How to Keep Your Baby Warm in Winter?

As winter approaches, parents have already laid their hands on woolens mittens, socks, caps, sweaters and wrappers to protect their child from the harsh winter. But every parent is in a dilemma regarding the quantity of clothing required to protect their child from winter cold. A question arises in their minds, whether their child is under-clad or over-clad or is the clothing appropriate. As over-cladding and under-cladding both can make a child catch cold. Hence, dressing the child with adequate clothing is essential.

Below are mentioned a few guidelines which shall help the parent judge the right winter clothing required by their child.

• Use cotton over woolens – As wool may cause irritation and itching. Also, as some babies at times suck on any piece of cloth which they can get into their mouths hence, the fibers of wool may be ingested by the baby.
• Use layers of cotton – Using several layers of cotton shall help create an insulation which shall trap the warmth of the body preventing it from escape.
• Cotton closest to the skin – The first layer of clothing closest to the skin should be pure cotton as it saves the child from skin allergies that may arise from woollens.
• One more layer than you need – It is a golden rule to protect your baby with one more layer than you require. If the mother feels warm with two layers of clothing than three layers should be sufficient to protect the child.

• Cover the extremes – Body loses a large amount of heat from the extremes such as hands, feet and head hence, they should be covered to prevent the loss of body heat.
• Keep the chest warm – Keep the heart region warm so that the body can be kept warm.
• Bath time – To keep the baby warm, it is essential to dry the baby immediately after bathing; to prevent loss of heat through evaporation.

In order to determine the actual body temperature of the baby, you should feel the tummy; back; neck or underarm region.  Hands and feet are not good indicators of judging the body temperature. Follow these guidelines and protect your child effectively against cold…..

 Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma Kapila is a Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 19yrs. She offers Online Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counseling; martial counseling and addiction counseling. She can be reached on her email –drvarshas@gmail.com

Dr. Sharma is an Associate Professor in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating several ailments ranging from hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints, recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza, migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders, recurrent attacks of cold, pediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc. 

Natural Skin Care during Winters

Winter is the season when you need to take additional care of your skin. This season produces adverse effects on the skin. Winter stripes the moisture away from our skin producing dry, red, cracked or even peeling of skin. To avoid such unfavorable effects and serious skin conditions; it is essential to maintain the skin health by taking proper care of your skin duringthe winters.

Skin care tips which can help you preserve skin health during winters:-

·         Use of Moisturizer - Winter reduces the moisture from your skin resulting in dryness, itching, wrinkling and scaling. Therefore, to prevent dryness and itching the skin should be lubricated.

Lubricate your skin with the help of moisturizer. Moisturizer should be applied minimum 2 – 3 times each day or as the need arises.  Moisturizer works best when applied on damp skin as it locks moisture inside.

·    Use of Humidifier – Indoor heating leads to dry air in the surroundings. Humidifier can be used to increase the moisture in the air thus, preventing scaling and dryness of skin.

• Increase Water Intake – Water helps in keeping the skin hydrated then, it is recommended to drink abundant quantity of water throughout the day. Drinking more water keeps the skin moist and smooth.
• Bathing Restrictions – Avoid long duration in hot shower as it strips off the natural skin oils of the skin. Restrict bathing to only once a day and to a short duration of approximately 15 minutes.
• Use of Soaps - Use gentle soaps or skin cleansers with added moisturizers.  Soaps free of harsh chemicals should be used.

·     Limit Face Washing – Restrict face washing to prevent drying of skin. Wash your face once in the morning and once in the night or after sweating.

To keep your skin soft and supple, adapt these winter skin care tips and enjoy winter......

 Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma Kapila is a Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 19yrs. She offers Online Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counseling; martial counseling and addiction counseling. She can be reached on her email –drvarshas@gmail.com

Dr. Sharma is an Associate Professor in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating several ailments ranging from hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints, recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza, migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders, recurrent attacks of cold, pediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc. 

Homoeopathy: A Boon for Infertile Couples

Infertility or Sterility is the incapacity to conceive after one year of frequent unprotected intercourse. The cause of infertility can be either due to the male partner or the female partner. Hence, examination of both the partners is essential.

Female Infertility

When the cause of infertility is due to the female partner then, it is known as female infertility. In case, a woman has repeated miscarriages (loss of a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy) then too, it is known as infertility.

Too long or too short, irregular or absent menstrual cycle can be an indication of lack of ovulation (process of release of a mature egg from the ovary), which can be linked with female infertility. There shall be no other apparent signs or symptoms.

Male Infertility

Incapability of a male to cause pregnancy in a fertile female is termed as male infertility. There are a number of causes leading to infertility in men. Some of the infertility causes in males are defect in quality and quantity of the semen; abnormal sperm function; chronic health problems; etc. 

Treatment

Infertility treatment in men and women is dependent on the cause of infertility. 

Aim of treatment shall be to restore fertility either by means of –

·         Medication;

·         Surgery or

·         Assist in reproduction through techniques.

Infertility and Homeopathy

Homoeopathy plays an effective role in the treatment of Infertility. It is considered to be the best and the safest mode of treatment for male or female infertility. 

Homoeopathic medicines act on the hormones and are capable of bringing back the hormonal deviations back to normalcy. These medicines act by stimulating the glands to generate the required amount of hormones thus, restoring the normal functioning. 

This mode of therapeutics further helps in rectifying sperm abnormalities and also increases sperm motility, sperm count and semen quality and quantity.

The various causes leading to infertility can be well treated by homeopathy thus, resulting in fertility.

Opt for Homeopathic treatment to eliminate Infertility…….

Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma is a Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 19yrs. She offers Online Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counseling; martial counseling and addiction counseling. She can be reached on her email –drvarshas@gmail.com

Dr. Sharma is an Associate Professor in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating several ailments ranging from hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints, recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza, migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders, recurrent attacks of cold, pediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc. 

Importance of Vegetarian Foods Rich In Proteins

Daily consumption of proteins in our diet is very essential as it plays several key roles in the functioning of our human body. Proteins are known as the building blocks of our life. Every cell in our body contains proteins in the form of amino acids, which promotes cell growth and repair. Proteins are vital for human development and growth during childhood, adolescence and pregnancy. Our hair, fingernails, muscles, etc are mostly composed of proteins. Lack of protein in the diet may lead to weakness, fatigue and increased susceptibility to flu's and infections.

It is a common belief that it is tough for the vegetarians to obtain proteins from the vegetarian food, as non-vegetarian foods have high content of proteins. You need not worry regarding your sources of protein even if you are a vegetarian. There are numerous vegetarian foods other than the animal foods that are rich in protein. Appropriate quantities of these vegan food substances rich in proteins can help you fulfill your protein requirements.

The protein requirement per day on average for women is 46g and 56g for men. Pregnant or lactating women require increased amounts of protein intake.

To acquire adequate amount of proteins in a vegetarian diet, it is advisable to eat multiple servings of legumes, amaranth, pistachios, pumpkin seeds every day. 

Few other vegetarian foods rich in proteins are Soy, Milk, Soy Milk, Rice, Beans, Hummus, Pita, Peanut Butter, Green peas, tofu, Cottage Cheese, Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Spinach, Flaxseeds, Sesame seeds, Chickpeas, Orange, Papaya, Apple, Grapes, Banana, Pineapple, Peach, Pears, Peanuts, etc.

Consuming excess amount of animal proteins leads to the formation of kidney stones and cancer or liver and colon. Hence, animal protein should be substituted by vegetable proteins. Therefore, vegetarian foods rich in proteins are considered to be safe and can be consumed in excess. Proteins It is vital to take recommended amounts of protein in your diet daily to achieve optimum internal and external health.

Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma is a Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 18yrs. She is an Associate Professor in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating several ailments ranging from hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints, recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza, migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders, recurrent attacks of cold, paediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc. She further offers Online Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counselling; martial counselling and addiction counselling. She can be reached on her email –drvarshas@gmail.com

What is Glucometer?

 Glucometer is a portable device with which one can measure and monitor blood sugar levels/ concentration of glucose in blood. Glucometer is of great use to diabetic patients as they can keep a record of their blood sugar levels from the comfort of their home. This device is easy to use. It helps in providing instant results regarding the blood sugar levels hence enabling the patient to decide when he needs to meet his doctor.

Regular monitoring of blood glucose is important as it can prevent or delay complications of diabetes. Monitoring of blood sugar level further helps in comprehending the effects of various food substances and activities on blood glucose levels in your body.

There are different types of glucometers available in the market but they all perform the same function. Commonly used glucometer kit includes lancets (needles used to prick the skin); test strips (used to test and measure blood glucose levels). Each strip is to be used once and then discarded. Before testing ensure that the test strips have not expired.

LCD display on the glucometer displays the blood sugar readings and towards the bottom, there is a slot to fit the test strip. The device has an in-built memory to store the glucose readings. Some models of glucometer can be connected to a personal computer and the test results can be stored.

Working

Lancet is used to prick the skin and a small sample of blood is placed on a test strip which is then placed in the device slot. The sensor underneath this slot transmits the reading for the blood sample. Test strips are coated with chemicals which react with glucose present in blood. Glucometer measures the amount of glucose present. Glucose level displayed is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimol per liter (mmol/L).

Volume of blood sample required for testing varies from model to model, from 0.3 to 1 μl. Time taken to read the test strip may vary from 3 to 60 seconds for different models.

Accuracy
Glucometers must meet the accuracy standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). There are several factors that affect the accuracy of a test, such as calibration of meter, amount and quality of blood sample, cleanliness of meter, humidity, aging of test strips, etc. Good machines too, have a margin of error of minimum 10%. Laboratory testing for blood sugar is advisable once in 6 months.

Glucometers are easily available online (www.flipkart.com) and in medical stores without a prescription. This device is a must-have device for people suffering with diabetes. 

Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma is a Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 17yrs. She is an Associate Professor in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating several ailments ranging from high blood sugar, low blood sugar, hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints, recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza, migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders, recurrent attacks of cold, paediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc. She further offers Online Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counselling; martial counselling and addiction counselling. She can be reached on her email – drvarshas@gmail.com

Foods to Lower Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol - Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad," cholesterol, and High-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good," cholesterol. Intake of food substances which help in lowering the bad cholesterol should be encouraged. 

Some of them are as follows:-

• Oats, Oatmeal & Muesli.
• Walnuts, almonds, Pistachios and other nuts. 
• Olive oil and olive products.
• Yoghurt.
• Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Legumes such as dry, cooked or canned beans; lentils; peas and all soya products (cooked or canned soya beans, soya mince, cubes, soya milk and tofu).
• Flax seeds. 
  
• Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, or rich in beta-carotene such as apricots, yellow peaches, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, cranberry, strawberry, blackberry, apples, pears, prunes, guava, mango, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, butternut, carrots, broccoli, cabbage and spinach.
• Garlic, spring onions and other onions. 
• 
• Dark Chocolate. 
• Green Tea.

Apart from making changes in the diet, healthy lifestyle changes should also be incorporated to successfully decrease cholesterol levels. Regular exercise, reduce stress, quit smoking, become vegetarian and healthy weight should be maintained.

Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma is a Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 17yrs. She is an Associate Professor in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating several ailments ranging from hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints, recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza, migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders, recurrent attacks of cold, paediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc. She further offers Online Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counselling; martial counselling and addiction counselling. She can be reached on her email – drvarshas@gmail.com

Summer Care of Baby

Summer can be a season which can prove tricky in keeping an infant comfortable. There are certain factors which need to be considered in ensuring the comfort of the child and in making the little one remain cool and protected during summer.

·         Clothing

Appropriate type of clothing should be considered. Cotton clothing is considered to be the best for summers, as it is light and absorbs perspiration better than synthetic fabrics. When indoors, dress the baby in loose-fitting and lightweight garments and when outdoors, dress the baby in light-colored long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and shield the face with a hat.

• Sun Protection
  The baby’s skin is very delicate and should be kept protected from direct sunlight for the initial six months. Minimal amount of sunscreen can be applied to the baby’s exposed area. For child, over the age of 6 months, sunscreen can be used liberally and more frequently. Waterproof sunscreen particularly for kids should be used. Always carry the baby under shade. Sunglasses can be used to protect the baby’s eyes and to reduce glare.

·         Ventilation

Good Ventilation should be provided to the child as the baby fails to perspire effectively hence, can become overheated more quickly as compared to an adult. Inadequate ventilation can lead to suffocation in high temperature. To ensure the comfort of the baby and to lower the room temperature, fans and air conditioners can be used.

·         Hydration

Keep your child well-hydrated. Infants below six months should be nursed more frequently. Small amounts of water in addition to juicy fruits can be given to babies above the age of six months.  Water intake of the baby should be at least 50 percent more than usual. Water helps best in fighting against summer and rise in temperature. Few warning signs of dehydration are - flushed face, skin warm to touch, restlessness and rapid breathing.  

·         Food

In summers, light and easy to digest baby food should be given. Interval between the feeds can be reduced. For infants, breast milk is the best diet for all seasons. In high temperatures, baby food gets spoiled very quickly hence, avoid leaving prepared baby food open. Baby food should be prepared just during the feeding time and in case some food remains then it can be put in the refrigerator.