Healthy diet

Nutrition diet for a healthy life
Battling hypertension, cancer, diabetes, a weak heart or kidneys... right nutrition plays a key role. The National Nutrition Week just passed by (Sept 1-7). For a strong, healthy body and a happy mind, nutrition plays a pivotal part not just as prevention but as a tool for speedy recovery as well.

Diet in Cardiac Diseases
The best diet for a healthy heart is a diet low in fatty and sugary foods and rich in fruits and vegetables which are quick foods that require little or no preparation time. They are loaded with important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber and disease fighting antioxidants.

Unsaturated oils (refined oils) help maintain blood cholesterol levels if consumed in recommended quantities. Thus it is advisable to use only 4-5 teaspoons of cooking oil per day and a variety of refined oils should be taken. Select one from each group for your daily cooking purpose. Ratio of both oils should be 1:1. It is advised to use oil from Group A for 15 days and oil from Group B for 15 days or lunch with oil from Group A and dinner with oil from Group B.

Group A: Sunflower / safflower/ corn / soybean

Group B: Mustard / groundnut / olive/ rice bran

High fiber food items like whole cereals [whole wheat flour ( atta ), wheat bran, whole wheat bread, bajra , jowar , oats], whole pulses ( dals with skin, rajmah , chola, kala chana, chowli etc.), leafy vegetables, salad vegetables and whole fruits are recommended.

Good quality protein like egg white, soy, fish chicken and dairy protein (toned/ skimmed cow's milk and milk products like curds and paneer prepared with cow’s toned milk) is recommended. Oily fish like ravas (salmon), herring, bangda (mackerel), tuna , tarli (oil sardine) and nuts like almonds and walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and found to be beneficial for heart. All these food items are advised in recommended quantities.

It is advised to avoid fatty meats like ham, bacon, yolk of egg, red meat, organ meat, shrimps, lobster, prawns, etc as well as alcohol, aerated drinks, squashes, fruit juices (lack fiber), canned, tinned, processed and preserved foods e.g. tinned fruits, sauces, processed cheese.

Diet for Hypertension
A vegetarian's diet contains more potassium, complex carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C all of which may have a favourable influence on blood pressure. It can be a great benefit to start lowering your blood pressure naturally.

Calcium: Consume skim / toned milk and milk products (curds and paneer). This milk is low in fat, but very high in Vitamin D and calcium, both of which are known to combat high blood pressure. Calcium can also be found in fish (sardines, salmon, mackerel), nuts, sunflower seeds (unsalted) and green leafy vegetables (beetroot leaves, turnip greens, arbi leaves, chowlai , methi leaves, cauliflower greens, celery leaves, parsley, mint, curry leaves, drum stick leaves and radish leaves). Cereals like ragi (nachni) and whole pulses like kala chana and rajmah , soybean and tofu are also rich in calcium. Spices include hing , ajwain , khas khas , black pepper ( kali mirch ), cumin seeds ( zeera ), coriander ( dhania ), cloves ( laung ) and mustard seeds ( sarson ).

Magnesium: Magnesium rich foods such as pulses and legumes and dark green leafy vegetables are an excellent way to lower blood pressure. Other good sources of magnesium are almonds, walnuts, coriander seeds (dhania ), cumin seeds ( zeera ), ginger, turmeric, plums and mango figs, whole grains, soy products, broccoli, oysters and mackerel. Magnesium has the effect of relaxing the blood vessels which allows the blood to flow easier.

Potassium: Restricting sodium (salt) intake to lower blood pressure appears to work better if accompanied by increasing potassium. Pulses and legumes, soybeans and cereals like bajra , jowar , ragi (nachni), whole wheat flour ( atta ) are good sources of potassium. Spices rich in potassium include coriander seeds ( dhania ), cumin seeds ( zeera ) and methi seeds. Vegetables like potato, sweet potato, yam ( suran ), tomatoes, karela , brinjal, drumstick, green papaya and dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, sarson ka saag , chowlai and coriander leaves are high in potassium. Potassium rich fruits include sweet lime, apricots, amla, bael, cherries, lemon, mango, muskmelon, watermelon, peaches, plums and seetaphal. Coconut water and vegetable soups are also rich in potassium.

Vitamin C: It seems to expand blood vessels and constricted arteries, consequently helping to lower blood pressure. Vitamin C rich foods include strawberries, lime, sweet lime ( mausambi) , orange, guava ( peru ), amla, radish ( muli ) leaves, fenugreek leaves ( methi ), coriander ( dhania ), cabbage, capsicum, green chillies, cauliflower and bitter gourd ( karela ).

Research also shows that eating foods high in fiber, such as oat bran, fruits, and vegetables can significantly reduce high blood pressure, and even improve blood pressure in healthy individuals. Omega-3 fats, typically found in oily fish, garlic and flax seeds are known to have a lowering effect on blood pressure.

Avoid foods like pickles, papads and salted chutneys, biscuits and namkeens, all sauces and soy sauce, cheese, salted butter, margarine, mayonnaise, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ajinomoto, breads, cakes, pastries, cornflakes, salted chips, nuts, popcorns, bacon, ham, sausages, malted beverages, boost, bournvita, preserved foods and canned foods.

Diet in Renal Diseases
Renal diet plays a major role in restoring the kidneys to function normally after a kidney-related ailment. A
special renal diet helps to control the buildup of toxic fluids in the blood and decreases the stress on the kidneys. A typical renal diet controls the intake of protein, potassium, phosphorus and sodium.

Nutrition for chronic kidney failure involves variable nutrient adjustment according to the individual needs of patients. It is required to provide just enough protein (50 per cent of high biological value) to maintain tissue integrity while avoiding a damaging excess. Carbohydrates and fats must supply sufficient calories to reduce the need for proteins. With non-dialyzed patients, fluid intake should be sufficient to maintain an adequate urine volume. Intake is usually balanced with the output. The need for sodium varies. If hypertension and edema are present, salt intake is usually recommended in very low amounts between 2-5 grams/day.

The damaged kidney/ kidneys cannot clear potassium adequately and so the dietary intake is kept low or moderate. Therefore, it is important for patients to be aware of the potassium levels in various foods so that they consume cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables that have low to moderate potassium content.

Usually, nutrition therapy for dialysis patients is planned with more liberal nutrient allowances and the patient is encouraged to eat a variety of foods to help maintain normal body weight and nutritional status.

Diet for Cancer
It is very important to eat well during cancer treatment. One needs to have adequate calories and proteins which would help prevent weight loss, regain strength and rebuild normal tissues. If one is overweight, the Clinical Nutritionist can assist with weight loss after the treatment is over and one is fully recovered. If one is losing weight during the treatment, the clinical nutritionist can assess the calorie needs and create a meal plan to stabilize the weight.

Free radicals damage the DNA, rearranging the genes within the cells, which leads to the development of cancer. Antioxidants are free radical scavengers which can prevent less aggressive malignant cells to transform into more aggressive types which are more likely to grow and spread faster. These are found in variety of foods as listed below:

Phytochemicals:
Vegetables: cabbage, spinach, broccoli, onions, celery, citrus fruits (especially ripe): pomegranates, kiwis, plums, apples, lemons, apricots, plums, pears, oranges, strawberries, bananas, grapes.
Mushrooms: white
Dried fruits: raisin, prunes, apricots.
Pulses and legumes
Herbs ans spices: Garlic, parsley, mint, coriander, thyme, rosemary
Green tea

Carotenoids: beta-carotene (carrots, peaches, apricots, spinach)
Alpha-carotene: carrots and pumpkins
Cryptoxanthin: oranges, papaya, peaches
Lycopene : tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit
Lutein and Zeaxanthin : spinach, red pepper, peas, broccoli, celery

The diet should consist of unsaturated oils and omega-3 fatty acids which can be of great benefit rather than saturated and trans-fats which are bad fats. A high fiber diet can prevent colon cancer. Fiber moves potential carcinogens through the intestines faster, decreasing the contact time between carcinogens and the intestinal wall. Small frequent meals are recommended.

Also in conditions with advanced cancer or those whose tumours or treatments have affected their ability to eat or digest food, such patients should seek advice from a clinical nutritionist attached to a hospital.

Diet in Diabetes
Management of diabetes requires self-discipline and self-control under the guidance of a doctor and a nutritionist.
Effective diabetic management requires a healthy lifestyle which should include a balanced diet, regular exercise and sensible weight control.

Carbohydrate: The distribution of carbohydrate in various meals is determined by whether or not the patient is on insulin therapy. According to the type of insulin calories from carbohydrate need to be distributed. When not on insulin, the carbohydrate is divided equally between breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Spread the intake of carbohydrate foods throughout the day. Eating large amounts of carbohydrates at one time produces increased amounts of glucose and stimulates the release of increased amounts of insulin which can cause blood glucose levels to drop.

There should be steady release of glucose into the blood stream. Therefore in between snacks should be stressed to avoid hypoglycemia. Eat 5-6 small meals rather than 2-3 large meals.

High fiber foods as mentioned in diet for cardiac diseases are recommended.

Protein: Proteins are required in adequate quantity as proteins do not raise blood sugar levels during absorption like carbohydrates. In poorly regulated diabetes, large quantities are excreted through urine therefore the protein requirement is higher. Proteins promote satiety, provide essential amino acids for tissue repair to be restricted in case of early kidney disease.

Fats: Diabetics are prone to atherosclerosis. Therefore fat intake has to be restricted. Same guidelines as for diet in cardiac diseases have to be followed.

Vitamins and minerals: A diet rich in antioxidants like B carotene, Vitamin E and C should be emphasized.

Dietary sodium may have a role in the development of insulin resistance. Moderate sodium restriction is beneficial.

Meal combination is also an important factor in managing blood glucose levels. Combining protein, fat and carbohydrate at meals and snacks can lead to a better control of blood glucose levels and doing so, slows down insulin release than meals or snacks that consists mainly of carbohydrates.

(The writer is Clinical Nutritionist with Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Fortis Network
Hospital, Navi Mumbai) Click here to Read more!

Artificial Heart

US Food and Drug Administration granted Abiomed
A Massachusetts company received federal approval Sep 2006 to sell up to 4,000 artificial hearts a year, though the number of devices implanted annually will likely be far smaller.
The hearts would be used only in patients who are close to death and have no other treatment options.
The Food and Drug Administration granted Abiomed Inc. a humanitarian exemption allowing it to sell the devices, agency spokeswoman Susan Bro said. The actual number of the devices, called the AbioCor, to be implanted likely will be small — between just 25 and 50 a year, Bro said.
So far, the artificial heart has been tested in only 14 men. Two died from the operation, and another never regained consciousness. The rest survived only an average of five months, with one exception: a man who lived 17 months, until the mechanical heart wore out.
The company said earlier that it would begin implanting the artificial hearts at five hospitals around the country, once doctor training is complete. The devices are fully contained within the chest, with no outside wires.
Abiomed is targeting men — but not precluding women — with heart failure who are too sick for a heart transplant, have exhausted other options and are likely to die within a month.
The current device is too large for about 90 percent of U.S. women and many men. The company is developing a smaller version.
In 2005, an FDA panel of outside experts voted against recommending Abiomed be given permission to sell the device in limited numbers. At the time, the experts expressed concern that many AbioCor recipients suffered severe strokes, some fatal, that compromised their final weeks.
The company has since redesigned the design of the cuff of the device to prevent two bars from coming into contact with human tissue. That contact was believed to be the cause of the strokes in the first test patients, said Michael R. Minogue, the company's president and chief executive officer.
The company also hopes to implant the hearts in patients who can be treated with blood-thinning drugs, further reducing the risk of stroke, Minogue said in a recent interview.
"We want to focus on getting the right patients and getting them home, so whatever that number is, that is what it will be," Minogue said.
The implant is expected to cost about $250,000. It is unclear whether insurance would cover it.
Abiomed eventually hopes 10 medical centers would be equipped to implant the hearts.
Source: Health Discovery Click here to Read more!

Barack Obama like to dinner with his real hero Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi is his real hero, Obama tells US school kids
Washington: US President Barack Obama has said given a chance he would like to have dinner with Mahatma Gandhi, whom he considered a real hero.

Obama expressed his desire in response to a question from a student Lilly during his discussion with 9th graders at Wakefield High School in Arlington Virginia where he accompanied with the Education Secretary gave a national speech welcoming students back to school.

Obama called for students to take responsibility and to learn from their failures so that they succeed in the end.

"Hi. I'm Lilly. And if you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?," Obama was asked by one of the students.

"Dinner with anyone dead or alive? Well, you know, dead or alive, that's a pretty big list," Obama responded amidst laughter. The next moment he was serious.

"You know, I think that it might be Gandhi, who is a real hero of mine," Obama said. "Now, it would probably be a really small meal because he didn't eat a lot," he said amidst laughter. But Mahatma Gandhi is someone who has inspired people across the world for the past several generations, he said.

Terming the iconic figure as the source of inspiration for many, Obama said "He (Mahatma Gandhi) is somebody whom I find a lot of inspiration in. He inspired Dr King (Martin Luther), so if it hadn't been for the non-violent movement in India, you might not have seen the same non-violent movement for civil rights here in the United States." said.

"What was interesting was that he ended up doing so much and changing the world just by the power of his ethics, by his ability to change how people saw each other and saw themselves -- and help people who thought they had no power realise that they had power, and then help people who had a lot of power realise that if all they're doing is oppressing people, then that's not a really good exercise of power," Obama said.

Expressing his belief in the way of change proposed by Gandhi, the President said, "I am always interested in people who are able to bring about change, not through violence, not through money, but through the force of their personality and their ethical and moral stances. That is somebody that I would love to sit down and talk to," said Obama.

Mahatma Gandhi has always been a source of inspiration for this first African-American President of the United States of America.

"In my life, I have always looked to Mahatma Gandhi as an inspiration, because he embodies the kind of transformational change that can be made when ordinary people come together to do extraordinary things," he wrote in the ethnic India Abroad newspaper last year.

"That is why his portrait hangs in my Senate office; to remind me that real results will not just come from Washington, they will come from the people," Obama said.
Source:CNN-IBN Click here to Read more!

what is the difference between Swine Flu and regular flu or Cold?

Fever
Flu/Cold: Fever is rare with a cold.
Swine Flu: Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.

Coughing
Flu/Cold: A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
Swine Flu: A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).

Aches
Flu/Cold: Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
Swine Flu: Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.

Stuffy Nose
Flu/Cold: Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
Swine Flu: Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.

Chills
Flu/Cold: Chills are uncommon with a cold.
Swine Flu: 60% of people who have the flu experience chills.

Tiredness
Flu/Cold: Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
Swine Flu: Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.

Sneezing
Flu/Cold: Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
Swine Flu: Sneezing is not common with the flu.

Sudden Symptoms
Flu/Cold: Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
Swine Flu: The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

Headache
Flu/Cold: A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
Swine Flu: A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore Throat
Flu/Cold: Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
Swine Flu: Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.

Chest Discomfort
Flu/Cold: Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
Swine Flu: Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu. Click here to Read more!

Direct Tax Code as "income from special sources"

NRIs treated as Not Required Indians!

Indubhai Amin, a non-resident Indian (NRI) settled in the UK earns interest income of Rs 3 lakh on his non-resident ordinary account bank deposit in India in the current FY 2009-10. Enjoying his personal exemption limit of Rs 1.60 lakh and the eligible deduction of Rs 1 lakh u/s 80C, Amin is comfortable paying income tax of Rs 4,000 in the first slab of 10 per cent on his effective taxable income of Rs 40,000.

Flat tax of 20% and 30%

A huge shock awaits Amin and millions of NRIs, in regard to taxation of their interest and investment income and capital gains earned in India, proposed to be treated under the draft Direct Tax Code as "income from special sources."

In 2011-12, on the same interest income of Rs 3 lakh, Amin will be required to pay a hefty tax of Rs 60,000 at the flat rate of 20 per cent, without being eligible to claim any basic exemption or other deduction, as provided under rule three of the First Schedule to the Code.

Moreover, all capital gains earned by a non-resident will attract a flat tax of 30 per cent, irrespective of the amount of capital gains. While a resident Indian will be required to pay tax of Rs 3.84 lakh on his taxable income of Rs 25 lakh, an NRI earning equivalent capital gains will be called upon to pay almost double tax of Rs 7.5 lakh.

Hair-raising drafting

New section 13 (2) provides that such ‘special income’ shall be computed in accordance with the provisions of the Ninth Schedule, the drafting of which is literally hair-raising. It provides that the amount of accrual or receipt shall be computed as the taxable income, and no loss, allowance or deduction shall be allowed, as the same shall be presumed to have been granted. The only exception in this regard, in respect of capital gains arising from the transfer of equity shares or units of equity oriented mutual fund chargeable to STT, is quite amusing, as it stands redundant in view of the proposal to abolish STT (a classic instance of incoherent drafting).

The draftsman does not seem to have realized the harsh implications. It means that if an NRI sells a capital asset purchased for Rs 10 lakh at Rs 30 lakh, he will be required to pay tax of Rs 9 lakh at 30 per cent on the gross sale consideration of Rs 30 lakh without any deduction even for the cost of acquisition of Rs 10 lakh (not to mention any benefit of indexation on the same).

Determination of residential status

The residential status of an individual under the Code is proposed to be determined as per the current norms. However, the status of "not ordinarily resident" (NOR) is proposed to be eliminated. Despite the above, Clause 24 of the Sixth Schedule has still provided for exemption in respect of interest earned on foreign currency deposits in the case of NOR. Poor drafting indeed!

The Code has proposed to retain the current exemptions availed by a non-resident in case of interest earned on NRE and FCNR deposits with banks.

Special exemption for returning NRIs

A useful exemption has been provided in case of income earned outside India, if it is not derived from a business controlled from India, in the financial year in which the returning NRI becomes an Indian resident and the immediately succeeding financial year. However, the benefit of the said exemption would be available, only if such individual was a non-resident for nine years immediately preceding the financial year in which he becomes a resident.

Wealth-tax liability for NRIs

Proposed Section 102 of the Code provides for wealth tax liability in the case of the value of all global assets of an individual or HUF. However, an exemption has been provided in case of the value of assets located outside India in case of an individual who is not a citizen of India or an individual or HUF not resident in India. Hence, while returning NRIs who are non-citizens will enjoy wealth-tax exemption for their overseas assets, NRIs with Indian citizenship becoming residents will attract wealth-tax liability on such assets held abroad.

Illogical exemption under wealth-tax

Talking about wealth tax, the Code prescribes an exemption in respect of any house or plot of land belonging to an individual or HUF, if it is acquired before April 1, 2000. It is difficult to understand the logic as to why this exemption has been denied in all cases where such immovable property is acquired after March 31, 2000!

Proposals That Will Hurt the Global Indian Sentiment

Flat Rate of Tax

20% flat tax on interest & other investment income
30% flat tax on all capital gains
Apart from 20% & 30% TDS on above, TDS at a baffling rate of 35% prescribed on all residual income

No Personal Exemption

No personal exemption or deduction allowed in computing the above income treated as ‘income from special sources’.

Weird Interpretation

Poor drafting leads to such a weird interpretation that transfer of a capital asset may attract 30% tax on gross sale consideration.

What Discrimination!

Ironical but true! Non-Indian sportspersons, say Ricky Ponting or Shoaib Akhtar, required to pay a concessional tax of 10% on their game, advertisement and column earnings in India, thus enjoying a more privileged tax status than our own sons of the soil living abroad

Source: Times of india

Click here to Read more!

1947 India Partition

OUR INDIA
The partition of Indian subcontinent in 1947, following World War II is perhaps the most tragic of all political events to affect India in its long political history. The partition divided Hindus and Muslims who had lived together for hundreds of years.

Mahatma Gandhi with Pethwick Lawrence, British Secretary of State for India after a meeting on 18 April 1946

















Aerial view of contingents setting off on the Victory Parade in Delhi in March 1946








A Colour Party leads the British infantry contingent through India's memorial arch in Delhi during the Victory Parade in March 1946







Indian Army passes the saluting base during the Victory Parade in Delhi in March 1946. Thousands of spectators watched the Victory Parade in Delhi.














In 1947, the border between India and its new neighbour Pakistan became a river of blood, as the exodus erupted into rioting.

An outbreak of violence a few months after the main riots resulted in the redeployment of the Battalion on the streets of Calcutta. A small British foot patrol on Lower Chitpur Road.




Indian Pioneers who were brought in to scatter lime around the city in an effort to prevent the spread of disease from decomposing bodies.






Looted and burnt corrugated iron dwellings near College Square, Calcutta in 1946.







Looted and burnt corrugated iron dwellings near College Square, Calcutta in 1946.








Calcutta police disperse a mob of rioters attacking a Hindu temple on Circular Road during the Calcutta Riot of 1946.








Calcutta police regroup during the Calcutta Riot in 1946. An Anglo Indian policeman stands in the centre.










Crowds involved in the Calcutta Riot in 1946. This photograph was taken by Captain Peter Farrant during his service with the York and Lancaster Regiment in India between 1945 and 1947. Thousands of people were killed in the rioting, caused by tensions between Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. This sparked off further violence in surrounding areas.







The 1st Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers parade in Fort St George, Madras in August 1947. This was their last parade in Fort St George before India became independent.



Jawaharlal Nehru is sworn in as India's first Prime Minister by the outgoing Viceroy, Mountbatten, watched by Lady Mountbatten, in August 1947






Emergency trains crowded with desperate refugees








Dividing up a library at the time of 1947 partition








The migration was a "massive exercise in human misery,"







Men, women and children who died in the rioting were cremated on a mass scale. Villagers even used oil and kerosene when wood was scarce.





With the tragic legacy of an uncertain future, a young refugee sits on the walls of Purana Qila, transformed into a vast refugee camp in Delhi.





"The street was short and narrow. Lying like the garbage across the street and in its open gutters were bodies of the dead,"






The massive exchange of population that took place in the summer of 1947 was unprecedented. It left behind a trail of death and destruction. The Indian map was slashed to make way for a new country - Pakistan.




In a couple of months in the summer of 1947, a million people were slaughtered on both sides in the religious rioting. Here, bodies of the victims of rioting are picked up from a city street.





An aged and abandoned Muslim couple and their grand children sitting by the the roadside on this arduous journey.






Over 10 million people were uprooted from their homeland and travelled on foot, bullock carts and trains to their new home.






Millions left for their new homeland with smiles on their faces as trains left both India and Pakistan. This is a train to Pakistan being given a warm send-off.







Gandhi listens to Muslims during the height of the warfare which followed the partition of India in 1947.








Mountbatten and Lady Mountbatten meet Mr Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the leader of Pakistan, in 1947.








The partition of India in 1947 led to a process which we today probably would describe as "ethnic cleansing". Hundreds of thousands of people were massacred and millions had to move; Muslims from India to Pakistan, Hindus in the opposite direction. Photo shows part of the crowds of refugees which poured into the city of New Delhi.



India before Partition Click here to Read more!

Dubai labourers strike

Construction Workers Strike
Dubai - Hundreds of construction Labourers working for Al Habtoor Engineering Enterprises stopped work on Monday to demonstrate against low wages and the lack of overtime pay. Halted traffic in Deira and Jebel Ali at around 8am this morning but were quickly dispersed by police and labour officials. The workers also blocked traffic for a brief time on Sheikh Zayed Road.Colonel Abdullah Al Ghaithi, the acting director of the Dubai Police’s organisational safety, told UAE daily Gulf News that 300 workers had taken to the streets and that the Ministry of Labour (MoL) was trying to settle the dispute between the labourers and the company. Click here to Read more!

CSWIP Course details

Click below link for CSWIP Couse details
Welding Inspection
Plant Inspection
Offshore Inspection
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Personnel
Plastics Welders
Welding Instructors
Welding Supervisors
Welders
Cathodic Protection Personnel
Review of Welding Procedures Click here to Read more!

API Course

The American Petroleum Institute (API)-Individual Certification Programs for Engineers
API's Individual Certification Programs offer a means to improve your skills and enhance your overall job performance.API's Inspector Certification Programs are based on industry-developed standards that are recognized and used with confidence worldwide. These standards have also provided a uniform platform that serves as a model for many state and government regulations. These API programs emphasize professional credibility and process integrity. They enable inspectors to play an active role in improving industry health and safety; environmental performance; ensuring compliance and self-regulation; and strengthening management control and internal inspection capabilities

For ICP Programs in Detail Click below link
API 510 Pressure Vessels Inspector Certification Program
API 570 Piping Inspector Certification Program
API 653 Aboveground Storage Tanks Inspector Certification Program
API 936 Refractory Personnel Certification Program
API TES Tank Entry Supervisor Certification Program
API 571 Supplemental Inspection Certification Program
API 577 Supplemental Inspection Certification Program
API 580 Supplemental Inspection Certification Program
API QUTE - UT Shear Wave (Detection) Qualification Program
API QUSE - UT Shear Wave (Sizing) Qualification Program

Contact Information
E-mail: inspector@api.org or icp@api.org
Customer service desk: (202) 682-8064
Fax: (202) 682-8348

Mailing address
API
1220 L Street NW
Washington DC 20005
ATTN: ICP Click here to Read more!

API 510 Course details

The American Petroleum Institute (API) 510 Pressure Vessels Inspector Certification Program
Click below Link for
General Information and Qualification Requirements
Examination Information
API 510 Publication Effectivity Sheet for September 23, 2009 Exam
API 510 Publication Effectivity Sheet for December 2, 2009 Exam
510 Body of Knowledge
API 510 Sample Questions Click here to Read more!

Ramadan Timing - UAE Rules & Guidelines

Ramadan Timing - UAE Rules & Guidelines
1430 AH Ramadan 2009 - 22 August 2009 to 20 September 2009

Rules and expectations specific to Dubai and the UAE
• Companies are required by law to reduce working time by 2 hours per day for all employees, not only Muslims. If employees work longer hours, they should receive overtime pay. Workers can file a complaint at the UAE Ministry of Labour if a company is not following this rule, or not paying overtime for employees who do work longer hours.
• It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours (including in your car). Urban legend has it that you end up in jail for the remainder of the month of Ramadan if caught, however it is more likely that you’ll get a lecture from the police and possibly a fine. The law says a fine up to 2000 / 2500 dhs or up to 1 or 2 month jail sentence as far as we know.
• For example, in September 2008, a Lebanese male resident and Russian female visitor were drinking juice in an EPPCO petrol station in Dubai before Iftar, and fined 1000 dhs each according to an article in the Gulf News. Apparently a witness saw them and reported them to the police, who shipped the couple off to court. It seems a surprisingly harsh outcome, unless there is more to the story than was reported.
• Sharjah is likely to have harsher penalties for the same offence.
• Khalil Ibrahim Mansouri, Director General of the department of criminal investigation at the Dubai Police, was reported on 20 August 2009 as saying “We call on people to help us by reporting anyone they see breaking the fast“, referring to people eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day during Ramadan. The report seemed to think that Mr Mansouri was keen to see residents and visitors chucked in jail – the headline was “People caught eating during Ramadan face jail” and pointed out that 24 people had been jailed in Dubai in the past 3 years for violating the Ramadan fasting period. The original source of the report is unclear.
• If you have hungry children, they are permitted to eat during the day but it would be sensible to be discreet about it. If you’re desparate for food or drink for them, get a snack at a supermarket or service station, or possibly a restaurant/cafe even if they look closed (knock on the door – there might be someone in the back). • It is respectful and polite to dress more conservatively during Ramadan – shoulders and legs should be covered.
• Bars in Dubai are usually still open but patrons will be asked what religion they are and refused entry if they are Muslim. Live and loud music is banned, so is dancing. Bars in Abu Dhabi might be closed. Bars in Ras Al Khaimah usually stay open. Bars in Sharjah don’t exist.
• Any alcohol related offences will probably be treated much more severely than outside the month of Ramadan – it is quite possible an offender is stuck in prison until the end of Ramadan.
• Car stereos should be turned down – loud music, especially rock or similar music, is disrespectful at least, and if police hear it, they’ll have something to say about it.
• Traffic jam times change – the morning is not much different but afternoons from 1300-1600 is quite busy, and again just before Iftar as many people are trying to get to a desired location for Iftar. Every year there are numerous accidents and requests from police to drive carefully at the time. For an hour or so just after Iftar, and from 1600 to an hour or so before Iftar, the roads are relatively traffic-free.

Ramadan guidelines

"Ramadan Mubarak" and "Ramadan Kareem" are congratulatory greetings used when the first day of Ramadan is announced (kareem means generous and mubarak means blessings). Suhoor is the meal in the morning just before sunrise - it is usually a light meal. Iftar is the time of the evening meal just after sunset, traditionally a light snack of dates and water, although this might no be so obvious in Dubai. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims have the following obligations No eating, drinking, smoking or sex between sunrise (fajr) and sunset (maghrib, rather than magrib).
Curb undesirable emotions such as anger, greed, envy, lust, and refrain from gossip.
Keep thoughts and actions pure and use the time of fasting for spiritual contemplation.
Be charitable and help those in need.
Visit friends and family members.
Children (cut-off point is about 12 years old), the elderly, the insane, travellers, pregnant or nursing women, sick people, and those who are fighting in battle are not expected to fast. Instead they should feed one poor person each day during Ramadan, or, in the case of temporary conditions, make up the days by fasting at a later date. Women should not fast during menstruation but make up those days after Ramadan.

Ramadan events and activities in Dubai and the UAE

Iftar is the evening time when, just after the sun sets, a cannon is fired to announce the breaking of the fast for the day. There's one in Safa Park in Jumeirah if you want to get close to the action. Iftar is not the time to have a large feast - traditionally it was a few dates and some water. Later in the evening is when it becomes more festive with larger meals enjoyed amongst friends and family.
Mosques offer free Iftar meals to the less privileged members of society, whether they are Muslim or not. The meals might be sponsored by charities, companies, or individuals. The Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque has one of the largest Iftar gatherings in their carpark.
Many hotels will have special Iftar tents where customers can have a simple or more complex meal - with a range of prices to match.
Ramadan is seen as an opportunity to visit friends and family members, especially those with whom contact has faded.
The rulers in various emirates pardon a number of prison inmates on the first day of Ramadan. Some are also released for the month of Ramadan to spend time with their family.
Most businesses and government offices will close for the day sometime between 1400 and 1600. Iftar is around 1730-1830 depending on the time of year and when the sun sets.
Business activities tend to slow down during Ramadan. Expect delays with any commercial or bureaucratic activities.
Almost all restaurants and cafes will be closed during the day but many will extend their opening hours at night.
There will be a few eating outlets open during the day for dine-in customers in larger hotels and shopping centers. Some fast food restaurants allow drive-through or take-outs.
Supermarkets are normally open during the day and have extended hours at night - sometimes till midnight or even later.
Shopping centers are open during the day and an extra hour or two at night.

Thanks/ Source : http://www.dubaifaqs.com/ramadan-in-dubai.php Click here to Read more!

NOKIA E52 Review

Nokia E52 Review - Great battery life
Eseries seem to have been around forever: grown-up, confident and reliable. It's a small but solid lineup that's gone a long way from a fairly late start. Perhaps they've got a point: the business Finns are not running against the clock to discover, but look always on the spot to deliver. Eseries are less likely to obsess fans really - they're more into serving customers. And here they go again: the Nokia E52 looks well set to reward that once an Eseries, always an Eseries user attitude.

We've come to take the lethal dress code for granted, and the E52 brings a welcome speed and stamina boost to the family. The 600 MHz CPU couldn't have been more at home in that razor sharp stainless steel outfit.

Compelling exterior and strong performance are the textbook definition of the business range of handsets where Nokia are clearly the standard-setters. The E52 in turn, appears to be the standard measure for business value - you pay for an entry level Eseries and get top-of-the-line smartphone treatment.

Key features
Compact metallic body and extra slim girth (9.90mm)
Quad-band GSM support
3G with HSDPA 10.2 Mbps and HSUPA 2 Mbps
2.4" 16M-color display of QVGA resolution
Symbian OS, S60 UI with FP2
600 MHz ARM 11 CPU and 128 MB RAM
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, UPnP technology, DLNA support
Built-in GPS receiver, A-GPS support, digital compass
Accelerometer for screen auto-rotation and turn-to-mute
One-touch shortcut keys mean "business"
3 megapixel enhanced fixed focus camera with LED flash
Secondary videocall camera
60 MB of internal memory, microSD expansion, ships with a 1GB card
microUSB v2.0
Standard 3.5mm audio jack
Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP
FM radio with RDS
Class-leading audio output quality
N-Gage gaming support
Ovi Maps preinstalled with trial turn-by-turn navigation license (10 days)
User-friendly Mode Switch for swapping two homescreen setups
Office document editor (with free MS Office 2007 update)
Remote lock/wipe over-the-air
Comfortable keypad
Smart dialing
Great battery life

Main disadvantages
Disappointing camera features and performance
Video recording maxes out at VGA@15fps
No DivX or XviD support (can be installed, possibly requiring a purchase)
No TV-out functionality

Low volume in receiving calls

It is a 3rd generation handset so to speak, and the straightforward linear progression from E50 and E51 should tell the whole story. Screen size, FP 2, GPS and system speed make the E52 a done deal for upgraders. But even users who consider it overqualified will find it hard to ignore.

The Nokia E52 live shots

It's the traditional Eseries styling - bold, confident but conservative enough to safely rule out uncontrollable displays of emotion. Still, the E52 must've hit the right spot and its commanding appeal is hard to define but hard to deny.

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How to reduce belly fat?

Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle. The Truth About Belly Fat.
Belly fat is caused by surplus calories that the body cannot use. This usually happens when the calorie intake is greater than that which is burned by the body. Genetics also has a role in it. Most of the time, men develop a round belly, commonly called belly fat while women store fat in the butt, thigh, hips and pelvic region. Stress at work, in the family and even at school can also contribute to the development of belly fat. According to studies, the body releases the hormone cortisol. If there is a high level of cortisol in the body, storage of fat in the abdomen and the belly becomes more likely. If you are prone to store fat around your middle, the healthiest solution is to maintain a normal weight. By matching your calorie intake to your calorie needs and prevent weight gain, you will prevent the development of any excess fat.

A lot of people want to know How to reduce a fat stomach. The answer is simple really.

For one, you have to follow a reduce belly fat diet. Lower your carbohydrates intake and spread your meals throughout the day. Instead of eating three big meals a day, why don’t you eat smaller portions of food six times a day? In addition to your reduce belly fat diet, you better engage in a fitness exercise. You can engage in aerobic exercises.

Here are a number of exercises you can do to reduce belly fat.
Crunches
Sit Ups
Leg Lifts.
Jack-knife Sit Ups.
V-ups.
Static Hold and Side Static
Oblique Muscles training

Step 1 Lie on your back on an exercise mat or folded blanket. Establish a neutral spine position before beginning the exercise.

Step 2 Stretch your arms overhead and keep your legs straight.

Step 3 Inhale slowly as you simultaneously raise your arms and legs as high as you can, keeping them as straight as possible. The general movement as you come up is like a crunch, with your chest leading. Your upper torso and glutes should rise off the floor as you do this.

Step 4 Attempt to touch your feet with your hands when you bring your arms and legs to their full extension. You may not reach this goal on your first attempt, but you'll eventually reach it as you gain strength.

Step 5 Challenge you by holding the contraction for a few counts. Alternatively, hold the contraction only briefly.

Step 6 Exhale slowly as you lower your arms and legs to the starting position, but keep all of your muscles engaged rather than relaxing onto the floor. Your back and glutes should touch the floor as you complete the abs exercise.

Step 7 Repeat the exercise without resting. Do a set of 12 to 20 V-ups to fully work your abs.

Here is a safe, practical three pronged approach to get rid of belly fat.

1. Healthy Meals. Notice the word diet isn't part of the equation. That's because the word diet conjures up visions of carrots and celery and not much else. The word diet gives us nightmares of deprivation and hunger, and that's not the image we're looking for with permanent weight loss. Just because the word diet isn't used does not mean you're free to gorge on junk food at will. Healthy meals consist of lean protein, lots of vegetables, whole grains and some fruit. Your should consistently choose foods that are as close as possible to their natural state.

2. Cardiovascular Exercise. Regular cardiovascular exercise will reduce body fat levels. Where should you start? Walking is great cardio! Put your shoes on and get moving for at least 30 minutes per day. It doesn't matter how fast or how far you walk in the beginning, the most important point is that you're moving your body aerobically on a regular basis. If you don't enjoy walking then ride a bike, rollerskate, jog, run. Participate in whatever aerobic activity you enjoy.

3. Lift Weights. Yes, you did read that correctly! If you're wondering what lifting weights has to do with effectively reducing belly fat, and then read on. Regular weight lifting has several beneficial effects for those folks trying to reduce their body fat levels. Muscles burn extra calories. The more muscle you carry on your frame, the more calories you burn in a 24 hour period which translates into extra fat burning power. Muscles take up about one third less space than fat. Muscles give you the power to carry on your daily activities more effectively and with energy to spare.

Learning how to effectively reduce belly fat isn't a difficult task. The three principle keys to getting rid of your gut rely on diet, cardiovascular exercise and weight lifting on a regular basis. Remember, you didn't sprout belly fat overnight and you can't get rid of belly fat in a day, but you can reduce belly fat if you're willing to put forth a bit of effort.

Here are more tips on reducing belly fat

1. Lift weights.
2. Keep your metabolism steady.
3. Eat smaller dinners. Avoid pigging out.
4. Eat more fibre foods.
5. Do not skip breakfast.
6. Drink more water daily.
Reducing Belly fat is tough work! But if you want to gain a flat stomach, you better follow these tips. A popular adage says “no pain, no gain.” This certainly applies to your efforts in reducing belly fat. How to lose belly fat is a big problem for a lot of people. But if you are determined, you can certainly do it and enjoy the fruits of your labour in no time Click here to Read more!

H1N1 / Swine flu - Safety Precautions

WHAT IS H1N1 / SWINE FLU ?
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

► Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses (H1N1 subtype) that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.
In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people.
Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include:
Fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C)
Sore throat
Cough
Stuffy nose
Chills
Headache and body aches
Fatigue

HOW DOES SWINE FLU SPREAD ?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

MINIMISING THE RISK OF AN EPIDEMIC
Culling - killing large numbers of infected and potentially infected animals
Quarantine - putting infected farms in quarantine
Vaccinating birds against the virus - remains controversial and contentious. Indonesia launched poultry vaccination in July 2004 and Thailand is considering the same measure
Latest normal flu vaccine - for people involved in culling operations to minimize the risk of being infected by both bird flu and human flu simultaneously

HOW CAN SOMEONE WITH THE FLU INFECT SOMEONE ELSE ?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO KEEP AWAY FROM GETTING THE FLU ?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Avoid live animal markets, poultry and pig farms in affected
countries s Always maintain high levels of personal hygiene, especially before
and after food preparation and in-out of toilets. Regular wash your
hands s Cook pork thoroughly s Do not consume half-done pork s While in an affected region, seek immediate medical attention if
you develop influenza-like symptoms. (High Fever, body pain,
coughing and red nose)

TRAVEL HEALTH
WHO does not recommend any travel restrictions to areas experiencing outbreaks, including countries, which have reported, associated cases of human infection.
WHO does not, at present recommend the routine screening of travelers coming from affected areas.
Spreading Country as on April 27, 2009 are ; Mexico, US, New Zealand, Israel, China

WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF FROM GETTING SICK ?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way

IS IT SAFE IF I EAT PORK ?
Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

THERE ARE EVERYDAY ACTIONS PEOPLE CAN TAKE TO STAY HEALTHY
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO KEEP FROM SPREADING THE VIRUS THROUGH COUGHING OR SNEEZING ?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work , stay at home or in your hotel room . Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a mask. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

TRAVEL ADVISORY -
DO YOU REALLY NEED TO TRAVEL?
Before any travel to affected area
Educate yourself and others traveling with you
Take specific vaccinations as recommended by CDC of both US and Thailand
Assemble travel health kit.
Check your health insurance plan During travel to an affected area
Avoid all direct contact with pigs and visiting the farms
Practice careful and frequent hand washing. Consume thoroughly cooked food
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur
After your return Monitor your health for 10 days
If you become ill with high fever consult a doctor immediately.

FOOD SAFETY ISSUES
Cook food thoroughly
Follow good hygienic practices
No "pink" parts for meat
Buy food from safe and established supermarkets
Check the expiry date (if any)
Choose a clean and known restaurant for dining

GENERAL HEALTH TIPS
Avoid close contact
With sick people. Keep safe distance
Stay home when you are sick
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands
Cover your mouth and nose
Cover mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing
Clean your hands
Frequent hand washing will protect you from germs
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Germs often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and
then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET SICK ?
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting

IS THERE A HUMAN VACCINE TO PROTECT FROM SWINE INFLUENZA ?
There are no vaccines that contain the current swine influenza virus causing illness in humans. It is not known whether current
human seasonal influenza vaccines can provide any protection.
Influenza viruses change very quickly. It is important to develop a
vaccine against the currently circulating virus strain for it to provide maximum protection to the vaccinated people. This is
why WHO needs access to as many viruses as possible in order to select the most appropriate candidate vaccine virus.

WHAT DRUGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR TREATMENT ?
Antiviral drugs for seasonal influenza are available in some countries and effectively prevent and treat the illness. There are
two classes of such medicines, 1) adamantanes (amantadine and
remantadine), and 2) inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase

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Fire ripped CCC-KGP Camp, Jubail, KSA

CCC-KGP Camp, Jubail, Saudi Arabia
On 02-08-09 Morning 9:30 AM, fire ripped through a Labour camp owned by Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) in Saudi Arabia. The camp set up by CCC to work on Saudi Aramco’s Khurasaniyah Gas Plant, about 140 km northwest of Dahran in the eastern province of the Kingdom. The fire broke out because of a leaking gas cylinder in the kitchen and company records have confirmed six deaths and 40 missing are Bangladeshis, Nepalese, Indians, Pakistanis and Filipinos. The camp is believed to cover 50km and has a currently population of around 10,000 workers, more than 400 workers were in the area of the fire. Most of those who died were sleeping at the time of the accident. They had done their night shift and were asleep when the fire engulfed their porta-cabins and other workers were at the work site. They saw the devastation that the fire wreaked only when they came back during lunch break. The Khurasaniyah Gas Plant is located nearly 7km from the residential camp. The project is being constructed by US-based Bechtel and Spain’s Technip, who employed CCC.

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