7 Lifestyle Behaviors Linked to Alzheimer's

Taking good care of yourself has always been at the top of my list as the best retirement investment. Out-of-pocket health expenses are the biggest and most uncertain drain on our retirement nest eggs. Diet and exercise thus can yield enormous financial and quality-of-life returns.

[See 10 Steps to Fine-Tune Your Retirement Plan.]

I'm back to beat this drum again, following last week's report that Alzheimer's disease may be heavily linked to preventable lifestyle factors, mostly involving health issues. Research released at an international Alzheimer's conference in Paris found that seven risk factors may contribute to as many as three million cases of Alzheimer's in the United States. The operative word here is "may"—more about that later.

Three million is more than half of all current Alzheimer's victims, according to the Alzheimer's Association. And this latest research could be particularly good news for the Alzheimer's train wreck that is heading toward middle-aged Americans. According to research from the association earlier this year:

"It is expected an estimated 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's. Of those who reach the age of 85, nearly one in two will get it. And because there is no way to prevent, cure or even slow the progression of the disease, every one of these 10 million baby boomers will either die with Alzheimer's or from it."

[See 8 Alzheimer's Financial Protection Tips.]

The research identified potentially modifiable Alzheimer's risk factors in the United States, and the proportion of cases that are potentially attributable to each factor:

Physical inactivity: 21 percent

Depression: 15 percent

Smoking: 11 percent

Mid-life hypertension: 8 percent

Mid-life obesity: 7 percent

Low education: 7 percent

Diabetes: 3 percent

"In the U.S., about one third of the population is sedentary, so a large number of Alzheimer's cases are potentially attributable to physical inactivity," said researcher Deborah Barnes in a prepared statement. "Smoking also contributed to a large percentage of cases because it is unfortunately still very common."

"This suggests that relatively simple lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and quitting smoking could have a dramatic impact on the number of Alzheimer's cases over time," she added. Barnes is an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of California in San Francisco.

[See Alzheimer's Research Efforts Need Volunteers.]

The big unknown about the research, she noted, is whether the presumed relationship between the risk factors and Alzheimer's holds up in actual studies of people with these risk factors who eliminate or reduce them through lifestyle changes. "The next step is to perform large-scale intervention studies to really find out whether changing these risk factors will lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's over time," Barnes said.

There are, of course, lots of reasons why all Americans don't immediately go on diets, quit smoking, and put on a happy face. But these findings hopefully will add yet another strong argument in favor of taking better care of ourselves.

Alzheimer's may represent the ultimate trump card for better health. It devastates families and friends, as well as its direct victim. Among my 60-something friends, it is far and away the most feared aging development. That's particularly true among financially secure people who have prided themselves on achieving their goals and having control over their lives. Alzheimer's is the ultimate loss of control.

If you could do anything to minimize the odds that this dreadful disease would attack you and cause so much pain to the people you loved, you'd do it, wouldn't you? Wouldn't you?

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Caffeine consumption linked to fertility problems

Experts have always suggested cutting back on caffeine if you aretrying to conceive or if you are pregnant, but recent studies show that caffeine reduces muscle activity in the Fallopian tubes that carry eggs from a woman's ovaries to her womb.

According to Sean Ward, professor of physiology and cell biology at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, drinkingcaffeinated drinks can reduce a woman's chance of becoming pregnant.

Ward and his team studied the fallopian tubes of mice and discovered that caffeine stops eggs from moving freely down the fallopian tubes.

Human eggs are microscopically small, but in order to move down the fallopian tubes and towards the womb with ease, the egg is helped along its way by tiny hair-like projections called cilia. These are assisted by muscle contractions in the fallopian tubes, which move the egg through the tubes and closer to the womb.

Also read: Coffee: A Friend or a Foe?

It is these muscle contractions that help the egg on its journey towards the womb that are inhibited by heavy caffeine intake.

Ward says: 'This provides an intriguing explanation as to why women with high caffeine consumption often take longer to conceive than women who do not consume caffeine."

He added: "As well as potentially helping women who are finding it difficult to get pregnant, a better understanding of the way Fallopian tubes work will help doctors treat pelvic inflammation and sexually transmitted disease more successfully."

Most practitioners will err on the side of caution and tell you to avoid caffeine or cut back on your caffeine intake if you are trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. Try to limit your coffee consumption to about 300 mg per day (about 2 to 3 cups of coffee). Don't forget caffeine can be found in tea, soft drinks, some headache, cold and flu remedies and chocolate! This doesn't mean avoiding them altogether but it does mean cutting back. If you suffer from caffeine withdrawal symptoms, cut back slowly, or only fill your coffee cup half way with coffee and the other half with milk. Gradually you will be able to cut caffeine out of your diet altogether.

There are steps you should take to cut caffeine out of your diet if you are having any kind of fertility treatment such as IVF.

Evidence shows that caffeine reduces a woman's success rate when using reproductive technology and whilst no one knows why this actually happens, it's likely to be because high levels of caffeine affect your hormone balance that can affect ovulation from happening. Read MOre

7 Health Benefits of Massage

All the health benefits of massage can be obtained if done with proper technique. Actually massage is human reflex, the most widely arise when hit by hard objects. Do you remember when one part of your body hit the door? instinctively you will rub the body part that hit it. By the rubbed and massaged the pain will be reduced. Touch is one of the human need for attention.

First massage only based on comfort posed, but is now evolving science and anatomy massage therapist can determine which points can be stimulated to get comfortable as well as the health effects. The Health Benefits of massage, such as:

Reduces muscle tension
Massage on the head, neck, shoulders and back will reduce muscle tension so that the body and mind become more relaxed

Relieve stress
When muscle tension is reduced, of course will relieve stress. Stress hormone levels were detected in the urine after the massage are more than before the massage. That means after the massage stress hormone will deficits. People who have completed a massage will also feel more calm and comfortable.

Increases blood circulation
pulling, pushing and pressing on the massage will help the blood to flow smoothly into the body massage. And remove small blockages caused by the waste products of metabolism.

Reduce edema and pain
Edema or swelling that can be reduced by massage is not the edema caused by injury or struck a hard object but the swelling caused by accumulation of lactic acid.
Heavy activity will cause soreness, is usually felt in the back,  hands or feet. Massage will eliminate the accumulate of lactic acid so it can be reabsorbed by the body.

Increasing peristalsis
Another benefits of massage is to increase intestinal peristalsis. Peristalsis is wringing movements and encourage the food in the small intestine which is then pushed into the colon.

Facilitate defecation
Massage the belly with the aim of launching a bowel movement performed circular clockwise. Given pressure also should not be too hard. Someone who will perform the massage on the stomach should be someone who knows the anatomy of the stomach. Wrong massage  or too hard on this section may be fatal.

Enhance immunity
When done correctly, massage will enhance immunity in infants. This can be evidenced by increased antibody in infant urine after massage. With high immunity to babies is not easy to get sick or allergies.

All the health benefits of massage that can be obtained with just one time massage, but to get maximum results do massage on a regular basis. Do not have to go to a salon, spa or reflections message center to get the benefits of massage but you can also buy a massage machine to use at home or just do it by yourself. More

Health Diet to Lowering High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a risk factor of various diseases related to blood vessels. Thickening of the blood vessels will not impact the blood vessel before it is narrow enough, that’s why high cholesterol is often called the silent killer. Diet to lower cholesterol levels discussed here can be applied not only in people with high cholesterol but also can be used as a preventative and healthy diet. The important part is must know the contains of fooe we eat. Combination with exercise and other healthy lifestyle will give satisfactory results.  in the food consumed.

Foods should be avoided
To normalize cholesterol levels, avoid foods that contain high saturated fats. Ideally 25% of calories requirement derived from fat and no more than 7% from saturated fat. Red meat is a source of high saturated fats. Eat nuts instead of meat as a source of protein.

Avoid prosessed foods like biscuits, margarines, cakes and pastries because they contain trans fats. Consuming trans fats not only increase bad cholesterol but also damage the blood vessels.

Food recommendation
Fats to consume are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. they consume will lower cholesterol levels. extra virgin oil can also be added during cooking because it contains anti-oxidants and can lower cholesterol levels. Fish containing omega-3 acids such as salmon can also lower cholesterol levels and good for heart health.

Like usual the daily menu, vegetables and fruits need to consumed in adequate amount. High-fiber diet will also lower LDL levels.

Lifestyle changes
Stop consuming alcohol and smoking both are not good for people with high cholesterol. Regular exercise will help reduce levels of bad cholesterol and improve overall health. The ideal exercise 2-5 times a week with moderate intensity-high but can increase heart rate significantly. exercise between 30 minutes to an hour per session is enough to reduce levels of bad cholesterol. More

Tips For Easy and Healthy Weight loss

It is already been mentioned that ” Personal care is health care is globe care. ” This means that when you live healthy the globe will live healthy. This can work when anybody can care for his or her health, preserve his perfect bodyweight.

To keep the perfect Bodyweight it is very important keep up with the good health. These days we could find a big number of unhealthy individulas they’re just over weight or they may be someone with anorexic thinness.

Variety of illnesses get assosiated with overweight for example diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, gout, liver health problems, malignancy and more. So it is far better to lessen extra weight from the body and avoid such hurtful illnesses.

Here are a few quite simple and basic solutions to reduce weight and keep a healthy body for a long time.
You need to have true want to lose weight and get healthy and balanced. Need to change your life habit and eating habits. Improve workout (at least 30 min daily other your routine work). Workouts rather than munching while you’re watching TV or PC. Consider healthy low calorie meals. Stop missing meals, get 4-5 little servings then 1-2 large meals each day Take in slowly and in clam enviroment so the rain gets a chance to tell us we need to stop eating now. Waters is the simply non calorific beverage anyone must ideally take in 8-10 glasses of it each day. Start using cool water, green tea extract, orange water to burn the body fats (avoid cool water with meals). Get your good 6-8 hours sleeping, not enough proper sleep will causes fat gain. Never ever select crash diet for fat loss, they have only a quick term method fat loss plus they will not perform within a long term. More

Tips For Healthy Skin | Soft, Smooth and Fresh

Trying to find some easy tips for healthy skin? Caring for the skin successfully is just not as hard many folks make it out to be. By using this tutorial you can look more youthful and more healthy quickly.

Add a proper diet. Your daily diet plan must have good portions of food loaded with nutritional vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutritional value. Fruits and veggies give the body enough nutritional vitamins and also antioxidants which combat skin damage and ageing indications.

A strict diet plan should be considered as well when you need greatest effects. Staying away from junk foods is one particular suggestion which must be implemented from child years. Junk foods contains higher fats and therefore leads to pigmentation, wilting of skin along with issues. Maintaining the usage of nutritional vitamins and mineral is other ways of experiencing to the generation of healthy skin.

Consume and use enough antioxidants to eliminate free radicals. Implementing a rich diet plan of meals rich in antioxidants and a skincare program with antioxidant-rich skincare supplements helps keep free radicals from destroying the skin cells

Make an effort to balance your diet plan with meals loaded with anti-oxidants and important micronutrients. They will assist you to battle harmful toxins and free radicals that continue to keep accumulate due to various environment factors. It is usually best to take in great quantity of fresh fruits and veggies. All specialists are one in stating they are the most wealthy sources of those essential elements.

The following of my suggestions for healthy skin is about smoking. Its normally agreed that smoking cigarettes can harm your overall health and cause lung cancer tumor whether you might be an passive or active cigarette smoker. But additionally to this, cigarette smoking is extremely damaging to the skin. It constricts the blood circulation and nutrition to the skin. When the skin is not correctly oxygenated, it requires on a bluish tone.

Use natural healthy skin care products. Such products contain ingredients, which are constructed of natural sources like Vegetation, Trees, Fruit, and Fruits Oils. These components attack the fundamental reason behind various defects in the skin and this too without the unwanted effects.

Moisturize: Discover a moisturizer which contains natural and so are oils. Moisturizer helps keep the skin supple and ensure it is look soft, smooth and fresh

Using good quality natural skin care lines. Once you take time to invest items with scientifically confirmed components, no doubt you’ve discovered one of the primary techniques for healthy skin. Exactly that knowledge alone can alter just how the skin will research the future.

Make a good plan for cleansing and maintaining the skin. Frequent deep cleansing by exfoliating to eliminate the dead skin cells will truly advantage the skin. You may also make your own personal with ground walnuts and yogurt or just ground almonds and mineral water. More

Essential Healthy Hair Tips For Men

This Healthy hair tips for men will let you stop unneccessary hair damage, which could result in permature hair loss. These include very easy methods that almost any person are able to do starting now to aid enhance the condition of the hair.

To begin with, right after having a bath or shower, avoid rubbing the bath towel on the hair to have it dry but rather, pat it till the excessive water is absorbed by your soft towel. You can find also men that simply move their heads to whisk out the water. Nevertheless, if you would like do it right that way, get it done smoothly simply because like most women, males also can experience split ends since the hair cuticle might be harmed from rubbing and lead to the ends to split.

Everybody knows that warm showers will be so great and all of us just can not get enough of it. There is nonetheless a drawback in warm water — it strips the main natural oils from the hair and also skin, that may result in dullness and dryness. This problem is usually described in only one word: unattractive.

Even though it is not common, there are men who bleach their own hair and undergo perm treatment method. Chemical compounds generally are certainly not healthful and performing treatments yourself could lead to problems. In case you are seriously aiming to get a fresh appearance, visit a skilled hair stylist who is able to suggest and do much healthier solutions for the hair to gain the style you want.

Many people never really worry about the brand of the shampoo or conditioner they use. These people assume that if it can do the job any time slapped on the hair, they then are actually fine. But, once you find out what hair shampoo or conditioner is useful for hair, you’ll a smoother and shiner head of hair.

Be healthy and balanced and take action not just for muscles to make an impression on ladies. Workout routinely, try to eat foods which are healthful and don’t miss to consume no less than 8 glasses of mineral water everyday. Whenever possible, reduce the stress and anxiety out of your life. Whenever your suffer from excessive stress, you will be more prone to drop hair.

A ponytail may seem nice for anyone with long hair and a cap may bring out the fashionista in anybody. Then again, whenever worn too long, traction alopecia will likely be created, that is a situation where hair roots are harmful and will cause too much hairloss and bad follicles of hair.

By using all these easy, fundamental healthy hair tips for men you will see great results in the near future. More

Peanut Allergy symptoms and Treatment

Information about peanut allergy symptoms are currently sought because more and more people have it. Each year in the USA lots of people own an hypersensitivity to some thing they consumed or drank. Usually the allergy reaction is so minimal that it’s mistaken for some thing else. Many people presume they may just coming down with some thing or got one excessive drinks. But, several food allergy symptoms can be very serious and can also even be dangerous. It is calculated that about 6% of kids possess some types of serious food allergic reaction. Including peanut, that’s why we need to know peanut allergy symtomps and the treatment.

Why allergies happen is still a unknown thing. Typically, immune system responds to poisonous materials in your body by release histamines to the blood. These kinds of chemical substances quickly spread to the skin, lung area, digestive system, eyes and nasal area to protect against the invader. Often this kind of reaction happens in response to a meals or chemical substance that is totally harmless and the overreaction from your system may cause a serious troubles of many key systems within your body.

Peanuts are one of many top foods recognized by Center For Disease Control in the set of the highest 8 allergies in the usa. All these 8 food groups be the cause of 90% of the hypersensitive reaction food in America. More than 3 million men and women are known as sensitive to peanuts and peanuts allergy symptoms are the most frequent cause death. We can prevent this by knowing the peanut allergy symptoms and know how to give first aid before visiting a doctor or dealing with mild cases.

When somebody has a hypersensitive reaction to peanuts, the peanut allergy symptoms can vary from moderate uncomfortableness to life-threatening. Within a few minutes of eating food that contains peanuts you could possibly really feel itchy skin, tingling on the facial area or mouth area or maybe break out in hives. In severe conditions, signs and symptoms would growth to nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or difficulty breathing due to inflammation of the air passage. One of the most extreme reaction is known as anaphylaxis. It is recognized by the more severe reactions like very low blood pressure, swelling of the throat and tongue and later shock. If not cured fast, can be deadly.

The majority of allergies are diagnosed by a skin test. A medical professional will create a small test by prick on some skin area using a needle or small syringe then a fluid that contains peanuts or other foods subtance will be placed on the location. A few days after, if a skin rash shows up that implies that you had an allergic reaction to that chemical.

You can also get some trusted blood testing that can detect allergies. An ELISA, or Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, exams for immune system reactions within the body and is usually regarded as one of the most accurate. If you’re among the many individuals who have been identified as hypersensitive to peanuts you need to be ready with accidentally eating foods contains peanuts. Typically an antihistamine like Benedryl will do to solve mild peanut allergy symptoms in more severe symptoms, a medical professional is likely to take an epinephrine shot combined with the Benadryl and call 911 for additional directions.  More

Prevent cancer with Papaya fruit

Some fruit is known to have many benefits to the called superfruit. Now there is one more called superfruit and known to be useful to prevent cancer, the papaya fruit.

Papaya is one food that contains sycophant, which is a nutrient known to be very efectif in preventing and combating the spread of cancer cells.

A recent study found sycophant stimulate the level of defense cells in the body to fight cancer. This can prevent damage to DNA and lipids that inhibit the spread of cancer, as quoted from Menshealth on Saturday July 2, 2011.

Researchers from the University of Florida found that the papaya can be an effective anticancer agent against cervical cancer, breast, liver, lungs and pancreas. These results have been published in the Journal of Ethno pharmacology.

It is known after researchers conducted tests using a tea made from dried papaya leaf extract. Papaya is known to increase the production of chemicals that regulate the immune system.

Dr. Nam Dang from the University of Florida said papaya extracts tested in this laboratory does not have toxic effects on normal cells, so that possibility can be used as alternative medicine. Still, further research is needed to determine their effect on entry into the body.

In addition to containing sycophant, papaya also has other content that is as a source of vitamin C, potassium and folic acid which makes it a very healthy fruit.

Fruits and vegetables contain other compounds are quite good sycophant tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit. Generally rich in foods containing meat sycophant have colorful.

How to make fussy kids eat? Eat together the same meal!

Washington: Confused over how to make your fussy kids to tuck in to a healthy meal? Fret not. Eat together the same food, suggests a new study.

Researchers at Massey University claim that most young children go through a phase of being picky about food, but setting up good habits from an early age will help parents
to tackle this difficult patch.

The first step for parents is to realise that food fussiness around the age of 18 months and lasting up to a year is a normal part of development when children start to assert their independence, according to lead author Cathryn Conlon.

"Encouraging good eating habits through family meals is a powerful way for a young child to develop a positive attitude," Dr Conlon said.

While this may not always be practical if a toddler eats earlier than the rest of the family, just having one other person sit and eat with them, or occasionally having family meals earlier to include the toddler, can help.

Dr Conlon says teaching children about new foods is another key. "When you're presenting a young child with a new food, it can be frightening for them. "It's something unknown,
not just a food that we take for granted. Talk to them about what it is, and what it tastes like.

"We take time teaching children to walk, talk and read, but we forget to take the time to teach them about eating," she said.

While most children are not fond of vegetables that can have a bitter taste, such as brussel sprouts and cabbage, taste sensations evolve over time as children grow and the range of foods they like will also expand.

Rewarding vegetable eating with a bowl of ice cream,and other forms of food bribery is not a tactic she endorses.

"It teaches children to ignore their body cues around hunger, and also you might end up having to give them ice cream after every meal when that's not necessarily ideal," Dr Conlon said.

Eating while watching television is also not recommended because it distracts the child from normal hunger cues, which can result in overeating.

The types of food we eat in front of TV are also often less healthy, she added. More

Women dress up to impress each other, not their men

London: A survey has found that the myth that women spend hours in front of a mirror to impress their men is nowhere true, as most dress up to impress their peers.
 
A poll of 2,000 by Simple skincare found two thirds dress up to encourage compliments from other women, and six out of ten, aged between 18 and 30, said they had their girlfriends in mind when they chose what to wear.
 
More than a quarter said the most genuine compliments they received came from women they don't know -- not men.
 
"There is an assumption that women go all out to impress the opposite sex, but this research has revealed this isn't always the case," the Daily Mail quoted a spokesman for Simple skincare as saying.
 
"The fact that so many women care about what their peers think of their appearance is only natural.
 
"On the whole, women are much more in the know when it comes to clothes, make-up and style, so it's not a surprise that girls go out to impress other women as opposed to men," the spokesman said.
 
In the survey, more than half of women say they have never got themselves "dolled up" purely to snare a man and 22 percent claim a man's opinion doesn't matter to them at all.
 
And 48 per cent of women polled actually prefer to get a compliment from a female stranger as opposed to a man.
 
"Appearance is obviously important to women - they want to look good at all times. It's nice to know that girls are out to impress their peers and it's not all about the opposite sex," the Simple spokesman added. More

Strawberries can keep many diseases at bay, says study

Washington: More than the apple, a strawberry a day could keep not just one doctor away, but an entire army of brain, hormone and cancer specialists.

Fisetin is a natural flavonoid found very abundantly in strawberries and to some extent in other fruits, vegetables, tea and red wine. It eases diabetes complications, Salk Institute's Cellular Neurobiology Lab (CFL) said. 

Flavonoids are natural compounds having similar effects as antioxidants, which help protect and build up your immune system.

CFL conducted its investigations on mice. Previously, the lab showed that fisetin promoted survival of cultured brain cells and enhanced memory in healthy mice, reports the journal Public Library of Science. 

That fisetin can target multiple organs strongly suggests that a single drug could be used to mitigate numerous medical complications, according to a CFL statement.  

Pam Maher, senior CFL scientist and study co-author, initially identified fisetin as a neuroprotective flavonoid 10 years ago.  

'In plants, flavonoids act as sunscreens and protect leaves and fruit from insects,' she explains. More

Eating sweets, chocolates prevent children from being fat at later stage

London: Parents, please note – contrary to nutritional wisdom, a new study says that eating sweets and chocolates are good for children as it may actually stop them from getting fat in later life.

Researchers have found that youngsters who regularly eat chocolate bars and other sugary treats are significantly less likely to be overweight or obese than those who do not, an agency reported.

The effect apparently extends to adolescence, when those who eat sweets are even more likely to be thinner, say the researchers at Louisiana State University.

For their study, the researchers monitored more than 11,000 children and young people between the ages of two and 18 from 1999 to 2004. The data showed kids who ate sweets were 22 per cent less likely to be obese than those who didn't.

Among adolescents, even more -- 26 per cent – were likely to weigh less than their counterparts who did not eat sweets, revealed the findings published in 'Food and Nutrition Research' journal.

Across all ages there were also lower levels of C-reactive protein in sweet-eating children. High levels of the protein are thought to raise the risk of heart problems and other chronic illnesses.

The researchers said that children who were fed the right portions of sweets from an early age learned the vital skill of "food discipline".

They also said those who ate treats just on special occasions were more aware of their eating habits and able to "successfully navigate the calories in, calories out balance".

Lead researcher Dr Carol O'Neil said: "The study illustrates that children and adolescents who consume candy are less likely to be overweight or obese. However, the results should not be construed as a hall-pass to overindulge. "Candy should not replace nutrient foods in the diet." More

Plan your picnic this monsoon at waterfalls in Mumbai

Navi Mumbai: Green vibrant hills, blue skies, waterfalls gurgling all around you - no better way to spend a day in the lap of nature. Monsoons are the best time to explore the real beauty of Navi Mumbai where a number of big and small waterfalls burst forth in the rains. And the residents of the satellite city never miss a chance to make the most of it. The Pandavkada falls at Kharghar and Gavli Deo at Ghansoli MIDC are favourites with college-goers and families alike.

Pandavkada Waterfalls, Kharghar

This waterfall is the most popular picnic haunt in Navi Mumbai, thanks to the promotional efforts by the CIDCO. These waterfalls were actually used as a USP to sell houses in Kharghar. Villagers believe that Pandavkada gets its name from the Pandavas, who had once visited the place and taken bath below the falls when they were exiled in the forests. Although currently, the police and the CIDCO have made Pandavkada a no-entry zone, the crowds keep coming.

How to reach: It is situated in Kharghar. One can take Bus No. 55 from CBD or Bus No. 54 from Kharghar Railway Station to reach here or take an auto rickshaw that would cost around Rs 60 from Kharghar Railway Station.

The Gavli Deo Waterfalls, Ghansoli

This site derives its name from the local deity Gavli. The falls have a temple above it, on the hills. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has also planned to develop this area into a nature park because of its diverse flora and fauna.
How to reach: This is situated along the MIDC region of Ghansoli. Once can take Bus No 11 from the Vashi bus depot. People can also drive their own vehicles or even hire them to reach the falls.
Artists Village Waterfall

Belapur

One must also not miss the beautiful site behind the Artists Village at CBD Belapur. A small waterfall with breath-taking scenic beauty and a dam developed by the CIDCO many years ago for students for educational purposes, are the main attractions here. Trekkers can also have a great time at this Hill, but under proper supervision.

How to reach: It is situated near Artist Village in the sector 8 region of CBD Belapur. One can either take an NMMT Bus No 21 or a rickshaw that will charge around Rs 15 from CBD Bus Depot.

Here is your chance to get soaked. Go ahead plan your picnic.

Waterfall Dos and Don'ts

Be careful. Waterfalls are slippery places. Too much enthusiasm or jumping about may cause you harm. Better to be safe.
Visit the Buddhist caves located on the Pandavkada Hill. They are definitely worth a dekko.

Going trekking, cycling or rappelling is also a good option. But make sure you are doing it under the guidance of an experienced trekker who knows the area and route well.

Avoid littering the place with rubbish. Make sure you carry an empty plastic bag or container to store all the remnants of your picnic and dump in a dustbin nearby.

Don't venture in too deep under the waterfall. At times, the stones you are stepping on maybe slippery. Sometimes there can be snakes lurking in the water.

Avoid consuming alcohol. Frolicking near a waterfall in an intoxicated state isn't the wisest thing to do.

Avoid venturing into the forest. Sometimes picnic enthusiasts want to go too far, literally. Forests aren't really friendly places in the monsoons. And if you don't have the experience, you are better off admiring its beauty from a distance.

Don't get into an argument with locals and other people. They will be the first to help you in case of a crisis. More

Enjoy rains with cutting chai, bhajia and lot more

Delhi:  Monsoons are special as the rain showers bring in happiness and enchantment. Overpowering clouds, thunderstorm, splashes of water and the subtle darkness outside, roads covered in puddles of water and the pitter patter of the raindrops on the windows. Everything around looks bright and freshness is in the air. Everybody likes to drool for hot and spicy bhajiya/pakodas accompanied by masala chai.

With the monsoon come those street food stalls serving piping hot fried crispy treats, steaming hot and spicy foods and popular hot beverages. Most of us will like to have recipes like boiled groundnuts, the yummy corns with the masala which is grilled on the charcoals, delicious cucumber with a masala, kacchi kairi with the khatta mitha masala applied on it, hot pakora and bhajiya, most lovingly zunkha and bhakari, the Maharashtrian cuisine.

A Delhi resident in Nerul near Palm Beach Road, informs, "To get wet in the rain thrills me. I really love having hot kanda bhajiya and tapri ki cutting chai especially one outside the Vashi bus depot near Shivaji Chowk junction. The tea there is amazing with elaichi flavour. Driving at the Palm Beach road in heavy rain in just amazing. Standing in my balcony and gazing at the sky bring pleasant memories and refreshes mind and body."

So, like him you also go out and enjoy the monsoons to the fullest.

Here are few special eatables centers in the city:

Stalls at Vashi bus depot, adjacent to Shivaji Chowk.

The famous Modern College vada pav, Vashi.

Stalls outside Seawoods railway station.

Bikaner corner, sector 17, Vashi.

Stalls near Mahalaxmi Palace, Sector 35, Kamothe.

Stalls opposite SIES college, Nerul. More