Direcion of Health

Month: August 2024

  • Eyes Fitness: 6 simple exercises to Boost Vision

    Eyes Fitness: 6 simple exercises to Boost Vision

    Eyes

    According to classical approach we have five basic senses: vision, smell, touch, hear and taste. The organs which are used to feel these senses are eyes, nose, skin, ear and tongue. Scientifically speaking we have more than five senses. It means vision is basic sense of humans and eyes are used to watch things around us. It gives all the information about our surroundings.

    Eyes perceive the image and then it is send to brain where brain processes the message and you get the signals of what is present in front of you. The coordination between brain, sensory and motor neurons present in eyes is very important.

    Importance of Eye Health

    Eye has basic role in providing us with information of the surrounding. It tells us about the pleasurable as well as harmful events happening around us. We become aware of any danger present around us with help of eyes.

    So their health is also very important to stay informed about our surroundings. In modern era eyes have become focus as we are using electronic gadgets in daily life to meet our needs. We spend many hours daily on these electronic gadgets like computers, smartphones, tablets, laptops and TV.

    In this regard importance of eyes in modern era for using these gadgets has increased. When someone uses them for longer period of time it affects the health of eyes which eventually lead to discomfort, blurry vision and some long term issue.

    Here we are going to provide you with essential knowledge which will help you to relax your eyes and muscles to provide you better vision. These exercises will provide you with information about how to get rid of this discomfort.

    Eye Strain

    Eyes strain

    Before we start to discuss in details the exercises of eyes it is essential to understand “eye strain.” When we look up at certain things such as computer or cellphones screen while focusing for longer period of time our lens contracts. When we don’t look away from that particular abject and keep our vision focus then it causes eye strain. Because lens don’t get chance to relax. In this process we avoid to blink as well. And eye will not get enough hydration results in discomfort in eye.

    Symptoms of Eye strain

    1. First symptom of eye strain is that eyes become red, watery and you feel irritation or itching in your eyes.
    2. Eyes feel tired and eyelids become heavy during focusing.
    3. You find yourself unable to focus on object or screen and your vision becomes blurry.
    4. Some times in attempt to focus while having above symptoms you start to feel mild headache.
    5. You may experience muscles spasms in eye or eyelid as well.
    6. In the last you find yourself unable to open your eyes.

    These eye strains may have resemblance with other eye conditions so it is suggested to have appointment with your ophthalmologist to discuss your issue.

    How To Avoid Eye strain

    Eye strain can be avoided by keeping eyes moist for this purpose keep yourself hydrated. While focusing on a thing try to blink your eyes frequently.

    Use of blue light while using electronic gadgets also reduces risk of eye strain. Eye protectors are also helpful in this regard.

    The best way to avoid eye strain is to engage your eyes in exercises.

    Recommended Eye Exercises

    Here are some recommended eyes exercises for the improvement of eyes health.

    1.     Eyes Rest

    This is basically a set of exercises which helps eyes and muscles to relax and improve their health.

    1. In first set of exercise use your thumbs of both hands to make mini circles under your brows.
    2. Now make mini circles under your eyes with your index fingers.
    3. In third set make half circles under your eyes with your index finger.
    4. During next exercise you need to use your thumbs to make half circles under your brows.
    5.  In next step use your index fingers and move them up and down from eyes to brows.
    6. In the last close your eyes gently and cover them with your palms without applying pressure on eyes. This is called complete black out which will help your eyes to rest.

    Do all the above sets of exercises for 20 seconds each. Then repeat these sets of exercises again for 4-5 times to make your eyes comfortable. These set of exercises help muscles to relax and provide them with flexibility. It also releases tension and fatigue.

    2.     Palming

    In this exercise you need to rub your hands together to produce some heat. When hands become warm, cup your palms and cover your eyes with hands. Do not apply pressure on your eyes. Keep them close in natural way to provide warmth of your hands. Make it sure that no light passes through hands to your eyes.

    This exercise helps your eyes to relax by blocking light. It also allows them to recover from visual strain and gives calming and relaxing effects to the eyes.

    3.     Blinking

    In this exercise you need to blink your eyes rapidly for 10 seconds. This blinking will trigger tear glands in eyes to moist the eyes.  After blinking for 10 seconds close them gently and keep them relaxed for a few seconds.

    It will provide the eyes with enough hydration and frequent blinking also helps to spread tear evenly over the surface of eye. It reduces dryness as well which causes itching and irritation. It also provides a quick break to eyes from work.

    4.     Focus Shifting

    In this exercise you need to hold a small object 10 inches away from eyes. Now focus your vision on that small object for at least 10-15 seconds. After that you need to shift your gaze towards an object which is about 20 feet far from your eyes. You need to focus your eyes of that distant object for 10-15 seconds. Repeat the cycle of focusing of small object and distant object several times.

    This exercise will help your eyes to adjust focus between two objects while working. And it also improves flexibility of the eyes.

    5.     Figure Eight

    In this exercise you need to focus on imaginary figure eight.  Now trace this figure with your eyes by moving them slowly and smoothly. Move your eyes for about 30 seconds in each direction.

    This exercise is helpful in controlling and coordinating the eyes. It also relieves tension and helps to enhance flexibility.

    6.      Eye Rolling

    In this exercise you need to roll your eyes in circular motion. Firstly move them clockwise and then anti clockwise. Do this exercise for about 10 seconds in each direction.

    It will help muscles of eyes to stretch and relax. It will reduce the fatigue of muscles and provide the comfort and relaxation to the eyes lens and muscles.

    Benefits of Eye Exercises

    There are several benefits of eye exercises. Some of them are as follows.

    Reduce fatigue:

    It helps muscles of eye to relax. They get tired and fatigues by continuous focus and working. Exercise helps them to contract and relax so it reduces stiffness as well. It also causes reduction in eye strains by providing them relaxation.

    Improve blood circulation

    These exercises improve health of eye by increasing blood circulation to them. When eye gets good supply of blood it will be able to get more nutrition and oxygen from blood. It also reduces redness dryness and discomfort from eye. That will eventually result in better health of eye.

    Prevent long term damage

    Exercises have long terms benefits for the proper health and functioning of eye.  Regular exercises can delay serious condition by relaxing and providing them with better focus ability and flexibility.

    Incorporating Eye Exercises into Daily Routine

    It is beneficial for overall vision to perform exercises daily. One must include them in daily routine. You can do them while working, during breaks, before bed, in the morning and especially when using screens for longer period of time.

    You need to make it sure that you are regularly preforming these exercises. You may set alarms and reminders to take exercise breaks of 5-10 minutes while working or focusing on screens. You need make it habit to improve your health of eye.

    Tips for Eye Health

    1. If you want your vision in good condition then you must adjust the brightness of screen to lower level. Set screens on a level which is comfortable for your eyes. You may use spectacles to reduce eye strains while using electronic gadgets.
    2. When travelling you need to avoid reading, focusing or use of screens as continuous movement of vehicle effects the vision and focusing ability.
    3. Make a 20-20 rule. In this rule after using any screen for 20 minutes look at something which is 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It will help you to relax your eyes.
    4. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Drinking more water prevents dryness of eyes by providing moist.
    5. It is essential to regularly visit your eye care professional and have checkups to check your visions and monitor your overall health of eye.

    Conclusion

    In short health of eyes is crucial for better vision. It is better to combat effectively with issues regarding prolonged screen timings before they create a long term effect on your vision. To maintain overall health of eyes you need to include exercises in daily routine.

     

  • Essential Insight of Vitamin D

    Essential Insight of Vitamin D

    Introduction

    Vitamin D is an important vitamin for the health of bone. It performs many functions in the body. During the span of life bones continues to reform and reshape. Vitamin D is considered to have vital role in the formation and reshaping of bones.  It also helps and promotes other minerals absorption within blood. When sun rays strikes the uncovered skin these UV rays initiates the synthesis of vitamin D in the liver and kidney.

    Importance for body

    Vitamin D

    1. It increases absorption of calcium and phosphorus within blood. it assists the absorption of these minerals inside the gut.
    2. It allows mineralization of bone and prevents involuntary muscle contraction which may additionally lead to cramps and spasms.
    3. It is also needed for bone formation. It helps to prevent thinning or misshaping of the bone.
    4. It reduces inflammation and promotes the growth of many processes such as cell growth, metabolic functioning and immune function.
    5. It is also suggested that this vitamin has role in regulation of mood and depression control.

    Need of vitamin D

    As we know that vitamin is very important vitamin for the growth of bones so its sufficient amount is needed for the proper functioning of the body.

    Here is general table that depicts how much quantity of this vitamin is needed for the body. The unit in which its intake is measured is International Unit (IU)

    Age Male Female
    1-12 months 400IU 400 IU
    1-70 years 600 IU 600 IU
    Above 70 years 800 IU 800 IU

    Forms of vitamin D

    Mainly there are two forms of vitamin.  Both forms have different structural formula.

    1.      Vitamin D 2

    This vitamin is human made. It is added to foods to make them enrich of this vitamin. It is also present in the supplements which are used to increase its intake. It is derived from fungi and yeast.

    2.     Vitamin D3

    This form of vitamin is synthesized inside the body. When rays of sun strikes the skin it triggers the syntheses of vitamin D. it is absorbed in inactive form. It passes through two steps to get in inert form. First step occurs in liver and second in kidney. It is also present in animal products. It is more effective than D2.

    3.     Vitamin D Complex

    It is form of supplement which contains both vitamin D2 and D3. It may contain other nutrients as well which support absorption of vitamin D.

    Sources of Vitamin D

    Essentially there are 3 main sources to obtain this vitamin. This is fat soluble vitamin.

    1.     Food with Vitamin D

    There are a few foods which naturally have this vitamin. Including these foods in diet can help to overcome its deficiency. Flash of fatty fish such as trout, salmon have good amount of it.

    Liver oil of fish and beef liver also contains this vitamin as their part of nutrition.  Egg yolk, cheese and some mushrooms also have vitamin D.

    Some foods are fortifies with vitamin D to make them enrich of this vitamin. For example most of the milk are fortifies with it.

    2.     Sun Exposure

    One can meet its bodily need of this vitamin by exposing his skin under the direct rays of sun. People with dark skin and older people synthesized less amount of D3. 5-30 minutes are enough to absorb enough of UV rays to synthesize vitamin D.

    Although vitamin can be synthesized by exposing skin through direct sun ray but it is not advisable to expose the skin for longer period of time because it can cause other skin diseases such as allergies, irritation and skin cancer.

    3.     Supplements

    There are supplement which provide a good amount of vitamin D.  D2 is manufactured by uv rays in yeast and d3 is produced in wool of sheep. Lichens are also used for its syntheses.

    These supplements are helpful in maintaining level of vitamin inside body.

    Deficiency of vitamin D

    Deficiency of this particular vitamin can be characterized by fewer amounts present in diet, kidney is not converting it into inert form, exposure to sun is limited or digestive system is not absorbing it.

    Children with its deficiency develop a disease called as Rickets. This is a bone disease in which bone mineralization doesn’t occur. Due to which bone becomes weak and soft. And children suffers from bone deformities, delay in growth, dental problems.

    Osteoporosis is also bone disease which is caused by deficiency of this vitamin. Bones are continuously reforms throughout the life. When bones deform and muscle fibers associated with them weakens which is the main reason of osteoporosis.

    Despite the fact that osteoporosis is due to much less calcium however vitamin D facilitates in absorption of calcium so we are able to say that deficiency of vitamin additionally leads to osteoporosis.

     

    Symptoms of Deficiency

    It is very important to have sufficient supply of vitamin for overall health of body. but when body to not gets enough of it may arises some early symptoms. These symptoms are as follows

    1. Pain in bones and joints is very common symptoms of its deficiency. Joints and muscles starts to pain when they do not get enough supply of vitamin D.
    2. It also affects the health of muscles. They feel tired and fatigued as they gets weaken with its deficiency.
    3. It also in some cases it also causes depression because it is involved in the pathophysiology of brain.
    4. It also participates in regulation of blood pressure vascular cell growth, and inflammatory and fibrotic pathways. So it may be associated with health of heart and its functioning.

    People at Higher of Vitamin D deficiency

    There are certain people who do not have sufficient supply of this vitamin… they are at more risk of developing symptoms as compared to others.

    These groups are as follows:

    1.     Breast feeding infants

    Breastfeeding infants are at more risk of its deficiency. The reason is that human milk does not contain enough of it to meet needs of infants. So it is necessary to provide them with vitamin D drops to meet their requirement.  A mother can also take supplements to increase level of vitamin in the milk.

    Sun exposure is not good for infants. It is suggested to cover them properly before exposing them to direct sun. so it is advisable here that provide infants with supplements unless they are able to take fortified milk  to meet their bodily needs.

    2.     Older adults

    With age requirements of vitamin increases because now skin is unable to synthesize enough vitamin D to meet needs of body. After age of 70 they needs more amount of it so it is necessary for older people to take supplements to meet their bodily requirements.

    3.     People with less Sun Exposure

    When skin is not exposed to sun then it cants synthesize this vitamin. People who live in areas with less sun rays and who prefer to stay inside are more vulnerable to its deficiency. People working in indoor environments and who covers themselves completely while going under the sun may have more chances to develop its deficiency.

    4.     Dark Skin people

    There’s a pigment in the outer layer of skin known as melanin. This pigment is causes the darkish skin tone. This pigment inhibits synthesizes of vitamin D that results in its deficiency.

    5.     Less Fat Absorption

    There is certain group of people who suffers from diseases such as liver disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis do not have ability to absorb fat soluble substances in the gut. As we know vitamin D is fat soluble vitamin so it does not absorbed by the gut.  It results in less absorption and unavailability of this particular vitamin.

     

  • Breaking Down Depression: symptoms, Effects and Treatment

    Breaking Down Depression: symptoms, Effects and Treatment

    Definition of depression

    Depression is depressive disorder in which a person losses interest in activities which were previously interesting for them. It also involves lack of pleasure for longer period of time in any of the activity. The feeling of sadness remain in person and they do not feel satisfied.

    depression

    It is not like normal mood swing but feeling of loss and sadness remain for longer period of time. It is not necessary that it will happen to specific person but it can happen to anyone at any age. Its severity changes from simple lack of interest to complete lost meaning of life. In severe cases it may lead to suicide attempt.

    Some of the most common causes of depression includes stress full events, lived in abusive environment for longer period, emotional trauma etc.

    Common signs of depression

    There are some signs and symptoms to identify if you are suffering from depression.

    1.  Feeling of emptiness, lack of interest or sadness remains for longer period of time. It may be for sometime during day, then for a day and then for a week and so on.
    2. There is notable change in apatite. Most of the time a depressed person lost his appetite. But in rare cases he starts to eat more than usual.
    3. Person losses power of concentration. He can’t concentrate on things and matters. His thoughts diverts frequently from one thing to another.
    4. A person suffering from depression develops a sense of guilt. He starts to blame himself for things. He feels guilty for everything and he perceives himself as worthless and useless person.
    5. His sleeping patterns changes as well. He may suffer from insomnia or may have more sleep than normal.
    6. He feels hopeless about his present and future. He doesn’t find any hope in future.
    7. He may think about dying and suicide.
    8. His feels less energetic throughout the day. There is persistent tiredness and fatigue. And this tiredness doesn’t go away by taking rest or sleep.

    Identification of depression

    It is very important to identify the depression. Once you will identify that you are suffering from this mental disorder than you will be able to seek professional help and treatment. In this regard self-awareness is very important. One must know about the symptoms of depression. When you have any symptoms given above then go for further diagnosis.

    Mental health experts use different criteria and test for its diagnoses. They have questionnaires, and other test for diagnosis.

    Depression among women

    Depression is most common among women than men. About 50% women are diagnosed with this mental disorder. Most of the women suffer from depression during pregnancy, periods and after giving birth to child. Some of them also suffer during child care as well.

    1.     Depression during Pregnancy

    It is estimated that if a pregnant women feels sad, irritable or tired for some time then it is normal. But if this hopelessness, sadness remains for longer time, for instance, a day, a week then it is not normal. She may be suffering from depression.

    There are many causes of depression during pregnancy. One of the most common is hormonal changes. As body goes through many hormonal changes which cause physiological as well as psychological changes in women. They may cause depression.

    There are social and family causes too in development of depression during pregnancy. She may feel insecure about child or afraid of taking responsibility of child may lead to depression. Financial issues also play vital role in this regard.

    2.     Depression during Periods

    Some girls experience depression or feeling of lost before start of their monthly menstrual cycle. It starts usually 2-3 days before their regular periods and as menstruation starts they start to feel normal.

    This is again because of hormonal changes that occur during periods inside the body of girl. With the help of family and proper consultation one can overcome this depression.

    3.     Postpartum Depression

    As baby is born it develops lots of emotions in the new mother. Some of them are emotions of joy, excitement but some are anxiety and fear as well. If these emotions lasts for more than a week after birth than it arises a more severe condition known as postpartum depression, which is also known as depression after birth of baby.

    Mostly it is due to complications arising during pregnancy and birth process.  It is intense              depression in which new mother finds herself unable to take care of baby and herself. In more severe conditions she tries to harm baby and herself as well.

    In this regard help of partner, family and friends is very important. Person who is suffering from depression cannot identify that she is having depression but if you find symptoms in her then consult a psychologist or specialist for treatment before it gets severe.

    Effects of depression

    Depression is a serious mental disorder which impacts daily life from routine simple work to work life. Here we will provide you a brief impact of depression on functioning of routine work

    1. Daily life

    First thing that gets affected by depression is daily life. One who is suffering from depression finds himself unable to concentrate on things. So he can’t finish his daily tasks like cleaning, brushing and looking after himself.

    It also impacts social life. He can’t enjoy the company of others he finds himself unable to talk to them or have healthy conversations. His relationships also suffer from his depression.

    2. Brain

    It also affects brain activities. His concentration, reasoning and memory get effected by his mood and persistent sadness. He finds himself unable to remember thing so it also affects his decision making ability. Due to it his brain cells also gets affected.

    3. Body

     One suffering from this order continues to feel tired and fatigued. His sleep patterns changes and he has disturbed sleep as well. He may suffer from insomnia or have more sleep. But after taking sleep he still finds himself tired and fatigued.

    Overall energy level lower down and as a result his physical health also gets affected. He loses his stamina of physical work and feels more tired. He feels pains and aches in his body while doing any physical work.

    4. on pregnancy

    Depression during pregnancy effects mother as well as development of fetus. She may give birth to pre mature baby or may suffer from postpartum depression.

    5. Breast feeding

    Depression also effects breastfeeding of baby after his birth. If mother is suffering from depression she finds herself unable to feed her baby. She doesn’t care about the health of baby and herself as well.

    If she is taking antidepressants then it also have effect on milk of breast. There must be a balance while using antidepressants. Family support, proper nutrition and rest can make her feel better.

    6. Behavior

    Behavioral changes also occur while having depression. Lack of interest in activities makes him to withdraw from social activities. His interpersonal relationships also get effected due to his behavior. In some cases person starts to take abusive substances. He finds himself unable to take work responsibilities as well.

    7. Body weight

    As described earlier that eating habits of depressed person changes. He may loss interest in eating or may start to eat unhealthy food as well. As a result he starts to lose weight. In some cases he starts to eat more which cause abrupt weight gain. His metabolism gets disturbed in both conditions.

    Treatment of depression

    Treatment of this mental disorder is very important.  In most of developing countries people do not take mental illness seriously and don’t seek help from professionals. So there is high rate of people affected from it.

    Proper help and treatment is crucial to overcome depression. Psychotherapies and medication are suggested by the professionals helps the person to recover.

    Change in life style like engaging oneself in exercises, meditation and yoga also helps in improvement of health. Balance diet, weight and sleep management also make person mentally as well as physically healthier.

    Family and friends play very crucial role in identification of depression. They can motivate as well as encourage a person to seek professional help. They can also help in becoming normal person again.

    Conclusion

    It is normal to have a mental illness as it is normal to have physical illness. There is a need especially in developing countries and middle class to address these mental issues to promote a healthy lifestyle among society. Early identification and treatment plays vital role in the mental health of a person. Seeking professional help is best way to cope with these mental challenges. A mentally well person lives a happier, healthier and satisfied life.

     

  • Caesarean: 13 Risks, Complications and its Outcomes

    Caesarean: 13 Risks, Complications and its Outcomes

    What is caesarean

    When baby is not given birth by natural process of labor through vagina then a surgery is performed to take out baby from uterus is called caesarean. In this procedure a cut is made in lower belly and by cutting uterus and abdominal wall the baby is taken out directly. This procedure is performed under the supervision of medical experts. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.

    There is planned as well as unplanned caesarean surgery as well depending on the situation

    Pre-planned caesarean

    There are some conditions in which doctor after discussion with patient makes decision to go for caesarean as normal birth is difficult or impossible. They take this decision from the history of scans which were performed during pregnancy.  She makes decision prior to labor pains. Main purpose of caesarean is to give safe birth to baby and mother.

    Following are some pre-planned caesarean.

    1. Some time position of baby is not normal i.e. head is not in uterus. Some times its feet inside the uterus or baby is sidewise. In both conditions to give normal vaginal birth is difficult or not possible.
    2. If she had caesarean before. In this condition it becomes difficult to give normal birth to second baby if mother had caesarean before.
    3. At times placenta develop at the opening of cervix during pregnancy. This condition is known as placenta previa. With normal labor it is not possible to give birth in this condition. So gynecologist advises the mother to go for surgery.
    4. It is difficult for a mother to deliver more than one baby through vaginal birth. When there are duplet, triplet or more babies then it is recommended that go for c- section.
    5. Size of baby is important factor that determines how it is going to born. In some cases vagina Is smaller and baby can’t move through it.  So doctor goes for planned surgery

    Emergency caesarean

    caesarean

    There are some emergency condition in which doctor decides to go for caesarean rather than normal vaginal delivery. Because life of mother or baby is at risk so they perform surgery to safe life of both mother and baby.

    Here are some emergency conditions in which surgical birth to baby becomes mandatory.

    1. Due to high blood pressure or some other reason placenta breaks down partially or completely. When it breaks the bridge that connects mother with fetus also breaks. This is a severe condition which requires immediate surgery as fetus survival depends on placenta. In most condition if surgery delayed for few hours results in death of fetus inside womb. It can easily identified able as excessive bleeding starts when it breaks.
    2. At times labor pain is not progressing normally. It may be hyper intensive or very slow and taking more time than naturally it should take. So it becomes risky for mother and baby to tolerate such pain for longer period of the so doctor may go for surgery.
    3. There is sac filled with water and other vital materials. In some situations this sac ruptures due to any condition and life of baby becomes in danger so  doctors try to safe life of fetus so they recommend c- section. In such situation surgery becomes vital s survival of the baby depends on water. And if there will be no water baby’s survival is difficult.
    4. There are some cases during which labor prolongs and baby passes meconium inside womb and it gets mixed with amniotic fluid.  This is harmful for both mother and baby. It raises serious medical attention. In this condition doctor goes for surgery.
    5. It is advised to pregnant women to regularly check the movement of baby especially in the morning time. If baby movement is slower or not moving go for checkup. In this condition if heart rate of baby is not normal then surgery may be performed

    Risks of caesarean

    cesarean

    Although it is safe and common procedure nowadays but still it has its own risk and consequences as any other surgery have. Here we are going to discuss its risks and consequences.

    1. There is more blood loss during surgery as any surgical procedure is performed by cutting the skin and muscles. So there is more loss of blood as compared to normal surgery
    2. Sometimes infection may occur in the lining of uterus which will be needed to properly taken care of.
    3. There is numbness feeling in lower abdomen which will remain for rest of the life. You will not be able to feel any sensation in this area. Because when cut is made it has also cut the connection between cells so you can’t feel anything in this area.
    4. There is more chance that baby may develop respiratory problems and needed to stay in incubators for some time.
    5. You need to be hospitalized for 3-5 days under the supervision of doctor until you recover from it.
    6. There will be more pain as compared normal deliver. Pain killer are given but more time is required to fully recover from this pain
    7. There is problem in passing bowel movements
    8.  Passing urine will also become difficult and painful. There is burning sensation when you pass the urine.
    9. It will be difficult to give vaginal birth in the future. You will be needed to go for caesarean in the future as well.
    10. You may start to suffer from constipation as well.
    11. Anesthesia, whether it is general or spinal both have consequences. In spinal you will have pain in the back for longer period of time. And in general you need more time to gain senses back and see your baby.
    12. It becomes difficult to feed baby when you have surgery. You need help of family or your partner to take care of you and baby.
    13. Healing procedure is slow and it will take longer time to heal the wound as three layers of skin have been cut.

    Conclusion

    We may conclude that although caesarean have many risks and consequences but still it is a successful procedure to give birth to baby in healthy manner for safety of mother and baby. It is important to go for regular checkups and scans that will help you to better understand the health and condition of baby. 

  • Breast feed- Essential benefits for Mother And Baby

    Introduction

    Breast feeding is the first complete diet for new born.  It is advised to provide the child with mother feed within one hour after his birth. It is important for the survival of newborn as it provides best antibodies to fight against any infection. And it also has high portion of energy.

    breast Feed

    First milk that is produced right after the birth is rich in water and antibodies and has fewer amounts of fats. Water content in this milk helps to increase apatite of newborn and developing immunity. Later on fat portion increases and water portion in milk decreases that gives satisfaction to apatite of newborn. Every time mother breast feeds the child, the quantity of fat change as required by the baby.

    Nutritional value of breast milk

    First diet of new born is breast milk. So it is very rich in nutrition as it will provide the foundation for the development and growth of baby. It also helps in developing immunity to cope with infections and germs. Main component of human breast milk is water. There is about 87-88% water as major component. It also had carbs, proteins and fats as its component.  Complete nutritional value of 1 cup breast milk is as follows

    Energy171 calories
    Fat11g
    Cholesterol34.4mg
    Sodium41.8mg
    Potassium125.5mg
    Sugar17g
    Protein2.5g
    Vitamin C20%
    Calcium7%
    Vitamin D1 %
    Cobalamin1%
    Magnesium1%

     It is clear from above table that breast milk is a complete diet for new born. It provides all the major nutrition which is required for the growth, development and immunity for a baby.

    Breast feeding benefits for Mother

    Breast feeding is not only beneficial for child but it is also beneficial for mother.

    1. There are fewer chances of breast cancer and ovarian cancer if mother is breast feeding the baby as compared to a mother who is not nursing her child.
    2. It is helpful in weight management as well. When mother breast feeds the child it is also helpful to lose extra weight which she gained during pregnancy. If a new mother wants to gain her figure as it was before pregnancy then it is important to breast feed your child.
    3. It also Decreases the chances of diabetes.
    4. When mother feeds her child she develops stronger bond with child. She feels more love and affection for the child. And child also gets attached with mother.
    5. Mother gets psychological satisfaction as well by providing feed to her child. It provides mental satisfaction that her child is full and will be healthy.
    6. In normal vaginal birth there is post-partum hemorrhage which is loss of blood due to deliver.  The amount of this blood can be reduced if mother starts to feed her child.

    Breast feeding benefits for new born

    Breast milk is very beneficial for child as well. It helps to develop immune system of baby. It is observed that there is lower rate of infection in babies who are taking mother feed as compared to those who are nor taking mother feed. They are better in health.

    Breast milk has water, carbs, minerals, fats and vitamins which are needed for growth of baby. This is easily digestible for babies as it is according to their bodily needs. It is also worthy to note that composition of milk changes with the need of baby.

    Best Positions for breast feeding

    While discussing the importance of breast feeding it is also important to mention the position of feeding.  Always make yourself comfortable while feeding your child. Comfort of mother and child is important factor. It depends in which position you feel more comfortable but here are some positions which are comfortable as well easy to manage.

    1.     Cradle hold for Breast feeding

    This position is considered to be most comfortable position for baby and mother. In this position simply take your baby in your lap along the length of your arm. Put his arm under your arm and place nipple in baby’s mouth. Make sure that you are sitting comfortably. 

    This position is difficult for a mother who is having caesarean.  Because baby will touch scar of cut and will hurt the mother. So it is suggested that a caesarean mother don’t try this position in early days.

    2.     Laid back

    This position is comfortable for mother. In this position mother lays back comfortably on sofa or bed. she does not lay back straight but lean with help of cushion or pillow support. Then takes the baby on her tummy and fed him from opposite breast. This position is good for mother who is having C- section as baby will not touch her scar.

    3.     Lying on your side

    This is a good position for mother who is having caesarean or normal deliver. This position is also helpful when you are sleeping during night.

    In this position mother lays side wise with baby facing her. Make it sure that baby is not twisted. His ear arm and hip must be aligned. Use support of your hand to hold baby and guide him towards the nipple

    4.     Rugby hold

    This position is best for caesarean mother as in this position baby will not touch her scar area.

    In this position mother sits comfortably and places a cushion on her side from where she wants to feed the child. Place the baby’s head on pillow and feed him from opposite side. It is helpful for twin babies too as they can feed together side by side.

    Diet for Nursing Mother

    It is very important to keep your diet healthy to cope with needs of yours as well as baby needs.  While breast feeding,  most of mother feels thirsty or hungry so keep something like shake or milk with yourself when you feed baby and drink it when you feel thirsty. Try to drink more water and also include milk and healthy shakes in your diet. They will help you to increase production of milk.

    Include good amount of protein, vegetables, whole grains and fruits in your diet. They will provide you with essential nutrition as well. Try to avoid processed food while nursing your baby. It is not nutritious and good for baby.

    Alcohol is not absorbed in milk but in the blood. If you take alcohol then wait until you feel sober then you may feed the child.  But Caffeine passes into the milk. So if you will take it will be transferred to your baby so try to avoid it. It may affect health of baby.

    Natural Remedies to increase breast milk

    Some mothers do not have enough milk to fulfill the need of baby. There are some natural remedies that help to increase production of milk inside breasts.

    Fenugreek
    cumin
    fennel
    1. Cumin is a natural remedy used to increase production of milk. One can simply eat it with water or sprinkle it on meal and eat it. It has good taste and also helps in production of milk.
    2. Fenugreek water is also helpful in this regard. Soak it in water for night and then drink this water in the morning. It will help to increase production of milk.
    3. Fennel tea is good remedy for mother to take while breast feeding the child. It just not only helps in production of milk but it also help to cure gastric and colic problems of babies.
    4. Taking good amount of milk and meat in die4t is also helpful.

    Duration and Frequency of breast feeding

    Mother should feed the child for 15 -20 minutes every time. New born baby are needed to be fed after every two hours. Mother should only give her breast milk for first 6 months. Do not give anything other than milk to babies until they are 6 months old. After that soft diet can be added to their diet with milk. A Mother must feed the child for at least 2 years.

    Myths regarding breast feeding

    1. Many people consider milk of first three days is poisonous for child growth and do not give it to baby. It is wrong concept. Mother must feed baby within 1 hour of his birth because it is first vaccination injection for baby that will help them to develop immunity.
    2. In most of population people give honey or gutti to the newborn. It is very dangerous for new born.

    People consider powder or packed milk is healthier then breast milk so they prefer it. But the best feed for newborn is mother milk

  • Nutritional Value of Plum- 3 Ways to Dry Plum

    Nutritional Value of Plum- 3 Ways to Dry Plum

    Introduction

    Plum is usually pink, purple or yellow colored nutritious fruit. Trees of  this fruit are planted in cold area. The harvesting season of plum is summer. Although it is summer fruit but it can be stored in dry form to use throughout the year.

    Nutritional Value of Plum

     They are rich source of energy. It contains protein, carbohydrate, fats and fibers. It is also source of vitamin C and minerals i.e. potassium, iron and magnesium. Following table shows complete picture of 100g of plums nutritional value.

    Energy 46 calories
    Fat 0.3g
    Potassium 157 mg
    Carbohydrates 11g
    Fiber 1.4g
    Protein 0.7g
    Vitamin C 15%
    Iron 1%
    Magnesium 1%
    Nutritional value of plum

    Benefits of Plum

    plum
    1. They contain Fiber content that help in maintaining sugar level in blood. It helps in the production of hormone name adiponectin which helps to lower down the sugar level in blood. It is good to eat it after having carbs. Prunes which is dried form of plum helps in bone’s health and its preservation in body.
    2. They have protein which is helpful in nourishing skin. If 6-7 plums are eaten daily they will nourish the skin and it will start to glow. It also helps in reducing dark spots from skin.
    3. Iron is helpful in development and growth of bones and teeth. It also help production of Red blood cells.
    4. Magnesium is helpful in muscle and regulating nerve function. It is also used in the production of protein, bones and DNA.
    5. Potassium helps in transmitting message in neurons and it also helps in regulating fluid levels in cell.
    6. As it also contains protein which is important to perform many function including hormones, enzymes and antibodies production.
    7. They contain healthy fat which is in saturated form and will provide a good source of stored energy within cell.

    3 Methods to preserve Plums

    prunes

    It is summer fruit and is available in markets for 2 months. As it is very healthy fruit so it can be stored in dried form to take advantage from it.

    Here we are going to discuss three best ways to store it in dry form, which is known as prunes.

    1. Boiling in Sugar Water

    Wash plums in water. Add some sugar in boiling water. Then add plums in sugar water and boil for 1-2 minutes on medium heat. Take out plums from water and you will observe that their skin gets removed from sides.

    Now put them in sieve for 1-2 hours to remove excessive water. After that press them with your hand to get rid of remaining water. Now put them on clean cloth separately so that they do not touch each other under direct sun heat. After 3-4 days they will dry.

    2. Dehydration in Oven or Dehydrator

    Another method to dry them is to use oven or dehydrator. In this method simply wash plums and then set the temperature 140-145 degree. Place them in dry try and put them in oven or dehydrator for 6-8 hours. This is a quick method then the previous one.

    Take out the try carefully and check if they are completely dry. If they have some moisture then you may put them back for 1-2 hour.

    3. Pressing with Hand

    This is easiest method to dry plums but you need fully ripened fruit to use this method as it will be soft. Simply take plum in your hand and press it so that it gets smooth and some water gets out of it.

    Now put them on some cloth or basket under the direct sunlight. It will take 4-5 sunny days to completely dry them.

    Storage

    Whichever methods you use make it sure that they are completely dry. If they have very small amount of moisture they will be attacked by fungus and will be rotten. So make it sure that they are completely dried up. After drying them store them in air tight jars. Do not touch them with wet hands once they are dried up.

  • Needle Stick Injury- 4 Hazards by Needle Stick

    Needle Stick Injury- 4 Hazards by Needle Stick

    Definition of needle stick injury

    Needle Stick

    Needle stick injuries refer to wounds caused by accidental puncture of needle into the skin. It is just a sudden prick into skin. And it is not much painful but it is dangerous to health. Skin plays important role to protect the internal vital organs from invasion if micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses and other harmful microbes. But when needle puncture the skin it gives way to these microscopic germs to enter into body. Proper care is very important to stop infections caused by needle.

    Higher Risk of Infection

    It is interesting to note here that who is at higher risk of getting needle stick injury?

    The answer is all those people who are working with needle equipment are at risk of this type of injury. Here is a list of people who are at higher risk of getting injury.

    1. Agricultural workers

    2. Food preparers

    3. Tattoo artists

    4. Laborers

    5. Law enforcement workers

    6. Tailors

    8. Nurses

    7. Medical lab workers

    As these people are constantly exposed to needle and needle like instruments so they are more likely to get injury while doing their daily routine work.

    Hazards Caused by Needle Stick Injury

    People don’t take needle stick injury seriously as it does not hurt as other injuries do. But it is very important to take proper care of these injuries as well because they can cause many health hazards. Primarily skin protects the body and microscopic germs cannot enter into the body because of skin but when needle punctures the skin it open the entry for these microbes.

    There are more chances that needle may be infectious as well. If needle pricks a person who is having a health condition is pricked by another healthy person then it can cause same health condition in second person as well.

    Following is the list of diseases which are caused by the needle stick.

    AIDS (Acquired immune Deficiency Syndrome)

    AIDS is incurable disease caused by the HIV virus. In this disease HIV virus enters into the body and attacks white blood cells. White blood cells are the defense system of body. When they are attacked by virus immunity of body fails to fight with any infection. As a result body gets sunder attack of many infections which includes many severe infections such as cancer and TB.

    AIDS is caused by transfer of body fluid of infected person to non- infected person. When a needle enters to an infected person it gets infection. And if a healthy person uses same needle and it accidently make way to body it will also infect him.

    Hepatitis B

    Among all the viruses which are more easily acquired by the needle stick is virus of hepatitis. 30-50%people who are suffering from hepatitis B get this infection through the prick of needle.

    Nowadays vaccination of virus is available. If person is vaccinated for hepatitis B then there is less chance of getting severe infection even if needle stick injury occurs.

    Hepatitis C

    Hepatitis C is inflammatory disease of liver and it is caused by hepatitis c virus. It effects  the liver. It has short as well as long term effects. In long term it causes cancer of lever.

    Hepatitis is also transferred from one person to another if a person gets  in touch with infected needle stick But there are less chances of getting this virus into body by needle stick  as compared to above 2 viruses.

    Herpes

    Herpes is rarely caused by needle stick but there are still chances of getting infection.  In this disease blister and ulcers appears on infected are. It is viral transmitted disease. If needle get in touch with these blisters and ulcers then it may cause herpes.

    Precautionary Measures

    Whenever you get a needle stick injury it is very important to take following precautionary measures to avoid infection.

    1. As soon as you get needle stick injury go to tab and keep your wound under running water for some time.
    2. Wash the wound properly with soap and water. It will help to remove germs from the wound.
    3. Do not scrub the wound harshly. Rinse in with water softly.
    4. Most of the people start to suck the blood as soon as they get injury from needle stick. This is very harmful practice. As soon as you start to suck the injury virus will enter into your body more easily and can cause infection. So always try to avoid sucking after getting needle stick injury.
    5. After washing it dry your wound and cover it with waterproof plaster. Waterproof plaster will help to keep the wound safe from water. As water is a good medium for virus movement.
    6. After this above treatment it is suggested to go to doctor or clinic. They will wash your wound more properly with medicines and it will decrease the chance of getting any infection.