Category: Lifestyle

The lifestyle of millennials is underreported in our mainstream media. The Current’s lifestyle news covers social events and issues that are unique.

  • Home remedies to cure dengue fever

    Home remedies to cure dengue fever

    More than 10,000 cases of dengue have been reported in the country, with the numbers rising every day. As unfortunate as it is, the government has not been able to make proper arrangements in the hospitals to combat the disease.

    If God forbid you or any of your friends or family are suffering from dengue fever, here are a few ways that might help you recover from the disease. Previously, The Current listed the symptoms and preventions for dengue fever.

    Drink a lot of water

    Excessive sweating and exertion during dengue fever can cause dehydration. Make sure that you take a lot of water and fluids and stay hydrated. Staying hydrated also reduces headaches and muscle cramps.

    Juice of Papaya Leaves

    Another very effective remedy is drinking papaya (Papeete) leaf juice. Papaya juice is known to be the best available natural remedy for dengue fever. The leaves have a mix of nutrients which help in increasing your platelet count.

    Papaya leaves also have a high level of Vitamin C which improves the immune system, while antioxidants in it help in reducing body stress. All you need to do is crush the leaves and strain the juice from the crushed leaves.

    Chew Basil leaves

    Basil (Tulsi) leaves are amazing herbs that not only help during dengue fever but also improve your overall immunity. Chewing 5-6 basil leaves boosts your immunity. Basil leaves have essential oils with natural insecticidal properties which keep mosquitoes at bay.

    Neem Leaves

    Neem leaves have medicinal properties, which is the reason why they are recommended for a variety of illnesses. Steep neem leaves and drinks the brew to increase platelet and white blood cell count. Properly brewed neem leaves also improve the immune system if suffering from dengue.

    Disclaimer: This article is research-based. Kindly consult your doctor/physician to ensure that you are not allergic to any of these and seek proper treatment for the disease.

  • Five ways to beat the viral

    Five ways to beat the viral

    The viral flu, accompanied by a sore throat, is everywhere these days and is making everyone and their Mom miserable. While science is yet to find an instant cure for the flu, there are several natural home remedies that might help soothe flu symptoms. They may also help shorten the duration of your flu.

    Drink warm broth

    Drinking warm chicken or beef bone broth is a good way to loosen and break up nose and sinus congestion. The broth also keeps you hydrated which is necessary when you’re unwell.

    Bone broth is also naturally high in protein and minerals. Drinking broth is a good way to refill these nutrients while you have the flu.  Protein is also important for rebuilding immune cells.

    Saltwater gargle

    Saltwater gargles can soothe a sore throat. It can also help to clear mucus. Here’s how to rinse with salt water:

    1. Heat up water and let it cool until it’s warm.
    2. Mix 1/2 tsp salt to a cup of warm water.
    3. Pull the saltwater to the back of your throat and gargle it for about 10 to 30 seconds so that it rinses your mouth and throat.
    4. Spit the water into a sink and repeat 2 to 4 times.

    Note: Do not swallow the saltwater.

    Peppermint Tea

    Peppermint (podina) tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds and is extremely helpful in soothing the throat. You can make peppermint tea at home by simply adding fresh peppermint leaves in boiling water for three to five minutes, then strain off the leaves.

    Garlic

    Garlic may help fight off a common cold because it has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Garlic has long been a home remedy for colds and the flu. People can eat raw garlic, incorporate cooked garlic into meals, or take a supplement. Unless a person has a garlic allergy, it is usually safe to use.

    Foods to avoid while you have the flu

    • Milk
    • Cheese
    • Caffeine
    • Spicy foods
    • Fried and fatty foods
  • How to make pepper spray at home?

    How to make pepper spray at home?

    Ali Khan Tareen has presented a better solution to avoid and lessen harassment cases. He has said that we should give pepper spray to schoolgirls to avoid harassment rather than asking them to wear an Abaya.

    The son of senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Khan Tareen took to twitter to give us an alternative for protection of school girls from sexual harassment.

    What is pepper spray?

    Pepper spray is a chemical mixture that causes severe pain and irritation when it comes in contact with the eyes

    But the question is from where in the market we can get pepper spray? Don’t worry if you cannot find any in the market. You can even make a pepper spray at home as well. Read the instructions below to make it.

    Gather your supplies

    Pepper spray mixture can be made using
    household ingredients.

    Red chilli powder. It is recommended for its spiciness and ability to irritate the eyes.

    Vegetable oil and Rubbing alcohol or spirit. These will be used to mix with the powder to make it to a sprayable substance.

    How to prepare?

    Add two tablespoons of pepper powder.

    Add spirit until the pepper has been completely submerged and then add one tablespoon of vegetable oil. You can also use baby oil.

    Leave the mixture overnight.

    Then filter your mixture with the help of the coffee filter.

    Filtering the mixture will help prevent clogging the nozzle of the spray.

    When you are done, pour the mixture in the spray bottle and you are good to go anywhere with your spray.

  • KP Govt withdraws compulsory Abaya order for female students

    KP Govt withdraws compulsory Abaya order for female students

    KP
    government ordered school girls to come to school all covered up, making abayas
    compulsory for them to avoid harassment. After severe public backlash, Khyber
    Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister took back the order.

    People were not happy with the authorities implying that it is women who are responsible for sexual harassment they face. Talk about blaming the victim rather than the committer.

    https://twitter.com/ayeshakhalid7/status/1172783267159973888

    After public backlash, the order was withdrawn by KP’s Chief Minister, Shaukat Yousafzai.

    Minister of Human Rights, Shireen Mazari took to twitter to raise the point that on the issue that the victims should not be restricted but the offenders should be punished.

    This isn’t the first time such an announcement came up.
    Previously, Haripur issued a similar order.

    A notice was circulated from the Peshawar District Officer enforcing compulsory Burka for school-girls’ safety.

  • Pakistani couple’s startup secures $8.1 million financing

    Pakistani couple’s startup secures $8.1 million financing

    A Pakistani e-commerce brand and one of the trailblazers in the world of footwear, Atoms, has raised $8.1 million from a list of illustrious backers to bring its concept to the masses, TechCrunch has reported.

    The company since its beginning has been selling directly to consumers in the United States via its website — which at one point had a waiting list of nearly 40,000 people — and the idea will be to fold in other experiences, including selling from physical spaces in the future.

    The company plans to use the funding to invest in further development of its shoes and to expand its retail and marketing presence.

    The list of investors is being led by Initialized Capital, the investment firm started by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and Garry Tan.

    They had first encountered Atoms and its co-founders, Sidra Qasim and CEO Waqas Ali, as mentors when the husband-wife duo was going through Y Combinator with their previous high-end shoe startup, Markhor.

    “The thing that I love about Atoms is that it isn’t just a different look, it’s a different feel,” said Ohanian adding that when he put on a pair for the first time, it was a “totally unique experience”.

    Even before the recent achievement of closing a Series A, the startup has come a long way on a relative shoestring with just around $560,000 in seed funding and some of the founders’ own savings.

    Atoms built a supply chain of companies that would make the materials and shoes that it wanted and developed a gradual but strong marketing pipeline with influential people in tech, fashion and design.

    Currently the shoes sell for $179 a pair, which is not cheap and puts them at the high end of the market, so it will be interesting to see how and if price points evolve as it matures as a business, and competitors big and small begin to catch onto the idea of selling their own footwear at a wider range of sizes.

  • IN PICTURES: Celebs observe Kashmir hour

    IN PICTURES: Celebs observe Kashmir hour

    Upon Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call to the nation to show solidarity with Kashmiris by observing the weekly Kashmir Hour, Pakistani across the country responded and gathered across the country in silent protest.

    After the Kashmir Hour, PM Khan also took to Twitter to thank those who spoke up.

    Prominent media personalities and celebrities were also part of the monumental gatherings and even addressed those present to continue to raise their voice against Indian atrocities in Indian occupied Kashmir.

    Here’s everyone who showed up.

    Hamza Ali Abbasi

    Hamza Ali Abbasi was present at the Prime Minister Secretariat with PM Khan himself.

    Shahid Afridi

    The former captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team was present at Mazar-e-Quaid along with Governor Sindh Imran Ismail and PTI Minister Faisal Vawda. He also addressed those gathered and criticised Modi for his actions.

    Adnan Siddiqui & Bilal Ashraf

    The two along with Superstar director Ehteshamuddin waved Kashmir’s flag at Jehangir Kothari Parade in Karachi.

    Shehzad Roy

    The singer made a human chain with 2500 girls of Zindagi Trust’s adopted SMB Fatima Jinnah Government School.

    Zara Noor Abbas & Asad Siddiqui

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1x6_c8nGMG/

    Faysal Qureshi & Aijaz Aslam

    Faysal Qureshi, Aijaz Aslam, and former cricketer Moin Khan gathered at Moin Khan Academy to express their support.

    Sheikh Rasheed

    Rasheed addressed the protestors outside Lal Haveli. He also got an electric shock while delivering his speech.

    Fawad Chaudhry

    Fawad lead a rally in Jehlum.

    https://twitter.com/FawadPTIUpdates/status/1167345096653717511
  • Petition filed in Karachi court over city’s fly infestation

    Petition filed in Karachi court over city’s fly infestation

    Karachiites are worried about fly’s infestation in the city and a person approached the Sindh High Court to make sure that the authorities do something to address the problem.

    Swarms of flies have occupied Karachi after the recent monsoon
    rains during Eidul Azha. The city’s situation worsened because streets and
    roads were flooded, mounds of garbage continued to pile up, and animal waste
    wasn’t disposed of properly.

    A petition was filed on Tuesday. The Sindh
    government, Karachi mayor, and chairmen of all six districts have not been
    responsible in cleaning the city. People have to brush off flies from
    everything and it has made everyone’s lives quite difficult, the petition reads.

    The petitioner even claims that diseases such as
    dengue and Congo viruses have become common because the administration doesn’t
    have a proper garbage disposal system. The situation will get worse if nothing
    is done. The court should order the Sindh government and city government
    to clean the city, it adds.

  • 6 surprising sources of calcium other than milk

    6 surprising sources of calcium other than milk

    Everyone wants strong bones that will last a lifetime. Calcium is very important for both children and teens, as well as adults.

    Here is a table that will give you an idea about the number of serves of calcium-rich foods your child needs every day.

    Serves Per Day

    2-3 Years 4-8 Years 9-11 Years 12-13 Years 14-18 Years
    Boys 1.5 2 2.5 3.5 3.5
    Girls 1.5 1.5 3 3.5 3.5

    We all know that dairy products are rich in calcium but most children are not very fond of dairy products. Here is a list of food items that are rich in calcium.

    Ice cream

    You all will be surprised to know that ice cream also has a lot of calcium. Though milk and yogurt are definitely a better choice.

    Almonds

    While almonds are known to boost brain power and memory, they are also a very good source of calcium.

    Green Vegetables

    Many green vegetables such as spinach, okra and sweet potatoes are an excellent source of calcium.

    Cereals

    Cereals are a good way of adding calcium to your/ your child’s diet. Ragi, brown rice, etc are a good source of calcium.

    Fish and Meat

    Fish such as tuna, salmon, are an excellent source of calcium, while meat such as beef is also a good source.

    Eggs

    Eggs are amongst one of the first few food items that you may
    give to your baby. Eggs are rich in calcium and can be used in various forms
    and dishes.

  • Pakistani Candles – which one is worth the smell?

    Pakistani Candles – which one is worth the smell?

    DISCLAIMER: This review is not sponsored. The Current has done its own independent research for this review.

    After Pakistanis became candle crazy, different local companies started introducing their own scented candle lines as an alternative for people who were used to lugging candles from abroad to fulfill their candle needs. We tried four scented candles from different Pakistani brands to find which one has the most long-lasting smell.

    Not taking how long the candle lasts or the type of smell into account, our only focus was, can you actually smell the candle for a long period of time. They rank as follows:

    4. AURA

    Aura, a natural, toxin-free skincare brand branched out into candles and we tried out their scented candle called Eden. Sadly, it didn’t smell of anything, despite being lit for a few hours. Sticking your nose close to the candle won’t help much either. It emits a faint scent of flowers (or are we imagining that?)

    Price – Rs 700

    3. BATH AND BODY WORKS

    YES, believe it or not, two local candle brands outranked the foreign candle giant, Bath and Body Works. We tried out their Fresh (spring blue skies) scent and although you can smell it (and it smells a lot like the men’s cologne Aqua Di Gio and should be a huge hit with the boys) it doesn’t beat the top two.

    Rs 3900 (but if you get it from abroad, its usually on sale for half price)

    2. Karachi Candle Company

    We are very sure you thought the Karachi candles would win. We were surprised by the results too. As loyal Karachi candle company followers, we love their Motia Noir scent which took Karachi (and then other cities) by storm. It smells exactly of Karachi Jasmine nights and lingers and lasts for a long time.

    Price – Rs 2000

    1. Meem

    A young company, we bought the candle on a whim, after hearing murmurs of how good their Mulberry scent was. It smells exactly like bubble gum and can fill an entire office space with its scent. Strong and powerful, Meem is not one for the weak and lives up to its promise. We can’t wait to try other scents from them.

    Price – Rs 800 (small)

  • Sheikh Rasheed, and the three essential oils he should be buying

    Sheikh Rasheed, and the three essential oils he should be buying

    Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed was spotted buying what looks like aromatherapy essential oils with PM Imran Khan’s buddy Aneel Mussarat in London. While we don’t exactly know what he bought we can recommend oils we think would work best for his personality and job.

    Sandalwood Oil

    Used to calm nerves. Sheikh was in big trouble after the Railway’s Rs 28.62 billion loss was made public. So he could do with something to calm his nerves.

    Lavender Oil

    Helps with stress relief. Opposition parties were asking for Sheikh’s resignation after 80 train accidents took place in his first year.

    Rosemary Oil

    Helps with focus. We all need more of Sheikh’s famous predictions.