health-fitness
Ready for Ramadan? How to Prepare Your Body for Fasting?
The holy month of Ramadan is about to come within just a few days. In the month of Ramadan Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Are you really ready for Ramadan? As Ramadan comes after a long 11 months and you need to continue fasting constantly for 30 days, it is surely important to prepare your body for fasting at first. If you are still confused about how to make your body ready for Ramadan fasting, just continue scrolling to get your probable solution.
Why is it necessary to Prepare Your Body for Fasting?
Fasting is an essential religious practice in many religions. It affirms the purifying of one's body and mind. Many also use it as a means of weight loss although there is no available evidence showing its effectiveness. However, if you don’t carry it out the correct and safe way, it can be deleterious to your health. So, to avoid any negative side effects, you should plan for your fast in advance.
Besides, you need to make sure you modify your daily habits and make changes to your diet ahead of time. Most probably, these preparations will make the fast a safer and more pleasant experience for you.
Read Intermittent Fasting: Health Benefits and Risks
10 Fruitful Ways to Prepare Your Body for Ramadan Fasting
Surely the upcoming holy month of Ramadan may be difficult for some people. It requires us to be well-prepared and ready to refrain from food and drink consumption during the daytime. Every day we need to fast for about 15 hours which demands us to be strong not only physically but mentally also. However, to be strong and stout enough you must prepare yourself to adapt yourself to all the challenges that come along with fasting during Ramadan.
Along with focusing on the quantity of food intake, you also have to focus on what you eat, how you eat, and how you sleep. These 10 fruitful top tips will help you get through Ramadan before you know it:
Food consumption
As Ramadan is approaching, you need to be habituated to taking moderate quantities of food. So, do not spend lavishly on food. If you don’t take control of yourself regarding food, you cannot control yourself during Ramadan also. Besides, taking more food before Ramadan will increase your appetite and make it more difficult to fast.
Read: Savory Lassi: 7 Easy Recipes to Try at Home
Reduce salt and sugar intake
It is fundamental to reduce your salt and sugar intake regularly before Ramadan. For this, first, identify the foods that contain high levels of salt and sugar that you regularly eat.
It won’t be possible to reduce a lot at first but try to decrease by 1 tablespoon of salt and sugar every day. If you decrease in this way, your body may not notice the decrease, and this is the only way you will get used to it.
Thus, you will be able to minimize your longing for food and drinks that are high in salt and sugar which would be beneficial for you during Ramadan and the course of your life as well.
Read: Grocery Shopping Hacks: Proven tips to choose best foods at grocery stores
Eat healthy foods before fasting
When you are near the date of fasting, try to skip processed foods. Instead of taking processed foods, you need to take whole foods and make sure you avoid sugary foods. If you eat foods high in sugar, it can cause your blood sugar to hit and will increase your appetite. So, you can take fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods will assist you to keep your appetite stable and make it easier for you to begin your fast.
Drink enough water
Remember you need to drink plenty of water before you begin your fast. Taking enough water is necessary to maintain your health, and it can also help restrain your appetite as well. Research has shown that a man should drink about 13 cups or 3 liters and a woman should drink 9 cups or 2.2 liters a day. Drinking enough water also helps you suppress your cravings and ease into your fast.
Read A look at the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan
Early breakfast
As you have to wake up early for Suhoor to take the pre-dawn meal during Ramadan, it would be better for you if you habituate it earlier. So, if you start taking an early breakfast now, it will help your body get used to the earlier hours.
Stop snacking
It is very important to stop your snacking habit before you are going to start fasting for a long time like during the month of Ramadan. Just take 3 meals a day; breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This habit before starting fasting will discipline your stomach to accept food consumption at fixed mealtimes. Remember, during Ramadan, you can only have your main meals two times a day; during Suhoor and Iftar.
Read: Yummy Milkshake Ideas, Recipes to Try at Home
Lower your caffeine intake
Make sure you reduce your caffeine intake before Ramadan. Caffeine is habit-forming and if you cannot decrease your caffeine input before Ramadan, you won’t be able to prevent your body from experiencing acute caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are dangerous that can cause irritability, anger, impatience, restlessness, and concentration problems. They will ultimately affect your daily tasks and wellbeing.
Reduce smoking
Like caffeine intake, smoking is also habit-forming and it is not easy to give up easily. If you give it up suddenly, you can experience various withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anger, restlessness, impatience, and difficulty concentrating during fasting hours. So, make sure you minimize this fatal habit before Ramadan.
Read Covid vaccine can be taken during Ramadan fasting: Islamic Foundation
Regulate sleep
Follow your own stepping pattern that you are used to and try to do it constantly. It is necessary for every person to take at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night to become healthy. Required hours of sleeping help to equip with enough energy for the day and decrease the risk of chronic problems like heart disease and stroke.
Refer to your doctor
It is wise to consult with your doctor about whether you are good to go for fasting. You need to do so and follow your doctor’s instructions of course if you have health concerns like diabetes, gastric complications, high blood pressure.
Read Best Iranian Movies 2021 to Watch during Ramadan Fasting
Discomfort Anxiety v Depression: Differences, Ways of Prevention
While anxiety is often regarded to be a high-energy condition, depression is supposed to be a low-energy state. Discomfort anxiety and depression are more connected than most people realize. Individuals who have anxious distress in addition to depression may be at an increased risk of suicide or need more intense therapy, making it critical to recognize these symptoms in addition to the sadness. Above all, it is critical to remember to refer a patient to a doctor or mental health expert to see if his or her symptoms match the criteria for a depressive or anxiety illness.
What is Discomfort Anxiety?
Each human being is affected by this bad energy, which is continually whimpering within our heads and preventing us from living a successful, responsible life. Anxiety about discomfort is not even near to depression. It is just a bee buzzing around within our heads, seeking immediate satisfaction in order to prevent delayed gratification. Refusing immediate reward from alleviating our pain worry does not imply that we are denying ourselves pleasure.
We must manage our priorities while also being far-sighted about what will genuinely make us successful in the long term. Being successful is not a certain outcome; rather, it is a way of life that promotes satisfaction.
Read Suicide Prevention: How to Deal with Suicidal Thoughts?
How to Prevent Discomfort Anxiety
Confronting Every Fear
You cannot overcome the dread of doing something by refusing to do it. Oftentimes, those who struggle to get out of their comfort zone do not acquire communication skills. They are always attempting to avoid awkward, uncomfortable contact with strangers.
Turning down significant possibilities only due to your concern has immobilized every good energy inside you. Therefore, it is critical that you push yourself to the limit and face your concerns.
Keeping Persistent Attitude
Man can’t conquer his phobias in a single day or with a single try. You should bear in mind that little droplets of water that continue to fall create a hole in the rock. Join a small circle to explore your creativity, become involved in groups, work with teams, and eventually lead any team. Eliminate each of your unresponsiveness.
Read Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents
Nail-biting in Children, Teenagers: Causes, Dangers, Ways of Prevention
Nail-biting is a common issue in school-age children and teens. It is generally very common at puberty. It is annoying as well as problematic for their health. When children feel more stressed, it may happen. But like other habits such as thumb sucking, teeth grinding, hair twisting, and nose picking, it usually goes away on its own with time. But what if it doesn’t? Check out here some proven ways to help children to stop biting their nails.
What is Nail-biting?
Nail-biting, known as ‘onychophagia’ is a general stress-relieving habit. Children may bite their nails in times of stress or excitement, or in times of boredom or inactivity. Sometimes, they learn this behavior from family members. But they may bite their nails without realizing that they are doing it. Biting the cuticle and soft tissue surrounding the nail as well as biting the nail itself usually includes nail-biting.
Read Benefits of Pets for Kids: Why Raising Children around Livestock?
Common Causes of Nail Biting in Children
Research has shown that about 30% to 60% of kids and teens bite their nails. Various reasons are responsible for nail-biting in children like anxiety, stress, boredom, and comfort. Common reasons include:
For Comfort
Actually, nail-biting is a modified form of thumb-sucking that little kids feel comfortable doing when they are playing or being on their own. Like them, children and teenagers bite their nails as it feels comforting to them.
Read: Organ Donation by Living Donor: Which organs can be donated while alive?
Boredom
Kids prefer to bite their nails if they feel bored or doing something monotonous. Children and teenagers may do it when they are not involved in an activity and their hands are free; during watching TV or attending a class.
To Relieve Anxiety and Stress
Circumstances at home or school that can cause stress or anxiety provoke nail-biting in teenagers and children. The stressful situations that can cause them to get anxious include Quarrels between family members or parents; Deprivation of a family member or a close one; Divorce; Relocating to a new city or home; Joining a new school; Getting bullied by other kids; Punishment; and The pressure to do better in class or sports.
Read Panic Attacks: Symptoms, Causes, Remedies, and Treatment
Imitating Habits of Others
Children pick up the behaviors of others quickly. Nail-biting is one such behavior that is common, and when they see another sibling or a family member doing it, they imitate the habit.
Genetics
It can be a genetic habit also. This habit develops among those children who experience it in the family, especially in parents.
Read Baby Massage: Know the Pros, Cons, Safety Issues of Infant Spa
Dangers and Health Risks of Nail Biting Habit
If this habit simply wears itself out and disappears, there is nothing serious to worry about. But, sometimes it creates dangerous health risks for your child. It could negatively affect your child’s social relationships or interfere with their daily functioning. You will notice that sometimes your child complains that other children are teasing them about their bitten nails.
The noticeable health risk is that it can lead to painful ingrown nails or nail infections caused by bacteria that have entered the damaged skin around the nail.
Not common but chronic nail biters usually, adolescents can damage their nail beds and teeth. This is known as onychophagia. Severe nail-biting is an indication of anxiety.
Read Benefits of hobbies: Ways to help your child find a hobby
Proven Ways to Stop Nail Biting in Children
A sturdy dose of self-control is necessary to stop any habit. But in the case of a child who bites their nails, you need to increase self-control — yours plus theirs. Here are proven strategies to help:
Pacify Anxiety
If you feel your child bites his nails more when he or she is stressed or anxious, take time to talk to him. Children as well as teenagers are generally anxious about matters like changing schools, moving to a different place, or conflicts within the family. Make sure you talk with him when he is in the right mood.
Read Mild Autism: How to identify a child who is slightly autistic?
Cut nails short
Your toddler can not bite nails if they are not there. So keep their nails well-trimmed. This also saves your kid from bacteria and dirt that are caught under the nails. In the same way, you can educate your teenage son or daughter about the health risks of nail-biting and encourage them to keep their nails short.
Create a code
It would not be easy to stop your kid from nail-biting by telling him always. But you can choose a secret code to use to remind them to stop. That may be a specific word that you say, a touch on the shoulder, or a whistle.
Read: Kleptomania or the habit of stealing in children: How to deal with it?
Offer an Alternative
An alternative something can release their anxiety and fidgeting. In this case, you can use a stress ball which is great for releasing anxiety. When children squeeze and roll it in their hands. They can feel relaxed.
Considering the age of your children, you can make them busy with various activities and projects. For children, arts and crafts can be the best option that stimulates their imagination to relieve their stress. Besides, outdoor activities, playtime, and sports are also some of the best ways to release pent-up energy for teenagers.
Make Them Aware of the Habit
Nail-biting is an unconscious habit. Children do not know that they are doing it and hence get surprised when you yell at them to stop. So, you need to talk to the child about the bad sides of nail-bating and suggest ways to make them stop it.
Read How to Teach Growth Mindsets to Your Child?
Use a reward system
Children like rewards. So make sure you offer a small prize or reward for each day they don’t bite their nails. At the end of the week, of course, they get to choose a prize instead of nail-biting.
Engage them with busting activities
Engaging them with some creative activities like coloring books, blank drawing pads, pretend play, pillow forts, relieving them from nail-biting. Moreover, you can also distract your child from the habit by taking them to the park, working on a puzzle together, or cooking or baking together.
The Bitter Taste Trick
You will find child-safe liquids available in medical stores that are made to quit the nail-biting habit in children. You could apply one of those to their nails according to the recommendation of your child’s pediatrician. The bitter taste of those liquids may stop this habit.
Read Childhood Cancer: Risk factors and causes of cancer in children
Long COVID hits children far less than adults: study
Children are much less at risk of complications from COVID-19 than adults, a leading British health expert said Monday.
Shamez Ladhani, a consultant paediatrician at the UK Health Security Agency, said new data published Monday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) should be reassuring for parents, clinicians and policy makers.
Ladhani, also chief investigator of the ONS study, said, "it is reassuring that the vast majority of primary and secondary school aged children surveyed since March 2020 have not experienced long COVID symptoms."
He said that as the findings show that children are much less at risk of complications from COVID-19 than adults, keeping children in school, where mental health support is available, remains vital.
Read: Bangladesh ranks first in South Asia in tackling Covid-19 pandemic: Health Minister
"This data provides important information about the potential direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on children and young people," said Patrick Nguipdop Djomo, co-chief investigator of the study at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
The study was jointly led by ONS, the LSHTM, and UK Health Security Agency.
Organ Donation by Living Donor: Which organs can be donated while alive?
If an ill person gets an organ donation, the effect of the donor's contribution will continue to benefit the recipient for the rest of his or her life. According to statistics, a new name is added to the list of people awaiting an organ transplant in the world every ten minutes. The list includes newborns, toddlers, teenagers, parents, and grandparents who all need an extraordinary gift to survive. And unfortunately, twenty or more individuals die each day without obtaining a lifesaving transplant. So, the need for a living organ donor is gradually rising. The good news is, with modern medical science, a person can easily donate one of his or her six organs.
The Organs That Can Be Donated by A Living Donor
A live donor's organs or tissues are transferred to a recipient’s body. Organ and tissue donation can create the difference between life and death for patients waiting for transplants. By donating organs, one living donor may save up to six lives. The intestines, kidneys, segments of the liver, part of the lungs, uterus, and pancreas are among the organs that may be given.
Kidneys
The kidneys are the most often transplanted organ. The kidneys are in charge of filtering waste and excess water from the blood and maintaining the proper balance of the body's fluids. Individuals who are on dialysis owing to excessive blood pressure, diabetes, or cystic kidney disease may qualify for a kidney transplant.
Read Kaan Pete Roi: An emotional support helpline in Bangladesh
Parts of a Liver
The liver is responsible for about 500 recognized processes in the human body, including the production of bile, which assists in digestion, the breakdown of toxic compounds in the blood, and the storage of vitamins, carbohydrates, and fats. Due to the extensive array of activities performed by the liver, donating one may help patients avoid chronic liver illnesses such as hepatitis or damage caused by drugs or alcohol.
A given liver may sometimes be shared between two recipients, which implies that a single donor might possibly save two lives. However, a living donor can't donate a full liver. But in special cases, a few segments of a liver can be transferable while being alive.
Parts of a Lung
The lungs perform a critical job in the body. They absorb oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Cystic fibrosis, emphysema, and pulmonary edema are among the conditions that often necessitate a lung transplant. As with the liver, a single living donor may contribute just a few segments of his or her lung.
Read Suicide Prevention: How to Deal with Suicidal Thoughts?
Parts of a Pancreas
Individuals need their pancreas to assist with insulin regulation. The pancreas generates insulin, a hormone that aids the body in using glucose (sugar) for energy, as well as enzymes that aid in the digestion of fat, protein, and carbs. A few parts of the pancreas can be transplanted from a living donor.
Parts of Intestine
Your intestines are responsible for the digestion and re-absorption of nutrients into circulation. If your intestines are twisted or clogged, or if you have a short-gut syndrome, you may need a complete or partial intestinal transplant.
Others Organs and Tissues
Additionally, some tissues such as skin, bone, bone marrow, and blood may be given by a live donor. Over time, a healthy individual may naturally replenish these tissues.
Read Mild Autism: How to identify a child who is slightly autistic?
Process of a Living Donation
For organ donation, the live donor must be in excellent health and the age limit must be between 18 to 60 years. Intensive care is given to ensure that the donation does not cause any detrimental physical, psychological, or emotional effects. Before starting the medical process, the donor is evaluated by the transplant facility to establish his or her emotional fitness, physical health, and compatibility.
Making a choice to be a live donor should be taken very seriously. Donating an organ or tissue is a risky surgical operation. Ensure that you discuss the operation with the surgeon to ensure that your expectations are reasonable. While the donor's medical expenditures are covered by the recipient's insurance, there may be some financial implications associated with time off work during recuperation.
In most cases, live donors are family members or close acquaintances of the recipients. However, some brave heart individuals may respond to a request for assistance from someone they do not know but desire to assist.
Read How to Improve Your Central Nervous System?
Why is Organ Donation Noble?
According to experts, a single donor's organs may save or assist up to 50 individuals. The majority of donations occur after a donor's death. However, some organs and tissues may be given while the donor is still alive without causing the donor any damage. Organ donors might be of any age or background.
Organ donation is purely a charitable gesture. It is considered as a noble activity in almost every society and country. Donating an organ fosters a noble and humanitarian attitude in society. This indicates a desire to continue serving others beyond one's death. Organs should be donated with the kind intentions of saving lives of other humans.
Why People Should Consider Organ Donation
A new name is added to the waiting list every nine minutes. Organ and tissue donation provides patients awaiting transplantation hope and life. Simply put, enrolling in organ donation is a lifesaving gift.
Read Childhood Cancer: Risk factors and causes of cancer in children
As a living donor, you may not witness the direct result of organ donation, but it will be felt and experienced by the recipient on his or her every breath. Thus, you may leave a legacy of love and healing as an organ and tissue donor.
Bottom Line
An opportunity to breathe, see, or walk once again can rejuvinate a person who might have the least hope for living. Organ transplantations can enable the recipients to reclaim their most precious moments on earth through the rest of their lives. By registering as a living organ or tissue donor, you may give a person hope for a new life.
Read Successful transplant of pig's heart into a human body for the first time
How Can Shampoo Damage Your Hair? How to Prevent It?
Hair plays a vital role in a human’s satisfying lifestyle and Shampoo is one of the key agents used for keeping the hair clean, healthy, and attractive. Nowadays, the beauty and fashion industry portrays Shampoo as one of the must-use products for hair care. Have you ever thought, is your Shampoo a savior or destroyer of your hair? Unless you apply a chemical free Shampoo, it can cause fatal consequences on your hair! Now it's time for pinning up the most common harmful ingredients in shampoos.
Dangerous Ingredients to Avoid in Shampoo
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Sulfates are the most common ingredient in shampoo. All the sebum is taken out with the surfactants while rinsing out the shampoo. These harsh cleaning agents can damage the hair and can cause allergic retort in people with sensitive skin.
Read Is Your Lipstick Slowly Killing You?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
This detergent performs the same activities mentioned as the earlier one. Moreover, it generates lathering foam. Most of us think we do not get sufficiently clean regardless of foam, though it is not the real case. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can have mutagenic properties that can harm the human body.
Parabens
Paraben is used mostly in cosmetics and shampoos to prevent bacterial growth. Parabens can imitate the hormone estrogen and have been related to the increased growth of breast cancer cells. Multiple investigations have shown that women have a higher aggregation of parabens in their bodies compared to men, which is likely a result of using more cosmetic and healthcare products including shampoo.
Read Perfect Hair Color: Ways to find out and making the most of it
Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride simply plays the role of maintaining thicker regularity in shampoos and conditioners. This salt can make an ultimate sensitive scalp itchy and dry, which in fact can be a cause of hair loss.
Polyethylene Glycols (PEG)
This thickening agent can be directly harmful to humans as they are obtained from petroleum.
Triethanolamine (TEA)
TEA is also a foaming and emulsifier agent that decreases the surface tension between different elements.
Read 10 Tips to Make Your Perfume Last Longer
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is the scariest and most harmful ingredient used in shampoo that Manufacturers often add it straight as a preservative.
Alcohol
It is another common component used in shampoo that has a drying effect. Your hair may get harshness and irreversible dryness from this property.
Synthetic Fragrances
Fragranced cosmetic products can derange the reproductive systems. They can also cause asthma and cancer to make their way into females’ breast milk. It can also cause hair loss.
Read Easy Skin Care Tips For Men
Harmful Side Effects of Shampoo
Research has shown that various chemicals hidden inside shampoo may cause serious health risks. Some of the harmful effects of using shampoo daily are mentioned below.
Cancer
Generally, shampoo carries Diethanolamine (DEA)-a wetting agent and nitrite-a preservative used in shampoos. These two chemicals respond forming a cancer-causing compound namely Nitrosamines. Another preservative called parabens used in shampoos can cause breast cancer also.
Read Contact Lenses: Side Effects & Danger
Kidney & Liver Problems
Some low-quality shampoos carry Diethanolamine (DEA) or Triethanolamine(TEA) that can cause possible damage to your liver and kidneys if used frequently. Never forget to check for the ingredients while buying shampoo. Avoid using ordinary products on your skin as they will damage your health without you knowing it.
Hair & Scalp Problems
The dangerous ingredient Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) available in shampoo causes damage to hair follicles and leads to hair loss. SLS is a foaming agent in shampoo that has protein intoxicating properties that cause inflammation and skin irritation with many other scalp problems.
Read How Do Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes?
Eye Problems
Toxic ingredients sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) used in shampoos can cause cataracts in adults if it is used frequently. The shocking news is that everyday shampooing in kids can hamper the proper development of their eyes. Another chemical, Formaldehyde, used in shampoos causes a burning sensation in your eyes.
Asthma
Some ingredients in shampoo like DMDM hydantoin, Diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternion-15, and bronopol contain a chemical called formaldehyde, a sensitizer. Asthma, chest pain, and shortness of breath can happen shampooing daily.
Read Benefits of hobbies: Ways to help your child find a hobby
Skin Problems
Excessive use of shampoo decreases the natural production of oils of the skin, thus causing various skin irritations. Daily use of shampoo can cause rashes, skin inflammation, itching, redness, and eczema.
Immune System
The shampoo contains toxic ingredients that can pose a threat to your entire immune system if used repeatedly. Basically, the ingredients such as SLS and SLES found in more than 90% of shampoos cause a major risk to your immune system rather than acting as a good hair care ingredient.
The harmful effects of using shampoo frequently are ceaseless. So, make sure to take extra care to find the ingredients listed on the label while buying shampoo, and try to go for SLS-free shampoos to lessen the side effects on you.
Read Fairness Creams: Dangerous Side effects of Skin Whitening Beauty Products
How to use Shampoo Safely
You cannot but use shampoo for regular hair care. But you should know how to use it safely to maintain healthy hair. Here are some tips:
Avoid Washing Daily
Do you know the secret of having nice hair? The secret is that those who have nice hair do not wash their hair nearly as often as you would think. Anthony Cole, a hair expert says shampooing hair three times a week is enough for most hair types.
Read Baby Massage: Know the Pros, Cons, Safety Issues of Infant Spa
Try to use filtered, lukewarm water
Though there is no proven ideal suitable temperature, warm water is preferable to hot. It is better if you can use cold water. Coldwater helps lock the hair-moisture which benefits your hair in the long run. Filtering water saves your hair and skin from harmful chemicals like chlorine and synthetic.
Press Gently
As healthy hair begins at the scalp, do not use your nails or massage the scalp too harshly. Just apply minimal pressure. One to two minutes of massage is enough that will boost blood flow to the scalp and will help stimulate hair growth.
Read 10 Post- Pregnancy Skincare Tips: Get Your Glow Back
Select shampoo according to hair type
The same shampoo may not be suitable for all members of a family. It is your hair so you will understand better which shampoo suits your hair most. You can talk to your hair expert to select the best shampoo for your hair type.
Use Conditioner
Leaving conditioner for a longer time in your hair may damage the hair. Therefore, do not keep the conditioner on hair for more than five to seven minutes. Try to use a wide-tooth come while conditioning.
Read Korean Skincare Routine: 10 Skincare Hacks
Dry Hair
You may be out of the shower but your job is not done just yet. It is better to use a towel to dry your hair rather than using a hair dryer.
Bottom Line
So far, we have identified the harmful chemicals used in Shampoos and their denigrating effects on Hair. To get rid of these destructive hair-killing elements you need to be careful the next time you are shopping for it. However, Shampoo is one of the most useful products used for cleaning the hair. If you follow the safe application process of Shampoo, it will cause the least damage.
Read How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin
Suicide Prevention: How to Deal with Suicidal Thoughts?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease, every year, approximately 800,000 people die from suicide, which is one person every 40 seconds. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds, and it is the tenth leading cause of death for all age groups worldwide. The goal should be not just to prevent suicide but also to reduce the number of thoughts that lead to it. People struggling with suicidal thoughts often feel hopeless, depressed or want to hurt themselves or others. Let's discuss some ways to deal with suicidal thoughts.
Why Do Suicidal Thoughts Come to Mind?
The reasons why suicidal thoughts may come to mind are complex and varied but can generally be broken down into two broad categories:
1) factors that may trigger suicidal thoughts in someone who is already vulnerable, and
2) factors that may increase the likelihood of someone committing suicide.
Some common triggers for suicidal thoughts can include feeling isolated, hopeless, and desperate; experiencing significant emotional or physical pain; witnessing or experiencing violence or abuse; feeling like a burden to others; having a history of mental health issues; experiencing a loss or significant change in one's life; having a recent traumatic event, or being in a stressful environment.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to overcome the suicidal thoughts as soon as possible.
Read Kaan Pete Roi: An emotional support helpline in Bangladesh
8 Effective Ways to Cope with Suicidal Thoughts
If the sheer thought of living a single day seems unbearable, it might be time to start taking steps to overcome suicidal thoughts. This can be a frightening thing to do, but with some help and support from family and friends, you will find that life does indeed go on. Consider following ways to start dealing with your suicidal thoughts.
Speak with a therapist
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to speak with a therapist. A therapist can help you work through your thoughts and feelings and can provide support. They can also provide guidance on how to deal with suicidal thoughts. If you don't have a therapist, you can search for one online.
Reach out to loved ones
It can be difficult to talk about suicidal thoughts, but it can be very helpful to reach out to loved ones. Talking with them about how you are feeling can help them understand what you are going through and provide support. They may be able to offer insights or suggestions on how to deal with the thoughts. It's also important to let them know if you have any plans or have already attempted suicide. This allows them to be on the lookout for warning signs and take steps to ensure your safety.
Read Panic Attacks: Symptoms, Causes, Remedies, and Treatment
Join a support group
When struggling with suicidal thoughts, it can be incredibly helpful to join a support group. In these groups, people can share their stories and provide support to one another. This can be an incredibly helpful way to cope with suicidal thoughts, as it provides a sense of community and understanding. Additionally, these groups can often provide helpful resources and information.
Exercise
One of the benefits of exercise is that it can help improve mood and well-being. Exercise releases endorphins hormones that can eventually improve mood. Exercise can also help to distract from suicidal thoughts. When someone is focusing on completing a goal, such as running a marathon, they are less likely to focus on negative thoughts. Exercise can also provide a sense of accomplishment, which can be beneficial for people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Eat healthy
People who eat a healthy diet have been shown to have better moods and overall well-being than those who do not. This is likely due to the fact that healthy foods contain important nutrients that are necessary for optimal mental health. Some of these nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Read Pregnancy Anxiety? How to reduce the stress of pregnant mothers?
Making a few simple changes to your diet can go a long way in improving your mood and overall well-being. Start by adding in some healthy foods and eliminating unhealthy ones.
Get enough sleep
It is no secret that sleep is important. What may be a secret, however, is the importance of getting enough sleep for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Sleep deprivation can aggravate mood swings and contribute to feelings of hopelessness. It can also lead to poor judgment and decision-making. In short, getting enough sleep is important for physical and mental well-being.
For someone struggling with suicidal thoughts, getting enough sleep can be a critical distraction. It can provide a much-needed break from obsessive thoughts and negative emotions. It can also help to restore balance and perspective. When feeling overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts, taking some time for rest and rejuvenation can make all the difference.
Read Teen Depression: How to help your depressed teenager?
Seek peer support
Peer support is a resource that is often underrated. When someone is feeling suicidal, talking to someone who has also been there can be incredibly helpful. Peer support groups are often confidential, and participants are often willing to share their experiences and advice. These groups can provide a sense of community and connection, which can be healing in times of crisis.
Consider medication
When it comes to mental health, it is important to take any and all measures necessary to ensure that you are in the best state possible. If medication is needed to treat a mental health condition, talk to your doctor about options. Some medications may help to decrease suicidal thoughts. It is important, to be honest with your doctor about your feelings and any thoughts or plans of suicide. Make sure you follow the doctor's orders regarding medication and seek immediate help if you experience any negative side effects.
Final Words
Nothing is more precious on earth than life. However, due to diverse reasons an individual may experience the urge of ending his or her life. When you are feeling suicidal, it might seem like there is no other way out. However, knowing the ways to prevent the thoughts of suicide may be the best option for you. You can try the above-mentioned ways to get a new life.
Read Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents
Kleptomania or the habit of stealing in children: How to deal with it?
Kleptomania is an abstract disorder. It is known as uncontrollable stealing which is generally an urge or desire to steal. To steal anything is less valuable but if not stopped it might become a habit as kids grow up. Somehow, most parents don’t know what kleptomania is in kids and how to manage it. We are here with some proven strategies to handle kleptomania in your children.
What is Kleptomania in children?
The situation or habit of not being able to withstand the urge to collect or put by anything is called kleptomania. Children with this mental disorder are impelled to steal things, generally objects of little or no notable value, like pens, pencils, tape, paper clips, signs, rubber, eraser, traffic cones, cosmetics, and small toys.
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Kleptomania is an irresistible desire to snap something. It generally begins at adolescence and is seen as a rare case in children. Kleptomaniacs are not criminals in thought but they steal because they are mentally unstable. Research has shown that kleptomania is more common in women than men. However, children too are influenced by it.
Causes of Kleptomania in children
Still, it is unknown the causes of kleptomania in children. It may be a result of environmental, psychological, and biological factors. Many suggest that changes in the brain may be the root cause of kleptomania. More research initiatives are necessary to find out the possible causes of kleptomania. Let’s check out here the most common causes of kleptomania:
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Environmental Causes
Kleptomania in children is not a big issue. Child development experts suggest the following general trend of stealing:
- Many children love to take home particular things they like that generally do not belong to them.
- Kids of 2-4 year old do not have a clear idea between yours and mine and general sharing, so they take things home. Actually, this cannot be marked as stealing.
- Children of 5-8-year-olds are aware of the ownership. If they take anything that does not belong to them, they hide them and try to subterfuge when they are asked about that. It is normal that they cannot have self-control. But parents need to be concerned about this behavior. However, they need not worry too much considering it as a never-to-die habit.
- It is really a matter of serious concern for kids of 8 years or more. It becomes impossible to refrain these kids from the stealing habit although they are corrected several times.
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Psychological Causes
- The kids who are anxious or angry and attention seekers may steal at home, school, or with friends. In these cases, of course, they need help, as they are enduring serious physical and emotional abuse.
- Most children are compelled to steal when they do not afford to buy certain items. They may steal to own some popular branded items or may do so to support their drug habit.
Biological Causes
Brain activity pattern
When the neurotransmitter serotonin decreases in the brain, it often causes risk-taking behaviors. Serotonin controls the mood and emotions of a person. Moreover, there may also be a flow in dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter switch on the enjoyment of the brain. This causes the stealing act in the child and the child gets pleasure from it.
Read Benefits of hobbies: Ways to help your child find a hobby
Kaan Pete Roi: An emotional support helpline in Bangladesh
Depression, loneliness and stress can sometimes lead someone toward feeling hopelessness. In addition to that one may consider his/her life worthless if these negative emotions become overwhelming. As a result, some people even choose the path of suicide without thinking of anything. However, a professional counseling support can help a mentally disturbed person to overcome the situation. Counseling not only saves a life; it can also provide courage to start a new life. Bangladeshi emotional support helpline ‘Kaan Pete Roi’ has been providing counseling services to the people having mental health issues.
What is Kaan Pete Roi?
Kaan Pete Roi (http://shuni.org/) is the first psychiatric helpline in Bangladesh, where anyone can call and get emergency psychiatric services from their trained volunteers. Anyone struggling with any sort of mental issues can call ‘Kaan Pete Roi’ for help. It is a valuable resource for those who need someone to talk to. With this goal in mind, Kaan Pete Roi listens to people with a completely open mind, privacy, and compassion. There are organizations in 40 countries around the world that are making a significant contribution to the prevention of suicide and the development of mental health care. However, Kaan Pete Roi is the first such organization in Bangladesh.
Read Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents
Background
A graduate of psychology from Cornell University, Yeshim Iqbal founded Kaan Pete Roi. Yeshim is pursuing her doctorate at New York University. Previously Yeshim had worked for a psychiatric helpline in the United States for almost three years. The helpline was opened on April 28, 2013. Over the years, the organizations have helped more than 19,000 people.
How Kaan Pete Roi Works?
Currently, 42 countries around the world provide mental health support over the phone. These helplines can provide individuals with information on how to find help, advice on how to cope with a mental health condition, and listening ears for those who need someone to talk to.
So how it works is not unknown as the same method has been used around the world. When anyone calls the Kaan Pete Roi helpline, their trained volunteers will pick up the phone and encourage the caller to speak up. So, volunteers at Kaan Pete Roi do this work willingly. But none of them are ordinary volunteers. They are selected after a lot of checking and selection. The volunteers have to go through long training. Those who can successfully go through the whole process can sit for the helpline call.
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The person who calls for help does not have to identify himself; the problem he is talking about is kept completely secret. Volunteers will not comment on the problem. They will just listen to the person passionately. A person listens to the caller’s sorrow with deep compassion, from where the sufferer finds peace. Since the volunteers will never tell anyone about the identity of the help seeker or the problem, no one outside will know about it.
Caller confidentiality
According to the policy, the organization will never ask for any identity details of the caller. Hence, the caller remains anonymous. However, if any caller reveals his/her identity, the volunteers are not allowed to note it down.
When Can you Call Kaan Pete Roi?
Almost all the countries that provide metal support through phone calls operate 24 hours a day and seven days a week. However, ‘Kaan Pete Roi’ could not go to such a stage. It runs at a fixed time five days a week. Anyone can email or call the helpline Friday through Wednesday from 3pm to 9pm, and Thursday from 3pm to 3am.
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Gradually they are trying to increase their time. At the moment the number of their volunteers is more than fifty. The number of volunteers needs to be increased a lot to keep it running 24 hours a day. They are slowly doing that. If they had the financial means, they could have done it faster. Volunteers may not be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week; But when they are supposed to stay, they all stay.
How to Work as a Volunteer?
All the volunteers need to go through a strict training session before they get selected. Usually, training is given for 3 days, including weekends. Every helpline volunteer will be taught through extensive practice how to listen, how to estimate the level of danger, and how to talk to people prone to suicide and trauma. One volunteer will then spend three hours a week shifting time and talking to telephone callers to guide the helpline’s supervisors and colleagues. All the volunteers are required to work at Kaan Pete Roi’s office at Lalmatia, Dhaka. If that is not possible for you, at least you can ask people close to you to call them so that they can try to help more people.
Read Teen Depression: How to help your depressed teenager?
Final Words
We all know how to give medical care to a person who is physically ill. However, most of us don’t know that a mentally disturbed person also needs care. It can be done by listening carefully to someone’s words. That is what Kaan Pete Roi is exactly doing. The words that people can say to anyone are hurting inside. The Kaan Pete Roi helpline is giving them a chance to speak up, which works as great emotional support.
Benefits of Pets for Kids: Why Raising Children around Livestock?
Most children naturally adore animals and love keeping pets. It is really good to rear pets in a home with children. Pet ownership allows a kid to learn how to care and treat an animal with kindness and patience. Thus, the child gets invaluable training to treat people the same way. The pets love, teach, delight, and offer special kinds of companionships for children. Let’s discuss the awesome benefits of raising kids around pets and domestic animals.
Advantages of Pet Ownership for Children
Raising children with pets has a lot of benefits. Children can grow their self-esteem and self-confidence by developing positive feelings about pets. By building positive relationships with pets, children can develop trusting relationships with others. A good relationship with a pet can help the kid develop non-verbal communication skill, compassion, and empathy. Pet ownership can serve different purposes for children:
- Pets develop the power of secrets and private thoughts in children. Kids talk to their pets and this process helps to grow their thought processes.
- Children get lessons about life, including reproduction, birth, illnesses, accidents, death, and bereavement from pets.
- Pet contributes a lot in developing responsible behavior in the children.
- Undoubtedly pets or animals provide a pure connection to nature.
- A child who owns a pet can know how to show respect for other living things.
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Pet ownership can contribute to developing the following physical and emotional needs:
- Physical activity
- Comfort contact
- Love, loyalty, and affection
- Know how to adjust to a loss as they experience a pet is lost or dies.
Most of the children are kind and gentle to pets but some may be rough or even abusive to pets. If such behavior continues in a child, it may be a sign of significant emotional problems. Children who abuse, torture, or kill animals should be referred to a child psychiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation.
Read Benefits of hobbies: Ways to help your child find a hobby
Why raise children around livestock and domestic animals?
Some proven benefits of raising children around livestock and domestic animals
Boosts immune systems
Children who play outside with mud and animals have powerful immune systems. Besides, research shows that children who stay outside in a less sanitized environment and around different bacteria can boost immune system function. So, it is important to let your kids get outside and play in the dirt and with farm animals.
Learns to care another living being
Baby animals are lovely and they love to be taken care of them by humans to give them food, water, and shelter. They also wish for a clean environment for human beings so they can grow and thrive. So, the children who can take care of tiny pets, know how to take care of another living thing. Without keeping your kid with pets, it may be difficult to teach them such an attitude.
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Improve emotional health
Nature soothes human’s mental and emotional health. Animals are part of nature. So, it is natural that kids will get mental and emotional soothing keeping in touch with animals. Keeping in touch with pets can soothe the souls of kids. The children who are raised around livestock are naturally calm and quiet.
Understands the life cycle dots
Although kids cannot tolerate pets' death, whenever they goodbye them finally, they understand that nothing lasts forever. And because of that, kids make sure they help give these animals the best life possible. These kids also treat their siblings better. They are kind to their friends. And they are gentle with nature.
Read How to Teach Growth Mindsets to Your Child?
Keep kids active and healthy
Farm animals are generally messy. We need to make sure that their living place is neat and clean to keep these animals safe and healthy. Children raised around farms are naturally involved with cleaning activities. Kids involved with barnyard chores get the scope to soak in the sun and fresh air and build and strengthen muscles as they work.
Farm animals provide a natural source of nutrition
Children who are raise around domestic animals, generally get an excellent source of nutrition like farm fresh eggs, milk, meat. You can also make natural butter and cheese from fresh milk. Moreover, farm-fresh products are also reasonable in price.
Read Childhood Cancer: Risk factors and causes of cancer in children
Keeping farm animals is heart-healthy
A good connection with animals can be beneficial to your heart :
- Reducing stress
- Lowering your blood pressure
- Decreasing your cholesterol
- Reducing the risk of obesity
- Improving your physical fitness
- Giving companionship and love—all good for the heart.
Spend less time on technology
It is proven that if children have anything extra to do, they spend less time with technology or gadgets. As the children living near to farm require spending time there to take care of animals, they don’t get too much time to spend long hours on screen. Rather they stay involved in diverse physical activities which are beneficial for their health.
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Risks of pets for children
Although there are a lot more advantages to raising children around animals, pets can pose risk to your child’s health and safety including medical and others. The injuries or illness are caused by pets to children are as follow:
- bites and scratches
- knocked by the pet
- choking on pet toys or food
- allergies or asthma caused by animal fur, saliva, feathers, or skin flakes
- diseases and infections that can go from animals to humans generally by poo, food, water, and debris trays
- difficulty in breathing and asphyxiation from a pet lying close to your child's face
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Never be late to talk to your doctor if you face any health or injury issues.
Safety concerns of pets or animals around children
Children become ill easily from germs that animals can carry because their immune systems are in the process of developing. But there’s good news! You can take the following steps to keep your kids healthy while still enjoying animals!
- Always supervise children around animals.
- Don't allow children to kiss animals, put their hands or other things into their mouths while handling animals.
- Make sure to wash children’s hands properly with soap and water if they touch, feed, or care for animals or clean their habitats.
- Don't forget to wash your hands before breastfeeding or making food for the baby.
- Keep children away from animals while they are eating so that you can save them from the risk of bites or other injuries.