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Intermittent fasting (IF) is an approach to eating based on timing. The idea is that fasting for long enough allows insulin levels to fall low enough that our body will use fat for fuel. Growing evidence in animals and humans shows that this approach leads to significant weight loss. When combined with a nutritious, plant-based diet and regular physical activity, IF can be part of a healthy weight loss or maintenance plan, as I described in an earlier blog post.

Now, a randomized controlled trial published in JAMA claims that IF has no significant weight loss benefit and a substantial negative effect on muscle mass. News outlets picked up the story and ran headlines like A Potential Downside of Intermittent Fasting and An Unintended Side Effect of Intermittent Fasting.

But what did this study actually look at and find?

In the study, 141 patients were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of either a time-restricted eating plan (TRE) that involved fasting for 16 hours and eating only during an eight-hour window of the day, or a consistent meal timing (CMT) eating plan, with three structured meals a day plus snacks.

Neither group received any nutrition education or behavioral counseling, nor was physical activity recommended. There was no true control group (meaning a group that did not receive any instructions about meal timing).

Interestingly, both groups lost weight. Given the headlines, I had to read and reread the results several times, because they show that the IF group lost a statistically significant amount of weight from beginning to end — which wasn’t true in the CMT group. The researchers reported: “There was a significant decrease in weight in the TRE group (−0.94 kg; 95% CI, −1.68 kg to −0.20 kg; P = .01) and a nonsignificant decrease in weight in the CMT group (−0.68 kg; 95% CI, −1.41 kg to 0.05 kg; P = .07).”

Translated into plain English, the IF group lost more weight than could be due to chance: between half a pound and 4 pounds, or an average of 2 pounds. The structured meals group also lost some weight, although the amounts lost could have been due to chance: between 0.1 and 3 pounds, or an average of 1.5 pounds. The upshot was that there wasn’t a significant difference in weight change between the two groups. And the researchers saw a loss of muscle mass in the IF group that didn’t occur in the CMT group.

Diving deeper into the study

By the way, all of these folks may have been eating fried or fast foods, and sugary sodas and candy — we don’t know. The study doesn’t mention quality of diet or physical activity. This isn’t how IF is supposed to be done! And yet the IF folks still lost between half a pound and 4 pounds.

Importantly, the structured meals group also lost weight. While not significant enough to prove it was due to this intervention, for some participants it was enough to make structured meal weight loss differ little from IF weight loss. But think about it: structured meals are an intervention. After all, some people eat more than three times a day, consuming multiple small meals throughout the day. Telling people to limit their eating to three mealtimes plus snacks may actually be helping some to eat less.

The authors very well could have concluded that IF was indeed successful. They might also call for a follow-up study with a true no-intervention control group, as well as behavioral counseling, guidance on a healthy diet, and recommended activity levels for IF and CMT groups.

Does additional support make a difference?

Prior studies of IF that have provided behavioral counseling, and guidance on nutrition and activity, have definitely shown positive results. For example, in a previous blog post I described a 2020 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study in which 250 overweight or obese adults followed one of three diets for 12 months:

• IF on the 5:2 protocol, which means drastically reducing food intake for any two of five days of the week (down to 500 calories for women and 700 calories for men)
• Mediterranean, which emphasized fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and olive oil with moderate fish, chicken, eggs, and dairy, and with an allowance of one glass of wine per day for women and two per day for men
• Paleo, which emphasized fruits and vegetables, animal proteins, coconut products, butter, and olive oil, along with some nuts, seeds, and legumes.
• And this is key: all participants were provided education on behavioral strategies for weight loss, stress management, sleep, and exercise.

Everyone lost weight. The IF group lost more than anyone with an average of 8.8 pounds, Mediterranean next at 6.2 pounds, and Paleo last at 4 pounds. Adherence was better with the Mediterranean diet (57%) and IF (54%) than with the Paleo diet (35%), and better adherence resulted in one to three pounds more weight loss. The Mediterranean and IF groups also saw significant drops in blood pressure, another good result.

What about the loss in muscle mass that occurred in the IF group in the JAMA study? While this needs to be studied further, it’s important to note that other research on IF that included guidance on physical activity did not show any loss of muscle mass.

The bottom line

What’s the takeaway here? A high-quality diet and plenty of physical activity — including resistance training — are critical for our good health, and nothing replaces these recommendations. IF is merely a tool, an approach that can be quite effective for weight loss for some folks. While this one negative study adds to the body of literature on IF, it doesn’t reverse it. We simply need more high-quality studies in order to have a better understanding of how to most effectively incorporate IF into a healthy lifestyle.

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This is the dumbbell squat to overhead press.

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This is the high knee drop lunge.

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What is the healthiest oil to cook with?

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Kevin turned to food for comfort as he dealt with the death of his father. He chose a healthier path when his sister was diagnosed with cancer.

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This is the clamshell.

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So much is different and hard during this pandemic — including planning for the holidays.

It’s understandable to want to gather with friends and family. We are all so worn out by the COVID-19 pandemic, and need some cheering up. And most of us have friends and family that we haven’t been able to really spend time with — or haven’t seen at all — for months.

But gathering with friends and family can bring real risks during the pandemic, especially with cases rising all over the country. All it takes is one sick person — who may not even realize that they are sick — to infect others and spread the virus even more.

The best thing to do, honestly, is to celebrate the holiday with just the people you live with, and to skip in-person sporting (or other) events, or in-person Black Friday shopping. That’s truly the best way to keep everyone safe. Just hunker down, check in virtually, and make plans for next year, when things will hopefully be much better.

Still planning to gather for Thanksgiving?

While experts advise skipping gatherings this Thanksgiving, here are some recommendations to help limit risks for people who plan to celebrate the holiday with others.

Plans to make beforehand

• Travel safely if you are traveling. The safest way is by car with just the people you live with, but if that requires an overnight stay somewhere, a direct flight is likely safer. If you do fly, look for flights that space people apart, wear a mask, and bring hand sanitizer and wipes.
• Keep the numbers low. This is just not the year for a big family gathering.
• Keep the party short. This is not the year for a long family gathering either.
• Agree on “no symptoms” and “no exposure.” Make sure that everyone understands that anyone who has any symptoms of COVID-19, or has been exposed to someone with the virus, cannot come. That needs to be non-negotiable.
• Agree to socialize outside if possible. If you have to be inside, do everything you can to improve ventilation, like opening windows (but understand that this is not as safe as being outside).

Seating and food

• Arrange seating so that there is at least six feet between family members who don’t live together.
• Be mindful of risks as you plan the meal:
  • Ideally, everyone should bring their own food and not share.
  • If some people will be cooking, ask them to wear gloves and masks. And limit the people involved in preparing shared food.
  • No buffets this year. Think pre-served plates of food that people can grab and bring to their seat.
  • If you are serving food, have one person wearing a mask and gloves do all the serving.
  • Try to use single servings of condiments (like packets of salt and pepper) so that people are not all touching the same container.
• Use disposable plates, cutlery, and cooking ware, when possible.
• Use touchless garbage cans or pails.

Masks, physical contact, and sanitizing hands and surfaces

• Wear masks when you aren’t eating and when you cannot be six feet apart. I know this feels weird and hard at a family gathering, but it’s crucial.
• No hugs or other physical contact between people who don’t live together. Even elbow bumps are not a good idea. Not this year.
• Everyone should wash their hands often. Have hand sanitizer available.
• Wipe down surfaces regularly (keep wipes in the bathroom, for example).

Finally, don’t go to any crowded sporting events or shopping venues. Again: not the year for that. It’s just not worth the risk.

For more information on keeping your family safe this holiday season, visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Harvard Health Publishing Coronavirus Resource Center.

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

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When Jayden called our clinic to talk about worsening migraines, a medication change was one potential outcome. But moments into our telehealth visit, it was clear that a cure for her problems couldn’t be found in a pill. “He’s out of control again,” she whispered, lips pressed to the phone speaker, “What can I do?”

Unfortunately, abusive relationships like Jayden’s are incredibly common. Intimate partner violence (IPV) harms one in four women and one in 10 men in the United States. People sometimes think that abusive relationships only happen between men and women. But this type of violence can occur between people of any gender and sexual orientation.

Experiencing abuse can be extremely isolating, and can make you feel hopeless. But it is possible to live a life free from violence. Support and resources are available to guide you toward safety — and your doctor or health professional may be able to help in ways described below.

What is intimate partner violence?

Intimate partner violence (IPV) isn’t just physical abuse like kicking or choking, though it can include physical harm. IPV is any emotional, psychological, sexual, or physical way your partner may hurt and/or control you. This can include sexual harassment, threats to harm you, stalking, or controlling behaviors such as restricting access to bank accounts, children, friends, or family.

If this sounds like your relationship, consider talking to your doctor or health care professional, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE.

What does a healthy relationship look like?

Media images show us uniformly blissful relationships, but perfect relationships are a myth. This culture can make it difficult for us to recognize unhealthy characteristics in our own relationships. Respect, trust, open communication, and shared decisions are part of a healthy relationship. You should be able to freely participate in leisure activities or see friends without fear of your partner’s reaction. You should be able to share your opinions or make decisions without fear of retaliation or abuse. Sexual and physical intimacy should include consent — meaning that no one uses force or guilt to compel you to do things that hurt you or make you feel uncomfortable.

How can a health professional help me?

Health professionals like doctors or nurses can take a history and assess how the abuse may be affecting your health, well-being, and safety. Trauma from IPV can cause visible symptoms, like bruises or scars, as well as more subtle symptoms, like abdominal pain, headaches, trouble sleeping, or symptoms of traumatic brain injury. Health professionals can also provide referrals to see specialists, if needed.

With your consent, health professionals can take a detailed history, examine you, and document the exam findings in your confidential medical record. Let them know if you are concerned that your partner will view your medical record, so measures can be taken to keep it confidential. This documentation can help to strengthen a court case if you decide to pursue legal action in the future.

Additionally, you may be at risk for pregnancy or certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A health professional can perform tests for STIs or pregnancy and offer birth control options. Some forms of birth control are less easily detected by your partner, like an IUD, or a contraceptive implant or injection.

Health professionals can help you develop a safety plan if you feel unsafe. They can also help connect you with social services, legal services, and specially trained advocates. If you would like, health professionals can also connect you with law enforcement to file a report.

What is a sexual assault exam?

If you have experienced sexual assault within 120 hours (five days), you may be offered a sexual assault medical examination. This exam is voluntary. It is performed by a trained health professional and may include a full body exam, including your vagina, penis, or anus. It may also include taking blood, urine, or body surface samples and/or photographs that could be used during an investigation or legal action. You may be prescribed medication that could prevent infections or a pregnancy. You can click here to learn more about the sexual assault exam.

What can I expect if I talk to a health care professional about IPV?

Health professionals should listen to you supportively and without judgement. While not all health professionals are trained in trauma-informed care, it is your right to be treated with respect and empathy to help you feel safe and empowered. You should not be pressured to do anything you don’t want to do. And this shouldn’t change the care you receive. You have the right to decline any care you are not comfortable with. You get to decide how you want to proceed after you share information with your healthcare professional, whether that means seeking out legal support, making a safety plan to leave the relationship, or choosing to stay in the relationship and be connected to ongoing support. And you can choose not to share information about abuse at all.

Will the conversation be private and confidential?

These discussions should occur with you and your health professional in a private space. If your abusive partner accompanies you to your appointment, your health professional may ask them to leave the examination room for a period of time so that you have the privacy to talk openly. You can also ask to speak with the health professional alone.

In most cases, discussing your experiences with your health professional is confidential under HIPAA. All states have laws that protect children, elders and people with disabilities from abuse of any kind. Your health professional is obligated in certain circumstances to report abuse, such as violence against a minor or vulnerable adult. However, only a few states require health professionals to report intimate partner abuse.

Where can I find more resources on IPV?

Want to learn more about IPV and how to seek help?

If you or someone you know you is at risk, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224. This hotline is for anyone, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or ability.

If you are unable to speak safely, you can visit thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522. They are available 24/7 by phone or with a live chat, and can work with you to find help in your area.

• RAINN (national resource for sexual assault and violence)
• Love Is Respect (national resource for dating violence)
• WomensLaw.org (legal information for women experiencing domestic violence)
• LGBT National Help Center (LGBTQ+ resources, including chat and peer counseling).

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As someone who struggled with a miserable opiate addiction for 10 years, and who has treated hundreds of people for various addictions, I am increasingly impressed with the ways in which mind-body medicine can be a critical component of recovery from addiction. Mind-body medicine is the use of behavioral and lifestyle interventions, such as meditation, relaxation, yoga, acupuncture, and mindfulness, to holistically address medical problems. Mind-body treatments can be integrated with traditional medical treatments, or used as standalone treatments for certain conditions. Mind-body medicine is now being studied by the National Institutes of Health and effectively used in the treatment of addiction, and it will likely play a role in addiction recovery programs in the future.

Mind-body principles are not new to the recovery movement

Mind-body principles have been around since the start of the recovery movement in 1937, and they are a big part of Alcoholics Anonymous. The 12 Steps of AA feature concepts such as surrender, meditation, gratitude, and letting go — all critical components of mind-body medicine. Most 12-step meetings end with the Serenity Prayer: “God, grand me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Mutual help groups play a role in recovery for many people, and the principles of mindfulness that are part of these programs — in addition to the social support — shouldn’t be overlooked.

My experience with mind-body therapies for addiction

When I was sent to rehab for 90 days by the medical board due to my addiction, we participated in a lot of activities that seemed to be meant to approximate mind-body medicine, but they were haphazard and not particularly scientific, and I don’t believe they had the intended effect or were at all therapeutic. For example, we did shrubbery mazes (I’d get lost); we sat meditatively in silence (everyone around me chain-smoked, triggering my asthma); we had repeated lectures about “letting go and letting God” (I still have no idea what this means); we’d spend 30 minutes staring at a red square projected onto a screen (this gave me a migraine); and we went to a local acupuncture place where they hooked up extra electric current to the needles to give us extra “chi” (I felt like I was being cooked for dinner). Given that rehab is a $50 billion industry, I felt this was a lost opportunity to utilize mind-body medicine in a way that wasn’t superficial or trivial.

Formal mind-body therapies for addiction are being rigorously studied

Fortunately, there are now several scientifically-based mind-body medicine options for people in recovery. Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) is a technique that uses meditation as well as cognitive approaches to prevent relapse. It aims to cultivate awareness of cues and triggers so that one doesn’t instinctively turn to using drugs. It also helps people get comfortable sitting with unpleasant emotions and thoughts —their distress tolerance, a person’s ability to tolerate emotional discomfort — without automatically escaping by taking a drug. Improving distress tolerance is a common theme to many, if not all, approaches to addiction recovery, as a large part of the appeal of drug use is replacing a bad emotion with a good emotion — for example, by using a drug.

Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) is another technique to address addiction in recovery. MORE attempts to use both mindfulness and positive psychology to address the underlying distress that caused the addiction in the first place. There are three main pillars of MORE: it has been proven to help with distress tolerance; cue reactivity (the way people with addiction respond to cues, such as seeing a bottle of prescription drugs, which often trigger cravings); and attentional bias (the way an addicted brain will pay extra, selective attention to certain things, such as a pack of cigarettes when one is quitting smoking).

Mindfulness-Based Addiction Therapy (MBAT) is a technique that uses mindfulness to teach clients how to notice current emotions and sensations, and how to detach themselves from the urge to use drugs. This is called “urge surfing,” and we practiced it extensively in rehab. The aim is to break the automatic link between feeling uncomfortable, craving drugs, and, without thought or reflection, taking a drug to alleviate that discomfort.

Is there good evidence for mind-body medicine approaches to recovery?

While there is promising research that mind-body treatments for addiction are effective, some of the research is contradictory. According to a meta-analysis in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, mindfulness is a positive intervention for substance use disorders, it has a significant but small effect on reducing substance misuse, a substantial effect on reducing cravings, and, importantly, it is a treatment that has a large effect on reducing levels of stress.

However, not all studies of mind-body medicine for addiction have shown overwhelmingly positive results. Some studies showed that the treatment gains diminish over time. Some randomized controlled trials did not show that mind-body medicine was better than cognitive behavioral therapy in decreasing alcohol and cocaine use, or in abstaining from cigarette use.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health did a thorough review of much of the current literature surrounding mind-body medicine as it applies to addiction treatment, and summarized the impact of certain mind-body treatments as follows:

• Acupuncture is generally safe, and may help with withdrawal, cravings, and anxiety, but there is little evidence that it directly impacts actual substance use.
• There was some evidence that hypnotherapy my improve smoking cessation.
• Mindfulness-based interventions can reduce the use of substances including alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, cigarettes, opiates, and amphetamines greater than control therapies do, and are also associated with a reduction in cravings and risk of relapse. But the data in several studies are not strong.

At this time, we need more and better evidence, and more definitive conclusions, about how helpful, ultimately, mind-body medicine will be in helping to treat addiction in different treatment settings. But a takeaway message is that mindfulness-based treatments are certainly quite effective as adjunct treatments for addiction, in that they can help people with their anxiety, distress tolerance, and cravings, and quite plausibly will turn out to help people put down the drink or the drug, and to avoid relapsing, once they have managed to get themselves into recovery.

Mind-body interventions to prevent addiction

If mind-body medicine can significantly reduce stress, then one must ask if it can also help us prevent addiction by helping our society deal with the chronic, overwhelming stress that it is facing. Addiction is in large part considered to be a “disease of despair.” Important contributors to addiction are untreated anxiety and depression, unresolved childhood trauma, social isolation, and poor distress tolerance. If all of us can learn, or be trained, to be more mindful, grateful, present, and connected, perhaps the need, and eventually the habit, of fulfilling our most basic needs with the false promise of a chemical that merely wears off — and leaves us worse off — will become less of a problem in our society.

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Are you pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant? You’re probably prepared for morning sickness, weight gain, and an expanding belly. But did you know your skin can also undergo a variety of changes when you’re expecting? These changes are due to normal alterations in hormones that occur during pregnancy. Rest assured, most skin conditions that develop or worsen during pregnancy are benign, and tend to improve following delivery.

Darkening of the skin

A large majority of women experience darkening of their skin due to hormone shifts that occur during pregnancy. You may notice that the areas around your thighs, genitals, neck, armpits, and nipples darken. Many women also develop linea nigra, a dark line extending between the belly button and pubic bone. It is also not uncommon for women to experience darkening of their pre-existing moles and freckles. (If you are concerned that a spot on your body is growing or changing more than you’d expect, see a dermatologist for further evaluation.) However, most pigmentary changes tend to return to normal following childbirth, but may take many months to do so.

Melasma, the “mask of pregnancy”

Perhaps the most cosmetically distressing pigmentary change to occur in pregnancy is melasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy.” Melasma, which can appear as dark patches on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip, develops in approximately 70% of pregnant women. Melasma is exacerbated by exposure to sunlight. To help prevent it, consistently use sunscreens with sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 50, wear sun-protective clothing and hats when spending time outdoors, and avoid too much direct sunlight.

Melasma can sometimes persist after delivery, though it tends to improve after childbirth. If you wish to treat melasma after delivery, there are many treatments that can be prescribed or performed by a dermatologist, including skin lightening agents, chemical peels, and certain types of lasers. Hydroquinone, which is one of the most commonly used lightening agents on the market, is not safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you want to use a cream that has brightening properties while pregnant, look for glycolic acid or azelaic acid in the ingredient list.

Stretch marks

Stretch marks, also called striae gravidarum, are pink or white streaks of thin skin that develop in up to 90% of pregnant women. They occur due to expansion and stretching of skin during pregnancy, and they are most frequently seen on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks and hips. Stretch marks tend to develop in the late second and third trimester.

Many treatments, including vitamin E-containing oils, olive oil, and cocoa butter, have been used for prevention and treatment of striae, but unfortunately there is limited data to suggest the that any of these products are truly effective. These pink or red marks tend to fade to skin color following delivery, although they rarely disappear entirely. Evidence suggests that topical hyaluronic acid, tretinoin, and trofolastin can be used, with varying degrees of success, after delivery. If topicals are not effective, research has shown that several laser treatments, energy-based devices, and microneedling can lead to visible improvement in striae by increasing production of collagen (a structural component of skin) and decreasing blood flow to the lesions.

Acne… again?!

Many women experience breakouts during their pregnancies, especially those who had acne prior to pregnancy. This typically occurs in the first trimester and is related to the surge of estrogen causing overproduction in oil glands. Guidelines for the treatment of acne during pregnancy are scarce due to the lack of safety data. Dermatologists often recommend a combination of topical azelaic acid and/or benzoyl peroxide. If these treatments are not effective, topical antibiotics such as erythromycin or clindamycin can be added in some cases. Oral antibiotics, including erythromycin, azithromycin, and cephalexin, may be used for persistent cases. Oral and topical retinoids, normally a mainstay of treatment for moderate to severe acne, can result in birth defects and should be avoided during pregnancy.

If you develop any skin eruptions during pregnancy that cause concern, you should be evaluated by a dermatologist prior to starting any medications.

Follow me on Twitter @KristinaLiuMD

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Even in normal times, parents wrestle with decisions about how best to support their children’s development. Now, however, parents are faced with nearly-unprecedented choices, and problems with no clear solutions: What if in-person schooling is better for emotional health, but remote schooling is better for physical health? How can children foster social skills without typical social interactions? How can parents select among learning environments when all the options have clear downsides?

These concerns and choices are even more difficult for parents of children with disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable students and who are at increased risk of regression during school disruptions.

Special education: One size does not fit all

Of course, students who receive special education are not a uniform group. They range in age from 3 to 22, attending preschool through post-secondary placements. They include students with a wide variety of mild to severe cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities.

But students with disabilities share a need for special services, accommodations, or both, in order to fully access the school curriculum, and to make meaningful progress appropriate to their ability. At a time when schools are scrambling to deliver regular education in a novel and frightening new context, parents and educators must also work together to select and design appropriate programs for students with special needs.

Remote learning

Remote learning has two obvious benefits. First, it is the safest choice from a physical health perspective; it may indeed be the only choice for students who are medically fragile. Second, remote learning is less likely to be disrupted or changed over the course of the school year. Students who struggle with transitions or anxiety may benefit from the relatively predictable course of remote learning.

But remote learning also carries risks, some of which are particularly acute for students with disabilities. When children are at home, educators may not be able to deliver some services or accommodations. It may be more difficult, or even impossible, to work toward some goals, especially those that require proximity to or interaction with others, such as independently toileting, or purchasing lunch in the school cafeteria without adult support.

Remote learning also requires flexibility in parents’ schedules, and intensive parental participation. Even with parental involvement, students vary in how effectively they can engage with remote learning. And students who struggle with attention, intellectual functioning, language, self-regulation, or a combination of these challenges may have great difficulty learning efficiently from a remote platform. The lack of peer models may lead some children to regress behaviorally or academically.

In-person learning

In-person or hybrid (a combination of remote and in-person learning) models offer most of the benefits that remote options lack. These include a social environment with peers, and access to services and accommodations in as normal an environment as possible. Students who require intensive support, hands-on services, or who are working on skills specific to the school or vocational environment may require in-person learning opportunities in order to fully access the curriculum.

However, in-person models carry one major and obvious risk: the potential of increased exposure to COVID-19. All parents must be wary of this dangerous disease, and parents of medically complex children may deem such a risk unacceptable, despite potential academic or social benefits.

In-person models are also likely to evolve as the pandemic progresses. As a result, students will require greater flexibility in order to be successful at a physical school.

What should parents do?

Parents and educators will need to approach this challenge with creativity, flexibility, and collaboration. Parents should request to meet with their child’s educational team as soon as possible, and should plan to meet regularly thereafter to monitor their child’s progress, and to update the educational program as needed. When parents meet with their team, they should consider each goal and service with an open mind, discussing multiple options for how a goal could be met, and how a service or accommodation could be delivered.

Some adaptations are easy: for example, large print, screen-reading software, and speech-to-text are all immediately available in a remote context. Other adaptations pose challenges, but not necessarily insurmountable ones. A behavior analyst could offer coaching through a video call, for example. Or a teacher certified in intensive special education could deliver discrete trials instruction remotely by positioning two tablets in the child’s home, one for the child to use, and one as a screen to watch the child’s responses. An aide or behavioral support could join a child’s virtual classroom, and chat with or break out with the child as needed to offer support.

Now is the time for innovation, and many schools and families are discovering great new ways to deliver special education instruction safely and effectively.

Put schooling in perspective

While it can seem like there are no great options for school, parents should try to take comfort in accepting that this year, “good enough” is truly enough.

We should also strive to prioritize the things that children require even more than schooling: physical and emotional safety, a responsive adult, and unconditional love and acceptance. Children who feel safe and loved will emerge from this pandemic resilient, and ready to overcome other challenges in their future — and they may even have learned a thing or two along the way.

 

Resources

Autism Speaks COVID Resources

Child Trends (includes multiple excellent articles about supporting children through COVID-19)

Harvard’s Center for the Developing Child Guide to COVID-19 and Early Child Development

Helping Traumatized Children Learn, a collaborative work of MA Advocates for Children and Harvard Law School

Learning Policy Institute Resources and Examples

PTA Resources

US Department of Education resources for schools, students and families

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Aspirin has been called a wonder drug. And it’s easy to see why.

It’s inexpensive, its side effects are well-known and generally minor. And since it was developed in the 1890s, it’s been shown to provide a number of potential benefits, such as relieving pain, bringing down a fever, and preventing heart attacks and strokes. Over the last 20 years or so, the list of aspirin’s potential benefits has been growing. And it might be about to get even longer: did you know that aspirin may lower your risk of several types of cancer?

Studies of aspirin and cancer

A number of studies suggest that aspirin can lower the risk of certain types of cancer, including those involving the

• colon
• ovaries
• liver
• prostate.

The evidence that aspirin can reduce the risk of colon cancer is so strong that guidelines recommend daily aspirin use for certain groups of people to prevent colon cancer, including adults ages 50 to 59 with cardiovascular risk factors, and those with an inherited tendency to develop colon polyps and cancer.

And what about breast cancer? A number of studies in recent years suggest that breast cancer should be added to this list.

Studies of aspirin and breast cancer

One of the more convincing studies linking aspirin use to a lower risk of breast cancer followed more than 57,000 women who were surveyed about their health. Eight years later, about 3% of them had been newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Those who reported taking low-dose aspirin (81 mg) at least three days a week had significantly fewer breast cancers.

• Regular low-dose aspirin use was associated with a 16% lower risk of breast cancer.
• The reduction in risk was even greater — about 20% — for a common type of breast cancer fueled by hormones, called HR positive/HER2 negative.
• No significant reduction in risk was found among those taking regular-dose aspirin (325 mg), or other anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.

Another analysis reviewed the findings of 13 previous studies that included more than 850,000 women and found

• a 14% lower risk after five years of taking aspirin
• a 27% lower risk after 10 years of aspirin use
• a 46% reduction in risk after 20 years of aspirin use.

How does aspirin affect breast cancer risk?

These studies did not examine why or how aspirin might reduce breast cancer risk. So we really don’t how it might work.

In animal studies of breast cancer, aspirin has demonstrated anti-tumor properties, including inhibiting tumor cell division and impairing growth of precancerous cells. In humans, researchers have observed an anti-estrogen effect of aspirin. That could be important, because estrogen encourages the growth of some breast cancers. It’s also possible that aspirin inhibits new blood vessel formation that breast cancers need to grow. And the particular genetics of the tumor cells may be important, as aspirin’s ability to suppress cancer cell growth appears to be greater in tumors with certain mutations.

Now what?

It’s too soon to suggest that women should take aspirin to prevent breast cancer. Studies like these can show a link between taking a medication (such as low-dose aspirin) and the risk of a particular condition (such as breast cancer), but cannot prove that aspirin actually caused the reduction in breast cancer risk. So we’ll need a proper clinical trial — one that compares rates of breast cancer among women randomly assigned to receive aspirin or placebo — to determine whether aspirin treatment lowers the risk of breast cancer.

Warning: All drugs come with side effects

Keep in mind that all medications, including aspirin, can cause side effects. While aspirin is generally considered safe, it can cause gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding, and allergic reactions. And aspirin is usually avoided in children and teens, due to the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome that can harm the brain, liver, and other organs.

Stay tuned

Low-dose aspirin is often prescribed to help treat or prevent cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and strokes. A 2016 study estimated that if more people took aspirin as recommended for cardiovascular disease treatment or prevention, hundreds of thousands of lives and billions of dollars in healthcare costs would be saved. That might be an underestimate if the drug’s anti-cancer effects are confirmed. But aspirin is not beneficial for everyone — and some people need to avoid taking it. So, ask your doctor if taking aspirin regularly is a good idea for you.

Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling.

The post Aspirin and breast cancer risk: How a wonder drug may become more wonderful appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

from Harvard Health Blog https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/aspirin-and-breast-cancer-risk-how-a-wonder-drug-may-become-more-wonderful-2020102321225
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The Union home ministry (MHA) on Thursday decided to permit all “overseas citizens of India (OCI) and persons of Indian origin (PIO) cardholders and all other foreign nationals intending to visit India for any purpose, except on a tourist visa, to enter by air or water routes through authorised airports and seaport immigration check posts— as part of a graded relaxation.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-reopens-its-doors-restores-most-visas-issued-to-foreigners/articleshow/78805399.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/player-who-had-biggest-impact/polls/78805159.cms

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday released its manifesto for the three-phased Bihar elections promising to distribute the coronavirus vaccine free of cost once approved by the ICMR, and also assured 19 lakh jobs for youths of the state. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, releasing the party's manifesto, said vaccine is the first promise mentioned in the manifesto.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/free-covid-vaccine-19-lakh-jobs-bjp-releases-bihar-manifesto/articleshow/78803246.cms

With the onset of festivals, especially Durga Puja fervour reaching a crescendo, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is not taking any chances. On Thursday, it issued a list of dos and don'ts for a "safe and environment-friendly idol immersion". In a tweet, comprising two slides, the CPCB has recommended the dos-for devotees, idol makers, local authorities and regulatory authorities-and don'ts for the devotees and idol makers and sculptors.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/dos-and-donts-for-idol-makers-devotees-authorities-what-cpcb-recommends/articleshow/78804945.cms

Your car’s backseat probably does not have it, but soon the cheapest of berths on Indian Railways’ fast trains will provide you your own AC vent. If you are a bookworm, there will be a reading light too. And if social media is your thing, don’t worry, every berth will have its own charging point for nightlong chats and marathon photo sharing.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/how-sleeper-travel-is-about-to-turn-fast-and-cool/articleshow/78805675.cms

Maruti Suzuki on Thursday announced that its Hansalpur plant in Gujarat has rolled out 1 million units over a span of 3 years and 9 months. Out of all three Maruti Suzuki plants in India, the Gujarat plant becomes the fastest to achieve this feat.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/auto/news/suzukis-gujarat-plant-hits-1-million-production-milestone/articleshow/78804373.cms

The Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Google has a judge: Obama appointee Amit Mehta, who was assigned the case Wednesday morning in US District Court for the District of Columbia. Notable rulings include one in 2019 saying that lawmakers should get their subpoenaed financial records of President Donald Trump. He also dealt with a food-industry antitrust case.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/meet-amit-mehta-the-judge-for-googles-antitrust-case/articleshow/78800195.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/happy-birthday-parineeti-chopra-top-5-films-of-the-talented-actress-which-excelled-at-the-box-office/photostory/78798789.cms

After introducing fresh and long-life camel milk apart from chocolates, home-grown dairy giant – Amul – has forayed further into value-added products with the launch of camel milk ice-cream and milk powder. A first even for India’s dairy major, camel milk has remained in the news since last two years. PM Modi had earlier revealed that he was once scoffed for promoting camel milk.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/amul-forays-into-camel-milk-ice-cream-milk-powder/articleshow/78794655.cms

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually joined the Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal and also addressed the people extending his greetings to all on the biggest festival celebrated in the eastern state. Invoking Goddess Durga, PM Modi reaffirmed his govt's irrevocable commitment to women's empowerment alluding to Druga's symbolism of shakti (strength).

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-addresses-west-bengal-virtually-joins-durga-puja-celebrations/articleshow/78803865.cms

Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer Mohammed Siraj, who ripped through Kolkata Knight Riders' top-order with a "magical performance", said skipper Virat Kohli's surprise decision to hand him the new ball lifted his confidence in the IPL match.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/kkr-vs-rcb-virat-kohli-handing-new-ball-to-me-boosted-confidence-mohammed-siraj-on-magical-ipl-performance/articleshow/78801764.cms

The US State Department in a federal notification Wednesday proposed to make changes to its existing visa regulations under which foreign professionals, which would fall under H-1B, would not be issued temporary visa for business, as has been widely prevalent currently.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/us-proposes-not-to-issue-business-visas-for-h-1b-speciality-occupations/articleshow/78799879.cms

Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane commissioned the last of four indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare (ASW) stealth corvettes 'INS Kavaratti' into the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. Navy officials said the INS Kavaratti has state-of-the-art weapons and sensor suite capable of "detecting and prosecuting" submarines and has good endurance for long-range deployments.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indigenously-built-stealth-corvette-ins-kavaratti-commissioned-into-indian-navy/articleshow/78800884.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/bihar/bihar-assembly-elections-jdu-netas-too-want-yogi-to-charm-voters/articleshow/78799645.cms

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday raked up the issue of alleged misbehavior done with Aishwarya Rai, the estranged wife of the RJD president Lalu Prasad’s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav, at an election meeting and said, “Those who misbehaved with her would see in the future how dangerous would be the consequence of ill-treating a woman.”

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/bihar/bihar-polls-nitish-kumar-rakes-up-issue-of-misbehaviour-with-lalu-prasads-bahu-while-seeking-votes-for-chandrika-rai/articleshow/78794114.cms

With 55,838 new Covid-19 infections, India's total cases surge to 77,06,946. With 702 new deaths, toll mounts to 1,16,616. Total active cases are 7,15,812 after a decrease of 24,278 in last 24 hrs. Stay with TOI for the latest developments

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/coronavirus-live-updates-daily-covid-19-cases-below-60000-for-3-days/liveblog/78799186.cms

After gaining a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli said that many people do not have faith in the side's abilities but all players do have the desired confidence. "You can have the best players in the world but if you don't have the belief it's no good. Morris is loving the responsibility.." he said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/kkr-vs-rcb-i-dont-think-a-lot-of-people-have-belief-in-rcb-says-virat-kohli/articleshow/78800033.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/bihar/jdu-netas-too-want-yogi-to-charm-voters/articleshow/78799645.cms

A day after she claimed that there was a “rise in love jihad cases in Maharashtra”, National Commission for Women chief Rekha Sharma continued to find herself in the midst of a controversy over her remarks and some tweets allegedly posted by her from her account from the period prior to her tenure as the commission’s chairperson. Sharma claimed that her account was hacked.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/twitter-history-bites-ncw-chief/articleshow/78799337.cms

With less than a week to go for the first phase of polling in Bihar, campaigning in the state is hitting a crescendo. The parties are adjusting to the pandemic situation and making the best to reach out to voters. Stay with TOI for all updates:

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bihar-election-2020-live-updates/liveblog/78799971.cms

from Times of India https://www.gadgetsnow.com/slideshows/amazon-sale-discounts-on-bestseller-laptops-and-tablets-from-samsung-lenovo-asus-and-more/photolist/78798853.cms

The Indian economy is at the “doorstep of revival” and both the govt and the RBI are maintaining an accommodative stance, according to RBI governor Shaktikanta Das. An accommodative stance means being prepared to provide all the funds required to support growth. The statement comes a fortnight after he forecast that economy would break out of contraction in the fourth quarter.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/indian-economy-at-doorstep-of-recovery-says-rbi-governor/articleshow/78799452.cms

Mohammed Siraj's furious spell upfront tore apart the Kolkata Knight Riders' batting line up but RCB skipper Virat Kohli revealed that the seamer initially did not figure in their plans for opening the attack.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/it-was-a-late-call-to-ask-siraj-to-open-the-bowling-virat-kohli/articleshow/78795783.cms

The Calcutta high court on Wednesday allowed entry of up to 45 people in Puja pandals, easing its previous order declaring the pandals as no-entry zones.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/no-entry-order-eased-maximum-45-visitors-allowed-in-puja-pandals-says-calcutta-hc/articleshow/78784170.cms

In September 2020, 9,266 units of the Sonet were dispatched, making it the leader of the compact SUV segment within 12 days of its price announcement and market launch.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/auto/cars/kia-sonet-surges-forward-with-50000-bookings/articleshow/78784023.cms

Salman Khan's younger brother Sohail and father, noted script-writer Salim Khan, are part of the consortium - Sohail Khan International LLP - that has made the investment. The Khans confirmed the development to TOI on Tuesday and said they "see a lot of potential" in the league.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/salman-khans-family-buys-lanka-premier-leagues-kandy-franchise/articleshow/78780573.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/the-joke-is-on-you-an-item-point-for-kamal-nath/

Assam forest officials “seized” on Tuesday the engine of a goods train that had mowed down a mother elephant and her calf inside Lumding Reserve Forest through which the tracks pass, the first time such action has been taken by the authorities.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/assam-seizes-locomotive-for-murdering-elephants/articleshow/78778841.cms

Almost the entire top brass of the police, including three Additional IGs, 25 DIGs, 30 SSPs and dozens of SPs, DSPs and SHOs across Sindh, tendered leave applications, as a protest against the "resentment and heartache caused to all ranks of the force" by the unfortunate incident of October 18/19.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/demoralized-shocked-sindh-police-in-open-revolt-against-pak-army-over-igp-kidnaping-jittery-bajwa-orders-inquiry/articleshow/78782200.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/trp-scam-cops-arrest-2-more-ex-staffers-of-hansa-research/articleshow/78779126.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/coronavirus-people-share-how-their-sense-of-smell-and-taste-got-affected-after-they-got-infected/photostory/78767282.cms

Senior BJP legislator and former Union minister Basanagouda Patil Yatnal triggered a fresh controversy over leadership on Tuesday, by claiming that chief minister BS Yediyurappa will not remain in office for long and that the high command has decided that his successor will be from North Karnataka.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/bs-yediyurappa-wont-stay-cm-for-long-says-basanagouda-patil-yatnal-bjp-rejects-claim/articleshow/78779515.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/nitish-ridicules-tejashwis-10-lakh-govt-job-promise/articleshow/78777221.cms

Nissan India will be foraying into B-SUV with the introduction of Magnite. The SUV is particularly developed for India and will be exported to several global markets. Set to be launched during the festive season, Nissan will be unveiling the Magnite today. Stay tuned with TOI Auto:

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/auto/nissan-series-unveil-live-updates-price-performance-specifications/liveblog/78783653.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/farooq-abdullah-appears-before-ed-in-jcka-money-laundering-case-again/articleshow/78782759.cms

For the first time in their 11-year history (they were banned for two years), CSK - with only three wins out of 10 - are staring at a non-entry into the last four stage. Over the years, Dhoni sometimes has beaten Houdini himself in conjuring acts and fashioning comebacks, but this time even he seems to have given up.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ipl-2020-present-tense-future-imperfect-for-chennai-super-kings/articleshow/78781980.cms

A woman and her daughter on Tuesday beat a 46-year-old man to death at Periyar Nagar in Karamadai here after he allegedly made inappropriate phone calls to the younger woman over the past week.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/woman-daughter-beat-to-death-man-who-made-obscene-calls/articleshow/78777452.cms

While the temple town was being fortified last year in the run-up to the Supreme Court’s Ayodhya verdict, love blossomed between two fresh police recruits in their twenties, who were deployed at Ramjanmabhoomi, keeping in view their age and agility. In less than a year, the saga of love left a bloody trail, with the woman constable engineering the brutal murder of her beau on home turf, Etawah, with help of her two sisters. The trio was arrested early Tuesday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/saga-of-love-betrayal-up-woman-cop-murders-beau-after-marriage-snub/articleshow/78780509.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/deaths-from-crashes-due-to-mobile-use-while-driving-rose-33-in-2019/articleshow/78779181.cms

Hyundai Motor on Wednesday launched the all-new i20 N. The automaker launches the high-performance hatchback to expand the hatchback’s portfolio in Europe. The Hyundai i20 N will join the i30 N and i30 Fastback N to give the thrills of a racetrack car to its performance-oriented customer base.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/auto/cars/hyundai-i20-n-unveiled-launch-in-early-2021/articleshow/78782086.cms

Kings XI Punjab kept their playoff hopes alive with a much-improved performance to beat table-toppers Delhi Capitals by five wickets with an over to spare at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday. It was also another Shikhar Dhawan show. Dhawan, who waited until his 168th IPL innings for his first century, became the first to score back-to-back IPL centuries.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ipl-2020-kxip-vs-dc-shikhar-dhawan-makes-history-with-second-straight-ton-but-kings-xi-punjab-have-last-laugh/articleshow/78779930.cms

Kings XI Punjab skipper KL Rahul was relieved to see his team finally get over the line comfortably but said the top-four batsmen must consistently close out games in the remainder of their IPL campaign.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/kxip-vs-dc-one-of-our-top-four-has-to-finish-off-games-we-have-to-correct-that-says-kl-rahul/articleshow/78780064.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chinese-soldier-who-strayed-into-lac-in-ladakh-handed-back-to-china/articleshow/78779879.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-counters-un-rights-chief-criticism-on-misuse-of-fcra/articleshow/78779262.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/up-police-bring-in-cbi-to-investigate-trp-scam/articleshow/78779137.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/talk-of-reinventing-dalit-militancy-elgar-witness/articleshow/78779489.cms

An obscene video allegedly sent from deputy chief minister Chandrakant Kavlekar’s mobile to a WhatsApp group caused a flutter on social media and in political circles on Monday, with GFP, a former alliance partner of the ruling BJP, filing a complaint accusing the senior minister of sexual harassment and outraging women’s modesty.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/obscene-clip-sent-from-dycms-phone-min-claims-he-was-asleep-mobile-hacked/articleshow/78758288.cms

Adding another feather in its cap, Uttar Pradesh has earned the top position in terms of attracting the highest number of domestic tourists in 2019, leaving Tamil Nadu behind.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/uttar-pradesh-top-destination-for-domestic-tourists-now/articleshow/78759552.cms

The Karnataka transport department has decided to suspend driving licences for three months if a two-wheeler rider is caught riding without a helmet. The move comes in the backdrop of an increase in the number of bikers being booked for not wearing helmets while riding.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/no-helmet-you-will-lose-dl-for-3-months-in-karnataka/articleshow/78759366.cms

The controversy over this year's NEET refuses to die down. Some aspirants claimed final scores did not match with what they calculated from their OMR (optical marking response) sheets. A student from Amravati has moved the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court after getting zero out of 720 in her results. Another student is filing a petition after scoring 212, which is “lower than what I calculated from my OMR sheet”.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/neet-aspirants-say-scores-dont-match-calculations-one-moves-hc/articleshow/78756753.cms

Unbelievable it may sound in an otherwise poor state like Bihar, but records show that out 153 out of the 1,065 candidates in the fray in the first phase of state assembly election are crorepatis!

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/bihar/bihar-election-2020-153-crorepatis-in-first-phase-poll-fray/articleshow/78756730.cms

V K Sasikala, jailed aide of former chief minister Jayalalithaa, has said she may be released from the Bengaluru jail 'soon,' and has asked her legal team to keep the fine amount ready. Besides four-year jail term, she was slapped with a 10 crore fine in the disproportionate assets case.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/keep-fine-amount-ready-i-will-be-released-soon-v-k-sasikala-to-lawyer/articleshow/78759322.cms

But for a spell of five overs while defending 125 when Chennai Super Kings took three quick Rajasthan Royals wickets, not for once did MS Dhoni look in any sort of control in a game where CSK had to win. Dhoni spoke about "process" at the end of the match, but during the course of this IPL there has been indications that he is getting things wrong on that count as well.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/dhoni-dishes-out-his-worst-during-his-200th-ipl-game/articleshow/78756945.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/court-acquits-20-tablighi-foreign-members-stuck-for-7-months/articleshow/78759152.cms

Unbelievable it may sound in an otherwise poor state like Bihar, but records show that out 153 out of the 1,065 candidates in the fray in the first phase of state assembly election are crorepatis!

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/bihar/153-crorepatis-in-1st-phase-poll-fray/articleshow/78756730.cms

Stay here for real-time updates on breaking news from India and across the world that you can't miss:

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/breaking-news-live-october-20/liveblog/78759944.cms

A five-and-a-half-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted sexually by her 7-year-old neighbour in Aligarh. Police registered an FIR under section 376 (rape) of IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offence (Pocso) Act at Kawarsi police station.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/seven-year-old-boy-accused-of-raping-girl-5-in-aligarh/articleshow/78755555.cms

In a significant move that comes amid a Sino-India border row, India on Monday announced Australia's participation in the upcoming Malabar exercise along with the US and Japan, effectively making it the first military-level engagement between the four-member nation grouping- the Quad. Australia said Malabar-2020 marked a milestone opportunity for the Australian Defence Force.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/australia-will-participate-in-malabar-naval-exercise-govt/articleshow/78759997.cms

In the last six months alone, NBA has written over 20 letters to the TRAI chairman against Republic TV occupying multiple ‘logical channel numbers’, including in other genres and languages, in violation of TRAI regulations that limit a TV channel to only one LCN or slot on a cable or DTH platform.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nba-writes-to-trai-about-violations-by-republic-tv/articleshow/78759680.cms

The Aam Aadmi Party MLAs spent Monday night inside Punjab assembly demanding copies of the farm bill which the state's Congress government is now expected to introduce on Tuesday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/farm-laws-aap-mlas-spend-night-in-punjab-assembly/articleshow/78760563.cms

from Times of India https://www.gadgetsnow.com/slideshows/amazon-sale-15-apple-airpods-lookalikes-available-under-rs-5000-after-up-to-68-discount/photolist/78758020.cms

from Times of India https://www.gadgetsnow.com/tech-news/not-only-samsung-xiaomi-too-made-fun-of-apple-over-power-adapter-and-earpods/articleshow/78760448.cms

Chennai Super Kings' skipper MS Dhoni on Monday said the youngsters in his squad did not show the spark needed to break into the playing XI at the expense of the veterans in this IPL season. Three-time winners CSK, who have been criticised for continuing with their old warhorses, suffered their seventh defeat in the tournament on Monday, this time to Rajasthan Royals.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ipl-2020-ms-dhoni-says-spark-missing-in-csk-youngsters/articleshow/78760002.cms

The tsunami warning covers much of the southern coast of the remote US state, including the thinly populated Alaska Peninsula, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/tsunami-alert-for-alaska-after-major-7-5-magnitude-quake/articleshow/78758982.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/caa-rules-in-the-making-nadda-says-in-bengal/articleshow/78759321.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/japans-new-pm-endorses-abes-indo-pacific-policy/articleshow/78759367.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/odisha-techies-ai-tool-helps-nobel-winner-wfp/articleshow/78759295.cms

In the last 30 days since Covid-19 cases peaked in India, the growth rate of infections has more than halved — from 92% in the month prior to September 18 to 42% since then, a drop of 50 percentage points. Stay with TOI for the latest developments

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/coronavirus-live-updates-at-45000-indias-tally-of-fresh-cases-lowest-in-90-days/liveblog/78759192.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/near-vision-loss-cases-in-india-surge-to-138-million/articleshow/78759181.cms

The top four IT services companies hired just 12,258 people in the first half of the fiscal, down from 54,002 in the same period last year, as the pandemic hit demand and companies took measures to rein in costs.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/it-companies-hiring-plunges-but-recovery-expected-in-h2/articleshow/78743540.cms

Maruti Suzuki on Monday launched the Swift Limited Edition. The limited-edition hatchback comes right the beginning of the festive season to gain traction with the Indian audience. The Maruti Suzuki Swift Limited Edition is available across all-variants with an additional cost of Rs 24,990.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/auto/cars/maruti-suzuki-swift-limited-edition-launched-starts-at-rs-5-43-lakh/articleshow/78743533.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/assam-mizoram-border-tensions-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/78741345.cms

Unable to cross the Thandava river, which is in spate, to reconnect an overhead power line, and faced with the challenge of restoring power supply to six villages following heavy rains, electricity officials hit upon a novel idea - use a drone to restore the snapped electricity line.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/photos-drone-helps-restore-power-supply-in-6-andhra-pradesh-villages/articleshow/78741504.cms

A farmer in Hathras who owned the field in which the 19-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly gang-raped and assaulted last month has demanded compensation for the loss of his millet crop which could not be irrigated or harvested in time for fear of destruction of evidence.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/hathras-farmer-in-whose-field-19-yr-old-girl-was-gang-raped-loses-crop-trying-to-preserve-evidence-seeks-compensation/articleshow/78737235.cms

A 20-year-old woman has alleged that she was kept in a lock up and raped for 10 days in May this year by five police personnel, including the police station in-charge and sub-divisional police officer, in Mangawan of MP’s Rewa district.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/mp-woman-alleges-gang-rape-by-5-cops-for-10-days-in-lock-up/articleshow/78740127.cms

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of an event in Long Island, New York on Sunday, Trump Jr. reminisced Donald Trump's February visit to India, saying the reception his father received in India was "absolutely overwhelming". "I think the relationship of my father President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is incredible," he said.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-presidential-elections/trump-modi-relationship-incredible-says-donald-trump-jr/articleshow/78742762.cms

The confrontation erupted when the Taiwanese tried to stop Chinese diplomats from taking photos of guests at the Oct. 8 event, said a ministry spokeswoman, Joanne Ou, in a written statement. She said a Taiwanese employee was taken to a hospital with a head wound while police took away the Chinese diplomats.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/taiwanese-staffer-injured-in-clash-with-chinese-side-in-fiji/articleshow/78743374.cms

Just about a fortnight ahead of bypolls, controversy erupted on Sunday over a speech made by former CM Kamal Nath at an election rally in Dabra seat of Gwalior.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/bjp-accuses-kamal-nath-of-insulting-imarti-goes-to-ec/articleshow/78740113.cms

The Kerala high court on Monday dismissed all petitions, including by the state government, challenging central government's decision to leave out operations of Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) to Adani Enterprises Ltd.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/hc-dismisses-kerala-govts-petition-against-trivandrum-airports-lease-to-adani-group/articleshow/78743366.cms

Main accused of the Ballia firing incident, Dhirendra Singh, has been sent to 14 days judicial custody by chief judicial magistrate of Ballia district court on Monday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/ballia-firing-incident-main-accused-dhirendra-singh-sent-to-14-days-judicial-custody/articleshow/78743502.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/covid-19-how-to-determine-which-activity-is-safe-and-which-is-worth-skipping/photostory/78742694.cms

The bypoll scene turned murkier in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday when former chief minister Kamal Nath during a poll meeting in Dabra assembly seat of Gwalior district, mocked the BJP candidate and cabinet minister, Imarti Devi allegedly referring to her as `item'.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-kamal-nath-terms-minister-imarti-devi-an-item-bjp-fumes/articleshow/78734258.cms

More than 300-year-old Lingayat mutt in Belagavi district’s Hukkeri taluk celebrated the nation’s syncretic ethos by inviting a Muslim leader to declare the 10-day Dasara festivities open on Saturday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/karnataka-muslim-leader-opens-dasara-at-lingayat-mutt/articleshow/78740985.cms

At least 20 houses and shops along the Assam-Mizoram border in Cachar district were set ablaze and several people were injured as a shower of petrol bombs landed from the other side of the boundary late Saturday following a dispute over a Mizo checkpoint set up the previous night.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/assam-mizoram-border-tense-20-houses-gutted/articleshow/78740865.cms

from Times of India https://www.gadgetsnow.com/tech-news/google-reveals-how-it-fought-back-one-of-the-biggest-cyber-attack/articleshow/78741991.cms

from Times of India https://www.gadgetsnow.com/tech-news/facebook-has-3-hidden-apps-in-most-android-phones-sold-in-india-but-should-you-worry/articleshow/78742184.cms

Mumbai police, which is probing allegations that Republic TV and two Marathi channels bribed households with bar-to-meters so they could inflate viewership ratings, said they have found a larger money trail than initially suspected, linking channels to a key suspect who is under arrest.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cops-cash-went-monthly-from-channels-to-trp-suspect/articleshow/78739920.cms

Foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals with even minuscule Chinese holding will need government approval, with the Centre abandoning its earlier plan to set a floor for “significant beneficial ownership”.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/fdi-with-even-the-smallest-chinese-holding-will-need-govt-nod/articleshow/78738799.cms

Producing thrilling cricket in a heart-stopper, Kings XI Punjab, riding on consecutive boundaries by Mayank Agarwal and a six by Chris Gayle off Trent Boult, chased down 12 in the second Super Over to stun the Mumbai Indians in Dubai on Sunday night.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ipl-2020-mi-vs-kxip-twin-super-overs-see-kings-xi-punjab-upset-mumbai-indians/articleshow/78741179.cms

from Times of India https://www.gadgetsnow.com/slideshows/amazon-great-indian-festival-sale-smart-bulbs-speakers-soundbar-and-other-devices-available-at-discount-to-make-your-home-smarter/photolist/78738490.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/timestopten.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ballia-firing-main-accused-held-from-lucknow/articleshow/78730099.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/living-coronavirus-found-on-frozen-food-packaging-in-china/articleshow/78730149.cms

A new captain in the saddle, Kolkata Knight Riders would look to sort out their batting woes and strive for consistency when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad in an intriguing mid-table Indian Premier League clash here on Sunday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/kkr-vs-srh-preview-kolkata-knight-riders-aim-to-sort-out-batting-woes-under-new-captain-eoin-morgan-in-clash-against-sunrisers-hyderabad/articleshow/78716703.cms

Some schools-cum-religious education-centres in Shopian and Pulwama are under the watch of intelligence agencies and Jammu & Kashmir police for allegedly using the facade of formal education to identify vulnerable pupils and motivate them to work for terrorist outfits active in the Valley, TOI has learned.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lens-on-jk-schools-motivating-kids-to-become-terrorists-dgp/articleshow/78728897.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/heavy-rain-makes-rescue-efforts-difficult-in-hyderabad/articleshow/78728276.cms

Can an implant help a comatose patient regain consciousness? A 40-year-old housewife's doughty family could be in a position to answer the question in the next few months.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mumbai-man-starts-a-long-wait-to-see-if-an-implant-can-wake-wife-from-coma/articleshow/78727720.cms

The famous Marundeeswarar temple at Thiruvanmiyur was found looted on Friday morning, when authorities opened the 'hundials' (boxes of offerings).

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-at-marundeeswarar-temple-thief-prays-loots-and-leaves/articleshow/78727415.cms

Stay here for real-time updates on breaking news from India and across the world that you can't miss:

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/breaking-news-live-updates-oct-18/liveblog/78727864.cms

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday called AB de Villiers the "most impactful player in IPL" after the South African blasted a 22-ball 55 to set up an incredible win against Rajasthan Royals.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ab-de-villiers-is-ipls-most-impactful-player-says-virat-kohli/articleshow/78723096.cms

from Times of India https://www.gadgetsnow.com/amazon-great-indian-festival-sale-12-phones-from-apple-xiaomi-samsung-and-others-available-at-lowest-ever-price/photolist/78727568.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/Undertheinfluence/moral-of-the-tanishq-ad-row-all-that-glitters-is-just-a-distraction/

A 36-year-old divorced woman has approached Misrod police station and alleged that she was gang-raped by her two younger brothers around eight months back.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/bhopal-36-year-old-woman-accuses-younger-brothers-of-gang-rape/articleshow/78728175.cms

from Times of India https://www.gadgetsnow.com/slideshows/apple-launches-4-new-iphones-oneplus-vivo-and-xiaomis-new-phones-micromax-plans-comeback-and-other-top-tech-news-of-the-week/photolist/78725952.cms

Facing Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy's complaint To CJI against him, most senior SC judge N V Ramana on Saturday said a Judge needs to take decisions fearlessly and stand up bravely to all pressures and odds.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/judge-must-be-fearless-in-giving-decisions-justice-ramana/articleshow/78724070.cms

Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday said he had to hand the ball to Ravindra Jadeja to bowl the match-deciding final over against Delhi Capitals since Dwayne Bravo, his preferred option, was not available due to fitness issues.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/dc-vs-csk-dwayne-bravo-was-not-fit-to-bowl-final-over-says-ms-dhoni/articleshow/78727879.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/rituals-puja/navratri-colours-2020-list-of-9-colours-and-their-significance/articleshow/78619980.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/desi-scientists-work-on-extreme-life-key-to-decoding-existence-on-mars/articleshow/78724026.cms

A humanoid balloon, which looked like a sci-fi character dropping from the sky, spooked many who gaped at it in disbelief before raising the alarm. For some, it was an alien, for others a spy.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/what-ballooney-when-talk-of-an-alien-took-over-this-village/articleshow/78726506.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/assembly-elections/bihar/bihar-electioneering-goes-musical-with-bhojpuri-raps/articleshow/78708547.cms

Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election four years ago brought into question as never before the reliability of opinion polls. Can they be believed this time around? With 16 days to go before the November 3 election, Democrat Joe Biden is ahead of the Republican president by 9.0 percentage points nationally, according to polling averages from the RealClearPolitics website.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-presidential-elections/biden-leads-trump-but-can-polls-be-trusted-this-year/articleshow/78727575.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/Swaminomics/vote-fears-should-not-come-in-way-of-bigger-stimulus/

mphasising the need to ensure speedy delivery of Covid-19 vaccine even in the remotest areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed his government on Saturday to deliver and administer the shots on the lines of elections conducted in the country, involving all levels of government as well as civil society.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ensure-poll-like-system-for-covid-vaccine-delivery-pm/articleshow/78727483.cms

India has one of the lowest Covid-19 deaths per million population in the world with less than 1,000 fatalities registered daily since October 4. The fatality rate of 1.52 per cent on Friday was the lowest since March 22, the Union health ministry said. Stay here for live updates

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/coronavirus-latest-updates-october-18/liveblog/78727423.cms

With farm sector seen as a key support to growth against the mayhem triggered by the pandemic, these companies sense an opportunity to increase sales betting on rural and small town India.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/retail-giants-eye-rural-india-small-towns-to-push-growth/articleshow/78713752.cms

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/age-of-womens-marriage-in-india-education-money-region-play-an-important-role/articleshow/78706030.cms

Sabarimala temple was at 5pm on Friday opened for the monthly, Thulamasa, rituals. In the presence of temple thantri Kandararu Rajevaru, the head priest A K Sudheer Namboothiri opened the temple doors. Pilgrims would be allowed to visit the temple adhering to Covid-19 protocol from October 17 to 21.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/kerala-sabarimala-temple-opened-for-pilgrims/articleshow/78713478.cms

Pakistan speedster Umar Gul on Saturday announced he will retire from all forms of cricket after the end of the ongoing National T20 Cup. The 36-year-old Gul, who played his last match for Pakistan -- an ODI -- in 2016, featured for Balochistan team in the National T20 Cup, which ends on Sunday.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/pakistan-pacer-umar-gul-announces-retirement-from-all-forms-of-cricket/articleshow/78715338.cms