Best Healthcare Tips for Moms!

There are no words that can precisely describe the many wonderful feelings that come with being a mom. If you are a mother, you probably know what I am talking about.

Most women end up ignoring their health in an attempt to cope up with today’s fast paced lifestyle. As mothers, watching kids grow up to be healthier, disciplined and productive adults is an absolute honor, but taking care of your own health is equally important. Although, being a new mom can be like riding an emotional roller coaster, following these simple healthcare tips will help you stay hale and hearty even on the most challenging days:

Follow a healthy diet regime – Here’s what you must do: Pick a nutritious meal plan, something that includes more of fruits and vegetables that offer essential vitamins, minerals, fibers and other important substances for good health. Include whole-grains and lean sources of protein like fish. Calorific foods should be strictly avoided.

Get sufficient sleep – A good night’s sleep is an important healthcare routine that should be followed by people of all ages, in order to stay in good shape. Sleep deprivation can trigger many chronic illnesses, including obesity, diabetes, depression and even cardiovascular diseases. Try to get at least 8 hour sleep throughout the day.

Get moving – It’s good to include some amount of physical activity in your daily routine. Doing so will not only help you maintain an ideal weight but also reduce your risk of diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, cancer, etc.

Manage stress – Being a full time mother can often turn out to be extremely stressful for many women. When stress is severe, it can not only hinder your ability to take care of your home but also lead to depression and pave way for serious health issues. Share your problems with friends and relatives or take the help of a healthcare professional if required.

Bone up daily – Keep your bones strong by getting your daily dose of calcium either by popping a tab, chugging milk or eating yoghurt. The bone density begins to deteriorate after you reach the age of 30. The recommended calcium intake per day is 200 milligrams.

Go for Regular check-ups – A thorough medical examination from time to time can prevent major health threats, ranging from heart disease to breast cancer and depression. If detected at the right stage, most of these illnesses can be treated to a large extent. Visit your family physician. Be vocal about your health concerns and learn what you can do to prevent these problems.

Being aware of your family’s medical history is extremely beneficial. This is because family members share genes, lifestyle and surroundings which can have a subsequent impact on their health. Knowing important medical details about your family members can be of great help in managing your and your baby’s health risks.

And finally, stay away from smoking and alcohol consumption as it can have a negative influence on your overall health and well-being.

Gloomy days and Rainy nights, everything about monsoon instantly strikes the chord of romance but this season also gives you dirty, smelly feet, muck-filled nails, grubby hands and make-up wearing off your face. How do you tackle these problems and still have fun in the rains

Well… here’s the answer for you

These simple solutions will not let humidity & dampness take a toll on your health & beauty

Foot care

Monsoon brings with it excess humidity & dampness in the atmosphere which translates to sweaty feet, fungal infections, wet mucky shoes, athlete’s foot etc.

Keep your feet clean & dry at all times. Soak your feet for 10 minutes in a tub of warm water with bath salts. Rinse and wipe dry gently. This will prevent the stink. Use a foot scrub for regular exfoliation and removal of dead skin. Opt for the right kind of footwear that offers plenty of ventilation. You can also sprinkle some talcum powder on your feet before putting on your footwear.

Skin care

Constant sweating and accumulation of oil has a detrimental impact on the skin. If you suddenly notice pimples & acne breakouts, it may be a result of high humidity levels during monsoon. Avoid fungal infections by using a good-quality soap-free cleanser. An anti-bacterial toner can also be helpful in preventing skin breakouts and infections. Always keep your skin moisturized. A light lotion-based moisturizer or serum rehydrates your skin and gives it a fresh look. Avoid heavy make-up during monsoon.

Hair care

Monsoon is the time when your hair can sometimes behave strangely. You may feel a difference in the texture of your hair and for some it may also mark the beginning of hair fall problems. Acid rain, dirty rainwater and increased levels of moisture in the air can have a negative impact on your tresses. Keep away as much as you can from chemical based hair products as they can make your hair extremely oily & greasy. Use a mild shampoo. If you wish to have healthy hair, load up on proteins such as eggs, dark green vegetables, carrots, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, nuts, kidney beans, etc.

General Tips

Drink 7 to 8 glasses of water per day. It helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body and keeps your skin glowing

Keep skin problems at bay by reducing the intake of spicy foods. Food items that are extremely spicy increases body temperature which leads to skin irritation, allergies and diseases.

Just because it’s cloudy, does not mean your skin is protected from the sun. Do not forget to apply a sunscreen lotion before you step out even on a cloudy day.

The sky may carry a gloomy cast but you can brush off your beauty woes with these handy tips. Give it a try!

After an almost dry spell throughout the month of June, the rain gods finally seem to have blessed us with heavy rainfall. Monsoon showers may appear as a relief but it also makes us extremely vulnerable to diseases and infections owing to reduced immunity power. This is precisely the reason why you must take special care of your skin, hair and dietary needs.

With bacteria and viruses lurking in the air, you have to be extremely cautious about the kind & quality of food you consume. Well, here’s a quick guide on the food items to turn away from, this monsoon:

Roadside Eatables – The tangy flavors of Pani-puri, Pakoras, Samosas, Vada-pav, Bhel-puri, Sev-puri, Dahi-puri etc. is something that we all love. These roadside treats, although absolutely irresistible, are extremely unhygienic. You never know what kind of water is used for the preparation of such food items. If Chaat is what you love, try making it at home with healthy ingredients and toppings.

Juices – Fresh fruit juices are always regarded as healthy hence many people end up at the street vendors who offer freshly squeezed juices but fail to maintain required level of hygiene. Packaged juices are an absolute ‘No-No’ because they are not fresh but preserved. If you have an intense craving for fresh fruit juices, prepare it at home and drink immediately.

Raw food – ‘Salad lovers’ beware. Any kind of food when consumed in its raw state especially during the monsoon can be a vehicle for transporting harmful bacteria. You can very easily fall prey to food infection and serious ailments such as typhoid, jaundice etc. Always make sure that you wash fruits & vegetables thoroughly before consuming them

Sea food – Monsoon is the breeding time for fishes, crabs and prawns, therefore all kinds of seafood should be strictly avoided as most of them that are sold in the market are frozen and not fresh. If you are one of those who just can’t survive without seafood, double check to see if they are fresh.

Spicy food –Not many of you would be aware of the fact that spicy food can aggravate skin allergies.

Yes, it’s true! Spicy food stimulates blood circulation and raises body temperature which in turn triggers skin irritation, allergies and diseases. It can also lead to the development of boils, pimples, acne, rashes and dullness. So, if you love your skin, say ‘No’ to spicy food during monsoon.

Dairy Products have a very high tendency to be infected by germs. Although milk is said to be a wholesome diet, it is definitely not advisable to drink too much of it during monsoon. Instead go for low fat milk, curd and buttermilk.

Always remember… Moderation in all things is the key to good health.

Have a safe and healthy monsoon

Have you ever wondered the reason for not losing weight despite following a strict workout regime?

The answer to this question lies in your diet. A person is more likely to feel lethargic and fatigued immediately after a strenuous workout session, if he/she is not following an ideal diet plan.

Here are some pre and post workout diet tips.

Make sure that your body is sufficiently hydrated before, after & during the workout session. What you eat before & after workout has a subsequent impact on your body, especially when you are consciously trying to lose weight. A well planned diet not only fuels your fitness regimen but also keeps you healthy by supplying vital nutrients to the body on a daily basis.