GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Basketball is a lesser-talked-about sport in India, but it has seen an increasing number of people investing time in it. The enthusiasm of spectators is overwhelming, making this sport popular. Basketball can be one of the most physically demanding activities. If you are looking to start investing your time to this sport, this article will help you figure out the dos and don'ts of basketball.

1. Buying good shoes:

This is a no-brainer as any sport you play would require you to buy a pair of good shoes. Wearing the wrong size or one with no cushioning can lead to various injuries to the ankle. Buy shoes with proper cushioning and good ankle support while also keeping in mind the shoe's weight. Appropriate shoes are important for basketball players to obtain the optimum leg movement and lift to score baskets.

2. Warm-up:

A good game of basketball can be highly straining and exhausting. Warming up is an excellent way to prepare your muscles and joints for intense physical actions. It also helps reduce the chances of injuries and decreases the efficiency of various body parts. Jogging, jumping jacks, and skipping are some of the best warm-up exercises to prepare you for basketball.

3. Shooting practice:

Basketball is all about getting the ball in the hoop. Shooting from various positions and angles will help you understand the distance and the power you need to throw the ball. Understanding your shooting ranges is vital to ensure you perform well under pressure situations. Start shooting practice within the three-point line and work your way outwards to the half-court.

4. Dribbling:

One common mistake that beginners make is dribbling with their dominant hand. It is important to have command over the ball with both your hands. This is to ensure that in case you are up against a player from the opposing team, you are capable of making a switch between your hands without having to let go of the ball.
During the warm-up, one way to practice this is to try to dribble along the course of your jogging track. Dribble using your dominant hand using the first lap, switch to the non-dominant hand in the next lap and keep switching between the hands in the third lap. Repeating this cycle will ensure a good command over the ball.

5. Jumping:

Be it to defend the ball, collect rebounds, or make a go for the loop, jumping can not be ignored. Various jumping activities such as vertical jump training, jumping jacks, burpees, linear jumps, and rebounding are good ways to ensure flexibility and firm footing. At the same time, stretches effectively increase the height and the general mobility of the entire body.

6. Correct coaching:

Basketball is a team sport and taking note of how your fellow players perform and understanding their skills is vital if you want to improve your techniques. Another benefit of training alongside players is developing a good instinct for the game. It will give you a better insight into the body movements of other players, thus helping you in analysing and predicting the next move. If you intend on taking this sport, training under a coach's guidance will help you understand various tips and tricks associated with the game.

These are a few things you need to keep in mind if you wish to master the game of basketball.
Dedicate a considerable amount of time to practice. However, over-exerting your body can have other long-term implications, so it is also essential to take breaks now and then. If you consider basketball as part of your everyday fitness schedule, investing in personal accident insurance India would be beneficial. Personal accident insurance is an intelligent way to safeguard yourself in case of any accidents or injuries you might face while playing the game. Don’t let injuries hold you back, live your passion and make every moment count!

Click HERE to know more about personal accident insurance India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Dancing is one of the most beautiful art forms and has a unique method of storytelling. Dancers go through hours of rigorous practice and rehearsals to present a story or perform meticulously. This demands a massive amount of strength and stamina to present flawless performances. The demanding nature of dancing can cause injuries and severe health implications for the performers.

If you are a dancer or are undertaking lessons to become a dancer, there are a few things to keep in mind. In this article, we will be discussing some of the most common dance injuries and how to heal them faster.

1. Sprains:

Sprains are one of the most common dance injuries. They require 8-10 days to heal completely. Using a bandage to support the muscles can help them heal faster.
However, if somebody is prone to constant straining, it is best to show the affected area to the doctor. Unattended sprains can lead to severe ligament tears, which can be extremely painful and might also require surgery for proper recovery.

2. Slip discs and back pain:

As dancers, you are expected to position yourself in various postures constantly. Improper techniques or exerting your body for long hours can severely affect your spine and neck.
Misaligned backbones or slipped discs can cause severe pain and might need surgery for proper healing. However, going to a chiropractor every month to ensure proper bones and muscular structure alignment will ensure that your body stays strong and flexible.

3. Snapping hip:

Experiencing a popping sound near the hip joint indicates snapped hips. Repeated bending leads to tightness in muscles around the hip. Snapping hips can become painful over time and affect the dancer's performance.
The best way to avoid snapped hips is by applying ice to the area and reducing movement. Stretching and strengthening exercises under the supervision of a trainer also help significantly reduce the pain.

4. Knee injuries and ligament tears:

The knee is probably the most exerted part of a dancer's body. The constant bending can severely stress the knees and impact the knee caps. Overly exercising the knee can have serious complications such as the kneecap eroding, a painful tear in the ligament, muscle pulls, etc.
To avoid this, wearing knee covers is an intelligent way to cushion the blow from hard surfaces. Using heat therapy can also ensure faster healing of minor tears in muscles or ligaments.

The injuries and their severity can vary depending on the kind of dance and the number of hours one puts in. Taking proper care and allowing rest for your body is one way to ensure that you go through lesser injuries. However, if you face severe pain throughout the day or during practice, it is best to go to a doctor to fix the problem.

Using ice packs can ensure that your muscles and bones are well-rested after an intense practice session. If you are someone who wears shoes while dancing, you must wear good shoes with proper cushioning. Sometimes, these injuries can be completely unprecedented and even happen to experts. It is best to invest in a personal accident insurance policy to safeguard yourself in such situations.

If dancing is your passion, then enjoy it thoroughly! Keep these tips in mind and ensure your personal accident insurance policy to reap the best benefits and positive results even if you accidentally injure yourself while dancing.

Click HERE to know more about an individual personal accident insurance policy.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

While having the best health insurance policy in India can prevent you from financial losses due to hospitalization, but being fit can help you stay away from various health conditions. Fitness is one of the most fundamental needs of leading a healthy life, which cannot be achieved in any other way. Here are seven tips that will motivate and guide you to take up your fitness seriously.

• Make time: One can not wait for the perfect day when you will have all the time in the world to kick-start the process. You can never have enough time, and it all depends on how you choose to prioritize your aims and set a timeline for the same. It is essential to schedule your workout efficiently and make it a critical part of your priority list. Analyze your habits and routines to finalize a time that will be perfect for you to hit the gym or workout on your own.
• Move gradually: People believe that extreme workouts are all that matters when it comes to ensuring fitness. However, this is not the right approach since different bodies have a different limit, and pushing the body beyond the limit can lead to severe injuries. You can always start by engaging in some basic exercises, which can then be elevated into intense workouts gradually.
• Formulate it easy has become an essential part of our lives with the advent of technology and regular developments. It is important to include the same for your exercise since your main aim is to transform it into a habit. If it is a gym, look out for ones which are near your workplace or home or in your society, since it will be easier for you to be a regular.
• Search for your fitness personality: It is vital to have a little introspection and look for the inner motivation to push yourself. Maybe you are the kind who likes to exercise with a partner or in a group, or you could be the kind who wants to engage in the workout alone. You could like it fast-paced or feel better indulging onto slower ones. All these things must be taken into account before selecting a regime and formulating the kind of exercises you wish to pursue.
• Give it sufficient time: 21 days is the minimum account for anything to transform into a habit, it is important to understand that it will take a minimum of 8 weeks for a workout to become a part of your life and showcase desirable results.
• Choose your goals: It is important to remember that the performance is more important than results, thus enjoy the process of working out instead of focusing or hoping for immediate results. Look at the improvement made in your life during this time, and you will learn to adapt better.
• Reach and celebrate small goals: Your progress and appreciate yourself for the efforts you are putting in. Celebrate your achievements by buying something beautiful for yourself or going for a “cheat meal.”

Along with following these tips for better fitness, you must also opt for the best health insurance policy in India to take care of all aspects of your health.

Unprecedented times ask for unprecedented measures !! Many such measures and changes were enforced on our “way of life” due to COVID 19 crisis.

One such major change also for us Magmaites was WFH or "Work From Home". WFH became the new normal for us over the course of time, however this transmission has not been easy to many of us.

Once it was declared critical to put restrictions on physical movements to contain the spread of deadly virus - technology came to our rescue. This has been to ensure continuity of 'Work' even if it happens from the “safe” corners of our 'Homes'.

The vivid transition in our work lives -

1. To start with, it has evidently erased the physical boundaries of Home and Office

2. Those grapevine discussions over a 'Chai’ break' sound like a thing of past

3. Zoom has virtually intruded in to the Meeting spaces across all offices. One age-old proverb calling 'Man': a social animal, sounds meaningful and valuable now.

4. The very definition of “office time” has erased and one cannot see official and personal time differently as the office settings sometime tries to evade the personal or leisure settings. Perhaps, a reason, why Psychologists believe that separation from office-space would certainly have a toll on mental wellbeing of most of the people.

5. However, there are reasons to smile too. For, people are able to save a lot of travel-time - eventually adding to their overall productivity and happiness. They are able to give more time and attention to their loved ones as well. Almost everyone is trying their hands at long lost talents and hobbies - that is again adding to their mental wellbeing and creativity.

6. We were able to connect with our family members more and it has opened various possibilities in our relationships. This has definitely added immense value in our personal lives

At the end of the day, what we can look forward to is to have more disciplined and balanced approach to deal with these challenges and opportunities posed by our newly adopted WFH practices, and we can hope to get the better of this deadly virus soon enough, so as not to miss out on our beloved office tea breaks any longer !!

Coronaviruses are a large group of RNA viruses. It comes under the sub-family Orthocoronavirinae. Coronavirus virions are spherical to pleomorphic enveloped particles. The envelope is studded with projecting glycoproteins and surrounds a core consisting of matrix protein enclosed within which is a single strand of positive-sense RNA (Mr 6 × 106) associated with nucleoprotein. The envelope glycoproteins are responsible for attachment to the host cell and also carry the main antigenic epitopes, particularly the epitopes recognized by neutralizing antibodies. OC43 also possesses a haemagglutinin. The size of coronaviruses ranges from 26 to 32 kilobases. Most human coronaviruses fall into one of two serotypes: OC43-like and 229E-like. Coronaviruses cause acute, mild upper respiratory infection(Common cold) to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome(MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS).

Discovery of coronaviruses

The very first discovery of the coronavirus took place in 1960, the name of this virus comes from the crown-like spikes that it has its surface. The word corona came from the Latin word "Crown." The early discovered was an infectious bronchitis virus which was found in chicken's respiratory tract and then later in 1963 two more cases were discovered from the nasal cavity of humans named As Human Corona Virus 229E and Human Corona Virus OC43 as a result of zoonotic transmission (transmission of disease from animals to humans). Since then the cases have occurred in several other forms in minimal numbers. Many shreds of evidence in history state that corona has always spread from an animal to a human, for instance, SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) was transmitted from bat to a human being in china in November 2002 and caused severe acute respiratory syndrome(Infected-8,098 and Killed 774). That virus disappeared by 2004. Middle East respiratory syndrome(MERS) is caused by the MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) which is also called camel flu was transmitted from camel to human in Saudi Arabia in September 2012(Infected-2,056 People and killed 862 people worldwide). But this time the scientist are having difficulty in identifying the animal responsible for COVID-19.

WHAT IS A NOVEL CORONAVIRUS(nCOVID-19)

Covid 19 means : CO = corona, VI= virus ,D= disease 2019.

A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is defined as an illness caused by a novel coronavirus now called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; formerly called 2019-nCoV), which was first identified amid an outbreak of respiratory illness cases in Wuhan City, China in December 2019, which has a well-known seafood wholesale market, were a large number of people come to sell or buy live seafood; this market is also known for its wide variety of seafood. This strain of coronavirus was named COVID-19 on February 11 by the World Health Organization. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director of WHO, mentioned that they had to find a name that didn't point out any animal, geographical location, a person, or a group of people. The name should be easily pronounceable and had a clear relation to the disease. It's essential to have an impartial name so that other names don't get stigmatized. On January 30, 2020, the WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global health emergency. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, its first such designation since declaring H1N1 influenza a pandemic in 2009.

How does infection happen?

COVID-19 appears to be spread via respiratory secretions when infected people cough or sneeze, similar to how influenza (flu) spreads. Currently, people at risk for COVID-19 include those who have been in close contact with infected people within 14 days before their symptoms began. The average time from when persons are exposed to signs of illness is about 5 days and can range from 2 to 14 days.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

People with COVID-19 have a fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, and diarrhoea, which are all symptoms similar to other viral infections, such as the flu. People who need hospitalization usually have severe pneumonia.

What are the prevention methods that we should follow?

1. Washing your hands with soap - every time you come from outside.

2. Social distancing of around 6 feet - so you do not get the infection.

3. Wearing a mask - this prevents the droplets from entering.

4. Living in a hotter environment - do not turn on your AC - the virus does not survive in hot conditions. Drink hot water/tea.

5. Cleaning and disinfecting the environment around you.

6. Take your medication for your illness - as COVID generally clings to your already existing illnesses and escalates it - this causes most deaths in diabetics, heart patients etc.

Life has been kind of different in the past two months, with minimal exposure to the outside world. Indeed, one crucial part of everyday life that we all miss is going to our offices. As work from home became the norm, meetings that happened in client’s conference rooms were replaced with e-meetings. The lunchtime chatter was substituted with a discussion of pending daily chores. While few may feel that work from home had perks like hot home-cooked meals for lunch (cooking at home became a compulsion for our safety), and the casual Friday clothing all days of the week but nobody will disagree that economy is suffering.

While COVID-19 may have altered our lives, but, it is crucial to get back to business. We must try and become better than earlier so that business of business, living and fighting Corona Virus can go on together. Pre-caution, vigilance and immunity/preparedness are the key operating sentiment. Some of these skills that we acquired as part of evolutionary growth will become sharper.

As we plan to get back, we will need to re-establish our routines. Your travel companion, your vehicle deserves your attention It is “it” that will run and literally carry you for business. After months of being out of focus, it is time we brought back the lights. Before you go out, here is a mandatory checklist for you to perform at least a couple of days before you start - Check whether your insurance policy is still valid. In case your policy has expired during the lockdown, do not worry. Just click on the link below to renew your Motor policy. (Provide renewal link)

Give a nice look to your vehicle form all the sides and see if there is any accidental damage. In case you find one immediately reach out to us. Also check for leaks, corroded fittings, rotten hoses or compromised seals. In case you find any immediately contact the car service centre for remediation.

- Ascertain whether your vehicle battery is charged or not. You will not be able to self-start the vehicle if the battery is dead. In case it is do not worry, our road side assistance program is there to help the customers.

-Check tyre air pressure and avoid ride disturbance that could happen due to inadequate tyre pressure. Do you see flat spot the spots that come on the tyre, if a vehicle sits for too long. Weight of the vehicle causes flat spots on the tyre where the rubber meets the road. While it may not be a cause if immediate concern but it does impact the tyre in the long run.

Agree that you couldn’t clean your car and dirt has piled up on the surface but hold. Don’t wipe the surface directly with a damp cloth. Ideally we should remove the dust sing a dry cloth or with an air pump otherwise using the damp cloth will cause swirl marks.

Clean the wipers with a damp cloth and avoid damage to wiper and windscreen

Check your running lights. Activate turn signals, headlights, brake lights, and high beams to ensure they are functional.

Now that you have reached a stage where everything mentioned above checks a tick on your list it is time to go for a quick spin. Take your car out for 20-minute drive close to home. It will loosen everything up and evaporate the moisture in the exhaust and in the engine. It will also give you a chance to listen for any rattles and engine misses while keeping an eye on the vehicle's gauges for abnormal engine temperatures, battery charging, and oil pressure.

Owning a two-wheeler not only makes the commute between two places easy, it also becomes a convenient option when you want to skip the traffic.

And, as you notice the several other benefits of using a two-wheeler, you choose the best services for your bike. A well-maintained motorcycle gives the best performance and comfort. Be it the service centre or the insurance provider; you do not want to take either of these lightly. However, owing to the fast-paced life that we are leading, it can become challenging to keep note of the next bike servicing or the renewal of your bike insurance.

Choosing the best insurance provider can be a daunting task, but you can find the best options and renew bike insurance online with little research and time.

This article will look at a few things you need to keep before renewing bike insurance online.

1. No Claim Bonus:
No claim bonus or NCB is a reward that your insurer provides when you have not made any claims in the previous year. An NCB is a testimonial of responsible driving. The benefit is in the form of concessions or discounts for future renewals. Even if you switch or sell your previous bike, your NCB stays with you and is applicable on the next purchase.

2. Coverage:
You don’t need to continue with your previous policy. You can opt for insurance policies that provide better coverage at lower premiums. Over your last term, you must have realised what other services you require. Hence, choose increased coverage or make changes as per your requirements.

3. Setting the IDV:
During every renewal period, it is advisable to change your IDV. You can decrease or increase the insured declared value that the insurance provider is bound to pay you in case of a total loss of your bike. Understanding IDV is crucial to assessing the correct value for your vehicle. Opting for lower IDV means you are underinsuring your motorcycle while choosing higher IDV means a higher premium.

4. Add on covers:
While renewing your policy, you can opt for various add-ons on your insurance cover. This is an intelligent way of reaping more benefits for a slightly higher premium. These add-ons are worth the extra premium. Zero depreciation, passenger assistance, roadside assistance, NCB protection are a few options you can choose.

5. Choose in advance:
It is illegal to drive a bike without valid insurance papers. So instead of waiting for the last minute to change or renew your insurance, it is best to start looking for options before the end of the policy period. This way, you can have ample time to consider various options before you make the final decision.

These are the few things you need to keep in mind before renewing your bike insurance. Do not forget to miss out on the renewal dates, as it can affect the continuity of your policy and other benefits.

Choosing the right insurance can be a challenging task, but do not be afraid to ask questions to your insurance provider to clear your doubts. Their job is to help you figure out the best options for you. Read reviews online, as they can help you assess the credibility of the company you are opting for. You can renew bike insurance online quickly and efficiently with these things in mind.

Click HERE to renew bike insurance online.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

The thought of a road trip gets us all excited. It sure becomes very energetic, fun, and memorable with all our close family members and friends. As a thumb rule, you always double-check everything on your “packing list” to ensure you don't miss out on any essential item.

If you do this for yourself and your family members, how about double-checking your car before starting a road trip? Your car’s headlights also play a vital role in ensuring a safe journey during the night and avoiding any mishaps on the road.

In this blog, we will be discussing the checklist for the headlights of your vehicle that you need to take care of before starting your trip.

1. Got a fuse problem:
Check and see if you gather all information regarding the fuse blowout of your headlights. If you are sure of the damage, examine for loose wires. If you find any issues, fix them at the earliest. And if nothing works, replace the headlights (especially if there is a high beam bulb problem).

2. Do not delay replacement:
Examine the light emitted from your car’s headlights. Do you suspect that they have dimmed? If you conclude that your lights have dimmed (called burnout), you must replace the headlights with new ones to avoid risking your safety on the road, especially during the night time. Uneven terrains and night driving can be risky when you have burnt-out headlights. It poses threats of accidents and compromises the car's safety, the driver, the passengers, and other vehicles on the road.

3. Make smart changes:
Whenever you feel that there is a need to replace the light bulbs of your car's headlights, always make sure that you do so in pairs. If the light has dimmed, exchange the old bulbs for the new ones in twos. That way, it would make the headlights consistent instead of one old and one new light bulb, which would create a difference in the intensity of the light beam. It would make it difficult for other drivers to understand the indication and affect your visibility on the road.

4. Align the beams of light:
Turn on the headlights of your car and check the light beams closely. Make sure that the light is aligned and aimed at the road. If the light is directed towards the vehicle approaching your direction, it may cause an accident as the other person would find it difficult to see what is in front of them. This would result in a fatal crash endangering car occupants and other vehicles on the road.

These were some tips you could take care of related to your car’s headlights. Few other pointers include upgrading the versions of headlights compatible with your vehicle and other DIY hacks for which you wouldn’t always need a professional mechanic to help you with minor replacements, etc.

And while you ensure the checklist of your car’s headlight before heading on a trip, it is also essential to verify that your car insurance is updated. Keep track of your car insurance renewal dates to avoid interruption in the benefits and save your policy from lapsing.

Click HERE to know more about car insurance renewal.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.