GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Skin is the largest organ and serves as a protective barrier against external factors. It is responsible for our physical appearance and can also be a vital indicator of our overall health. Our skin often reflects the state of our internal health, and changes in appearance, texture, and colour may indicate underlying health issues. In this blog, we will dig deeper to understand skin and what it can tell about your overall health.

The first step in caring for our skin is understanding its anatomy and physiology. Our skin comprises three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis is the outermost layer that protects against external destructive factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and microbes. The dermis contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves, while the subcutaneous tissue provides insulation and energy storage. Understanding the functions of these layers can help us identify potential skin issues and take appropriate measures.

1. Skin as a reflection of gut health
The gut and skin are closely related, and changes in gut health can affect our skin's appearance. For example, acne and eczema are often linked to an imbalance in gut bacteria, leading to inflammation and other skin issues. Therefore, a healthy gut means healthy skin. Eating a healthy diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics can improve your gut and, in turn, enhance skin health.

2. Skin as an indicator of nutritional deficiencies The appearance of our skin can also indicate nutritional deficiencies. For instance, dry and flaky skin may indicate a lack of vitamin A, whereas pale skin may indicate iron deficiency. Proper nutrition is necessary for healthy skin. A balanced diet with various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and carbohydrates can provide the nutrients for healthy skin.

3. Skin as a sign of chronic diseases
Skin changes can also indicate underlying chronic diseases such as diabetes, liver issues, and kidney disease. For example, yellowing of the skin may indicate liver problems and skin tags may indicate insulin resistance. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can prevent and manage these conditions. Additionally, online health insurance can provide financial support and ease the burden of medical expenses.

4. Skin as an indicator of hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can also affect the skin's appearance, leading to acne, hirsutism, and other skin conditions. Women may notice changes in the skin during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormonal imbalances can be managed with proper medical care.

5. Skin as an indicator of stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can affect our skin's health, leading to acne, wrinkles, and dullness. Managing stress through meditation, exercise, and therapy can improve our skin's appearance and overall health.

6. Skin as a sign of aging
Our skin undergoes various changes, including wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. However, premature aging can be prevented by avoiding excessive sun exposure, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.

7. Skin as an indicator of autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system attacks and destroys healthy cells. These disorders can also affect the skin's appearance, causing rashes, ulcers, and discolouration. These conditions require proper medical diagnosis and treatment to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.

8. Skin as an indicator of environmental exposure
The skin can also indicate environmental exposure to toxins, pollutants, and other harmful substances. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. Chemical exposure, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals, can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Proper protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, can prevent these harmful effects.

Understanding our skin's role in overall health is essential for keeping it glowing and preventing underlying adversities. Taking care of our skin involves a nutritious diet, regular exercise, stress management, and seeking medical attention when necessary. Taking online health insurance can further provide financial support and ease the burden of medical expenses during emergencies. Therefore, caring for our skin is about our physical appearance and overall well-being. Let us prioritise our skin health and take steps towards a healthy lifestyle.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of purchasing online health insurance.

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.

Road accidents in India are estimated at around 2 Lakhs per year, the highest in the world. This mainly happens as people fail to follow traffic rules, over-speeding their vehicles, and also the poor road conditions.

The government of India has set a few stringent rules and regulations for drivers. They are made to bring down the number of injuries and accidents. Wearing a seat belt is one of the essential practices of road safety that save lives in case of a crash. However, most people tend to ignore this simple yet crucial safety measure. They find it uncomfortable, unnecessary, and bothersome. This has caused many people to compromise their safety and surrender to a life-threatening event.

This article will briefly describe the various advantages of wearing a seat belt.

1. Holds you in one position:
You can undergo substantial damage if your car is moving at a great speed, and you suddenly crash. Without a seat belt, you can be thrown here and there. You can even jerk out of the car if the speed and collision impact is too high. It can result in severe injuries and even death. Hence, the seatbelt is extremely important.
If the car starts spinning or skidding, the seat belt will hold you firm in one place. If you do not buckle up, you are likely to get into a crash.

2. Restricts ejection:
As discussed earlier, if your car is moving at high speed, you are likely to be ejected out of the vehicle. It has happened a lot of times during car crashes or accidents. It happens mostly because the driver and passenger are not wearing seat belts. This causes them to lose control of their positions. Therefore, they are ejected out of the car.
With a seat belt, you will be firmly tied to your seat. This increases your chances of survival during an accident as the airbags will bear the impact, keeping you safe.

3. Matches the speed of the vehicle:
In general physics, our body tends to move with the speed of the vehicle. For instance, your body would do the same if the vehicle is at high speed and comes to a jolt. You are likely to hit the steering wheel or dashboard in this situation. If you're buckled up, this will not happen. It will keep you secured to your seat so that your body slows down with the vehicle. Seatbelts help you to adapt to varying speeds.

4. Force distribution:
With the seatbelt, the force of a crash is distributed to the stronger parts of your body. You will not be restricted to delicate areas like the head, abdomen, or chest. Your body will be prepared better to deal with a crash with a seatbelt. The chances of injury also decrease.

5. Protects your brain and spinal cord:
A car crash is most likely to cause brain and spinal cord injuries. This can affect you significantly and cause irreparable damage like temporary or permanent disabilities. They can even be fatal. A seatbelt protects you from these life-threatening car crashes.

Most road accidents take place with people not wearing their seat belts. Many lives could be saved if we agreed to follow all road safety rules. It is best practice to buckle up the seatbelt before starting your car. Avoid overspeeding and ensure that the seatbelt is accurately fitting and neither too loose nor too tight. Safety is paramount, and the next step to ensuring it is insurance. You should buy motor insurance online to protect your vehicle from any potential damages. Keep the stress of finances at bay and enjoy an array of benefits if you decide to equip your plan with various add-ons.

Click HERE to buy motor insurance online.

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.

India has many diverse places you can visit with friends and family to unwind and revitalise yourself after months of excessive work-life. These places always give you a fresh perspective and mesmerise you with renewed zeal.

One such prominent place is– Auroville in Pondicherry. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa and continues to be one of Pondicherry's most popular places to visit. It is an experimental township where people of all nationalities, castes, races, creeds, and religions live together peacefully.

Auroville is spread over a wide area and was constructed by the famous architect Roger Anger. The structures present inside the premises of Auroville are rare, magnificent, and unique. Every nook and corner of this place elicits only peace and serenity. If you're looking for a place to find inner peace, consider spending a few days in Auroville.

Before you embark on your journey, you should opt for the best personal accident policy in India to ensure safety during your journey.

Here's a list of the best places to visit in Auroville.

1. Matrimandir
Matrimandir is one of the most renowned and beautiful places in Auroville. The temple consists of a golden dome that is made of petal-like structures. It is huge yet beautiful in every possible way. This temple is not dedicated to the preaching of just one religion. It is for anyone and everyone who is seeking moments of inner peace. You can visit the temple and see the chambers to meditate and find solace.

2. Quiet Healing Centre
If you love pampering yourself with relaxing massage and spa sessions, this is your go-to place in Auroville. This healing centre was inaugurated in 1997. It provides a stunning ocean backdrop and gives you ample ways to relax. You can indulge in Thai, Shiatsu, and deep tissue massage. The main aim of this place is to soothe your mind and body.

3. Botanical gardens
If you love plants, then this is your place to be. Different species of plants will surround you. A green blanket of bushes and trees will captivate your senses in this serene place. About 250 different species of plants can be found here. You can simply relax or stroll through them. There is also an educational centre nearby. You can explore it to get intriguing information.

4. Savitri Bhawan
Named after one of the most famous poems of Sri Aurobindo, the Savitri Bhawan features the teachings of Aurobindo. There are various ancient and modern paintings that you can witness here. The walls here are adorned with paintings that display the poetic lines of Sri Aurobindo. There is also a reading room with various books projecting his view on life. This place is a paradise for literature lovers.

5. Adishakti laboratory for theatre arts and research
If you are a theatre enthusiast, this place will appeal to you. You can catch some experienced actors performing here. Many workshops on theatre and acting are regularly held here. You can get some advice from the actors and enjoy valuable insights into acting.

There are many places to visit and explore in Auroville. This exceptional township is an embodiment of unity, integrity, and brotherhood. You need to visit it once in your life to witness this beauty for yourself. Whenever you plan to travel, ensure that you buy the best personal accident policy in India. Accidents come unannounced. Hence you need to be prepared. Invest in the best personal accident policy in India and prepare to enjoy your stress-free trip!

Click HERE to buy the best personal accident policy 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.

In the olden days, people unintentionally practised habits like following a set sleep schedule, eating locally sourced nutritious food, and engaging in physical activity, which are fundamental requirements for good health. Over time, we have grown to chase material wealth and forsaken our health in such pursuits. Hectic schedules, lack of time for personal interests, and excessive stress characterise modern lifestyles.

In such a background, it is almost impossible to follow healthy habits that lead to a disease-free life. This makes buying health insurance and following preventive measures essential to keep one’s health in the best condition possible. Additionally, periodic checks can help one recognise symptoms of an incoming illness and take corrective action at the earliest. This is facilitated by preventive health checkups, which are now included in health insurance plans. They provide several benefits to policyholders, which are discussed below.

Defining preventive health check-ups under health insurance.

Preventive health checkups are medical examinations run on to-be policyholders to assess their present state of health and identify their level of risk. It is an essential part of the insurance process as it makes the insurer aware of the existing illnesses suffered by the customer. The risk assessment directly impacts the annual premium paid for health insurance coverage.

Benefits of preventive health check-ups.

The above definition often puts potential health insurance buyers in a dilemma regarding their stance on the preventive health checkups offered. Detection of pre-existing medical conditions results in pricier premiums, but the checkup is highly beneficial to policyholders in multiple ways.

1. Substitutes individualistic effort:

Even when you are not sick, getting a health checkup is a prudent way to ensure that you are in the pink of health. Generally, a full-body annual health check is recommended for everyone. By purchasing health insurance, you no longer have to book an external appointment with a clinic. The insurance company takes care of the appointments and delivers the reports straight to your doorstep. Insurers even offer doorstep health checks, making the process incredibly convenient and hassle-free.

2. Early detection of diseases:

While the detection of disease increases the health insurance premium, on the bright side, it discovers an underlying problem that would otherwise have gone unnoticed and eventually led to more significant financial stress and physical discomfort. It is better to pay extra after early diagnosis and undergo treatment than bear the massive cost of a preventable illness that you neglected.

3. Tax deductions:

The Income Tax Act 1961 provides certain deductions that can be subtracted from your total gross income to arrive at the gross taxable income. One such deduction under Section 80D is preventive health check-ups.
Most insurance companies include free health checkups in their health insurance policy. However, in the case of non-inclusive health checkups, you can claim a deduction of INR 5,000 for medical checkups for yourself and your direct dependents, including your children, spouse, and parents. The Act also allows a deduction for health insurance premiums paid in the financial year of up to INR 25,000 for non-senior citizens and INR 50,00 for senior citizens.

4. Increases interest in self wellbeing:

Seeing the results of a health checkup is no short of a reality check. It can help you break poor habits, adopt a healthier lifestyle and work towards a more robust version of yourself. An additional incentive is a link between your health and premiums. Increasing premiums due to ill health is a great motivator to refocus your efforts towards building a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk of diseases.

Preventive health checkups are a boon in the guise of a preliminary check that helps health insurance providers assess the risk of potential clients. These checks facilitate the early detection of potentially life-threatening ailments and provide appropriate facilities to take care of the problem at the earliest. While health insurance offers several benefits, including a safety net in medical emergencies, preventive health checkups are a perk you should take advantage of!

Click HERE to buy 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.