health-fitness
Pregnancy Anxiety? How to reduce the stress of pregnant mothers?
It is natural to be confused sometimes while dealing with your signs and the changed lifestyle during pregnancy. It is really important to take care both of your mental and physical health in this stressful situation. Let’s find out how to control your stress as a pregnant mother.
Is it bad for your baby if You’re stressed?
If you feel more stress than usual and you find it difficult to adjust, of course, you need to consult your doctor. Utmost, constant stress can put you at higher risk of premature birth and having a baby born with low birth weight. So, you always need to be free from any type of anxiety or stress.
Read 10 Essential Life Skills for Teens to Learn before College
10 Effective Stress Management Techniques during Pregnancy
Practise mindfulness
The best way to remove negative thoughts is to practice mindfulness. It means to pay full attention even in the small moments of life. If you can practice mindfulness regularly, it truly brings about significant mental health benefits. This practice will surely help you to reduce anxiety, stress, or depression during pregnancy. You can practice mindfulness meditation & yoga in this regard. Nowadays, various free and paid-for mindfulness courses, sessions, and apps are available.
Talk about your mental health
You need to talk to your midwife or doctor when you feel worried about your baby’s wellbeing, or anything else. Share to them the real thing. Of course, you will get the necessary support from your midwife. Moreover, you can share with your partner or your loved ones. If you share your bad feeling with your loved someone, you get relieved. Besides, meeting with other pregnant women at the same stage of pregnancy as you, you can get help from them.
Read How to keep your child engaged at home without gadgets
Eat well
Never forget that eating well is good for your brain, your body, and above all for your baby. So you must eat regular meals. If you don’t take a regular and balanced diet, your blood sugar can drop, and ultimately you feel tired and irritable. It is common that eating is not so easy during pregnancy but you need to try to eat even against your mind. Furthermore, in pregnancy, dehydration is not wishable at all because it hampers thinking clearly. So, drink required water, milk, fruit juice, herbal drinks, coffee, and tea.
Get more exercise
You can’t imagine how boastful exercise is during pregnancy! Exercise releases feel-good chemicals namely endorphins in your brain. Simple exercises like dancing and low-impact aerobics are safe in pregnancy to build up your heart rate. But, of course, avoid contact sports or something that is not safe for you.
Read Why Do Women Live Longer Than Men?
Swimming is one of the best exercises in pregnancy to keep you toned because it doesn’t put pressure on your joints. Then, for emotional wellbeing, you can try pregnancy yoga which will teach you breathing, relaxation, and meditation techniques. Besides, walking is the most awesome exercise in pregnancy.
Sort out money worries
Money worries can give you more stress as you may need to do unexpected expenses during giving birth. So, it would be better for you to make a list of your necessary items.
If you are going through financial hardships. Don’t stress about it. You can borrow some of the listed things from your friends or family members. Nowadays, second-hand baby items are available in the market. You can also buy those items. Don’t worry. Many family finances sections will assist you with plenty of ideas and you can find lots of handy money-saving tips there.
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Get enough rest and sleep
Don’t be late to listen to your body. Take a break or a nap, and go to bed early as soon as you feel tired or exhausted. We know sleep is important for everyone’s mental health and it is more important in pregnancy. If you have a job or you are already a mother, you need to reserve time for yourself. Take the help of your partner, a friend, or grandparent to look after your child or children for some time and utilize that time for taking rest.
Take a deep breath and focus on your baby
It is important for you to take some time and focus on your bump. You need to feel relaxed for the betterment of both of you and your baby. After 15 weeks of pregnancy, your baby can hear your voice. So, try to talk with your baby whenever you get time. Chatting, singing, and reading to your bump can be very helpful for your baby’s brain’s development. This will create a bond between you and your baby.
Read Effects of Passive Smoking on Children’s Health
Treat yourself
Try to laugh as much as possible because laughter in no way is the best way of relaxing. So, hang out with your partner or close friend, watch films especially funny or comedy films. Listing to a favorite podcast or reading a feel-good novel can you give you relaxation. Moreover, pregnancy is the perfect time to treat yourself. You can take safe beauty treatments this time. Pedicure or mini spa can best perfect. Do whatever you most like to do. Be nice to yourself. You deserve it.
Write about it
During pregnancy, surprising things happen to us. Sometimes you may need to talk to your loved ones to feel relaxed but your wish cannot be fulfilled due to diverse reasons. Then, you can write your thoughts to share with that person later. Otherwise, you may forget the sweets memos of those times. Besides, you can try writing practice. For instance, you can start writing a personal diary. Who knows you can write the best book in the world about a mother’s feelings during pregnancy?
Read How to Protect Your Child from Sexual Abuse?
Empower yourself
The fear of childbirth is called tokophobia. If you are really very worried about your childbirth, you can sign up for a birth class online or offline. From this class, you will be able to learn about the different stages of pregnancy. You will find available suggestions in those classes about how to deal with pain and so on.
10 Essential Life Skills for Teens to Learn before College
You can’t imagine how quickly life passes! Before you understand it, your little one will grow up into an adult with a life of its own. Have you made your kids ready for life? Is your teenage child growing up as a responsible adult to face the future hardships of life in the upcoming years of college, work, marriage, and parenthood? Education may give your children the required academic knowledge they need for careers. But it is not enough to survive in the real world. To make your teenage offspring fit to face the challenges of real life, you can teach them some life skills. Here go 10 necessary life hacks for teens to learn before attaining college.
Daily Living Skills Every Teen Should Know
Cooking or Food Skills
Teenagers should learn to cook a few simple, healthy and low-budget dishes to survive in any part of the world. Buying groceries is the foremost to cook. They need to acquire the ability to identify different ingredients and their availability. They must learn how to use the microwave, coffee maker, dishwasher, toaster, and other utensils. Teach your teen the basics of cooking to cook a decent and healthy meal using simple & available ingredients. Your kids also need to learn how to store and preserve food.
Read How to keep your child engaged at home without gadgets
Dress Sense or Clothing Skills
It is natural that your teenagers change their style according to the demand of their times but you should be conscious that they are not getting influenced by the wrong people. Teach them to choose the right-sized and decent outfit. Choose the right kind of clothes for the right occasion. Furthermore, they need to have the knowledge of how to iron a shirt, trousers, or suit and the understanding of distinguishing between clothes that need ironing and those that don’t. You can also teach them how to wash clothes by hand or using a washing machine and fold clothes and put them nicely in their cupboard.
Budgeting and money management skills.
Financial discipline is an important skill to learn for your teenager. So, make sure your child learns the value of money, conscious spending, as well as planning for the future.
The crucial financial ideas that you can help them learn are as follow:
- Fix a budget and twig to it.
- It is fundamental for every teen to know how to open a bank account, write a check, use the ATM, and transfer money online.
- Save money for emergency issues.
- Give money to charity without going overboard.
- Maintain financial records.
- Assess the basic market value of goods.
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Personal Healthcare and Basic First Aid
Teenagers should learn the issues of taking care of their health.
It is essential to have the knowledge of personal health and over-the-counter drugs that is available to them. They should know how to take care of self especially in the case of illnesses like common colds, fever, or the flu.
You have to teach them how to handle medical emergencies, like calling the emergency number in the country. Moreover, teenagers should have knowledge about basic first aid skills.
One of the principles of hygiene is cleanliness. Therefore, it would be wise to teach your children to keep themselves and their surroundings neat and clean along with taking care of themselves. The teenagers must learn the ways of mopping floors, keeping bathrooms, toilets, and the kitchen clean.
Good social skills and manners.
Your teens should know the basic social skills and manners to carry on a conversation with adults and make a good first impression with new acquaintances.
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A few social skills:
- To follow like-minded people, they need to explore and pursue hobbies, recreational interests, and activities
- Learn the skills to develop and maintain friendships.
- Should value relationships and people in their lives.
- Acquire the knowledge to maintain healthy family relationships.
- Teach party etiquette along with how to be host and guest.
- Respect people and their views
Domestic Skills – Managing A Home
Your teens may experience challenges to cope with life if they do not know the basic home management skills. Not to mention, they need to learn the right adaptation or housing options. Teach your teenage children how to manage utilities, pay bills, basic maintenance of the house. Make them learn to vacuum, dust, and clean the house. They can also learn simple issues like fixing a broken circuit, locating a water boiler, and turning it off or on to help them to manage their house better.
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Skills to Stay Safe
Staying safe is one of the most important life skills for teenagers. Teach your teen how to stay safe on the road when alone. They should avoid lonely parking lots, empty roads. They shouldn’t travel with strangers. Always keep extra cash just in case they need to take a taxi.
Coping with Emotions
Coping with emotions is the most crucial part of life. They should acquire self-control skills of reacting to different situations, people, and things in life. Teens need to learn how to tackle loneliness. It will help them to handle the situation when they stay away from their loved ones.
Your teen should learn how to deal with stress. It will help them to cope with the changes, challenges, ups, and downs that life will throw upon them at work, home, personal relationships, and so on when they will be adults. From a young age, the children can practice different ways like physical activity, meditation, listening to music to deal with their emotions.
Problem-solving Skills
Teach your teens problem-solving skills so that they can face any problem rather than run away from them. If your kid comes to you to get advice regarding a problem, let them think of it first which will help them break the habit of coming to you. Tell them to identify the problem first. Ask them to narrow down their problem by asking questions and choosing solutions from probable answers. If they can choose the options once, they will have to use their decision-making skills to pick an option they think is best for them.
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Time Management
We all have 24 hours in a day. But strong time management skills make a world of difference in what we achieve.
Key skills your teen can follow for better time management :
- Start by modeling good time management habits.
- Tell them to organize their time using a simple timetable or a planner.
- Let them create a schedule and stick to it.
- Teach your teenage children to prioritize their tasks to use their time responsibly.
- Developing a routine makes it easier to manage time.
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How to keep your child engaged at home without gadgets
Once we were thinking of an ultra-modern digital world equipped with various electronic gadgets, but recently the pandemic Covid-19 effect just has turned our expectations out. Nowadays, we are struggling to take away our kids from these glossy computerized devices to reduce their screen time. We are here with ten ways to engage your children meaningfully at home without electronics.
Smart Ways to Entertain Children without Technology
10 ideas are given below to keep your child engaged at home, free from screens and gadgets:
Gardening
Children always love to play with mud and sand. So, let your kids get their hands dirty in the garden. Gardening is the most suitable way to pamper your child in nature. They will enjoy playing with different flowers and vegetable plants. It would be more exciting for them when their plants blossom. That would be priceless. If you don’t have enough space to make gardening, don’t worry about that. You can try terrace gardening or put a few pots near the window sill.
Art and Craft
Art and Craft activities help the children and toddlers focus, pay attention to details and improve their hand-eye coordination, color sense, fine motor skills, nurture their creativity, and more. Therefore, your kids need to provide age-appropriate art and craft materials and lead them to their ability level. Fascinate them to be skilled in different areas. Allow some silly mistakes by them and encourage their creative works and expressions.
Ensure a supply of art and craft material according to the precise interest of your child. Some handy materials are Drawing and painting, Papercraft and origami, Sewing and knitting, Clay modeling Beadwork, basket weaving, Fruit and veggie art, Carpentry, and more.
Read Why Do Women Live Longer Than Men?
Books and more
Reading accelerates the kid's imagination and surely helps them improve their conversational skills, comprehension, storytelling and writing skills, and vocabulary. Once she is enchanted into a book, it can keep her affianced for hours.
Provide your child with endless numbers of books from fiction to nonfiction, adventure to fantasy, biography to thrillers for his or her self engagement. Keep some preferable books ready for your child to pick up and read whenever he or she chooses. Read to your younger children regularly. Have your kids write and illustrate their own storybook or write their own biography through journaling.
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Cooking and Chores
Encourage your children to help out in cooking and chores in the kitchen. During cooking, your younger children can help with rolling out their own rotis and washing vegetables. Older kids can help with prepping, cutting, and even cooking. The idea is to get them involved in experiments with recipes. While your child helps with household works, he or she learns a lot of self-help skills that lead him to become more self-confident and independent.
Why Do Women Live Longer Than Men?
In all countries of the world, there are more women than men. And women also live longer (at least 5-6 years) than men. Experts have spent decades trying to figure out why this difference exists. According to WorldData.info, The average life expectancy of women is about 71 years and 1 month and the average life expectancy of men is about 70 years and 6 months. So, this article will focus on why do women live longer than men?
Reasons Why Females Live Longer Than Males
Fetal reasons
Scientists have found that women live longer than men because of fetal factors. According to experts, male fetuses (XY) die at a higher rate than female fetuses (XX). The X chromosomes of females are identified as XX. And the male chromosome is shown as XY. These chromosomes play a unique role in gene retention. Studies have shown that women's X chromosomes contain large amounts of genes, which is more than 1,000 that help them survive. Since there is more than one X chromosome in women if one chromosome has a genetic problem the other one can continue to function.
On the other hand, in the case of men, it is not possible. Because men have only one X chromosome and there is no chance of getting support if there are any significant issues with the X chromosome. Moreover, the X chromosome in women helps in the regeneration of long-lived telomeres cells in the inner part of the chromosome of women which makes them live longer.
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In short, a female fetus is born as soon as it matures from the womb, which gives it a long life. On the other hand, it takes time for a male fetus to reach maturity, which continues after birth. This can be said to be one of the reasons for shortening the lifespan of a man.
Hormonal factors
Another reason for the increase or decrease in life expectancy in men and women is a type of hormone called testosterone. Researchers claim that the testosterone hormone is a special hormone that stimulates males to do high-risk work such as fighting, speedy driving, etc. Sometimes it may also turn a man into suicide. Therefore, men are more likely to die in risky jobs.
Moreover, male sex hormones can lower their immune function and increase the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, the estrogen hormones in women protect them. This is because it acts as an antioxidant in the female body, increasing the activity of enzymes. Moreover, estrogen is always trying to keep the normal functioning of the cell and keep it healthy. Further, estrogen eliminates harmful cholesterol from the body of women and even prevents heart disease. This naturally gives women a chance to live longer than men.
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After childbirth, women produce a hormone called thyroxine. It boosts their immune system. As a result, women tend to have fewer diseases than men.
Human Genome
Recent researchers claim that women contribute to reproduction and that this contributes greatly to the human genome, which contributes to women's longevity. Moreover, women live a less risky (such as drug or alcohol) lifestyle. Even strong social bonds are formed between them. Again, women are relatively health conscious so their life span is comparatively longer. Usually, they take more precautionary measures than men. This is also a mystery of longevity.
Covid-Safe Wedding: How to Plan Your Big Day Safely during Pandemic?
The wedding season has begun, and it is a time of celebration for many. But many people are unsure of how to celebrate their wedding during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of 2020, Covid-19 has changed the lifestyle of the world. As the deadly disease spreads in public, it has affected people's lives around the world. Marriage is one of the most important events in human life and its celebration also changed due to the pandemic. From the wedding ceremony to the wedding dress of the bride and groom, the well-known form has changed in all aspects of the wedding due to corona.
Although two years have passed since the corona came into the world, the situation is still not normal. Rather, corona infections are on the rise in winter and are expected to increase in the coming days. And a new Covid variant, Omicron, has already hit other parts of the world and Bangladesh is expected to see it soon. However, there is no certainty as to when this situation will return to normal. Large events were canceled to avoid crowds at the beginning of the corona outbreak in 2020. However, after the lockdown was relaxed, all kinds of events including weddings are being organized on a small scale.
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How to Arrange a Covid Proof Wedding amid Covid-19 Pandemic
Preparation for Wedding during Pandemic
Traditionally weddings in Bangladesh are not a one-day event. Mehendi, Haldi, Wedding, and reception comprise at least a four-day event. But one needs to take immense preparation to host all those events. Some people take several months to arrange a perfect wedding event. However, Covid has changed everything. Previously the Bangladesh government was instructed to prevent more than 50 guests from gathering. Nevertheless, the government did allow hosting a large-scale wedding last year as corona was under control. But we are approaching another hit in the next few months and the government has already given a hint to impose covid regulations again. Hence, there will be no alternative except hosting weddings on a small scale at home. So, one should maintain safety protocol to arrange the event safely.
Effects of Passive Smoking on Children’s Health
Passive smoke means the smoke inhaled from other people’s tobacco or cigarette smoke. There are other kinds of smoke available: cooking smoke, fire smoke, paper burn smoke, etc. The impact of Passive Smoking on kids’ Health is vulnerable around the world, especially in poor and developing countries. To prevent your children from smoking causing health hazards you need to take some protective measures like quitting smoking, making sure the environment is smoke-free, smoke-free home and car, etc.
Consequences of Passive smoke on a Child's Health
Second-hand smoke
Secondhand smoke refers to the smoke which drifts from a lit cigarette and the smoke breaths out from a smoker. Second-hand smoke is made up of mainstream smoke which the smoker breathes out and sidestream smoke which drifts from the end of a burning cigarette.
While a second-hand smoker smokes, the people very near to him are exposed to harmful and damaging smoke of different toxic ingredients in them. Second-hand smoke contains toxins and gasses like Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, etc. that babies and children can breathe in. Children most commonly come into contact with second-hand smoke while and after while their parents, family members, friends of any of your family members, or nearest one smoke.
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Second-hand smoke is dangerous for children
Second-hand smoke is dangerous for children and babies as their smaller airways are developing at this period. During this developing stage, babies and children have less mature immune systems than grown-ups. That is why the repercussions are riskier for kids’ and neonates’ health than that of adults. Pregnant and premature infants are also more likely prone to suffer from various extreme health disorders.
How to Protect Your Child from Sexual Abuse?
Parents teach their young children many ways to keep themselves safe. But generally parents avoid teaching the kids about body safety until they become much older. Research by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that one in half-dozen boys and one in four girls get sexually abused before reaching the age of eighteen. Although there is no reliable way to protect children from sexual abuse, here are 10 proven strategies to save a child from sexual abuse.
10 methods to save your kids from sexual abuse
Talk about body parts early
Talk to your children about body parts very early and use actual names for body parts. Teach your child what the real words are for their body parts. If a child feels comfortable using these words and knows what they mean, then he/she can talk plainly whether improper things have happened.
Make your child understand that some of the body parts are private because they are not for everyone to see. Tell them that only mommy and daddy can see them naked but not anyone else. People outside of the home should only see them with their clothes on except the doctor. Because the doctor can check their body and mommy or daddy or both are there with them.
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Moreover, teach your child about body boundaries like no one should touch their private parts and that no one should ask them to touch somebody else’s private parts.
Awareness about Picture of Private Body parts
Tell your child not to allow anyone to take pictures of their private parts. Most of the parents missed this part. They may not imagine such a thing can happen. In this whole world, there are some sick people called groomers who love to take and trade pictures of naked children online. This is a global problem and it puts your child at risk. So, tell your child not to allow anyone to take pictures of their private parts.
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Show interest in your child’s day-to-day life
Be engaged in the child’s life. If you cordially engage in the child’s life, the sexual abuse of your child can be more clear to you and the child also feel easier coming to you if something unexpected happens. Be friendly with your child. Question them like:
- What did they do during the day and who did they do it with?
- Who did they sit with at lunchtime?
- What games did they play after school?
- Did they enjoy themselves?
How to Prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Iron is an essential mineral that works on producing red blood cells in the body. It also plays a vital role in forming many proteins, including hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to all parts of your body. Iron deficiency can cause Anemia, marked by low levels of red blood cells and reduced energy levels. However, iron-deficiency Anemia often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms are vague and nonspecific, so it's important to get tested if you think you might have iron deficiency or be at risk for it. Check out this article on preventing iron deficiency anemia!
What is Anemia?
Anemia is a condition where there are too few red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. There are many types of Anemia, but typically symptoms can include feeling tired and having trouble breathing after exercising.
There are several possibilities when patients come in with symptoms of Anemia: Iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, B12 deficiency, or because they may have leaky blood vessels that cause RBCs to die before reaching their destination.
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Patients diagnosed with this disease may be given iron supplements, vitamin B injections, folic acid tablets for a short time until the patient feels better. If chronic cases occur, blood transfusions might be necessary because they can cause heart failure if not treated right away.
Causes and Symptoms of Anemia
Anemia is a critical condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry suitable oxygen throughout the body. This lack of oxygen can cause many symptoms, including fatigue and shortness of breath, and other common anemia symptoms. Anemia occurs for a variety of reasons, but it is typically treated using iron or other supplements. While severe cases require medical attention, most people can prevent Anemia by taking steps such as eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise.
Read: How do thoughts and emotions affect your health?
Anemia is caused by a low concentration of hemoglobin in the blood due to either decreased production or increased destruction of red blood cells. However, there are around 400 types of Anemia, three main types of anemias: acute, chronic, and iron deficiency anemia.
Acute Anemia is caused by a sudden loss of red blood cells, often due to bleeding. This can be the result of trauma, surgery, or an illness such as stomach ulcers or cancer. Chronic Anemia is a low level of Anemia that develops slowly over time. This type can be caused by conditions such as kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, or cancer.
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Among all, the iron deficiency anemia is the most common one and occurs if there is not enough iron in the body to produce hemoglobin. This can be due to dietary factors, intestinal problems that prevent absorption of iron, or blood loss.
Symptoms of Anemia vary depending on the and type of Anemia. Generally speaking. However, common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, and a pale complexion. In severe cases, Anemia can lead to heart failure and even death.
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Health Risks of Anemia
Anemia can lead to a number of health risks, including fatigue and weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, headache, pale skin, chest pain, and rapid heart rate. Anemia can also increase the risk of other health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and pregnancy complications.
It is important to get checked for Anemia if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. Treatment may include taking iron supplements and eating foods that are high in iron. If left untreated, Anemia can be dangerous. Hence, seek medical help if you are concerned about your Anemia.
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What to eat when you have iron deficiency Anemia?
There are many different things that you can eat when you have iron deficiency Anemia. Some of the best foods to eat include beef, pork, lamb, chicken, fish, legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, and fortified breakfast cereals.
You can also eat nuts and seeds, but you should avoid eating too many high-fat foods since they can interfere with your body's ability to absorb iron. If you are having a hard time getting enough iron from food alone, you may also need to take an iron supplement. You can also get iron from fortified cereals, bread and pasta, and peas.
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It's also important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water when you have iron-deficiency Anemia. This will help to keep your blood flowing smoothly and help your body absorb the iron from your food.
In addition to eating plenty of iron-rich foods, it is also important to make sure that you are getting enough vitamin C, which helps our body to absorb iron more effectively. So, be sure to include plenty of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet as well.
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However, if you are not a fan of red meat or seafood, there are plenty of other options available. Beans are a great source of protein and iron, and they come in many different varieties. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach are also high in iron. Dried fruit such as raisins and apricots are a good source of iron, as well as other nutrients. And finally, iron-fortified cereals, bread, and pasta are a great way to get your daily dose of iron.
If you are looking for ways to increase your intake of iron, here are a few tips:
- Pair foods that are high in iron with foods that are high in vitamins, which help our body to absorb iron from food.
- Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals. These beverages contain tannins that can reduce your body's ability to absorb iron.
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- Limit the amount of calcium you take in with foods and supplements, as this mineral can lessen the absorption of iron. Instead, try pairing calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat dairy products, with non-calcium-rich foods that are high in vitamin C.
This way, your body will have an easier time absorbing both nutrients.
Final words
Iron deficiency is common Anemia that can be prevented with dietary changes. You may not know it, but your diet plays a significant role in preventing iron deficiency. Eating enough lean protein and vegetables will help you avoid this problem. However, if these lifestyle adjustments are proving difficult for you to make on your own, you may contact your doctor about supplementation or treatment options recommendations.
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How do thoughts and emotions affect your health?
The human body is a system of interconnected subsystems, including the nervous and immune systems. In general, emotional stress can affect many parts of your health in both good and bad ways. Thoughts and emotions are what create our reality, which in turn has a direct impact on your physical body. Your mind, heart, and spirit are all connected in one way or another. When you focus on good thoughts for yourself, it will have an effect on your mental state. When you put negative energy into the world around you with bad vibes, it will come back to haunt you tenfold. We will explore these in detail below.
How do negative emotions affect your health?
A recent study published by Harvard University suggests that your mindset can impact the development of chronic illnesses such as obesity, depression, and diabetes. If you think positively about yourself and how much control you have over your life, then it is more likely for things like inflammation (which contributes to pain and other physical symptoms) to be reduced. On the contrary, if someone feels worse about themselves or their situation because they lack a sense of purpose or agency in life – known as "learned helplessness" – then there is an increased risk of chronic illness developing. In terms of emotions affecting physical health, there are many well-known examples.
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So what emotions are the worst for our health? The answer is anger, fear, sadness, disgust, rage, loneliness, melancholy, and annoyance. Let's take a closer look at each of these negative feelings.
Anger and Rage
Anger can cause high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, headaches, and more. It also releases cortisol which is a stress hormone that has been linked to weight gain and diabetes. Anger can also lead to problems such as sleeplessness and gastrointestinal problems. When we are angry, it's hard to think straight and make good decisions because we are so wrapped up in the emotion itself. This can lead to fights with loved ones or destructive behavior like road rage.
Rage causes elevated heart rate, which increases blood pressure, and stress hormones like cortisol are produced, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular health issues if left uncontrolled over long periods of time.
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Fear or Stress
Fear causes the body to release adrenaline which gives us energy, but it's also very stressful on our system. Stress can keep us from sleeping well, make our heart rate spike and even lead to a heart attack. It can also lead to anxiety and depression.
Sadness
Sadness is the most common negative emotion, and it can cause physical symptoms like a headache, stomachache, or pain in our chest. We might not eat well when we are feeling sad, or we might overeat, which leads to weight gain. Sadness can also lead to addiction problems if we turn to alcohol or drugs to try and make ourselves feel better. Furthermore, sadness can suppress the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infection or illness. It can also lead to changes in appetite that may result in weight gain or loss. Additionally, sadness often leads to stress which has its own negative effects on the body.
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Disgust
Disgust can cause a number of physical problems including, sexual dysfunctions, eating disorders, psychosis, and claustrophobia. Further, it may also lead to skin conditions such as hives or blisters due to an increase in histamine production. Lastly, disgust can result in weight loss by causing feelings of revulsion that make it difficult for some people to want to eat at all.
Loneliness
Loneliness causes anxiety which leads to heart diseases, high blood pressure, weak immune system, depression, Alzheimer's disease, and even death.
Annoyance
Annoyance is a state of agitation that may lead to physical tension headaches, jaw pain, and problems sleeping. The researchers found that adults with chronic noise annoyance had an increased risk of health problems such as cardiovascular disease and depression.
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All of these emotions are stressful on our system and can lead to physical health problems if we don't find a way to deal with them. It's important to remember that everyone feels these negative emotions from time to time. It's not abnormal. What's important is how we deal with them and whether or not they start to affect our daily life. If they do, it might be time to seek help from a professional.
How do positive emotions affect your health?
Positive emotions are considered to be the opposite of negative emotions. Positive emotions, such as amusement, contentment, happiness, excitement, and enthusiasm, bring us pleasure and satisfaction and create new opportunities for enjoyment and growth. They broaden our minds and help us connect better with others.
Positive emotions help boost our immune system, while they also reduce stress hormones and inflammation in the body. Further, positive emotions also improve heart health and protect against heart disease. They increase oxygenation and blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function, eventually improve sleep quality and overall mood. Moreover, positive emotions can help us form and maintain important social connections. They can keep our brains healthy by protecting against brain decline or Alzheimer's disease, improving communication between neurons in the brain, and helping to grow new cells in the hippocampus (which controls learning and memory).
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Final Words
So far, we have discussed how your emotions can affect your health. There are diverse ways to work through emotional feelings, such as getting help from friends or family members, practicing stress management techniques, meditation, and yoga. All of these methods have been shown throughout time to be effective for dealing with negative thoughts and changing them into positive ones, so they do not lead to illness or other mental problems later on down the road.
The best way would probably be talking with someone who specializes in counseling patients with depression at their local hospital's psychiatric ward. Further, we have to practice positivity. And positive emotions are emotive states like happiness, joy, excitement, love, and serenity. These good feelings that people experience during positive events give them the feeling of being healthy or keeping their health intact.
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Omicron: What we know about the COVID-19 Variant so far
Omicron, a new type of corona has been identified in South Africa, which is capable of repeated mutation. Due to its structure, it is feared that the new Covid-19 infection may spread in the world. Therefore, concerns have spread in different countries of the world. Restrictions and travel bans are being issued. Further, the World Health Organization (WHO) and scientists around the world have already expressed concern about a new type of coronavirus, Omicron. Here is what we know about Omicron.
What is Omicron?
Omicron is a new variant of Covid-19. Initially, the scientific name of this new Covid-19 variant was B.1.1.529. But it got its name Omicron on November 26. Omicron has been named after the Greek alphabet like alpha and delta. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this type of virus is very worrying, as it has been reported to cause repeated genetic mutations. If you have previously been diagnosed with Corona or are experiencing symptoms that may indicate an infection this could mean re-infection for your concern!
Read: NTAC recommends travel ban to contain new variant Omicron
Where was Omicron first identified?
According to the scientific journal Nature, this Covid-19 variant was first detected in Botswana. Samples collected in Botswana found Omicron on November 11. It was then identified in South Africa after that it was also identified in Hong Kong. However, the information was given by the country soon after the variant was identified in South Africa. In the past two weeks, coronavirus infections are on the rise in Gauteng province of South Africa due to the new strain. Scientists have been studying the adaptive genetic variation in this species, and they found some interesting results. It seems that it came from a person with reduced immunity such as an untreated HIV / AIDS patient.
Why are scientists so worried?
This type of spike protein has more than 30 mutations, which is more than double that of the highly contagious delta variant. Viruses basically use the spike protein to get into our cells. Scientists and doctors have raised concerns that because of this dramatic change in the virus, currently used vaccines may not be able to cope. Based on genetic mutations, scientists predict that Omicron will cause more infections, and it may even affect people with strong immune systems.
Read: In omicron hot spot, somber mood as S Africa faces variant
Is Omicron more contagious than other variants?
Although the extent of the infection is not clear, what is known about the type is very worrying, and the research is ongoing. However, the outbreaks appear to be exacerbated in South Africa. In South Africa, where 50 new daily cases were found in every 100,000, on November 20, the number has increased to 592%. And more than 80% of infections were found in the country's Gauteng province. Preliminary analysis shows that this variation of Covid-19 is rapidly emerging as the dominant type. An early warning has become urgent.
Currently, it is unknown if covid symptoms are going to be changed due to this new variant. Scientists from all around the world are watching this situation closely. It may take some time before we know for sure what caused it and how frightening it is. But until then, there is no strong cause at all to worry about just yet.
However, a closer look at this variant reveals a few things. It is clear that part of the virus that comes in contact with the human body can change the receptor-binding domain ten times. On the other hand, the Delta variant can change only twice.
Read: Dutch, Australians find omicron variant: others halt flights
Will the existing vaccine work against Omicron?
Scientists are worried about new genetic modifications of Omicron. However, researchers predict that these mutations could bypass the immune system. Hence, it would make them extremely effective at spreading covid across the population without being detected by antibodies or any other defense mechanism so far discovered in humans. Since we are now aware that the rate of re-infection, in reality, is higher than other variations, it suggests there may be a change in human immune systems.
Scientists have indicated that the coronavirus vaccines currently available may not provide adequate protection against a new variant. However, people at risk for infection should receive their vaccine immediately in order to reduce transmission rates and severity of illness. But scientists don't know yet how this strain will be different from others already circulating. Hence, we have to wait until any concrete information is published. Till then, proper precautions are mandatory.
After getting the above-mentioned information, some questions have come up about the Omicron variant. These include how quickly can the new variant of COVID-19 spread. Another burning question is that, can the vaccination-induced immune system prevent this Omicron variant? What to do to prevent Omicron from creating infection inside the human body?
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Is there any risk of a worldwide outbreak?
There has been an increase in the number of infections around South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong. Further, one such case was reported from Israel last Thursday, who returned recently; two more people are suspected to be infected as well, with the potential for spreading throughout the country. Belgium and the UK also found affected people. But, so far, this variant has spread at the group level in South Africa mostly. All these shreds of evidence support that Omicron is an outbreak if it is not controlled.
This new variant has already caused a stir around the world; The European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and other countries have imposed border restrictions.
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How is Omicron different from other variants?
The variant has changed the gene pattern much more often than the other variants found so far; One group of scientists described it as "terrible," and another said they had never seen a worse variant. Some of the mutations found in B.1.1.529 have been seen in other variants before. As a result of these mutations, the new COVID-19 variant Omicron is expected to become infected quickly. But there are other mutations in the new variant that may prevent the body's antibodies from detecting the virus, and the vaccine will be relatively less effective, scientists say.