All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
Legionnaire's disease in NYC

Legionnaire Disease Outbreak in New York City

Recently New York City has reported Legionnaire diseases in several areas. As of August 7, there are: 81 confirmed cases, 3 deaths and 24 currently hospitalized. Legionnaire’s disease is a type of severe pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, most often Legionella pneumophila.

Causes: Legionella bacteria thrive in freshwater but can become a health hazard when they grow in man-made water systems like cooling towers, hot tubs, fountains, plumbing systems, and air-conditioning units for large buildings.

Spread: People get infected by inhaling small water droplets (mist) containing bacteria. It’s not spread person-to-person.

Who is at a high risk for Legionnaires’ disease?

  • People who are 50 years old or older
  • Smoking habit
  • Suffering from chronic lung disease
  • With weakened immune system
  • On medicines that might weaken immune system

Why and how New York City had repeated outbreak of Legionnaire disease?

New York has some of the strictest laws in the U.S. for routine testing of cooling towers, meaning cases are more likely to be detected and reported.

  • Dense urban infrastructure: Many large buildings with cooling towers, complex plumbing, and HVAC systems that can harbor Legionella.
  • Aging water systems: Older pipes and water tanks can allow biofilm and bacteria to build up.
  • Climate conditions: Warm, humid summers (especially July–September) create ideal bacterial growth conditions in water systems.

Symptoms:

Symptoms usually appear 2–10 days after exposure and may resemble the flu at first:

  • Early signs: Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue.
  • Respiratory symptoms: Dry cough or with mucus, shortness of breath, chest pain.
  • Other signs: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion (especially in older adults).

Without treatment, it can progress quickly to severe pneumonia and even be fatal — particularly in people over 50, smokers, or those with weakened immune systems.

Treatment:

  • Antibiotics: Usually macrolides (azithromycin) or fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, moxifloxacin).
  • Hospitalization: Often required for IV antibiotics, oxygen, and supportive care.
  • Prognosis: Most people recover fully if treated promptly, but death rates can reach 5–10%, higher in vulnerable patients.

How is New York city taking care to stop the outbreak?

City of New York has thousands of cooling systems in proximity that need to be monitored. Also, NY had learned hard lessons from a major 2015 Bronx outbreak (138 cases, 16 deaths), which led to the strict inspection and maintenance laws now in place.

1. Detecting the cluster: Doctors and hospitals are required by law to report any case of Legionnaire’s disease to the NYC Department of Health (DOH) within 24 hours. They map cases and see if patients live, work, or recently visited the same neighborhood.

2. Environmental investigation: The DOH sends inspectors to cooling towers, building water tanks, fountains, and other aerosol-generating systems within the suspected area. Water samples are tested; maintenance records will be inspected.

3. Matching the DNA: Using molecular fingerprinting they compare bacteria from patients with bacteria found in water systems. If there’s a match, that building is officially identified as a source.

4. Immediate containment: The implicated system is shut down and disinfected using high concentrations of chlorine or other biocides.

5. Public warnings: The city issues alerts through all types of media, health websites, conferences, and advertisement from the city.

References:

  1. https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/legionnaires-disease.page
  2. https://health.mountsinai.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-right-now-about-legionnaires-disease-in-new-york-city/
  3. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/legionnaires-disease-nyc-outbreak-how-to-prevent/
  4. https://abc7ny.com/post/harlem-legionnaires-outbreak-3-people-dead-among-67-diagnosed-july-25/17434477/
  5. Image credit: Free New york city manhattan cityscape Image <a href=”https://pix4free.org/”>Pix4free</a> : https://pix4free.org/ (Free for commercial use)
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: August 8, 2025
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Mind and body balancing act

Achieving Balance And Joy

Balance is not a fixed destination; it is something you continually recalibrate. Think of it like riding a bike, small shifts keep you upright, not staying perfectly still.

Balancing both physically and emotionally—is not about perfect symmetry or having everything in order. It is a state of inner alignment where your body, mind, and life rhythms support your well-being rather than drain it.

If you are practicing yoga and want to understand whether you are achieving the balance and how does the balance feel like in mind and body, there are few ways to understand what it feels like –

In the body:

  • Lightness and ease in movement
  • Steady energy throughout the day
  • Good sleep and digestion
  • Fewer cravings for stimulants (caffeine, sugar, etc.)
  • Feeling rested, not wired, or drained

In the mind:

  • Clarity and focus, even amid chaos
  • Calm response to stress rather than reactivity
  • A sense of spaciousness rather than overwhelm.
  • Confidence in saying no without guilt.
  • Feeling joy, presence, or contentment in small moments

How to achieve balance?

1. Anchor with daily rhythms

  • Wake up and go to bed at consistent times.
  • Eat nourishing meals at regular intervals.
  • Create morning and evening rituals (stretching, journaling, tea, drinking lemon water etc.)

2. Simplify and prioritize

  • Say yes only to what aligns with your values.
  • Let go of multitasking; focus on one thing at a time.
  • Create buffer time between commitments.

3. Nourish your nervous system

  • Try grounding activities: walking barefoot, deep breathing, nature time.
  • Limit overstimulation (watching negative news, intense movies, screens, noise)
  • Schedule real rest—not just sleep, but restful activities (reading, baths, silence)

4. Move your body intuitively

  • Choose movement that restores, not depletes (yoga, dance, walking)
  • Listen to what your body needs: rest, strength, flow, or stillness.

5. Make space for joy

  • Identify and protect small joys, rituals—music, creativity, laughter, sunlight.
  • Celebrating small wins or beautiful moments
  • Be present for things that feel good, not just things that look good.

Achieving balance of mind and body is essential for stress free life and for good health. Focus on your health by learning to balance mind and body.

Image credit: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 29, 2025
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Ajwain leaf bajji

Doddapatre Leaves Bajji

Indian Borage known as Doddapatre, Karpuravalli or Ajwain plant is medicinal and useful for many conditions. It also can be used for cooking and all recipes are delicious! Previously we have given two doddapatre recipes: chutney and tambuli. (Visit: https://healthylife.werindia.com/vegetarian-recipes/grandmas-ajwani-leaf-recipes ).

Here is another delicious snack recipe for all seasons is grandma’s doddpatre or ajwain leaves bajji.

Ingredients:

1. Gram flour = 1.5 cup

2. Ajwain/doddapathre leaves with petiole (stalk) = 15

3. Chili powder = 1 tsp

4. Asafoetida = a pinch

5. Cumin seeds =1/2 tsp

6. Salt= per your taste

7. Rice flour= 1 tsp

8. Chopped curry leaves = 1 Tbs

9. Cooking oil

Method:

1. In a bowl mix gram flour, rice flour, salt, chili powder, cumin seeds, chopped curry leaves.

2. Remove any clumps present in the gram flour.

3. Add water and mix well to desired consistency (not watery). You should be able to dip leaves in the batter and drop on oil.

4. Wash doddapatre leaves in running water. Soak washed leaves in salt water for a minute and transfer to paper towel to remove excess water.

5. Heat oil in a deep pan.

6. Dip individual leaves in the spicy batter and slowly drop in the oil.

7. Fry bajji on both sides – should be slightly crispy.

8. Remove bajji from oil and transfer to paper towel to remove excess oil.

9. Serve hot doddapatre bajji with tomato ketchup or green chutney of your choice.

.

Recipe and bajji image:www.werindia.com

Doddapatre image: Mokkie, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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How to fix salty dish

Tips to Fix Salty Dish

Sometimes you might realize that the dish you just prepared which is almost ready to serve has more salt in it. We all make this mistake. Tail end of cooking when we taste the dish, due to salt the dish is inedible. Instead of panicking try some of the tips to reduce the salt in the dish.

Reasons for foods get salty

  • If we don’t pay attention to the ingredients and the quantity of the ingredients, little salt could also end up in making dish very salty.
  • Measurement of salt- If you directly pour the salt from the salt container, more salt could fall in the dish.
  • Salt granules and table salt: Kosher salt generally has larger granules than table salt. If you are using table salt instead of Kosher, you should know that you must put less table salt.
  • If you are using precooked veggies from cans you must know that these veggies will have salt and preservatives. Adding salt might increase the saltiness in the dish.

How to fix salty dish?

  1. Add raw potatoes: Cut one or two raw potatoes and simply add to the dish. Potatoes absorb the excess salt from dish
  2. Add boiled potatoes: Boil one or two potatoes and mix with dish.
  3. Add lemon juice or vinegar: Adding acidic ingredient like lemon juice or white vinegar cuts the saltiness of sauces and soups. Little bit of either one of them should do magic.
  4. Add cream: Adding cream or creamy ingredients reduces saltiness in certain types of food. Adding cream to soup reduces saltiness. Sour cream is good option too for tomato-based dishes.
  5. Add flour dough: Make few small balls using flour dough. Add it to liquid or gravy. Four will reduce salt in the dish
  6. Add milk: Adding milk to yogurt-based dishes or to sauce and soup reduces salt.
  7. Add onion: Cut one or two onions, add it to dishes during cooking. Onion counteracts on salt content.
  8. Add jaggery: adding jaggery or sugar to dishes brings up sweetness a bit and balances salt
  9. Add water: For some food you can add boiled water and little spice to reduce salt.
  10. Add extra veggies: Cut some quick cooking veggies like carrot, peas, cauliflower and add it to the dish.
  11. Add tomatoes: Cut and throw few tomatoes to dishes. Tomatoes will absorb salt and decreases salt taste
  12. Add starch: Adding corn starch is a good option too. Mix starch in water and add it to the dish.
  13. Add besan powder: Mix one or two tsp of besan or chickpea powder and to the dish. Let he content boil for couple of minutes.
  14. Add greens: cut some green leaves like spinach, amaranth, kale and add to the dish.
  15. Soak canned veggies: Before adding to dishes, soak canned veggies in water for at least half an hour to remove extra salt.
  16. Increase quantity: If nothing works out, increase quantity of the dish. Store extra food in refrigerator for next day.

If a person need to take extra salt, there could be some medical reason behind it. Too much salt consumption is not good for health. It results in high BP and weight gain. Reducing salt intake helps in various ways.

Image credit: Image by congerdesign from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 24, 2025
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Be a good guest

Being a Good Guest Does Not Cost You Anything

While visiting someone’s home one might observe many things related to the host life. Whether your visit is for a short while or staying with them for few days, there are certain things you should consider that does not hurt the host.

Employing some care and thoughtfulness, respecting the host is very important for your relationship with host. Here are few suggestions to be a good guest.

  1. Inform the host: Sometimes it can be a surprise visit, but it is always better to inform the host well in advance about your visit. You never know what the condition in their house could be and whether they are in a status to host you.
  2. Bring something: If host is available and tell you to come down, ask do you want me to bring something or anything. Host might say no. Still carry something like flowers, desserts, fruits, cut fruits, low maintenance house plant (if they fond of plants) etc.
  3. Uninvited guest: Without informing do not take uninvited guest. If you want someone to accompany you, think whether it is an intimate get-together. Will the presence of an uninvited guest changes purpose of your visit? If so, then don’t ask host whether you can bring another guest with you.
  4. To remove shoes or not: Some household does not want you to wear shoes inside. They might have elderly parents or toddlers or could be any reasons.
  5. While you are a guest: Do not ask too personal questions, be gentle and don’t make fun of host or criticize host.  Focus on topic, listen to host. If host children have around acknowledged them and be sensible not to talk too much about your son or daughter’s achievement unless they ask. Keep it precise. While using their bathroom make sure to flush the toilet and wash hands.

6. Do not be on the phone: It is a sheer disrespect to be on phone while talking to someone. Unless it is urgent, do not receive the call or make a call. If you must, apologize to host before attending a call.

7. Do not snoop: Do not open the cupboards, drawers, or pantry. If tempted, withhold yourself. Use their computer only by permission but do not get into their personal files.

8. Do not put your feet up on the furniture. It is not appropriate to do so in someone’s else house.

9. If you are a smoker: Do not smoke inside the house. Anyway, smoking is injurious to health.

10. Do not complain: If you did not like something do not complain. Instead request softly if you need something. If their cleaning standards is not up to your expectation do not judge and do not say anything.

11. Leave the house as scheduled: Understand what time host go to bed. Pay attention to their needs and leave accordingly.

12. If staying for a day or more: Keep the guest room clean, make bed and do your laundry. Before leaving make sure you don’t leave a mess behind. Carry your own towels, blankets, and toiletries. Carry your phone chargers and power bank. Do not deplete host resources. If your stay is more than few days, take host out for a meal or dinner. Help in kitchen, do some dishes. If you step outside let the host know what time your coming and goings. Do not treat their house like a hotel. If they are watching TV shows, have a healthy discussion about show or politics.

These suggestions will keep up good relationship with your relatives or friends. In this world being courteous and maintaining relationship is important. After you leave your host, do not gossip about their lives, or pass negative comments with anybody. Do not make your host regret inviting you home. When you are good guest, you will see more hosts in your life.

Image credit: Image by Romjan Aly from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 21, 2025
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Ginger burfi recipe Ayush ministry

Eat Ginger Pak To Stay Away From Cold And Cough

Ayush ministry of India is strongly suggesting people to consume ginger burfi to stay away from cold, cough and flu like symptoms. Ginger burfi also known as adrak ka burfi or ginger pak is  made of jaggery and ginger with other ingredients that are good for health.

“Ardraka Paka is a delicious & nutritious snack that helps in improving appetite & digestion. It is also useful in prevention & management of sore throat, cold & cough.#Ayush #AmritMahotsav” -Ayush ministry.

Barring couple of ingredients (like naagkesar, vidanga) all other ingredients are available easily in the market. Both naagkesar and vidanga are also available in herbal market, Ayurveda stores and availbal online. One can prepare the burfi without these two ingredients. Adding both the ingredients has added benefits as both are medicinal and good for health. Ginger burfi helps in improving appetite and digestion. It is useful in preventing and managing sore throat, cold and cough.

Ginger burfi can be prepared easily at home. Here is Ayush ministry’s health reciepe-

Ingredients:

  1. Ginger (grated) – 250 gm
  2. Jaggery – 250 gm
  3. Clarified butter (Ghee) – 125 gm
  4. Dry ginger powder – 25 gm
  5. Cumin – 25 gm
  6. Black pepper – 25 gm
  7. Naagkesar (Mesua ferrea), if available – 25 gm (optional)
  8. Cardamom – 25 gm
  9. Cinnamon – 25 gm
  10. Indian bay leaf – 25 gm
  11. Long pepper – 25 gm
  12. Coriander powder – 25 gm
  13. Vidanga (Embelia ribes), if available – 25 gm (optional)

Preparation:

  1. In a heavy bottom pan add jaggery, on low heat with very little water prepare thick syrup.
  2. To jaggery syrup add grated ginger, stir and cook for 5-7 minutes on low flame.
  3. Add ghee and mix well, cook for another 5-10 minutes.
  4. Now add the powder of all above ingredients and cook for another 5-10 minutes
  5. Turn off heat and spread the content on plate greased with ghee.
  6. Let it cool before cutting in pieces.
  7. After cooling store burfi pieces  in an air tight container. It remains for about a month.

Precaution: Because it is hot in nature, it may be taken in appropriate quantity and never in empty stomach. Best to avoid in acid peptic disorders.

Image credit: Image by Jerzy Górecki from Pixabay 

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 18, 2025
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Home remedies for nerve condition

Ayurveda And Home Remedies Can Help Reduce Nerve Problems

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic approach to managing nerve problems by balancing the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and supporting the nervous system through herbs, diet, massage, and lifestyle practices. Nerve-related issues in Ayurveda are primarily associated with Vata imbalance, which governs the nervous system, movement, and sensory perception. There are several Indian home remedies that can help to reduce nerve related problems.

Ayurvedic herbs for nerve health

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

  • Ashwagandha is known to act on nervous system – it calms the nervous system, reduces stress, and supports nerve regeneration.
  • How to use it? 1/2 tsp powder with warm milk at bedtime or as a supplement.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

  • Brahmi enhances cognitive function, reduces anxiety, strengthens nerve tissues.
  • How to use it? Brahmi tea, juice, or powder with honey.

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

  • It is tonic for the brain and nerves, relieves mental fatigue and tension.
  • How to use it? Taken as syrup or powder with water or milk.

Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)

  • This herb calms the mind, helps with insomnia and stress-induced nerve issues.
  • How to use it? Oil for scalp massage or powder taken with honey.

Tagara (Valeriana wallichii)

  • It is a natural sedative, supports healthy sleep and nerve function.
  • How to use: As a supplement or decoction.

Indian home remedies

Warm cow’s milk with nutmeg or ashwagandha

  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or 1/2 tsp of ashwagandha powder to warm milk: drink before bed. This remedy promotes relaxation and nourishes nerve tissues.

Turmeric and black pepper

  • Add 1/2 tsp turmeric + pinch of black pepper to warm water or milk daily. This mix is anti-inflammatory and supports nerve healing.

Almond and poppy seed paste

  • Soak 5 almonds and 1 tsp poppy seeds overnight. Grind into a paste and mix with warm milk. This combination strengthens the nervous system, helps with anxiety and sleep.

Ghee (clarified butter)

  • 1–2 tsp daily in warm food or milk. Ghee nourishes brain and nerves, balances Vata dosha.

Sesame oil massage (abhyanga)

  • Warm sesame oil and massage the body (especially feet and spine) before bathing. Sesame oil calms Vata, enhances nerve function, reduces stiffness.

Lifestyle and yoga tips

  1. Pranayama breathing practices has many benefits on the body and mind
  2. Anulom vilom, Bhramari, and Nadi shodhana – these three breathing practices helps to calm the nervous system.

Yoga poses: These below poses will help relax the nerves and reduce stress.

  1. Balasana known as child’s pose.
  2. Viparita Karani or legs up the wall pose.
  3. Shavasana the corpse poses.

What daily routine do you consider having when you suffer from nerve conditions?

  1. Maintain regular sleep-wake cycles.
  2. Avoid overstimulation (excess screen time, loud noise)
  3. Eat warm, easy-to-digest foods.

If you are dealing with chronic or severe symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or nerve pain that doesn’t improve, consult a neurologist. Image credit: By Lynn Greyling https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=97082&picture=poppy-seed-pods-seed License: CC0 Public Domain

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Nandini milk biodegradable package

Biodegradable Milk Packets By Karnataka’s KMF Nandini Milk

Nandini Milk by Karnataka’s KMF, supplied via BAMUL has rolled out India’s first biodegradable milk packets, moving away from traditional plastic and polythene packaging. This is a major milestone in sustainable dairy packaging in India. If Nandini scales this up, it could prevent thousands of tons of plastic waste annually, possibly inspiring other cooperatives to follow. The model is biodegradable, compostable, and compost-to-agriculture friendly and could become standard in the sector.

What is new with Nandini packaging initiatives?

  • Corn-starch biodegradable sachets are being piloted in Kanakapura- Hunasanahalli and Shivanahalli villages near Bengaluru.
  • Around 200,000 eco-packets (200 ml–1 L) are distributed daily as part of the pilot.
  • The corn-based material closely resembles current polythene packaging in feel but breaks down within approximately 6 months, compared to plastic’s that remain on earth for about 500 years!

Why does it matter?

  • Plastic reduction: Nandini uses 20–25 lakh plastic covers daily—this shift could significantly reduce Bengaluru’s urban plastic waste.
  • Circular farming model: After use, the biodegradable material can be composted into organic fertilizer.
  • National precedent: This is the first large-scale move by an Indian milk federation toward biodegradable dairy packaging

Current stage and next steps:

  • The initiative launched around World Environment Day, on June 5, 2025
  • Early consumer feedback reports no leakage, no compromise in milk quality, and high satisfaction.
  • After the successful pilot, BAMUL plans to expand the eco-packets statewide across all Nandini outlets

Other brands and initiatives in sustainable dairy packaging:

1. Nestlé (paperboard and Tetra Pak)

  • Nestlé India has been innovating with paperboard cartons (Tetra Pak) for domestic use and paper-based canisters for export brands—these reduce plastic content significantly (up to approximately 90% for some formats).
  • India-wide, Tetra Pak remains popular in brands like A+ and Aavaram, offering extended shelf-life with intermediate plastic use.

2. Cooperatives and startups

  • Milkmila: A startup in Patna and Bengaluru, dispensing fresh milk into user-providedcontainers via autorickshaw-mounted IoT-enabled meters—zero plastic use.
  • Milk Mantra: While not biodegradable, it uses D2C channels and shelf-stable packaging to reduce plastic usage and food waste.

3. Packaging manufacturers

  • Greendot Biopak, Bharat Compostables, and others produce corn-starch and plant-polymer films, capable of being tailored into cartons, sachets, or roll films for dairies
  • Gable Top Pak, Arneja Packaging, and Omflex: Offer gabled cartons, multi-layer films, and increasingly biodegradable/composable options—though mostly in R&D or early adoption phases.

4. Academic Research

  • IIT Roorkee researchers are developing edible/kodo millet–based packaging, an innovative leap toward fully consumable or compostable dairy packaging.

Where Nandini Stands? Karnataka’s Nandini is the first large-scale biodegradable milk packet in India, piloted since June 5, 2025, and now being phased out across Karnataka. Corn-starch film that mimics plastic yet decomposes to compost in ~6 months; compostable and even fertilizing. It is slightly costlier (approx. 5% increase), but BAMUL/KMF backing suggests it’s scalable—50,000 outlets in Karnataka are next in line.

What are the next steps?

  • KMF/BAMUL expansion is underway: All outlets in Karnataka are to shift to biodegradable film, likely within months.
  • National replication: Other milk federations (e.g., Milma, Banas Dairy) could adopt similar eco-films, driven by cost, regulation, and local supplier ecosystems.
  • Tech and packaging R&D: Edible packaging (millet-based), reusable container systems, and compostable-roll solutions are gaining traction via startups & labs.

References:

  1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/startup-redefining-milk-delivery-with-tech-driven-plastic-free-system
  2. https://www.globalparachem.com/milk-packaging-in-india-different-packaging-materials-used
  3. https://www.goodreturns.in/news/
  4. https://www.greendotbiopak.com/liquid-bags-film
  5. https://www.globalparachem.com/milk-packaging-in-india-different-packaging-materials-used
  6. https://dairybusinessmea.com/2025/06/14/bamul-advances-to-eco-friendly-milk-packaging

Image credit: kmfnandini.coop/en/our-product

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 16, 2025
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