Friday Foto Fiction Fiction Writing Prompt
#FridayFotoFiction100 Word FictionFiction & Writing

The Brothers – Flash Fiction Writing Prompt – #FridayFotoFiction Feb 16 – Feb 21

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

#FridayFotoFiction is a weekly flash fiction writing prompt challenge where we give you a photo prompt and ask you to write a 100-150 word flash fiction about it.

Flash Fiction Writing Prompt – #FridayFotoFiction Feb 16 – Feb 21 Prompt

Friday Foto Fiction Fiction Writing Prompt

 

The Brothers – Flash Fiction Writing Prompt #FridayFotoFiction

Remus and Janus were not just brothers, they were best of friends, growing up together.

Both had the same glacial blue eyes and the same aquiline nose that complemented their prominent cheekbones.

They had both trained to be gladiators and marveled at it.

Remus and Janus had never lost a fight at the Colosseum.

But fate had other plans.

Today the brothers were thrown into the arena together. Opposite each other.

Oh good mother forgive me, forgive me for this day.

Never had I thought I’ll be standing facing my little brother Janus.

I remember my promise. I will not let any harm come on him, for today I will gladly lose this match and go down with the smile. Said Remus thinking about his words to their dying mother.

At the other end Janus stood with his gladius shining under the bright sun saying the same words to himself.

 

© Tina Basu

Word count – 150

Disclaimer: Please add this line at the end of your post. Without it the linky won’t accept the submission.

I am taking part in the #FridayFotoFiction – Weekly Flash Fiction Writing Challenge hosted by Tina and Mayuri

#FridayFotoFiction Featured Blogger Feb 2 – Feb 7

We had some amazing stories last week – 10 interesting fictions and many of them were sci-fi!

Our featured blogger with an interesting sci-fi story is Rashi from Live it Young. Read her featured story The Remains

 

 

#FridayFotoFiction Featured Post By Popular Demand

The Featured Story by Popular Demand also happens to be Rashi’s The Remains with 3 votes.

Congratulations girl.

featured story #FridayFotoFiction

Please fill this Form for all updated details on #FridayFotoFiction

Friday Foto Fiction Weekly Update

 

 

#FridayFotoFiction Flash Voting FAQ

  1. Drop your posts in the linky Friday 12 AM IST- Wednesday midnight 23:55 pm IST
  2. Voting opens Thursday 12AM IST untill Thursday 8:30 PM IST
  3. Come back on this page #Thursday anytime 12 AM – 8:30 PM and cast your vote on your favorite post.
  4. Only 1 vote per user.
  5. The post with max votes gets the Featured Story by Popular Demand title

How to participate in #FridayFotoFiction Flash Fiction Writing Challenge

  1. Follow  &  , your hosts for , on Twitter.
  2. Every Thursday evening Tina and Mayuri will share a Photo Prompt with you on Twitter and on their respective blogs.
  3. Write a 100-150 Word story based on or relevant to the given Photo Prompt.
  4. Use the  badge at the end of your posts.
  5. Link up with Tina or Mayuri
  6. Read, comment, share on the host and co-hosts posts and at least two more posts linked in the party.
    Pro Tip – Networking and commenting are good for your blog’s health and ranks.
  7. Use  in your post and share in on social media using the same hashtag.
  8. Every week Tina and Mayuri will pick one featured blogger whose post impressed them the most.
  9. Every month one winner will be picked from the participants. This winner will be picked on the basis of regular participation through the month and will win a cash voucher from Amazon.
  10. Keep your fictions and engagement civil. Adult content/ affiliated links/ derogatory remarks/ hatred towards any religion is not allowed.

Drop Your Links

[inlinkz_linkup id=763574 mode=1]

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#FridayFotoFiction Flash Fiction Writing Prompt
Fiction & Writing#FridayFotoFiction100 Word Fiction

K-12 – Flash Fiction Writing Challenge – #FridayFotoFiction Feb 9 – Feb 14

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

#FridayFotoFiction is a weekly flash fiction writing challenge where we give you a photo prompt and ask you to write a 100-150 word flash fiction about it.

Flash Fiction Writing Challenge – #FridayFotoFiction Feb 9 – Feb 14 Prompt

#FridayFotoFiction Flash Fiction Writing Prompt

K-12 – Flash Fiction Writing #FridayFotoFiction

“We have no news, ROV is lost”.

“No news in last 72 hrs?” asked the chief.

“Negative”.

For close to 41 days the ROV had a successful journey. Just when the world was celebrating this feat they lost all communication.

***

“I have dedicated my life towards this mission, it can’t end like….”

His words were paused by the faint X-band radio wave.

“Sir, I have something, communication established and ROV is live”

All eyes in the pod were now glued to the screen.

“Where is this?”

“What in the name of God is that?”

“An aircraft!!!” said a startled voice.

“There is life on The Red Planet!”

“No zoom in, I want clear photo”

“Something is written on the side, faded but still….”

“Zoom in as best as you can”

“It’s English sir, MH370, Malaysian Airlines!”

The pod fell into an uncanny silence.

***

The Missing Plane MH370 has been found, in K-12 an exoplanet discovered by the ROV, the Mars Orbiter. Nasa Scientists claim, the ROV was pulled by a vortex and had lost all communications with earth for over 72 hours. Theories are claiming this unknown vortex might have pulled the missing flight. Said the headlines on the newspaper next day.

© Tina Basu

Word count – 204. I have exceeded the word count though!

#FridayFotoFiction Featured Blogger Feb 2 – Feb 7

We had some amazing stories last week – 12 well-crafted fictions with emotions, laughter, and banter. That’s why we have two featured bloggers this week.

Our first featured blogger with a very emotional and apt story is Sudha from SukrisBlog. Read her featured story Traumatic Days.

sudha

Our second featured blogger is Rashi from Live it Young. Read her featured post The Sacrifice. 

rashi

Congratulations girls.

#FridayFotoFiction Featured Post By Popular Demand

Looks like its a tie between Rashi’s The Sacrifice, Sudha’s Traumatic Days, Lavanya’s The Crash, and Akshata’s Taking the Unconventional Path with 2 votes each.

Congratulations girls.

featured story #FridayFotoFiction

Please fill this Form for all updated details on #FridayFotoFiction

Friday Foto Fiction Weekly Update

 

 

#FridayFotoFiction Flash Voting FAQ

  1. Drop your posts in the linky Friday 12 AM IST- Wednesday midnight 23:55 pm IST
  2. Voting opens Thursday 12AM IST untill Thursday 8 PM IST
  3. Come back on this page #Thursday anytime 12 AM – 8 PM and cast your vote on your favorite post.
  4. Only 1 vote per user.
  5. The post with max votes gets the Featured Story by Popular Demand title

How to participate in #FridayFotoFiction Flash Fiction Writing Challenge

  1. Follow  &  , your hosts for , on Twitter.
  2. Every Thursday evening Tina and Mayuri will share a Photo Prompt with you on Twitter and on their respective blogs.
  3. Write a 100-150 Word story based on or relevant to the given Photo Prompt.
  4. Use the  badge at the end of your posts.
  5. Link up with Tina or Mayuri
  6. Read, comment, share on the host and co-hosts posts and at least two more posts linked in the party.
    Pro Tip – Networking and commenting are good for your blog’s health and ranks.
  7. Use  in your post and share in on social media using the same hashtag.
  8. Every week Tina and Mayuri will pick one featured blogger whose post impressed them the most.
  9. Every month one winner will be picked from the participants. This winner will be picked on the basis of regular participation through the month and will win a cash voucher from Amazon.
  10. Keep your fictions and engagement civil. Adult content/ affiliated links/ derogatory remarks/ hatred towards any religion is not allowed.

Drop Your Links

[inlinkz_linkup id=763572 mode=1]

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micronutrient deficiency among Indian kids
LifestyleHealth & WellnessMommy & ParentingParenting

Micronutrient Deficiency among Indian Kids – Tips for a Rushed Lifestyle

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Micronutrient deficiency among Indian Kids is on a rise with India ranking 97th of 118 nations in the Global Hunger Index 2016. While nutrition is key to good health and growth micronutrient deficiency leads to hidden hunger (lack of vitamins and minerals) and affects the overall brain development and immunity levels in kids.

Micronutrients play a central role in our nutrition. Micronutrients help in the optimization of our physical and mental functioning. While one needs the micronutrients in small amounts, they play vital roles in overall development and well-being in the form of regulation of metabolism and heartbeat, good cellular pH, and bone density.

Top post on IndiBlogger, the biggest community of Indian Bloggers

micronutrient deficiency among Indian kids

As mothers, all we want is for our child to be healthy and to have normal growth and development. But we are living in different times now where we tend to give in to the child’s demands for fast food and packaged foods. While we stress on proper weight and height gain, we tend to overlook the overall brain development and immunity levels. Micronutrient malnutrition has been a persistent problem in India. Indian food which is generally rich in macronutrients – carbohydrate, proteins and fats – tend to lack the important micronutrients that one should be consuming daily. Lack of micronutrients can lead to stunted growth in children and an increased risk for various diseases in adulthood. Let’s take a deeper dive into Micronutrients and its need today.

What are the essential Micronutrients?

You need a miniscule amount of micronutrients – essentially vitamins and minerals – to maintain good health. All Vitamins A, B, C, E through K can be derived from the food around us. While Vitamin D can be taken from the Sun, important minerals like zinc, magnesium, iron and selenium, though required in small quantities, are very important for overall brain development of your child.

macronutrient vs macronutrient

How Micronutrient Deficiency Affects your child’s growth?

Failure to meet micronutrient requirements can result in challenges in your child’s overall growth.

  1. Delayed developmental milestones – By one year, the baby should be on a balanced diet for all kinds of nutrients for reaching developmental milestones on time.
  2. Stunted Growth – Growth hormone deficiency is a result of poor eating habits.
  3. Iron Deficiency – Anaemia is the biggest nutrition-related health problem in Indian children. Anaemia results in an eight-point lower intelligence quotient in children.
  4. Iodine Deficiency – The body does not make iodine. It has to be consumed to prevent the development of conditions like hypothyroidism, goiter etc.

How to include Micronutrients in your child’s diet to avoid micronutrient deficiency?

  • Vitamin A – Milk, cheese, eggs yolk, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables
  • Vitamin B – Whole grain cereals, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables
  • Vitamin C – Citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberry, cabbage
  • Vitamin D – expose bare skin to the morning sun or Vitamin D supplements
  • Vitamin E – avocado, almonds, sweet potato, spinach, sunflower seeds
  • Iron – Lean meat, green leafy vegetables, spinach, dates, lentils, Kale
  • Calcium – Dairy products, almonds, green leafy vegetables, sesame seeds, chia seeds
  • Magnesium – Nuts, seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables
  • Zinc – Lean meat, chicken, fish, sunflower and pumpkin seeds
  • Selenium – egg, spinach, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, oats, mustard seeds
  • Iodine – Iodine fortified salt, bread, cheese, saltwater fish, cow’s milk, eggs, yogurt

What happens when you lead a Rushed Lifestyle?

We are living a busy lifestyle, no one has enough time in their hands. Adults tend to skip breakfast – the most important meal of the day – because they are running late for work. Mothers face this challenge more than anyone else – getting kids ready for school, breakfast, getting ready for work. We can afford nutrition-rich food, but we don’t have the time to sit and eat a bowl of nutritious breakfast.

Tropicana’s new launch of functional juices – Tropicana Essentials – addresses this nutrient gap to a large extent. Tropicana Essentials is a delicious range of functional fruit juices that are fortified to deliver specific health benefits. While Tropicana Essentials FRUITS & VEGGIES juice is a blend of apple, beetroot, carrot – they are made of 100% Mixed Fruit and Vegetable Juice content (no added sugar or preservatives). The second variant Tropicana Essentials IRON is made from of Apple, Carrot and mixed fruit blends.

tropicana essentials range

As mothers we are always worried of the amount of sugar or preservatives that our kids consume from packaged foods, and we are always reading the labels. However, the Tropicana Essentials range doesn’t contain any added sugar or preservatives. It only contains fructose (natural sugars) that comes from the fruits.

While you should encourage your child to consume fresh fruits and vegetables the daily intake of 5 serves of fresh fruits and vegetables is not maintained most of the times. A 200ml serving (which makes up one glass) of the Tropicana Essentials FRUITS & VEGGIES juice equals to one serving of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of fruits and veggies. A glass of the Tropicana Essentials IRON helps meet 15% of the RDA of iron. So the next time your kid is fussing over eating carrots or beets and throws away the apple, you know how to get some nutrients in them in the form of these functional juices.

tropicana essentials

Micronutrient deficiency is problem in the country and it’s better the mothers realise it and look towards the overall growth and development of kids. Micronutrients are not produced in the body and must be derived from the diet only. Make wise choices.

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Fiction & Writing#FridayFotoFiction100 Word Fiction

Croassroad – Flash Fiction Writing #FridayFotoFiction Feb 2- Feb 6

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

#FridayFotoFiction is a weekly flash fiction writing challenge where we give you a photo prompt and ask you to write a 100-150 word flash fiction about it.

Flash Fiction Writing Challenge – #FridayFotoFiction Feb 2 – Feb 6 Prompt

Crossroads – Flash Fiction Writing #FridayFotoFiction

Nina and Kiara called themselves – best friends for life.

Crushing on boys, enjoying double dates, road trips and holidays – they had done everything together.

This time they were on a double trip – enjoying a holiday with their partners.

“This holiday is great. Thank you, Will, Damon, and Ki for making this trip even awesome.”

The four raised their glasses for a toast with a smile.

Over the last fortnight, they spent considerable time together.

Nina was happy for Kiara – she looked great with Damon.

Kiara felt Will was perfect for Nina.

But somewhere they felt something else inside.

They were at the crossroad that they had promised to never be in.

They realized they were growing fond of each other’s partners.

© Tina Basu

Word Limit – 122

#FridayFotoFiction Featured Blogger Jan 19 – Jan 23

We promised we’ll share the featured bloggers this week. So there are tonnes of announcements this week.

Featured Blogger on #FridayFotoFiction Jan 19- Jan 23 is Lata from Kaaptimes. Read her featured post Ghosts are they? Congratulations Lata.

friday foto fiction featured blogger

Featured Story by Popular demand

It’s a tie between Meha’s The Fort and yours truly’s The Castle.

featured story #FridayFotoFiction

#FeaturedBlogger on #FridayFotoFIction Jan 26- Jan 31

Our featured blogger this week is Sunita from Mumbai on a High. Congratulations Sunita. Read her featured post, Sand Dance.

Her story also happens to be the featured story by populr demand. SO double congrtulations.

featured story #FridayFotoFiction

#FridayFotoFiction Monthly Winner January

Our Monthly winner for January on #FridayFotoFiction is Meha from Of life and its follies. Read her posts here.
1. If Only

2. The Premonition

3. The Fort

4. Lost and Found 

Congratulations Meha. DM us your email id.

Please fill this Form for all updated details on #FridayFotoFiction

Friday Foto Fiction Weekly Update

#FridayFotoFiction Flash Voting FAQ

  1. Drop your posts in the linky Friday 12 AM IST- Wednesday midnight 23:55 pm IST
  2. Voting opens Thursday 12AM IST untill Thursday 8 PM IST
  3. Come back on this page #Thursday anytime 12 AM – 8 PM and cast your vote on your favorite post.
  4. Only 1 vote per user.
  5. The post with max votes gets the Featured Story by Popular Demand title

How to participate in #FridayFotoFiction Flash Fiction Writing Challenge

  1. Follow  &  , your hosts for , on Twitter.
  2. Every Thursday evening Tina and Mayuri will share a Photo Prompt with you on Twitter and on their respective blogs.
  3. Write a 100-150 Word story based on or relevant to the given Photo Prompt.
  4. Use the  badge at the end of your posts.
  5. Link up with Tina or Mayuri
  6. Read, comment, share on the host and co-hosts posts and at least two more posts linked in the party.
    Pro Tip – Networking and commenting are good for your blog’s health and ranks.
  7. Use  in your post and share in on social media using the same hashtag.
  8. Every week Tina and Mayuri will pick one featured blogger whose post impressed them the most.
  9. Every month one winner will be picked from the participants. This winner will be picked on the basis of regular participation through the month and will win a cash voucher from Amazon.
  10. Keep your fictions and engagement civil. Adult content/ affiliated links/ derogatory remarks/ hatred towards any religion is not allowed.

Drop Your Links

[inlinkz_linkup id=763571 mode=1]

 

 

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can wearing a bra cause breast cancer
LifestyleHealth & WellnessLife & Style

Can Wearing a Bra Cause Breast Cancer? Myths Busted

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Breast cancer is one of the leading cancer types affecting women. The underlying cause of this disease is still unknown, and that gives space for the myths to slip in. Several myths around breast cancer cloud the minds of women. And the most popular one is – can wearing a bra cause breast cancer? Thanks to the internet, this rumour has got a permanent space in one of the tiny shelves of every woman’s mind. Ironically, there are a few variations of this rumour as well. The most prevalent ones include wearing a bra while sleeping; for too many hours in a day; wearing those that have underwires, and are tightly fitted.

While all these rumours create doubts among women across the globe, the fact is that there is no proven relation between breast cancer and wearing a bra. Yes, these myths are unnerving, so let’s discuss the logic behind every variation of this rumour.


Top post on IndiBlogger, the biggest community of Indian Bloggers

Can a bra cause breast cancer?

can wearing a bra cause breast cancer

Sleeping in a Bra or Wearing It for Too Long

Our mothers have been pushing us hard not to wear a bra while sleeping, especially the underwired ones. According to our mothers and the popular myth, sleeping with the bra on restricts the pores from breathing. This restriction results in accumulation of sweat and builds-up toxins that are believed to be the hidden culprits of causing breast cancer. The same thinking goes for wearing a tight bra for too long. However, leading breast surgeons and cancer organizations have termed these myths as dubious. Though, they advise not to wear a bra that is too tight, as besides being uncomfortable, it can make you feel suffocated, thus causing breathing problems.

Wearing a Bra with an Underwire

underwired bra

This myth is like a rubber duck that refuses to sink even after several studies have quoted it as wrong. In the year 1995, a book (Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras) published by Soma Grismaijer and Sydney Ross Singer popularised this myth to an altogether different level. The book claims that bras with underwires obstruct the lymph flow from the bottom of the breasts, thus resulting in accumulation of toxins that can cause breast cancer. However, there is still no concrete scientific evidence that supports this myth of bra cause breast cancer!

Still Not Convinced?

Here are a few more reasons that support that these rumours about breast cancer and bra aren’t true.

History – Breast cancer has been mentioned in almost every era of history and has been around even before bras came into existence. The first mention of this disease was seen in the Edwin Smith Papyrus roughly around 1600 BC. On the other hand, corsets were replaced by bras in the late 19th century and had no underwires, padding and such. The tight-support structure and underwiring only came into existence in the 1930s.

Think of Men – Men don’t wear bras, and they also get affected by breast cancer. Though it is an uncommon malignancy and the number of cases registered in men is meager, men still fall prey to breast cancer. This inevitably cuts the rope that forms a connection between bra and breast cancer.

Finally, there’s No Clear Evidence – There is no clinical and scientific basis of this claim that can prove the association between breast cancer and bra. According to a 2014 study which was a population-based case control study, there is no association between bra and breast cancer risk.

breast cancer

Final Words!

Now that it’s clear that wearing a bra is not related to breast cancer, it’s time that we empty that tiny shelf in our mind that was occupied with this myth. Furthermore, the advancements in medical sciences have taken breast cancer treatment including breast cancer surgery to an altogether different level. When detected in its initial stage, this disease is highly treatable, and there are many hospitals like Max Healthcare who have a reputed panel of oncologists with an impressive track record in treating this disease.

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Home Remedies to Treat Diaper Rash
Mommy & ParentingFor New MomsHealth & WellnessLifestyle

6 Effective Home Remedies to Treat Diaper Rash In Babies

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Diaper rashes are common in infants. Here are 6 effective Home Remedies to Treat Diaper Rash in babies.

Diaper usage is at the highest now because they are convenient, easy to use and they keep the baby dry. Diaper rash is a common in infants with prolonged usage throughout the day.  Imagine if you had to be in wet clothes for a couple of hours what would be your skin like? While it’s best to prevent, there are enough home remedies to treat diaper rash.

Top post on IndiBlogger, the biggest community of Indian Bloggers

Home Remedies to Treat Diaper Rash

What causes diaper rashes?

Diaper dermatitis or skin irritation in diaper-clad infants can be caused due to several reasons.  When a wet diaper is in contact with the baby’s skin for long hours it can lead to bacterial and fungal growth irritating the delicate skin. In some cases, you can find yeast growth too.

Symptoms of diaper rash in babies

The most common symptoms of diaper rashes can be

  • Redness in the groin area
  • Small blisters
  • Formation of tiny pimples in the diaper area
  • Peeling of the skin

Home Remedies to Treat Diaper Rash

 

Coconut oil massage

coconut oil

Coconut oil is the go-to remedy for diaper rash in babies. The saturated fat in coconut oil helps in moisturizing the area. The Internet TVL and T fungal properties of coconut oil help in treating the diaper rash fast.

How to use?

  1. Clean babies bottom with warm water and pat dry
  2. Gently massage few drops of coconut oil in the affected area
  3. Do it twice daily

Oatmeal Bath

oatmeal

Oatmeal contains compounds called saponins that remove dirt and oil from the skin’s pores. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe the irritation and inflammation of the skin.

How to use?

  1. Add a tablespoon of oatmeal in your babies bath water
  2. Let the baby be in this water for 10 minutes
  3. Pat dry
  4. Do it twice daily

Tea tree oil massage

tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic properties. Tea tree oil’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it one of the best home remedies to treat diaper rash.

How to use?

  1. Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
  2. Gently massage it on affected areas
  3. Do it once daily

Yogurt Massage

yogurt

Plain yogurt contains naturally occurring probiotics which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce yeast formation on the skin.

How to use?

  1. Apply a thick layer of yogurt on the affected area
  2. Wash with normal water after 5-10 minutes
  3. Do it once daily

Aloe Vera

aloe vera gel

The gel of aloe vera leaves is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera gel has antimicrobial properties that can kill bacteria causing the diaper rash.

How to use?

  1. Take fresh aloe vera gel from leaves and massage in affected areas
  2. Do it twice daily

Petroleum Jelly

petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly is a natural moisturizer that forms a barrier on the skin restricting entry of other microbes while moisturizing the skin.

How to use?

  1. Clean babies bottom with warm water and pat dry
  2. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on skin and leave it for 15 minutes

These Home Remedies to Treat Diaper Rash are easy to do and can be done with ingredients that are easily found in any household. As a practice, it is better to keep changing the diaper every four hours and use wipes to clean before a diaper change. Change the diaper immediately if it is soiled. Prevention is always best.

 

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