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Dangers of Using Public Toilets and How You Can Stay Safe
A public toilet is not one of the cleanest and polished places in the world, and nobody likes to visit one unless, of course, it’s an emergency. The thought of using a public toilet can give anyone jitters, and it is much worse for a germophobe. Germs inhabit every nook and corner of public restrooms, and as soon as you touch the door handle of a public toilet, you are exposed to bacteria. Sitting on a toilet seat of a public restroom is not a pleasant experience for anyone. The thought of using a toilet seat which has been used by so many people will no doubt make you quiver, but you can consider using a toilet sanitiser to get rid of the germs on and around the toilet seat.
The germs lying in the unkempt public restrooms can put you at the risk of various infections and diseases. Hence, making wise choices is essential. If you don't, you may be susceptible to the following infections because of using a public toilet.
1. Gut Infection
Faecal-borne bacteria like E.coli, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, etc., lurk in abundance on the surface of public toilets. If you come in contact with the contaminated surfaces, you'll be exposed to these bacteria, and you could be struck down with diarrhoea.
2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Bacteria responsible for UTIs thrive in moist temperatures and do not survive long. However, the E.coli bacteria which is transferred to the bowl through a person’s faeces can survive. While sitting on the toilet seat and doing your business, the water in the bowl may splash on to your private parts (gross!), and the bacteria may reach your anus and urethral opening, which may lead to UTI.
3. Viral Infections
The virus that is responsible for the common cold does not survive for long; hence it is less likely to infect you. However, other viruses such as norovirus and influenza linger on faucets, sinks, flushes, etc. and may enter your system through the genital tract or urethra.
4. Skin Infections
Staphylococcus bacteria remain on the toilet surface for long and can put you at the risk of contracting skin infections and pneumonia.
Safety Tips to Follow While Using a Public Toilet
Using a public toilet is no doubt a nightmare, but in unavoidable situations, we are left with no option but to use one. However, fret not - we have an action plan that will make your next public restroom visit a less-dangerous experience. Try the below-mentioned tips to lower your risk of contracting a cold and flu, and faecal-born diseases.
1. Enter the restroom like a pro – do not touch the door handle directly.
To begin with, use the cleanest stall of a public restroom. And do not touch any surfaces of the toilet directly, and that includes the doorknob. A door handle of a public toilet is one of the most common hotspots for bacteria, so avoid touching it directly. You can push the door with your elbow or use a tissue paper to open the door.
2. Assess the seat and use a toilet paper – it’s there for a purpose!
Do not just walk in and sit on the toilet seat to do your business. Be on the lookout for stains and dampness on the seat. Those could be the traces of urine. Wad up some toilet paper and wipe off the seat nicely, making sure you don’t touch anything. Also, use a toilet seat cover before sitting on the seat if you can. If toilet seat covers are unavailable, you can put toilet paper on the seat before using it.
3. Better yet, use a toilet seat sanitiser to disinfect the seat.
If the idea of cleaning (and accidentally touching the seat with your hands) the seat of a public toilet using a toilet paper seems gross to you, then you can use a toilet sanitizer. You can try Aringel’s Sit Safe Toilet Seat Sanitiser. This herbal sanitiser is available in the form of a spray. You can spray it onto the toilet seat from a distance of about 7-8 inches and wait for a few seconds for it to work. This herbal spray will kill germs within seconds and prevent you from the risk of contracting urinary tract infections (UTIs), norovirus (which can cause diarrhoea and vomiting), Staphylococcus, etc. Furthermore, it can also be used on door handles, faucets, or flush handles. It can even help get rid of bad odours from the toilet. A toilet sanitiser is a godsend for germophobes as well as for those who ‘hold in’ just to avoid using public toilets. Spray it on the seat and ‘let go’ without worrying.
4. Flush, but don’t touch the flush directly.
Never forget to flush once you are done. However, never touch the flush directly in a public toilet. Just like toilet seats and faucets, flushes are also a breeding ground for bacteria. You can wrap your finger with a toilet paper then press the flush handle. Toss the tissue paper into the toilet bowl while it’s flushing or throw it in the dustbin. When we flush, the germs may spread in the air, so leave the toilet while it is still flushing.
5. Wash your hands.
Follow the same standard hygiene rule that you probably always do, and wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds. Then use a paper towel to dry your hands. While exiting the public restroom, open the doorknob with a paper towel. Don’t touch it with your bare hands.
6. Opt for Indian-style toilets, wherever and whenever you can.
Using a western-style toilet in most places, you may have probably forgotten what it is like to squat and do your business, but if you want to get fitter and healthier, Indian-style toilets are your answer. Indian-style toilets are more hygienic than the Western ones, especially at public places. When you use an Indian-style toilet, your body won't come in direct contact with the toilet seat, hence the chances of you contracting any faecal-borne infections will be less. If you are still skeptical about using public toilets, you can always spray a sanitiser on and around the seat of the Indian-style toilet and on the places where you deem essential.
A Bonus Tip
7. Protect your belongings.
When in a stall of a public restroom, never keep your belongings like handbag or mobile on the surface of the toilet. When you put these down on a surface, they become a carrier of the dangerous bacteria. The bacteria may spread to the place where you keep it next. So, it’s best that you avoid placing your handbag on the floor. You can hang it on the hook at the back of the door. And before leaving the restroom, wipe off the bag with a tissue paper.
We understand that public restrooms are unpleasant, but there are worse things out there. When you use a public toilet the next time, surely the ‘ick’ factor will be there. However, if you follow the above-mentioned tips carefully, you won’t have to compromise on the hygiene factor, not entirely at least! Read more
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Top 10 Educational Games for Kids
With smartphones, iPads and TV taking up space in your child’s daily routine, you’re probably wondering if this kiddie content is hampering your child’s development. Well, we know how keeping your little one entertained can be tough without a gadget, and we’re here to help solve the problem!
Best Learning Games for Kids (Ages 1 and Above)
Learning through play is the best way to keep your little one engaged. With these fun games that are designed to pique your child’s curiosity, you can be sure that your little one’s mind will continue to grow and develop. Here are the top 10, best-selling educational games for kids:
1. Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair
For ages: 1-3
Watch your baby discover new things just by sitting and standing up! The laugh & learn smart stages chair by Fisher Price activates as soon as the child sits down, and starts singing the alphabet and other fun songs when the child gets up! Aside from this, a light-up remote, fun surprises under the chair cushion, and a flip-book with numbers can keep your child entertained for hours on end. What’s best? You can use the chair’s Smart Stages technology to select the stage that is best for your child, so the learning is age-appropriate! This chair indeed has a world of entertainment and learning built into it.
2. Ratnas Shape Sorter Ball
For ages: 1-3
A colourful way of improving your child’s motor skills, this shape sorter ball can be easily broken apart and put together. The ball comes with 24 shape sorting pieces like hearts, stars and circles, so your child will remain entertained for hours!
3. Ratnas Alpha Numbers and Shapes
For ages: 2-4
This colourful alphabet and shapes set is a simple and engaging tool for your little one. Create words that your child understands and teach her to pronounce them, make her put each shape into its designated column – the picking up and placing of the blocks and spelling out words will help boost your little one’s cognitive abilities! Make sure to supervise her throughout, though, as the rogue alphabets can be a choking hazard.
4. Little Genius Wooden Abacus Toy
For ages: 2+
Who said mathematics has to be boring? This colourful abacus toy is sure to pique your little one’s interest in the world of numbers. With 55 beads to count, this toy will enable your child to count easily in an upright position. Make basic mathematics fun for your child with this toy.
5. FirstCry Intellikit Activity Box for Kids
For ages: 2-6
FirstCry Intellikit activity boxes are sure to excite your little one. The FirstCry Intellikit is a learning programfor kids that encourages learning through fun. The program is designed to develop 8 different types of intelligence (or SMARTS as they are called in the program) in your child. As a subscription-based program for kids aged 2 to 6 years, each monthly Intellikit box contains theme-based activities, worksheets and games that will keep your toddler engaged for an entire month! What’s more, the activity box comes with a happy tracker that shows your child’s progress in developing the different SMARTS. You can get your hands on a subscription box at attractive discounts here.
6. Fisher Price Doodle Pro Trip Magical Slate
For ages: 3+
Bring home a never-ending supply of papers, pencils, and erasers with this fantastic slate by Fisher Price! This fun doodle board is a great tool for your child’s soaring imagination. With a pen that comes attached to the doodle board, your child can draw and write with ease; the easy slider eraser can clean up the screen in no time! The doodle board also comes with a vertical orientation and an easy-to-carry handle, so you can take this toy wherever you go.
7. Little Genius Wooden Time Learning Clock
Meta description:
For ages: 3+
Teaching your child how to read the time is now easier than ever! This quirky and fun wooden learning clock is a great toy for your child as it comes with colourful numbers that are designed for easy comprehension. This clock’s special design links the hours and the minutes and makes them easier to understand. Make time-telling an everyday activity with your child and ‘watch’ the magic happen!
8. Prime Learning and Writing Board
For ages: 3-8
Introducing letters and numbers to your child can be a fun-filled activity with this learning and writing board by Prime. With letter and number blocks on one side and a writing board on the other, ‘learning by doing’ gets a whole new meaning! This learning board comes equipped with a duster and chalk and can be easily flipped. Don’t stop at the letters and numbers – let your child’s imagination run free with doodles and drawings too. Ask her to draw her favourite animals, fruits, and cartoon characters!
9. Yamama Wooden Multi-Functional Learning Box
For ages: 3-10
If you’re looking for a fun, computer-like toy for your child that is both fun and educational, look no further! This multi-functional learning box can make mathematical calculations easy and interesting for your child. With number blocks and colourful sticks, your little one can learn the basics of addition and subtraction. Place the blocks in the squares to carry out calculations real-time on the digital board! What’s more, the box also comes with a blackboard on the other side – chalk and duster included.
10. Creative Pre School Number Match Cards Game
For ages: 3-7
This easy game contains 20, 3-piece cards with numbers, drawings and pictures to enhance your child’s understanding of number association. This card game is engaging and simple and will help your child get stronger with number and visual associations, thus sharpening her memory and observation.
Educational activities for kids can be a great way of keeping them engaged without any distractions. These games are fun and entertaining, but they also help in the development of a child’s cognitive functioning which can lead to overall, holistic development. Which game do you think your child will love playing the most? Read more
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Essential Telephone Etiquette That Everyone Must Know
In a world that has now been taken over by e-mails, social media and chats, talking over the phone seems to be outdated - but it is still important today. In fact, many people still prefer to hold a conversation over the phone, especially for business, making telephone etiquette as important today as it was since its invention.
Importance of Telephone Etiquette
Etiquette, in general, is rules or customs that one must follow in a given situation, such as in a professional setting. So what is telephone etiquette? This simply refers to the rules that people need to follow when talking on the phone. Knowing the right way to communicate with someone over the phone is very important because it is what will either make or break the relationship that you want to nurture with others.
Phone Etiquette: Helpful Tips for Better Conversation
Here are some useful tips on how to speak on the phone professionally:
1. Proper Greeting
When you begin a call, it is very important to start with a proper greeting.
Tip: Greet the person with a “good morning” or refer to whatever time of day it is. This is a very polite and professional way of starting a conversation.
2. Introduce Yourself
Whether you are answering the phone or making a call, always introduce yourself so that the person on the line knows who they are speaking with.
Tip: When answering your office line, greet and then state your name. “Good morning. HR Department, John Doe speaking.” If you are answering a call on your cell phone, simply open with, “Hello, John Doe speaking.” When placing the call, open like so: “Good morning. This is John Doe calling from ABC. May I speak with Miss Mary Jane please?”
3. Be Clear
Always speak clearly and do not rush through your sentences.
Tip: Do not use big words and always keep things short and sweet. Pronounce your words clearly for better communication.
4. The Purpose
When placing a professional call, it can be helpful to think about what you want to say before you place a call so that there is no confusion.
Tip: Note down the subject you want to discuss as well as any questions you have. If the call goes to voicemail or the answering machine, ensure to leave the subject of your call in your message as well as your contact details.
5. No Interruptions
When you are on the phone, the person you are speaking to takes priority over others. It is rude to try and respond to someone near you when you are on the phone.
Tip: If the situation cannot be helped and you need to interrupt your conversation, you should say, “Please excuse me. I will be right back.” When you return to the conversation, say, “Thank you for your patience.”
6. Stick to the Timeline
When you begin a conversation with someone, it is important to ask if they are busy and have enough time to speak with you.
Tip: If the person asks you to call back, inquire about a more appropriate time to call. However, if the person tells you they have ten minutes, for example, make sure that your conversation is within the time given. This shows that you have respect for the other person’s time.
7. Keep Your Phone on Silent in Appropriate Situations
When attending a meeting or going to a restaurant or a movie theatre, the basic mobile phone etiquette is to turn it off or to keep it on silent. This is to avoid disturbing others by your ringing phone.
Tip: If you are expecting an important call, you can keep your phone on silent or vibrate and keep it in a place you can monitor it. Always excuse yourself and leave the room before returning the call. It is also best for you to inform the caller beforehand that you will be in a place where you cannot answer the call and that you will have to call them back once you have excused yourself.
8. Avoid Using Fillers
Words such as “err” or “umm” are considered fillers and should not be used when you are on a professional call. This gives the person on the phone the impression that you are still thinking but are not willing to allow them to speak just yet.
Tip: If you need time to get back to the person, inform them that you will get back to them about a certain query or topic. This is more professional than saying “err.”
9. Be Polite And Positive
It is important to be polite and sound positive and confident during your conversation so that you do not unintentionally offend anybody. It will also give the person on the phone a better impression of you, and they will be assured that you can help them.
Tip: Smile when you are on the phone because while the person cannot see it, the tone of your voice sounds more upbeat when you smile. If you have not been able to understand what the person you are speaking to said, do not say, “what?” as this is unprofessional and rude. Rather, be more polite and say, “I beg your pardon?” or, “I’m so sorry, but I did not catch that. Do you mind repeating it please?”
10. Summarise and Close
By summarising the conversation, you are giving the other person a chance to make any changes or correct any information that needs it. Ending the call politely and pleasantly will leave them with a good impression of you.
Tip: When ending the conversation, say, “It was a pleasure speaking with you. Have a wonderful day.”
We hope these tips on the right telephone manners are helpful in improving your communication skills when on the phone.
Also Read:
Best IPhone Hacks and Tricks
Is It Safe to Use Mobile Phone While Charging?
How to Clean Your Phone Screen
How to Protect Your Phone from Cyber Attacks Read more
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Planning and Brainstorming We Did for Picking Our Baby's Name
When I was pregnant, I spent my nights intently looking for names, rationalising every word, contemplating every search, and assessing my own reasoning - logically and theoretically. With the gender suspense came a cumbersome task of making two lists - one for a baby girl and one for a baby boy. To mitigate the efforts, I delegated one task to my husband - searching for a boy's name was his job. Despite that, (well, I'm sure you know how a woman's mind works!) I kept my search on for both, afraid that I might not like what he selects, and I was also worried that our baby would be nameless until we both agreed on one. And so, our quest went on for nine long months.
Christening ceremony is a one-day celebration, but the background process is a long one. Scanning through my pregnant facial changes (puffed-up eyes, swollen face, and cystic acne) and my sharp bulged-out tummy, most old ladies prophesied that I was going to give birth to a baby boy. Hearing this over and over again for a hundred and fifty odd days, I believed them. During one of our baby talks, we discussed the gender. My husband believes that a name should hold a story and not a fantasy. His dad named him Yasha (meaning - victory through the right hand of God) after their family was delivered from a series of unanticipated distressing circumstances. With this in mind, we didn't want to pick any random name for our baby.
During my morning devotions, meditating on Kings, I was tired of reading through the Kings era. No wonder I hated history. I couldn’t fathom how people killed each other mercilessly. Just for the love of a throne, authority and power, there would be a succession of murders - somebody became king, and he would be killed by a person who wanted to be the next king. And so the series of killings followed. As I was reasoning with my husband one evening, I perceived that God wanted my little baby to become a warrior.
Over long sleepless nights and lots of debates, I chose two names for a baby girl, out of which we both liked and mutually agreed on one. And, yay! We were ready with a baby girl’s name. Task one fulfilled!
The tough task (baby boy's name) was still at bay. We came up with our own lists but failed to reach an agreement, even when the baby was due any minute. It was upsetting. To avoid making our baby a Mr. Nobody, I unwillingly forced myself and half-agreed to one name (Mr.Somebody). Lol. When the day finally arrived, after a 36-hour long labour and excruciating pain, our tiny miracle popped out with a squeaky cry.
As soon as we came to know it's a girl, we both looked into each other's eyes while holding our precious little one and said - Liz Arlene. She immediately looked up, as if she already knew her name.
Here's the meaning of the fulfilment of God's promise of our tiny warrior: Liz - God's promise, Arlene - powerful and complete.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Chicken Sukha / Dry Chicken Curry
Succulent morsels of meat dressed in delicious spices with generous sprinklings of coriander, we present to you an awesome Goan-style chicken recipe. Preparing this sublime chicken recipe involves marinating chicken pieces in fresh curd and then cooking till perfection. Even though this dish has very little gravy, when served with plain boiled rice, it just tastes divine.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
3 People
1 Hours (marination time)
40-45 Minutes
Ingredient
For Marinating Chicken
500 gm Chicken
1.5 tsp turmeric
2 tsp chilli powder
1.5 tsp Salt
1.5 tsp lemon juice
2 .5 tbsp yoghurt
For the Sukha Gravy
3 onions, pulsed into a paste
1 slit green chilli
1/4 tsp shahjeera
1 small sized bay leaf
1 .5 tbsp Oil
1.25 tbsp ginger garlic paste
1 tsp garam masala
2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander leaves
Method
Step 1
Wash chicken and add in the ingredients listed under ‘for marinating chicken’ and leave it for a minimum of 1 hr.
Step 2
Heat oil in a non stick frying pan and when it becomes considerably hot, add shahijeera, bay leaf, green chilli, ginger garlic paste and let it fry till the masala starts leaving oil.
Step 3
Now add the onion paste and let it fry on slow flame till it is brown.
Step 4
Add the marinated chicken and give it a good stir. Cover it and cook on low flame for 10 - 15 mins with stirring every 5 mins.
Step 5
Let it cook until all the juices gets evaporated. It takes around 20 -25 mins depending upon the water content in the chicken.
Step 6
Now add the garam masala, coriander powder and cumin powder and let it fry on slow flame.
Step 7
Check for the doneness of the chicken and at the end, add finely chopped coriander and serve it rice or roti.
Nutritional Information
Calories
332 K cal
Proteins
50.2 g
Fats
8.0 g
Carbohydrates
12.3 g
Cholesterol
129 mg
Sodium
1278 mg
Potassium
496 mg
Read more
Akifa Tahreem has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
7 hours ago
Q. hello doctor, I'm 3 weeks pregnant. can we sleep on our belly or which side We can sleep on during pregnancy...
Akifa Tahreem
Mom of a 7 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. no you can't sleep in your tummy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. @ask_the_expert
#ask the expert
I am having pcod problem.
when should I check pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more and then do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
30 mins ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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