Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States on Wednesday, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago. With a win in swing state Wisconsin, Donald Trump cleared the 270 electoral votes needed to clinch the presidency. He also won Michigan on Wednesday sweeping the “blue wall” along with Pennsylvania. Trump has returned with a promise to restore the 'American dream' and improve the country's economic conditions. Not many of us know about Trump's early life. Before entering into politics, Donald Trump was known as a real state mogul and the face of the Trump organization. He expanded the company to such great heights that he became a billionaire. Trump became a household name in the 2000s through his role as the host of the reality TV show 'The Apprentice'. While he is set to become the 47th President of the United States, here's a look at some of the odd facts about Trump's lifestyle, we bet you never knew: Trump is not a fan of pizza crust Though Donald Trump and his former wife Ivana starred in a 1995 pizza commercial, awfully enjoying the pizza crust, in real life, Trump hates pizza crusts. Trump is known for his particular food preferences, often sticking to the Big 4 when it comes to American fast food: McDonald's, KFC, pizza, and Diet Coke. In an interview with Daily Mail, Trump has confessed he 'never' eats pizza crust. Trump has a fear of eating at non-chain restaurants Donald Trump's love for fast food is an open secret. Some reports claim he avoids dining at non-chain restaurants due to a fear of being poisoned, underscoring just how specific his tastes are. "One bad hamburger, you can destroy McDonald's. One bad hamburger and you take Wendy’s and all these other places and they're out of business. I like cleanliness, and I think you're better off going there than maybe someplace that you have no idea where the food is coming from," Trump was quoted as saying by CNN. According to a report in The Times, Trump also never eats from a previously opened package, so bags of cookies follow him wherever he goes. Donald Trump is fond of lavish residences Trump was the fourth of five children of Mary Anne MacLeod Trump and her husband, Frederick Christ Trump. His father was a New York real estate tycoon and Trump was born into loyalty. He leads a lavish life. Having grown up in an affluent neighborhood in Queens, New York City, Trump owns several luxe residences in several parts of the world. His most loved abode is the Trump Tower, a 68-story skyscraper on Fifth Avenue, New York, according to TOI. He often stays in the penthouse. Trump's love for golf Trump and a golf course have almost been like an inseparable image for quite some time now. He has often been spotted at the golf courses, swinging it like a pro. Trump loves to golf. He owns 18 courses, most of them in the USA, but also Scotland, Ireland, and the UAE. His company also owns many golf courses worldwide. Trump was sent to military school for misbehaving Controversies and detours followed Donald Trump, even when he was very young. At the age of 13, Trump was sent off to the military academy, because he started misbehaving in school. Despite his affluent family background, he was expected to work the lowest-tier jobs within his father's company, reported TOI.

During tough days, we often find ourselves longing for comfort food. After heartbreak, we reach for something sweet, and at other times, cravings come and go unannounced. Cravings aren't exclusive to women's PMS phase; men experience them too. Some even talk about sharing pregnancy cravings with their partners. But what happens when you indulge in these cravings? Could your food cravings actually affect your mental health? Why do we crave? "Food cravings are closely linked to the brain's reward system, particularly involving dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward," Dr Shambhavi Jaiman, consultant psychiatrist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, tells India Today. Dr Jaiman explains that when we consume foods high in sugar, salt, or fat, they stimulate dopamine release, creating a pleasurable sensation and reinforcing the desire for that food. Over time, this can make cravings stronger, as the brain becomes wired to seek out certain foods for the reward they provide. Stress, emotional states, hormonal fluctuations, and even nutritional deficiencies can further trigger these cravings. Additionally, Dr Sarthak Dave, an Ahmedabad-based psychiatrist, explains that food cravings driven by the brain's dopamine mechanism can be gustatory (taste-related), visual (triggered by food imagery), or olfactory (stimulated by smell). Gustatory cravings are rooted in the memory of past taste experiences. Visual cravings are influenced by appealing food presentations, especially prevalent on social media. Olfactory cravings are sparked by the aroma of food, which can evoke strong memories and desires, often making us crave a specific dish even without seeing it. Meanwhile, Dr. Bhavna Garg, senior consultant - dietitian, and nutritionist, Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital, NCR, mentions that food cravings are extremely common, with more than 90 percent of people experiencing them. "Every person experiences cravings differently, but they are typically transient and often for processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Research suggests that males are more likely to crave savory foods, whereas females are more likely to crave high-fat, sweet foods," she adds. Cravings and mental health According to Dr Dave, food cravings can reveal a lot about a person's mental health. He says, "Sometimes, having food cravings may also be a sign that the individual is doing well mentally. In psychiatric conditions like depression or anxiety, food cravings often diminish because dopamine levels drop. Even when eating enjoyable food, there may be no dopamine surge, reflecting a lack of the usual pleasure response. Therefore, the presence of food cravings can indicate better mental well-being." However, food cravings can also be linked to eating disorders. Dr Dave states that in binge-eating disorder, there is an intense, sudden urge to consume large quantities of food, often followed by voluntary purging. This creates a vicious cycle of overeating and purging. Additionally, food cravings may contribute to obesity through emotional eating, where individuals eat to cope with negative emotions. In these cases, eating temporarily boosts dopamine, but once the effect wears off, feelings of guilt and distress return, perpetuating the cycle as the person believes it's the only way to feel better. On the other hand, Dr Rajiv Mehta, vice chairperson, of psychiatry, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, feels that the mental health of a person impacts their cravings. For example, during a stressful situation, people show a preference for sweetened foods like chocolates and fried snacks. Dr Mehta says that when food cravings become overwhelming, a person may overeat, leading to potential weight gain. This can trigger mental health challenges, including obsessive body focus, body shaming, body dysmorphia, and, over time, even anxiety and depression. To this, Dr Jaiman adds that relying on food for comfort can lead to guilt, shame, and lowered self-esteem. Should you indulge? Dr Mehta states that if you constantly ignore your food cravings, it means you have self-control and recognize that food isn't the best way to manage stress. However, indulgence suggests that you may not have found any other effective coping mechanisms for stress. He explains that food cravings are one of the signs that mental health is being impacted. If cravings occur only occasionally, indulging is harmless; however, if cravings are frequent, it’s essential to look for other symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Meanwhile, Dr. Dave emphasizes the importance of finding a middle ground between giving in to cravings and knowing when to hold back. If you always give in, it can lead to overeating, guilt, and potential harm to overall health. The key is recognizing whether a craving is driven by real hunger, emotions, or external influences. Ignoring cravings entirely can lead to feelings of deprivation, increasing the risk of binge-eating later. By being aware and understanding what your body truly needs, you can make healthier choices. Controlling your cravings Dr Bhavna Garg shares some easy tips that can help you control food cravings: Eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods, including proteins, healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbs. Doing so helps keep blood sugar levels stable and reduces sudden cravings. Sometimes we're just thirsty, not hungry. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger, so drinking water can curb cravings. Distract yourself with activities or chew gum. Engaging in an activity, like going for a walk or doing a quick chore, can help shift your focus away from cravings. Plan consistent meals in advance. Having regular meals prevents extreme hunger and reduces impulsive snacking. Get enough sleep to maintain hormonal balance. Poor sleep disrupts hormones like ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and leptin (the satiety hormone), which can lead to increased cravings. Stress can trigger cravings, so engaging in stress-relieving practices like meditation or exercise reduces cortisol levels, helping control cravings.

Every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day (WDD) is observed to increase awareness of diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) organized the event, focusing on diabetes prevention, health risks, and managing and living well with the disease.  Every year, the theme for World Diabetes Day shifts, frequently focusing on important topics like nutrition, physical activity, mental health, or access to healthcare for people with diabetes.  What is Diabetes? Diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes, is a metabolic disease marked by consistently elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a chronic illness in which the body either produces insufficient amounts of insulin or is unable to use the insulin that it produces efficiently.  The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which is crucial for controlling blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels can rise and cause issues with the heart, kidneys, feet, and eyes if insulin is not functioning properly.  Symptoms of Diabetes Diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly, though in type 2 diabetes, they may develop gradually, sometimes taking years to notice. Typical signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. If untreated, diabetes can damage blood vessels in critical organs like the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. It raises the risk for severe health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and in some cases, permanent vision loss due to damaged retinal blood vessels. Diabetes can also lead to nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet, resulting in ulcers and, potentially, amputations. How to Prevent Diabetes? Adopting healthy lifestyle changes is the most effective way to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Recommendations for prevention include maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, following a balanced diet low in added sugars and saturated fats, and avoiding tobacco use. Through proactive lifestyle management, individuals can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its related complications.   World Diabetes Day 2024: Theme The theme for this year is "Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps," which highlights our commitment to reducing the risk of diabetes and making sure that everyone with the disease has access to equitable, thorough, reasonably priced, and high-quality care. History of World Diabetes Day The IDF and WHO established World Diabetes Day in 1991 in response to growing global concerns about diabetes as a major health concern. By adopting Resolution 61/225 in 2006, the UN formally recognized WDD and identified diabetes as a global health concern. The date, November 14, was selected because it is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin with Charles Best in 1921. This finding transformed diabetes from a deadly illness to one that can now be controlled. Significance of World Diabetes Day To increase awareness of the effects of diabetes on people, families, and healthcare systems around the world, World Diabetes Day is essential. It emphasizes how crucial early detection, appropriate medical treatment, and lifestyle modifications are to the management of diabetes.  Additionally, WDD provides a platform for advocates and health organizations to campaign for policy changes that promote affordable and easily accessible diabetes care, especially for disadvantaged groups.  WDD is more important than ever in promoting a healthier lifestyle and teaching people about preventative measures to fight the diabetes epidemic, especially in light of the significant increase in diabetes incidence. Top 5 best winter foods for diabetic patients As the winter is near, here are some winter foods that are good for diabetic patients: Sweet potatoes- For diabetics, sweet potatoes are a wintertime favorite because they contain complex carbohydrates that break down gradually, avoiding sudden blood sugar rises.  Green leafy vegetable- Rich in iron, magnesium, and fiber, this leafy green vegetable helps to improve metabolic health and control blood sugar.  Carrots- Carrots are good for diabetics since they are low in carbohydrates and high in beta-carotene and fiber. Oats- With a low glycemic index and a high fiber content, particularly beta-glucan, which inhibits the absorption of glucose, oats make a hearty breakfast choice for chilly mornings. Beetroot- A nutrient-dense winter vegetable that is high in fiber and antioxidants is beetroot. It supports cardiovascular health and lowers insulin resistance, both of which are critical for diabetics. Diabetes in Bangladesh World Diabetes Day observes Bangladesh with the globe aimed at building public awareness of the chronic metabolic disease. The theme of the day is "Diabetes: Our Commitment to Good Health." In 1991, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) declared November 14 as World Diabetes Day, and the day has been observed all over the world since 2007. At the request of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, the Government of Bangladesh proposed to the United Nations to observe the 'World Diabetes Day' on November 14 which was later unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly. On the occasion of the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages. According to the IDF, about 42 crore people in the world are suffering from diabetes as one in every 10 adults worldwide has been suffering from diabetes. Diabetes patients are increasing at an alarming rate in South Asia and the picture in Bangladesh is dire. According to the Bangladesh Endocrine Society (BES) currently, about 1.31 crore people are suffering from diabetes in the country making it eighth in the world. World Diabetes Day reminds us of the growing impact of diabetes on global health and the urgent need for collective action to prevent, diagnose, and manage this chronic condition. In 2024, the theme 'Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps' underscores the critical importance of accessible, high-quality diabetes care, especially for underrepresented communities. The Government of India’s initiatives reflect a proactive, multi-faceted approach to diabetes prevention through enhanced healthcare access, awareness programs, and lifestyle promotion programs. By fostering awareness, providing resources, and encouraging healthy living, these initiatives aim to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and alleviate its long-term complications, contributing to a healthier future for all citizens.

Parenting is not easy, and of course, is not a 9 to 5. It is an around-the-clock job. More often than not there are a lot of myths that surround parenting and a child's healthy life. But fear not, because we will burst five myths around parenting and your child's health, which will help you ensure a safe and healthy life for your kid. Myth: It Is Okay To Feed Your Child Honey After 6 Months Truth: Babies younger than 1 year of age should not be fed honey. This is because there is a type of bacteria called Clostridium that causes infant botulism, and it is found in honey. This can cause muscle weakness, with signs like poor sucking, weak cry, constipation, and also decreased muscle tone. Myth: A Baby Walker Promotes Early Walking Truth: While a baby walker can help babies learn to balance, it does not make them walk earlier. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has called to stop the production and sale of baby walkers, as it can often increase the child's dependency on a walker, leading to poor balance. There is also a risk of falling and causing severe injuries to the child. Myth: My Child's Height Will Stop If He Starts Gymming At An Early Age Truth: No, your child's height will not be affected if he or she hits the gym at an early age. Apar Jain, a health coach, gym trainer, and nutritionist explains that height is largely influenced by genetics, and growth occurs in the plates of our long bones, which remain open through adolescence and close around the age of 16 to 18. "When approached correctly, gym training at a young age can support healthy development. Resistance training, when supervised and focused on form, strengthens bones, muscles, and joints. It can also improve posture," he explains. Myth: Weight Training During Adolescence Can Stunt Growth Truth: "No," explains Jain, "research shows that when done properly, weight training does not negatively impact growth." Rather, it helps in strengthening muscles, improving bone density, and supporting joint health. The key is, explains Jain, "a well-structured program that avoids excessive loads, focuses on technique, and allows for recovery." Myth: Being Strict And Punishing My Children Will Raise Them Well Truth: No. While, this strategy has been going on for generations, often passed down. Researchers say otherwise. Being harsh, rigid, and strict can often lead to bad mental health in your kids. Punishing can make them feel threatened and even rebel. Children do make mistakes, but parents need to explain to them what went wrong and how can they make it better. This guides them, instead of ingraining fear into their brain, which may lead to a loss of self-esteem, as they grow up. Source: TN