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Joint Pains In Children

A Pediatric Rheumatologist is a specialist who deals with children suffering from arthritis and other connective tissue diseases. Most of these diseases are autoimmune in origin, a condition where our immune system attacks our tissues!

Parents of young children often worry about joint and limb pains in their children and are not sure, whether medical attention is needed. Some of these children may have arthritis and such parents must seek an opinion from a Pediatric Rheumatologist.

Here are some common questions asked to a Pediatric Rheumatologist:

Do we     have to take our child for some tests when they complain of joint &     leg pain?

Do we     need to get an X-ray done to identify the problem?

My child     finds it difficult to walk around and his gait seems different. What     should I do?

Does my     child have arthritis?

When     should I be worried about my child's joint pain problems as a parent?

This article would attempt to address these questions. This will minimize unwarranted anxiety in parents to some extent, and also guide parents as to when should they seek early and effective consultation with the Pediatrician/Rheumatologist for the Best Joint Pain Treatment For Kids In Bangalore.

Growing Pains

During the evening hours, when children are back from school, they frequently complain of limb pains. Throughout the day, they are otherwise active. These children often become cranky during the sleeping hours and continue to shift their legs restlessly. When their legs are massaged, they feel comforted. When they wake up in the morning, they do not have any complaints. No swelling is seen in any of the joints. These signs point to what we refer to as "growing pains."

These are pains noted in growing children, as the name suggests. They are a part and parcel of the normal development of many kids. Some of these children may have a Vitamin D deficiency which a pediatrician can easily treat. When kids mature into their teens, these pains subside. For these children, any blood test or x-ray is not necessary.

Arthritis

It is important to know when it is urgent to obtain advice about joint pain. If a child has the following joint pain issues, they must be treated as "warning signs" and urgent consultation and proper assessment are required.

Joint     swelling: If the child reports of pain and there is joint swelling/ warmth     across the joints.

Morning     stiffness: It is difficult for a child to move in the early morning hours     when he/she wakes up with joint pains or limps while walking, but gets     better as the day passes.

Fever     with joint pain: Fever and joint pain may be caused by a viral infection     (dengue/chikungunya). However, it may sometime be due to a sinister     underlying disease (blood cancer).

Joint     pain with skin rashes: These needs urgent evaluation. This may be due to a     simple viral fever or occasionally due to an underlying disease affecting     blood vessels (called ‘vasculitis’ in medical terms).

Loss of     weight or poor appetite.

Children can also develop rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory arthritis) in the same way as adults, which may cause permanent joint damage. We call it “Juvenile Arthritis” in children. These kids complain of joint pain and often have one or more joints that swell. Pain and stiffness in the morning hours are worse. They develop deformities if not treated in time. It is important to note that parents frequently seek an orthopedic opinion on such issues, though there is no orthopedic problem. These children must be properly assessed by Paediatricians and Paediatric Rheumatologists. Further, they should get blood tests and need long term medical attention.

Few health tips to keep your child’s joints and muscles strong:

Vitamins     and minerals rich food: Diet must include fresh fruits and vegetables. For     those who consume a non-vegetarian diet, fish liver oil is a good source     of vitamins required for bone health. Let your child consume them daily.

Drink     plenty of water: It is good to have 1-2 litres of water every day, it     helps avoid muscle aches. Further, this helps in proper digestion and     limits constipation; thus water is crucial for a healthy living.

30 min     walk/ jog daily for a minimum of 5 days/week.

Developing healthy habits in the daily routines from childhood will help keep your child fit for years.

Get in touch with Best Pediatric Immunologist and Rheumatologist in Bangalore.

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Importance Of Good Diet And Health

Health is the top priority in everybody's life.

Where do we really live our lives ...? The answer is - Our body. It is the only place we live from birth until death. We can change our city, state, country, or even continent and we can live our lives but not our bodies. We have no alternative place to live. Therefore, protecting the only body and mind we have is at most crucial to us.

Some people have lived their life like, For example,

1. 108 years old Fauja Singh is known to be the world’s oldest marathon. At the age of 89, he took up competitive running and completed it at a distance of 42.16 km in 5 hours 40 mins and 4 seconds in the year 2000 when he was 92 years old. Now, he is healthy and disease-free at the age of 108. Now at the age of 108, he is healthy and has no disease. He is a strict vegetarian

2. Adnan Sami reduced weight from 206 kgs to 76 kgs with his dedication to diet and lifestyle changes in 11 months.

Hence the message says "You look what you are''.

Acceptance or rejection of obesity and aging is the mindset. Mindsets can range from "Live to eat" to "Eat to live". It is up to us to choose the way we live and look. It is not only what we eat but why we eat is the question we ask ourselves? The primary goal of any existence on earth is "to live, reproduce and evolve."

Three whites in our food are the killers

1) White rice 2) Sugar 3) Salt.

For primitive animals survival itself is a major challenge, because they are subject to the strict rule of natural selection, which is "survival of the fittest." Owing to natural selection, an obese lion or a severely wounded animal has no life. Yet in many cases, humans have somehow bypassed this rule and escaped from it by building homes to protect them from adverse climatic changes.

Perhaps storing enough food during the year to prevent food scarcity. Nature has thus taken a different direction to bring people under natural selection and therefore human beings are now victims of sedentary life and other health issues depending on lifestyle.

Living organisms, including humans, require 3 main survival ingredients:

1) Air 2) Water 3) Food.

Above all, air requirement is first and foremost. Food demand is, therefore, less so in terms of quantity. Yet people have made it reverse and are consuming more and more food and less air.

Our stomach has much greater capacity compared with the body's requirement. Hence we should eat less, and not fill the stomach. Any extra food that goes into the stomach will be processed and added to the fat stores if not used by the body.

Fat so it remains in the subcutaneous tissue remains more or less inert and is of cosmetic value. But when the same fat enters the viscera or the blood vessel it causes chronic inflammation and ultimately disease. Hence cardiovascular diseases are considered to be inflammatory. So the question is do you feel hungry even after getting enough food?

Some people are more craving for food. Vegetarians have been seen to live longer than non-vegetarians. so generally to be vegetarian is recommended. Heavy eaters have a short life span compared with light eaters. In a Debamita Chatterjee experiment in mice, it was shown that a low carbohydrate diet harbors a distinct population of gut microorganisms that help prolong life. This is the same as the probiotic theory.

The three whites in our food are killers:

·      White rice

·      Sugar

·      Salt

Ragi and Jowar have been known to be a very good staple food. Maida flour is bleached with a chemical called "alloxan" which results in diabetes and cancer in a person. Among non-vegetarian food, sea fish is superior.

Lean protein is also good for your health. Among the fatty acids, Omega-3 is anti-inflammatory and Omega-6 is a pro-inflammatory. It is advisable to avoid oils that contain a high amount of saturated fats, trans fats, and how many times a person should eat? The answer to this question is 5-6 mini-meals a day.

Fat and carbohydrates are usually the ones in our diet which are easily stored in the body. Therefore it is best to eat small quantities of carbohydrates and fat. Proteins, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements are the nutrients that are not easily stored, and hence it should be consumed in sufficient amounts daily. Seek advice from Top Dietitian Nutritionists In Bangalore at Aster CMI Hospital in Hebbal.

Our body assimilates food that is homogeneous to the structural framework of our body. Therefore, we need to eat what is homogeneous to our body so that whatever we consume reaches the endpoint of cell metabolism, i.e., mitochondrial metabolism, and does not get trapped in and stored between. In that case, our body will become a dustbin with heavy deposits.

Every meal that we eat should have 5 parts in the appropriate proportion to call it a balanced diet. It has been seen that an obese person has fewer oxygen stores in his body and hence desaturates much earlier than his normal-weight counterpart. It is an experience by all the healthcare professionals that it is difficult to treat an obese person compared to the normal weight. Due to chronic starvation for centuries Indian genes have gone into a mode of storing the food in our body and managing the BMR (Basal metabolic rate) low.

Therefore it is easier to be half-starved due to our genetic nature. Compared with controlled feeding, overfeeding causes leptin and insulin resistance. A person with insulin resistance cells remains an inflammatory amount of Omega-6s. All stated and done, no oil is good for health in higher-quantity. Healthy young adults are allowed to eat less than 33 grams of oil a day, which is less than 1 liter per month. Rotation of the kind of oil has shown to be cardioprotective.

Drinking plenty of water keeps you healthy. Eating food with higher potassium and low on sodium keeps diseases away. We should include at least 25% of our food which is uncooked, like green salads, sprouts, and fruits.

We should also eat live food because we are alive, and not cook it and kill much of its nutrients before eating it. A healthy intestine is essential for a healthy body. Food consumed must be flushed out of the system in the next 24 hours i.e., less than 24 hours of gut transit time. It is possible by having high fiber and water in your diet.

An indicator of diseases to come is a persistent high colored urine and hard stools. It takes 20 minutes for the brain to realize that the stomach is sufficiently full. So eating slowly is a healthier way to go about it. TV viewing during a meal has been well reported to be associated with a higher prevalence of obesity and related diseases. Obesity is the mother of all lifestyle disorders and hence our goal should be to keep obesity away. Sleeping for about 7 hours a day is important, as the body sets its hormones and the whole system to get back to work by the next morning.

It is recommended to perform the regular exercise of around 22 to 25 days in a month. 60 minutes a day of which a balanced person is recommended for around 30 minutes of aerobic exercise. It is necessary not only to have a healthy body but also a healthy mind.

Yoga is one of the best ancient methods known to mankind, helps to keep a person self-fit and rejuvenated. Nowadays, worldwide, Yoga is believed as the most important way to limit diseases and not to just achieve a disease-free body, but also have positive wellness and spirit in life.

The total amount of blood in the entire body at any given point of time is equal to the blood flowing in the chest cavity alone. It is one of the reasons why breathing in any yoga pose has such a prominent place. It is believed by Yogis that breaths are the connecting relation between the body and the soul. Everybody thinks of changing the world, but nobody wants to change himself or herself.

Non-communicable diseases typically account for 35 percent of any OPD. Up to 60 percent of deaths in society are due to diseases linked to non-communicable and lifestyle. Hence, having a healthy lifestyle is of utmost importance to avoid these diseases. 25 percent of Chennai's population is estimated to be already diabetic. Thus it is estimated that 50 percent of the population of India will be diabetic by 2050.

We can not build a strong Nation with 50 percent of the sick population. So prevention is the most cost-effective solution to the problem. Indian population has been working hard for a healthy lifestyle environment. Yet recently we are also moving rapidly towards lifestyle-related diseases. Let us proceed but not get derooted from our core values with the world. Our values are our strength.

Get in touch with Aster CMI hospital which is one among the Best Dietitian and Nutrition Hospital in Bangalore.

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What makes Handwriting so difficult?

Handwriting is an effective occupational skill for school-age children. Writing skills in the standard Indian school setting is considered for more than 50 percent.

Bad handwriting in some cases is a sign of eccentricity too. Bad and messy handwriting is a sign of high-intelligence, meaning your pen cannot keep up with your brain. So, don't despair if you have an ugly handwriting. Creative handwriting belongs to people who are highly creative and exceptional in one way or another.

Ugly handwriting is always individualistic because this type of writer is an independent thinker. You will notice that this writer does not always fit in with the expectations of society.

Ugly handwriting often goes with creativity too. In fact, many writers, authors and journalists have handwriting that goes in all directions suggesting that they seem to be scanning the skies with their antennae and pulling in ideas from everywhere.

So, if you class yourself as a writer with bad handwriting don’t despair! Some of the worst handwriting has belonged to writers who were highly creative or exceptional people in one way or another.  Beethoven and Napoleon had awful handwriting and Freud’s handwriting was quite ghastly!

 Without a doubt, it is a crucial skill that every child needs to acquire, which encourages learning and adjustment between grades by recognizing any difficulties in writing skills in school children and addressing them on time.

Handwriting is an art that involves fine movements of the hand, written language, and cognitive function. Dysgraphia is a psychiatric term describing hand movements difficulty, it is well known that many children with hand movements difficulty are identified late and sometimes mislabeled not to be involved in studies.

In a general cohort of children in any school, children from low socio-economic status might have greater challenges in picking up skills without regular demonstration of the ability. Moreover, compared to girls in the same class, boys seem to be lagging behind in acquiring this ability. This is what most teachers vouch for. Until they enter high school, this disparity remains.

Dysgraphia may be due to inherited neurological disorders or can be due to acquired neurological disorder, such as developmental coordination disorder.

Regardless of the cause, in educational progress, children with these difficulties lag behind as they are occupied in their struggle to hold the pen or pencil right, make the writing legible and strive to keep up with the speed of their classmates. The learning component often gets lost in this process.

From nursery or kindergartens, the foundation of the writing ability is set, maturing in grasp shifts between the ages of 3 and 6 while children are in the nursery. The early, immature grasp known as "fisting" grasp must mature to an effective grasp of "dynamic tripod." There are several other pencil/pen grip methods between immature and mature grasp, which can differ with each child.

There are many extrinsic components that can influence handwriting, the sitting position of the child, the height of the desk, the way they carry their forearm, and the book's position makes writing a multi-dimensional ergonomic ability in relation to their posture.

Early detection and intervention, like anything else, can reduce or even amend these mistakes until they begin to affect their learning process. There are several goal scales that can be used by qualified physiotherapists or occupational therapists in assessment and suggestions for remedial measures.

In addition, if a neurologist's input is needed, if there is a neurological condition that makes handwriting difficult. Get in touch with the Best Pediatric Neurology hospital in Bangalore to avail comprehensive medical care for your child.

The above data is based on the premise that the child has normal vision and there are no difficulties with sensory integration, which makes writing more difficult if present. Writing is an important skill that is crucial to school success, but also in adults, it is a vital skill. Illegible handwriting can create obstacles to learning fine motor skills of a higher order. Despite computers, cell phones, and other digital devices excluding the younger generation from writing, communication skills that surpass all other modes remain essential.

"Ask yourself which one of these will make you happy in your heart," A nice letter written on a decent handwritten paper or an email? Therefore, it is important to understand and recognize writing skills that have far more impacts than just writing!

Seek medical help from the Pediatric Neurologists in Bangalore, India at Aster CMI Hospital

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Weight Loss Treatment in Bangalore

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Best Maternity Hospital in Hebbal, Bangalore

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Heart Disease in Women

Prevention is always better than cure. If you experience any of the heart disease symptoms it is best to consult a doctor for a medical opinion than assumptions and self-medication. Aster CMI hospital have a Department of Cardiology that functions with a core team of best cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists and pediatric cardiologists in Bangalore. They are one of the Best Heart Hospital in Bangalore. The team is further supported by a team of the best clinical cardiologists, cardiac anesthesiologists, interventional radiologists, cardiac intensivists and rehabilitation therapists working together for the fast recovery of patients.

Most women are busy taking care of everyone else and tend to ignore their health that leads to the threat of heart problems. It is necessary that women prioritize their health and also encourage other women to do so. Following a healthy routine with good eating habits and exercise, heart problems can be reduced and prevented. Heart diseases are the most common causes of death. The symptoms can differ for both men and women. Women can begin to reduce the risks of heart problems by understanding the unique signs and symptoms. 

Symptoms of a Heart attack in women:

Chest pain, discomfort or pressure that lasts for more than a minute are the most common symptoms of a heart attack. But the pain in the chest is not always noticeable symptoms, especially in women as they often confuse it for tightness or pressure. It is possible to have a heart attack without pain in the chest. Some of the other symptoms of heart attack that should be considered in women are:

Unusual Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal

Breathlessness

Severe pain in one or both arms

Nauseating or vomiting feeling 

Unnecessary sweating

Feeling dizzy

Irregular fatigue

Indigestion

The above symptoms might be seen in women while they are resting or even asleep. Emotional stress can be one of the major reasons to trigger a heart attack.  It is important to recognize the symptoms and call immediately for emergency medical help than showing up in emergency rooms after the damage has occurred. Aster CMI Hospital is one of the Top Cardiac Hospital in Hebbal, Bangalore. 

Risk factors of Heart attacks in Women:

High cholesterol, obesity, and high blood pressure are some of the major factors that can cause a heart attack. Other factors that can cause a heart attack are:

Diabetes: Women with diabetes are more prone to develop heart disease because it can change the way you feel pain, you're at greater risk of having a silent heart attack that is without any noticeable symptoms.

Depression and Mental stress: Depression and stress can affect women's heart as makes it difficult to maintain a good lifestyle and follow prescribed treatment.

Smoking: Smoking is a higher risk factor for heart disease in women as it can block blood circulation in the heart. 

Inactivity:  No physical activity can be a major risk factor for heart disease. 

Menopause: Low levels of estrogen after menopause profess a significant risk of developing the disease in the blood vessels.

Pregnancy complications. High blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy increases the mother's long-term risk of high BP and diabetes leading to heart diseases. 

Family history of early heart disease: Family history of early heart disease appears to be a greater risk factor too.

Inflammatory diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other diseases can raise the risk of heart disease.

Ways to reduce risks of a heart attack in Women: 

Women of all ages must consider heart disease seriously, especially women under the age of 65 and Women with a family history of heart diseases. Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of heart disease irrespective of men or women. Some of the healthy strategies that can lessen the chances of heart diseases are:

Quit smoking: Stop smoking and also avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, which will also damage blood vessels.

Exercise regularly: Everyone should moderately exercise, such as brisk walking every day or most days. 

Maintain a healthy weight: Consult a doctor about the minimum or maximum weight is best for you. Maintain the recommended weight to avoid heart problems.

Eat a healthy: Consume whole grains, all kinds of fruits and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, and lean meats. Try to avoid saturated or trans fats, added sugars, and high amounts of salt.

Control stress levels: Stress can cause the arteries to tighten, which can increase the risk of heart disease, especially coronary microvascular disease.

Restrict alcohol: Drinking alcohol daily will have a major effect on the heart and harm the liver as well. It is better to quit drinking alcohol regularly.  

Follow your treatment plan: It is advised to take medications as prescribed by the doctors, such as blood pressure medicines, blood thinners, aspirin, etc.

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7 Ways to improve Immunity in Kids

Immunity refers to our body’s defense system, which defends against bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. The immune system is made up of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs that work together to protect our body against germs and microorganisms. When our body is attacked by viruses, bacteria, fungus or parasite, it (immune system) undergoes a process of fighting the infection and get rid of it. 

There are 3 types of immunity in humans:

Innate Immunity: It refers to in-built body’s barrier to infection, protects you against all antigens. 

Adaptive immunity: This is the second line of defense against infection, which is active and develops throughout our lives.

Passive Immunity: It is referred to as borrowed immunity, which means immunity obtained from another source and lasts for a short time. 

It is important to maintain a good immune system in kids while growing, as it protects them against diseases caused by small invaders such as virus, bacteria and parasites. So, let us look at some healthy habits to improve immunity in kids to help them develop a stronger immunity in a natural way.

Top  7 Ways to improve Immunity in Kids:

Breastfeed your baby: The nutrient-rich content in breast milk contains plenty of antibodies which will help reduce the risk of infections, allergies, urinary tract infections and also sudden infant death syndrome.

Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, omega 3, Carotenoids and Probiotics will build your kid’s immunity system. Some of the food that boost immunity are Leafy Greens, Cruciferous Vegetables, Oranges, Lemons, Clementines, Walnuts, Fish (Salmon & Sardines), Soybeans, Tofu & Shrimps, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Carrots, Broccoli, Pumpkin and yoghurt.

Exercise: It is necessary to do moderate exercise which is a beneficial effect on the natural killer cell system and makes your immune system stronger through stress-reduction. Thus, it is recommended for kids to choose exercise according to their age to make them physically fit and support their immunity.

Sleep time: Sleep deprivation will make your kid more tired and make them more susceptible to illness by reducing natural killer cells. Usually, newborns need 18hours of sleep, toddlers need 12-13hours of sleep and preschool kids need 10hours of sleep. 

Vaccinations: Vaccinations should be given high priority, as they help your child’s immune system to fight against many childhood illnesses. So, it is essential to follow vaccines at certain age and frequency. 

Second-hand smoke: Kids who are exposed to second-hand smoke are more vulnerable to ear infections, bronchitis, coughs, colds and other respiratory problems. So, it is better to keep your home a smoke free to avoid your kid being affected by second-hand smoke. Also, it is important to maintain a clean environment and maintain good hygiene is one of the best ways to keep your kids healthy.

Medication: Avoid frequent use of medications which can weaken the body and suppress the immune system. When your kid falls sick, do not give medicines unless prescribed by the doctor. 

If you want to know the importance of immunity in kids and how to improve it naturally, consult Best child care hospital in hebbal, Bangalore at Aster CMI Hospital.

Aster CMI is one of the best pediatric hospitals in Bangalore offering comprehensive care for pediatrics. With state-of-art techniques and facilities, we have dedicated team of doctors and medical staff to provide the best care for newborns, children and adolescents.

The department of pediatrics comprises of the Best child specialist in hebbal, Bangalore, pediatricians, Neonatologists, Pediatric Intensive Care doctors and nurses who are available round the clock. 

As your kid grows, maintaining good health and hygiene will help them build their immune system stronger to fight against germs. In the meanwhile, I hope that this article will help you know how to improve your kid’s health and boost his/her immunity. 

Talk to our Top Pediatrician in hebbal, Bangalore at https://www.asterbangalore.com/aster-cmi-hebbal

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Cold and flu in children

The monsoon and the changing weather heralds the onset of cough, cold symptoms in many children. If you have nasal congestion, a running nose, or you’re sneezing and coughing, your first thought maybe that you have a cold. These are also signs of allergies. A cold also called “the common cold” is caused by a virus (infections). Many different types of infections are competent for colds. The signs and symptoms may vary; colds generally share some of the same essential components.

Here are some key characteristics of the common cold:

Common Cold has transmitted through virus droplets that a sick person sheds when he coughs or sneezes.

A sore throat along with a running, stuffy nose.

More severe cold can also cause headache, fever and body aches.

Restoration from a cold is usually fast. The normal duration of a cold is 7 to 10 days.

If symptoms last more than a week or two, the virus may have contributed to a more severe virus, such as a sinus infection, pneumonia, or bronchitis.

People with allergies may be more prone to catching a cold.

Flu is a form of cold caused by the flu virus. The flu season generally starts around these months peaking in the winter months. Common symptoms include fever, headache, body pain, cough, cold, tummy upset etc. Flu is a common winter illness for a healthy adult, but for children at risk, it can become severe such as progressing to pneumonia with breathing difficulty, excessive vomiting leading to inadequate oral intake, dehydration and multi-organ involvement. Ex preterm babies are predisposed to severe chest infections for whom early testing and treatment is mandatory.

Specific ways to limit flu in the community are

The flu vaccine, especially to be administered to vulnerable people like small children, elderly, children with asthma, blood, kidney or heart problems in whom flu can become very severe

Contain spread from one person to another by using a face mask, using disposable tissues for secretions, hand sanitizers, not going to a public area like school, office during illness.

Taking adequate rest and plenty of fluids to recover fast along with antivirals prescribed by the doctor.

A child when suspected of flu undergoes specific tests to confirm the virus by doing a nasal swab and started on antivirals. The contacts of the child can be given vaccine within three days of exposure to prevent from developing the disease or given prophylactic antivirals for five days.

Allergies happen when your immune system has a conflicting reaction to some substances. When your body is exposed to an allergy trigger (allergen), your immune system discharges chemicals called histamines. This release of histamines is what causes allergy symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of allergies and colds are sneezing, sore throat, coughing, running nose, nasal congestion, watery eyes. Differentiating cold and allergies is essential as treatment differ, Colds are more likely to cause fatigue, aches and pains, sore throat a fever whereas Allergies are more likely to cause wheezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes, such as hives or eczema. The ‘allergic salute’ in children due to an itchy nose, which they usually rub with an upward hand movement that looks like a salute.

Common allergy triggers can include:

Mould

Animal dander or saliva, such as from a cat or dog

Dust mites

Foods including tree nuts, peanuts, milk, and eggs

Seasonal allergens such as a tree, grass, and weed pollen

If your child has a frequent cough, cold especially in the cold season or cough/breathing difficulty after certain food substances, the primary cause is an allergy of your airways called hyperactive airway disease.

Some general measures to reduce allergies are

To keep your house dust and clutter-free, cleaning should be done when the child is not there, wet mopping to reduce dust particles, cleaning the window panes weekly, a periodic dusting of the carpet, curtains, woollen garments in the sun

No indoor smoke as in cigarette smoking or kitchen smoke, which should be controlled by having good exhaust/ chimney in the kitchen.

Pest control, as cockroach eggs, is known to be allergic.

Avoid exposure to cold air, construction dust etc.

Avoid foods like fried items, sweets, cold drinks or any particular food your child is allergic to.

Moderate exercise, yoga- pranayama (breathing exercises), and eating healthy food like fruits and vegetables reduce allergies and keep you fit in the long run.

If frequent allergies meet your doctor for anti-allergic medications.

There are various medications available to treat allergy based on severity and frequency of symptoms. Seasonal allergies are treated with medications only during a particular period. Medications include anti-allergy pills in the bedtime to nasal sprays for cold. Allergic wheezing is found commonly in Bangalore due to the cold weather, pollution and pollen. All childhood wheezing kids don't become asthmatics when they grow up, a majority of children with wheezing outgrow the ailment after six years. The mainstay of treatment for allergic wheezing kids is using inhaled steroids with a device called spacer. There are myths regarding its side effects and addiction. The dose of the medications used is minimal and goes into the lungs with no side effects on the rest of the body.

Pneumonia is the infection of lungs, commonly caused by bacteria and viruses. Less common types of pneumonia can be caused by fungi, chemical consumption like kerosene, paint thinner etc. It’s a severe illness which is presented by high fever, fast breathing, poor appetite, vomiting and lethargy. The infection is more severe in young children who can have complications like cessation of breathing, fits and blood infection. Some of the pneumonia-causing germs can be prevented by vaccines like the pneumococcal vaccine, which should be given to children less than two years old and in older children who are predisposed to infections.

Some of the other infections which can present as cough, cold and fever are ear infections and sinus infections. Ear infections present with ear pain or irritability and constant crying in a small child and should be suspected when such symptoms are associated with fever. Ear infections are more severe and frequent in young children <2 years, non-breast fed babies, bottle-fed babies. Sinusitis is suspected in an older child with fever and persistent cough and nasal discharge. Sinuses are air-filled spaces in the facial bones which drain into the nose, these infections are treated with prolonged antibiotics and may need a consultation with ENT specialist.

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7 Ways to improve Immunity in Kids

Immunity refers to our body’s defense system, which defends against bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. The immune system is made up of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs that work together to protect our body against germs and microorganisms. When our body is attacked by viruses, bacteria, fungus or parasite, it (immune system) undergoes a process of fighting the infection and get rid of it. 

There are 3 types of immunity in humans:

Innate Immunity: It refers to in-built body’s barrier to infection, protects you against all antigens. 

Adaptive immunity: This is the second line of defense against infection, which is active and develops throughout our lives.

Passive Immunity: It is referred to as borrowed immunity, which means immunity obtained from another source and lasts for a short time. 

It is important to maintain a good immune system in kids while growing, as it protects them against diseases caused by small invaders such as virus, bacteria and parasites. So, let us look at some healthy habits to improve immunity in kids to help them develop a stronger immunity in a natural way.

Top  7 Ways to improve Immunity in Kids:

Breastfeed your baby: The nutrient-rich content in breast milk contains plenty of antibodies which will help reduce the risk of infections, allergies, urinary tract infections and also sudden infant death syndrome.

Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, omega 3, Carotenoids and Probiotics will build your kid’s immunity system. Some of the food that boost immunity are Leafy Greens, Cruciferous Vegetables, Oranges, Lemons, Clementines, Walnuts, Fish (Salmon & Sardines), Soybeans, Tofu & Shrimps, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Carrots, Broccoli, Pumpkin and yoghurt.

Exercise: It is necessary to do moderate exercise which is a beneficial effect on the natural killer cell system and makes your immune system stronger through stress-reduction. Thus, it is recommended for kids to choose exercise according to their age to make them physically fit and support their immunity.

Sleep time: Sleep deprivation will make your kid more tired and make them more susceptible to illness by reducing natural killer cells. Usually, newborns need 18hours of sleep, toddlers need 12-13hours of sleep and preschool kids need 10hours of sleep. 

Vaccinations: Vaccinations should be given high priority, as they help your child’s immune system to fight against many childhood illnesses. So, it is essential to follow vaccines at certain age and frequency. 

Second-hand smoke: Kids who are exposed to second-hand smoke are more vulnerable to ear infections, bronchitis, coughs, colds and other respiratory problems. So, it is better to keep your home a smoke free to avoid your kid being affected by second-hand smoke.

Also, it is important to maintain a clean environment and maintain good hygiene is one of the best ways to keep your kids healthy.

Medication: Avoid frequent use of medications which can weaken the body and suppress the immune system. When your kid falls sick, do not give medicines unless prescribed by the doctor. 

If you want to know the importance of immunity in kids and how to improve it naturally, consult Best child care hospital in hebbal, Bangalore at Aster CMI Hospital.

Aster CMI is one of the best pediatric hospitals in Bangalore offering comprehensive care for pediatrics. With state-of-art techniques and facilities, we have dedicated team of doctors and medical staff to provide the best care for newborns, children and adolescents.

The department of pediatrics comprises of the Best child specialist in hebbal, Bangalore, pediatricians, Neonatologists, Pediatric Intensive Care doctors and nurses who are available round the clock. 

As your kid grows, maintaining good health and hygiene will help them build their immune system stronger to fight against germs. In the meanwhile, I hope that this article will help you know how to improve your kid’s health and boost his/her immunity. 

Talk to our Top Pediatrician in hebbal, Bangalore at https://www.asterbangalore.com/aster-cmi-hebbal

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How to Keep Our Bones Healthy

Bone health depends on multiple factors—including our diet, levels of physical activity and your lifestyle. Did you know that our bones are continuously changing? The bones we gain during our childhood and adolescence is due to a process of “modelling,” where a new bone forms on one end while it is removed from another. Then comes the “remodelling” where most of the bone is removed and made at the same place. This gains bone mass for an individual. Up to the age of about 30, a person’s body makes new bone faster than the old bone breaks down. This is also a reason why the bone mass increases. However, even though after the age of 30 the bone modelling continues, the speed of breakdown is higher—and consistently gets higher as the person gets older—than the formation of new bone. This is the age when a person’s bone mass peaks.

Factors that affect bone health

CALCIUM

If our diet doesn’t have enough calcium, we tend to have decreased bone density, increasing the chances of fractures, and overall bone loss. Our bones need calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones, not just in the prime of a person, but also when they get older. For calcium absorption, our body needs adequate amount of Vitamin D.

ACTIVITY

Studies have proven that high-intensity physical exercise, especially impact sports have, help in gaining overall bone minerals; especially physical activity undertaken during childhood and adolescence. In fact, some of this bone mass is carried on into adulthood as well. People who exercise regularly in adulthood have reduced risk of osteoporosis.

AGE, GENDER AND SIZE

As we get older, our bones get thinner and weaker, but if we are extremely thin with a body mass index of 19 or less, we might have lesser bone mass; this is also true for those with small body frames. Apart from that men have more bone tissue than women, which is why women run a higher risk of osteoporosis, especially as they age.

MEDICINES, SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND HORMONES

There are mixed reviews about certain types of drugs affecting bone health, but research backs the notion that tobacco use weakens bones. Apart from that fluctuating hormones are also a culprit. Malfunctioning thyroid affects bone growth in both genders. Falling estrogen levels at menopause result in women losing bone loss. Low testosterone may result in loss of bone mass in men.

EATING DISORDERS AND OTHER CONDITIONS

Then there are the medical conditions that have an effect on bone health as well. People suffering from anorexia or bulimia run the risk of bone loss. Crohn's disease, Celiac disease and Cushing's disease affects the way body absorbs calcium, which could result in bone loss. Apart from that, people who have undergone stomach surgery (gastrectomy), weight-loss surgery also are at risk of bone loss.

How to keep your bones healthy:

It’s not difficult to take care of your bones. Even though bone loss as you age is inevitable, you can slow down the process by doing the following: Calcium should be an integral part of your diet. Dairy products—milk, cheese, curd, yoghurt—and nuts such as almonds and walnuts are good sources of calcium. In vegetables, broccoli and kale provide calcium. Apart from these, sardines and canned salmon in seafood, and for vegans soy products such as tofu, provide calcium required. If you are unable to include any of these items, please consult your doctor for a calcium supplement. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption in the body. Oily fish such as tuna and sardines, and egg yolks, are good sources of Vitamin D. For vegetarians fortified milk is the way to go. Human body produces vitamin D with the help of sunlight, so go get soak in some son. However, if you think you are deficient, please ask your doctor for supplements. Exercise every day. A bit of regular physical activity in your daily routine, especially weight bearing exercises can help build stronger bones, and slows down bone loss. Visit your doctor. If you are still concerned about the health of your bones, or you are at a risk of osteoporosis, or have had a recent fracture, please consult an orthopedician, who might recommend a bone density test. This test helps the doctor evaluate your bone health and suggest medication or treatment accordingly.

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Radio Surgery

What is Radiosurgery/ Stereotactic Radiosurgery? A Neurosurgeon conceived Radiosurgery/ Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) in 1950 in the treatment of brain tumours. It uses a highly-concentrated dose of radiation to destroy tumour cells and other problems in the brain, lungs, neck, spine, liver, and other parts of the body. SRS works by deforming and destroying the DNA of tumour cells, similar to other forms of radiation. Hence, these cells lose their ability to reconstruct and die. Stereotactic Radiosurgery of the spine and brain can be done in a single session. However, to treat lung, adrenal, liver, and other soft tissue tumours, body radiosurgery is required, which takes multiple sessions (typically three to five).

How is it different from radiotherapy? Both Radiosurgery and radiotherapy use the same type of radiation. However, they are used in different situations and sometimes they complement each other. In cancer, in addition to the mass seen in the imaging (PETCT/MRI), there could be invisible cells spreading from the mass to the surrounding areas for some distance. Radiotherapy, given in small doses every day is used to treat both these groups of cells. Radiosurgery in a focused and targeted fashion is used to handle only the mass seen in imaging and immediately adjacent area. In non-cancer conditions, since the cells do not go to surrounding tissue, radiosurgery is preferred. Stereotactic Radiosurgery can also exclude the surrounding healthy organs or tissues better than radiotherapy. Other benefits of Radiosurgery include:

It uses a unique technique of focusing the radiation in 4D space and time

When used in the brain it is named Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and as Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) when used elsewhere. Recently the use of terminology Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) is preferred in the latter situations.

It takes one to five session to complete, whereas radiotherapy takes one to eight weeks

It acts as a biological knife which “cuts off” cancer cells, and dead cancer cells are placed to breakdown

At Aster CMI Hospital Hebbal, the Radiation Oncology TEAM use Varian True Beam STx with 6DoF Robotic Positioning system. It is an advanced, top of the linear accelerator machine designed to treat tumours in many parts of the body. It is a noninvasive machine that combines a robotic couch (which is capable of 6D motion) and various advanced imaging guidance systems to map the specific area of the patient and the tumour during treatment.

When Radiosurgery is useful? Instead of surgery: Radiosurgery can’t be used in all situations. It’s done when surgery is the treatment of choice, but can’t be implemented due to high risk for surgery, because radiosurgery can be done safely even in elderly patients.

With surgery: Radiosurgery is also supplemented after surgery when some part of the tumour is left behind or to reduce tumour size making it easier to remove with surgery.

With radiotherapy: It can also be used after IMRT/IGRT when a portion of the tumour is still present. Sometimes, it makes sense to use radiotherapy for visible and invisible cell extensions and finally deliver within 2-3 sittings of radiosurgery to the visible portion of cancer (radiosurgery boost).

Alone: If the cancer is in the earlier stage, radiosurgery alone can be used as a treatment option.

Non-cancerous conditions: It’s also used in non-cancer conditions, especially in brain lesions when surgery is not possible or to help the surgery.

What are the recent developments in Radiosurgery? In all the below-given situations timing and a proper combination are essential.

Radiosurgery is used nowadays even in early-stage 4 cancers

Radiosurgery can be used as a treatment option when one or a few numbers of metastases (oligo-metastases) are present in any part of the body.

It’s also be used when one or few metastases remain after completion of chemotherapy cycles.

Cancer may be present in several parts of the body when chemotherapy/immunotherapy is started. After chemotherapy many times when the response is effective, smaller size tumours might disappear. In this situation, when the tumour remains only in a few locations, radiosurgery is useful.

Recently, a combination of chemo-immunotherapy or immunotherapy with radiosurgery is found to cause an abscopal effect. That means, when radiosurgery is done in some part of the body with immunotherapy, visible tumours or invisible tumours elsewhere in the body might regress or disappear.

It can be combined with treatments, such as RFA or Microwave ablation for improved control.

What are the Conditions Treated? Around 50 years ago, Stereotactic Radiosurgery was discovered as a noninvasive and safer treatment option to treat tumours without an incision in the skull, skin, and membranes surrounding the brain and brain tissue.

The Radiosurgery as a new technique becomes popular to treat a variety of neurological and other conditions, such as:

Brain tumour: Benign and malignant brain tumours may be treated using Stereotactic Radiosurgery. It also helps in treating the cancers that have spread from other parts of the body to the brain (brain metastases).

Trigeminal neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia causes chronic pain, which transfers sensory information between the brain and areas of your cheek, forehead, and lower jack.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery helps in reducing these pain signals.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM): An AVM occurs when there is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels. It may disrupt normal blood flow and cause stroke or bleeding.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery blocks the AVM and helps the affected blood vessels to close off over time.

Acoustic neuroma: An acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma is a noncancerous cell that grows on the vestibular and hearing, leading from the inner ear to the brain. It can lead to loss of balance, hearing loss, ringing in the ear, and dizziness. As it grows, it affects the muscle movement of the face and sensations.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery may help in reducing the size of an acoustic neuroma and risk of permanent damage of nerve.

Pituitary tumours: Pituitary gland are responsible for controlling hormones in the body that control other functions such as growth, stress response, sexual function, and metabolism. Pituitary gland tumours are not cancer but can lead to severe problems.

Radiosurgery may help in shrinking the tumour and reduce the disruption of pituitary hormone regulation.

Other cancers: It may also be used to treat tumours of the lung, liver, kidney, spine and recurrent cancers.

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Best Neurosurgeons in Bangalore-Book an appointment online now with the leading Chief of Neurosciences and Lead Consultant Neurosurgery, Dr. Ravi Gopal Varma at Aster CMI

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Aster CMI is the best hospital for neurosurgery with best neurosurgeons and neurologists in Bangalore, India. We offer state of the art technological treatment for neurological disorders like deep brain stimulation(DBS), Brain tumor, stroke spine surgeries. We have the best-qualified Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, and Radiologists who provide the best treatment for spine-related problems

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Why is a constant health check-up essential for Pregnancy?

The first three months are marked by rapid physical changes in the pregnant woman’s body and also the early development of the baby in the womb. The mother finds changes like tenderness of the breast, and tiredness with nausea. Morning sickness is a normal condition. In case of the baby,  this is the time when the significant development of the baby happens. Different organs of the body like the brain, the heart, and the spinal cord develops, and the heart starts to beat.  

This is also the time when most of the complications develop, and there is a high risk of miscarriage. About 1 of every 4 pregnancy results in miscarriage. This is why doctors advise a lot of caution.

In this stage the doctor has to do a thorough examination to confirm the pregnancy, the baby’s heartbeat, chances of multiple pregnancies, examine the wellness of the mother’s womb to see everything is in healthy condition, confirm for any abnormalities.

Screening and tests that are conducted in the First Trimester to ensure:

Blood count and urine test of the mother

Monitoring the mother’s blood pressure

Measure the height and weight and recommend one in accordance with BMI

Test for anemia, HIV, and other health possibilities

A detailed medical history of the parents

Suggest appropriate diets and exercises

Monitor the baby’s growth and heartbeat or any abnormalities

Check the womb and pelvic area condition for the whole birth process.

2.  Second Trimester and the importance of health check-up:

The second trimester is when changes occur in the body, and the pregnancy becomes more real as the changes are visible. The mother is almost halfway through the pregnancy. The baby slowly develops into its form, so this is the time when the is monitoring for any anomalies to problems in the body. At this stage the baby starts to move inside so we begin to notice these movements, commonly called as kicks.

Screening and tests that are conducted in the Second Trimester to ensure:

Scan the fetus for any abnormalities

Check for any placenta related issues that might affect the pregnancy

Monitor for any congenital birth issues like down syndrome

Any problems in the ovaries or uterus

Measure the cervix to consider a normal birth or a cesarean.

 3.  Third Trimester and the importance of health check-up:

By the third trimester, the baby is almost ready to come out and be a part of the world. But this is also the stage when the pregnancy is the most taxing for the mother. The mother may experience swollen ankles and severe backache with some significant anxiety as the date nears. As the time of the pregnancy nears, there is a bit of discomfort in the pelvic area.

Screening and tests that are conducted in the Third Trimester to ensure:

Screening and tests for this time are same as that of the second trimester. Through these test, the physician monitors to see if the birth can be a natural one or it need a c section.

Post pregnancy or postpartum health check-up:

Once the child has had a healthy delivery, it is also vital to go with the health of the mother post delivery. Is the mother getting enough rest? Is she eating the right food? All of this is of primary concern and need an equal amount of care as the care of the newborn baby. Virginal care is also an essential part of the postpartum health care.

Pregnancy is an essential chapter in our lives. It is a moment of joy and celebration. However, there are many risks involved that can lead to complications in both the mother and the unborn child. All of this can be avoided by having a regular health check-up and discussion with the doctor throughout the process.

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Vaccinations for a healthier and happier future

The world around us is full of organisms that can cause harm to the human body. What keeps our bodies safe from these external threats? The body is protected by a defense system called the immune system. The immune system consists of a wide range of defense processes and functions that protects the body from disease. The primary function of the immune system is to identify threats and create antibodies to eradicate them.

This antibody system is the basis of vaccination. A vaccination works by introducing an inactive or weakened pathogen (harmful organism) into the body to trigger the immune system into making antibodies to fight the pathogen. Once the antibodies are generated, the pathogen cannot affect the body in the future, thus protecting the person from infection.

Vaccinations have been proven to be the best defense against infectious diseases. The first vaccine was developed to fight Smallpox. After the vaccine was developed, it helped to completely eradicate the Smallpox disease worldwide.

Types Of Vaccines

Vaccines can be made in a number of ways. Factors that play a role in the types of vaccines include the immune response, the people that need the vaccination, and the best way to create an effective vaccine.

Based on this, there are four main types of vaccines:

Live-attenuated vaccines

These types of vaccines use a weakened form of the pathogen or disease-causing organism. Since they use the form of the organism that is most similar to the natural state, these vaccines are very strong and have long-lasting effects.

These vaccines are made by growing the pathogen in a lab and disabling the harmful effects. This way the vaccine cannot cause the infection itself but it still triggers the immune response and antibody production. Live vaccines are usually made for viruses, but can also be used for bacterial diseases such as measles, mump, and rubella (MMR vaccine).

Other live-attenuated vaccines include the Influenza, Chickenpox, and Rotavirus vaccines.

Inactivated or Killed vaccines

This type of vaccinations contain dead or inactive strains of pathogens. The germs are killed using heat or other such techniques before being incorporated into a vaccination.

Since the pathogens in these vaccines are dead, they are not as strong as live vaccines. Hence repeat immunizations or booster doses may be needed to maintain immunity.

Examples of inactive vaccines include the Polio vaccine, Rabies vaccine, and Hepatitis A vaccine.

Toxoid or inactivated toxin vaccine

Instead of incorporating microorganisms that cause diseases, these types of vaccines are made from toxins that cause illnesses. This activates an antibody response to the specific disease-causing toxin instead of the entire pathogen.

These vaccines target diseases that are not caused by a virus or bacteria itself, but rather by the toxins or substances released by the pathogen in the body. Toxoid vaccines include the diphtheria and tetanus vaccinations, which are given together as a combination vaccine (DTP- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine).

Subunit or Conjugate vaccines

Subunit vaccines use a protein subunit from a disease-causing organism instead of the organism itself. Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and meningococcal vaccines are types of subunit vaccines.

Vaccination Schedules

Vaccination schedules are used to properly immunize people at the correct age and at appropriate intervals if needed, so as to provide maximum immunity against diseases.

Vaccination schedules cover everyone from infants and children to adults and certain vulnerable populations.

Most vaccinations are given to young babies and toddlers. The first vaccine to be administered is usually the 6-in-1 vaccine that protects against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Influenza, Whooping cough, and Hepatitis B. This is given 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Other infant vaccines include Pneumococcal vaccine, Rotavirus vaccine, and Meningitis vaccine.

At one year of age, a child is given the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) which is very important since measles is very contagious and can even be lethal.

Beyond that, children require intermittent vaccinations for Influenza, and booster doses for Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping cough, and Polio.

These booster doses are repeated during the teenage years, along with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls.

Vaccination for at-risk people include the Chickenpox vaccine, Tuberculosis (BCG) vaccine, and the Hepatitis B vaccine. Travel to certain countries also requires adults to get vaccinations such as the yellow fever vaccine.

Vaccinations are our most reliable shield against lethal and life-threatening disease. Despite the controversy surrounding vaccination in certain circles, there is no scientific basis to disprove the use of vaccines whereas the benefits are clearly noticeable and well documented. Arm yourself with the facts and get vaccinated.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccination

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/how-vaccines-work/?tabname=all-about-vaccinations

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/childhood-vaccines-timeline/

https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/types/index.html

https://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/different-types-vaccines

http://www.immune.org.nz/vaccines/vaccine-development/brief-history-vaccination

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune_system

https://carrington.edu/blog/medical/vaccines/different-types-of-vaccines/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccine#Types