GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

We have heard stories from our grandparents and parents about their struggles and how things were accomplished on foot back in their old days. And as much as we appreciate the ease of living under the present circumstances, we often end up being couch potatoes and getting everything done from the comfort of our homes.

In today's technology-driven world, machines are replacing human efforts. Almost anything and everything can be done with a few clicks, from getting groceries delivered to our doorsteps, a cab waiting at our gates, or booking a movie ticket.

But this ease and convenience come at a cost. Around forty percent of youth face various health issues from obesity and lethargy. Lack of physical exercise, long working hours, and an unhealthy diet have led to severe prolonged health issues.

In this article, we will look at how incorporating fundamental physical activity into our daily lives will yield significant benefits in the future. Let's talk about putting that smartwatch into use and getting ten thousand step counts into your daily routine.

1. It's a start:

Completing ten thousand steps can seem daunting for someone new to fitness. But the goal is to get at least the bare minimum exercise into our otherwise mundane lifestyle.
Start with 5000 steps without making it too overwhelming. An average person takes about three thousand to four thousand steps daily. Putting an effort and taking this up by a thousand steps counts is an achievement you can be proud of. Opt for stairs instead of elevators. Avoid taking your vehicles for everyday grocery needs; you are already a couple of thousand steps ahead.

2. The benefits:

Taking ten thousand steps daily can help you burn about two thousand to three thousand calories per week. This means you lose about half a kilo every week without trying. If you aim for weight loss, you might have to include more cardio into your workout regimen.

But the benefits of ten thousand steps a day are countless.

● Improves blood pressure: Walking promotes better heart health. This means that your heart can pump blood with less effort, ensuring your blood pressure is normal.

● Stable blood sugar levels: The glucose in your body is used up by your muscles when you are physically active. Hence, walking can lower your blood sugar levels over time.

● A healthy heart: Studies show that walking has significant cardiovascular benefits. By making an effort, you are reducing the chances of a heart attack.

● Improves sleep: Moderate exercises can help you in improving your sleep quality significantly. It also helps eliminate daytime drowsiness and reduces adults' need for sleep medications.

● Strengthens your lungs: Increased heart activity directly indicates more oxygen consumption. This strengthens the lungs and other muscles surrounding it.

These are only some of the many benefits you can gain by inculcating healthy habits. Taking care of yourself should not be a compulsion. Instead, it should be a part of your daily life.

An important thing to note here is that ten thousand steps do not promise a miraculous overnight change. The change in your body is gradual, and consistency is the key. Anything in excess can be harmful, so it is best to start slow. As mentioned above, start your way up from 5000 steps daily to 10,000 steps. A gradual increase of about a thousand steps is recommended to avoid injuries and soreness.

Another great way to look out for yourself is by investing in health insurance plans. There are many health insurance plans in India for you to choose from, depending on your needs. Health insurance is a safety net everyone needs to avoid unforeseen medical expenses that one might incur during various health examinations and treatments.

Click HERE to check out health insurance plans in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Did you know that fireflies glow in the dark to attract their mate and give out an honest evolutionary symbol that their babies are foul-tasting? Foul-tasting or not, these beetles have been attracting people for a long time.

People look up in fascination when these creatures dance in multitudes, trying to attract a partner from the opposite sex. So, whether you're trying to have a romantic getaway with your partner, trying to have a memorable trip with your family, or need some peace to meditate with nature, going to a place where you can see these stunning creatures at night is just the right vacation for you.

Back in our grandparent's stories, fireflies would be abundantly seen at the onset of every monsoon, busy attracting their mates. But due to the fairly recent change in the global climate, it's very rare to see this sight in cities. Here are 04 top destinations to see these mesmerising creatures.

1. Purushwadi:

Purushwadi is the most famous destination by far. It has been successfully holding a fireflies festival for many years. A tribal village situated about 200 km from Mumbai in the Western Ghats, one gets to experience the quaint village life along with the magic of the homestays and delicious food.
This has been made possible by local NGOs that work in rural tourism. It is a perfect getaway for city dwellers who want to experience peaceful rural life. It is easily accessible from Mumbai, taking about 05 hours by car.

2. Rajmachi:

As we welcome the season's first showers, one of the most exciting things this monsoon is to go on a night trek to Rajmachi fort. The Rajmachi Fort is about a 16 km trek from the Lonavala station, and you can spot fireflies after sunset.
The Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts offer stunning views of the valley, making it a popular destination among trekkers. The surrounding Sahyadri ranges are perfect for spotting fireflies. Another brilliant spot for experiencing this is around the Udhewadi village.

3. Mulshi Lake:

At a small distance of 50 km from Mumbai, Mulshi is a beautiful village that boasts peace and serenity like nowhere else. Mulshi is a scenic beauty with a plethora of sights, like waterfalls, rugged cliffs, green forests, and meandering hiking paths.
In these emerald green forests is the firefly display around Mulshi lake. Spend overnight at the local homestay, experience the fireflies show, and explore the area at night.

4. Sandhan Valley:

Sandhan Valley is a stunning carved valley with a 200 feet drop in the Western Ghats. Known as the valley of shadows, it consists of a deep narrow, floored ravine between the two high walls of a mountain range.
The commuting route is practically the same as Purushwadi, but from Igatpuri, one must head towards Samrad village. To get a local flavour out of the trip, try to get a villager to accompany you on the trek and make simple arrangements with them for food. For a few years, villagers have been providing travellers with tents to see the fireflies.

This experience is sure to be a rewarding one for enthusiastic travellers. Seeing these bioluminescent creatures in their natural habitat will surely be a treat to the eyes, mind, and soul. These destinations are close to Mumbai and Pune, both bustling and hectic cities. It is best to drive up there or take a local train. The roads often leading to these destinations are narrow and rocky terrains.

If you are considering driving up there, you must look out for the rough patches. Before moving out on a trip, whether long or just a short one, always ensure that you carry all the car's documents. Seat belts must be on, and if driving at night, drive slowly! Also, get the best car insurance before starting a new driving exploration!

Click HERE to know more about car insurance policies in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

How often have you heard people complaining about their bad posture? Many of us have been subjected to remarks about our lousy posture. Poor posture has the notion of signifying timidity, insecurity, and lack of confidence. But, it can get more concerning than these behavioural issues.

Improper posture may have adverse long-term health effects. It can result in reduced circulation, consistent back pain, fallen shoulders, and weakness of joints. Are you already observing such issues due to your poor posture? Fret not, as you can fix most posture-related problems with regular exercise, mindful use of gadgets, and occasional hospital visits.

If you are looking for ways to rectify your back alignment, this article will help you regain the correct posture to make you feel confident and healthy again!

1. The correct way to sit and stand:

People often neglect their posture in everyday activities such as standing, sitting, or sleeping. While it is difficult to keep track of your posture constantly, it becomes significantly easy over time. While standing, focus on keeping your legs flat on the floor, shoulders wide apart, and head upward.
This ensures that your calf, back, and neck are relaxed. Tensed muscles can have several long-term implications, such as sprains, torn ligaments, etc. Similarly, keep your back straight, your legs flat on the floor, and your arms resting on the table while sitting.

2. Proper exercises:

Exercises such as bridges, planks, hip stretch, etc., are easy and effective choices to realign your postural alignment. A trainer or expert can guide you to practice the correct postures.
Maintaining the wrong form while exercising can lead to muscle soreness. Be careful and avoid the issue from becoming more problematic for you.

3. Consult a chiropractor:

A chiropractor is an expert trained to help you with improper alignment, knots, and other ailments. People are subjected to excessive strains due to long working hours or intense workouts. These strains can severely affect the body's functioning and daily activities. A chiropractor exercises spinal manipulations to soothe affected areas. This helps in relaxing the muscles and avoiding any serious injuries.

4. Identifying the signs:

Headaches, joint pains, restricted motion, and shooting pains indicate incorrect posture. Sometimes, these issues can result from a particular activity done during the day, such as lifting heavy weights, sitting for long hours, uncomfortable travel, etc.
Stretching and using hot water bags in these situations can help relieve the soreness. If the pain persists, it is time to visit your doctor.

5. Movement is necessary:

Sitting in one place continuously for hours can severely affect the lower back and shoulder. Make sure to leave your seat every hour to give your body some movement. Stretching your legs, arms, and back also proves effective in such situations.

6. Invest in posture-friendly equipment:

Everything starting from the mattress we sleep in, the shoes we wear, the chair, the car seats, etc., heavily determines a significant part of our postural alignment.
Hence, it is vital to choose these things after careful consideration. Buy shoes with good cushioning to avoid straining your heels and calf muscles. Ensure to flip your mattress every six months, and switch it up for a new one every six to eight years. If you feel discomfort in your office chair, notify the people in charge or invest in a comfortable cushion.

These are a few ways to overcome lousy posture and misalignment. Regular exercising, good eating habits, and ample sleep are a few things that you should never compromise on. You must undergo routine checkups to recognise any latent issues your body might face and fix them soon.

Getting health insurance is an intelligent way to avoid extra expenses you might incur during treatments and checkups. Do not forget to look into the best health insurance in India for further assistance with your insurance needs. It can be the best aid for you during emergencies.

Click HERE to know more about the best health insurance in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Mountains are the perfect getaway to spend a few moments in peace and the serenity of nature. The feeling of being high up in the sky amid the clouds and looking at the stunning view is something no traveller wants to miss.

While a road trip to the mountains can be one of the most exciting things to experience, it is a fact that without the proper itinerary, the trip will lose its essence. The unpreparedness will lead to stress and confusion. The following blog gives you information that will help you choose the right itinerary for an exciting mountain trip.

1. Planning every step of the way:

Highlight the areas you want to visit along the way and research the most scenic routes to get there. In the mountains, it’s often about the journey, not the destination. Plan a detailed itinerary, including the dates on which you’ll reach each place, midway stops, and the places you’ll eat at throughout the trip.
Also, marking the highway petrol pumps is essential to avoid the stranded situation in the middle of nowhere. Although the plan should be meticulous, be open to deviating from it to experience something new.

2. Packing the right gear:

Packing the right gear can be a make or break of a trip. Place comfort over style, and make it a priority to pack clothes according to the weather. It can go from extremely cold to hot in a matter of a few days in the mountains, so make sure to get clothes suited to both.

3. Driving the right kind of car:

Mountain roads are notoriously treacherous. Steep and slippery roads are a given, and navigating these roads is a skill. Not all cars are made for such roads, and it is of utmost importance to drive a car that can stay intact on these roads.

4. Food and drinks:

Snacking and road trips have always gone hand in hand. Finding your favourite snack in the middle of a small mountain village is not always possible. Stay as hydrated as possible, and try to stay away from food that might upset your stomach.

5. Get coverage for every circumstance:

Road trips to the mountains came with a lot of risks. It is common to be stranded on mountain passes, waiting for help. It is best to ensure that your car insurance covers the vehicle towed a certain distance and repair cost if something unforeseen happens.

6. Don’t bite off more than you can chew:

It’s never a good idea to overstretch yourself on a trip, especially as dangerous as travelling to the mountains. Do ample research about common health issues faced when going to higher altitudes like heart palpitations and dizziness. Pack appropriate medication in your first aid kit to avoid health scares.
Overexerting yourself can also lead to rash driving and, ultimately, accidents. It’s best to be insured against any hefty medical bills you might incur. Be sure to stay updated on all the documents like car insurance.

A road trip to the mountains can be a therapeutic activity after the constant grind of city life. Breathing good clean air, getting some exercise and the view being a feast on eyes are just a few reasons why city people these days want to retire to a cottage in the mountains and spend their lives there.

However, travelling on unpaved, steep roads of the mountains can be challenging for your vehicle. The little off-roading you do for fun might come with a high cost of damage to your car. It is advisable to purchase comprehensive car insurance or renew if you already have one before your road trip.

Click HERE to know more about different car insurance plans.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.