Benefits of Hair Oiling: Choosing The Right Oil And How to Apply It

Updated Aug 24, 2024 | 04:23 PM IST

SummaryOiling hair has been an age-long tradition in Indian households. This simple yet powerful technique provides moisture, lustre, and shine while promoting healthy, silky-smooth hair. Here's the correct way to do it.
Benefits Of Hair Oil

Benefits Of Hair Oil (Credit: Canva)

Hair oiling is more than just a beauty ritual—it’s a practice rooted in Indian tradition and Ayurveda passed down through generations for its profound benefits. This simple yet powerful technique provides moisture, lustre, and shine while promoting healthy, silky-smooth hair. From strengthening the strands to nourishing the scalp, oiling is a go-to solution for holistic hair care.

Regular oiling not only conditions the hair but also improves blood circulation to the scalp, which can stimulate hair growth and reduce hair fall. The oils penetrate deeply, moisturizing dry hair, reducing frizz, and providing a protective barrier against environmental damage. Moreover, massaging the scalp with oil can be a relaxing ritual, easing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

To maximize these benefits, oiling should be done correctly. Start by gently applying oil to your scalp, massaging it in with your fingertips using circular motions. This boosts circulation and allows the oil to be absorbed effectively. Next, spread the oil remaining on your palms through the lengths of your hair. For best results, cover your hair with a towel or shower cap and leave the oil on overnight. In the morning, shampoo thoroughly while your hair is still dry, then rinse and condition as usual. Coconut oil can also double as a natural conditioner.

Selecting the right oil for your hair type is key. Coconut oil is versatile and suitable for most hair types due to its deep conditioning properties. Sesame oil is great for revitalizing damaged hair, while almond oil is rich in vitamin E and ideal for softening. Argan oil adds shine and controls frizz, while jaborandi and bhringraj oils are revered in Ayurveda for strengthening hair roots and reducing hair loss. Moringa oil hydrates the scalp, and amla oil is known for promoting hair growth and maintaining natural colour. However, before you start oiling, a patch test is crucial to rule out any allergic reactions.

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PCOS Could Be Raising Your Risk of Diabetes, Here’s The Hidden Link

Updated Sep 26, 2025 | 01:10 AM IST

SummaryPCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) affects many women, causing hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and other health challenges. While some risks are well-known, certain hidden complications may develop over time. Learn how simple daily habits and awareness can make a significant difference for women living with this common condition.
PCOS Could Be Raising Your Risk of Diabetes, Here’s The Hidden Link

Credits: Canva

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition marked by the development of small cysts on the ovaries. This can interfere with ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and impact fertility. Interestingly, many individuals with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, a condition where the body produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar but cannot use it effectively.

This raises concerns about a potential connection between PCOS and diabetes. We got in touch with Dr Tripti Sharan, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, explaining how PCOS may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How PCOS Can Increase Diabetes Risk

Dr. Tripti explains that in PCOS, the ovaries do not function normally. Follicles are often stuck at different stages of development, giving the ovaries their characteristic “polycystic” appearance. However, the ovaries are not the underlying cause; they are affected by conditions like insulin resistance or hypothyroidism.

“Insulin resistance is often driven by genetics, obesity, and lifestyle factors,” Dr Tripti notes. “To maintain normal blood sugar, the body produces more insulin. Excess insulin then affects the ovaries, causing them to release higher levels of male hormones. This can lead to irregular periods, acne, abnormal hair growth, and sometimes infertility.”

If these factors are left unaddressed, insulin resistance can worsen. Over time, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar effectively, potentially leading to diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women with PCOSPCOS is often seen as a pre-diabetic condition. Without proper management, it can progress to diabetes. Dr Tripti highlights the importance of lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and adopting a structured daily routine.

ALSO READ: PCOS Awareness Month: 5 Lifestyle Tips To Manage PCOS According To Gynecologist

PCOS is also linked to other health concerns, including high triglycerides, fatty liver, endometrial hyperplasia, and high blood pressure. Factors such as obesity, inactivity, chronic stress, high cholesterol, pregnancy, aging, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and misuse of steroids can further increase diabetes risk in women with PCOS.

Symptoms Indicating Higher Diabetes Risk

Signs that may indicate a higher risk of developing diabetes in PCOS include poor weight control, fatty liver, elevated lipid levels, and hormonal imbalances like excess androgens. These factors point to worsening insulin resistance, which significantly raises the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Tips

Dr. Tripti recommends several strategies to reduce the risk of diabetes in women with PCOS:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Engage in daily physical activity, regardless of body size
  • Manage stress effectively
  • Prioritize sufficient sleep
  • Address hormonal imbalances under medical supervision
  • Treat thyroid disorders
  • Monitor and control lipid levels to prevent cardiovascular issues
  • Ensure pregnancies are planned and screened for diabetes
Recognize that aging increases insulin resistance, making a healthy lifestyle even more important

ALSO READ: Lori Harvey Opens Up About Endometriosis Journey, Shares What Brings Her Relief

She also advises focusing on a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, especially those with skins, which have a lower glycemic load. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are important, and regular exercise, including cardio, strength training, stretching, and relaxation practices like yoga and meditation can help manage both PCOS and diabetes risk. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol supports overall health.

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Wellness Report: 1 In 10 Employees Sleep-Deprived, Young Workforce Faces Rising Health Risks

Updated Sep 25, 2025 | 07:05 PM IST

SummaryThe report reveals that 1 in 10 employees experience sleep disorders, cardiac conditions are no longer limited to seniors but increasingly affect those under 40, and rising obesity among young professionals is accelerating chronic health risks. These trends, the report warns, are quietly eroding productivity during India’s most economically active years.
Young Workforce Faces Rising Health Risks

Credits: Canva

In today’s hyper-connected, always-on work culture, long hours and erratic shifts are quietly eating into one of the most essential pillars of health.. A new study by Truworth Wellness, India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025: From Access to Outcomes, reveals how sleep deprivation, chronic diseases, and poor preventive care are undermining employees during their prime working years.

Sleep Deprivation: A Silent Productivity KillerThe report, based on health data from over 46,000 employees across industries, found that nearly 1 in 10 workers suffer from sleep disorders, most of them between ages 23 and 39. This lack of rest translates to 11.3 lost workdays per employee every year, costing companies an estimated ₹2.1 lakh annually, as per the study.

Chronic Conditions Striking Earlier

Cardiac issues, diabetes, and thyroid disorders are no longer diseases of old age. They are increasingly showing up in employees under 40, adding long-term pressure on both workers’ health and company healthcare costs.

Obesity and the Prevention Gap

Obesity is emerging as a ‘gateway’ condition, with 14% of employees obese, 71% of them in the 25–35 age bracket. Despite being the most vulnerable, younger employees are also least likely to undergo preventive screenings, delaying early detection of high-risk conditions.

Poor Sleep Is Leading To Poor Mental Health

The report also warns of the mental health toll of sleeplessness. Chronic fatigue, stress, and unmanaged conditions fuel declining resilience and rising emotional distress at work. As Rajesh Mundra, Founder and Executive Chairman of Truworth Wellness, notes, “Wellness can no longer be a checkbox activity, it must be embedded as a strategic business priority.”

ALSO READ: High, Low, or Normal? A Simple Guide To Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

How Companies Can RespondTo tackle the crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:

  • Training managers to recognize and respond to emotional distress.
  • Mental health literacy programs to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
  • Stress management and lifestyle interventions such as physical activity and psychosocial support.
The Truworth report further calls for companies to make sleep and stress the foundation of wellness strategies, adopt gender- and age-responsive health pathways, and use early-warning systems to detect risks before they escalate.

The Business Case for Better Sleep

Companies that invest in outcome-driven wellness programs already see 28% fewer sick leaves, 26% lower healthcare costs, and 11% higher revenue per employee. For every rupee spent, organizations save ₹289 in healthcare costs and ₹241 through reduced absenteeism.

A Wake-Up Call for Corporate Industries

As sleep deprivation silently chips away at productivity, Indian businesses have an opportunity to treat wellness not as an add-on but as a strategic advantage. By tackling sleep, stress, and preventive care, organizations can build healthier, more resilient, and ultimately more productive workplaces.

ALSO READ: Prediabetes: How To Spot the Silent Warning Signs Before It Turns Into Type-2 Diabetes

By moving beyond generic wellness programs and focusing on measurable outcomes, Indian organizations can turn employee health into a strategic advantage. Embedding sleep, stress management, and preventive care into workplace wellness not only improves productivity but also builds a resilient workforce. The Truworth Wellness India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025, conducted in collaboration with People Matters, highlights these insights and provides a roadmap for companies to act before small health risks escalate into costly chronic conditions.

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High, Low, or Normal? A Simple Guide To Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Updated Sep 25, 2025 | 05:56 PM IST

SummaryHigh blood pressure, or hypertension, affects nearly half of all U.S. adults, yet many remain unaware. Understanding your blood pressure numbers and monitoring them regularly is crucial for heart health. Learn what systolic and diastolic readings mean, the updated 2025 AHA guidelines, and how home monitoring can help track treatment effectiveness.
Simple Guide To Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Credits: Canva

Half of all American adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, yet many don’t even know it. High blood pressure occurs when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. Recently, cases of high blood pressure have been rising rapidly in the U.S. and globally. As these numbers climb, regularly checking your blood pressure becomes essential.

According to the 2025 American Heart Association Statistical Update, nearly half of U.S. adults, around 122 million people, have high blood pressure, a leading preventable cause of heart disease, stroke, and early death. Shockingly, only about one in four have their condition under control. To help you stay on top of your numbers, here’s a detailed guide to understanding blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Readings ExplainedBlood pressure is written as two numbers separated by a slash, such as 120/80 mm Hg, which can be read as “120 over 80 millimeters of mercury.”

The first number, or systolic pressure, measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart pumps.

The second number, or diastolic pressure, measures the pressure when the heart rests between beats.

ALSO READ: World Lung Day 2025: How Strong Are Your Lungs? Do These Tests To Find Out

Blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day depending on activity, stress, and other factors. A healthy reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure is considered high when systolic readings are 130 mm Hg or higher or diastolic readings are 80 mm Hg or higher.

New Blood Pressure Guidelines by the American Heart Association

In August 2025, the AHA and ACC updated blood pressure guidelines to emphasize early intervention and personalized care. Key points include:

  • Earlier Treatment: People with a 10-year cardiovascular risk of 10% or more are advised to start medication along with lifestyle changes.
  • Personalized Risk Assessment: Doctors may use the PREVENT™️ calculator to estimate 10-year risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
  • Expanded Lab Testing: Tests such as the urine albumin:creatinine ratio help tailor treatment plans.
  • Lifestyle First: Limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active.
  • Alcohol Limits: Men: 2 drinks/day; women: 1 drink/day.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

The American Heart Association recommends that everyone with high blood pressure monitor their readings at home. Home monitoring helps healthcare professionals track whether treatments are effective and can also help confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure. However, it does not replace regular doctor visits, and you should never stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare provider, regardless of your home readings.

ALSO READ: This Small Mistake Can Change Your Blood Pressure Reading, According To Doctor

Home monitoring is particularly important for:

  • Anyone already diagnosed with high blood pressure.
  • People starting or adjusting high blood pressure treatments, to see if they are working.
  • Individuals who require closer monitoring, especially those with risk factors for high blood pressure or related health conditions.
High blood pressure often shows no obvious symptoms, making regular monitoring crucial. Understanding your readings is the first step in protecting your heart and overall health. Adopting healthy habits, balanced eating, regular exercise, and stress management can significantly reduce your risk. Even small, consistent changes today can lower the chances of serious complications like heart disease and stroke in the future.

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