Ernakulam schools hold sessions on life skills, wellness sessions
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
"Familiarization week began with students sharing their vacation experiences and exploring school facilities. Each day, we dedicate an hour to life skills to support their emotional and social development," said Govt High School, Edappally, headmistress Minimol V V.
According to Minimol, apart from the two-week sessions on life skills, the school will conduct Zumba dance sessions throughout the academic year to ensure student wellness.
According to Ramamangalam High School social science teacher Anoob John, key topics to be covered in the sessions include road safety, digital discipline, resource conservation and school property care. "Activities such as role-playing, visual aids and poster-making are being used to enhance student engagement," said John.
Simultaneously, district is witnessing a technological transformation in classrooms, led by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE).
The agency is introducing artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in schools, enhancing the state's push toward digital learning.
As part of this initiative, KITE distributed Arduino-based robotics kits to 270 high schools in both aided and unaided sectors. Teacher training and infrastructure development are also under way to support AI-based curriculum integration.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Gut health wellness garners mainstream attention, adulation: What's driving the rage?
After protein powders and weight-loss drugs, the next big entry in your wellness diary is customised gut health solutions. As every tiny process in the body touches the gut and its metabolic activity, more people are now looking for solutions that target it directly. The result is a surge in gut health brands that promise to fix your routine with personalised, actionable guidance — no more one-size-fits-all fixes. Gone are the days of simple probiotic drinks. Today's gut wellness products offer multi-strain probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes and botanicals that claim to support not just digestion, but also immune health, cognition, and skin. 'There's been a growing influx of gut-focused products – probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, fermented drinks, and even microbiome testing kits – in recent years,' said Sunil Kumar Jain, founder of IMeMyself, which offers a range of gut capsules. 'I used a gut health metabolic lean powder for close to eight months –– my cravings reduced, digestion improved, no constipation, and I even lost about three kilos without working out,' shared Aarthy Srini, 38, a Chennai-based IT professional. Her husband Kartik Iyer tried a 14-day detox pack and said he 'lost a few ounces of belly fat and it was visible'. 'I felt light and fresh for at least a month after the cleansing,' said Iyer, 40, a finance professional. What's driving this gut-first movement? As Indians become more aware of gut health, fuelled by post-Covid fitness consciousness, many no longer find generic advice acceptable. 'Today's health-conscious individuals aren't content with multivitamins and healthy diets. They want data-driven, personalised solutions. Gut health is one of the most natural ways to support overall well-being,' said Mukul Shah, founder of Guttify, an Ayurveda-inspired brand offering at-home gut testing kits and dietary guidance. The gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microbes living in our digestive tract, isn't just about digestion. It's also linked to immunity, mood, metabolism and skin. 'A balanced gut is increasingly seen as the foundation of good health –– and consumers are paying attention,' said Shah. Gut profiling, digital health tracking and personalised usage guidance are now part of the offering. 'Pre and post-nutritional consultancy services help people approach gut support based on real lifestyle needs, not trial and error,' said Jain. Most mass-market probiotic drinks include strains like Lactobacillus casei Shirota, known for aiding digestion and boosting immunity. 'But they don't take into account an individual's gut type or offer truly customised recommendations,' said Dr Debojyoti Dhar, co-founder and director, Leucine Rich Bio (BugSpeaks), a gut microbiome testing platform. 'These newer methods complement old probiotics. While most people still benefit from basic probiotics for short-term relief, gut microbiome analysis and personalised care offer a more holistic, long-term path to metabolic balance, immune support, and mental clarity,' Dr Dhar said. Doctors are also seeing more patients complain of chronic bloating, fatigue, skin issues and brain fog, symptoms that often trace back to gut health. 'A healthy gut is increasingly being linked to better immunity, digestion, mental clarity, and even protection against chronic illness,' said Dr Vikas Jindal, consultant, department of gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. 'Consumers today are more proactive about preventing disease. With factors like stress, poor diets and antibiotic overuse damaging gut flora, specialised gut-support products are becoming more mainstream,' he said. For people with conditions like IBS or lactose intolerance, these formulations may ease symptoms and, over time, reduce the risk of metabolic or autoimmune conditions, Dr Jindal said. Who is it helping? Customisation and precision are key to the next wave of gut health innovation. 'Brands now offer highly tailored solutions based on individual microbiome analysis rather than generic supplements. Stool samples are mailed in; in return, consumers get tracking apps, supplement regimens, and AI-powered diet charts,' Shah said. Platforms like BugSpeaks use next-generation sequencing to map gut flora and flag imbalances tied to over 20 health conditions. 'These tests turn raw data into personalised probiotic, dietary, and lifestyle advice,' said Dr Dhar. But supplements aren't always necessary. 'Fermented foods, fibre-rich diets, and herbs like triphala, licorice, and ashwagandha can naturally support gut health—depending on the individual,' Jain said. Microbiome testing uses DNA sequencing to analyse hundreds of microbial species in your gut, employing machine learning to assess health risks and suggest specific remedies. These solutions are best suited for otherwise healthy individuals experiencing low energy, skin problems, stubborn weight, or brain fog. 'They also consider cultural and dietary nuances specific to Indians,' said Dr Dhar. According to Jain, this movement is more than a wellness trend, it's a rediscovery of inner harmony. 'With science and awareness converging, gut care is becoming a conscious, everyday habit,' he said. Shah echoed that sentiment. 'Gut health was once ignored, but now it's part of a broader shift toward preventive, personalised wellness. The future of health is within,' he said. The road ahead is long and fraught with challenges The rise of gut health brands is seen as a 'positive step,' signalling a shift toward science-backed, preventive wellness. 'These brands are making digestion less taboo and gut-supportive nutrition more accessible,' said Dr Jindal. India's gut health market is expected to cross $18 billion in the coming years, driven by urbanisation, stress, poor diets and sedentary lifestyles. But Shah warned that most players still rely on over-the-counter D2C models that prioritise sales over genuine solutions. The biggest challenge is gaining consumer trust. 'People are overwhelmed by health advice on social media and from influencers, but few of these are grounded in actual health data,' Shah said. 'When marketing gets ahead of science, there's always a risk. Some brands may overpromise or sell unregulated products with no clinical backing,' Dr Jindal cautioned. Consumers need to be discerning and not fall for hype without evidence. According to Dr Jindal, responsible growth in this space can be a win for public health, but it requires regulation, transparency, and continued scientific research. What can help you as a consumer? While gut products can help, they must be chosen wisely. 'Not all probiotics and supplements are created equal. Strain type, dosage, and delivery matter. Always look for clinically tested ingredients and transparent labels. And because gut health is so individual, consult a doctor if you have any underlying health conditions,' Dr Jindal said. These products should supplement, and not replace, a balanced diet, hydration, exercise and stress management, all of which are critical for gut health. Natural solutions like curd, buttermilk, fermented foods and high-fibre meals remain the first line of defence. 'These traditional practices are cost-effective and time-tested. But when there's significant imbalance or a need for specific strains, targeted supplements can help,' Dr Jindal said. 'The ideal approach blends the old and the new –– traditional habits with modern, data-driven tools.' DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. Jayashree Narayanan writes on fitness, health, aviation safety, food, culture and everything lifestyle. She is an alumnus of AJKMCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia and Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi ... Read More
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Watching over womb: Haryana reverse tracks to save its unborn daughters
Every year, more than five lakh births are registered in Haryana and Sahelis are playing a significant role in spearheading the Haryana health department's reverse tracking initiative to check the slide in sex ratio at birth. Sahelis are anganwadi workers and ASHA (accredited social health activists) tasked with 'watching over the womb' to trace abortions being performed by mothers with one or more daughters. Every year, more than five lakh births are registered in Haryana and Sahelis are playing a significant role in spearheading the Haryana health department's reverse tracking initiative to check the slide in sex ratio at birth. Sahelis are anganwadi workers and ASHA (accredited social health activists) tasked with 'watching over the womb' to trace abortions being performed by mothers with one or more daughters. (Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Representational image) Despite a measly monthly stipend of ₹6,100, Sahelis are successfully powering Haryana's drive to save its unborn daughters, particularly in the hinterland. Haryana has 20,653 ASHA, and 2,500 anganwadi workers for nearly 7,000 villages, colonies and urban areas. 'Pregnant women, who already have one or more daughters, have been assigned a Saheli whose primary task is to counsel and keep a watch over the expectant mother,' says director, health services, Dr Virender Yadav. The initiative comes after Haryana, the pioneering state of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign that became the flagship programme to save the girl child when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched it as a nationwide movement from Panipat on January 22, 2015, suffered a setback in 2024 as the state's sex ratio at birth (SRB) slipped to 910 females births per 1,000 males. This was a dip of six points from 2023's 916. Prodded by the Centre, Haryana went for reverse tracking to arrest the slide. Through reverse tracking, the state health authorities are tracing abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy by when the gender of the foetus can be determined. Veena, a Saheli in Naraingarh town of Ambala district, says: 'It's our duty to prevent an illegal abortion. We stay in touch with the assigned pregnant woman regularly and track her movement through local sources.' Another Jind-based Saheli, Rajbala, says women who already have a girl child don't disclose their pregnancy easily. 'We work hard to win their confidence. I have reported six abortions in recent months. In each case, lack of heart beat was said to be the trigger.' 'In view of these painstaking efforts at the grassroots, I'm optimistic about Haryana bouncing back and registering an encouraging improvement in its annual sex ratio at birth by December,' says Dr GL Singal, an expert associated with the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme since its inception. Tracking abortions after 12 weeks According to medical experts, abortions after 12 weeks are medically uncommon unless there is a serious risk. Hence, they are red flags for possible sex-selective abortions. A July 21 letter addressed to district civil surgeon by the Kurukshetra deputy commissioner (DC) Neha Singh shed light on how women with two or more girl children are undergoing abortions repeatedly. The communication says that between January 1 and June 30, as many as 131 women with over 12 weeks pregnancy underwent abortions. Forty-eight of the 131 women already have a girl child and they underwent abortions at unregistered MTP centres. 'In a majority of cases, the reason for abortion was given as foot slipped, bleeding at home, and after that D and C (dilation and curettage). This is a very serious matter,' the DC's letter read. During the district task force meeting on July 16, it emerged that women with two or more girls are undergoing abortions repeatedly. 'This is a horrific trend. Killing a girl child in the womb is one of the worst crimes. It's worse than the rarest of the rare crimes that warrant capital punishment. Let a daughter in reality carries forward the legacy of the clan,' says Dr Manju Gupta, a registered private practitioner based in Gharaunda. According to Manmohan Taneja, who superannuated as state drug controller on July 31, more than 9,000 MTP kits were seized and 50 FIRs were registered, including 18 against online sellers of the MTP kits, between February and June. 'I hope the crackdown on the kits will now yield the desired results,' he said. Reverse tracking, the new weapon The reverse tracking of abortion cases is a first of its kind drive Haryana has launched to generate evidence and expose illegal terminations masked behind medical pretexts. Officials say when Haryana launched the 'watching the womb' drive in February, more than 88,000 pregnant women were registered between January and April on the reproductive child health (RCH) portal. 'The RCH is a unique identity and mandatory for antenatal care (ANC) during pregnancy. Due to the extraordinary situation, we decided to use RCH data to monitor vulnerable pregnant women,' an official said. At one point, there were 33,229 pregnant women with one or more girl children, while by July-end the number of such women shrank to 20,723. At present, 20,721 Sahelis are attached with these women. Dr Yadav says it was after the Sahelis were assigned that the reverse tracking of abortions was implemented. According to the data, 1,249 abortions were performed when pregnancy was below 12 weeks and 1,153 abortions were done after 12 weeks of pregnancy in the past few months. A majority of the women cited bleeding, slipping, falling down stairs, or spontaneous bleeding as reasons for abortions. 'We are investing our resources on women in 10 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, who already have a daughter, as they are vulnerable to family pressures,' he says. In July, reverse tracking in 786 out of identified 824 cases of abortion above 12 weeks was completed with Faridabad reporting the highest number of 96 abortions followed by Ambala with 77, Karnal with 69, Sonepat with 65, and Rohtak with 49 cases. While 23 FIRs for illegal abortions have been registered, more are in the pipeline. Show-cause notices have also gone out to 38 private clinics and hospitals suspected of flouting abortion laws and a police probe is underway in 41 cases. Notices have been issued to nearly 200 frontline health workers, including seven medical officers, five senior medical officers, over 100 Sahelis, and 34 ASHA workers for dereliction of duty. Notices are being issued for failing to ensure antenatal care (ANC) registration within the mandatory 10 weeks of pregnancy. In Karnal, more than 200 such notices have been issued.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Salman Khan Reveals His 89-Year-Old Father Eats Parathas, Dessert Daily, Still Stays Fit; Shares His Own Food Habits Too
Last Updated: Salman Khan opens up about his father's surprising diet and fitness routine, sparking a conversation around portion control, metabolism, and mindful living. Many associate fitness with grueling gym routines and strict diets. But for others, the real key lies in steady habits and balanced living. During the premiere of The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix, Salman Khan shared insights into how he and his 89-year-old father, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, manage to stay healthy. In a heartfelt exchange, Salman remarked, 'My dad, touchwood, Mashallah, he tells me that meri khuraq khatam ho gayi hai (my appetite has gone down), but he eats 2-3 parathas, then rice, the gosht (meat), then dessert, twice a day. Unka ek metabolism alag hai. Unka discipline alag hai (His metabolism and discipline are on a different level) (sic)." He expressed admiration for his father's well-being and determination. 'So he has been walking all the way to Bandstand and back every single morning. We're so happy to see that. We are so proud that we have a father who's fighting it out," the actor added. When discussing his own approach to fitness, Salman emphasized moderation rather than restriction. 'I'll eat anything but won't overeat. Like say, 1 spoon rice or at max one-and-a-half, whatever vegetables, then chicken or mutton or fish." For him, staying healthy is less about eliminating food groups and more about being conscious of how much is enough. So, can portion control without cutting out entire food categories be a sustainable method for staying healthy? According to Deepika Sharma, a Delhi-based personal trainer and functional nutrition specialist, the answer is yes. Speaking to she said, 'Yes, it can. Eating less of everything is often easier to follow than strict diets. Portion control allows people to enjoy different foods while keeping their calorie intake in check. It helps with weight management and reduces the chances of overeating. You don't need to avoid entire food groups if you're eating reasonable amounts and staying active." And when it comes to health and appetite at an advanced age, like in one's 80s or beyond—how much is determined by genes, and how much by habits? Sharma believes both elements matter. 'Genetics set a base for metabolism, but lifestyle plays a big role in how it functions over time," she explained. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
