GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Intermittent fasting has been a part of several cultures for many years however, it is recently picking up steam globally. The most googled diet-related search in 2019, it has become a hot topic in the health and fitness circle.

People are practicing it for better health, weight loss, and improved lifestyle by looking at its magical results. Studies also show that it has puissant effects on the body and mind, surprisingly impacting the well-being of an individual. This article shares some of the few insights on how it is becoming a trend in the fitness world;

What is intermittent fasting?
Are you new to the concept of intermittent fasting? Let us quickly give you a brief idea about it: Intermittent fasting is a method of diet that tells you when to eat instead of what to eat. It suggests alternate cycles of fasting and consumption. Fasting has a variety of ways to be carried out, with variable numbers of fast days and calorie limitations.
You calculate your feeding time and design a diet plan that sculpts a balanced health routine.

Reasons why people are going crazy over this new trend:

1. You have the freedom to do it according to your comfort:
Intermittent fasting allows you to personalize your fasting windows to your preferences. Beginners mostly go for the hourly schedule against the daily schedule. The short approach of 16:8 works on an hourly basis, whereas the 5:2 method, works in days.

2. It isn't just a fad; scientific research backs it up:
Intermittent fasting is the ultimate answer for our health and lifestyle concerns, from weight loss to balancing fluctuating insulin levels. Scientific studies proves and explains how this starvation and intake method is necessary for our body to function best. It also serves as actual nourishment for contemplation as it improves brain function, thereby increasing your tolerance to stress, pain, and illness.

3. Evident changes in the health:
• Your cells begin to heal themselves. Autophagy is a mechanism in which cells consume and eliminate old and defective proteins accumulated inside them.
• Insulin levels observe a downfall.
• An increase in growth hormone production provides fat-burning and muscle-building advantages.
• Significant improvements are observed in the function of genes linked to lifespan and illness susceptibility.

4. Intermittent fasting has a devoted celebrity following:
Celebrities all around the world have majorly influenced the crowd to opt for intermittent fasting. No less than any influencer marketing strategy, this social trend is widespread among active users and encourages a huge population to shift to this paradigm.

People are aware of the significance of fasting. Because of its incredible health advantages, the world has just recently realized its worth. This latest intermittent fasting and health craze is a simple but a long-term strategy to shed pounds and enhance overall wellbeing.

Human growth hormone levels rise, and insulin levels fall as you starve. In addition, cells in your body alter gene expression and activate crucial cellular repair processes. These advantages have convinced people how healthy intermittent fasting is. Caring for your health thoughtfully will guide you not just to stay fit but considerably save your hospital bills and online health insurance premiums.

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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.

The pandemic was emotionally challenging for everyone globally. The sudden shutdown of the world was something that no one ever saw coming or would have imagined. The office-goers had to undergo an acute struggle of adapting themselves to this drastic transition.

But, now, with successful vaccination drives and improved safety standards, the workplaces are opening again, and people have started resuming their work. However, life before the pandemic and after the pandemic are two very different situations. So, while returning to your work again, it is crucial to understand that you have to be extra careful of your office premises with robust preventive measures to avoid exposure to the virus.

This post covers all the essential health and safety measures an employee and employer needs to follow. Continue reading to get the best Covid tips for your safety in the office!

For Employers:

• Before the office re-opens, ensure that it is properly disinfected and sanitized. Consider that every office space, such as equipment, tables, chairs, stationary, and other utilities.

• Create a Covid safety plan and guidelines for all the employees to ensure they do not catch an infection.

• Ensure regular temperature screening and measurement of oxygen levels before the employees enter the office. It will help to catch early symptoms and make sure other employees are not affected.

• Make masks mandatory even indoors. It is to prevent getting in contact with the virus.

• Make both COVID vaccination mandatory for the employees. If certain employees have not taken their vaccines yet, encourage them to take the vaccine or help them in getting the required vaccination. Sometimes, in-office vaccination camps can also help employees get vaccinated in the office premises.

• During meetings, ensure that the chairs are placed at a safe distance. It is advisable not to have too many employees in one room. Similarly, cafeteria or canteen area should be sanitized and have a strict code of conduct. Avoid any large social gatherings inside the office premises.

• If an employee demands sick leave, do not encourage them to come to the office and work. Instead, make sure you plan out paid sick leaves to protect other employees’ health.

• Use technology for the best and safety measures. With all the advanced options available, try to make things as contactless as possible, including the attendance machines.

• Limit all your business travel. Businesses must follow all the deadlines and guidelines issued by the government.

• Lastly, keep all the health essentials nearby and available. These include sanitizer, tissues, masks, napkins, soap, and doctor-on-call.

For Employees:

• As an employee, you need to take care of your hygiene and avoid contact with any person.

• Use sanitizer often, even for your keys, wallets, and other personal belongings, whenever you enter the office.

• In case you feel sick, ask for sick leave. Do not be in the mindset of, "I need to go; I will miss my salary." While your salary is crucial, you could spread the virus in your office.

• After returning from work, make sure you take a bath or sanitize yourself. It helps you protect your family.

• Keep your medical insurance intact. The pandemic has pushed most of the businesses operating online with a noticeable increase in online purchases. Similarly, buying online health insurance helps you avoid visiting the insurer's office and with lower insurance premiums for your policy.

• Avoid gatherings in the office as much as possible, and make sure you use masks whenever needed. The same should be followed even if you are vaccinated.

Collective efforts can make the return to the pre-pandemic life more conveniently. With positive intent, work enthusiasm, and by adhering to strict safety and hygiene standards, businesses and employees can ensure a safe physical return to the workplace. So, get your office bags and formal ready. The good old 9 to 5 days are coming back soon.

Click HERE to secure your health with the best health insurance plan.

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.

Metabolism constitutes the chemical activities that repeatedly occur inside your body that keep your organs regularly operating, such as breathing, cell repair, and food digestion. Your metabolic rate regulates the number of calories you burn while also maintaining bodily balance by monitoring blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.

However, the metabolic rate tends to slow down as you age. And some unhealthy habits accelerate the process. This invites health problems and makes our body vulnerable to infections. Maintaining a proper metabolism keeps the body in good shape and powers the organs to perform to their best capacities. But, we practice a few habits that negatively impact our metabolism at an alarming rate. Let’s look below at the mentioned factors that could be killing your metabolism.

1. Eliminating breakfast:
Needless to say, breakfast is the kick-starter of the day. It is the most important meal that no one should skip. Since our metabolism slows down during sleeping hours, eating in the morning is a way to provide ample calories for the entire day.

2. Excessive sitting:
Sitting for hours causes your body to go into energy-saving mode. This impedes your metabolism and impairs the body's capacity to control blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat.

3. Insufficient consumption of protein:
Protein fuels your muscles, and muscles are significant for metabolism. Also, protein improves satiety and is essential for maintaining a healthy weight.

4. Ignoring the importance of strength training:
The more active muscular tissue you have, the greater is your metabolic rate. Therefore, strength training is a vital component of metabolism since it directly connects to muscle mass.

5. Inadequate hydration:
A recent study proves that consuming half a litre of water improves metabolic rate by 30% that lasts for about an hour. So, by staying hydrated throughout the day, you'll have the benefit of a faster metabolism.

6. Poor sleep schedule:
You'll have a slower metabolism and hormone abnormalities if you don't get enough sleep for several nights in a row or have difficulty sleeping due to any medical condition. An average sleep time should be at least 07 hours a day.

7. Eating fast food regularly:
Junk food already adds a lot of calories, but it also slows down your metabolism as high-fat food takes longer to digest.

8. Feeling tense frequently:
Cortisol, a hormone produced by the body whenever stress intensifies. Cortisol significantly increases hunger, comfort food cravings, reduced desire to exercise, and poor sleep quality, all of which negatively influence metabolism. So, keep stress away for both mental and physical well-being.

9. Having a warm room to sleep in:
Our body responds indifferently to the surrounding temperature. Sleeping in a chilly environment can boost levels of brown fat, which burns calories to produce heat. The optimal nightly temperature is 19ºC.

We are sure you practice more than five of these bad habits unknowingly that affect your metabolic rate, making you unhealthy and inviting disorders. One can never elucidate the importance of taking care of the body at every age. Apart from these habits, we usually have another habit of not prioritizing and securing our finances against undesired health conditions. We simply recommend you stay in your best possible shape and back yourself up with insurance. If you haven’t protected yourself with a health insurance cover, rather than opting for conventional methods to purchase health insurance, buy online health insurance and get yourself a chance to bag great deals on your purchase.

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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.

Bone density lessens when they lose calcium faster than the body can restore. This condition is known as osteoporosis in the medical field. Both women and men can develop osteoporosis, although females are more vulnerable since their bones are comparatively smaller. There is an increased loss of bone density during menopause because of estrogen decline. For males, any disease that causes a drop in testosterone might raise the risk.

Osteoporosis is one of the most severe health conditions faced in India. Approximately 50 million people in the country suffer from low bone density conditions, which demand prompt attention.

Exercising fueled with good nutrition will help you keep these problems at bay if you start early. You can avoid this condition with two things, a good workout and healthy eating habits. However, if you have the condition already, it’s best to consult your doctor and proceed further.

In this blog, we’ll tell you the top 07 exercises that can help you increase your bone density and make you stronger.

Exercise 1: Foot Stomps

• Stomp your foot on the ground. Just like crushing a cold drink can.

• You have to stomp 4 times on each foot.

• Exercise 3-5 sets.

Exercise 2: Standing on a single leg

• Grab onto something which will help you maintain balance when you stand on a single leg.

• Lift any of your legs and place your raised foot on the inner thigh of the other leg.

• Hold the same position for about a minute.

• Now, repeat similarly for the other leg.

Exercise 3: Squats

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Your hips, toes, and knees should be pointing forward.

• Bend your knees and stretch the buttocks backwards. Make sure your knees don’t go beyond the toes, and your heels are bearing all your weight.

• Rise and repeat the movement 10-12 times. Do not overstretch yourself.

Exercise 4: Ball sit

• Sit on an exercising ball & keep your feet flat on the ground.

• Try keeping the back straight and maintaining your balance on the ball while doing it.

• Keep your arms out at your sides, palms facing front. Once done, hold that position for a minute.

• After each set, stand and rest. Apply the same for a new set!

Exercise 5: Hip leg lifts

• Stand with your feet at hip-width apart.

• Put your weight to your right foot.

• Swing your left foot and raise it to the side. Make sure you keep the leg straight when you perform this exercise. Also, do not go beyond the 6 inches mark off the ground.

• Lower the leg.

• Perform 10 to 12 repetitions and return to your standing position.

• Repeat the same exercise with another foot.

Exercise 6: Bicep curls

• Stand straight with a barbell / dumbbell in each hand, resting your elbows at your sides. Extend your forearms in front of you. Bend your knees slightly for an ideal posture.

• Bend your elbows and bring the barbell/dumbbells up to your shoulders. Hold for a second at the peak and try to squeeze the bicep muscle.

• Come back to the starting position.

• Do 10-12 repetitions and perform a couple of sets.

Exercise 7: Shoulder lifts

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, chest high, shoulders squeezed, head straight, and abs tight. Hold the dumbbells/weights on either side.

• Raise the dumbbells just above shoulder level using only your shoulders and arms.

• Return to the initial position.

• Do 10-12 repetitions for the first set. Go for another set, only if possible.

When you perform these workouts, make sure to supplement the growth with proper nutrition. Consume food that has a good concentration of calcium content. Try to naturally increase calcium intake rather than depending on medicines or supplements.

Osteoporosis may make your knees weak, but health insurance will help you lift yourself up when the going gets tough. Don't let your finances go weak. Get health insurance that will cover your journey towards being strong again.

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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.

Are you like one of those superbike enthusiasts who would stop talking to their friends only to watch a superbike pass by? Do you also have a dream of owning a superbike at least once in your lifetime? If yes, well, then you have come to the right place!

When we say a superbike, it does not include the small capacity sports bike. We are talking about the ones with a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line engine that produces a sweet humming sound. The options for superbikes in India have amplified a lot recently, but only knowing about the model names is not sufficient and would not help you out in any way.

So here are six things you must be aware of if buying a superbike.

1. Cost:

The engine contributes massively to determining the price of superbikes. A good superbike has an engine between 800 ccs to 1200 cc that derives power usually used in four-wheeled vehicles. A good superbike in India will cost you somewhere between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 40 lakh, for which you can also consider applying for a bike loan. But apart from the initial cost of buying, maintaining a superbike can at times be expensive because of the high-quality fuel requirement, repairs, and servicing. Plus, the bike insurance premiums also add up to the overall maintenance cost.
A cheaper option can also be a used superbike; this can be financially beneficial. But there are always a whole lot of things to consider before deciding to buy a used superbike.

2. Fuel:

You just can't compromise on the fuel quality for your superbike as it can do significant damage to your engines. The superbike manufacturers recommend fuel quality for each model based on the octane. In simple words, the higher the octane, the better the fuel grade. But this can be a problem at many fuel stations in India. For example, most superbikes require 95 RON; this is a fuel rating not available in India. So, before buying a superbike, check whether such high-quality fuels are accessible to you. Along with fuel, other liquids like engine oil and coolant also need to meet the standards.

3. Servicing:

Servicing for superbikes is expensive as most parts are not readily available. Also, you can't be sure that you would find good, adequately trained, and knowledgeable mechanics in your vicinity. Due to the condition of Indian roads, we also recommend quicker service schedules.

4. Insurance:

Basic bike insurance is a necessity for every motorcycle. However, for your superbikes, go for comprehensive bike insurance with multiple add-ons because the superbike parts are costly, and good insurance will be beneficial.

5. Skills:

Riding a superbike requires a lot of patience, practice, and caution. Multiple driving schools teach you how to ride a superbike. You often don't realize the amount of power a superbike has, that a small mistake can cause serious injuries. You must be capable enough to handle the strong machine with ease.

6. Safety gear:

A regular helmet is not enough when riding a superbike. You will have to invest in a good-quality helmet, riding suits, gloves, and boots.

Superbikes are for those who dream for bigger and faster things, but the greed for speed creates a need for safety. Such engineering marvels are full of power and require riders with a sense of responsibility and safety. Think about the usability of a superbike in your life, understand the cost and other requirements, and purchase one to feel that adrenaline rush through your blood.

Click HERE to buy insurance that will ensure the safety of your bikes.

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.

We all have one bucket list to travel the world and witness every corner and culture of the globe. Ranging from road trips, hiking, camping, trekking, the excitement is never-ending for a traveller, and if this is a solo trip, the experience is unparalleled. Travelling solo is one of the most liberating and adventurous experiences in life.

You might doubt that travelling solo is not that easy, especially if this is your first. Below is the guide to give you the ten best tips to plan your backpacking for a solo trip.

1. Be a wanderer:

Don't stick to one place. Instead, explore as much as you can by walking around in the cities & countryside. Be like a free spirit, save your transportation cost within the destination.

2. Split up your spending:

Organize your budget smartly and choose public transport to travel. If you need a flight, then try grabbing some reasonable offers. For example, choose a safe hostel stay or travel by night train to cut your hotel costs.

3. Do your research:

More than the excitement for the travel, you need the proper planning. Once you have finalised the destination, do some homework about the culture, the best hotspots, local monuments, popular joints and the best travel route to reach there. You won’t feel alien and will be able to explore places freely and with a better perspective.

4. Don't bind yourself:

Decide a budget before leaving and adhere to it. The motive is to travel and discover maximum with minimum cost. So, research about free public attractions days, bus passes and discounted tickets that cost less than the usual fare. Prior planning will save your time and money for these discoveries.

5. Pack up mindfully:

Going light is still the thumb rule for every solo traveller. Remember to make an essential items list that helps you carry your luggage like a backpack and save time and money searching luggage cloakrooms.

6. Stick to your itinerary:

Before your actual trip, you must imagine yourself visiting the attractions mentally or virtually through your itinerary. Therefore, it is vital to design an ideal itinerary to have an organized trip. If you sincerely follow the itinerary, you are less likely to waste extra money and time.

7. Safety & essentials:

Don't forget that safety is a primary concern while you travel solo. Take a local SIM card to stay in touch with your family and friends if travelling overseas. Note down and save the emergency numbers, helpline numbers of the destination. Carry all the essential items you might require, such as a small first-aid kit, pair of masks, hand sanitizer for additional safety.

8. Organization is the key:

Keep a separate bag or folder and organize your important documents and papers like passport, hotel bookings, tickets, identity card, health insurance agency details etc. Keep a spare copy separately.

9. Communicate and socialize:

You can find other solo backpack travellers and can team up with them. Networking is the gift you will bring back with you, so open up and enjoy the excursions together. And interactions with fellow travellers might get you some ideas and advice that might help you navigate easily.

10. Enjoy low-cost thrills:

Not all good things are expensive. Enjoy local cuisines, weekly markets for shopping with less spending and more memories. Budget trips teach you several worthy life lessons. Through travel and planning, you get an opportunity to uncover your hidden abilities to be the best version of yourself.

You don't always need a company to travel. Managing everything yourself on a solo trip will help you reflect upon your true self. Lastly, as you are travelling alone most of the time, buckle up your health with the laces of health insurance to cover all your needs for the perfect solo trip ever. As it is rightly quoted, "You have to get out of the box and travel to identify who you are!"

Are you looking to buy health insurance? Click HERE .

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.

No one likes to be caught in traffic for hours. But let’s face it, it isn't easy to find our way without any traffic jams on the route. We can't blame the number of vehicles plying on the road solely, but our driving habits as well cause the heavy traffic jams. Almost every driver wants to get through traffic as quickly as possible, which is not always accurate and time saver.

It’s all too easy to give in to the temptation of switching to a lane that appears free from traffic. But if you think of it, will changing lanes constantly get you any closer to your destination? Or is it all just psychological to be thinking that the lane is always faster on the other side?

Following are the top ten tips to get through traffic keeping in mind the safety and rules.

1. Plan beforehand:

Plan your trip keeping in mind weather conditions, road construction, seasons and festivals, and the peak hours.

2. Keep your cool:

Getting frustrated while driving can lead to aggressive and reckless behaviour. This can hinder your mental state and make you lose your focus while driving, thereby endangering everyone on the road.

3. Reduce your speed:

Now naturally, in the middle of the traffic, you would not get a chance to drive speedily. Yet, some drivers habitually try to speed up to make up for a lost time, resulting in a crash.

4. Do not swerve through lanes or attempt to get ahead of traffic:

Other drivers may change lanes as you approach as they can’t foresee what you’re up to and vice versa. So, staying in one lane and abiding by the lane discipline is essential and the safest option.

5. Use indicators:

While weaving in and out of lanes is not advisable, it is occasionally required. Doing so with indicators will let people know what you’re doing, keep you safe, and make it easier for you if a vehicle enables you to pass them.

6. Remove all sources of distraction:

Always keep your eyes on the road. This is especially critical while travelling in congested areas. It doesn’t make driving less dangerous because you’re moving slower.

6. Remove all sources of distraction:

Always keep your eyes on the road. This is especially critical while travelling in congested areas. It doesn’t make driving less dangerous because you’re moving slower.

7. Practice driving proactively:

Just because you’re driving safely doesn’t guarantee everyone else is as well. So, stay alert and make judgments of fellow drivers on the road.

8. Take a break whenever needed:

Pull over to the side of the road and extend your legs while trying to relax.

9. Maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead of yours:

The ideal gap is said to be 3 seconds. Maintaining a safe buffer distance from vehicles ahead of you is crucial to eliminate the chances of collisions due to sudden braking.

10. Don’t stop and stare:

Turning your head to look at a crowd or a collision that isn’t involving you is a bad idea. Instead, keep an eye on the road ahead of you.

Always keep in mind that arriving at your destination safely is the first goal for all drivers on the road. Unfortunately, a traffic jam may take up most of your time, and delays are unavoidable in many situations. It is nearly impossible to eliminate traffic jams from our lives. But you can surely reduce the impact it might have on you.

Take the road safety measures, follow the above tips and ensure that you have online car insurance are some of the ways to make your driving smoother and stress-free. Remember that choosing trustworthy online car insurance supplements a layer of protection for you and your vehicle on the road against any eventuality.

To look for online car insurance, click HERE .

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.

The past two years have indeed taught us the importance of staying at home and keeping our house and surroundings healthy. Spending most of our time indoors, we naturally miss going out in the fresh air. But, a basic hack to welcome nature to your home and make it feel fresher is to adopt domestic plants.

Many of us prioritize the maintenance and size of a plant while purchasing them for our home but never really look for the benefits they provide. Of course, having ‘trendy’ plants around is a good idea. Still, a beautiful plant that silently works its magic on your health while you go along with your daily routine is even better. Here are the top indoor plants that can help you recover some common health issues;

1. Peace lily:

As beautiful as the name is, the essence of its nature remains unparalleled. These lilies demand no high maintenance and effortlessly add elegance to the room. Apart from its lovely appearance, this plant is known for eliminating hazardous chemicals from the air, such as ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. They even contribute to keeping the environment fresh and relatively humid.

2. Aloe vera:

Nothing makes a kitchen windowsill come alive like this warmth-loving succulent. Being one of the most low-maintenance plants; Aloe vera can do much more than make your skin glow. All you have to do is give it plenty of sunlight and watch out for brown spots on its leaves. The spots are an indication of abundant chemicals present in the air.

3. Philodendrons:

This big-leafed plant has made its mark all over Instagram for its attractive leaves. However, that is not all it offers; Philodendrons are renowned for removing hazardous substances from the air, including xylene and formaldehyde. It doesn’t ask for much attention except for being placed in a low-light and cool spot.

4. Herbs:

Shelter some herbs like Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme for multiple benefits. For example, lavender is well known for its aromatherapy to provide relief from stress. Traditionally, Rosemary has been considered to help people concentrate and sleep better. Whereas, Peppermint can help get rid of bacteria and bugs.

5. Transvaal Daisy:

Commonly known as Gerbera, it has pretty flowers and the capacity to remove benzene from indoor environments. A surprising fact about this plant is that it produces oxygen in tremendous amounts at night, making it the perfect decor for people suffering from lung problems, sleep apnea, and insomnia. Also, NASA recently acknowledged it as the best antioxidant plant.

Just the sense of being around nature can solve more than half of your health disorders, and it is a scientifically proven fact. Having indoor plants not only make your space more beautiful but also offer you many health benefits. Nevertheless, you cannot only rely on your houseplants to keep your health secured. Remember that choosing trustworthy health insurance supplements a layer of protection for your health. So, the next time when you water your indoor plants, consider what they’re giving you in return!

Click HERE to know more about the health insurance plans for you and your family.

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.