The holiday season is here and with it comes a bonanza of tasty treats such as rose cookies, cakes, pies, bread, etc. While this is a delightful time of the year, and everyone will want to indulge, we must also keep our nutritional intake in mind. Maida consumption is increasingly growing in our daily lives. Maida is consumed in the form of bread and other dishes like parathas, samosas, pizza, burgers, bakery items, and so on and any holiday season entails a lot of preparing delicious delicacies and sweets. A majority of the delicacies are made with maida as a base. It is also known as refined flour and is a finer type of wheat flour prepared from a section of the wheat grain. Wheat is milled to remove the germ and bran, leaving just the endosperm, which produces white flour. It is then thoroughly ground and bleached, giving Maida its characteristic white color. Maida can cause digestion troubles, diabetes, cardiac problems, impairs bone density, causes chronic inflation, obesity, and many other problems in your body. The following are some examples of alternatives to maida that you can use while preparing your yummy treats – 

• Almond flour– This is an ultra-low-carb flour that works well in baking as an alternative to refined flour. Due to its rich nutty flavor, it is often used in keto sweets and is the most popular flour. Its remarkable nutritional profile quickly makes it a favorite among keto dieters. Because almond flour is high in fat, you can reduce the amount of butter or other fat sources you use in your recipe.
• Coconut flour– It is low carb, gluten-free, and this vegan flour is simple to make at home, which is also good for your wallet! This high-protein flour may be used to make cookies, bread, cake, and pancakes. Because it is gluten-free, you will need to use eggs or more baking powder to give it structure.
• Buckwheat flour- Buckwheat flour is high in antioxidants and a good source of fiber. It is widely accessible online and in local grocery shops, and referred to as gluten-free flour or Kuttu atta. It may be used to create anything, from pancakes and cakes to pizza bases and bread.
• Tapioca flour- Tapioca is a starch made from the cassava root. Tapioca flour is often used in gluten-free baking in addition to being a fantastic thickening agent. It can be used to produce crisp pizza and gluten-free doughnuts.
• Quinoa flour– Quinoa is one of the most protein-dense plant foods. Quinoa flour is gluten-free, has a low glycaemic index, and is high in antioxidants, making it one of the costlier options. It can be found at high-end grocery shops or online. It has a good flavor and a nice texture, making it an excellent baking ingredient.
• Ragi flour– Ragi can also be referred to as Nachani or finger millets. It contains iron, protein, calcium, antioxidants, and dietary fiber and is also gluten-free and easy to digest. It is now being used for much more than just rotis, idlis, and dosas. It can also be used for cookies and biscuits to cakes and sourdough. While it is also high in glycemic index, it can be used due to its good fiber content.
• Banana flour– Banana flour is a gluten-free flour that is becoming increasingly popular. It has a powdery texture and is widely used as a thickener. As a result, it works well in milkshakes and smoothies. This flour gives a faint banana flavor and is excellent for baking banana bread, muffins, or cupcakes.
• Soy flour– It is high in several vital vitamins, protein, calcium, manganese, iron, folate, and zinc. Some of the dishes which can be made in alternative to Maida are dosa, paratha, cake, muthia, dal dhokli, and pancakes.

Maida-based foods are widely available and consumed. Such meals are not only unhealthy for the body, but they may also lead to a variety of ailments. Therefore, it is vital to understand the negative effects on health and restrict its intake and switch to better healthier alternatives.

The post Replace maida with these 8 healthier alternatives this holiday season appeared first on PuneDiary.Com.

Diabetes is a chronic illness in which your body’s normal mechanisms for managing blood sugar, also known as blood glucose levels, fail. Blood sugar levels rise as the meal is broken down by the body. Your body’s cells take the sugar into your circulation and utilize it for energy, done by a hormone called insulin. When your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or uses it inefficiently, your blood sugar levels will be higher than normal. Diabetes that is poorly managed can have severe implications, including damage to a variety of organs and tissues in your body, including your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Diabetes symptoms include increased thirst, weakness, tiredness, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, and so forth. Sores or wounds that heal slowly, Weight reduction that was not expected, frequent urination, unexplained illnesses, and dry mouth.

Diabetes-related high blood glucose levels can harm your blood vessels as well as the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels. Diabetes not only increases the risk of heart disease but also increases the chance of heart failure, a critical medical condition in which the heart is unable to efficiently pump blood. This can induce a fluid build-up in the lungs, causing trouble breathing, or fluid retention in other regions of the body, causing swelling of the legs. While all diabetics are at a higher risk of having heart disease, type 2 diabetics are more likely to acquire the ailment. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of mortality among type 2 diabetics. Some of the symptoms of heart attack are shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, excessive and inexplicable perspiration, feeling faint, feeling dizzy, suffering from pain in the shoulders, jaw, and left arm, nausea, chest discomfort, or pressure.

The good news is that taking efforts to control your diabetes reduces your risk of developing heart disease or stroke.

Steps to manage diabetes:

• Healthy nutrition is an essential component of having a healthy lifestyle, whether you have diabetes or not. However, if you have diabetes, you must understand how meals impact your blood sugar levels- Carbohydrates have the greatest influence on blood sugar levels. It is critical for people who use mealtime insulin to understand the number of carbs in their diet so that they receive the correct insulin dosage. Some carbs are better for you than others, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These meals are low in carbs and high in fiber, which helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels. Too few meals in relation to your diabetes treatments, particularly insulin, might result in dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Too much food may cause your blood sugar level to rise too high, therefore both should be coordinated properly and it’s best to avoid sugar-sweetened beverages.
• Physical activity is another critical component of your diabetes control strategy– your muscles utilize sugar (glucose) for energy while you work out. Regular physical exercise also aids your body’s usage of insulin. Before you begin exercising, consult with your doctor about what form of activity is good for you and what blood sugar levels are appropriate for you. In general, most individuals should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every week. On most days of the week, aim for 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity. When exercising, drink plenty of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration, and keep a small snack or glucose tablets on hand in case your blood sugar dips too low.
• When diet and exercise alone are insufficient for treating diabetes, insulin and other diabetic medicines are used to reduce blood sugar levels. The success of these drugs, however, is dependent on the time and quantity of the dose. Medications used to treat illnesses other than diabetes might potentially have an impact on your blood sugar levels. Always report and consult your doctor.
• Diabetes issues such as nerve damage and eye disease might be exacerbated by alcohol. However, if your diabetes is under control and your doctor approves, an occasional alcoholic beverage is fine. To avoid low blood sugar, eat before you drink or drink with a meal if you take insulin or other diabetic drugs. Before going to sleep, check your blood sugar levels. Have a snack before night if your blood sugar level isn’t between 100 and 140 mg/dL (5.6 and 7.8 mmol/L).
• When you’re anxious, the chemicals your body creates in reaction to the stress may cause your blood sugar level to rise. Fight back once you’ve figured out how stress affects your blood sugar. Learn how to relax, prioritize your responsibilities, and establish limitations. Avoid common stresses wherever possible. Exercise can typically help reduce stress and blood sugar levels.

How to prevent heart disease with diabetes:

• Maintain blood sugar levels as much as possible.
• Keep your blood pressure under control, and use medication as needed. Diabetes patients should aim for less than 130/80.
• Take control of your cholesterol levels. To accomplish this, you may need to take medicine.
• If you’re fat, you should lose weight.
• Consult your doctor to determine if you should take an aspirin daily.
• Regular physical activity is essential.
• Consume a heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean or DASH diets.
• Smoke no more.
• Lessen your daily stress by working to reduce it.

The post Diabetes is a major risk factor for sudden heart attacks appeared first on PuneDiary.Com.

To be healthy, the skin, like every other body organ, needs nutrition. Our skin serves several vital roles in addition to being a thing of beauty. The major organ that protects you from mechanical, thermal, and physical harm is your skin. It also stops hazardous substances from entering our bodies by avoiding excessive moisture loss. Skin can also serve as a warning sign for a health condition. A red, itchy rash might indicate allergies or infections, whereas a red “butterfly” rash on the face could indicate lupus. A yellow hue might be a sign of liver illness. Furthermore, black or atypical moles might be an indication of skin cancer. If you don’t drink enough water or spend too much time in the sun or in dry circumstances, your skin might become excessively dry. Use moisturising creams or lotions to treat dry skin, and bathe and wash your hands with warm rather than hot water to avoid irritation. The sun can also harm your skin. Sunlight includes ultraviolet (UV) light, which causes sunburn and accelerates the ageing of your skin, resulting in more wrinkles as you age. As a result, shield your skin from the sun. Wear helmets and other protective gear, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and limit your time in the sun during the late morning and early afternoon hours, when the sun is fiercest.

The best diet advice for dry skin is to consume enough fruits and vegetables, and some nutritional suggestions are included below:

• Healthy fats- fat-free diets do not promote healthy, moisturised skin. Essential fatty acids are part of the cell membrane, and consuming enough healthy fats is essential for good skin. Eat nuts and seeds as they are beneficial monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as phytonutrients that protect us from the negative effects of oxidative stress. Fatty fish is high in omega -3 fats, which are not produced by our bodies but are necessary for the health of our cell membranes. At least three servings per week are recommended and Coconut oil is great for using topically. It includes active ingredients that aid the skin’s protective barrier by trapping moisture and decreasing irritation.

• Proteins- Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Collagen and Keratin proteins make up the skin’s structure, and healthy skin requires high-quality proteins. Following are some of the protein-rich foods. Eggs are high-quality proteins with the addition of sulphur and lutein, which help the skin retain moisture while maintaining suppleness. In the vegetarian and vegan food chain soy, it offers the most protein. Furthermore, soy is high in isoflavones, which may help in the prevention of wrinkles by preserving collagen. Milk and yoghurt when consumed, it provide high-quality protein to your diet.

• Vitamin C- It is necessary for collagen to maintain its form. It is also a powerful antioxidant for our bodies, aiding in the neutralisation of free radicals that cause damage to our skin, and fruits such as oranges, guavas and tomatoes are high in vitamin C.

• Vitamin A – The upper and bottom layers of the skin, which are layered organs, both require Vitamin A to preserve their integrity. Vitamin A has been linked to preventing collagen breakdown caused by the sun’s damaging rays. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and green leafy veggies are all good for you.

• Hydration- To have healthy, supple, wrinkle-free, bright skin, you must drink enough water. Other liquids, such as green tea, fresh juices, and soups, are also extremely helpful.

The post Nutrition tips for dry skin appeared first on PuneDiary.Com.

Children are the worst hit during the catastrophic pandemic of Covid 19. They have been not only affected physically but also mentally. There is a drastic reduction in their appetite, immunity, physical fitness, concentration abilities. It is essential to engage children in a variety of physical activities, ranging from sports to dance, and so on. Engaging children in physical activities at an early age may assist them to stay cheerful and active, as well as develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Exercising helps children improve their endurance, strength, and flexibility. Aerobic movements such as leaping and jogging also help to nourish and grow. Participating in solo and team sports can also help kids become more resilient. Children get more flexible when they exercise. This is critical for making them nimble and responsive. Exercises and stretches also have the following advantages: it promotes healthy growth and development, aids in the attainment and maintenance of a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular health, balance, flexibility, coordination, and strength, assist in the development of gross and fine motor skills, improves posture, improves concentration and thinking skills, increases confidence and self-esteem, reduces stress and encourages relaxation, and provides an opportunity to develop social skills and meet friends.

Among the most common types of exercise are:

1. Pull-ups – Installing a monkey bar home and asking the child to do a minimum of 30 – 50 pull-ups a day can add immense health benefits and also aids in increasing the height of the child.
2. Abdominal crunches- the child can use basketball/football as a prop and perform 30 – 50 ab crunches to strengthen their core
3. Jumping Jacks- as the name suggests, these are fun-filled jumping exercises that help the bone nourishment at the same time increase the child’s endurance capacity as well.
4. Push-ups – highly competitive whole body workout which can be done without any aids as well. A minimum of 30 – 50 puh ups can be accomplished easily by our high-energy munchkins.
5. Burpees – Moderate intensity workout which is generally enjoyed by kids because of it being full of energy.
6. Running – running is one of the most basic forms of exercise, but it aids in the development of strong bones and muscles, as well as the maintenance of a healthy weight and the improvement of children’s coordination.
7. Skipping – skipping is well-known for its brain-boosting properties and other benefits are it increases heart rate, works the entire body, improves core strength, and gives the mind a workout.
8. Squats- squats help children develop endurance, strength, and even self-confidence. This easy activity strengthens the legs, laying the groundwork for children to participate in a variety of sports and fitness activities.
9. Yoga and stretching – yoga postures are an easy and enjoyable method for children to exercise. Tree Pose, Downward-Facing Dog, Upward-Facing Dog, Cobra, Child’s Pose, and Happy Baby are a few simple and enjoyable postures for children to practice. These easy stretches help to maintain muscles strength and flexibility and reduce stress. A stretching routine and cool-down can also help children relax after an exercise and prevent injuries.
10. Bear Crawl- walking on all fours with your belly facing the ground is known as the bear crawl. This action may be a great whole-body workout for youngsters since it requires them to engage their limbs and core. This talent engages the full body at the same time. It helps to develop the core by allowing it to bear weight, which helps to strengthen the arms and legs. It also improves the spatial awareness of the youngster. It’s a full-body and mind workout.

It is difficult to encourage kids these days to participate in regular exercise because of the increasing popularity of video games. Obesity and other serious diseases are more likely to develop as a result of a lack of physical activity over time. Limiting screen time, creating a plan, encouraging them to use the stairs rather than the elevator, finding methods to make exercises enjoyable, and setting an example are some of the strategies to guarantee that children take exercise seriously.

The post Common exercises or stretches every child must do appeared first on PuneDiary.Com.

Bangalore, 29 September 2021: In order to promote a healthy heart lifestyle, raise awareness on the incidence of heart disease and also help younger children suffering from heart problems, Aster RV Hospital began its ‘Heart to Heart’ campaign in association with its global CSR arm, Aster Volunteers, here today. As a part of the campaign, the hospital introduced the ‘Heart to Heart Walks’, a contest where people are encouraged to walk for a minimum of one hour every day to contribute towards a good cause. For every 10,000 steps that a participant takes, Aster Volunteers will donate an amount of Rs. 100 towards a child’s heart surgery. Eminent cardiologist Dr. BG Baliga along with the cardiac care team of Aster RV Hospital including Dr. S Venkatesh, Dr. Divya Marina Fernandes, and Dr. R.S Karthik were present at the event.

The contest will run from the 29^th of September till the 8^th of October and interested participants can register at https://heart2heart.astervolunteers.com/. Steps will be tracked through various fitness devices of the participants’ choice.

In order to mark the occasion of World Heart Day, Aster RV Hospital also launched its hypertension clinic, a comprehensive and dedicated treatment facility that will counsel patients on the prevention of hypertension, early identification, and proper management of hypertensive symptoms in patients. This will include a heart efficiency package, a unique heart evaluation through which interested patients will undergo a series of medical tests to get a thorough heart-healthy profile to determine their risk of suffering from a heart attack.

The campaign began with a 1-hour long walkathon starting from Aster RV Hospital and culminated at Dhanvantri park with Dr. Divya Marina Fernandes and Dr. R.S Karthik educating the audience on the importance of having a healthy heart in today’s day and age, the risk factors that are leading to early heart issues in people today and the simple ways in which one can monitor their heart health and keep themselves healthy.

“India stands ahead of western countries in terms of its heart disease burden with India being the hypertension capital of the world. Intensive efforts are required to make people more aware of their heart health at an early age and take steps to maintain their heart health early. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, CVDs hit Indians a decade earlier than the western population. With the launch of these initiatives, we aim to change lifestyle habits in society that has led to this heart crisis. It is an honor to be part of the launch campaign here today,” said Dr. BG Baliga, Senior Consultant Cardiologist.

Created by the World Heart Federation, World Heart Day aims to spread awareness about cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and stroke). It claims 18.6 million lives per year globally and is found to be the leading cause of death around the world. In 2021, it has become particularly important to understand the causes of CVD and how to improve one’s health.

“It has become increasingly common for us to see patients burdened with stress, anxiety, combined with unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, overconsumption of alcohol, poor diet and lack of exercise, succumbing to heart attacks, developing hypertension or other heart ailments, majorly due to lifestyle factors. These can be controlled at an early age,” said Dr. S Venkatesh, Lead Consultant – Cardiology, Aster RV Hospital

The post Aster RV Hospital launches ‘Heart to Heart’ campaign to help paediatric heart surgery appeared first on PuneDiary.Com.

As we are still in the throes of the global severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), its impact on the lungs and different organs of the body is a real cause of concern. Although the clinical symptoms of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), are primarily respiratory, several cardiac problems have also been observed in patients during Covid and its recovery. This is not particularly surprising as the heart and lungs both work in tangent with each other to provide oxygen-rich blood to various parts of the body. Damage to one organ can invariably have a domino effect on the heart as well, although there are several factors that contribute to this.

In order to fight the Covid-19 virus, inflammation in the body is an expected immune response. Excessive and prolonged inflammation (called cytokine storm) affects the heart, weakens heart muscles, and can lead to fluid build-up. While the Covid-19 infection by itself can invariably affect the heart, the treatment protocol required to defeat Covid-19 could cause blood clots in the arteries, which are usually managed by the medical team. Direct viral myocardial damage, hypoxia, hypotension, elevated inflammatory state, ACE2-receptor downregulation, drug toxicity, and acute myocarditis, acute heart failure, and arrhythmias appear to be among the cardiac symptoms. Elderly people and people with pre-existing heart conditions are even more susceptible to suffering from heart-related incidents triggered by Covid-19. For proper triage and management of these patients, a thorough knowledge of the hemodynamic and diagnostic implications is required.

Heart patients with or without Covid must be cautious about the following symptoms and seek medical help immediately if they experience any of these –  

• Pain or pressure in the chest while performing any activity
• Arm weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Facial drooping on one side of the face
• Changes in speech, such as unclear or confused speech, visual impairment
• Extensive headache
• Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath at night
• Swelling in the legs
• Dizziness, fainting, or passing out

Self-care for heart patients is more important than ever during the pandemic. People must take precautions to protect themselves from the Covid infection itself, keep their heart as healthy as possible, and address any unusual signs or symptoms of heart dysfunction, particularly if they have recovered from Covid. The following are some basic tips –

1. Continue to take regular heart medications as prescribed and eat meals that are good for your heart. Reduce carbohydrates, especially refined carbs in the diet. Balanced meal plans are beneficial.
2. Keep an eye out for any existing problems and for any new symptoms or anomalies. Do not avoid visiting the doctor – if you experience any of the above symptoms, seek help immediately. Many people are prolonging doctor visits when they experience symptoms and reach the hospital late.
3. Pay attention to physical and mental health – monitor weight, avoid taking on too much stress, and find healthy ways to cope if you are dealing with stress or weight issues
4. Breathing exercises, yoga, meditation is good for the heart
5. It is recommended to take frequent breaks from sitting to promote blood circulation, stretch your legs by going outside, and stick to your regular workout program as much as possible.
6. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep every night to get enough rest.
7. Don’t smoke or consume excessive amounts of alcohol
8.  Get regular health screenings to stay updated about your heart health

The post World Heart Day 2021: Heart patients must be cautious of the Covid-19 virus appeared first on PuneDiary.Com.

Bangalore, September 3, 2021: In order to fast-track emergency services for children, Aster RV Hospital, JP Nagar launched a state-of-the-art deployable pediatric emergency unit called the ‘Aster Kids Emergency Express’ at its premises. This initiative was undertaken in association with Aster Volunteers, the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare and Shri Bagaria Education Trust. During the launch event, Kannada Cine actress Pranitha Subhash, Dr. Chetan Ginigeri, Lead Consultant, Paediatrics and Neonatology at Aster Hospitals Bangalore, along with Dr. Sujatha T, Consultant- Paediatric Intensive Care and Dr. Gunda Srinivas, Consultant Paediatric Emergency and Karan Bagaria of Shri Bagaria Education Trust were present.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, the modular emergency unit is dedicated to child emergencies and has a capacity of 4 beds. It is designed to replicate the features of a high-end critical care facility for kids which can manage both Covid and non-Covid emergencies. The module is fully integrated, self-contained, and only requires assembly before it is plugged in for an operation.

“Children’s emergencies evoke immense stress to parents due to unpredictability and the unexpectedness of the interventions required. A child-friendly emergency department that can provide a comforting experience from expert pediatric emergency doctors and nurses is vital for a quick response and recovery.  A hospital that can cater from simple to complex needs of the child seamlessly under one roof can aid good outcomes,” said Dr. Sujatha Thyagarajan, Consultant – Paediatrics Intensive Care Unit, Aster RV Hospital

Dr. Chetan Ginigeri, Lead Consultant, Paediatrics, Aster Bangalore said “Since the onset of the pandemic, we have commonly been seeing children coming to the emergency unit with MIS-C symptoms. Emergency cases such as burn injuries, high-grade fever, acute respiratory infection, etc. have also been observed that require immediate attention and access to the right medical equipment. The modular ICU will play a key role in hastening the emergency care that a child requires in such situations and plays a supportive function to our existing PICU.”

“Our children are the most precious assets for the future and how well we take care of our kids is a sign of how we are doing as a society. I am glad to be part of this program and it is wonderful to see the amount of care and effort that is going into protecting our little ones,” said Ms. Pranitha Subhash.

Mr. Karan Bagaria of the Bagaria Foundation said, “As the third wave is around the corner and keeping expert predictions in mind, we must use our resources to be prepared to the best of our abilities. The launch of this modular emergency unit for kids is a step towards that. We are sure it will serve our children well.”

Parents can call at 08066040400 to avail of this service.

The post Aster RV Hospital Launches ‘Aster Kids Emergency Express’ to provide timely and effective treatment appeared first on PuneDiary.Com.

As we are finally seeing some relief from the second wave in India, many people are revisiting their travel plans, whether it is to pursue a new career opportunity in a different state or country, higher education purposes, leisure, or to return to the family. While the Covid-19 safety guidelines still hold good and it is advised to restrict an unnecessary movement to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the coronavirus, certain reasons may compel people to travel. Travelling is riskier for unvaccinated people as the rate of infection is still high, partly due to the cases of severe viral strains or ‘variants of concern’. It will be a while before we can consider free movement without taking any safety precautions and people who are traveling must take extra care to ensure that their health and that of those around them is safeguarded. The following are some tips and guidelines –

Before Travelling

• Before, during, and after your journey, study the most recent Covid-19 travel prohibitions and Covid-19 testing requirements
• Get a viral test done 1-3 days before your trip
• It is better to carry your own drinks and snacks, avoid standing in lines, and avoid outside food
• If you are flying, using the train, or taking the bus from a region where the Covid-19 incidence is high, the chances of a passenger near you or a group of passengers contracting the disease are greater, hence choose the mode of traveling carefully
• Before traveling, it is a good idea to conduct some research on the location. If the community spread is high where you live or where you are going, reconsider your trip plan

While Travelling:

• Wear a mask, ideally N-95, surgical mask, or double mask through the journey
• Maintain a sense of discipline, stay at least 6 feet apart, avoid crowding and discourage those around you from crowding
• Hands must be washed with soap regularly or sanitized
• Be mindful when coming into contact with public objects, such as ATMs, control machines, escalators, lifts, and other such equipment and surfaces. If possible, use disposable gloves while traveling and clean hands regularly.
• Avoid touching your face. The virus cannot enter the body through the skin, but it can make you sick if you have virus particles on your hands and touch one of your faces mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose, or eyelids

What you should know before flying

• Airlines have begun to acclimatize to Covid-19’s reality. Check if your airline allows for social separation where feasible, enforces the wearing of face masks and offers adequate access to hand sanitizer or hand washing while flying. Remember that getting to the airport during the pandemic, as well as the time you spend at the airport for check-in, security checks, boarding, luggage retrieval, etc. may be riskier than the flight itself, so take safety measures on every leg of your journey

What You Should Know while traveling using public transport

• Keep up to date on mask regulations for public transportation. Seek the latest information on changes in service and process from your local transport authority, particularly if you require special assistance. It is better to consider traveling during non-peak hours when there are likely to be fewer people and if at all possible, skip a row of seats between you and other passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transportation. When you’re not among other people and before eating or drinking, as well as before removing your mask or touching your face, apply a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

While traveling by Personal vehicles

• It is vital to limit the number of passengers in the car to only those who are absolutely essential to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus and to improve the vehicle’s ventilation. If at all you have rented an automobile, sanitize the door handles, steering wheel, and other surfaces.

The post Travel safely during Covid-19 appeared first on PuneDiary.Com.

Oximeter, once a rarely heard name and used only in the hospitals has now become the household item since the pandemic began. To safeguard patients from deteriorating health, doctors suggest monitoring the oxygen saturation level frequently. With an increasing number of oximeter devices available in the market, do we know if the product we are using is calibrated right and working properly? Let’s understand how oximeter works, how to take the readings, and about identifying the faulty readings.

A pulse oximeter is a device that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood in a non-invasive and painless way.  This small clip-like device assesses the heart rate and oxygen level. For a person who tested positive for Covid 19, the oxygen level is the key indicator to understand whether the infection has spread to the individual’s lungs. Especially among people who have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, this device helps to track the severity of infection. A pulse oximeter is typically a fairly accurate test with a provision for an error margin of 2%. Therefore, an oximeter has become the must-have device during Covid times to know your lung condition.

A faulty oximeter may provide faulty readings which may in some cases lead to emergency situations as people are increasingly dependent on oximeters. In many cases, these variations may go unnoticed and people end up in the emergency rooms due to faulty oximeters.

Beware of faulty devices:

With the increased demand for oximeters, there is an influx of multiple types of devices in the market which is making it difficult to choose. The lack of knowledge about the device and the variety of choices have now left people more confused regarding the purchase of oximeters. There are a few oximeters that may show the SPO2 level more than 100 which clearly indicates that this is a faulty device as the percentage of SPO2 has to be within 100. Therefore, it is important to check the oximeters before buying them. Buying it from genuine brands and testing it for correctness before buying is vital.

While checking the reading in the oximeter, one has to give prominence to the numbers mentioned in the display and also the wavelength form which is displayed. The waveform of a healthy person will be a pulsed waveform, i.e, with every heartbeat, there should be a spike to reflect blood flow. This gives more clarity on the performance of the device.

It is not only the device one should be careful about, using the device properly and also taking the reading in the right way is crucial to understand the true health condition.

What to look for while buying an oximeter:

There are three different varieties of oximeter including finger pulse oximeters, hand-held oximeters, and fetal pulse oximeters. While finger oximeter is generally used at home, others are used at the hospitals. It is important to buy the right type of device to avoid any panic situations. While buying oximeters look for the following features

• It has a clear and bright display
• Made out of durable material
• Provides accurate readings
• Look for certifications like FDA, RoHS, or CE certifications

How to use the oximeter properly?

• Rest for 10-15 mins before taking measurements
• Rest a hand on the chest and hold still
• Place the oximeter on the middle or index finger
• Keep it in the same place till the reading is stable
• Register the highest result once the reading has been stabilized
• Identify the reading carefully
• Start recording from the baseline and record thrice a day unless you notice any changes in your health
• Consult a medical professional in case of breathlessness or dip in oxygen levels to 95 percent or less
• Remove nail polish before checking and the finger should be dry
• Rest the fingers on the thigh and not the chest

After testing positive for Covid 19, it is important to monitor the blood oxygen level. Make the right decision before buying the oximeter and do not fall for the discounts and sales.

The post Check your oximeter’s fitness appeared first on PuneDiary.Com.

The Covid virus can mutate rapidly which means it can attack newer hosts faster than before. While the Covid virus targeted the older population during the first wave, the second wave has been found to affect more of the younger working population. It is expected that the third wave will affect children more as most adults have been infected by the virus and/or immunized to it to some degree.

Happy Hypoxia has been found to occur often during this pandemic. It is commonly found in kids as their immunity is high and they are relatively playful; it is when they do not show signs and symptoms of breathlessness till their oxygen levels drop significantly. Catastrophically, by then the disease progresses and affects the lungs.

During this time, breathing exercises become important as they help improve the lung’s capacity and reduce the impact of the Covid-19 virus.

As parents, encourage your kids to do these fun-filled breathing activities which they will enjoy while they are indoors during the lockdowns.

1) Belly breathing: Make your child lie down. Place a stuffed toy on his belly. Ask them to take a deep breath through the nose for 5 counts as the stuffed animal gently swings up as their lungs fill with air. Then on another count of 5, let them breathe out. This is a fun activity as they watch their belly go up and down through the exercise.

2) Paint the town red: A family time activity. All the family members sit with a white sheet of paper and do some blow painting. Put some blobs of watercolor on the paper, take a straw and blow the paint in any direction. In the end, each one can see what beautiful objects they have created unknowingly. This increases the lung capacity of the kid and calms the child.

 3)Smelling Flowers: Ask your munchkin to imagine they are smelling a flower/or give a real one. They can breathe in deeply through the nose and exhale through the mouth. The smelling flower is a rejuvenating exercise which kids love to do.

4) Feather breathing: All you need for this one is a few fun color feathers for your child and let them pick any one of them. Ask them to breathe in deeply and hold this for 3 counts keeping one side of the feather against their mouth. Repeat the exercise by changing the side of the feather.

 5) Rainbow breathing: This is an energetic breathing technique with movements and breath control. Ask your little angel to start with arms at the side of his body. The arms go up as he breathes in and down as he breathes out, (arms make a rainbow). He can call out a particular color of the rainbow and continue with an imaginary painting that color with his arms while breathing.

6) Water/Soap Bubbles: Have your little one make bubbles in a cup of water through a straw or with the soap bubble toy. Encourage them to blow gently in order to get a proper and big bubble. Let them take in a deep breath and with a soft and long exhale, blow out to create a beautiful bubble.

7) Honey bee breath: Ensure that the child is seated at ease. With the mouth closed, let them take in a breath through the nose. In this position, let them make buzzing or humming sounds (similar to that of a bumblebee) and exhale. This exercise is particularly beneficial for children with asthma. To make it more fun, covering the ears will help increase the sound and vibration of the buzz as extra entertainment for the child.

8) Blow candle/Balloons: Have your kid blow out the candles on an imaginary birthday cake, drawing a deep breath in through the nose, and blowing them out strongly through their mouth. They can even compete amongst each other with respect to who blows the maximum number of birthday balloons.

9) Dragon Breath: Have your child interlace their fingers under their chin, and as they inhale through their nose, have them raise their elbows as high as they can around their neck and face. On exhaling out as if whistling through the mouth, ask them to lower their elbows back down. Dragon breathing assists to dislodge the mucus/phlegm from the lungs. Into the bargain, it enhances chest expansion and gives a good stretch to the rib cage.

10) Woodchopper breathing: Have your little one clasp their hands together in front of their body. Take a long breath in while raising hands above their head. Then, on a vigorous exhale with mouth open, as if fogging on a glass, forcefully take hands down and bend down towards the legs. Drop the head and completely and let go of all the tension in the body. Woodchopper breathing is a natural decongestant that helps in expectorating the mucus out, furthermore, freeing the lungs from infection.

All the exercises can be done in a play and reward form, competing with siblings, parents, or friends. Any of the above 5 exercises with 5-10 repetitions of 2 sets per day or per your child’s ‘comfort, would take your kid a long way from infection.

God has given us a window of opportunity to save our kids, let us make the best use of it without any delay. Happy & Safe Breathing!

The post 10 fun-filled Breathing Exercises for Kids appeared first on PuneDiary.Com.