Immunity Boosting Foods For Kids

Author: Dr. Vrushali Bichkar MBBS, IBCLC, DM (Neonatology), MD (Paediatrics)

Consultant – Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Lullanagar, Pune

Is your child refusing to eat a proper diet? Are you worried about his immunity? Whenever the weather changes, kids become susceptible to many diseases such as cold, flu, throat infections and stomach infections.

Immunity is the shield that protects your child from all ailments and helps them live a healthy life. Therefore, you must provide immune booster supplements as their daily supplements.

Importance of immunity-building foods

The immunity level to fight infections in the child tends to decline due to various factors such as sleep deprivation, lack of exercise, consumption of junk food, and stress. To maintain optimum immunity levels, it is essential to take a proper diet full of nutrients and immunity booster food that will help build immunity in the body. Under-nourished children that live in poverty suffer from malnutrition and low immunity. They are more vulnerable to diseases and health disorders.

The micronutrients that are vital immunity-builders and makes a healthy and balanced diet are zinc, iron, copper, selenium, folic acid, vitamins A, B6, C and E.

Let’s discuss the food items that includes these immunity boosters.

Sweet potato: Sweet potato is rich in vitamin B6. It is essential in building better immunity as it is also rich in protein, potassium, Vitamin A and fibre.
Banana: Banana is regarded as one of the best immunity boosters as it contains high levels of vitamin B6. It is also a comfortable food for toddlers as they can easily consume it in cereals or smoothies or can eat it as a whole fruit.
Chickpea: A child having zinc deficiency can suffer from impairment of both phagocyte and lymphocyte cell functioning. Chickpeas consist of Vitamin B6 and Zinc and greatly help prevent this deficiency.
Walnut: Another source of zinc is walnut. Nuts like walnuts, almonds are easy to incorporate in the child’s diet as you can give it in the form of smoothies or crackers or even energy bars. Kids love that!
Jaggery: Jaggery is a prime source for iron which helps increase immunity in kids. Jaggery can easily replace sugar because of its sweet taste. You can incorporate jaggery with chapati, or make sweet toffees with it which are all-time favourites.
Pumpkin: Although pumpkins are not one of most favourite vegetables for kids, it is a great source of vitamin A. Consumption of pumpkin can provide immunity against diseases like diarrhoea, measles and so on. Excess consumption of pumpkin can cause toxicity. Therefore, it should be consumed in a natural, balanced diet.
Curd: Curd naturally contains bifidobacterium or lactobacillus which are non-pathogenic bacteria, also known as good bacteria. These are probiotics that are known to be great immunity boosters and provide protection against diseases like diarrhoea.
Berries: Berries are colourful, tasty and full of antioxidants. These are regarded as the best immunity food for both kids and adults. Berries reduce the risk of cell damage and help in boosting the immunity system. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, cranberries or raspberries are nutritiously delicious and are generally liked by kids.You can serve these as it is or can prepare milkshakes, custards or smoothies.
Citrus fruits: Lemons, oranges, limes, or grapefruit are all classified as citrus fruits. The citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. They are juicy and mouth-watering which are liked by the kids. Not only Vitamin C, these citrus fruits are the source of Vitamin B, magnesium, antioxidants, phosphorus and potassium. This is why they are among the best immunity boosting foods.
Dry fruits and seeds: Dry fruits and seeds are the major source of providing immunity. Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and cashews in dry fruits and seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, protein, healthy fats, fibres and vitamins. They can be served with hot milk.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best fetal medicine specialists in Lullanagar, Pune.We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best Fetal Medicine hospital in Lullanagar, Pune at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Vrushali Bichkar, please book your appointment here.

Introduction of Solid Foods to Toddlers By Dr. Peeyoosh

Dr. Peeyoosh's insights on introducing solid foods to toddlers - Motherhood Hospital India

Rice, mashed potato, or small pieces of fruits? Are
you worried about your baby’s menu while introducing him or her to solid foods?
Have you set a date for making him eat solid foods? Are you confused about when
to make your baby eat those solid foods? Many moms get plenty of
advice from family members, friends, or even relatives regarding what a baby
should eat and avoid but this can only make the matters worse as everyone has a
different opinion. So, it will be a tough choice for you to decide what to give
your baby. But, we solve your problem as we give you a complete list of solid
foods that you must include in your baby’s diet plan. Read on to know more
about this and get going!

Are you aware? Your baby
is ready to eat those solid foods when they are about 4 months to 6-months-old.
It is no brainer that your baby’s digestive system wouldn’t be fully developed
to digest solid foods. Thus, it is essential to introduce solid foods at the
right time. Not too early or not too late. Every child is different. It is
essential to know whether the child is ready to have solid foods. So, looking
for few signs will allow you to determine whether your child is ready. When you
notice that your baby has gained good neck control, shows an interest when you
are having food by looking into your plate, attempts to reach out to your food,
or even tries to open mouth when you try to offer him/her food. It is a known
fact that most babies will show signs of eating solid foods around 6 months. Introduce solid foods when you and your baby
are relaxed.

The signs that your baby
is hungry are the baby will be excited to see that the food is ready and
leaning towards you when you have the plate of food. The signs your baby is not
interested in include pushing the spoon away, shutting the mouth while you try
to feed her/him, and turning the head away. Try to feed your baby just a
spoonful of the amount and later move onto those larger portions. Instead of
placing food in the front, you must try to place it on the tongue. Allow
him/her to suck the food. Make sure that the foods are properly mashed, cooked,
pureed, or strained with appropriate texture. Avoid feeding foods like peanuts,
cashew nuts, almonds, or those foods where there is a risk of choking.

Here are some foods that
are ideal for your baby

Vegetables: You can begin withsweet potato, carrot, or even peas. Even if your baby rejects them then just try to feed them the next day. Do not easily give up on feeding your baby.
Cereal: Opt for iron-fortified cereals.You can choose barely and oatmeal.
Fruits: Try to make your baby eat mashed bananas or apples, pears, and even peaches. Even pureed avocado is a good option as it is creamy and jam-packed with healthy fats.
Finger foods: These are small in size and can help your baby grip them properly. Hence, crackers, dry cereals, small pieces of scrambled eggs, and bread can be given to your babies.
Iron-rich foods: These are essential to keep anaemia at bay.Raisins, peanut butter, and spinach can do the trick here.

Follow these tricks while preparing food for your baby

Try to mash or puree the foods until they become smooth. Do not give your child big pieces of food. Foods should be cooked unless they become soft.
In order to make the cereals smooth, try to mix them with formula milk.
It is essential to cut strawberries, grapes, and tomatoes into small pieces.
Remove the skin and bones of the fish before you cook it.

Know what to avoid: Raw fruits and vegetables,popcorn,
raw eggs, large chunks of poultry,and even those raisins which are
uncooked.

Caution: In case, you observe that
your baby has a food allergy then avoid him/her giving those foods. Consult
your doctor regarding the symptoms you observed in the baby after he/she
injected certain foods.

COVID Vaccination & Baby Care post pregnancy

COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination:

COVID-19 is leaving a significant impact on social, economic, and medical fronts worldwide. Older adults and many other age groups with existing conditions are at higher risk of COVID-19 and its morbidities. Very few cases of COVID-19 are reported in newborn babies. At present, there’s no concrete evidence of vertical transmission of COVID-19 from the infected pregnant ladies to their foetuses. Studies even see no traces of the virus in the samples of breastmilk. Studies, however, warrant preventive measures and sanitary protocols while handling the cases of COVID-19. To prevent the transmission of the virus from mothers to their kids, the women should observe standard protocols while carrying their munchkin or breastfeeding.??

Are there any risks of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy?

A safe vaccine presents itself such that its benefits can outweigh the risks. However, pregnant women need to take the vaccine under obstetric guidance. While taking the vaccine, pregnant women and their obstetricians should oversee the symptoms and medical history. If a pregnant woman has any existing conditions, it may be important to stay under clinical supervision. The vaccines, however, may help safeguard both mother and her child from any future issues. The mother should consider taking as many doses as recommended by the obstetrician. You should wear a mask and maintain social distancing as you previously did even after receiving vaccinations.

How does COVID-19 complicate the pregnancy?

Some women with COVID-19 may develop severe symptoms. Compared with nonpregnant counterparts, women with COVID-19:

might be 3 times more likely to be treated at the ICU
may require advanced life support and a breathing tube
Might have a very low risk of death due to COVID-19

What types of symptoms/conditions can complicate the incidence of COVID-19 in pregnant women?

The risk of COVID-19 infection itself depends upon a pregnant lady coming into contact with someone with COVID-19. You may be at a higher risk of infection specifically if you live in a high-risk area or are in a profession where you come into contact with infected people more frequently. Advanced maternal age may be a risk factor for COVID-19 infection. Women with several pre-existing health conditions may be at a higher risk of infection. The health conditions may include a body mass index above 35kg/m2, heart diseases, diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension).

Are there any factors to consider before taking the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy?

Eligibility for COVID-29 vaccines may vary from area to area. Healthcare practitioners and staff members are likely to undergo the first vaccination drive. The next category to include in the vaccination drive might be people with certain health conditions, nurses, essential workers, and people above 60 years of age. Since pregnancy is one of the risk factors for severe COVID-19, the condition may make you eligible for the vaccines, depending on the region you are living in.

Below are the factors you may consider discussing with your obstetrician or healthcare provider before taking the vaccine:

Consider taking the vaccine immediately as it’s available for you:

You must take the vaccine under various circumstances. You may consider taking the vaccine promptly if you have additional risk factors such as diabetes, advanced age, high blood pressure (hypertension), or obesity. If you are in a profession including healthcare and if you think you are at risk, take the vaccine as it becomes available to you.

Consider waiting till childbirth to appear for the vaccination:

If your obstetrician confirms that pregnancy may be a risk factor for serious complications, you may consider taking the vaccine after childbirth. It’s beneficial provided you follow the obstetrician’s guidelines properly and uphold safety protocols actively.

Discuss with your obstetrician if you think deferring the vaccination is important:

You may consider postponing the vaccination under various circumstances. A few pregnant women might have exceptional risk factors and uncontained exposures. The onset of the second trimester may minimize the risk of spontaneous abortion. If your obstetrician allows you, you may consider postponing the vaccination until after childbirth.

If the benefits outweigh the risks

If your obstetrician recommends a vaccine whose benefits outweigh the risks after being infected with COVID-19, take the vaccine. However, it’s important to keep the concerned officials in the loop to get the latest updates on vaccine availability. The vaccines may be subject to availability in your vicinity depending on various factors.

Is it likely for the COVID-19 to be transmitted through breastfeeding?

Studies worldwide haven’t yet detected active COVID-19 in the breastmilk of any mother diagnosed with or suspected to carry COVID-19. Therefore, it might be highly unlikely that the breastmilk expressed by a mother with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 can transmit the virus. Researchers are still underway to confirm whether breastmilk can infect the baby with COVID-19 or not.

Can a mother residing in containment zones opt to breastfeed her baby?

Yes, a mother can opt to breastfeed her baby owing to its lifelong health and growth benefits for the baby. Breastfeeding is known to even better the mother’s health. Contrary to the presuppositions, the studies worldwide haven’t detected any chances of breastfeeding infecting the baby. Your obstetrician may recommend you to breastfeed your baby with various safety protocols.

Is immediate skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding safe even if the mother has confirmed or suspected COVID-19?

Of course, it may be safe. Your obstetrician may guide you under various recommended or stopgap precautions. The safety parameters or protocols might be the same worldwide. However, stopgap solutions are a possibility under exceptional circumstances. Immediate and regular skin-to-skin care and kangaroo mother care enhances the thermal regulation of newborn babies. It may also help better various other physiological outcomes in the babies. Neonatal mortality is one of the most important factors to highlight. Keeping the baby close to the mother allows early breastfeeding. It may help curb the chances of neonatal mortality. The enormous benefits of skin-to-skin contact and kangaroo care noticeably outweigh the risks of COVID-19 transmission.

What are the alternatives if a mother has confirmed COVID-19 or is a PUI?

There are various alternatives to breastfeeding a baby or an infant:

A. Expressed breastmilk:

Hand expression may be a method to avail the breastmilk. Many may use a mechanical pump. It may be subject to the obstetrician’s approval. Both pump expression and hand expression are equally beneficial.
Expression of breastmilk has many other benefits including the mother’s renewed ability to breastfeed after recovery.
The helper should observe and maintain all the safety protocols under the obstetrician’s guidance.
The mother’s decision may also matter while expressing the breastmilk.

B. Donor milk:

In the event of a mother’s inability to express milk, she may consider availing donor’s milk. It may be subject to availability in these tough times.

How to uphold and maintain safety precautions while breastfeeding if the mother has or is suspected to carry COVID-19?

If a mother is diagnosed with or is suspected to carry COVID-19, she must:

Fasten the mask recommended by the obstetrician or medical staff while breastfeeding.
Replace the mask promptly under the obstetrician’s or medical staff’s supervision.
Avoid the reuse of the masks under any circumstances.
Unbutton or unwrap the mask from behind instead of touching the frontal sections.
Wash the hands regularly using the sanitizer as per the obstetrician’s guidelines.
Regularly disinfect the surfaces around using the disinfectant recommended by the obstetrician/medical staff.

10 tips to combat parental burnout

Parental burnout still manifests as a social taboo. The restless and frustrated parents find it hard to cope with low energy levels and the overall experience involving helplessness. Being a parent brings every wonder of the universe to your doorstep. But at the same time, it may leave many parents exhausted. Being able to experience composure and ecstasy is important to curb parental burnout.

What is Parental Burnout? How does it manifest?

Both professional and housebound parents are likely to develop parental burnout. Being a woman is one of the common risk factors for parental burnout. Being in a part-time job, being jobless and carrying a college degree are few other factors contributing to parental burnout. Occupational inflexibility plays a crucial role in increasing parental burnout.

Those showing signs of parental burnout develop exhaustion and deep-seated depression. Various other symptoms may add to the complexity of the burnout. The symptoms may include withdrawal or emotional detachment from your partner or children. Experiencing parental burnout leads to a loss of efficacy as a parent. Those with the symptoms may treat their kids apathetically. Parental burnout is similar to workplace burnout in various ways. Both include loss of productivity, lack of comfort and lethargy as the prevalent signs.

The right technique to cope with parental burnout starts with your ideology. Ask more senior parents about the idea of perfect parenting.

Below are the reasons or factors that predispose you to parental burnout.

Being attentive to a fault:

Being always there with and for your kids is bad for both of you. You cope with a great deal of occupational ongoing fatigue. When you overextend yourself for your kids, you restrict their ability to learn. Leaving kids alone helps them handle the situations alone and develop experimental ideas. Let them be the critical thinkers of the 21st century. Let them learn to take decisions on their own. The more you extend support for your kids, the more you make them dependent. It increases your workload thereby adding more to the burnout.

2. Failure to give yourself space you are worth:

Personal space is something all of us are worthy of. Lack of personal space adds to the ongoing irritability. We feel murky and short-tempered when we are tired or perturbed by certain occurrences in life. When we get to deal with our children in a grumpy mood, we yell at them. Such situations confirm that it’s hard to take care of others in the event of low personal space. We should give ourselves space and try making a difference to the tedium and bustle around.

3. Faith in the illusionary ideas:

All of us feel excited to enjoy parenthood. We try to continue the same level of excitement as time passes by. But the reality may soon detect us and change the way we practice parenthood. Being a parent brings wonders of joy but not without a price. The experience as a parent demands a hefty sum of emotional and physical dedication. When you fall short as a parent, you may consider blaming yourself for having no conscience. Many
parentS end up feeling guilty for spending money, time and resources on themselves. They feel they should have spent everything on their kids. What ultimately overrides them is a sense of alienation and lack of enjoyment.

4. Loneliness:

Parenting is perhaps the sweetest combination of hard work and smart work. But being without support in your quest for parenthood can be tricky and groggy. If you have no support, you may feel exhausted and demotivated.

5. Pursuing perfectionism as a hobby:

Parental burnout shows that you are trying your best. Check how you can strategize yourself. Start verifying how you go about in your course of achievements. Being overwhelmed and exhausted during parental burnout is common.

10 tips to combat parental burnout:

Add more to your expertise:

We tend to accumulate skills and toolkits while growing into a parent. We acquired a few skills from our parents. It’s the right time to use those nuggets of wisdom. If you are an active follower of social media, you may have even adopted skills from modern media. You may consider experimenting with the availabilities and find new approaches. You may find some forums and counselling sessions online. It’s important to realize is change is unavoidable and the law of time. Some changes may start and complete immediately. A few other changes, however, may take longer than we expect. Such changes are a process. Your ideology and analytical approaches will always support you and your expertise as a parent.

2. Exercise:

The health benefits of regular exercise are irreplaceable. Exercise betters both physical and mental health. It’s known to release good hormones and facilitate feelings of composure and completeness.

3. Communicate yourself better and effectively:

It’s never too late to let go of the sense of alienation and loneliness. Do it as you did when you expressed your ecstasy for the first time. Communicate your sentiments when you are around your next of kin or best buddies. Share your fears and dubious sentiments. Seek help from all who care for you and your role as a parent.

4. Stop comparing yourself to other parents:

The comparison may often call for criticism and lack of composure. Everyone is born with different personality and personality traits. The aggregates that make you different from the others may help you shine as a parent. Comparing yourself to others, on the contrary, adds to a lack of composure. Examine yourself every day and find out how you made difference in the present day. It will help you evolve and better your parenting skills.

5. Adopt all that you find workable in the current scenario:

Nobody is perfect. But every one of us has the superior right to practice the perfect lifestyle. Include the perfect lifestyle practices that allow the parent in you to mature and transform. Don’t worry about what people say or think about you.

6. It’s all about being compassionate:

Being compassionate is important. And being compassionate towards everyone including you is a positive trait. Recognise that irritability and criticism go hand-in-hand. More is the compassion in you, better will be the self-esteem.

7. Practice mindfulness:

Mindfulness adds to your composure. It brings you face-to-face with every affirmative side of you. It allows you to reconnect to everything that made you a responsible human being. When anger and anxiety override you, symptoms like fast breathing make you uncomfortable. But mindfulness allows you to be awake and stay alert.

8. Find space for yourself:

Schedule your favourite activities. Go for a short walk. Enjoy a cool bath. Visit your close friend and enjoy the free time.

9. Avoid setting rules in a fit of rage:

Don’t give feedback to your children in a fit of rage. Relax for a while.

10. Set boundaries:

Set boundaries to the additional responsibilities you take. Make sure you regularly engage yourself with your kids during weekends.

Sports injuries in children: Should we be concerned?

Proactive Measures for Kids' Sports Injuries - Motherhood Hospital India

By Dr. Shilpi Srivastava, Consultant Physiotherapits, Lactation Expert and Child birth educator, Motherhood Hospital, Noida

Eight-year-old Suresh is enthusiastic about sports and he is so passionate about it that he even doesn’t want to give a break to it if he is sick or met with some injury. Since he doesn’t take adequate rest after meeting such injuries, his body has become prone to wounds and sprain. The health experts even suggest that the tender bones and tissues of children are often subjected to some kind of injuries when they play without taking proper precaution and don’t rest after having a muscle pull or sprain.

Even a report from Centres from Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than 2.6 million children from 0-19 years old are treated in the emergency department each year for sports and recreation-related injuries. Some sports, which require frequent contact, are more dangerous than others. Contact sports such as football or basketball can be expected to result in a higher number of injuries like sprains and strains than a noncontact sport such as swimming. All kinds of sports can result in an injury either from the trauma of contact with the other players or from overuse or misuse of a body part.

Most frequently occurring injuries

The most common injuries are muscle-joint sprains, bruises, dislocation and fractures and all these occur at frequent injured areas of the body, knee, ankle and shoulder joints. These injuries are short-lived and can be recovered within 10-15 days. According to the experts, only 4 in 10,000 injuries are that severe, which results in quitting sports.

In all these injuries, diagnosis and care play an utmost pivotal role. Since children have soft tissues and bones unlike adults, their X-ray or MRI reports should be carefully evaluated by the pediatric orthopedic or radiation specialists familiar with such kind of reports. Even parents, doctors and faculty members should be cautious enough to give a good-enough time to the kid to resume sports. Unlike movies, they should be refrained from participating in any kind of sports competition during the treatment procedure.

Treatment of sports injury

The treatment of such injuries depends on how badly the kid is hurt. Here are some of the options your doctor may give you:

First aid: If the injury is minor, the kid may only need to put ice on your knee, elevate his leg, and stay off his feet for a while. He can reduce swelling by wrapping an ace bandage around his knee. Crutches can help to keep weight off his knee.

Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs can help to reduce swelling and pain. The doctor may suggest over-the-counter medications or prescribe something stronger.

Physical therapy: The child may need this a few days a week to get his knee back in working order. During these sessions, he will do exercises to strengthen the muscles around his knee that will help him regain a full range of motion. He may be sent home with exercise to do on your own.

Surgery: The doctor may tell you that you need this if your ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is torn badly. A surgeon will remove the damaged ACL and replace it with tissue to help a new ligament grow in its place. With physical therapy, kids who have surgery can often play sports again within 12 months.

Key Prevention Tips

Take proper time to heal completely

In general, an injury takes 12 to 16 weeks to be fully healed. But mostly, children start feeling better after a span of four weeks or so. And, they often get back to sports. This practice can have serious repercussion on bone health and might lead to disability. So, one should take full prescribed time for resting.

Always wear protective gears

Parents or teachers should create awareness among kids about the importance of wearing right protective gears such as elbow and knee pads, helmets, wrist guards for their activities. Also ensure that all the protective gears are in right condition. For example, avoid wearing such gears which have missing or broken buckles or compressed or worn padding. Poorly fitting equipment may be uncomfortable and also does not offer the best protection.

Warm up is the key

Before playing any sports, a kid should devote 20 minutes of his/her time in stretching the muscles, side shuffling and warming up. They help in activating muscles and reducing injuries during the sport.

Stay Hydrated

To avoid heat-related injuries or illness, give some time to the child athletes to get their body gradually adjust to the weather conditions. Parents and coaches should make sure that players are hydrated well. Injuries occur when a child is not hydrated or rested well.

Follow the guidelines

Ensure that your child’s sports program or school has an action plan that includes information on how to teach athletes ways to lower their chances of getting a concussion and other injuries. Get more concussion safety tips.

Dos And Don’ts To Follow To Protect Your Kids During COVID-19 Unlock

The ongoing lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic has forced a large part of the world??s population to stay indoors. But, in India, the government has suggested some relaxations in the lockdown period to revive the economy. The worry now is how to get kids out again without significantly raising the risk of the spread of the disease. One should not forget the fact that the deadly coronavirus hasn??t gone away from our country and we are still in the process of coming up with a vaccine.

Although researchers are working on developing the vaccine, the only way we can prevent the infection is by adhering to the basic guidelines suggested by the health bodies for ourselves and our kids. Managing kids in this lockdown and keeping them safe from a host of potential threats is of importance during this time. Here are some essential dos and don??ts in this regard:

Keep Recently Bought Groceries Out Of Reach Of Kids

By now we are all aware why it is extremely important to be cautious while handling the groceries we bring home every few days. Since any object coming from outside might be a potential virus carrier, make sure that you place all such stuff in a safe and secluded spot in the house which is out of reach of your children. You can place it in the storeroom or in the balcony and lock the door. Do not let the child touch any of these objects before they are thoroughly washed with soap and warm water or cooked.

Sanitise Yourself And Kids Immediately After Returning From Outside

As soon as you are back from grocery shopping or a short cycling session in the park, make sure to have a bath and put the clothes out for laundry. Do not let the child touch any object, be it keys, masks, cap, spectacles, toys etc before they are washed or sanitised.

Ensure Shoes Are Kept Outside

Kids have a habit of touching everything within their reach out of inquisitiveness. It is very important therefore, to strictly separate the shoes you take out. Place a shoe rack outside the house and always leave those shoes out so that the child does not touch them by mistake.

Keep In Touch With The Child??s Pediatrician

If possible, keep in touch with the child??s pediatrician in the case that the child develops fever and common cold. In consultation with the doctor, keep a few basic medicines at home to ensure they are handy when the child needs.

Don??t Delay Your Kids?? Important Vaccinations

Though the infection has brought the world to a standstill, do try to get the child vaccinated where services are available because they protect them from serious diseases. World Health Organisation also warned us, saying immunisation is an essential health service which may be affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic and disruption of immunisation services, even for brief periods, will result in increased numbers of susceptible individuals and raise the likelihood of outbreak-prone vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) such as measles.

Be Judicious About Your Choices

As a global society, we can??t say for certain what will happen next ?? whether a sudden surge in new coronavirus cases will make it necessary to reinstitute quarantine measures, as has happened in Singapore and Hong Kong, or, worse still, fears of a more contagious strain come to be. The smart thing to do is remain cautiously optimistic about regaining your freedom to move, but remain realistic that we don??t know what the future holds.

Maintain Respiratory Hygiene In Public Places

It is always a bad habit to cough or sneeze openly in public. Droplets through coughing and sneezing are what had led to such a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases worldwide. Thus, it is recommended to maintain your respiratory hygiene while in public. Cover your mouth with a tissue or cough and sneeze in your folded arm.

A safe space of a child’s health!

We all want our child to have the very best life possible and health is an important aspect of a person’s life. Children have a plethora of health requirements, starting from the time they are born till their teenage years. Children cannot take care of their own health, which is why going to a pediatrician in Coimbatore in a wise option.

The best pediatrician in Coimbatore will have all the required expertise in handling and caring for a child’s health. A pediatrician has the knowledge when it comes to procedures and treatments for children of all ages.

From the time a child is born, the child needs various vaccinations to ward off viruses. The developing months are important as this is when the child’s mental and physical development is taking place. During these years a child is also prone to different types of injuries that may occur during playing. They tend to fall sick and catch illnesses fast as they come in contact with a lot of different people in schools, tuition classes and during recreational activities. Then comes the teenage years, where the body experiences a lot of change, the changes are internal, mental and physical. From all of these stages, making sure your child visits a pediatrician regularly will make sure your child leads an overall healthy life and you are always informed about your child’s upkeep.

The pediatrician in the Women’s Centre by Motherhood, Coimbatore will have access to the best medical infrastructure and latest technologies for a trusted medical service. They are up to date with the popular medical trends and have the practical knowledge to provide your child with the best care possible.

From regular health check-ups, evaluations, treatments and complex procedures, this is the one stop for all the care your child’s health needs.

Special care for your special child!

Childhood is a memorable and fun period of life but it is also a time when we tend to get a lot of injuries from playing. Children are also susceptible to various illnesses and viruses due to a delicate immune system. It is essential for children to go for regular visits to a pediatrician in Noida as a child’s body goes through numerous changes in their developing years. Taking care of a child is a full-time job with fewer breathers, having a trusted pediatrician will ease up a little part of your job. From regular health-checkups, vaccinations and treatment of illnesses and injuries, a pediatrician plays an important role in providing medical supervision in a child’s life.

A pediatrician has all the expertise and knowledge about a child’s health and treatment. Some of the pediatric treatments and procedures in Motherhood Hospitals include well-child exams, vaccinations, immunization, development screening, neurology, infectious disease and rehabilitation. A pediatrician will be able to evaluate your child’s health using specialized skillsets required to deal with the health and anatomy of children and young adults. Children tend to spend a lot of time outdoors and come in to contact with a large number of people daily. From going to school, tuition classes, extracurricular activities and playgrounds, they by default are prone to illnesses and injuries very often.

Visiting the best pediatrician in Noida will make sure that your little one remains in the best of his/her health during their developing stage up till the point of young adulthood. Even for surgical care and emergencies, it is only natural that you d want your child to be in safe hands and under the care of someone who is specialized in dealing with children. It is always a better idea to be prepared and be regular with your child’s health and medical needs so they can grow up to being healthy adults.

How To Protect Children Who Are Prone To Infection During Seasonal Change

The onset of Monsoons, brings in challenges of mosquito related infections. This is when the mosquitoes start breeding. Mosquitoes like Aedes Egypti breed in pools or puddle of fresh water and can cause Dengue.

Dr.? Santosh Kumar, Paediatrician &? Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Banashankari, Bangalore

Monsoons are always an enjoyable time for everyone, especially kids. After a long scorching summer, they get to enjoy the pleasant rainfall and play around in the mud and rain. But this monsoon is going to be very different.

Children may not understand this, but we are dealing with a pandemic this year. Parents must be extra careful about their children??s safety around this time. While we are all taking the necessary precautions to protect our kids from coronavirus, we should not forget the illnesses/diseases that are caused by seasonal change, especially during monsoons. This is the time when your child??s immune system is weakened, making them susceptible to various waterborne diseases.

There are certain infections which are seasonal, and some specific infections are more common in certain seasons. Some of them are:

Various bacteria thrive during summer due to the heat and moisture. Children falling ill during summer is more common than one would assume. Cases of loose motion and vomiting occur often, and they result in dehydration. In extreme harsh temperatures beyond 40 degrees Celsius, newborn babies can develop dehydration related fever.

During winter, flu can be a very common phenomenon with children and therefore flu virus can be pretty active during this time. They may cause a variety of diseases from the common cold to swine flu. Coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, body aches, congestion become quite common during this season. Due to the cold weather, cases of lower respiratory infections or viral bronchiolitis in babies increase.

The female Anopheles mosquito breeds in marshy waters, this is the one that causes Malaria. Mosquitoes are most active during the time of sunsets, when children may be out playing. Additionally, during the rainy season, water contamination from sewage is quite common resulting in infections like diarrhea, vomiting, typhoid, cholera etc

Apart from diseases due to seasonal changes, there may be an increase in infections when children are in close proximity to each other for example at schools or at home with their siblings. We see a number of cases of the hand foot and mouth disease, which spreads from one child to another. This causes sores in the mouth or rashes on hands and feet. It is spread by direct contact with saliva or mucus.

Prevention better than cure during the pandemic

We are living in troubled times, the pandemic has changed our way of life forever. Things we took for granted must be given a lot of thought. For example, the simple task of going to a hospital. But in the current scenario, where we all are trying to maintain social distancing to stop the spread of the virus, it is better to prevent your child from falling sick, than taking them to hospital where there could be exposures.

Guidelines for parents to ensure wellness of their children amidst the

Good nutrition: Healthy and balanced diet is the first step towards improving your child??s health and immunity. Parents should ensure that their child consumes all seasonal fruits, green leafy vegetables, so that they get a good vitamin supply in their diet. It is very important to avoid junk food.
Hand Hygiene: Teach them proper hand and respiratory hygiene. This is especially important in this pandemic ridden world. Lead by example; make sure they notice you washing your hands regularly. This will make them realise its importance and they will start imitating you. Good hand and respiratory hygiene will not only protect them from Covid-19 but also safeguard them from loose motions, typhoid, and various other viral infections.
Protect them from mosquitoes: As mentioned before, monsoon is the time when mosquitoes thrive. Ensure there is no water stagnation near your house. Use a mosquito net or apply repellents on your children to protect them from mosquito bites.
Bathroom Hygiene: This is necessary. Teach your child proper hygiene measures before after using toilet.
Regular vaccination: Vaccination or immunization is one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases. A vaccine or immunization is a way to build the body??s natural immunity to a disease before the individual gets sick. This acts as a protective shield and helps to keep various ailments and diseases under check
Regular Exercise: Regular exercise is important to keep the child active and fit. During this time, when most schools are shut it is very easy for a child to get used to sedentary lifestyle. This can cause childhood obesity, which unfortunately has become quite common among kids nowadays. Obesity might lead to complications like diabetes and hypertension .Infact exercise can also boast immunity in children..

The COVID Advice

It is natural to feel anxious about the current scenario. Although the nation-wide lockdown restrictions have been eased, parents should not let their guard down. The cases are rising and until we develop a vaccine or achieve herd immunity, we need to be careful and watchful.

However, children have an inherent immunity, but we must remember that they can be silent carriers of the infection. Kids, especially those, staying in joint families or living with elderly people must practice good hand hygiene and social distancing, so that they do not transmit infection to elderly family members.

Follow the above steps to improve your child??s health especially during this monsoon. It is certainly an enjoyable time that children long for every year, but make sure they follow all the safety precautions. In case your child falls ill, consult your doctor immediately.

When to Call your Child’s Paediatrician?

Whether it’s fever, tummy ache, or a cough, as a parent, it is only natural to worry about your little one. This article is written in an attempt to lay down the key symptoms that may require you to call the paediatrician.

Fever

Panicking upon discovering a spike in your child’s body temperature is normal, but it should also be noted that fever isn’t a sign of danger. The body temperature of the children tends to rise when they get an infection to fight the virus, causing the infection. While this is not the case for every burst of fever, it is most common with young children. However:

You should call the doctor if your little one of 2-3 months old has around 100 degrees.
You should call the doctor if your little one is above 2-3 months, with around 100 degrees fever and other symptoms like vomiting.
You should call the doctor immediately if your child has over 104 degrees repeatedly.

Vomiting or Diarrhoea

Try not to worry if your child vomits or show signs of diarrhoea just once. But if it persists, it means your child is getting dehydrated, which is bad. You can give them lots of fluids to keep them hydrated but if your child’s symptoms only worsen or go on for a few hours, call the doctor. The paediatrician will examine your child and may suggest an X-ray or blood and urine test or even a stool sample.

Respiratory-related Problems

Catching a cold or cough is a common occurrence in older children. But if your child is three months or younger, a sign of respiratory problems should be alerting. Call the doctor right away to avoid the illness from turning into something more deadly like pneumonia or bronchitis.

Other symptoms, including difficulty in taking a leak or rash, could be harmless. But you may want to call the doctor if the rash becomes skin-deep or signs of unitary tract infection.

Are you searching for the best paediatrician in Noida? Connect with Motherhood Hospital to find the best paediatrician in Noida.