Porosh’s new website

When Porosh had launched the website for the first time it received some feedback its near and dear ones. Suggestions mainly centered around the look of website and layout of contents. We realized that it did not give a slick feeling and also lacked vibrancy in terms of color. And as you know, Porosh takes customer feedback seriously.

It took time for us to collate our ideas & thoughts before offering a contemporary and yet a unique look to the website. Actually, it has been a good example of kaizen. Souparno, one of the co-founders, himself being an accomplished website developer offered different options to the team to decide and select from. After several rounds of debate the final shape was arrived at.

First, the overall color scheme of the website was set in tune with the base color of the logo.

Second, the contents now follow a certain logic. We took feedback from our existing members and tried to understand from them the key points they searched (& in what sequence) while exploring the website for the first time. Upon further analysis by collating data a cogent pattern emerged. It is now visible in the website.

Third, mobile speed has been optimized. This means one can access the website much quicker from the mobile than what it used to be earlier.

Fourth, once a relevant page under ‘Other Services’ is opened a window appears asking, ‘Want to hear more?’ An interested person may share the his/ her name along with Email ID and/ or Contact No. for the Admin Team to contact.

Fifth, when clicked on the ‘Blog’ section the latest three blogs are visible and it is left to the reader’s discretion to choose which one to read first.

Sixth, right at the top of the ‘Home Page’ there is a statement ‘Are you away from your parents and concerned about their health?’ This sets the tone for the target group which Porosh is aiming at.

We shall sincerely expect our readers (which also include senior citizens) to visit the website and share about Porosh with their friends and relatives.

Startup India & what it means for Porosh

In several of Porosh’s blogs it has been highlighted, though in a subtle manner, how it keeps on innovating and brings about incremental changes for rendering better services to its members i.e. the senior citizens. Such a mindset prompts the team to remain sensitive to the socio-economic changes and their implications for Porosh. No wonder Covid19 induced pandemic failed to mar raw energy that it stands for. The section on ‘Voice of Customer – VoC’ in the website bears ample testimony to that.

During the period of crisis induced by corona virus we realized how important it is for us to get a platform enabling cross-fertilization of ideas. It is then that the idea to get Porosh registered with the vibrant ‘Startup India’ community under the aegis of Government of India struck a chord with us. Had Porosh not run its enterprise by fulfilling the basic criteria in line with the laws of the land such recognition would have never comes its way so early.

Porosh has now received an opportunity to get mentored by some of the best minds from its domain, or even outside. We sincerely believe it will go a long way to put us in firm stead. We can assure our members that Porosh is passionate about what it does. Resting on past laurels is anathema to its raison detre. Porosh strives consistently to improve its service quality for its members who happen to be the elderly citizens.

Tips for senior citizens to remain healthy in winter

The winter months can bring in a few challenges and health related-risks, especially for the senior citizens who are vulnerable to injuries and illnesses in cold weather due to a weaker immune system. They are susceptible to hypothermia, which is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Besides Hypothermia, during winters the bone and joint pains increase. The cause for this could be a change in the barometric pressure which leads to expansion of the tissue, causing swelling and pain.

But, elder people can follow simple lifestyle changes to ensure that they do not fall prey to the harsh winter conditions. Here’s a list of tips and best practices suggested by Dr Sushila Kataria, Director, Internal Medicine at Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon, that can help seniors stay safe during winters.

Winter safety tips for the elderly

1. Exercise: Indulge in low-impact exercises that pump up blood and provide warmth to the heart. It gets difficult to move out of bed during this weather, but engage in routine exercises like walking and yoga. You could do it at noon when the winter sun is upon you. This aids coordination and balance. Exercise also involves mind games for mental stimulation such as Sudoku, Chess, Ludo to keep oneself occupied.

2. Track your meals and medicines: Stock up on all essential medicines and consume small meals throughout the day to keep yourself healthy and fueled with energy. Eat food rich in vitamins such as green vegetables and citrus fruits which make the skin more resilient and less prone to dryness. Keep yourself hydrated with 8-10 glasses of water even if you do not feel thirsty

3. Keep yourself insulated: Seniors who have cardiovascular conditions may experience increased side effects in the cold. Ensure your house, if not centrally heated, has heaters and hot-water bottles always. Wear your woollens especially mittens and caps. The skin tends to become thinner during winters, hence, it is imperative to wear lightweight layers. Humidifiers in the house is a great way to keep the air moisturised and consume clean air. This also helps keep cracking and redness of the skin at bay

4. Don't miss your vaccines: Winter brings with it a higher chance of catching a cold or flu, thereby making it important to get all the flu shots on time. There are many vaccines available for adults. All elderly above the age of 65 years should routinely be vaccinated for flu and pneumonia. Flu vaccine should be given every year in November or December. Pneumonia vaccine is given once after the age of 65 years. People younger than 65 years of age with comorbid medical conditions should also be vaccinated like people with lung problems, kidney problems, liver problems, smokers, diabetics or patients with weakened immunity like HIV. Do ask about the vaccine when you visit your doctor.

5. Skincare: Often we ignore the importance of sunscreens. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to skin irritation and skin discolouration. Hence, wear a sufficient amount of sunblock before stepping out. While the above-mentioned precautions are crucial to take care of yourself during winters, there are few Ayurvedic remedies that can aid as well.

• Choose a diet of steamed and boiled vegetables, vegetable soups, and stews and keep oily and spicy food at bay. Try baking or roasting and consume white protein like fish, eggs and chicken.

• Keep a jar of roasted flax seeds and cumin seeds. Regardless of whether you have a cold or not, eat a spoonful of these seeds every morning. Their antiseptic properties go a long way in curing fever and throat infections.

• The key to well-being is being happy. Winter blues make it quite easy to develop depression and a feeling of loneliness during this time of the year. Be in touch with your family and keep yourself occupied. It is natural to feel lazy and lonely. However, one should consider stepping out and make time to get together with friends. Involve yourself with a game of cards or a brunch outing in the winter sun and pursue long-lost hobbies when indoors like knitting, playing an instrument or cooking.

(Source: www.timesnownews.com by Salome Phelamei on Jan 3, 2020)