Monsoon Mania and Kids!

So the rain gods have given us a glimpse a few days back….but we are all wait patiently for them to return in full form. Aren’t we? We have had enough of the sweltering summer months. And all we look forward to now are the cool breezy monsoon evenings, walks in drizzles and yes the occasional heavy downpours. Sounds wonderful right?

We have all have some great monsoon memories as kids which we still reminisce. And yes, we have many stories also to share. But what about today’s kids? Somehow kids have a lot of restrictions and a different set of rules to follow then elders. Let’s not be over protective and just follow some basic monsoon care for kids. Let them enjoy the rains, splash the puddles and float paper boats, a great way to reclaim their childhood in this tech savvy times.

We agree that along with the monsoon fun comes contaminated water , cold and fever, infections and the occasional flooding . As children have low immunity levels they are more susceptible to these ailments. But a little care can balance the monsoon fun and the health risks.

Here are a few monsoon friendly tips for kids:

• The first rains come with air borne viral infections. Increase your child’s immunity with more doses of fruits rich in Vitamin C. Include herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, tulsi, oregano in your daily cooking to enhance the immunity.
• Home food is the best food in the rains. Outside food is avoidable as it increases chances of stomach pain, diarrhea and even food poisoning. Make your child’s favourite dishes at home.
• To avoid infections use only boiled drinking water for children. Also, water needs to be boiled the right way, once bubbles appear continue boiling for four minutes at least before switching off the gas.
• Has your child got drenched in the rains? That’s okay, but make sure it is followed by a hot water bath. A warm cup of turmeric milk or a soup is also very comforting and acts against catching cold.
• Always ensure that your child’s feet are dry and the socks if soaked must be removed immediately.
• Prepare for an insect proof home to enjoy the monsoon. Citronella oil, camphor and clove are effective natural remedies for mosquitoes.
• The rains outside does not mean less fluids inside the body. Children should drink sufficient liquids to stay hydrated even in the monsoons.

So let the rain not dampen your spirits, just a little bit of care and you are rain ready!

Summer is accompanied by a plethora of health problems because it makes the human body susceptible to infections, viruses and bacteria within the environment.

In the past few weeks, Mumbai along with several metropolitan cities has seen a tremendous rise in temperature. This unbearable weather condition has not only drained us out completely but also debilitated our immune system.

One of the most frequently reported health issues in recent times, Heat stroke or Heat stress is a serious kind of hyperthermia that is triggered when the human body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. When a person’s core body temperature rises above 40.5C, the body’s vital organs are affected radically thereby resulting in complete shutdown of his/her internal systems.

Read the signs that your body may be giving you and take notice of any visible changes in the way your body functions.

• Muscle cramps can be a primary symptom of heat-related illness which can further develop into heat exhaustion or heat stroke
• High body temperature (above 103°F)
• Rapid pulse
• Red & dry skin
• Possible blackout

If prolonged, Heat stoke can trigger dangerous, even deadly, health consequences. Take these steps to prevent a heat stroke during hot weather

• When the heat index is high, make sure that your body is hydrated. During summer, we tend to sweat more as compared to any other season; consequently the body tends to lose vital minerals through sweat. These minerals have to be replaced; otherwise the body may experience heat exhaustion and cramps. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Keep sipping water between regular intervals in order to avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol. Extremely chilled drinks can cause stomach cramps, therefore keep away from the same. Avoid taking certain medications which can have a subsequent impact on the body’s ability to stay hydrated.
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun. If you have no other choice but to visit places with extremely high temperatures, wear sunglasses, hat and sunscreen before stepping out in the sun. Use an umbrella to protect yourself from hot winds and take frequent breaks in the shade
• While travelling outdoors, wear a light shaded, loose-fitting outfit that allows your body to breathe. Putting on clothes that don’t fit you will not allow your body to cool down in hot weather conditions.
• Even a few hours of cooling can prove to be highly beneficial for your body especially on days when the outdoor temperature is on its peak. If your home is not air-conditioned, take a stroll to the nearest mall or watch a movie. You can also keep your body cool by taking quick showers 2 to 3 times a day
• Try to schedule strenuous activities/physical workout during the cooler parts of the day like early morning or late evening. Take frequent breaks and use this time to replenish your body by drinking lots of fluids. Do not exercise for longer duration of time unless your body is accustomed to high temperature. Limit your workout time and don’t overstress your body.

It’s that time of the year when watery splashes and powdered colors seem to be a common sighting across the country.

Did you know…?

In olden days, Holi was played with vegetable colors but these days most kinds of water colors & pastes contain toxic compounds (used in the base of engine oils) that can easily trigger acute skin allergies as well as temporary blindness.

Lack of knowledge and information about synthetic colors is one of the prime reasons that trigger hair & skin problems post Holi celebrations. Chemical and metallic colors are health hazards and highly capable of causing skin and hair allergies. Instead of using colors that contain harmful chemicals, you can opt for natural colors such as henna, turmeric, marigold flowers, tomatoes and tea leaves for a safe and skin-friendly Holi.

Soak in the colors of Holi, but before you do that, spare a few minutes to think about the effect of colors on your skin and hair.

Safe colors are duly certified by relevant authorities and carry all product information clearly on the product packaging. Red & Pink colors come off easily as compared to Green, Orange or Purple which are gaudy colors and contain harsh chemicals.

Chemical colors can cause severe damage to the skin. Apply a generous proportion of Vaseline or Mustard/Olive/Coconut oil to the exposed areas of your skin before and after Holi celebrations. It acts as a protective shield and guards the skin to some extent from the damaging effects of synthetic colors. Do not forget to apply a good quality moisturizer to your face before stepping out. If you are planning to go for a short haircut, a few days before Holi could be the best time to get that perfect makeover

Drink plenty of water to replenish the skin which tends to become dry after coming in contact with the toxins used in artificial colors. Wear long sleeved tops and full length bottoms to protect your skin.

Get a relaxing head massage with a good quality hair oil. Oiling the hair prevents Holi colors from sticking on to the strands thereby reducing hair damage. Apart from this precautionary measure, it would also be a good idea to cover up your hair with a scarf, cap, hat or bandana just to offer extra protection from colors that contain hard-to-rinse dyes. Avoid keeping your hair open while playing with colors.

For removing these colors it is best to use a mild cleanser as compared to soaps which can trigger dryness or skin irritation

Do not apply make up while playing Holi as the colors can easily stick with cosmetics and cause subsequent skin damage.

Try not to undergo any cosmetic procedure for atleast 7-10 days after Holi if the color remains on the skin.

Every year, Holi gives us colorful memories to cherish for a lifetime. These precautionary measures will ensure that your hair and skin remain unharmed during & after the celebrations.

With winter chills re-entering the city, cases of viral fever and flu seem to have doubled in the past few weeks. Medical dispensaries and clinics are flooded with patients showing symptoms of common cold, flu and viral infection. While the temperature outside keeps fluctuating by the day, it is extremely vital to ensure that your body is equipped to cope with the dramatic climate changes.

Even though you may feel like chilling out & enjoying the pleasant weather, make sure you do not neglect your health in the process. Breeze through this season and keep those winter health woes at bay with these simple tips

Practice good hygiene and get into the habit of washing your hands frequently. This habit could easily prove to be one of the most effective ways of preventing diseases, especially the ones that are contagious. A powerful sneeze or cough sends an aerosol spray that contains millions of virus particles, which remain suspended in the air for a while. People within range of the spray inhale the virus and fall ill after getting infected. Viruses cling to and remain active for several hours on bare hands hence don’t use your hands to cover up your mouth while coughing and sneezing. Instead, use tissues for the same. Also, carry & use a hand sanitizer while visiting public places.

When you feel those first cold symptoms, increase your fluid intake. Drinking plenty of water keeps your system moving so that it can discard what’s not needed. Phlegm can be pushed out of the body only if you are sufficiently hydrated

Take good care of your Immune system. Fill-up your grocery bag with lots of fresh fruits & veggies, especially those that are rich in Vitamin A, C & E. If your immune system is strong enough, it becomes easier to combat many infection & illnesses.

Get plenty of sleep. When you are asleep, the body releases certain chemicals into your system which is known to benefit the immune system. In the absence of adequate sleep, your immune system takes a serious hit, making you more vulnerable to minor ailments like cold & flu.

Seasonal changes have long been associated with sickness. These measures will help you combat bacterial infections and safeguard your health

Did you know…?

India has had a history of ZIKA virus attacks as early as in the 1950s.

ZIKA Virus is transmitted via the Aedes Aegypti mosquito which also carries dengue and chikungunya viruses. Since May 2015, the ZIKA infection has reportedly spread in 24 countries and territories of America.

ZIKA virus commands attention because it is known to trigger birth defects and neurological problems in newborns. Although in India, there have been no cases or medical emergencies caused by the ZIKA virus so far, we also cannot deny the fact that our fertile climate & environment is conducive for the growth and multiplication of the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Rising temperatures across India could work in the favor of this mosquito breed, making it easier for them to reproduce & spread the virus. As of now, there is no vaccine or medication to prevent or cure the ZIKA infection and considering the number of dengue cases in India, there is certainly a cause for concern because the mosquito that carries this virus actually thrives in our country.

Here are a few essential facts about the ZIKA virus/infection

ZIKA virus is most commonly transmitted when an Aedes mosquito bites an infected person and then spreads the virus by biting others. It can also be transferred sexually as the virus is known to remain active within an infected person’s semen for a long time

If a person is infected with the ZIKA virus, he/she may have mild fever, headache, skin rash, muscle, joint pain, malaise and conjunctivitis that could last for 2 to 7 days. 80% of those infected never know they have the disease because of delayed detection & treatment owing to its resemblance with flu-like symptoms. Screening is thus important.

Getting plenty of rest with sufficient intake of fluid to prevent dehydration is known to be highly effective in treating this illness

Infected people shouldn’t consume Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Pregnant women fall under the high-risk group as the ZIKA virus is known to cause brain defects in unborn babies

With no treatment or vaccine available, the only protection against the ZIKA infection is through awareness. Here are a few precautionary measures to prevent the spread of this virus:

Surprising as it may sound, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry the ZIKA virus do not breed in stale water but use fresh water stored in flowerpot, cooler, water puddle etc. as their breeding grounds. Do not let clean water accumulate at any place in the house. These mosquitoes are highly active during the day therefore necessary measures should be taken to keep them away. Keeping your environment clean & hygienic is the most effective way to prevent this disease.

Use bed nets and mosquito repellents to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Cover the exposed areas of your skin with adequate clothing before venturing outdoors as Aedes Aegypti is a day-biting mosquito

Grow plants such as citronella, basil, lemon grass, lavender, mint, rosemary etc. in your home in order to repel mosquitoes

It would be favorable for people especially for pregnant women and women who are planning to bear a child in the near future to avoid travelling to affected areas such as Latin American countries like Brazil, and the Caribbean for some time until the situation is brought under control

Travelers suffering from of high/mild fever within two weeks of return from an affected country should report to the nearest health facility

The ZIKA virus is constantly progressing and with World Health Organization (WHO) announcing it as an international public health emergency, India needs to be extremely cognizant about the spread of this disease.

Reference material

• https://daily.bhaskar.com/news-ht/TOP-tips-and-guidelines-to-be-safe-from-zika-virus-in-india-5242958-PHO.html?seq=1
• https://www.vox.com/2016/2/2/10893526/zika-virus-disease-spread-history-cases
• https://zeenews.india.com/news/health/diseases-conditions/zika-virus-a-global-emergency-heres-all-that-you-should-know_1853028.html
• https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2016/02/02/will-the-zika-virus-come-to-india/
• https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/new-year-new-public-health-threat/article8058917.ece
• https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/the-zika-virus-disease-and-india-health-guidelines-and-facts-you-should-know/
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/should-india-fear-zika-here-s-what-you-should-know/story-tDwq8F0s3NIKQTAyQLx1vI.html