Yuvraj discharged from hospital

Cricketer Yuvraj Singh was on Sunday discharged from hospital in Boston, USA, after completing the third and final cycle of chemotherapy to battle a rare germ cell cancer.

“3rd chemo cycles over, back from hospital n I am free. Road to recovery starts now. Can’t wait to be back home,” Yuvraj tweeted. “Thank you 4 all ur love n wishes from the bottom of my heart I’m sure they have worked well with the doctors therapy,” he said.

Yuvraj, who has been in Boston for a month, is expected to be back on the field in the first week of May, according to his doctor. The 30-year-old has gone bald during treatment.

Meanwhile, Yuvraj also paid tribute to his veteran team mate Sachin Tendulkar for completing a century of international hundreds.

“Overwhelmed and full of emotions. Tendulkar take a bow. What he has achieved is immeasurable and what he has done is unachievable@sachin_rt,” he tweeted. “He truly is the MASTER of his generation.”

Yuvraj has not played competitive cricket since taking part in two of three home Tests against the West Indies in November.

He has so far scored 8,051 runs in 274 one-dayers and 1,775 runs in 37 Tests since making his international debut in 2000.

He was named Player of the Tournament in the World Cup for scoring 362 runs and grabbing 15 wickets in nine matches.

During the treatment, Yuvraj had been paid a visit by legendary spinner Anil Kumble.

Fitness begins at home

Don't ignore the cleaning mop or the mundane chakla belan. They can be your tools to healthy living, says Indrani Rajkhowa Banerjee


All you ladies out there cursing the kaamwali bai on her day off stop pulling your hair out and take a cue from Chanel V 'Bai'. Wrap that sari around your frame, put on some loud, and mop the floor with pure pleasure! You may soon realise that it's not a bad idea to bid the bai with a washboard thin tummy a sweet farewell.

This is not an anti-gym slogan, just a plain thought on how household chores can turn out to be a free-of-cost fitness regime. Experts warn that household chores don't supplement for a serious weight loss session at the gym, which calls for a diet plan and focused workouts, but they are any day better than a sedentary life that most of us lead today.



"I love exercises in any form. It doesn't matter whether it's done at the gym or at home; it's all about keeping body parts in active motion," says 20-year-old Ananya Bhattacharya, a fitness addict

"For those who are pressed for time or simply can't afford a gym, it's always better to try simple breathing exercises and take care of household errands. Small lifestyle changes like filling up the water bottles or standing in a right posture while cooking have their benefits," espouses wellness consultant Dr Shikha Sharma.


There's definitely a change in mindset and with physical fitness being an urban phenomenon why not convert a mundane task to something fun and flirty! Simple tasks like reaching out for jars on the overhead shelves or taking the dog out for a brisk walk can do wonders for the body.


"A military style 15-minute march while watching TV at least three times a day is the ideal cardio-vascular exercise and as good as a jog at the treadmill," says Namita Jain, fitness advisor.


Do as you may, but be careful, warn experts. "Certain tasks like lifting very heavy objects or lifting bucketful of water during a complicated pregnancy can be harmful. Moreover, one should always be careful about the postures while doing these chores," says Jain.

Expert speak:


- Folding laundry can be a wonderful exercise for the fingers.


- Sweeping and mopping best for lower body. Keeps the tummy flat and hips in shape


- Washing clothes, reaching out for overhead shelves, washing the car and opening drawers are perfect for the upper body


- Climbing up stairs, running after kids or taking the dog out for a walk are the best cardio-vascular activity; also good for hips, back and thighs