Affinity for math

An inborn fear for math often makes it difficult for children to imbibe the subject into their system (Math as a fresh mint, January 23). Parents can help their children to build an affinity for math from a tender age by involving them to count, identify shapes, fractions, etc. This will acquaint them with the basics and also teach them to love the subject. With command over the basics and a liking for math, who knows when in the classroom another Einstein or Ramanujan will be busy solving problems with a mint in the mouth!

Sumita Roy,
Nalin Sarkar Street, Calcutta

Dental hazard

People with periodontal diseases run the risk of dying of cardiovascular disease (A silent disease, January 16). I would like to share a few details with the readers. The risk of dying due to cardiovascular diseases is high for people with periodontal diseases, this is because they are exposed to an array of bacteria, bacterial products and a host of other biomolecules. Systematic dumping of these products like Platelet Aggregation-Associated Protein (PAAP). The protein responsible for platelet aggregation is a protein recognised with S. sanguis and P. gingivalis.

Jaydev Jana
Picnic Garden,Calcutta

Benefits of gossip

With reference to Have you heard (January 16), I want to share my thoughts with other readers. It’s true that gossip has always been a spontaneous mode of communication. Apart from being the surest way for time pass, gossiping is also a healthy way to remain energetic and enthusiastic. It can work wonders as a stress-buster. However, as in case of all other social interactions, some amount of restraint is also advisable for gossips, lest someone should misinterpret things and get hurt in the long run.

Arjun Chaudhuri,
Bhowanipore,Calcutta