Health-&-Fitness
How to Stay Physically Active during Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, it is important to stay healthy and active. This is the time when you need to take care of both your body and baby. But how much should you be active? It basically depends on what your doctor recommends. Keep scrolling to know some practical and effective ways to stay active during your pregnancy period.
Benefits of Staying Active during Pregnancy
When a foetus develops inside a woman's womb or uterus, this period is called pregnancy. It generally lasts about 40 weeks or 9 months. This period is measured from the last menstrual time to delivery. According to health care providers, pregnancy has three segments that are called trimesters. Let’s checkout why it is essential to stay physically active during the months of pregnancy.
Importance of Increasing Blood Flow in Early Pregnancy
The first trimester is a time of rapid physical changes in the body and baby. One of these changes is increased blood flow to the uterus. This increased blood flow is important for establishing a healthy pregnancy. Some risk factors that may interfere with this healthy increase in blood flow are:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
To prevent these health concerns the pregnant mother should stay active.
Read Postpartum Depression, Mood Swings: How can new moms deal with these issues?
Importance of Physical Activity during Pregnancy
Some benefits of being active through exercises and healthy diet are as follows:
- Prenatal fitness is essential to confirm the long-term health of your baby.
- Your baby may grow up smarter
- Prepare your baby for the demands of labour
- You don't gain unnecessary weight
- Boost mood
- Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
- Prep to push
- Reduce aches and pains
- May reduce prevalence of diastasis recti
- Get things “moving”
- Put a pep in your step
- You will be a fit mom
- You’ll feel more confident & fresh
- You may experience a shorter labour
- You’re less likely to experience swelling
- May help with morning sickness
- With the accomplishment of something will positively affect other areas of your life
- May reduce premature Birth
- Keep your blood sugar levels normal
- You’ll be able to control your body more
- Fight off germs and boost immunity.
Read Postpartum Weight Loss: How to lose baby weight fast after pregnancy
10 Best Tips for Staying Active and Healthy during Pregnancy
Let’s find out how to stay healthy and active during your pregnancy period.
Get enough sleep
Sleeping is not just for the sake of feeling refreshed and rested in the morning. It is a necessary component of your health and productivity, which should be factored into your daily schedule.
Eat healthy food
Eating healthy, nutritious and light food can lead to a more active lifestyle. Eating a diet high in protein, vegetables and fruit can give you the energy you need to get through your day. A diet low in fat and processed foods will lower risk of disease and promote weight loss.
Read Pregnancy Care Tips for Summer: How can pregnant mothers beat the heat?
Exercise three times a week
Many people are struggling with a lack of time and motivation to exercise. With the introduction of high-tech fitness trackers and wearable technology, people can now monitor their activity levels 24/7. This data can be used to create personalized workout routines that suit an individual's needs.
Drink plenty of water every day
Drinking plenty of water every day is an essential part of a healthy pregnancy. It's important to stay active and hydrated to prevent common pregnancy symptoms like nausea, headaches, and constipation. A pregnant woman's body needs more fluids than usual because it's working hard to keep the mother and baby healthy.
Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol are not only harmful to the mother but they have a detrimental effect on the growing foetus. The risk of miscarriage increases as does birth defects. There is also a chance that the baby will end up with an addiction to caffeine or alcohol.
Read Pregnancy Anxiety? How to reduce the stress of pregnant mothers?
Take prenatal vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are crucial to the healthy development of a baby. However, they also benefit mom in many ways. For example, they can help mom maintain her energy levels and keep her mood stable. They can also reduce the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and neural tube defects.
Take medications recommended by your doctor
Medication is a necessary part of someone's healthcare - but it can be difficult to remember what each medication does, and how it interacts with other medications. This article contains a list of medications and side effects that may help you stay on top of your meds.
Stay away from sick people
People who are sick or have been recently sick can cause the flu to spread. Never shake hands with them, sit next to them on public transportation, or let them enter your home. If you have already been infected, stay away from other people for at least 24 hours after your fever has disappeared.
Read 10 Post- Pregnancy Skincare Tips: Get Your Glow Back
Wear loose clothing and avoid high heels
Wearing tight clothing or heels can cause back and neck pain. Wearing loose clothing that is comfortable to move around in will help you maintain your posture and avoid these pains.
Stay away from smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for many diseases and health issues. Just like smoking, vaping releases harmful chemicals into the air that are toxic to humans. Studies are showing these chemicals can enter the bloodstream or be inhaled by bystanders, which may cause adverse health effects.
Cautions
Pregnant women should take care to move around and exercise as much as possible. If you won't be active during your pregnancy, the foetus is not developed enough to provide its own warmth, and the mother's body temperature can drop to dangerous levels. However, you should also avoid standing for long periods of time, which can cause your blood flow to slow down and circulation to decrease.
Read Effects of Air Pollution on Unborn Children, Neonates, Infants
The pregnant woman's body needs more oxygen than usual, so she should make sure that she breathes deeply and is always active.
Bottom Line
If you are pregnant and active, then congratulations! You are doing a great job and your baby will love the benefits too! Staying physically active during pregnancy can help you to stay in shape and can help you to have a healthy pregnancy as well. Besides, staying active can even make labour easier. However, make sure you consult your doctor before starting any new activities to get a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Eating Disorders in Children, Adolescents, Adults: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Ways to Help
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that have to do with the way an individual eats. Nowadays, various types of eating disorders are affecting numerous people, ranging from children to adults. An eating disorder is not just about food and weight; it's also about how someone feels about themselves and their body image. Here are the common causes, symptoms and ways to help each type.
How Common are Eating Disorders in Kids, Teenagers, Adults?
Eating disorders are more common than people may realise. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, one in every 20 adolescents has an eating disorder, and one in every five adults has an eating disorder.
Eating disorders are generally more common in women than men and most prevalent among people between the age of 12 to 25.
Childhood eating disorders are more common. Eating disorders in teens are also on the rise.
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Common Signs, Causes, Risks of Eating Disorders
The signs of an eating disorder can be physical or behavioural, but most often, there is a combination of both. Some common signs that someone may have an eating disorder include missing meals or periods of fasting, feeling guilty or ashamed after eating or using laxatives to control weight.
The causes of these disorders are not yet fully understood, but there is evidence showing that genetics play a significant role in developing these diseases. It can be caused by several different factors, including genetics, peer pressure, bullying and family issues.
The adults may suffer from eating disorders due to harsh diets or strict weight loss dieting programs. Besides these, tensions and pressures in professional and family life can lead to eating disorders.
If an individual suffers from eating disorders for a long time, it can lead to physical problems, such as heart disease, kidney failure and many other serious health concerns.
Read How to Control Your Meat Addiction?
6 Common types of Eating Disorders in Children, Adolescents, Adults
Eating disorders in people of different ages are on the rise and can take many forms. Some of the common types are as follow:
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by abnormal weight loss or low body weight, a distorted body image and extreme fear of gaining weight.
Causes:
The causes of anorexia nervosa are not entirely understood, but it is believed to involve biological, psychological and social factors.
Common symptoms:
-A persistent fear of gaining weight
-Distorted body image
-Extremely restricted eating patterns that typically lead to severely low body weight
-High levels of physical activity to prevent weight gain
-Excessive dieting leads to the person becoming underweight
-Amenorrhea (missing three or more menstrual periods in a row) or irregular menstrual periods
Ways to help:
There are many ways to help people with Anorexia Nervosa. Some of these include:
-Encourage the person to eat three meals daily, with one snack in between meals if needed.
-Focus on quality but not only quantity when it comes to food choices.
-Avoid triggering foods that may be linked to causing the disorder, such as sweets, high-calorie foods and high-fat foods.
Read Heat Stroke Prevention: Best foods, drinks to avoid heat exhaustion
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by a cycle of bingeing and compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain.
Causes:
There are many causes and symptoms of bulimia nervosa, which can vary from person to person. Some common causes are depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, or body image concerns.
Key symptoms:
Binge-eating episodes:
The person eats large quantities of food in a short period, with no regard for their health or weight. This disorder can happen at any time, but it most often occurs when the person is feeling stressed or low in self-esteem.
Purging episodes:
The person will try to get rid themselves of the calories they have eaten through vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics and enemas. They may also fast or exercise excessively to compensate for their eating calories and make themselves feel.
The most common symptom is bingeing on large quantities of food, followed by purging the food or vomiting. Other symptoms include strict dieting, compulsive exercise, and laxatives or diuretics.
Ways to help:
There are many ways to help someone with bulimia nervosa. The most important thing is to provide the person with an environment where they can feel safe and supported.
The best way to help someone with bulimia nervosa is to get them professional therapy and treatment as soon as possible.
Read How to Keep Kids Well During Flu Season
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder is a psychiatric disorder that causes people to overeat and feel guilty about it. People who suffer from this disorder may feel depressed, anxious, or disgusted afterward.
Causes:
The causes of binge eating disorders are not fully known. Some possible reasons include mental health problems like depression or anxiety, genetics, and environmental factors such as stress or trauma.
Common symptoms:
Symptoms of binge eating disorder include eating a large amount of food in a short time while feeling out of control, guilt or shame afterward, and frequent dieting to avoid weight gain.
Ways to help:
The treatment for binge-eating disorders may involve counselling sessions by a psychiatrist or psychologist to treat the primary cause(s) and counselling sessions with a psychotherapist to assist in changing the behaviours that trigger the binge.
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Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (AFRID)
Causes:
The causes of AFRID are not entirely understood. It is thought that many factors contribute to the development of this condition, including genetics, personality traits, and environment.
Common Symptoms:
People with AFRID may experience a range of symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or chewing food; avoidance of eating certain foods; concern about the consequences of eating; and feeling full quickly when they do eat.
Ways to help:
Many ways help people with AFRID manage their symptoms and feel better about themselves. They can work with a therapist individually or in a group setting to focus on these issues and develop new coping skills.
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Orthorexia Nervosa
Orthorexia Nervosa is a term used to describe an obsession with eating healthy food. It can be a hazardous eating disorder, leading to malnutrition and other serious health problems.
Causes:
The causes of Orthorexia Nervosa can be traced back to childhood and adolescence. Many sufferers had a history of dieting, which may have led to an obsession with weight loss and control over food intake. Orthorexia Nervosa is often accompanied by depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or a history of trauma.
Common symptoms:
Symptoms include: restrictive dieting, obsessive thoughts about food and weight loss, guilt after eating anything perceived as "bad," social withdrawal due to embarrassment about eating in front of others, perfectionism around.
Ways to help:
There are many ways to help those who suffer from orthorexia Nervosa. The first thing you need to do is find out the root cause of the disorder and then work on finding a solution for it. You may want professional help or advice from someone with experiences in this field, such as nutritionists or therapists.
Read Quit Smoking: Best, worst kinds of foods, drinks to quit cigarettes
Pica
Pica is the persistent eating of substances that are not food, such as ice, clay, or paint chips.
Causes:
Iron deficiency is the common cause of pica.
Common Symptoms:
The symptoms of pica vary from person to person and may include stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. Pica can also lead to anemia or other nutritional deficiencies if done over a long time.
Ways to help:
There are many ways to help someone with pica. One way is by treating the underlying condition like iron deficiency. Another way is by using medication to treat the cravings for non-food substances and slowly reducing the dosage until they stop taking it altogether. Finally, a therapist can help with any underlying mental health issues that may be causing the cravings.
Read Child Drowning Prevention: Water safety tips to save your kid from drowning
Bottom Line
So far, we have discussed 6 types of eating disorders in kids, teenagers and adults. There are many ways to support a loved one or friend with an eating disorder. It is essential to be there for them and make time for them. It is crucial to understand their needs to provide the best support.
Dyslexia: How to help kids with this learning disability
Disorders that affect the abilities of understanding or using spoken or written language, doing mathematical calculations, coordinating movements, directing attention are called learning disabilities. Dyslexia is one kind of learning disability. This may happen in very young children but they are generally not recognized until the child reaches school age. Continue scrolling to know how to help children with Dyslexia.
What is dyslexia?
If a child struggles with reading, writing, or speaking maybe she or he is with dyslexia. When you or your partner or someone else in your large family struggles to learn to read, dyslexia is probably the cause.
It is a specific learning difficulty and can affect (10-15)% of the population. It can be mild, moderate, or severe and it can run in families. If a child experiences a particular learning difficulty like dyslexia, it does not mean they are less intelligent than their peers, they just process and learn in a different way.
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Reading and spelling difficulties are most common in dyslexia. Besides, it can also affect an individual’s ability to remember information also.
Symptoms of Dyslexia
Although it is difficult to identify the signs and symptoms of dyslexia before your child enters school, some early clues may indicate a problem.
Before school
Symptoms that a young child may experience are as follow:
-Late talking
-Learning new words slowly
-Face problems forming words correctly- reversing sounds in words or confusing words that sound alike
-Cannot easily remember letters, numbers, and colors
-Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or playing rhyming games.
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School-age
Dyslexia signs and symptoms of school-age children may be:
-Reading level remains below the expected level for age
-Face difficulties in processing and understanding hearing
-Don't find the right word or form answers to questions
-Cannot remember the sequence of things
-Problems sounding out the pronunciation of an unfamiliar word
-Difficulty spelling
-Take a long time completing tasks related to reading or writing
-Don't like to take part in reading activities.
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Teens and adults
Some common dyslexia signs and symptoms in teens and adults are:
-Difficulty aloud reading
-Slow and labor-intensive reading and writing
-Problems spelling
-Difficulties of mispronunciation
-Take a long time completing tasks that involve reading or writing
-Difficulty summarizing a story
-Trouble learning a foreign language
-Difficulty memorizing
-Difficulty doing math problems.
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Causes of Dyslexia
Dyslexia tends to be a genetic problem. The causes are as follows:
-A family history of dyslexia
-Premature birth or low birth weight
-Take nicotine, drugs, or alcohol during pregnancy or being infected that may alter brain development in the fetus
Complications of Dyslexia
Dyslexia can create the following problems:
Trouble learning
Of course, reading is a basic skill like most other school subjects. A child with dyslexia experiences difficulties in reading class and cannot keep up with peers.
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Social problems
Children with dyslexia may experience low self-esteem, behavior problems, anxiety, aggression, and withdrawal from friends, parents, and teachers.
Problems as adults
Children with dyslexia or learning disabilities cannot reach their potential when they grow up.
10 Effective Ways to Help Children with Dyslexia
Here are 10 practical ways to assist kids with dyslexia.
Nurture thinking skills
Grow thinking skills in your child so that they become an independent and active learner rather than passive learner. Discuss the problem or topic related to school assignments. Share points of view. You can spend fun and quality time together with your child.
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Work on reading skills
Ask them some questions to understand your reading comprehension. The questions may include: What do you have to find out? What do you already know? Who are the main characters? What are the main ideas? Have you read something like this before? What’s your plan for answering this question? If your children follow these steps, they will increase their reading skills.
Work independently
Let your child handle his or her work independently. But make sure you follow up afterward. Your follow-up question: Did you use your plan? Is this your best work? Can you clarify this? Show me how to do it?
Praise
Never forget to praise appropriately to your child. Perfect praise and rewards are a great thing for your child. Don’t miss any opportunities to acknowledge their effort and highlight the positives where you can.
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Building positive self-image
Dyslexic children may have to try much harder than other kids to keep up with school work, which can be tiring and eat away at self-esteem. So, let them create a positive self-image of themselves and remind them of their strengths. Help them keep things in perspective when they're having a bad time.
Allowing enough sleep
Enough sleep is fundamental for every child and it is more essential for dyslexia children. Naturally, a well-fed and well-rested child learns better. So, make sure they go to bed early so that they wake up refreshed. A good night’s sleep boosts confidence and helps review information right before bed.
Providing study space
Different children learn in different ways. Some can study in a noisy place but some others cannot. Try to understand your child's choice and make sure they know they have a dedicated space to retreat to when they need it.
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Following custom calendar
A custom calendar can give your child a nice routine for his studies. Prepare a calendar and put it on a notice board or the fridge and keep it up to date. Make your child prepared for tomorrow the night before.
Setting ground rules
If you have a target for work to be completed, make some ground rules. Never tolerate conflict. As you are in charge as a parent, set out your expectations clearly. Make them understand that without finishing the work, they don’t enjoy certain privileges.
Bottom Line
Dyslexia or learning disability is not a permanent or serious problem. Your care, love and companionship can ease this problem. Besides, you need to take some effective steps to work with dyslexia-affected children. Our above-mentioned tips will help to handle your child with dyslexia.
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How to Control Your Meat Addiction?
Eating meat is a popular habit that many people enjoy. However, there are many people who struggle to control their desire to eat meat regularly. If You are struggling with an addiction to meat, don't worry, you are not alone. In fact, you're in the majority, as the majority of people worldwide eat meat. But if you are looking to cut down on your meat consumption, or even give it up altogether, there are many ways to reduce or stop eating meat, depending on your addiction level. This article will take you through the tips to control meat addiction.
Health Risks of Eating Too Much Meat
Meat is a staple in many diets around the world, but what are the health risks of eating too much meat? The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen. This means that it increases the risk of developing cancer.
Processed meats include bacon, ham, hot dogs, sausages and other pre-packaged meats. They also include any meat that has been treated with smoke, chemicals or preservatives. In addition to that, red meat is also considered as Group 2A carcinogen by WHO. So, excess eating of pork, beef and lamb can probably cause cancer.
Read: Dietitians Warning: Who Should Avoid Red Meat?
How To Control Meat Addiction?
People who are addicted to meat often find it difficult to break the habit. However, there are several ways people have found to overcome this addiction. Before starting to control meat addiction, you will need to identify that you are eating an excessive amount of meat and you are addicted. Here is what you can do to overcome meat addiction.
Be Aware the Harmful Effect of Meat
It is well known that meat consumption can result in many harmful effects on human health, but few people are aware of the harm meat addiction can cause. The harmful effect of meat has been proven by many medical professionals.
Meat is the number one cause of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and obesity. It can also lead to type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and numerous other diseases. People who are eating excessive amounts of meat should be aware of these facts in order to make the process easier.
Read How to Eat Red Meat Without Jeopardizing Your Health
Don’t Eat Meat Every Day
Is eating meat every day really necessary? Not necessarily. There are several ways to reduce or even eliminate your dependency on meat without going completely vegan or vegetarian. One way is to cut back on the amount of meat you eat. Another is to eat less processed meat.
So, if you want to avoid becoming addicted to meat, you should try not to eat it every day. Instead, eat meat every other day, or even better, just a few times a week. Although you are still eating meat, but you'll be less likely to develop a full-blown addiction.
Make Changes Gradually
If you are addicted to something you cannot reduce it overnight. Instead, you have to improve gradually, step by step. If you have decided that you are going to eat less meat, especially the red meat you can make changes gradually. For example, if you are eating beef once a week, you might decide eating bu weekly and later once in a month.
Read Is Red Meat Good or Bad for You?
Eat Poultry
Red meat is one of the most addictive foods out there. The blood in red meat has some chemicals such as gamma globulin, hemoglobin, and albumin. These activate the body's opioid receptors. It’s not hard to see why, with all the amazing flavors and textures that it possesses.
Heat Stroke Prevention: Best foods, drinks to avoid heat exhaustion
In recent years, summer months have become unbearable due to scorching heat. In these hot weather days, health issues like Heatstroke, dehydration, heat exhaustion, summer infections, etc are very common. However, heat stroke and heat exhaustion are not the same things. Heat exhaustion happens if your body loses extreme amounts of water and salt through sweating. On the other hand, heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that occurs when your body becomes unable to control its internal temperature. Right foods and drinks can help to avoid heat exhaustion and ultimately heat stroke.
Types of heat exhaustion
There are mainly two types of heat exhaustion conditions.
Water depletion
This kind of heat exhaustion is related to excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and even loss of consciousness.
Salt depletion
This type heat exhaustion may lead to nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and muscle cramps.
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Although heat exhaustion isn’t as serious as heat stroke, don’t take it lightly. Without proper care, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, damage the brain and other vital organs, and even cause death.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are as follows:
- Confusion
- Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or abdominal cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Pale skin
- Profuse sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
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Best foods to avoid heat stroke in hot summer weather
Cucumber
You will get 95% water from the cucumber and it is perfect to keep your digestive system well hydrated. The skin of the cucumber is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which helps to protect your body from damaging radicals.
Bitter gourd (karela)
Although many people don’t like bitter gourd, it is an excellent vegetable to take away the heat from your body. You will get the best result if you can take it two or three times a week. Try to intake a tablespoon of karela juice in your diet every day.
Bottle gourd
The bottle gourd carries 96% water. It is naturally cooling and rich with potassium which helps keep the blood pressure down and electrolyte balance maintained. Moreover, it helps to prevent fatigue and keeps the body cool and refreshed during summers.
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Watermelon
Watermelon is a fat-free sweet. This juicy fruit is enriched with some of the most important antioxidants in nature which provides vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamins B, magnesium, potassium, and many other nutrients. Vitamins B is helpful to produce necessary energy.
Barley
You can take barley as flour, pearls, and barley water during the summer season to flush out toxins from the intestine. Besides, it barely keeps your body cool during the summers. It is easy to take barley water; just boil barley for 20-25 minutes, strain the water, cool it, squeeze a lemon in it and drink it up.
Pineapple
Pineapple is loaded with water, nutrients, and antioxidants that have restorative and free radical fighting properties. Moreover, it has the perfect enzyme namely bromelain that is great to reduce body inflammation in summer.
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Cooling spices
You can take fresh ginger, marjoram, cilantro, lemon balm, peppermint, and white peppercorn during summer as they are cooling. But don’t take cinnamon and dry ginger because they are warming.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is loaded with water and a special antioxidant namely Punicalagins. This antioxidant helps destroy toxins in the body and build metabolism and protect you against heat stroke.
Mint
Fresh mint leaves contain menthol and so they are good in summer. Menthol revives the specialized nerve endings that allow you to feel cold and an electrical impulse travels to the brain and makes you believe that it is colder outside, which automatically cools down the body mechanism.
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Kiwi
Research shows that if you consume kiwi regularly, it helps to increase hydration levels. Kiwi is rich in potassium and sodium which help improve electrolyte levels and hence help prevent heat stroke.
Celery
Celery is 96% water and packed with sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. These vital nutrients are necessary to maintain the electrolyte balance. Besides, it protects you from heat stroke.
Snow Peas
Snow peas have hydrating effects and are also rich in vitamin C to protect the skin from sunburn, also aid in the production of collagen.
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Pears
Pears are also hydrating fruit and rich in soluble fiber that keeps the digestive system healthy and protects you from heat stroke.
Mango
Mango is enriched with health-benefited nutrients such as proteins, Vitamins A, B6, C, iron, folate, magnesium, riboflavin, and dietary fibers. It is a superfood that has more than 20 different vitamins and minerals. From 3/4 cup of mango, you will get 50% of your daily vitamin C, 8% of your daily Vitamin A, and 8% of your daily vitamin B6.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a rich source of the antioxidants lycopene, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Add this to your salads as a cooling meal.
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Salmon
You will get omega-3 fatty acids from salmon which assist your hypothalamus; a part of the brain responsible for controlling body temperature, hunger, and thirst.
Best drinks to prevent heat stroke in hot summer weather
Clean Water
If you want to hydrate yourself during summer, you need to drink enough water.
Fresh coconut water
Don’t miss this natural drink in the summers. It hydrates your body as well as is loaded with necessary minerals to maintain your body’s electrolyte balance.
Read Easy Homemade Summer Drinks to Beat the Heat and Increase Immunity
Wood Apple Juice
People take wood apples as a remedy for dysentery and other digestion-related issues for years that occur due to the hot weather. Besides, it is a great source of dietary fibers, which work as a natural laxative and help in improving digestion and relieving constipation. Take wood apple juice regularly.
Basil Seeds
Basil seeds have a unique cooling effect on the body and hence, are recommended especially for post-exercise and humid temperatures.
The worst food, drinks that increase risk of heat stroke
Don’t take beverages like alcohol and caffeinated energy drinks that can dehydrate the body during summer. These foods can increase the risk of heat stroke in the hot summer season. Heat illness is mostly related to drinking alcohol. Drinking caffeinated energy can affect your heart. Avoid spicy foods also.
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How to Keep Kids Well During Flu Season
During flu season many viruses peak in activity and make children sick. It is frustrating and exhausting for parents, especially for working parents when one or more children are sick at home, and unable to attend childcare or school. It is necessary to focus on your doing to keep your kids healthier during cold and flu season. Check out here some proven tips to keep your lovely kids healthy during flu season.
Ways to prevent your children from catching cold, Flu
Make kids wash hands frequently
You can find a variety of great resources available to teach your children effective handwashing techniques. Remember that handwashing is still one of the most important practices that reduce the spread of the flu and other illnesses.
The earlier you can teach this skill and the faster you can impart how important it is to maintain a good hygiene routine the better! Your children always follow you, so modeling this behavior is a great way to install good habits.
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Kids are habituated to often touching their mouths and faces. So you should make sure your kids wash their hands with soap and water to remove germs before eating, after using the bathroom, and when they come inside from playing.
Plenty of Sleep
If you want to stay well, take enough and proper sleep. It is true for adults and children as well. Lack of sleep generally weakens the immune system and at the same time increases the risk of getting sick. Children need at least 9 to 14 hours of sleep a day depending on their age.
Without enough proper sleep, children become exhausted which means their body doesn’t have the energy to devote to fighting off infection. So, maintain a normal sleep schedule for your children to improve their overall mood and alertness. Besides, it can be instrumental in keeping your children well during the flu season.
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Get Moving
Staying active is as important as sleep. It is also a good wellness routine. Regular and moderate exercise boosts children’s immune systems. So, always inspire and ask your children to get up and get moving. Some research has shown that activeness can help reduce cold and flu episodes.
Make sure your kids keep continuing playing. For older kids, sports can be a great way to burn energy and boost their immune systems. However, if you think sports aren’t an option for your kid, tell them just simply get up and move around both indoors and outdoors. This is also beneficial.
Nutrition
Eating nutritious food keeps us healthy and fit along with enabling our immune system to function properly. By providing plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, you can help boost children’s immune systems. Although getting your kids to choose healthy snacks over chips or sugary foods can be difficult, even small changes can help.
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Taking a well-balanced diet is another area of health that your children replicate when they see you doing it. Give them foods high in vitamin C and D and avoid foods high in additives, preservatives, and sugars.
Mindful
You need to remember that stress is also related to staying well. Generally, when we’re stressed for a long time, our overall immunity decreases. That’s why it is important to encourage your kids to rest and relax. In this regard, creative play can be a way to unwind.
As sometimes children cannot learn how to interact with their surroundings, things can get a little overwhelming for them. So, make them practice mindfulness to keep stress down. Teach them how to cope with complex situations.
Read Habit of Saving: How to teach your child good saving habit
Stay Home
During flu season as cold or flu symptoms are available outside, it’s best to keep them home. If you can keep your kids free of major symptoms means they’re in the clear, but you know your kids better than anyone else.
Avoid germy sharing
Undoubtedly, sharing is good for kids and they should learn it from the early stage of life. But make sure they don’t share common items like straws, cups, scarves, or anything that comes in contact with their mouths and faces with others, especially if they are attracted by the flu as these items can be breeding grounds for germs.
Most importantly, tell them to Wear a Mask in commonplace because a mask is a practical way to prevent the spread of the flu.
Read Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Vaccinations Up To Date
Make sure that your children and other family members are up to date on their vaccinations.
Special Tips for newborns/ infants
First two months
The first two months are the most crucial moments. So, be on high alert this time and keep the baby away from crowded places such as shopping malls and grocery stores.
Covered when in public places
Cover your baby with a thin blanket when you are in a public place to avoid a worse touch.
Read Newborn Baby, Infant Care Tips during Summer
Always carry disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer
Use disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer every time before touching the baby.
Breastfeed frequently if possible
Breastfeeding gives antibodies to your baby which gives your little one an extra line of defense.
Get your shots
As babies can't get the flu vaccine until they're six months old, so you are urged to get vaccines for flu and pertussis.
Read Postpartum Depression, Mood Swings: How can new moms deal with these issues?
Special tips for toddlers
- Stay on top of routine vaccines.
- Keep little hands clean.
- Tips to encourage good hand hygiene.
- Consult with your family doctor.
- Stay prepared with a sick kit.
- Ways to help stop the spread.
Special tips for school-going children
- Get your child's flu shot
- Prevent the spread of germs by Uing a tissue at the time of cough or sneeze.
- Make them wash their hands with soap and clean water.
- Reminding children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Provide sanitizers to your child’s classroom.
- Keep away from sick people and stay home if you are sick
- Reinforce healthy habits at home and school.
Read Creative Toys for Children to Foster Creativity Staying Away from Electronics
Bottom Line
During the season of Flu kids may catch cold easily through contraction with sick people or transmission of virus. The parents, caregivers as well as older members of the family should stay cautious. Prevention is better than cure. So far, we have mentioned some practical and effective tips to keep children away from flu and cold. Follow this measures to protect your children from catching colds, and flu. However, if the child still gets affected, consult with a doctor without delay.
Is Gym Good for Women?
In our society we often see health conscious men going to gyms. But the scenario is different for women. Many of the health issues that the girls, mothers and aged women experience can be improved through consistent exercise. The question may arise why women should go to the gym, as they can exercise at home. Stay with us to know the health benefits of exercising in gyms for women.
Top 10 Benefits for Women to Exercise in Gym
Weight Management
Several studies have shown that inactivity is mainly responsible for weight gain and obesity. It is important to know first the relationship between exercise and energy spending. Your body spends energy in the following three ways: digesting food, exercising, and maintaining body functions, especially heartbeat, breathing.
Dieting reduces calorie intake and will lower your metabolic rate which can temporarily delay weight loss.
Read How Effective Are Machines At The Gym?
On the other hand, regular exercise may increase your metabolic rate which can burn more calories to help you lose weight. Moreover, combining aerobic exercise with resistance training can maximize fat loss and muscle mass maintenance, which is essential for keeping the weight off and maintaining lean muscle mass.
Home exercises may not bring your desired results in weight loss. To get the utmost benefit from exercise you need an instructor and equipment. For weight loss gyms have equipment like Assault bike, Elliptical, Treadmill, Rowing machine, Stair climber machine, etc.
In the gyms trainers can help you choose the right equipment and proper exercise according to your weight, and body’s condition.
Read Best Health Clubs and Gyms in Dhaka in 2021
Improves Your Mood and Mental Health
From the first menstrual cycle until menopause, women experience a shifting level of estrogen and progesterone. This impacts women’s fertility patterns and moods. With the dropping of estrogen levels, women lose a natural source of the “feels good” brain chemical namely serotonin, and ultimately women become more susceptible to moodiness, depression, and anxiety attacks.
Regular exercise counters these hormonally-triggered mood swings by releasing endorphins, another mood regulator. Women who exercise can improve the symptoms of postmenopausal anxiety and depression more than those who did not exercise.
A strength workout in the gym can transform your entire outlook on fitness. Science also suggests that strength training or exercise in the gym can improve your mood and mental health. In addition to these, in a gym you will meet more health conscious women. Such engagements will encourage you to care for your own health.
Read Shammi Nasrin: An Inspiration to Bangladesh Women in Weightlifting
A study shows that participants who exercised in the gym showed a significant reduction in symptoms of depression because exercise releases endorphins which improve your mood, prevent pain, and fight depression.
Bone loss and osteoporosis
Females experience osteoporosis and related bone fracture more than men and loss of height as they age. Research has shown that eight out of 10 with osteoporosis are women, and half of the women over age 50 who have osteoporosis will break a bone.
This happens because women have thinner bones than men and lose bone strength due to the loss of estrogen. Most importantly, hip fracture- a consequence of osteoporosis can lead to immobility and premature death.
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However, the best way to build strong bones is an exercise that you need to start in the younger years. You can take weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises to promote bone health no matter what your age. Regular exercising in a gym can help a woman build bones and keep them strong.
You can do exercise at home. But wrong movements can cause injury and long-term pain. Therefore, talk to a fitness trainer to help you determine the best and safest exercises for your age and condition. Usually, gyms have different kinds of equipment for different purposes. You can register in your nearby gym to get just facilities.
Develops cardiovascular health
Exercise can help to improve cardiovascular health by lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol, and ultimately will help to lower blood pressure. So, it promotes heart health.
Read Postpartum Weight Loss: How to lose baby weight fast after pregnancy
A study shows that a person's cardio exercise like walking or cycling can minimize the risk of heart disease —both types of physical activity are necessary for overall health.
However, exercising in wrong ways can hurt your health. Gyms have diverse equipment such as Ellipticals, Upright Stationary Bikes, Pedal Exercisers, Treadmills, Recumbent Bikes, Row Machines, Stair & Stepper Machines. With the help of your gym trainer you can do exercise with these equipment in a safe way.
Exercise improves sleep
Another study has discovered that women have difficulty falling and staying asleep and experience more daytime sleepiness. This happens because of new motherhood, monthly hormonal changes, and perimenopausal symptoms like night sweats.
Read Healthy Weight Gain Strategies: Add pounds fast safely, naturally
Hopefully, exercise has an excellent track record of improving sleep. Research shows that women who have taken 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity can improve their sleep quality. Although women may find it difficult to find time or energy to exercise regularly, now is the time to do something.
Regular physical activity in a gym can increase the production of hormones that make you feel happier and help you sleep better.
Increase your energy levels
Exercise can be a real energy booster for many people, especially for those who have various medical conditions.
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One study shows that 6 weeks of regular exercise reduced feelings of fatigue. It significantly increases energy levels for people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and other health conditions. Moreover, exercise has fantastic heart and lung health benefits that help to increase energy levels.
Women can do exercise at home. But it may not always be possible to exercise for a definite time period without interruption. Find a gym, and get some ‘me’ time to care for your own health.
Improves skin health
The oxidative stress in your body affects your skin. Oxidative stress can damage the structure of the cells and negatively impact your skin. However, regular moderate exercise can actually increase your body’s production of natural antioxidants, which help protect cells and ultimately skin.
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Besides, exercise can increase blood flow and induce skin cell adaptations that can help delay the appearance of skin aging.
Brain health and memory
Exercise can improve brain function by promoting the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. Besides, it can also revive the production of hormones that enhance the growth of brain cells and protect memory and thinking skills.
Promote a better sex life
A study has shown that exercise boosts sex life. Regular exercise naturally strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation, and tone muscles. Besides, it promotes flexibility. All of these can improve your sex life.
Read Maksuda Akhter: Bangladesh’s first woman bodybuilder to win international medal
Help you live longer
If you exercise the correct way like taking adequate rest and appropriate intensity, you can strength train for your entire life—all while building and maintaining the strength you need to enjoy your days and favorite activities.
Safe exercise links with longevity because it is effective at reducing the risk of all sorts of common, age-related chronic diseases. Moreover, by taking exercise regularly you may reduce the risk of diabetes.
Bottom Line
Exercise offers ample benefits that can improve every angle of your health. If you are still wondering whether the gym is good for women? The answer definitely will be ‘yes’.
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Registering in a nearby gym can encourage a woman to preserve some time from her busy schedule for exercise. Exercising in a gym, you may not get instant results. But regular exercise will bring long-term change in your mind and body that will ensure you better health and self-esteem.
However, the traditional mindset of society may not encourage women to exercise in gyms. But women should be cautious about their own healths to ensure wellbeing for their children, family, society, country, and the world. All it needs is personal commitment, self-care, and a positive mindset towards healthy living.
10 Healthy Bedtime Teas for Better Sleep, Relaxation
Maybe you can’t sleep for insomnia or any other reason, and wondering how you can make yourself sleepy naturally. In this case, let me tell you a little about the sleep-inducing quality of tea. This drink has versatile benefits. Tea can also be consumed as a natural sleep aid, as it can help people fall asleep. You can improve the quality of your sleep by drinking different types of natural teas. Check out here the 10 best teas to get a better night's sleep and feel relaxed.
Top 10 Sleepy Teas to Fall Asleep and Treat Insomnia
Chamomile, Turmeric Tea
You will absolutely love Chamomile tea. After drinking it, you will feel restful and calm. This is perfect to wind down from a stressful day at work.
Chamomile is beneficial almost for everyone as it can enhance human health because of its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Besides, it helps reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol.
Ingredients
2 cups drinking water, 2 tbsp dried chamomile, 1-3 tsp coconut oil, 1 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk of choice, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp raw honey
Directions
First, boil water. Turn off the heat and add chamomile. Let chamomile stay for 3-5 minutes. Then remove the chamomile. Finally, add other ingredients and enjoy.
Read Quit Smoking: Best, worst kinds of foods, drinks to quit cigarettes
Herbal Tea
Herbs like Chamomile flowers, Oatstraw, Valerian, and Passionflower have excellent effects on sleeping habits. Herbal tea combined with these hubs can help you fall asleep much faster. It is the safest sleep aid remedy.
Ingredients
3 parts chamomile flowers, 2 parts lemon balm, 1 part catnip, 1 part oat straw, 1 part passionflower, 1/4 part hop flowers, 1/4 part valerian root
Directions
First, mix all ingredients in a teapot and brew a cup! You can store it for 6 months in a cool, dark place. Take a cup 30 minutes from bed.
Read Coronavirus Tips: Immunity Booster Herbal Teas to Prevent Infection
Lemon Balm Tea
Honestly, this is a very powerful tea for insomniacs. It amazingly helps to reduce stress, indigestion, and anxiety. Besides, it enhances sleep and heals cold sores faster. It is beneficial for lips also. We know well that lemon balm is a great herb for insomnia. When it is combined with other herbs like Chamomile and Valerian, it becomes enriched with better sleep-inducing properties.
Ingredients
4 cups boiling water, 20 fresh lemon balm leaves
Directions
First, boil the water, add leaves, cover with a lid and let steep overnight or at least 30 minutes.
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Tulsi Tea
Tulsi leaves are rich sources of diverse vitamins and minerals including, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, etc. It is also rich in protein. Besides boosting immunity, this tea is great to reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression. It is absolutely the perfect bedtime tea if you are experiencing sleep problems.
Ingredients
tulsi, cardamom, chamomile, peppermint, ashwagandha, Gotu kola
Directions
First, boil the water and then add the ingredients. Cover and let it stay for 10 to 20 minutes. Finally, strain and serve. Finally, strain and serve.
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Natural Banana Tea
You cannot just imagine how awesome natural banana tea is to help with insomnia. Try this tea tonight, if you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
As banana peels are packed with potassium and magnesium, drinking this tea would be the same thing as taking a magnesium supplement. Besides, it’s possibly cheaper. Moreover, by drinking this tea you can relax your blood vessels and muscles. It is great for you to fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer.
Ingredients
1 fresh banana, 4 cups of water
Directions
First, boil water, and then put the pieces of banana in the water. Boil for 10 minutes. Finally, take 1 hour before bed.
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Lavender Tea
Although its smell is not liked by some people, its medicinal properties are fantastic. One cup of lavender tea can ease your body, and mind, and make you fall asleep. It also helps to ease the effects of bronchitis, asthma, colds, cough, and other respiratory issues. Both children and adults can drink this healthy tea.
Ingredients
3 Tablespoons fresh Lavender flowers, 2 cups boiling water, Honey, and lemon ( Optional)
Directions
First, take the flowers into a teapot and then add boiling water and steep for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the flower buds and serve with honey and sliced lemon.
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Ginger and Turmeric Tea
If you are health conscious, you can think of healing turmeric and ginger tea. Naturally, turmeric has anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. On the other hand, ginger is anti-viral and rich in antibiotic agents.
If honey, and lemons are added to ginger and turmeric, the recipe will create a wonderful tea. You can drink this try for better sleep as honey is a natural sleep remedy and lemons are great for detox.
Ingredients
water, 4 cups, 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root, ½ lemon, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, honey
Directions
First, add the ginger, turmeric, and juiced lemon with boiling water. Cover and let it heat for 15 minutes. Add honey before serving.
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Cinnamon Sleep Tonic
Cinnamon is packed with cinnamaldehyde which has huge health benefits. Furthermore, cinnamon has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that may cut the risk of heart disease. It is helpful to improve insulin sensitivity. It has a powerful anti-diabetic effect and may protect against cancer.
Ingredients
3 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon berries, One tablespoon cloves, 15 bay leaves, 2″ pieces of fresh ginger, 10 cups of fresh water
Directions
First, take all the ingredients together. Boil and allow them to steep for 2-3 hours. Add honey if required.
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Valerian Root Tea
Valerian root tea acts as a mild sedative activated by phytochemicals that are suitable for sleep. It can be beneficial for you if you suffer from anxiety, have ADHD, mood problems, memory issues, or insomnia. This herbal tea can serve as a magical home remedy to relieve pain.
Ingredients
2 gm or One teaspoon of Valerian root, 2 cups of water
Directions
First, boil water then add Valerian root. Let it steep for 15 minutes. Finally, strain and serve.
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Passionflower tea
Also known as Passiflora, passionflower can assist you to fall asleep. It is helpful to reduce anxiety and helps you fall asleep.
According to research, passionflower or Passiflora can increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. The naturally-occurring amino acid GABA can reduce activities in your central nervous system. This will help you to relax, sleep better. This tea can also relieve your pain and help you stay in a better mood.
Ingredients
2 Passion flowers, 2 cups of water, honey
Instructions
Boil water and add the flowers. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Serve this sleep inducing tea with honey.
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Quit Smoking: Best, worst kinds of foods, drinks to quit cigarettes
The habit of smoking cigarettes may cause numerous health issues, such as lung diseases, cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, diabetes, tuberculosis, eye diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Therefore, you should try to quit smoking although it is hard. However, some foods and drinks can help you quit smoking, while some other kinds of food and drinks can make you feel the urge of smoking. Let’s check out which foods and drinks are best and worst to quit cigarettes.
Best Foods to Help You to Quit Smoking
Your Favorite Food
Smoking also dulls every smoker’s capacity to taste and smell says Michael Fiore, MD, MPH, the director of the Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention.
Once you quit smoking, you will feel the flavor and texture of the food much better. So, the best thing you can do is to try the food that you used to love before you started smoking. Your favorite food will help you to revive your former taste. No matter what they were, just try to enjoy the food while savoring your newfound senses. It may give you hope during those times when quitting is a struggle for you.
Read: Effects of Air Pollution on Unborn Children, Neonates, Infants
Frozen Grapes
You may start eating sweets after you quit. If you can indulge yourself in those cravings, it is a good thing because it can prevent you from reaching for a cigarette. But make sure you don’t dip into a pint of cookies and cream regularly. Grabbing processed desserts would be unhealthy for you.
Instead, you can take frozen grapes, recommends the AHA. The sweetness of grapes will help you curb sugar cravings, and because they are frozen, they will take longer to eat than fresh fruit.
Cinnamon Sticks
Some people say that cinnamon sticks can help keep cigarettes at bay. Cinnamon sticks deliver a nice taste. It is easy to carry on your pocket and you can chew it to revive your taste. Carrot and celery sticks may have a similar shape but they don’t have the same jolt of flavor as cinnamon.
Read Effects of Passive Smoking on Children’s Health
High-Fiber Foods
Remember you need to maintain a healthy weight in your post-cigarette life. But quitting smoking may lead to unwanted weight gain.
If you want to lose a few extra pounds, you can add high-fiber foods like beans, broccoli, berries, avocado, apple, dried fruits, nuts, etc to your diet. By eating more fiber you can lose weight in a natural and healthy way.
Different types of fruits and vegetables
The journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research published a study in 2013 that smokers prefer to eat less produce daily than those who don't smoke. So when you are quitting, it’s a good idea to take various types of fruits and vegetables regularly. Research has shown that those who ate the most fruits and vegetables were three times more likely to have stayed smoke-free for at least the past 30 days compared with those who noshed on the least.
Read: Healthy Weight Gain Strategies: Add pounds fast safely, naturally
Popcorn
As quitting smoking can no longer keep your hands and mouth occupied with a cigarette, you may feel a necessity to take snacks all the time. In this case, you can eat popcorn, suggests the American Heart Association (AHA). It will keep you busy, and help you feel full as well reducing your urge to smoke.
Sugar-free Gum and Mints
This works well when you are struggling with a craving for nicotine. As gum and mints last for a long time, you can keep chewing or sucking until your craving dissipates. This will provide the feeling of satisfaction you need to ease your cravings. Besides, it gives you something to do with your mouth.
Read Quit Smoking: How to prevent Nicotine addiction
Best Drinks to Help Quit Cigarettes
Milk
Milk is the best food to quit smoking. You can take a glass of milk instead of a cigarette when you feel the urge of smoking a cigarette.
The journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research published a report in 2007 where researchers asked a group of 209 smokers which foods interact with the taste of cigarettes to make them more or less appetizing. In this research, dairy products were at the top of that list.
And, among the dairy products, milk is perfect. As milk hardly pairs with cigarettes, you will not feel the urge for nicotine.
Read E-cigarettes turn many young people into smokers: expert
Ginseng Tea
Whenever you feel the urge to take a cigarette, you can take an awesome drink. Ginseng tea is the perfect option for a drink that can help you quit smoking. Studies have shown that ginseng could truly minimize the effects of nicotine, which could ultimately reduce the appeal of smoking and thereby make it easier to quit cigarettes in the long run. You can take Ginseng tea at least two times a day to get a good result.
Water
Drinking water keeps you stay healthy as well as helps you to quit smoking. By drinking enough water, you can distract yourself from smoking when you are struggling with cravings for Cigarettes. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day will work well.
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Worst Foods When You are Trying to Quit Smoking
Low-Calorie Foods
When you are trying to quit smoking, make sure you avoid taking low-calorie foods. Psychopharmacology publishes a study in 2005 which showed that smokers who reduce 700 calories a day smoked 8 percent more cigarettes than those who didn’t lower their calorie intake.
Meat
Do you really want to quit smoking? Make sure you don’t consume too much meat. Because meat is one of those goods identified as something that made smoking taste better. That doesn’t mean that you will be a vegetarian, but if you can cut down on the meat, it will be easier to cut down on cigarettes.
Read WHO to launch initiative to help 1.3 bln people quit smoking
Worst Drinks When You are Trying to Quit Smoking
Alcohol
No doubt alcohol and cigarettes are a good pair. Alcohol is considered something which made smoking taste better. Minimising alcohol intake or avoiding it simultaneously is good for quitting smoking.
Caffeine
Caffeine-containing drinks like coffee, tea, cola, or any other form – were also associated as something that made cigarettes taste better. If you can avoid caffeine or reduce your intake, it could be easier for you to stay away from cigarettes.
Read Speakers for amending Smoking and Tobacco Usage (Control) Act
Bottom Line
Quitting smoking will cut your risk of developing conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, etc. However, it is not easy to get rid of any addiction. If you want to quit smoking you need to stay careful about regular foods and drinks. So far we have discussed what to eat, drink and avoid if you want to quit smoking. We hope the above-mentioned discussion will help to quit smoking and minimize health problems.
Effects of Air Pollution on Unborn Children, Neonates, Infants
The air we breathe is polluted with a wide variety of pollutants that can have serious consequences on our health. Air pollution can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, stroke, asthma, and other illnesses in adults and children. But, have you ever wondered is an unborn child safe in its mother's womb? Stay with us to know how can air pollution create health issues in unborn children, neonates, and infants?
How Can Air Pollution Affect a Foetus in a Mother's Womb?
Air pollution has been shown to have a negative effect on both the unborn child and their mother. Air pollution can cause birth defects, decrease IQ levels in children, increase asthma rates, and increase the risk of death in both the mother and child. The effects of air pollution are serious, and it is important that pregnant women and their families be aware of the dangers it poses to their health.
Stillbirth
Stillbirth refers to a baby's death in late pregnancy weeks after 20 weeks. Stillbirth can occur at any time during the pregnancy but is most common in the third trimester. A study in 2018 found that there is a correlation between stillbirth and air pollution.
Read How Can One Person Reduce Environmental Pollution?
Low Birth Weight
Air pollution is a major global health threat, and it's having a profound impact on birth weight in children. Several studies found that air pollutants adversely affect to baby's birth weight. Also, due to air pollution, a baby's birth weight might drop to less than 2500 grams.
So, babies born to mothers who live in areas with high levels of air pollution are more likely to be born prematurely or with low birth weight. Low birth weight can lead to health problems later in life, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. In order to reduce the number of low birth weights, it is important for pregnant women to stay informed about the dangers of air pollution and to take steps to reduce their exposure.
Lung Development Issues
Air pollution has been linked to developmental problems in the lungs of unborn babies. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can decrease lung function in unborn children. It may develop childhood asthma and increase respiratory symptoms.
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Health Concerns in Pregnant Mothers
Air pollution is a major health concern for pregnant women. Air pollution can also increase the risk of preterm labour. And if a pregnant woman has exposure to indoor air pollution may have negative pregnancy outcomes at a higher rate. Indoor pollution can be toxins from cigarette smoke.
Impacts of Air Pollution on Neonates, and Infants
It can cause respiratory problems and fatalities in infants. However, the effects of air pollution on infants vary depending on the level of exposure and the infant's age. Infants who are very young or who have pre-existing medical conditions are at greater risk for serious health problems from air pollution.
Mortality Rate
Air pollution is a major public health concern across the globe. It can increase mortality in adults, and it has been shown to increase mortality in babies too. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for approximately 600 000 deaths in children under 5 years annually. This is a major problem because the number of babies in the world is increasing, and air pollution is becoming more and more common. Not only are babies at risk, but also the elderly and people with respiratory diseases.
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