traVel

Mother Nature was unbelievably generous with the Seychelles, a fabled paradise whose islands lie scattered across the Indian Ocean. Exquisite ribbons of sand lapped by turquoise waters and backed by lush hills, palm trees and Daliesque boulders. Beyond the beach, diving and snorkelling are brilliant in the warm waters amid abundant marine life, while few places on the planet do ocean-side luxury quite like the Seychelles.

Plan an exotic island trip to Seychelles

The exotic island of Seychelles known for its pristine beaches reopens borders to all countries worldwide. The muchanticipated news by the tourism industry, considering the recent launch of the immunization campaign, was announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde during a joint press briefing with his counterpart from the Health Ministry, Peggy Vidot.

This announcement has come at a time when the Indian government has signed an air bubble agreement with Seychelles allowing ‘Air Seychelles’ to fly into the destination from India.

If you’re planning to visit Seychelles island anytime soon, keep these important do’s and don’ts in mind. Vaccinated Visitors:

In the first phase of the opening, travellers would be required to produce proof of a valid vaccination certificate from the National Health Authority (minimum of two weeks since administration of the second dose of the vaccine) along with a negative Covid-19 PCR report obtained less than 72 hours prior to travel. These visitors need not quarantine upon arrival to Seychelles. Non-Vaccinated Visitors:

The Seychelles islands is currently open to Indian visitors through private jet transfers only. Such travellers would be required to submit a negative Covid-19 PCR report obtained less than 72 hours prior to travel. Visitors who haven’t taken the complete dose of vaccination or not travelling via private jets, would not be permitted entry into Seychelles. This would be in force until mid-March once Seychelles has vaccinated a large majority of its adult population.

Mid-march Onwards:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government donated 50,000 doses of a Chinese-manufactured Covid-19 vaccine to Seychelles while the Indian government has offered 1,00,000 doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine by the end of January. By the ongoing numbers, the country has forecasted that 25 per cent of its population is likely to be vaccinated by mid-March which would witness the rollout of the second phase of welcoming international tourists to the island nation. The country would open up to all visitors, vaccinated or not. Travellers planning a vacation during this time would only have to present a negative Covid-19 PCR certificate with the test taken maximum of 72 hours

Plan an exotic island trip to Seychelles

Shifted to New Location

# 103, 15300 68 Ave Surrey BC

prior to departure with no quarantine upon arrival into the country.

Irrespective of when one might travel to Seychelles, visitors have to abide by the existing health measures (like wearing face masks, social distancing etc.) which remain applicable as per the travel advisory published on the Department of Tourism website.

Similarly, all tourism operators would still be required to follow their existing Covid-19 standard operating procedures and protocols.

Speaking of an optimistic future, Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO & Co-founder, BRANDit, the Marketing and PR office for the Seychelles Tourism Board in India said, “2021 has kicked off on a positive note presenting us with a wide scope to promote safe holidays to the Seychelles islands. Until now, the destination was limited to visitors only through private jet transfers but this move will offer a much-needed new option to Indians looking for an international holiday.”

The ongoing trend of leisure travel is expected to prosper in the coming months as there is a pent-up demand for long pending vacations with family and friends. Seychelles welcoming tourists with limited restrictions is certainly a positive step towards tourism recovery worldwide.

More details about the new measures are published in the Seychelles Travel Advisory that can be accessed on www.tourism.gov.sc.

Source: IANS

Super Visa Insurance

In this month’s article, we will discuss a very common virus that can be seen in dogs, known as ‘Parvovirus’. This virus can be quite a scare for many dog owners as it is a condition that can cause a very healthy puppy or dog to quickly become fatally ill within days. The bright side to this condition is that Parvovirus is a preventable disease.

“Canine Parvovirus”

There are vaccinations available that can allow your dog to be guarded from exposure, however it is then very important for pet owners to be fully aware of the risks and signs that one may see with Parvovirus, in order to steer away from it.

Parvovirus, being a very contagious virus, targets the gastrointestinal system of the dog and thus causes symptoms related to digestion. Once the puppy contracts the virus, it travels to the small intestines and replicates itself there, along with at the lymphopoietic tissues (lymph nodes, thymus, Peyer’s Patches, spleen, etc.) and bone marrow. This then leads to severe symptoms, such as: bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, anorexia, lethargy, dehydration, weight loss, weakness and depression. If you see any of the symptoms listed in your pet, it is highly recommended that you seek immediate professional medical attention by your local veterinarian.

A dog can get infected with Parvovirus by coming into contact with another infected dog. This can happen through the infected feces, considering that an infected dog can begin shedding the virus within a week from initial exposure. It is then noted that Parvovirus can be transmitted in two ways. The first method is through direct contact from the nose to mouth with contaminated feces. This can occur when the dog naturally tries to sniff the feces of another dog or licks it. This is a very common behavior of puppies as they are very curious to explore and learn new tastes and smells. The second way is through a more indirect approach, such as the virus surviving in the surround environment for contact, like human skin, equipment or even clothing. When a puppy comes into contact with their owner’s belongings that are infected, it can be exposed then to the virus. In this case, the best disinfectant to use towards eliminating Parvovirus, a very resilient virus, from objects, environment and people is bleach. A ratio of bleach to water of 1:32 is a standard recommended solution for disinfecting. Shedding of the virus will occur shortly after exposure, during the course of the illness and even up to a week after treatment has been administered. This all concludes to the fact that it is highly important that an accurate diagnosis be made for this virus and that strict quarantine should be practiced in order to stop further spread to other animals.

The most susceptible breeds to Parvovirus have been recorded as the German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, American Staffordshire and English Springer Spaniel. There is not definite answer as to why these breeds are more prone than others; however, research has shown that the breeds listed above are more prevalent than others. The most affected age group is seen to be very young dogs that range in ages of six weeks old to six months old. At birth, puppies do receive antibodies from their mothers that help protect them from most illnesses, however with time this layer of protection fades and then it is up to the owner to decide upon vaccinations to keep the protection going.

Once your veterinarian has officially diagnosed your dog with Parvovirus with conducted blood tests, fecal samples and possible radiographs; treatment can take its course. The sooner this condition is treated, the more beneficial for your puppy. It will be recommended to hospitalize your pet and keep them in the isolation ward of the clinic, in order to prevent further spread to other patients. Rehydration will also be a key component towards the treatment plan, as your puppy would have lost a lot of body fluids due to the constant diarrhoea and vomiting. At this time, supportive care and monitoring your pet will be of the utmost importance towards treatment. If your pet is in a more severely detrimental state, then your veterinarian may also prescribe certain helpful medications and antibiotics to counteract the infection. Dogs that are able to survive this virus are then blessed with lifelong immunity to it. Prevention is handled through vaccination options. There is a modified live vaccine available to be given to your puppy at the age of 6-8 weeks old. It is then repeated at the ages of 10-12 weeks old and then 14-16 weeks old. After these 3 sets, it is then an annual booster shot given at the age of 1 years old and repeated every 3 years onwards. An inactivated vaccination is also available to only be given to pregnant dogs and colostrum deprived puppies.

Understanding this condition is very important for every owner so that the correct prevention methods can be applied at the right timings. Knowing the risks that this virus brings with its infection can help inform owners on how to identify when your dog is compromised and the most effective action you can take towards helping them, which is seeking immediate medical care.

Know your thyroid glands and how to take care of them

Do you constantly feel run down, exhausted and cold when others are warm? This so happens when the thyroid gland isn’t working as well as it should be, you don’t feel well. You end up putting on tons of weight irrespective of trying extremely hard despite trying very hard to keep your weight in the limit. These could be signs of Hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone. These hormones are needed to keep your organs functioning properly, which is why you feel dull and low, when they are in short supply.

Many times, most women do not realise that they have a thyroid problem and therefore bring about no change in their lifestyle. While there is no substitute for getting a proper diagnosis and starting hormone replacement treatment if you have hypothyroidism, leading a healthier lifestyle and following a strict routine will help you feel better faster.

One of the first things you need to do is get your diet in order. Nutrition and eating “well” plays the most important role in driving optimum functioning of the Thyroid gland.

Sheta Mittal, Co-founder of &Me, a women ’s food and healthcare brand, says: “For Thyroid gland nutrition, eating well, specifially includes consuming adequate amounts of Iodine and Tyrosine. Tyrosine and Iodine together make the famous T4/ T3 thyroid hormones. We can get Iodine from sea food, dairy products and iodized salt, and Tyrosine from sesame seeds and soybeans in the diet. Also, make sure you include the full profile of micronutrients and macronutrients on a daily basis. Low fat, micronutrient rich, fibre heavy diet with 2-3 cups of colourful fruits and vegetables daily will help you lose weight or least to say maintain your weight, Instead of popping thyroid pills, a lot of women these days are opting for a more natural choice.”

Thyroid pills inject artificial Thyroxine (T3) in the body, and if the lifestyle is not in check the body gets immune to the pill and the dosages keep increasing over the lifetime. Look for new age products in the market that are providing healthy alternatives to managing Thyroid in lifestyle formats such as teas, juices and so on. Make sure you do your research and look for nutrients above in the ingredients, she says.

“While exercising is the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling this lethargic, giving your body regular physical activity will boost your energy, help with weight loss efforts, and lower your stress levels.” that target key muscle groups, including legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms, can prove to be extremely helpful in losing that extra weight. 30 mins a day, 5 days a week, is sure to take you a long way on the journey to staying fit.”

One thing you must pay grave attention to is keeping you mind stress-free. “Stress can make hypothyroidism worse. Stress can make any body problem worse. Why, because stress takes up a lot of mental energy and sucks nutrients, halts functioning of the body organs. Learning how to cope with stress can make a big difference in helping the body to function well and make you feel better. Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or just chilling out to some relaxing music can all help you de-stress and let go of the anxiety. Find a stressreducing technique that works for you and incorporate it into your lifestyle.”

Getting sufficient good quality sleep will help improve your daytime fatigue. Make sure you set a regular sleep and wake time while keeping your bedroom temperature cool.

“It is extremely important that you do everything you can to keep yourself healthy. Bringing a change in your lifestyle can definitely help balance your thyroid levels, helping you avoid any serious health abnormalities, making you a fit and healthy individual,” ends Mittal.

People with diabetes face a real challenge during the winter season. The cold weather coupled with reduced physical activity puts stress on the body, causing it to go into a fight-or-flight mode. This results in the release of natural survival hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Consequently, the liver releases more glucose for energy leading to increased blood sugar levels.

Dr H.P. Bharathi, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute says: “Presently, more than 50 million people in India have diabetes and it is expected to go over 6 crores by 2025. So, there’s a big challenge in front of the country to tackle this rising concern. A naturopathic approach recommending specific behavioural changes can help in the effective management of diabetes during the winters.”

He shares 10 naturopathy and yoga tips that can help people with diabetes during the cold season.

1. Diet

A well-balanced diet is crucial to keep diabetes in control no matter the season. It is recommended to include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lentils, beans, and oatmeal. Sweets and fatty foods should be avoided. Also, diabetics should refrain from consuming dry fruits as the fructose in them may spike the sugar level.

2. Sufficient Hydration

It is essential to keep the body hydrated at all times to get rid of the excess glucose through urine. Water should be the primary beverage choice as other beverages are loaded with preservatives and sugar.

3. Yoga

The ancient practice of yoga can work wonders on the body, helping people with diabetes to keep the disease under control and lead a normal, happy life. Science has shown that specific yoga poses that involve the twisting and stretching of the internal muscles and organs stimulate the pancreas and endocrine system. This facilitates insulin secretion, which keeps the blood glucose levels under check.

4. Alternative Treatments

Alternative treatment methods like acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, etc., can restore harmony to the body in several ways. Acupuncture, where thin needles inserted into specific points in the body, can help with weight loss, control blood sugar levels, and reduce insulin resistance. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy promote neurological and musculoskeletal functions that aids in weight loss, reduces stress levels, and lowers blood pressure.

5. Proper Sleep

Sound sleep is vital as the body relies on it to repair itself from exposure to toxins, daily stressors, and much more.

naturopathy and yoga

tips for diabetics in winters

Diabetics should aim for at least 6-7 hours of continuous sleep daily to let the body recuperate from damages and boost the immune system.

6. Mental Health

Those affected with diabetes live with a lot of stress. It can cause spurts of anxiety, mood change, confusion, and depression. The American Diabetes Association says that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may occur during winters; however, it is treatable. Spending time with loved ones, indulging in hobbies, or getting professional help are some of the ways through which diabetics can find relief.

7. Personal Hygiene

To maintain personal hygiene, people with diabetes should wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with a natural soap. Apart from that, saline rinses using a Neti pot should also be practiced as it keeps the respiratory passages clear.

8. Lose Weight

Obesity can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 80-85 percent. For people with obesity, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to meet the body’s needs. Therefore, losing weight becomes the only option to stay healthy and fit. Regular exercise, brisk walks, etc., should be incorporated into daily life to get rid of excess weight.

9. Avoid Immune Suppressing Foods

Diabetics should stay away from high-fat food, alcohol, caffeine, and white sugar, suppressing the immune system’s effects. Too much high-fat foods can block the lymphatic system, hindering the body’ s ability to fight infections. 10. Spend Time Outdoors

Spending time outdoors or in nature not only boosts mood but also increases Vitamin D levels in the body. Vitamin D is an essential component that enhances the body’ s ability to recognise pathogens and come up with a response against them, especially influenza.

Diabetes care is complex and it goes well beyond glucose control. Physical activity, healthy eating, and maintain proper body weight are crucial factors in preventing, managing, and reversing diabetes. Naturopathy explores a wide range of factors to determine which ones should be prioritized and how they can be modified to aid diabetics to effectively manage their condition during the winter season.

BECOMINg

an inclusive society in Covid times

Think it over: as a mental health expert, I have been asked several times -- ‘How will people and societies change and grow in the wake of the pandemic? We don’t have a concrete answer yet. But one thing that we can be certain about, is that the virus will continue to test our mental strength and relationships. It will aggravate existing inequalities in society, push us for greater sustainability and demand new ways for us to survive, and thrive in the coming times.

So, how do we respond to these lasting changes? Will we as a community evolve to become more united or will we become indifferent to others? How can we really pull together, in these testing times of today?

The impact of COVID on mental health: The past 8-9 months of the pandemic have compelled us to change our life and lifestyle completely. In this process, initially we have experienced stress, fear and anxiety. For those who couldn’t deal with the stress and anxiety, it further worsened, dragging them into depression. This kind of depression mainly affects two kinds of people - ones who already had problems prior to the pandemic, and new cases who are experiencing stress and anxiety due to the present situational problems. The ones having problems prior to the pandemic are the ones who become more vulnerable in this situation. This vulnerable section relapses when stress increases in their lives. It is important that these patients communicate their problems, reach out to experts, and seek help.

Now, we also talk about the ‘COVID fatigue’ that most of us are experiencing today. The sense of acting responsibly for over 10 months has also caused fatigue. People are left to take difficult decisions on whether they would die of the virus, or die of economic burdens, forcing many to act negligently, keeping their guard down. Therefore, it is paramount for us experts, to create awareness about the continued importance of Covid Appropriate Behaviour, and mental health needs of people in these tough times.

How can societies respond to COVIDinduced mental health issues? As a society, we have seen that the initial reactions to the crisis have been humanitarian. We saw people came forward to help the less fortunate, and that is a great way to build a strong society, as it benefits both giver and the receiver. The sense of purpose in life and the fulfilment of the same, is something that givers experience. It is a genuinely positive feeling. The receivers feel equally blessed. It also teaches us that when we reach out to people with kindness and sensitivity, we are also activating the happy hormones in our body.

Cont. on page 36

A gIRl INA WHIRl

Continued issue (Part 46)

“Meenu…Surrey Memorial… emergency…accident…”, I couldn’t utter my words properly.

Mom immediately took me with her and we reached the emergency department. Meenu was lying unconscious there. A doctor had diagnosed her. She had been put on a drip. We were even more concerned about the child in Meenu’s womb.

“How could Meenu be so careless? Didn’t she know what condition she was in?”, I was over concerned.

Police was waiting for her to regain consciousness so they could take her statement. Mom called Amrit. Soon he also reached there with his sister and bhaji. A doctor checked Meenu’s baby’s condition. He told that the baby was doing fine.

Meenu gained her consciousness at about 12:30 A.M. She was having very bad headache. I called Ludhiana and talked to mom. Amrit’s mom grabbed the phone from me. She first asked my mom about all of them. Then she told her about Meenu’s accident calmly. He told that Meenu was fine. Then he asked Meenu to talk to mom. After a minute or two, Amrit’s mom took the phone from Meenu and told my mom that doctors had given Meenu medicine and asked her to rest. She knew that I would tell mom everything emotionally and mom would be extremely worried. The doctor administered Meenu an injection. He asked us to take Meenu home and bring her back the next day. We brought Meenu home by 2:30 A.M. Meenu was feeling very sleepy. We left Amrit and Meenu in their room and went to our respective bedrooms.

I was feeling very scared. Just I saw a few good days in my life, and another bad chapter of my life opened. Like, someone had spelled bad omens on us. I was feeling very restless and unable to sleep. I prayed and pledged that I would read Sukhmani Sahib every day for forty days for Meenu and her child’s welfare. I right away got up and read the patth. Then I slept. I got up when I heard something in the kitchen. Mom-in-law was making tea. I went there.

“Sonia, watch this tea. Let me go and see how Meenu is doing.”, mom said and went to Meenu’s room. Meanwhile I called Ludhiana. Mom had been waiting for my phone call for long. I told her that we had brought Meenu home last night. Mom heaved a sigh of relief. I didn’t want to bother her by giving further details. She could do nothing, but worry. Meenu and Amrit were yet asleep.

Mom-in-law came back to the kitchen. We had tea. Then mom and I prepared breakfast. Dad took breakfast and left for work. We also had breakfast.

“Shall I go and read Sukhmani Sahib?”, I asked mom-in-law.

“Go, honey. Only He is our saviour. Please pray to him for all of us.”, mom said and began cleaning the kitchen. I went into my room and read patth. After that I read ardas for Meenu, her child and for everyone in the family.

Continued in next edition

AweI kYnyfw ivAwhI

Continued issue (Part 46)

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Continued in next edition

PROF AVTAR SINGH VIRDI

The human factor to deal with mental health issue: This humanitarian approach works extremely well on improving our psychological immunity and counters our stress hormones. In this period, people who have gone through COVID or rather who have learnt from these experiences have evolved from their fear zone -- to the learning zone -- finally experiencing the growth zone! And in the growth phase, you learn to use your experience for the benefit of others. You learn to help, reach out and teach others, this being the final evolving, during these pandemic times. And that is what we should all aim to achieve.

The magic of social media: Virtual platforms have been quite instrumental in improving mental health among people during the pandemic, the many webinars organised are proof of the same. Video calls with friends and family, has given us a sense of connectivity and belonging, with our loved ones, shrinking distances and differences. Relishing in u-tube guided activity sessions, movie-mania and music marathon, has been the flavour of fun and festivities. However, let’s not forget, balance is beautiful... this applies to social media too! Tele-counselling for distress calls, and tele-consultation has been utilized maximum, to deal with mental health issues. This is the time where we learn to give importance to the smaller yet more significant aspects of our lives - time, relationships, self-development, kindness, peace, learning and more!

The way forward: The time has come, where we are evolving together as a community. The effort that we all must take is to ensure that the lessons we have learnt in this pandemic will remain with us. Let these lessons learned not go in vain... as we move forward, may they become our foundation to a buoyant society -- sensible, yet sensitive, proactive and progressive, yet inclusive... and stable- mind, body and soul!

(The author is Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan and Convenor, Indian Psychiatric Society Taskforce for Covid-19 mental health care).

By: Fabian Almeida

your hair starts thinning. Myth: Colouring will damage your hair. Fact:This is one of the biggest myths and one that you all must have heard Bursting the myths about hair colouring all the time. Colouring your hair can’t have an incredibly negative impact

People change the colour of Sameer Hamdare, Zonal Technical ing your hair is entirely your choice. on your hair. Still, there are many their tresses quite often. Hair Manager, Streax Professional speaks Colouring your hair does not mean different options on the market for colour has the power to alter to IANSlife to burst the myths and that you can never have its natural maintaining healthy hair while havyour personality and make shares the facts about hair colouring. colour back. ing fun with the colours, and you you feel like a whole other person need to use a colour safe shampoo, altogether. But whether it’s about Myth:If you colour your hair once, Myth: Colouring your hair will make conditioner, and serum, a significant covering those pesky greys or experi- you have to keep colouring it. it go grey sooner. culprit for damaged hair lies in the ment with new hair colour, there are use of colour if using a proper techseveral myths around hair colouring. Fact: This is not true at all! Recolour- Fact:Grey hair is entirely genetic, nique & aftercare then your hair will and colouring does not accelerate the be just as soft and healthy always. greying of hair. The hair starts greying when the melanin stops produc- Myth: Hair colour is difficult to ing the colour pigment, and this is maintain. when your hair starts turning into grey. Fact:No, hair colour is easy to maintain, you need an excellent aftercare Myth: Colouring will make your product such as (shampoo, condihair-thin. tioner & serum it is vital but don’t buy them without consulting with your Fact: Colour has no role in making hairstylist, as he/she know your hair your hair thin, deficiency in vitamins & scalp. and minerals could be one reason

BONANZA FOR THE FORMER GRADUATES !!

From decades, Canada is well known for its welcoming attitude towards skilled talent from all around the world, be it students migrating in search of better education prospects or be it skilled workers migrating in search of better employment prospects. Canadian government has always been lenient towards the immigration policies that help people from all around the globe to migrate to Canada.

Even though international students contribute a lions’ share in the Canadian economy, which is approximately $21 billion annually, the students are only allowed to apply for a post graduate work permit once in their entire life until

January 8, 2021. Recently, the federal government announced a temporary immigration policy that will allow graduates to apply for an extension of post-graduate work permit for a further of 18 months. This recent news is seen as a positive gesture by the government to let the undergraduates and graduates all over the world know that Canada is now ready to welcome them again.

Earlier the immigration policies for the post-graduate work permit (PGWP) applicants were not very flexible. After finishing your studies, you can apply for a PGWP that will allow you to work anywhere in Canada for a maximum duration of 3 years. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity until the second Friday of this year 2021 when the government posted that international students will soon be allowed for an 18-month extension on their post-graduate work permit. This new measure is seen as a hope for the graduates who suffered and struggled for finding employment in this COVID world. It will benefit the students to gain the Canadian work experience and apply for their Permanent Residency after a year whilst working in Canada.

The details regarding this policy has been published on January 27, 2021. The website (www.cic. gc.ca) stated that, “to apply for an open work permit under the public policy, an applicant must: • Have a PGWP that expired on or after January 30, 2020, or a PGWP that expires in 4 months or less from the date they apply • Still be in Canada • Have a valid temporary status, or be applying to restore their status

• Applications will be open from January 27 to July 27, 2021” Moving forward this policy will serve as a keystone to cope up with the economic downfall during the pandemic. For more updates, stay tuned.

By: R. Kaur

(International student)

Aloe Gel has always been the talk of the town for its multitasking properties. Growing up, every skin or hair issue had one beauty secret that has been passed down from mother to daughter- Aloe Vera! Well, they were not wrong, Aloe gel is packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants that works as healing agents. Additionally, its gel is high in water content making it an immaculate hydrator. Arushi Thapar shares seven ways in which you can use Aloe Gel.

Under eye treatment

One can use Aloe Vera under their eyes and leave it overnight to help with dark circles, under-eye bags, or just simply to soothe the eyes after a long day of staring at screens. Given that it is light in nature and rich in anti-oxidants it hydrates the skin under your eyes without posing many risks to the thinner and more sensitive skin around the eyes.

Primer

Aloe gel is highly viscous and gummy in nature. This helps it sit and set tight on the skin helping to lock the moisture in and forming a protective layer to deter any debris or any makeup from congesting your pores. It even helps minimize the visibility of pores under your makeup.

Soothe irritated skin

The gel of aloe vera plant contains compounds rich in Vitamin A, C, and E which are all potent antioxidants. This means the damage caused by free radicals from being out in the sun too long is minimized and any sun damaged areas are soothed.

After shaving or waxing

7 ways to use the mighty aloe gel

the blades running over our skin or the pulling, tugging, and hot wax while waxing. We are often left with razor burns, mildly burnt patches, or in extremely severe cases, the top layer of the skin being ripped. Aloe gel’ s anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant properties help heal and soothe these micro-wounds. Moreover, being rich in water content it has cooling properties which further helps soothe and heal the skin.

Hair-styling gel

You can use Aloe Vera gel on damp hair instead of over-the-counter serums, as a great natural styling substituent. It has a pH level of 4.5 which closes hair cuticles thereby controlling hair frizz. Additionally, being a great hydrator, it keeps your hair healthy and hydrated.

Moisturizer or a facemask

98 per cent of aloe vera gel is water which makes it an excellent hydrator, and a perfect lightweight moisturizer for all skin types. It’s antibacterial and antiinflammatory property is exploited for keeping acne and skin breakouts at bay. You can simply apply it as a moisturizer for some instant and long-lasting hydration or even use it as a face mask to help soothe irritated skin and a fresh glow.

Hair conditioner

After washing your hair you can simply apply the aloe vera gel on your hair and sit with it for at least 10 minutes before washing it out, or you can even mix it with other essential oils like coconut or almond oil to give it a boost.

Khan Parveez:

Putting his best foot forward

Approach each customer with the idea of helping them to solve a problem or achieve a goal, not of selling a product or service. This is what Khan Parveez, the VIP Sales Manager at Brian Jessel BMW believes in and practices every day.

The VIP Sales Manager at Brian Jessel BMW, Khan had a flair for cars like most of the boys of his age while growing up. He admits that he got it from his late father. Even though his father was a medical practitioner by profession working in the emergency unit of a hospital, his stress buster was shopping for old American/ European cars and restoring them with his quirks, modifying them and giving them a new look. “I think it all started from there and my inclination towards the automobile market grew”, said Khan.

After being one of the top salesmen in the country for BMW for many years with a Gold Sales Master title, he believes his organized, customer centric approach led him to this position. He has been associated with Brian Jessel BMW, which is a power house in sales and holds a prime position in the entire country for selling BMWs.

Talking about the source of motivation to give his best every day at work, he says “at Brian Jessel, we just don’t sell cars but premium cars to clients who are inquisitive about the brand, ones who are treating themselves for their achievements or people who have saved for a long time for their dream cars and soon. All these reasons give me a very positive energy and great vibe to be motivated and indulged with the clients and the brand”.

“My motivation to give my best everyday also comes from the positive feedback from clients”, he added.

He believes a feather in the hat is when the client starts referring his friends and family to the Brian Jessel dealership. “That’s when you know you have just not done a good job making a sale, but an exceptional one”.

For him, working at the dealership is a great experience. He says, “working with a highly professional team of people, be it in sales or service is great fun as it aligns with my goals and business approach”.

“For me, keeping the clients’ needs as the epitome is a key to be successful and that’s what most of our team members believe. This constant practice of great attitude -- be it from a basic habit of greeting the clients to selling a vehicle and a great after sale service -- has kept the job very fun and satisfying in every aspect”.

Talking about challenges on the job, he says “though it has been natural for my team and myself to give a great customer experience, some challenges come in beyond our scope. This could be when factory orders from customers get delayed or a vehicle arrives with transport damages. This is when things go out of our hands, but we try our best to fix the issues at the earliest.

When it comes to achieving sales targets, he says, “it all starts with a motivated team with an interest of showing you have your prospects’ best interests at heart. It is also one of the best ways to stand apart from your competitors. He also believes reaching out to your best clients and being connected with them is the best way to drive sales.

Self-motivation is essential, he feels. “Of course, constant marketing and using Social media tools as a platform is a great attribute in reaching our message out to potential clients. Just like any other sales job we also have targets to meet. Ours gets a bit interesting with Premium cars.

Particularly with the onset of the pandemic, it was beyond challenging to navigate through.” He credits the team for all the hard work and driving the sales during these trying times. “This was possible with our dynamic team involving owners and managers holding key positions maneuvering processes as we were dealing with so much uncertainty. It was because of them that we were able to weather the storm brought by the pandemic when everything came to a standstill”.

He can be reached at: kparveez@ brianjesselbmw.com Phone: 6043756769

He signed off.

Valentino carves a niche in the automotive industry

For some people, a job chooses them. Qualifications, education, and everything else needed to make a mark in the world falls into place itself. A cherished treasure of Brian Jessel BMW, Valentino Almeida (VIP Sales Manager) belongs to that tiny lot of lucky people.

Known for its thousands of loyal customers, committed staff, and thriving sales, service and pre-owned departments, Brian

Jessel BMW is the most prime dealer in Canada for the last 17 years. They believe in giving the best services to their customers and continue to do to this day.

The VIP Sales Manager at

Brian Jessel BMW, Valentino never trained to become a sales professional but surprisingly is prospering as one since the last 25 years. Passionate about what he does, he feels the best part of his job is to make sure he sells a customer the right vehicle that fits their needs.

Hailing from Mumbai and completing his Bachelor’s in Science, he got a break to work for General Motors in the Middle East after he graduated. Later, he migrated to Canada in 1995. He has never looked back ever since. With his determination to succeed, coupled with his passion, he has been building the life of his dreams. He also acknowledges the fact that “working for Brian Jessel has been very rewarding right from the first year of my professional career in Canada”.

A passionate musician, he loves music and likes to play instruments during his free time. Valentino has also made

his mark in the world of automobile by achieving the prestigious Gold Master Status from 1996. He then worked his way up to be the Number 1 Sales Person for BMW Canada.

Talking about how Brian Jessel tries to make the experience worthy for a customer, he says “at Brian Jessel, it’s all a team effort that makes a person’s experience worthwhile. We make sure it all goes very smoothly from the time a customer walks in, right up to delivery of the new car. We also believe our work never ends at the sale. For us, the relationship starts from then on. We provide the best after sale services in the region”.

He loves what he does and is a great team player. He believes it’s the ‘Brian Jessel culture’ that sets them apart from the rest of the competitors in the market.

He can be reached at: valmeida@brianjesselbmw.com Phone: 6043071965

These trends may rule 2021, say fashion experts

While last year was all about comfort and meaningful design which works well for work from home, loungewear and intimate gatherings, 2021 is expected to a glamorous update of the same forecast the experts.

IANSlife spoke to industry veterans to shed light on trends that may rule 2021.

Designer Kunal Rawal: Trends to opt for 2021

Military tones are going to be huge in the coming year.

Personally I’ve always been fond of a good tonal grey look, so ‘Ultimate Gray’ is a colour I highly recommend.

The new year will see a rise in deconstructed utilitarian silhouettes, especially in chic neutral shades.

Pantone colours will dominate virtual runways. Both “Ultimate Gray” and “Illuminating” are colours that work well together as the sensibilities behind them are relatable.

Fashion Winners of 2020 were definitely silhouettes that were easy to lounge in. Comfort took charge over style, and as restrictions started easing up, menswear was championed by multi-utilitarian clothing that could easily transition from day to night.

Monica Shah of Jade by Monica & Karishma

I think comfort is going to be high on every bride’s list of priorities when it comes to her bridal ensemble. We’ re going to see lighter fabrics and breezy silhouettes that not only facilitate movement but also make the bride feel completely at ease on her big day.

Another trend I see is that of experimentalism. Brides are going to be much keener to either deviate from what’s seen as traditional or they’ re going to find ways to give their own unique touch to a traditional number.

Heirloom value. Ensembles, even the modern ones, are going to have a distinct heirloom element to them. Techniques like Ek Taar and Kasab can be effortlessly woven to craft contemporary pieces that still carry that heirloom appeal. These are the kind of pieces that score high on comfort, personal significance and artisanal excellence.

Rina Singh, Designer and Founder of Eka and Eka Core

The idea this year has been to wear clothes to suit oneself and I strongly believe this trend will carry on in 2021 as well. I don’t think there were any trends as such in 2020 honestly speaking as most of our time was spent at home. If at all, we could capture a trend for this year it would definitely be comfortable, wearable and meaningful design options in good textiles. Sustainable, functional and easy to wear clothing has taken precedence over impressing people through what you wear.

Dhruv Bogra, Country Manager India, Forever New

wear as most preferred styles. Everyone wanted to be comfortable at home during the pandemic, however, with work from home and gradual opening up of social gatherings, high fashion prevailed with some key trends for 2020. These would be puff sleeves which is flattering for all body types, elegant satin dresses and high slits, playful cut out dresses and leather pants - are versatile and can be dressed up and down.

2021 is about comfort clothing translating through boyfriend jackets and khaki colours on the one hand, and on the it is going to be about glamour accentuated by waist cinching silhouettes. I see a lot of sorbet pastel tones and delicate florals, which are perfect for summer with ruffles, voluminous sleeves or polka dots. These timeless styles will be the front runners in 2021 styles with vibrant scarves. Asia, Lenzing Group

The sustainable fashion trends of the future are heavily influenced by the events of today, which could never have been predicted. As we look towards 2021, we believe that the changing consumer attitude will continue to encourage the industry to embrace sustainability at all levels.

2020 has impacted every aspect of our lives. As we continue to battle the pandemic, the textiles and apparel industry world-over experienced unprecedented disruptions. The pandemic has thrown light upon the urgent need for consumers as well as organisations to focus on sustainable choices, products and processes. And to that effect, sustainable fashion has accelerated to centre stage within the industry. The global ethical fashion market was earlier also estimated to grow at 6.8 per cent CAGR, from US$6.35 billion in 2019 to $8.25 billion in 2023.