Health

When I was a kid growing up in India, my grandfather had this habit of handing me a shankh (conch shell) every morning and telling me to blow into it with all my might. Back then, I thought it was just part of the puja, something spiritual. He’d smile and say, “This will make your lungs strong, and you’ll thank me one day.” I never really believed him—until recently.

Many people believe that staying fit requires hours at the gym—a daunting idea for those balancing work, family, and a busy schedule. However, recent evidence and personal accounts highlight a more efficient approach: a 15-minute daily workout can deliver substantial results, even for those whose lives are jam-packed.

In today’s digital era, it is not uncommon to see toddlers expertly swiping on screens before they can even form full sentences. While technology brings many conveniences and opportunities for learning, growing evidence suggests giving children smartphones before they turn 13 can damage their mental health well into adulthood.