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The Songkran Festival is a traditional Thai New Year's celebration that takes place annually from April 13th to 15th. It is known for its water-throwing festivities, where people pour water on each other as a symbol of purification and the washing away of sins and bad luck.

The name Songkran comes from the Sanskrit word saṃkrānti, which means "astrological passage," and marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season in Thailand.

During the festival, people also visit temples, offer food to Buddhist monks, and participate in cultural activities such as parades and traditional dances. The holiday is an important time for families to come together and pay respect to their elders, as well as for friends to reunite and celebrate the start of a new year.

In recent years, the water-throwing aspect of Songkran has become more of a party atmosphere, with many young people taking to the streets to splash water on each other and engage in friendly water fights. Despite this shift in tone, the festival remains an important cultural tradition in Thailand, and is recognized as a public holiday across the country.

In addition to the water-throwing festivities, Songkran also involves other traditional customs and practices. One of the most important is the pouring of scented water on Buddha images, which symbolizes the washing away of bad luck and the accumulation of merit. This practice is known as "Rod Nam Dum Hua" and is considered a way to pay respect to one's ancestors and elders.

Another important aspect of Songkran is the creation of sand pagodas. Thai people often visit the beach during the holiday to build intricate sand structures that are believed to bring good luck and blessings. These pagodas are adorned with flowers, incense, and candles, and are seen as a way to honor Buddha and the teachings of Buddhism.

Songkran is also a time for delicious food and traditional sweets, such as "kanom tom," a sweet dessert made of sticky rice and coconut milk, and "khanom krok," a small cake made from rice flour and coconut milk. Additionally, many Thai people wear traditional clothing during the festival, such as "chut thai," which consists of a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a wrap-around skirt for women.

Overall, the Songkran Festival is a time for joy, happiness, and togetherness. It is an opportunity for Thai people to reconnect with their cultural roots, pay respect to their elders, and celebrate the start of a new year with family and friends.

5 Foods to Boost Your Eye Health

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You’ve likely been told at one time or another that if you want healthy eyes, you need to eat carrots. And while the old adage has some truth to it because the beta carotene in carrots is converted to vitamin A – a vitamin that is needed for optimum eye health — there are other, and perhaps even better foods to eat. Here are some of those foods:

1. Spinach

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Spinach as well as other dark, leafy greens like kale contain two antioxidants stored in the macula which is that part of the retina that shields the eyes from damaging light. These antioxidants are lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein is a deep yellow pigment found in the leaves of plants, and zeaxanthin a carotenoid found in the retina of the eye and in many plants like spinach.

And since the eye has a particularly high metabolic rate – as in, they ust a lot of energy – there is an added need for antioxidant protection.

Sweating is a natural process that helps regulate body temperature and release toxins from the body. It is normal for our feet to sweat, especially when we are active or in hot environments. However, excessive foot sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

The main causes of excessive foot sweating include genetics, stress, certain medical conditions, and certain medications. People with hyperhidrosis may experience discomfort, odor, and skin irritation, which can lead to social anxiety and decreased quality of life.

Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce foot sweating and manage hyperhidrosis. Here are some tips:

  1. Practice good foot hygiene: Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly. Use foot powder to help absorb moisture and reduce odor.

  2. Wear breathable shoes and socks: Choose shoes made from breathable materials such as leather or canvas, and wear moisture-wicking socks to help keep your feet dry.

  3. Use antiperspirant: Apply antiperspirant to the soles of your feet before bed. Antiperspirant helps block sweat glands and reduce excessive sweating.

  4. Soak your feet in tea: Soak your feet in black tea for 30 minutes a day. Black tea contains tannic acid, which helps to reduce sweat production.

  5. Consider medical treatment: If home remedies are not effective, consult with a healthcare professional. They may recommend prescription antiperspirants or other medical treatments such as Botox injections or iontophoresis therapy.

In summary, excessive foot sweating can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it is usually not a serious health concern. By practicing good foot hygiene, wearing breathable shoes and socks, using antiperspirant, soaking your feet in tea, and considering medical treatment, you can reduce foot sweating and manage hyperhidrosis.