India Turns To Renewable Power Sources Along Indian Coast

India goes green as it turns to wind and solar power on the initiative of Prime Minister Modi. Need to understand the concept of green energy has stalled

many projects. Now India has become aware as one of the leaders of progress and change are looking to implement green energy sources for its energy requirements.

Renewable energy to power India

India has a coastline stretching 7,600 km and renewable power source is now beckoning. Renewable energy is becoming popular mostly due to Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to pave the way for clean energy. An estimated 420 million Indians still have no access to electricity. In this direction, the ambitious 12 – year solar power project begun in 2010, Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission is aiming to provide solar power to the tune of 20,000 megawatts.

Personal effort of Prime Minister

In the home state of the Prime Minister Gujarat, offshore wind farms will be deployed to augment renewable energy source. Gujarat is slated to have potential to produce 7, 214 megawatts of power. It has a coastline stretching for 1, 600 km and had winds of sufficient velocity to produce electricity.

Help from the Government

Many projects begun in 1990s are running throughout the country. These projects number 71 and are deployed in 7 states across the country. They are now producing 22, 000 megawatts of power. The Government aims to provide infrastructure support and subsidies to Gujarat to develop its renewable energy resources and development in matters such as oceanography, study of environmental impact and wind resource management.

Big energy consumer

India is one of the largest energy consumers. It is topped only by three other nations – USA, Russia and China. About 92.83% of its energy comes from fossil fuels and nuclear energy. This latest effort by the Government will step up the reliance on renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. India has a power generation capacity of 249, 288 MW. The onus of Government projects is on rural electrification.

Hydrogen energy

Coal reserve in India is fourth largest in the world. Coal contributes to the bulk of energy production accounting for 54.3% of total energy produced. The Public Private partnership for hydrogen energy which began in 2003, the International Partnership for Hydrogen Economy (IPHE) has nineteen member countries including United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and USA. The idea is to use hydrogen as a primary energy source.

Hydro electricity production

In hydro electricity production, India ranks sixth behind China, Canada, Brazil, USA and Russia. India has a capacity to produce 40, 729 MW of hydroelectric power. There is great potential for more development in hydroelectric power in central India in the Godavari, Narmada and Mahanadi river basins.

Wind power and solar power

As far as wind power is concerned, India is fifth with installed capacity of 20,864 MW. This is about 8.5% of the total energy production capacity of the country. India has great potential to become a huge solar energy consumer because the prevailing conditions are ideal. The consumer base is very vast and the scope of deploying solar panels is also large. Obviously, the disadvantage is that solar power cannot be deployed at nights though it may be stored in cells for nighttime consumption.

Necessity for energy

Sustainable energy is an essential  commodity in today’s world. If there were no energy, the world would come to a standstill. Our very existence would suffer a setback if not become impossible if the energy that we use were reduced by even 50%. Nations promoting clean energy are faced with this mammoth problem of convincing others that conservation is the need of the hour. Going green does not mean reducing your energy consumption. On the other hand, it could mean people would have more energy without causing environmental destruction.

Green energy source

Green sources of energy include tidal energy, hydro-power, wind energy and solar energy. Technology required to harness tidal energy is expensive and difficult to maintain given today’s technology. Solar energy and wind power are

relatively simple to install and inexpensive to operate. They represent the best alternate energy source that could spruce up the future of the world.

Need for understanding

Though India has a history that reflects its rich culture and has many festivals that speak of its glorious traditions and tourist attractions, many energy projects run into political opposition and are not able to progress because of the lack of understanding. Knowledge must be spread both about the availability of resources and the method of utilisation. There needs to be a drastic alteration in the mindset of people used to gasoline and coal for supplying their energy needs. Once the thinking changes, implementing them becomes easy. India has always led from the front as in the case of BrahMos missile and it is certainly doing well in green energy front too.

Look at Snorers: Dangers of Sleep Apnea Part I

Sleep and sleep well, yet there are people who do not sleep well. They are the people who snore. Is it bad?

Actually, ignoring this is bad. Snore is an interruption of the pattern of breathing punctuated by sudden intake of breath. This produces a loud harsh grating sound known as a snore. 

Snore is bad for health

Snoring is an indication of poor breathing pattern during sleep. When you sleep your body undergoes a drop in the metabolic rate. Your body knows that there will be no physical activity and so breathing slows down. The body temperature drops. The blood circulation also adjusts to this new slower metabolic rate. 

Food gets digested easily when the metabolic activity slows down. Your old worn out cells and tissues are discarded and new ones begin to grow. Oxygen is required for all this. When you stop breathing, carbon dioxide stops being sent out. It accumulates in the blood. Oxygen intake slows down, thereby decreasing the amount of growth activity that is possible. 

Diseases that could affect the patient

This leads to a series of oxygen deficiency related diseases including the following.

                 a) Diabetes mellitus

                 b) Elevated blood pressure

                 c) Memory loss

                 d) Congestive heart disease

Snoring is thus an indication of serious diseases that could affect the patient. It is better to take action immediately. 

Signs of this disease

Patients will experience one or more of these symptoms.

1)    Loss of appetite

2)    Irritability

3)    Diabetes

4)    Memory loss

5)    Does not complete work that is started

6)    Urinates frequently during the night

If these symptoms are shown, the person must begin tests to determine the severity of the disease. This can be done at the home of the patient or at a clinic near the house.

Tests for assessing severity of sleep apnea

Physician will conduct observations at night to determine how severe the disease is. This will involve observing the patient and conducting polysomnography studies. These will record events during the night and keep record of all variables such as room temperature, amount of humidity and wind flow along with position of limbs and medical conditions of the patient.

If the number of events recorded is below 5 per hour, then the patient is not suffering from sleep apnea. If events are between 5 and less than 15, the symptoms are mild. If the value falls between 15 and is less than 30, the patient has moderate sleep apnea. If however the patient has more than 30 events during the night then the patient has severe sleep apnea.

Beginning treatment

Once the severity of the disease has been assessed, the consulting physician will begin treatment. Treatment would involve one or more of these steps.

a)    Lifestyle changes

b)    Counseling

c)    Medication

d)    Use of devices

Sleep apnea can be treated fully. One has only to take the steps at the proper time. In the next article we will see how and why patients respond or need treatment. You need to understand that sleep apnea is fully treatable and people have recovered completely.

Is Too Much Thinking Good For Your Mental Health

Getting a perspective on thinking

Thinking is sixth sense of human race. It helps us make decisions and augment our lifestyle. If we plan our actions, we are able to execute our work much faster and in a smoother manner. We become more efficient and therefore more useful.

Too much thinking puts too much stress on person

Thinking is related to stress. This hormone-based reaction goes “on” when we begin thinking. Our body recognizes stress situations, usually when we begin to think too much and releases cortisol, norepinephrine and adrenaline to help our body cope with the crisis. These give us the ability to deal with immediate threats like tripping up and rolling down a hill. However, excess thinking can trigger release of these hormones too.

Take corrective action to stop too much thinking

a)   Break problems into smaller bits: If you have a lot of laundry, break up the task into three bits. First part is washing, second is drying and thirdly ironing. Any problem can be broken into smaller portions and this will help you think clearly.

b)   Do not use quality time for thinking: Spend time talking with family or with your friends everyday. Do not spend this time thinking about your problem, it will only become worse. What is more, you will end up worrying your family members too.

c)   Discuss your problem with people you know: On the other hand, there is great wisdom in seeking counsel of older and wiser people. They will help you put a cap on your problems by their unique perspective.

d)   Check for solutions online: Your problem may be unique. There may be people who have gone through your situation. You will reduce time expended on the problem if you check existing solutions first

European Health Insurance Card

Method of applying for European Health Insurance Card

European Health Insurance Card is state healthcare sponsored by United Kingdom. It costs less and is also free in many places within UK, European Economic Area (EEA), Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland. Salient features of this card are as mentioned below.

·      It is free. You might have to pay for some services that you want to use.

·      You have to provide basic information like name, address, date of birth, NHS or National Insurance number (for England and Wales), Health and Care Number (Northern Ireland) and CHI number (Scotland).

·      People who are not from UK, Switzerland or EEA should send your application by post along with a proof of residency. You can get the EHIC card from your healthcare service provider too.

·      It covers routine maternity care costs and medical treatment costs for pre-existing conditions. However, it becomes invalid if you travel to another country with the specific intent of giving birth there.

·      It gives you access to medically essential healthcare during your temporary stay abroad.

Restrictions on usage of card

·      You may not use this card for covering expenses if the purpose of your travel is to obtain medical treatment.

·      You cannot use the European Health Insurance Card as a substitute for your travel insurance. It will not cover expenses such as lost or stolen property costs, going back home return flight cost or private healthcare costs.

• This card does not give you assurance of free service in another country. Charges for medical services change from country to country. One service may be offered free in one country while in another it may cost you money to avail of that service.

Is Too Much Thinking Good For Your Mental Health

Getting a perspective on thinking

Thinking is sixth sense of human race. It helps us make decisions and augment our lifestyle. If we plan our actions, we are able to execute our work much faster and in a smoother manner. We become more efficient and therefore more useful.

Too much thinking puts too much stress on person

Thinking is related to stress. This hormone-based reaction goes “on” when we begin thinking. Our body recognises stress situations, usually when we begin to think too much and releases cortisol, norepinephrine and adrenaline to help our body cope with the crisis. These give us the ability to deal with immediate threats like tripping up and rolling down a hill. However, excess thinking can trigger release of these hormones too.

Take corrective action to stop too much thinking

a)   Break problems into smaller bits: If you have a lot of laundry, break up the task into three bits. First part is washing, second is drying and thirdly ironing. Any problem can be broken into smaller portions and this will help you think clearly.

b)   Do not use quality time for thinking: Spend time talking with family or with your friends everyday. Do not spend this time thinking about your problem, it will only become worse. What is more, you will end up worrying your family members too.

c)   Discuss your problem with people you know: On the other hand, there is great wisdom in seeking counsel of older and wiser people. They will help you put a cap on your problems by their unique perspective.

d)   Check for solutions online: Your problem may be unique. There may be people who have gone through your situation. You will reduce time expended on the problem if you check existing solutions first

Exercise and Fitness Regimen For Men: Healthy Food

Breaking sweat with fastest and toughest

Fitness is not easy, many do not attempt this exercise and training schedule because it is tough to maintain. Athletes and those training for a sports meet

however have a different target to meet. Their bodies need more stamina and more nutrition. Here we see how to meet those nutrition needs and why some foods are better than others.

Know your food

Food consists of proteins, carbohydrates, fats along with essential minerals and vitamins. Normal food sources do not have all of these. When building muscles, one has to supply a good source of proteins that is necessary for building tissues and muscles. The body requires carbohydrates since more energy is expended in the work out.

1)   Health foods

a.    Turkey breast

Prepare it without skin to avoid fats. Chicken breast has 50 grams

of proteins for every 200 grams. It has Selenium that helps fight cancer, apart from Vitamin B necessary for metabolic activities in the body. Most of all, it has Zinc, the element responsible for boosting sperm production in body.

b.   Olive Oil

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Most of the fat present in olive oil is monounsaturated fats that are essential for transporting nutrients to all parts of the body and for synthesis of hormones. Saturated fats and trans fats block the arteries increase cholesterol and lead to a host of diseases. It has good anti-inflammatory properties.

c.    Green tea

It has loads of anti-oxidants that help in preventing diseases like cancer. It is a stimulant too and drinking one cup every few hours will keep you full of vigour.

d.   Eggs

Egg is a food you should eat everyday for amino acids and choline, a vitamin. These nutrients help both muscle building and brain

development. However, the yolk is high in cholesterol.

e.    Milk

Essential for your body, milk contains nutrients that your body craves. If it does not get them, it begins to store fats and calcium thinking your body is in “starvation” mode. While you do not have to swim in milk, your daily glass helps you stay thin.

f.    Beef

Good source of proteins, beef is rich in iron and zinc. It also has niacin, phosphorus, selenium B12 and B6. Best eat lean meat and

your body will get its nutrition without increasing cholesterol levels.

g.    Soy

A lovely food as far as nutrition goes soy has fiber, protein, vitamins and antioxidants, in addition to the minerals one normally gets from fruits and vegetables. You can have soya beans prepared as curry, tofu or make soymilk. Smoothies too are wonderful. The rich nutrients of soya bean help in fighting diabetes, heart disease, and help in menopause therapy.

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h.   Almonds

Almonds make your heart healthy and augment your digestive system. They have high levels of Vitamin E, fiber and protein. They have unsaturated fats that is essential for your metabolism. Though they have good amount of calories, they do not make you fat.

i.     Bananas

Bananas simply top the list in potassium content along with avocados. It is rich in magnesium and all exercises result in loss of these two elements through sweat. Banana has fiber that helps slow digestion down to the extent it helps body metabolism to absorb the food for its energy requirements instead of storing it as fats. It has

Vitamin B6 that is used in many metabolic activities and brain functions.

2)   Aphrodisiac foods

a.    Chocolate

Chocolate is the king of aphrodisiac foods. Phenylethylamine stirs the glands and makes one feel sexy. Person also begins to feel happy a stimulated effect due to release of anandamide in the brain. This psychoactive chemical produces the feeling of wellbeing. Orgasm triggers dopamine release that also produces the feeling of wellbeing in the person. Cocoa also helps in release of tryptophan that is a component of the good-feeling hormone serotonin.

b.   Oyster

Oysters have long been linked to sex drive and mattress play, more for its nutritive content than for its suggestive vagina like appearance. It has

plenty of zinc that boosts testosterone production, which in turn helps augment your sex drive. Whether athletes need higher testosterone can be seen in the number of international athletes who take testosterone boosters before an athletic meet.

Importance of keeping fit

Our body is a jointed structure dependent on muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones. When we work, move or even rest, we arrange this skeletal arrangement in a manner that is comfortable. However, muscles get fatigued when the body is not physically trained. To train the body physically, one has to exercise. Exercise and food helps build body tissue and muscles.

By physical training, we mean that we expand and strengthen our muscles so that they become more efficient in doing work. They do use less energy and our body becomes less tired. Eating proper food keeps our body in prime condition. Nutritious food contains essential minerals and vitamins along with the required proteins, carbohydrates and fats.