Category: Health

A health blog

Back to School Infections

Your kid is prone to multiple allergies and infections apart from learning and fun when he gets back to school. Spring allergies, red eye, strep throat, cold, cough are some of the common threats which your child may encounter during the initial days.

Young children might forget the rules of cleanliness when they are playing or interacting with other peers. Here are some common precautions that you can take to tackle back to school infections:

  1. Remind your child of cleanliness and personal hygiene
  2. Ask them not to share any personal items with others and keep contact minimal
  3. Let them wash their hands with during the breaks or disinfect the hands using a hand sanitizer
  4. Pack them healthy food and snacks particularly fresh fruits that boost their immunity and metabolism
  5. Clean their water bottles and lunch boxes with soap and water
  6. Change the tooth brush every three months or after they recover from any fever
  7. Let the child rest a lot ten to twelve hours of sleep that can reboot their energy levels for the next day
  8. If you notice any infection or allergy, supply them with enough rest and medication
  9. If needed, let the child stay at home for a day until the allergy reduces
  10. Give the child allergy medicine or cold medicine for three days

If the infection persists more than a week, it is better to contact the paediatrician as they might suggest the correct antibiotics to treat the infection.

Back to school learning might be fun, but the allergies and infections hinder the child’s interest to get back to school and work. 🙂

 

 

Heat Wave

Yeah, after the snow storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and cyclones – it is the time for heat waves. The entire nation is captured by extreme temperatures and much more heat indexes. Stay hydrated and cool during the rest of the little summer we are going to have. 🙂

The much awaited summer does not seem to please any body. People planning for vacations and trips during the summer have to deal with the extreme temperatures apart from unemployment,  high fuel rates, construction zones (huh) and speeding tickets! The heat is in deed a concern for people without air conditioning and proper ways to cool down. Here is how you can stay safe and cool during the scorching summer.

  1. Drink a lot of water for every couple of hours. Lemonades and mineral water may help in getting more minerals and nutrients.
  2. Do not leave the children in the car. Try to switch on the car before you all can get in to get the car to normal temperatures.
  3. The swimming pools and other water bodies are good to keep cool though may not be suggested during the extreme temperatures.
  4. Avoid travel and all outings during the heat waves. Outdoor activities and camps are not suggested when there is 120 degrees heat index.
  5. Wear loose fitting clothes and light shades as the darker ones attract more heat. Sun screen, cooling glasses, and hats are good accessories.
  6. Notice for extreme nausea, tiredness, and loss of fluids and contact ER if needed. Timely actions may avoid in dangerous situations.
  7. People with chronic diseases, elder people, and children must be examined for any tiredness or symptoms of dehydration or sun strokes.
I wonder where did all the snow vanish and I suppose the global warming is really kicking in. In door air conditioned malls or libraries are best for killing the time rather than the hot 200 degrees temperatures outside. 🙂

 

Urinary and Fecal Incontinence

Bloating, leaking and the frequent urge to go to the bathroom are often the side effects of  urinary and fecal incontinence.  The condition is more common in senior people and in women post delivery. Close monitoring of the diet and bathroom habits along with apt medication may be a solution for urinary and fecal incontinence.

Urinary Incontinence

The accidental leakage of urine is termed as urinary incontinence. The human bladder can hold up to 500 ml of urine. The urge to visit the bathroom may start when the bladder fills around 200 ml. When the bladder looses its control, the urine may leak causing extreme discomfort and embarrassment.

Overactive bladder, diabetes, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause are the different causes of urinary incontinence. Some neurological problems or sclerosis may also cause urinary incontinence. The causes may differ in men and women, but the common symptoms include:

  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Leakage during physical activities – coughing, sneezing, lifting, or during sex
  • Leakage before actually urinating

Urinary incontinence is often hard to discuss and may cause extreme distress. It can be treated with appropriate medication and frequent doctor consultation. Visiting the bathroom in the right time, practicing healthy diet, exercising, limiting water and high-caffeine liquids may help. Further, carrying a spare dress and disposable undergarments or pads may assist in avoiding embarrassment.

Fecal Incontinence

The accidental leakage of bowels is termed as fecal incontinence. It is caused due to the damage to the anal sphincter muscles and nerves. Loss of storage capacity, diarrhea, pelvic floor dysfunction or diabetes may also cause fecal incontinence.  Constipation, muscle damage, nerve damage result in the condition.

Consult your doctor if you notice extreme conditions and get help. In addition, here are some habits to avoid fecal incontinence:

  1. Eating more fiber – Fruits, vegetables, oats are rich in fiber and try to get around 20 to 30 mg of fiber per day
  2. Avoiding high-caffeine beverages – Coffee, tea, coke, pepsi
  3. Practicing healthy bowel habits – Time it early in the morning  and once or twice per day as per your body
  4. Observing the bowel movements – Notice the changes and urges and do not postpone

Further, proper diet, exercise, and appropriate medicines help treat fecal incontinence.

Self monitoring and awareness is a must to treat urinary and fecal incontinence. Getting the help in right time and being open with the doctor help addressing the condition.

Symptoms of Stroke

We all might have received chain mails about symptoms of heart stroke. Worldwide heart stroke symptoms observed not only in seniors but also young children in teens and adults. Here are some symptoms which we all must be aware not only for our selves but also for our near and dears which are put into an incident to be easy to remember.

Stroke: Remember The 1st Three Letters… S.T.R ..

During a party, a friend stumbled and took a little fall – she assured everyone that she was fine and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. (they offered to call ambulance)

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food – while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid’s husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital – (at 6:00pm , Ingrid passed away.)
She had suffered a stroke at the party. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

Some don’t die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead. It only takes a minute to read this…

Stroke Identification

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke…totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

Recognizing a Stroke

Remember the ‘3’ steps, STR. Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.
The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions :

  1. S * Ask the individual to SMILE ..
  2. T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg ‘It is sunny out today’).
  3. R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS .

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the ambulance and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

NOTE : Another ‘sign’ of a stroke is
1. Ask the person to ‘stick’ out their tongue.
2. If the tongue is ‘crooked’, if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

As a prominent cardiologist says, if everyone who knows this can educate 10 other people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

and it could be your own..

Winter and Dental Hygiene

Winter brings a secret problem apart from snow, ice and cold. Dental problems are common in winter and the reason is not known yet. Excruciating pain in the jaws and toothache after meals or drink is common. Here is how you can take care of your teeth during winter.

Winter Dental Hygiene

Seventy per cent of adults have gum diseases which they often do not realize until bleeding or pain occurs. Dental hygiene is a must in all seasons but especially during winter, it becomes compulsory as it pains a lot. 🙂 Practice the regular habits apart from the following:

  1. Of course, brush twice a day
  2. Floss as needed
  3. Use a good tongue cleaner
  4. Use a good mouth wash such as Listerine
  5. Use a soft brush with good bristles
  6. Do not change the tooth paste except unless doctor suggests
  7. Visit the doctor twice a year
  8. Get the teeth cleaned at every doctor visit
  9. If the pain persists, brush after every meal
  10. Check for bleeding from gums

Making small circles while brushing is a good practice. Time your brushing for two minutes, twice a day. Check that you clean all your teeth one after the other for complete cleaning. Try brushing the dirt outside the mouth and not vice versa. Change your tooth brush every three months. Quick mouth wash is also an option if you do not have time for brushing second time.

Check with your insurance and dentist about the rules and charges before scheduling a visit. Most insurances offer two free visits per year along with free cleaning. Do not hesitate to ask for a dental insurance card and your account number.

Do you face toothaches in winter? What do you do? Write back. 🙂

Winter Workout

Snow and rain everywhere make it difficult to get out of the house during winter. Then, what about workout and exercise? Whole winter we tend to add few more pounds and increase belly fat.  Small exercises at home can in deed help in reaching our daily exercise goals.

Doctors do advise one hour of physical exercise per day apart from work and house hold chores. In spring and summer we can get out of the house for walking, but during fall and winter it is risky for outdoor walking or jogging. We can subscribe to a gym if feasible. Else, working out at home itself is the only alternate option.

Wii

The popular video game Wii offers an opportunity to exercise apart from fun. The Wii balance board, Wii Fiit Plus, Wii Sports, and Wii Sports Resort are the basic games available in the package. The games suggest appropriate exercises based on your weight and age. You can customize the games and choose from a range of aerobic and balance sports. If you can couple the exercise routine with your family member, it can be even more fun. 🙂

Yoga

Originated in India, Yoga is a traditional and popular method worldwide for exercises and healthy practices.  You can learn yoga through videos or take a formal training lessons from a learned guru in your local area. Initially, it is better to get yoga training from an expert rather than experimenting. Yoga postures help  improve body and mind and offer a large variety of ‘aasanas’ according to your needs.

Fitness Equipment

Treadmills, home gyms, ellipticals, bikes, rowers, and so on are the different fitness equipment which you can install at your home. You can buy them new or used or check out the craigslist. Once installed, it is suggested to know the equipment thoroughly before using it. The weights and other lifting accessories are good for building muscles. Most equipment have a video guide apart from the user manual.

You can set up a fixed time for the workout routine. It is better to start with small intervals and increase the intensity and time going forward. Do not overdo any thing and strain yourself. Let me know if you have any other winter workout methods and tips and watch your weight before you take any junk food. 🙂

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a condition in which high sugar levels are detected in a pregnant women who do not have diabetes in the past. A routine test called Glucose Tolerance Test is conducted during the seventh month to detect gestational diabetes. While the reasons of occurrence may vary, gestational diabetes must be controlled. Else, it may be dangerous for the baby.


Learn more about Native Remedies

Causes

Lot of hormone changes accompany pregnancy which sometimes may resist insulin in the body. Pancreas generates insulin which is needed to absorb the glucose in the body and convert it in to energy. If the insulin generated is not sufficient or is not absorbed, it results in high glucose levels, due to which, diabetes mellitus occurs.  If non-diabetic women are diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy, that condition is called Gestational Diabetes.

Symptoms

Normally, four to ten per cent of pregnant women get gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is not the fault of the mother, but it is how the pregnancy hormones react to the body. Gestational diabetes can cause excessive urination, weight gain, hunger, thirst or some urinary tract infections. These symptoms are normal during earlier period in pregnancy and hence, gestational diabetes can be confirmed in the last trimester.


FREE stuff for their coming baby

Tests

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed by conducting the Glucose Tolerance Test. The pregnant mother is asked to orally take a glass of glucose water at empty stomach. The sugar levels are tested at fasting, after taking the glucose water, one hour after having food, and if required after two hours. Both blood sugars and urine sugars are monitored. If the results are abnormal, then further treatment is required.

Treatment

Gestational diabetes can be treated with insulin supplements or injecting insulin in to the body. Your doctor may prescribe diet, exercise along with the medicine. Initially, taking the extra medicine may seem horrifying during pregnancy, but after a week you will get used to it. The assurance that the  baby is going to be safe with the medicine offers support during the pain of taking medicine.

Risks

If gestational diabetes is not treated, the baby may become larger making it difficult for delivery. Apart from which, other risks include that the baby may develop other abnormalities and future risks. Proper medicine, exercise and diet will help in treating gestational diabets.

Post-pregnancy

For most women, gestational diabetes vanishes after baby’s delivery, but indeed may be a watch out signal for future diabetes. Diet and simple exercise, such as walking, will help in coping up with Diabetes.

Salma Hayek and other celebrities had gestational diabetes and they do fight back in their lives. Why not we? 🙂

Obesity in Children

Healthy food and sedentary lifestyles lead to obesity in children. The junk food coupled with lot of screen time is a major cause of obesity leading to chronic diseases in later life. Chubby children look cute when they are in their early stages but not when they grow older. Most pediatricians recommend two hours or less of screen time and one hour or more of physical activity for children.

Healthy Food

As per the saying all that tastes good may not be good, children must not be continuously fed junk food or high calorie food just because they like it. Bribing food or sweets may not be a good trend. Doctors recommend daily five servings of fruits and vegetables. One serving is equal to the amount that fits in their fists. Children must be encouraged to try out all the different types of fruits and vegetables. Your child may have to take vitamin supplements if totally depending on vegetarian food.

Milk

Milk is the first food for any baby. Milk has all the essential proteins, minerals and vitamins for children. Some parents feed solid foods for their children and may sacrifice milk. But, doctors recommend daily 24 ounces of milk daily for children. Milk is easily digested in children in most cases.

Screen Time

Electronics serve as a great assistant and baby sitter to engage children. Mostly living indoors, children resort to electronic media such as the good old television, video games, computer games, mobile phones, and others for entertainment. But, it is suggested that children get no more than two hours of screen time per day. It is not good for their physical health as well as destroys brain and vision.

Physical Exercise

The physical exercise which children get in schools is not enough. Doctors do recommend one hour of physical exercise for children. In fact, they are capable of more than that. The physical exercise may be any sport or swimming or just casual play in the backyard.

Water

Finally, children must take zero sweetened beverages as it is not good for their health. Water is a major part of the earth and the body and hence must be a major part of the daily intake. Eight glasses of water are recommended daily. And don’t forget fifteen minutes of sunshine and ten to twelve hours of sleep for your child.

First Lady Michelle Obama recently announced “Let’s move” campaign to increase the child obesity awareness. It is important to consult your family pediatrician regarding a child’s diet and have annual health check ups.

Need motivation to walk? Buy Shape ups from Sketchers

My husband recently bought me Sketchers Shape ups after he was impressed with my walking results. Just when I am lazy to get out for a walk the new sketchers tempt me and motivate me to start. 🙂 Walking is the best exercise for many. But, most lack motivation to carry out the daily walking routine. The latest footwear from Sketchers may add to your result apart from boosting your motivation and confidence.

Sketchers

Sketchers is the popular brand and global leader in lifestyle footwear for children, men and women. They design, produce and market innovative products through out the world. Sketchers has head quarters in California and has retail stores in major cities around the world.

Shape Ups

Shape ups is the latest brand from Sketchers that assists in good body posture and toning muscles while you walk. The regular sports shoes or running shoes will give adequate support to your feet, but Shape ups promise improved posture and reduced stress on back and legs.

Initially, I felt that my walking style has changed and am walking in an unnatural way. But, after couple of days, I noticed that my walking pace has improved and the stress on thighs is increased. The stress on my back is reduced and hope all this will help in improving my posture. In that case its worth the price.

You may wear the shape ups during your normal office wear or for your walking routine. Any walk, the shoe promises results. The shoes are available in multiple models and colors. It comes with an instructional CD for our tech savvy friends. 🙂

Buy Sketchers Shape ups from kuulstuff’s amazon eStore to avail an extra four per cent discount and free shipping!

Sutures in Children

Injuries and Sutures are common in children. Every year millions of children get sutures or stitches in face and other body parts in the emergency room. Active children tend to forget safety procedures and get injured while playing. Accidents while playing are common but must be addressed carefully.

First Aid

When there is an accident and your child is injured, take the kid aside and apply first aid. Clean the surface with tap water and use napkins or paper towels to stop the bleeding.

If the cut is minor, apply antiseptic cream and bandaid. If the cut is major and bleeds profusely, apply pressure on the area and put a towel on the injured part.

Hospital

Visit a nearby hospital or emergency room. Complete the formalities and let the nurse and doctor decide the course of action. You may be too anxious, but be patient and wait until the treatment is completed.

If there are sutures, instruct your child to cooperate with the doctor while applying the sutures. Ask the doctor how to care and food restrictions.

Sutures – Care

In general, nonabsorbent material are used for facial sutures and absorbable material are used for gynecology sutures. It is better to keep the child safe at home while the sutures are on. Here are some general care instructions to heal sutures.

  • Remove the bandage after 12 to 24 hours
  • Clean and dry the wound area twice a day
  • Wash the area with soap water and pat with a dry towel
  • Apply antiseptic cream and let it dry
  • Do not overuse the antiseptic cream, small amounts about your finger tip may be sufficient
  • Use loose fitting clothes for your kid so that the clothes may not disturb the sutures
  • Observe the wound area, for redness, swelling, pus, cracks and so on
  • Follow normal food for your child and take care that the food may not affect the sutures
  • Pulses are a good source of protein, but may result in pus formation
  • Milk is a good food and rice and smooth food which your kid likes may be best

Nonabsorbent sutures must be removed after five days. So, visit your doctor and get them removed. Let the doctor check thoroughly and confirm.

Any cut skin and suture will leave a scar on the surface. The kid’s injury may be painful more than self. But, it will be a sweet memory for your kid’s active play and happy childhood. 🙂

Why is it Important to Quit Smoking and Alcohol?

We all know that smoking and alcohol reduce our life span and increase health hazards. We are aware that we are decreasing body immunity and increasing heart attack risks. But, are we aware of what our kids are learning when they watch us practicing these habits?


Parents Influence

Parents influence us in all areas throughout our lives. According to the studies published in Pediatrics Journal, children are less likely to become established smokers if their parents strongly disapprove. But, when we are practicing smoking, we are sending them unconscious signlas that it is OK and you may approve them in future.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2009, parental disapproval of drug use plays a strong role in turning back drug use. So, it is essential that we practice the habits only which we want them to continue.

Children are learning at school not to practice drugs, smoking and alcohol. They learn about the unhealthy habits through counselling sessions. Yet, when they come back home, parents engage in bad habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption, they get confused. Drug abuse prevention starts at home with parents.

Quit Smoking and Alcohol

According to Smoking Statistics, one out of every five people smoke. And according to Alcohol Statistics, one out of every thirteen people drink alcohol. The effects of these two habits on personal and work life are disastrous. Some people may argue that anyways we are going to die, why not enjoy the life. But, this kind of attitude toward life is not healthy.

While will power plays a vital role in quitting alcohol and smoking, you could use some external help if needed. Apart from the cost and health benefits, quitting helps in overall well being of the family and society. The amount which one spends on bad habits and associated hospital expenses could be donated to a child in need. 🙂

Why Walking is the Best Medicine for all Ailments

We have heard many people saying that, “Walking is good for health”, “My doctor has advised to walk thirty minutes a day”, “Walking reduces body weight” and so on. I was always wondering what may be the actual benefits. But, lately I realized that walking is the best medicine for all ailments.

Benefits

Here are many benefits of walking apart from weight loss and controlling diabetes and blood pressure:

  • Walking engages us as we prepare and plan ahead to get out on time
  • While walking, you are also observing the nature, which is relaxing and increasing your observation skills.
  • You may encounter different thoughts or plan of actions while you walk.
  • You can discuss many personal or professional topics while walking.
  • Discussing or talking out your mind actually relaxes your mind and the day ahead.
  • You may listen to good and soothing music while walking.

Tips


  1. It is better and essential to have a walking companion, may be, your spouse, or a friend, or your child, any body, who can accompany you in the daily walking routine.
  2. Start and plan your walking.
  3. Remember to wear good pair of shoes and loose clothes.
  4. Further, you may have light breakfast or tea or coffee before you walk.
  5. Choose a convenient time and set the total walking time comfortable to your body rather than over-doing it.

One may notice drastic changes initially, but once the change is stabilized, it will be consistent. Therefore, it is suggested to continue the walking at the same time of the day.

Most of all, the entire excitement lies in getting out of the home and completing the routine. You will feel a sense of satisfaction and success if you complete your walking routine. It is a supplement along with the food, medicine and rest you take daily. So, happy walking and best wishes to achieve your weight loss target. 🙂