Foot Reflexology Massage

 

Correct foot massage. pic.twitter.com/h9cVTO8AfX

— Learn Something (@EvoIution9) April 4, 2025 

Foot Spa - Tutorial

 

Spa Vacancies for Females - Opportunity and Risks in this Profession

 

Demand for Women in Spa Job in Trivandrum

In a span of just few years, many spas has opened in Trivandrum city. Most of these spa seems to work on a slightly murky ground. 

On of the problem in this space is the lack of professional players. Most spa owners are just after money - not just offering service as the top priority. Another aspect of this profession is the high demand for women to work as spa therapists. 

Risk Factors of Working in an Unregulated & Non-Standardized Environment in Kerala

Lack of Legal Protection – Many small spas operate without proper licensing or labor regulations, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation, unfair wages, and job insecurity.

Safety Concerns – In some unregulated spas, safety measures for female therapists may be inadequate, increasing the risk of harassment or uncomfortable situations.

No Standardized Training – Without proper certification and training enforcement, therapists may receive inconsistent training, leading to skill gaps and lower-quality services.

Unclear Work Conditions – Many spas operate informally, leading to issues like unpredictable working hours, lack of proper leave policies, etc

Reputation Risks – Some unregulated spas engage in unethical activities, creating a stigma around the profession and potentially damaging the credibility of legitimate therapists.

Health Hazards – Poor hygiene standards, improper handling of massage oils, and lack of ergonomic training can lead to health issues for therapists over time.

No Social Security or Benefits – Many therapists in unregulated spas don’t receive health insurance, pension benefits, or maternity leave, making long-term career stability difficult.

So, what does it take to be a professional therapist? 

• How to learn the art of massage? Is there any certification program, for eg certification in foot reflexology, or body massage or govt approved ayur spa massage certification! 
• How Kerala can tap the growing demand for spa massage? 
• Can traditional ayurveda massage centres tap the possibility of including Swedish massage in their menu? 

Just Curious! 


Curious Konnections

Btw, it's time Kerala Govt come up with some kind of standardization with respect to the work, qualification or training which has to be attended by all the staff, the facilities, hygiene, etc. Probably, they can look at the standards in other countries and modify according to Kerala standards. 

The Kiss of Life

The Kiss of Life ( Source: Instagram)

 Came across the iconic photo of a electric linesman resuscitating his fellow worker who accidentally contacted a live wire. In the end, he managed to bring him down the pole, and then did a proper CPR which revived him. 

So, after reading the above story, I was thinking of this - - - 

Does our BESCOM or KSEB linesman know to do CPR when the need arises? 
Is it part of their training on how resuscitate an employee when an unfortunate event happens?
Do they conduct such drills so that they get to practice CPR and learn to do it perfectly


Just thinking! 

Suspecting Varicose Vein

Yoga Pose for people with Varicose Vein Problem

Just sharing a Facebook reel by Vipita Karni on simple exercise that you can add to your morning routine. 

There is No Tiger!

Time for First AI Powered Healer and Advisor in Kerala

Rise of AI Agent in Healthcare ( Now in Kerala)

 In Kerala, we have lot of troubles that's brewing. One thing on the news is the rise of drug related offenses and problems. With many young people getting hooked on synthetic drugs, people of Kerala is waking up to see it's deep tentacles in every part of the society. 

So, what can be done to provide support to people? Well, we have the traditional guidance, support, but is that just enough? 

Introducing the first ever AI Avatar to tackle this problem and to Provide Guidance to People!

What I'm suggesting is the use of AI in healthcare, which can converse with people in manner more than a chat box. For instance, Kerala Govt can get expert help in installing such systems by collaborating with Guildhawk's Digital Human Avatars! What say?

Will it help in a small way to help the Gen Z  ( zoomers) to confide to an AI and get the right guidance during their troubled habits!

I hope Kerala govt take such measures which are required to combat the menace of drugs! 

Btw, they can name it Kbot or KChat or K-pal! 

What say?

Strong Case for Kerala to Implement AI Avatar to Combat Drug usage

The Kerala state government should think of leveraging AI avatars to provide guidance, counseling, and emotional support for Gen Z, particularly those vulnerable to synthetic drugs. These AI-powered virtual counselors engage young people through interactive conversations, helping them navigate stress, peer pressure, and the dangers of substance abuse.

Having an AI-driven support system allows the government to reach youth directly on platforms they frequently use, such as social media, mobile apps, and chatbots. These AI avatars can offer real-time counseling, answer questions, and provide a non-judgmental space for young individuals to express their concerns. Additionally, short video content and interactive simulations can help in educating teens about the psychological and physical effects of drug abuse.

Use Case: AI Avatar for Drug Prevention

Imagine a 16-year-old student, curious about synthetic drugs due to peer influence. Instead of turning to unreliable sources, they engage with an AI avatar counselor via a WhatsApp chatbot or a government app. The AI listens to their concerns, provides scientific explanations of drug effects, shares real-life recovery stories, and even suggests local support groups or helplines. This early intervention can prevent experimentation and help young individuals make informed decisions.

By integrating AI avatars into schools, universities, and social media platforms, Kerala can proactively combat drug abuse, guiding youth toward a healthier future while making mental health support more accessible and stigma-free.

Reminder - Focus on Present

Quote

 This quote by Eckhart Tolle highlights how a strong attachment to the ego keeps a person trapped in time—constantly identifying with the past and seeking fulfillment in the future. It suggests that when we define ourselves by past experiences or long for a future outcome, we miss the present moment, which is the only true reality.

Focusing on the Smallest Viable Audience ( Women Flats)

Women's Flat Slippers 

Shoes at the Church

 While standing near the church corridor, my eyes felt on a ladies' flat type footwear outside the door. For some reason, I'm liking these kind of flat footwear worn by ladies. 

Marketing the Smallest Viable Audience!

This is what Seth Godin often tells in his podcast. He says marketing to the entire world is flawed and if often results in failure of the biz. Instead of focusing on a large audience, look at a small sub segment which would be enough to earn sufficient demand and profit. 

Based on this premise, I was thinking if someone opens a dedicated footwear store ( online or offline) where they have specialized section for ladies flat type of footwear. 

If it's a online store, the main menu can be broken in these ways:

- Under 100 Rs 
- Under 199 Rs 

- Leather type
- Synthetic 
- Natural substance 
- Kolapuri types 
- Popular in USA 
- Mostly bought in the last month
- Recycled ones 
- Jute material
- Made by NGO's/Prison inmates 
- Gift to a friend 

So, if you like such type of low-heal flat slippers, would you walk into a store which has a good collection of  Flat Bellies?

Charles! 

The Role of Liberal Liquor Policies in Combating Drug Usage: A Perspective from Kerala

Crackdown on Drugs and Campaign Against Drugs in Kerala

Current Story!

Kerala has been witnessing a growing campaign against drug abuse among school children and adults. In recent days, intensified search operations and arrests have led to the seizure of synthetic drugs and marijuana from peddlers and users. While these measures are certainly creating awareness among parents and communities about the rise in drug usage, they do not provide a lasting solution.

Addressing the issue of drug abuse requires a comprehensive, long-term policy approach that goes beyond sporadic crackdowns. It demands consistent campaigns, regular monitoring, and effective tracking mechanisms. Additionally, Kerala can learn from best practices implemented in other parts of the world to develop a sustainable and balanced strategy.

Learning from Global Practices

Several European cities have taken innovative approaches to managing drug use, recognizing that rigid prohibition may not always yield the desired outcomes. Here are a few best practices that Kerala could consider:

Decriminalization and Regulation: In Portugal, personal drug use is decriminalized, focusing on health interventions rather than punishment. This has significantly reduced overdose rates and drug-related deaths.

Safe Consumption Spaces: Cities like Amsterdam have designated safe spaces for drug use where medical supervision is provided. This reduces the risk of overdose and allows for health monitoring.

Legalization of Cannabis: Countries like the Netherlands and certain states in the US have legalized cannabis in controlled environments, reducing the illicit trade and ensuring quality control. ( This has to be taken at the national level). I hope Modi Ji will do something groundbreaking by allowing a new policy about legalizing cannabis ( small quantity) and so forth. 

Public Awareness Campaigns: In Switzerland, extensive educational programs target young people to inform them about the risks of drug use. This approach empowers individuals to make informed decisions.

Social Rehabilitation Programs: Countries like Germany emphasize rehabilitation over punishment, offering support to addicts to reintegrate into society rather than imprisoning them.

Rethinking Kerala’s Liquor Policy

An often-overlooked aspect of Kerala’s growing drug problem is its stringent liquor policy. While well-intentioned, this policy has inadvertently contributed to the rise of drug usage.

The “Forbidden Fruit” Effect

A peculiar phenomenon observed in Kerala is the scarcity mindset triggered by liquor restrictions, especially on the first of every month when liquor sales are prohibited. This scarcity mindset leads to excessive buying and consumption before the ban, fueling a culture of binge drinking. The psychological response to this prohibition may also push people, particularly those from lower economic backgrounds, towards drugs as an alternative.

Bar Timings and Accessibility

Another problematic aspect is the early shutdown of bars. Restricting bar timings to early hours not only reduces responsible social drinking but also drives people to unregulated spaces where drugs are easier to access. Allowing bars to remain open until 11 PM on weekdays and 12:30 AM on weekends could help foster responsible drinking while providing a safer environment for socialization.

Encouraging Microbreweries and Pubs

To shift the drinking culture from binge drinking to responsible social consumption, Kerala should encourage the establishment of microbreweries and pubs, particularly in urban centers like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Cities like Bengaluru have seen positive outcomes by promoting craft beer culture, where patrons drink in moderation and in safe settings. Liberalizing liquor licensing could bring in capital investment and promote a healthier social drinking environment.

Addressing the Bigger Picture

Rather than simply cracking down on drugs, it is essential to consider a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of substance abuse. Restrictive liquor policies can paradoxically push people toward drugs, as substances like synthetic drugs and marijuana are easier to transport, conceal, and consume compared to alcohol.

By adopting liberal liquor policies, Kerala can:

• Reduce the forbidden fruit effect by making alcohol available responsibly.
• Encourage social drinking in controlled environments rather than secretive drug use.
• Create employment and revenue through breweries and pubs.
• Decrease the stigma associated with moderate drinking, promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Final Take

The ongoing anti-drug campaign is undoubtedly raising awareness, but without addressing underlying socio-cultural factors, it may not yield long-term results. Kerala’s strict liquor policies might be inadvertently fostering the rise of drug use. Adopting a more liberal approach, drawing lessons from global practices, and promoting responsible drinking environments can help curb the rampant rise of drug use while providing safe and socially accepted alternatives.



NGO's and Organizations which offer Counselling and Campaign Against Drugs in Kerala

1. SAJEEVAM - ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN

why Cow is Called Beef on a Menu

Cow and Beef!

 So, now the question on my mind is sorted out! So, it all started with the French aristocrats who were used to seeing these dishes on their table and they called it Beef or something like that. And, the English took it from there. 

How to Remember things on the To-buy-list

To Buy List ( Gosh I forgot)

 A screen grab from a message from the Coffee House group. Well, I saw this message while waiting to get the fish cleaned in a fish store. And, it made me chuckle. 

What about you? 

Time for a Drink

 Just a pic of a time, a moment with people! 

Coffee Time Domlur - Sree Udipi

Sugar it!

Coffee Time - Bangalore

My time with coffee at a near by coffee spot - Sri Udipi restaurant. 
 

What's your Brand Story? What's your Story?

Brand Story 

 
What's the story you're going to tell? 
How do you tell a consistent story? 

Time to Bring a Change in Perception!

Mothermag Article

 

From the article:

“I try to incorporate all of the magic and fundamentals that my parents lovingly ingrained. My mom and dad were also epic hosts and the most generous humans. If friends of my parents stopped by the house unexpectedly, we learned to greet them with a warm welcome, take their coats, and offer them something to drink. My parents had a special knack for entertaining on the fly. They’d find things in the pantry—like a tin of smoked oysters, some olives and crackers—and turn it into something so elegant. Their innate generosity and hospitality have had such an impact on me, something I definitely want to pass down to my daughters.

Source; https://www.mothermag.com/lady-and-larder-sarah-simms-boo-simms/ 

 The moral of my story is that you must always advocate for yourself. You know yourself better than anyone.”

(I was also a full-time private chef when we first started Lady & Larder). Now I put my health first—sleep and my vitamin protocol, workouts, and time with my family. Every single day we get is precious. It’s sort of an obvious truth that we all forget. None of us know how many days we get.”

Grazing Board, Lamp Shade and Wall Routine

QR Code for wall Routine exercise 

How about these images to remind my mind about things to do and projects to take up - project to make grazing board and a similar looking lamp shade. 

A grazing board is a beautifully arranged platter filled with a variety of bite-sized foods such as cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts, crackers, dips, and other small snacks. It is designed for casual, communal eating, allowing people to sample different flavors and textures in a visually appealing way.

Why is it made or used?

1. Entertainment & Socializing – Perfect for gatherings, parties, and events where guests can snack at their own pace.

2. Variety & Balance, Aesthetic Appeal, Ease & Convenience

 Btw, I came across the topic of grazing board from this link and about the sister duo who started a biz called Lady and Larder which makes gazing boards. Sadly, Boo Simms one of the sister in the biz venture tragically passed away during an operation. 

Look around.  Happiness is trying to catch you.

Hands have a Hidden Energy

Tap Your Potential

 This poster is just to remind me to revisit Insta page and follow this routine. I have the habit of sharing many insta reels to my Whatsapp. Now, that the number of shares are too high, I loose track of what is shared and why I shared. 

So, here's the plan. 

I edit the pic to include the QR Code
Next, I take a print of it. 

After print out, I segregate the posters based on the topic. Hope I revisit these posters. 

Tribute to the Soldier!

Listening to this, I was wondering about the men who are guarding our frontiers. Out of the people who go on the frontier or in areas of strife, few unlucky ones will only return in a casket. 

It's sad to think of the perils of their profession! 

After listening to this, I wish someone come will come with similar rhymes for the hero's who are far away from home!

Unveiling The Power Of Strategy With Seth Godin

Creating conditions for change! 

This just like many of Seth's interview has many takeaways!

DO IT NOW - REMINDER

 

Reminder DO IT NOW

Can you Do Something About Drowning Accidents in Kerala

Recurring Tragedy - Death by Drowning 

I just came across this news on Facebook. What a sad day for many family members, friends and people who knew these people. In Kerala, we keep hearing of such death. Recently during Xmas time, a boy was lost in Kovalam beach. Another in St Andrews beach! 

All these makes us to ask questions - How can we avert or reduce the chances of drowning? What's the way out?

Well, I've been parading this concept for a long time! What is it? 

When a student comes to the age when he has to appear for 10th class, parents, teachers, school folks, neighbors will all ask only one questions! How is his preparation for the 10th class? This often makes parents too panicked about the 10th class debacle. All that would matter to the entire state is about 10th class. 

I wonder why this is relevant, given that time has changed, and anyone with a dream to become a doctor or engineering can still opt for the same. It was not the case when I had passed 10th class. 

What if the people ask a better question to a student who is studying for 10th?


- Did you learn swimming? How long can you stay in the water?
- Do you know to do CPR? 
- How to help a person who is chocking with food struck on the windpipe?
- Do you clear the road in front of your house and keep the locality clean?
- How many pushups or squat do you do?

- Do you do suryanamaskar or do breathing exercise?
- 

Here's another thing for leaders and politicians in Kerala can do.

One thing about Kerala is that we have many rivers, lakes, backwaters and that's a big opportunity for anyone to learn swimming or get swimming lessons 

So, what if we become the first state that all our citizens know to swim. Imagine, such a campaign that gives everyone the chance to learn swimming. So, just like many years agon there was a big collective mission to teach everyone to read and write. So, now it's time to renew a new oath to teach all how to swim, at least learn to float in the water. 


Imgine such an initative really work`

1. We'll be saving many, many lives 
2. People will get more healthy ( Less diabetics )
3. Activity and interest in swimming, demand for swimming pools, etc. 

Church Dance - Entrance

I loved this dance and the way it was taken. Just sharing. Here's the link to watch on YouTube.

Chef Graham and Organizing

Chef Graham

 To remind myself and others, I took a print of this post from A Learning a Day!