareness on healthy eating and hygiene, High Range Take Away Restaurant becomes one of the best options available. The trustworthy cooking methods and the authentic recipes makes this restaurant serving vibrant dishes from Adimali and Idukki a go-to place for foodies in Thiruvananthapuram.  High Range Take Away Restaurant Kuravankonam-Ambalamukku

Mob: 9447891931 www.metromartdaily.com

April 2018

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Check your Sitting Posture*

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E

rgonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of Interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, Principle,data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

Yes! human well-being is all that matters.

In this modern world, either we are missed out some important health factors or we are deliberately misled.

Human factors (F&E) - also known as comfort design, functional to design and user friendly systems.

We are not here to treat you. Ok. But we are here to torch you to some points which will help you to keep away from so many Illnesses which may need treatment.

This fields contributes to numerous disciplines such bio-mechanism, physiology, Authropomerty, psychology etc.

For example; we are fed with grains without bran, sugar, mida, hormonised eggs and meat,over cooked food, toxic fruits and vegetables and the list goes on.....

Please have a look at some figures and some facts by the experts in this field. *Opined by Doctors www.coreofficestationery.in

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January April 2018

Celebration

SIST

Annual day & tech fest celebrated S

ARABHAI INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (SIST), VELLANAD had honored Raghavan, veteran actor of Malayalam film industry on the occasion of its annual day celebrations titled ‘Samanvaya 2018’. It is the very first public event in which Raghavan participated after he was bestowed with the Asianet Lifetime Achievement Award on 16th of this month. He has rendered 50 Years of service to the Malayalam Film World and is definitely an actor par excellence. He also inaugurated the valedictory session of ‘ENIGNA 2k18’, a tech fest organized by the college that aimed at providing a platform for the student community to develop and showcase their technical prowess. The underlying spirit of ENIGNA 2k18 was to promote technology, scientific thinking, and innovation among its academia.

Dr.K.R.Kaimal presided over the function and delivered the presidential address.

Principal Dr.V.V.Karunakaran presented the annual report of the past year. Sathish 40 April 2018

SARABHAI INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (SIST), VELLANAD had honored Raghavan, veteran actor of Malayalam film industry on the occasion of its annual day celebrations titled ‘Samanvaya 2018’.

Satyan unveiled the college magazine of 2017-18, which constitutes concoctions of creativity from the students.Vice principal Prof. Koshi Mammen and TV serial actress Lakshmipriya also attended the function and gave away their felicitations. There were diverse cultural programs that brought out the creative best in the students.Following the cultural events, was a mesmerizing magic show by Barath Jayakumar.

To mould high-quality experts in frontier engineering disciplines, SIST was established in 2004 by the Space Engineers Welfare Society (SEWEL).Ever since then the college has been fueling up students towards a technological society.

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April 2018

Awards

GoAir bags Gold Award Go

Air, one of India’s fastest growing airlines, has bagged the prestigious “Gold award” in the Email Marketing category for the successful use of technology at the 7th Global Customer Engagement Forum & Awards 2018 organised by Asian Consumer Engagement Forum (ACEF). Through its innovative and unique Email Marketing program, GoAir has been successful in building strong and engaging relationship with customers.

The seventh edition of Global Customer Engagement Forum & Awards was held in Mumbai on April 7, 2018 and had received 619 entries from over 200 companies across the globe. This award from ACEF is based on the utilization of technology and performance accomplishments which are focused on Customer Engagement Activities, Branding, and Marketing.

The ACEF program is organised by a team of professionals from India, SriLanka and UAE is guided by the Advisory members

42 April 2018

The seventh edition of Global Customer Engagement Forum & Awards was held in Mumbai on April 7, 2018 and had received 619 entries from over 200 companies across the globe. from Branding, Marketing and Creative agencies based in India, US, Australia, Singapore, UAE and Sri Lanka. ACEF forums features in-depth discussions into the increasingly important engagement aspect of connection and helps in learning new trends, best practices and case studies, to get a better picture of where the industry is headed.

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April 2018

Environment

WED 2018 Less Plastic

for Quality Life

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We

are all connected in the great circle of life. Everything we see around us exists in a delicate balance and to damage the environment means to break that balance which sustains our life on Earth. And it is in this perception, should we stand up for the cause of saving our environment and thereby our lives.

It’s been habitual for the global community to celebrate Word Environment Day that falls on the 5th of June every year. World Environment Day is a UN Environment-led global event, the single largest celebration of our environment each year. A platform for action, this is the United Nation’s most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. Since its inception in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries.

With Beat Plastic Pollution as the theme for this year’s edition, India is all set to be the global host of the 44th World Environment Day. The idea is to propose governments, industry, communities, and individuals to come together and explore sustainable alternatives and at once trim down the production and disproportionate use of single-use plastic polluting our oceans, hurting marine life and threatening human health.

Plastic pollution has been headlining news around the world for couple of years now. Studies from the US show that around two million single-use plastic beverage containers are being used and dumped, in every five minutes in the United States. Similar studies by other non-profit organisations clearly portray how aggravated the case of environmental deterioration is, in different parts of the world. Micro-plastic particles are even in the air we breathe and the food we eat.

It’s become crucial, that we adopt an innovative master plan to tackle the rising environmental concerns.

Plastic is determined to be the dominating fraction in the total marine debris found globally. Within a square mile of the

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World Environment Day is a UN Environment-led global event, the single largest celebration of our environment each year infamous Great Pacific Garbage Pitch, scientists collected nearly 1.9 million bits of plastic. From interfering with food webs and transferring toxins up the food chain, marine plastic wastes cause deterioration of marine flora and fauna. Overall ecosystem health is gravely affected by the accumulation of trash and plastic in our oceans.

For India, World Environment Day 2018 is not merely a celebration but a mission to set matters straight. During the last couple of decades, there has been an increasing concern over the oceans being polluted with marine debris and plastic pollution elevating to the level of a serious health and environmental hazard. It has been roughly estimated that around 8 million tonnes of plastic – everything from plastic bottles and bags to micro beads – end up in our oceans each year. Every year the world uses 500 billion plastic bags.

Single-use plastics are becoming a human addiction that we ought to take care of.

Plastic pollution is not only impacting our waters and marine life, but also the human food chain and our general health.

In order to be recycled, they first have to be separated. Also, not all plastics can be recycled. Therefore, the ideal solution is to reduce the single-use plastic that you consume entirely.

And when it comes to India, the country has demonstrated tremendous global leadership on climate change and the need to shift to a low carbon economy. With the global emergency of plastic pollution affecting people from all walks of life, India is sure to come up with foolproof plans of action to confront the issue. India will lead April 2018

the initiative by setting an example - the Government of India is planning to take on a series of engaging activities and events, on the occasion of World Environment Day, generating strong public interest and participation. From pan-Indian plastic clean-up drives in public areas, national reserves and forests to simultaneous beach clean-up activities, the government is keen to address the issue and get the message across the world effectively.

We humans, inherited about 3.8 billion

46 April 2018

years’ store worth of natural capital from this planet, but with the current rate of use and degradation of its natural wealth, there is not much going to be left for our future generations. So it’s important at this point, to implement policies for sustainable development and in so doing save our ecosystems. Every one of us has an obligation to hand down a world, a clean and safe one, to our posterity. Let’s all take a solemn pledge to abide by, that we act responsibly for a better environment and a thriving future.

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April 2018

Dining

Mambazha Puliserry From A Typical Palaghat Brahmin House

Raja Gopaal Iyer

Chief Executive Officer Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Resort & Spa,Trivandrum

I

first tried making the mambazha puliserry at the age of 17 at my Delhi residence. My mom guided me in making this classic Kerala dish with the ripe mangoes of Delhi. Although my first effort did not make a hit dish, my mom appreciated me and that was the best thing about it. I remember the different varieties of mangoes available in Delhi; Langada, Chounsa, Badami, Daseri, all with their unique taste and texture. Now that I am back in Kerala, the local varieties, Malgova, Nadan, and Mallika are my favourites to cook with.

48 April 2018

Pulissery is a staple of the Kerala cuisine and holds a special place in every Malayali’s heart. This yoghurt and coconut cream based gravy has a dash of fresh green chillies added to bring a bit of heat to the already sweet and sour combination. Add a ripe, succulent mango to this and you have the mambazha pulissery that makes you wipe the plate clean. My kids love my version of the dish and I can confidently say that I have mastered making this curry.

With the sweetest mangoes available, it’s easy to cook the magical culinary treat my kids relish.

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Pulissery is the not-so-distant cousin of the Mooru Kootan, another staple of the Kerala cuisine. They differ in the type of fruits and vegetables added to it. Pulissery is generally made using fruits like ripe mangoes, Nendra Pazham or pineapple, while the Mooru Kootan uses vegetables like ash gourd, pumpkin, and yam.

Fenugreek Seeds – ¼ tsp Dried Red Chillies – 1 or 2 Coconut Oil

Method of Preparation  Wash and clean the mangoes. You can dice it to cubes and peel it if you wish.

Add the mangoes to a cooking vessel.

Pulissery is a must have in Sadhya, the traditional Kerala meal eaten from a banana leaf, with an array of different curries. Just like Adai-Avial combination, Pulissery is a popular combination with Idiyappam in some parts of Kerala.

 Add 2 cups of water, a pinch of turmeric powder and salt. Add a bunch of curry leaves for flavour.

Now that the mango season is here, we are spoiled for choice with the countless varieties of this juicy fruit. Pickle it, curry it, sorbet it; you can make a large variety of dishes with mangoes, ripe and unripe. The mango curry undoubtedly is an ever day affair in every Iyer household this season.

So, here is a recipe you can try with ripe and sweet mangoes to create that unique taste as the creamy gravy blends into the sweet mango.

 Prepare the coconut and yoghurt gravy.

For this, simply take shredded coconut, grind it, add 4-5 methi seeds, saute it and then grind to a paste. To this add the yoghurt and whisk well.

For the Gravy Mangoes: Ripe– 4 or 5 (small sweet mangoes) Green Chillies – 5 or 6 (adjust according to taste) Coconut grated – 2 Cups Thick Sour Curd/Yoghurt – 2 Cups Curry Leaves – few sprigs Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp Salt to taste For Tempering Mustard Seeds – ½ tsp www.metromartdaily.com

 Bring this to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes or until the mangoes are cooked.

 Add this paste to the cooked mangoes and stir well  Simmer this on a low flame until the gravy starts frothing from the sides.  Remove from heat immediately to avoid

the coconut gravy curdling from the extra heat.  To temper, heat oil in a small frying pan.

Add the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds and once they get crackling, add the red chillies and give it a good stir.  Pour this tempering over the prepared mango gravy.

This is the way you can easily create the simple and tasty Mambazha Puliserry of IYERS. April 2018

Pediatric Endocrinology

A Kaleidoscope Dr Veena V Nair, MD, DCH

P

ediatric Endocrinology is a speciality which deals with hormonal disorders in children and adolescents.

The major hormone producing gland in our body include pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenals and gonads (testes and ovaries). Pediatric Endocrinologists care for patients from infancy to late adolescence and young adulthood. Hormonal disorders in children require special attention as these problems affect both physical as well as psychological growth in the most important years of one’s development.

Many of these problems, even if fairly common, are recognised late in the course of illness thereby limiting treatment options. Timely detection and medical intervention will help a long way for fruitful outcome. Following are some of the hormonal aberrations 50 April 2018

occurring in children.

Growth Disorders– Short stature is one of the common clinical problems observed in Pediatric endocrine practice.

Normally height increases steadily with age and reaches its peak during puberty. Further the bones gradually stop growing and usually beyond the age of 18 years no height gain occurs.

Constitutional delay (“late bloom”) in growth is the most common cause and is not considered a disorder, however poor height gain in a child can also be due to hormonal imbalances, nutritional inadequacies and recurrent systemic diseases. One fifth of the children with severe short stature harbour growth hormone deficiency. Regular height monitoring enables early identification of any deviation from normal growth.

Timely detection of the underlying

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etiology and treatment before complete bone maturation are important for a better outcome.

Childhood Diabetes – Diabetes mellitus in children is a chronic illness with lifelong morbidity. More than 80% of childhood diabetes is constituted by Type 1 diabetes, a disease caused by destruction of insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Although Type 2 Diabetes was previously considered a disease of adult population, current epidemic of childhood obesity has resulted in an increased occurrence of early onset type 2 diabetes. Diabetes in the newborn and infant is almost always due to a genetic cause. Like in adults, inadequately treated diabetes can result in damage to vital organs as heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. Unlike in adults, insulin is the first line treatment in most forms of childhood diabetes. Children with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin replacement. However in earlier stages of type 2 diabetes and in certain genetic forms of diabetes tablets do help in controlling blood sugars. Newer forms of insulin and insulin delivery devices like pumps offer better glycemic control and patient satisfaction.

Thyroid dysfunction –Thyroid gland is a very important endocrine gland situated in the neck and produces thyroid hormone. Inadequate thyroid hormone production in newborn infants (congenital hypothyroidism) can lead to mental retardation. Neonatal thyroid screening enables early identification of such patients and helps early institution of therapy which is crucial for long term neurodevelopment outcome. Unlike in adults, delayed diagnosis of childhood hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormone production) leads to irreversible sequel like short stature and learning disabilities.

Untreated hypothyroidism can result in weight gain and menstrual irregularities in adolescent girls. Inappropriate www.metromartdaily.com

Hormonal disorders in children require special attention as these problems affect both physical as well as psychological growth in the most important years of one’s development. increase in thyroid hormone production viz. hyperthyroidism; is not uncommon in pediatric age group. Usual symptoms are weight loss, restlessness, excessive sweating, reduced sleep, protrusion of eye balls etc.

Pubertal disorders – Normal puberty starts by 9 years in girls (breast enlargement) and 10 years in boys (testicular enlargement) under the influence of pituitary and gonadal hormones.. Normally girls start menstruating between 10 -15 years of age. Early sexual maturation can cause premature maturation of the growing bone and reduction in the final height of the child. Appropriate hormonal therapy can postpone this abnormal maturation process. Alternatively, absence of breast development by 13 years or absence of menstruation by 15 years in a girl should raise concern and needs evaluation.

Boys who have no signs of pubertal development by 14 years of age should be investigated for hormonal deficiency.

Delay in initiation of puberty and lack of sex steroids in the body affect bone health, predisposing to the development of early osteoporosis.

April 2018

Adolescent menstrual problems – Menstrual cycles can be irregular in the first few months after the first cycle.

However conditions like polycystic ovaries (PCOD), hypothyroidism etc can also result in persistent menstrual disturbances. Such children may also manifest symptoms like obesity, acanthosis nigricans (darkening of skin of the nape of neck), excessive facial and bodily hair (hirsuitism) etc. Lifestyle modification measures together with hormonal therapy rectify most of these symptoms.

Adrenal gland disorders – Adrenal glands ( located above the kidneys) produce steroid hormones which are vital for our normal body functions.

Most frequently met adrenal problem in childhood include congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) which results from biochemical defect in steroid production. The classical variety of CAH presents as life threatening salt losing abnormality (leading to dehydration and death) in the newborn period and genital ambiguity (masculinisation) in female babies. Early institution of glucocorticoids is crucial in such situations. In grown up children adrenal insufficiency usually results from Addison’s disease – a disease causing destruction of the adrenal gland. Darkening of the skin and excessive fatigue may be the initial symptoms. Lifelong steroid replacement is the treatment. Rarely adrenal insufficiency can occur as part of other

52 April 2018

autoimmune diseases like autoimmune hypothyroidism and Type 1 diabetes.

Disorders of sexual differentiation – Disorders involving the formation and functioning of reproductive organs (ovaries and testes) result in inappropriate sexual differentiation.

This can cause masculinisation in girls and undervirilization in boys leading to confusion in the sex of rearing at birth. Incorrect assignment of sex can complicate gender orientation during adolescence and adulthood. Accurate diagnosis helps decision making and proper scientific counselling of the parents.

Metabolic bone diseases - This group of diseases include vitamin D deficiency rickets, Vitamin D dependent rickets, hypophosphatemic (abnormally low level of phosphorus in blood) rickets and renal tubular acidosis (accumulation of acids in the body). Hypoparathyroidism (decreased function of parathyroid gland) is a condition which can cause life threatening hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) in the newborn, child and adolescent. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment improves physical growth as well as prevents occurrence of grave sequel.

Hereditary diseases of the bone like osteogenesis imperfecta and juvenile osteoporosis presents with recurrent fractures and deformities. Evidence is emerging that treatment with bisphosphonate group of drugs offer better long term prognosis in children with osteogenesis imperfecta in terms of augmenting bone strength and reduction in fracture rates.

Physical and orthopaedic rehabilitation

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improves mobility and reduces morbidity in these patients.

Childhood obesity- Childhood obesity is a global epidemic at present. It is a major public health problem and leads to a number of systemic diseases at a very young age. Changing lifestyles and reduced physical activity have resulted in this preventable disease.

Though constitutional obesity is the most common cause, other uncommon causes need to be ruled out in a child presenting with excessive weight gain. Endocrinopathies like growth hormone deficiency, Cushing syndrome, hypothyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism can lead to abnormal weight gain. Genetic syndromes, single gene mutations, certain drugs etc also result in childhood obesity. Although drugs have little role in management of childhood obesity, imparting healthy eating habits and regular physical activity through counselling and regular follow up bring desirable results.

Endocrine emergencies – Situations requiring urgent endocrine attention include diabetic ketoacidosis (excessive ketones in body), hypoglycaemia (diminished glucose in blood), adrenal crisis, hypocalcemia, hyponatremia (lower concentration of sodium) and hyperkalemia (higher potassium content). A high level of alertness is required for these diagnoses and prompt therapy can avert life threatening crisis.

Endocrine problems in childhood cancer survivors and thalassemia patients – Endocrine glands are often adversely affected by various cancer treatment modalities like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy resulting in growth and pubertal disturbances, hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, hypogonadism, diabetes insipidus, obesity and related metabolic derangements. www.metromartdaily.com

Dr Veena V Nair MD, DCH, PDCC (Pediatric Endocrinology), Consultant Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinologist, Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram.

They usually manifest months to years after the cure of the primary disease.

Periodic monitoring and surveillance is mandatory for early identification and rectification of these unavoidable sequels.

Multiple blood transfusions in thalassemia (a haematological disorder causing severe anemia) patients lead to iron deposition in various organs. These patients present a high risk group for development of a number of endocrine problems like growth disturbances, hypopituitarism, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, pancreatic diabetes mellitus, adrenal insufficiency and osteoporosis. Periodic screening detects these complications and helps institution of early and appropriate treatment.

Hormonal disorders are not uncommon in children. Early detection, optimal timing for initiation of medicines and regular follow up is the key in curing these problems in children.  April 2018

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sa Pra

Photographed by Ms. Smitha Prasad, Location Akkulam, Thiruvananthapuram

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ha mit

The Picture Page

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April 2018

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