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In Health

Tips to a youthful skin

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Call it vanity, call it denial, call it anything, but fact is, no one wants to age, especially ‘visibly’ age. While it is possible to cover up the creaking bones and fix diet to stay healthy, but the face gives it all away.

As we age, so do our skin cells. The essential skin proteins do not get produced in the same amounts as during youth. Consequently, skin sags, gets wrinkling and texture becomes perpetual. 

Whereas a timely visit to the Dermatologist in Lahore can save you from the scampering from antiaging tips later on, but also remember the following very important antiaging tips as well:

Do not skimp on the sunscreen

Sun is a lot of things, but not a friend to the skin. It contains radiations that damage the skin cells and cause premature aging, referred to as photoaging. From wrinkles to textured skin, sun is a gift that keeps giving!

Hence, it is important to wear sunscreen daily. Even if its cloudy, wear it; radiation is still present even if its overcast. Moreover, it is important to replenish the SPF after every two hours. 

When buying the sunscreen, be sure to pick the broad spectrum one and one with SPF at least 30+.

Catch your sleep

Beauty sleep is an ancient concept that is still going strong, and rightfully so. Perhaps due to the busy life we lead today, getting adequate sleep is perceived as a luxury reserved only for the weekends. 

However, considering the benefits and essentiality of sleep, it should be a priority. From physical to mental health, it is crucial for the body to function well in all domains. Moreover, sufficient sleep also helps your skin stay youthful. 

When we sleep, our cells perform the repair and maintenance duties and thus, when we don’t sleep well, our facial skin cells do not heal properly, leading to signs of aging. So, try getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep daily. 

Antioxidants are your friend

Free radicals are chemicals produced by the body in response to essential chemical reactions and other environmental factors. Usually, antioxidants help counter these damaging chemicals in the body. However, when there are less antioxidants as opposed to free radicals, body experiences what is known as oxidative stress. 

From life threatening conditions like cancer to aging, oxidative stress poses all sorts of problems. Hence, consuming and using antioxidants is essential. 

Antioxidants also help protect the collagen levels and thus, by extension, slow down aging as well. 

Eating a balanced diet full of natural fruits and vegetables like mangoes, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables can help restore balance in the body. However, oral supplement so antioxidants are also available. 

Furthermore, many topical antioxidant treatment options are also easily available. Using these will protect the skin from signs of aging. 

Massage your face 

Massaging is not just super relaxing, but when done right, it also helps in preventing the signs of aging. 

It helps in improving the circulation to the facial skin cells, which get adequate nourishment that keeps them healthy. Oxygen that comes with better circulation also helps to increase the production of collagen. 

Massage also helps to relax muscles; tensed muscles are more likely to cause wrinkling of the skin. It also aids in the absorption of the serums and skin treatment products better into the skin. 

Exfoliate thy face 

As we age, the cell turnover also decreases. Hence, the dead skin cells just keep piling on top of each other as they are not replaced quick enough. This layer of dead skin causes the complexion to become dull. It also prevents your skin care products from easily penetrating into the skin. 

Exfoliation, on the other hand, takes things in its own hands. It removes the dead skin cells, restoring the youthful glow. Moreover, it also helps the antiaging serums and potions to penetrate into the skin, better. 

Collagen is what you need

Collagen is an important protein found in the skin. It helps to keep the skintight and bouncy. However, as we age, the collagen production also decreases. And thus, skin starts to sag and get wrinkly. 

It is however, possible to preserve the collagen in the body. One trick is to eat plenty of protein as collagen is a protein! Another is to take plenty of antioxidants. 

The collagen supplements and potions however are heavily contested. Since we cannot dictate how our body consumes the food eaten, hence, oral supplement and be utilized any which way by the body. Also, creams are also not effective as a collagen particle is too big to be simply absorbed into the skin. So, do not invest too much in these products. 

Aesthetic procedures like microneedling and collagen fillers have shown much more promising results. Consult the best Dermatologist in Karachi about which procedure should you go for youthful skin!

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In Tech

Steps for malware prevention for small businesses!

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Malware attacks on small businesses remain a serious cyber threat. Malware refers to malicious code or software, which can have multiple or a specific use. Scammers and hackers often rely on malware to steal, modify, or gather data, or sometimes, to just spy on user activities. In this post, we are discussing the basics of malware prevention and other aspects that matter. 

Should your small business worry about malware?

Malware can affect your business in many ways and can origin from different sources. For instance, a considerable number of malware incidents are related to phishing emails and unverified downloads. Small businesses do not spend as much on cybersecurity and are often not cautious with malicious files and downloads. As a result, many brands and companies have suffered extensively in many ways. There are instances, where companies have been forced to a pay a ransom, so that they can gain control of their operations, following a ransomware attack. So yes, your business has to take malware prevention on priority. 

What steps can be considered?

  • Stop careless web browsing. This may mean restricting access to many websites, or limiting the use of internet at the workplace, but find the best way to avoid careless internet browsing. 
  • Let your employees know what malware attacks are all about, with examples. Each employee should know how social engineering works and ways in which a hacker or scammer may try to target them.
  • Remove old software. Old, unused, and obsolete software and firmware should be removed immediately. Make this mandatory for legacy software in particular, and yes, update everything else, including your operating systems. 
  • Recommend a spam filter. Many malware attacks happen through emails, and more often than not, an employee is to blame. Since phishing emails are rather common, using a spam filter can help your employees to a large extent. 
  • Use antimalware software. There are some really good antimalware software suites out there, which are effective and useful against a wide range of malware types, including ransomware, viruses and trojans. Find one that’s designed for small businesses and is effective for the same. 

Finally, consider spending on cyber insurance. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things may go wrong, and you don’t want to bear the brunt and all the consequences, especially when your company did enough for malware prevention. Check online to find more on cyber insurance, and make sure that malware remains a core aspect of employee cyber awareness training.

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In Shopping

6 Tips and Tricks for Shopping at a Mall With a Toddler

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Shopping is always a fun activity. Nothing can be more exciting than looking at and trying different outfits, shoes, accessories, and makeup and seeing how you look when wearing them.

If you enjoy doing all of these, you probably love spending hours at the mall.

Once you have a child, though, your shopping trips to the mall may become less frequent. The time you spend at each store may be cut short, too.

However, the time you spend at the best shopping mall in Doha does not have to be limited or less enjoyable when you have a child, even a toddler. Although your routine may change a bit, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to have fun while engaging in some retail therapy or hanging out at your favorite spot.

Enjoying a Trip to the Mall With Your Little One

Planning in advance can help you have fun and reduce the stress that you may feel when you go shopping at the mall with your toddler. This also involves having a few secrets in mind that can make the experience enjoyable and memorable.

Below are some tips and tricks that will help you have a fun time every time you go to the mall with your toddler:

  1. Bring a shopping buddy.

If you used to go shopping with a friend before you got your little bundle of joy, you might want to find a buddy when you go to the mall with your toddler.

Ask a close friend, another mom friend, or even your spouse or partner to go with you when you go shopping. When you have someone accompanying you during your trip to the mall, you can ask them to look after your little one while you try on a new top or pair of pants.

Moreover, you can ask your shopping buddy for their opinion about the items you want to buy.

  1. Choose the right time to go shopping.

Your trip to the mall will be stress-free and more fun if you pick the right time to go there.

Some toddlers do better when they are taken out in the morning since they are still well-rested. Moreover, there are fewer people in the mall, which means there is less hustle and bustle and your little one won’t be too bothered or annoyed by the noise and activity.

If you want your child to be asleep while you go shopping, you may want to go in the afternoon. However, always keep your eye on your toddler or have your buddy look after the little one, especially if you are in the dressing room.

  1. Bring plenty of toys, healthy snacks and beverages, and other essentials.

No matter how long you want to stay at the mall, keeping your toddler preoccupied is important to keep the crying to a minimum and help him have an enjoyable time, too.

Bring a large handbag or backpack whenever you go shopping with your toddler. Pack his favorite toys, healthy snacks, and drinks.

Don’t forget to bring the other toddler essentials, too. These include a change of clothing, baby wipes, a pack of tissues, hand sanitizer, spare diapers (if your toddler still uses them), and other items you need to keep your little one tidy and comfy.

  1. Use a large stroller.

A small, umbrella stroller works well for quick errands. However, for a couple of or more hours at the mall, you need a bigger one.

By using a full-size stroller, you have an extra place where you can stash your purchases. Additionally, the roomy, adjustable ride provides a comfy spot for your little one to sit or snuggle up in.

When your toddler is comfortable and preoccupied with his toys, he will be less likely to cry for attention, and you can spend more time shopping.

  1. Plan some games.

Aside from giving your child toys to keep him preoccupied, create a list of games you can play together at the mall.

Games like I Spy and Simon Says are fun, simple activities you can do at the mall. You can also make up your own educational games as you go.

You can teach your child ABCs, numbers, counting, and colors while you are at the mall. Point to places or items and tell your little one their names. Be detailed in describing them as well to broaden his knowledge.

  1. Let your child have some fun.

Finally, a shopping trip doesn’t mean you should be the only one having fun. There are plenty of activities for kids in Doha, which you can find at a mall.

Bring your toddler to the indoor park or playground. Allow him to play in these areas for at least half an hour or more.

If the mall has a garden or play area outside, let your toddler explore the place as well. You can also visit a bookstore and read one or two books to your little one.

With these tips, you can make your trips to the mall with your toddler more enjoyable and productive.

 

AUTHOR BIO:

Hisham Elzubeir is the Marketing Manager at Doha Festival City, the largest entertainment, fashion, dining and shopping destination in Qatar. The mall has more than 400 international and local brands, including some of the most anticipated names, many of which made their Qatar debut, such as Harvey Nichols, Charlotte Tilbury, Kiehl’s, Dior Beauty Boutique, ACE and IKEA. Hisham brings over 15 years of international expertise to the communications team at Doha Festival City.

 

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In Finance

How Do Corporate Debt Funds Generate Returns?

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Corporate bond funds are a such debt fund category generally considered by those mutual fund investors who carry a moderate appetite for risk. That’s because a corporate bond fund allocates at least 80 percent of its total assets in AAA and AA+ rated bonds. Corporate debt funds are sometimes used for rebalancing a mutual fund portfolio especially during the current times of the ongoing global pandemic that has affected the performance of the financial markets and global economies worldwide. Corporate debt funds that invest in lower credit rating bonds generally do so with the hope of seeking higher capital gains. However, such investments may not be able to withstand volatile market conditions and hence investors prefer shifting to corporate debt funds as they invest in AAA and AA+ rated bonds.

How does corporate debt fund generate capital appreciation?

Corporate debt funds work similar to the way lending money in exchange for interest and long term capital appreciation works. A corporate debt fund aims to generate capital appreciation by investing a minimum of 80 percent of its total assets in AAA and AA+ rated bonds and other fixed income securities. These funds aim to generate income and interest on the principal investment amount during the term of the debt fund.
A positive graph in the performance of a corporate bond fund denotes increase the NAV of the fund, thereby generating profits. On the other hand, a decrease in NAV has a negative impact on the portfolio value of the corporate debt fund.

It is the responsibility of the fund manager to craft a feasible investment strategy that will work out in accordance with the investment objective of that debt fund and help it beat its benchmark. These funds generally invest in high credit rated bonds that tend to improve their credit rating over a stipulated time period.

Start a SIP in corporate debt funds
If you wish to achieve success with your corporate debt fund investments, consider starting a SIP. Systematic Investment Plan or SIP is a systematic investment approach towards corporate debt fund investments. Individuals seeking long term capital appreciation through regular, disciplinary investments usually opt for SIP. To start a SIP, all an investor has to do instruct his / her bank, following which every month on a fixed date, a predetermined amount is debited from your savings account and electronically transferred to your corporate debt fund. When the NAV of the fund is low, you are allotted more units and when the NAV is high, a smaller number of units are allotted to investors. This results in the investor benefiting from rupee cost averaging. Also, you may continue investing in corporate debt funds through SIP until your investment objective is met. Those investors who are unsure about how much they need to invest at regular intervals can refer to an online SIP calculator.
Now that you know how corporate funds generate capital appreciation, planning on investing in these debt schemes? Before investing, make sure that you are investing a consistent performing fund that has a proven track record. Check for the fund’s past performance and if possible, compare it to other funds that fall in the same category. Also make sure that the corporate debt fund that you are about to invest in has a feasible expense ratio. A fund with a high expense ratio might affect your capital gains in the long run.

If you are new to mutual funds or financial planning in general, do consult a financial advisor. Also, only invest if the corporate debt fund scheme holds the potential to help you achieve your life’s short term financial goals.

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In Health

Photorejuvenation Or IPL Procedure – When Is the Right Time to Go for It

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Photorejuvenation or also known as IPL Laser treatment has become quite famous these days. Many people are opting for the process because of the wonderful benefits it has for those who choose it. It is a process where Intense Pulse Light (IPL) technology will be used to take care of some of the skin blemishes such as sun damage, melisma, brown spots, etc., in a person.

If you are willing to go with IPL treatment, then there are many options for you to choose a clinic. People residing in Canada are in great luck, as they can take help from the experts working for Clinique Anti Aging. Their clinique anti aging IPL laser treatment [English Meaning = anti aging clinic IPL laser treatment] is quite famous for offering excellent results these days. Feel free to visit their website to know more.

Right Time to Go with IPL Treatment

You can consider choosing the photorejuvenation treatment procedure, when you are experiencing the below mentioned conditions.

  • If you find some scarring or brown spots or even the redness on your skin
  • If you wish to enjoy a complete makeover of your skin, without any intention of going under surgical procedures
  • If you feel like there is a necessity for the improvement in your skin texture.

The process is the best solution for taking care of many other such skin related issues such as skin pores and wrinkles.

Advantages of IPL Skin Treatment

There are many advantages of IPL skin treatment and are listed below,

  • This procedure can be done on any part of the body
  • It does not require any downtime
  • You will get to enjoy long lasting effects after the procedure is done

Even though this laser treatment focuses on treating many skin related problems, the main focus of the process here is to trigger the natural healing process of the epidermal layer. After the treatment, the skin layer will start shedding the dull and dead skin cells and will replace them with the freshly formed skin cells.

IPL laser treatment procedure or also known as photorejuvenation process is quite famous today as the skin treatment that is not associated with any downtime and discomfort. It is also the procedure that does not involve spending excess amounts.

If you are willing to choose this procedure for skin rejuvenation, then it is suggested to go with the surgeon who is well versed in his field. You might find hundreds of names, but always go with the skin specialist who can offer guaranteed results. 

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