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How to treat Childhood and Adolescent Obesity

Kids and young adults these days seem to be afflicted with conditions that used to be only present in adults. Heart problems, high cholesterol levels, diabetes and many other such diseases are increasingly found among this age group. Obesity is another such problem gathering attention among parents. In definition, obesity is a medical condition where an individual puts on excessive weight due to unrestrained accumulation of body fat causing negative effects on the body.

Modern day habits and lifestyle are reducing physical activities and increasing consumption of unhealthy food which is the major cause of obesity among young adults. It’s the duty of parents to intervene and take some steps to combat obesity among their children.

1. Make favorite dishes healthier
Break the myth that healthy can’t be tasty. You can make almost any dish healthier by just making a few changes. Switch from maida to atta, white bread to brown bread, corn flakes to wheat flakes, sugar to natural sweeteners, to name a few.

2. Promote an active life
It’s better to practice what you preach when it comes to kids, especially adolescents. Lace up your sneakers and go for a run with your kids. You can also introduce variation in physical activities by indulging in dance, swimming, sports, or even traditional activities like jumping rope. It’s essential that kids and teens workout at least an hour on most days, if not every day.

3. Reduce sedentary time
In addition to physical activity, it is also important to keep your kids away from laziness, other than their study and rest time. You should limit time slots for television viewing, video games, internet surfing, and other leisure activities.

4. Take medical help
It is also essential to be fully aware of your child’s health situation, and for that you must seek medical help. Consult a doctor and check if your child needs some medical support to help combat obesity.

5. Be patient
It’s not a race, don’t try to force your children. Incorporate changes slowly and organically. Create new family routines and increase the intensity by the week. Help them in this journey and be patient with them. There will be results, maybe not instantly, but soon enough.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/index.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-teenage-mind/201007/adolescent-obesity

The Do’s and Don’ts Of Discussing Mental Health

These days, everyone seems to be talking about mental health and they tell you the importance of discussing mental health. However, nobody tells you how to discuss mental health.

In order to have healthy discussions around mental health, we need to first acknowledge that it is difficult to talk about mental health.

There is a certain apprehension that comes with discussing mental health – how do we talk about it? Would the other person be offended? Would it be over-stepping?

Here are a few things to keep in mind while discussing mental health that will help you have healthy discussions.

1. Be a patient listener
There is often a need we have to constantly give solutions to the problems someone has. However, the first thing to acknowledge is that perhaps the other person just wants to be heard and is not looking at you to come up with solutions. Remember that being a patient listener is doing half the job right!

2. Do not trivialize it
Sometimes, we relate to a problem and we feel the need to step in and say that it is not as serious as they think it is. However, the worst thing to do while discussing mental illness is to tell someone who is depressed that they are just sad or tell someone who is anxious that they just need to plan their day better.

3. Act with sensitivity
If a person chooses to discuss their mental illness with you, ensure that you act with sensitivity and remember that it is confidential. Do not discuss their things with everyone and take the liberty to talk about it to other people.

4. Don’t make assumptions
There are a bunch of preconceived notions that float around about mental health – in case you are confused, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions and being inquisitive shows that you are interested in knowing more and is also a great idea lest you make assumptions that are untrue.

5. Choose a good time to talk
It is very important to pick the right time to talk about mental health. You don’t want to catch your friend before a busy meeting or a family member right after a tiring day to be inquisitive about their mental health!

6. Don’t Blame yourself
Often, when a family member or a loved one is talking about their mental health there is a tendency to get defensive and blame ourselves for the problems they are going through. This only adds to their agony and creates very little space for healthy conversation.

Why Bodyweight Training Is Better?

When it comes to training, the first thing that gets us all excited is the new stuff we can buy. Whether it is the brand new equipment that promises to get you in shape or the shiny new pair of dumbbells, there is something about shopping for fitness that makes us feel good.

However, did you know that bodyweight training which barely requires you to do any shopping for fitness is one of the most effective ways to train?

Here are a few reasons why body weight training can be so much better for you.

1. Requires no equipment
Unlike any other exercise, body weight training requires you to have no equipment! Whether you are traveling or heading to the park where there is just a bench or even in the comfort of your own room, these exercises can keep you fit. This not only means that it is much less effort to prepare but also means that you have no excuses!

2. Save Money
With no equipment and the comfort to work out from just anywhere, body weight training is one of the most affordable ways to keep yourself fit. Actually, it requires no money at all!

3. Helps your body move
Body weight training which is basically training without any equipment promotes functional movement in your body – this means that your body moves exactly the natural way it is supposed to! What better than this to keep yourself fit?

4. Improves your mood and helps maintain cognitive function
Exercising helps your body release endorphins and also biologically reduces stress and promotes well-being. This helps you get that natural high! Not just this, strength or body weight training is linked to better cognitive health which means there is a high likelihood that disorders like Alzheimer’s, dementia etc. can be prevented by regularly indulging in strength training.

5. Keeps you injury free
Muscles and workouts are often talked about– what about joints and working out? Body weight training keeps your joints fit and prevents you from injuries! This is very critical especially as one is growing older.

6. Builds muscles
Although you might think that building muscles without weight training or fancy equipment is not possible, body weight training can help you build muscles. From push-ups to squats to a hard pull-up, these exercises really promote strength, make you stronger and most importantly help you build muscle.

Reference

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/9-reasons-why-bodyweight-training-rocks.html

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SICKLE CELL DISEASE

The first thing you need to know about your red blood cell is that they are round and flexible. It is this shape and characteristic that makes them move around easily through your blood vessels.

On World Sickle Cell Day, we try and explore what makes sickle cell anemia a feared disease. What happens to the blood cells and what are the things you should know about this disease?

In sickle cell anemia, the normal red cells turn sticky. They literally are in the shape of a crescent moon or a sickle instead of the healthy round shape that promotes their flexibility. The problem with the irregularity in shape is that these cells get stuck and are not healthy enough to carry blood. This prevents and blocks the flow of oxygen to the body.

Here are a few things you need to know about the Sickle Cell Disease

Birth defect

Sickle cell anemia is not a disease that is acquired during your lifetime. If someone has sickle cell anemia, it is present from their birth. However, the problems are not recognized until the baby is about a few months old.

Episodes of pain

Pain of varying intensity that lasts anything between a few hours to a few weeks can occur for those who suffer from the sickle cell disease. This pain can also occur in their bones and this can develop into chronic pain.

Swelling

Swelling of hands and feet is a common symptom of sickle cell anaemia – this swelling is usually caused because the sickle shaped blood cells block oxygen flow to the hands and feet.

Infections

One of the major concerns with sickle cell anaemia is that it can damage the organs that help the body fight infections and this would mean that those with sickle cell anaemia are more prone to infections.

Delayed growth

Red blood cells are the ones that provide oxygen and nutrients to your body and a problem with them means that your body is not getting the nutrients it needs to grow. This is why delayed growth and puberty is often a sign of sickle cell anemia.

Reference:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/symptoms-causes/dxc-20303269

What causes eye redness?

“Red eye” is often used to refer to bloodshot eyes or significant redness in one or both eyes. Many individuals suffer from red eye at some point or the other, but having bloodshot eyes is not normal and can be triggered due to many reasons. Usually red eyes are not a reason to be overly concerned, but if it’s coupled with inflammation, irritation, pain and watery eyes, it could be a sign of medical emergency.

Serious or not, it is important to be aware of the reasons that can cause red eye.

Allergy
Eye redness is a common indicator of an allergic reaction. It is often accompanied with burning and itching. The eyes turn red as the blood vessels in the front part of the eye dilates, causing swelling. It can be prevented by avoiding known allergens and taking appropriate medication by the doctor.

Conjunctivitis or Pink eye
It is an infection that involves swelling and irritation in the conjunctiva. It is highly infectious and common among young children. It is usually not serious, but it is important to seek medical guidance.

Contact Lenses
Often over wearing or not caring enough for your contact lenses can build up irritating surface deposits and microbes on your eye. If eyes turn red while wearing contacts, it is essential to remove contacts immediately and consult your eye doctor.

Computer vision Syndrome
When you stare at a computer screen for a long time, you tend to blink less than usual which can dry out the surface of your eye. This induces a burning sensation and redness in the eye. To avoid this, it is essential to take frequent breaks while working on a computer, use lubricating eye drops, and use glasses with lenses that provide protection from the computer light.

References:

http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/red-eyes.htm

https://www.verywell.com/top-causes-of-red-eye-3422111

http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/red-eye/basics/causes/sym-20050748

The importance of donating blood

You don’t have to be a doctor to save lives… you can just donate blood!

All of us at some point would have donated or known someone who donated blood. Through college, workplaces and even blood donation drives, we would have seen the importance of donating blood and the passion with which certain people drive these campaigns.

However, have you really thought about what is the pressing need to donate blood?

How does it benefit you? How does it benefit the people you are donating to?

On World Blood Donation Day let us understand the importance of donating blood that goes a step further than it just being a good deed.

Weight Loss
Blood donation reduces the weight of donors – in case you are obese or at a risk of cardiovascular disorders, donating blood regularly is a great idea for you.

New Blood Cells
Once you donate blood, the body replenishes itself by producing new blood cells that helps you maintain good health.

Healthy heart and liver
Since iron over-load in the body causes diseases related to the heart and liver, donating blood helps in maintaining iron levels and reduces diseases.

Better Blood Flow
Repeated blood donations can help blood flow better and ensure good health – this is because a good blood flow limits damages to the lining of your blood vessels and results in fewer blockages.

Regular Medical Examination
Sometimes, we do not have the time to go get our vitals checked and ensure we are in the best of our health. However, donating blood regularly means that your vitals will be checked regularly and you can spot anything that goes wrong with your body immediately.

Volunteering
With volunteering and helping another person altruistically comes a sense of wellness that promotes general health and well-being.

Donation is the only way to get blood!
Even with medical improvements and technology at its peak, blood cannot be artificially made. The only way to get blood for a person who is struggling for his life is by using blood that has been donated. Hence, it is critical that someone donates blood to save another life!

Reference:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/blood-donation.html

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/07/28/blood-donation-benefits.aspx

Coffee Grounds and Your Skin

You wake up to the pleasant smell of your morning coffee which you sip and rejoice. While going back to the kitchen to throw away the leftover coffee grounds, have you wondered about how else you can use it?

Here are 5 ways that the leftover coffee grounds can contribute to your beauty regimen:

1. Removing cellulite:

The fat causing dimpling of the skin, especially on the hips and thighs can be reduced. All you have to do is mix dried coffee grounds with the same amount of salt, and add a few drops of olive oil. Steam your skin and apply it in slow circular upward movements. Repeat procedure 1-2 times a week.

2. Hair fall:

Never ending problem of hair fall finally has a fix! Mix 2 tbsp of ground coffee with 3 oz of heated olive oil. Apply the mask on damp hair and wrap it in foil. After half an hour, rinse with shampoo. Repeat procedure 1-2 times a week.
Note: When used on light hair, the remedy might cause a change of tint.

3. Swelling under the eyes:

Are the bags under your eyes not going away? Try this – Take half tsp of ground coffee beans or fresh coffee grounds, half tsp of coconut oil, a pinch of ground black pepper, a few drops of water and mix well. Apply under the lower eyelids and rinse it off with warm water within 15-20 minutes.

4. Dry / Cracked lips:

Say hello to soft lips! Mix half tsp of coffee grounds and half tsp of honey. Massage your lips with the scrub for only 30 seconds, and then remove it with a wet cotton swab.

5. Oily skin:

Tired of having an oily face? Take fresh coffee grounds and mix it with 1 tbsp yogurt. Apply the mixture on your entire face by massage it for 1-2 minutes and then slowly rinse it off with cold water.

Reference:

https://makeupandbeauty.com/5-best-homemade-coffee-face-packs/

https://brightside.me/inspiration-health/this-effective-hair-and-skin-beauty-remedy-can-be-found-in-every-home-329010/

5 Benefits of Pilates

If you don’t know how hard it is to pass a minute, then clearly you haven’t tried Pilates. But if you are looking to tone, strengthen your muscles and achieve more flexibility this is your go-to exercise.

Did you know that though Pilates is considered one of the harder routines, it has been practiced by more than 12 million people around the world? Here are top 5 benefits as to why you should also give it a shot!

Promotes breathing

The routine is breath-taking, literally! While practising Pilates, you will primarily concentrate on 2 factors – balancing & breathing patterns. This regulated breathing pattern promotes the oxygen supply to the muscles & organs which in-turn cleanses the body and provide a revitalising feeling.

Strengthens core & back

In Pilates, the core muscles are engaged which consists of abdominal muscles along with muscles surrounding the spine. Therefore by engaging all these muscles, you can develop a strong core and back.

Conditions the body

Along with strengthening the core & back, Pilates trains your body as an integrated whole, maintaining a muscular-balance, which some of the conventional workouts fail to do so. Therefore Pilates can be considered as one of the best cross training routines.

Improves mental health

Pilates can serve as an excellent workout to relax your rigid muscles and stressed mind. In Pilates you will stretch to relax those tensions in the stiff muscles and achieve a feeling of well-being.

Safe & easily adapted

Pilates is one of the proven high intensity workouts that are safer and easily adapted by people across all age and fitness levels compared to others routines.

Apart from above mentioned benefits since Pilates focuses on balance, it promotes overall posture and flexibility. So, what are you waiting for? Start practising Pilates for a healthier future.

References:

http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-pilates/

http://www.pilates.com/BBAPP/V/pilates/benefits-of-pilates.html#continued

Tips To Keep Urinary Incontinence In Control

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine or in other words it is a condition in which a person urinates when they do not want to. Apart from being a really uncomfortable problem that not many people want to talk about, it might surprise you to know that it is really common.

Urinary incontinence is a fairly common problem that is prevalent today and especially so among women. It is a condition that is not only completely treatable but there are also simple things that you can do to keep the condition in check!

Here are a few ways in which you can improve this condition.

Do pelvic exercises
Simple pelvic exercises that involve clenching and un-clenching your pelvic muscles when done during the day (about 40-50) can strengthen these muscles and help improve the condition.

Passing Urine Regularly
Don’t keep holding when you have the urge to urinate – make sure you use the toilet frequently.

Control your caffeine intake
Caffeine makes you urinate more and controlling the intake will help control the condition. Stay away from aerated drinks, coffee, cola or tea!

Stay hydrated
Drinking about 8 glasses of water a day can keep your kidneys and bladder healthy. Apart from having a host of other health benefits, drinking a lot of water can also help control urinary incontinence.

Check your medications
Sometimes, urinary incontinence is a side-effect of another medicine that you might be taking. Ensure you have a discussion with your doctor to see that none of your medications are causing this side effect.

Lose weight if you need to
Obesity is a cause for urinary incontinence. In case you are obese or need to lose some weight, ensure you take the steps to do so.

Stop smoking
In case you are a smoker, try to quit smoking as it can definitely worsen the condition.

Get Medical Help
Many people avoid getting medical help for urinary incontinence because it is embarrassing to talk to your doctor about it – don’t shy away from discussing this as it is very imperative to get the right medical help.

Urinate Slowly
Don’t rush urination – there is a tendency sometimes to urinate fast and not pay enough attention to whether you have emptied your bladder. Ensure you urinate, relax and wait for a bit – do you feel the urge to urinate again? If so, empty your bladder! This helps avoid urinary incontinence.

Reference – http://www.webmd.boots.com/urinary-incontinence/features/daily-coping-urinary-incontinence

7 signs to know that you have ADHD

Attention deficiency hyperactivity disorder or ADHD as it is commonly referred to is a complex disorder that has caused quite a stir in the medical world especially when it is present among adults.

When someone says ADHD, the first thing you would think of is a child who is unable to focus on his or her homework as this disorder is believed to be widely prevalent among children. However, adult ADHD is a real thing and it is believed that some children carry these symptoms into adulthood!

Do you think you just can’t “focus”? Are you missing out on little things or does attending to details make you tired?

Here are a few signs to know if you have ADHD.

Inability to Focus
This is not just about being distracted at work or being distracted when given a task. Do you find yourself drifting off to your own world when someone is talking to you? Do you think you easily lose train of thoughts or conversations? This is a sure sign that you might be suffering from ADHD!

Ability to focus on certain tasks
While ADHD is often about being scattered and not concentrating, people with ADHD can also focus with great details on tasks they enjoy doing. If you find yourself doing with excellent precision the tasks you love doing, it might be because your brain is choosing to selectively focus!

Being Forgetful
From forgetting where you left the car keys to missing out on deadlines because they just slipped off your head, forgetfulness that is a notch higher than every day forgetfulness for people is a sign of ADHD.

Anxiety
With ADHD, anxiety is another complication that arises. If you find yourself fidgety and anxious about tasks that need to be done or you get apprehensive a lot, it might be because of ADHD.

Issues in relationships
With ADHD, people find it very hard to sustain emotional relationships. It can be because of distractions, getting bored, anxiety or the inability to focus but if you have constant trouble holding on to relationships or find yourself in relationship issues every very often, ADHD might be the culprit.

Multi-tasking
While multi-tasking is considered an invaluable trait in the modern world, if you are constantly shifting between one task to another because you are bored or just cannot focus on one task at a given time, it is because of scattered attention. At a given point of time, a person with ADHD might be working on 10 things just because he or she will get bored working on one!

Impulsive Behavior
With ADHD, there is a tendency to act impulsively without paying much heed to the consequences. If you find yourself acting out of impulse every once in a while despite your actions being inconsiderate or socially inappropriate, this is a definite warning sign of adult ADHD.

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