Newborn Care Week: Why breastfeeding is important for your baby

New Born Care Week is celebrated every year in India from 15^th to 21^st November. The objective behind this day is to generate awareness to improve health of newborn and child survival. According to statistics, out of every 1000 newborn babies, 70 die during the first year in India. In the last decade, however, infant mortality rate has declined but it is still very high. One of the reasons behind high mortality rate is lack of proper breastfeeding which makes babies vulnerable to infections and diseases. First time mothers don’t know the importance of breastfeeding or the right technique to breastfeed. Discussed below are certain points which throw light on why breastfeeding is good for an infant’s growth.

• Breast milk which is custom-made by each mother for her own baby is the best food to help your baby to grow and develop. It contains ideal quantities of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals. Breast milk contains invaluable antibodies that help prevent disease and may minimise the risk of your baby developing infections. The first milk called Colostrum offer vital protections against harmful bacteria.
• Studies have found a strong link between breastfeeding and higher IQ levels. Mothers who provide proper breastfeeding to their babies are likely to attain higher IQ levels when compared to those not receiving adequate breast milk.
• Breast milk is always safe, fresh and at the right temperature. It’s readily available for the baby and you don’t have to heat it, boil water, or sterilise bottles. Since breast milk is always with you, travelling and shopping with your baby is simpler.
• Proper breastfeeding provides a measure of protection against breast cancer, ovarian cancer and weak bones later in life, as per studies. Breastfeeding also helps mother shed post-pregnancy weight. Exclusive breastfeeding may also delay the return of menstruation for a little while.    
• The closeness and comfort of breastfeeding strengthens the bond with your baby.
• WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the baby for the first 6 months. After completing 6 months, baby should be given a variety of foods in addition to breast milk, which continues to provide nutrition and protection. 

Breastfeeding is natural, but learning the right process may require a little time and patience. It’s best to consult your gynaecologist who will help you in this regard.   

Basic knowledge on diabetes

Why should we care about Diabetes?

Diabetes is a very common disorder to an extent that up to 12% of population in Delhi is diabetic and another 15-20 % is pre-diabetic. Diabetes is a disorder with very serious consequences if not treated well. And it is very costly to treat diabetic complications than to prevent them. The problem with diabetes is that it affects quality of life much more than quantity of life.

What causes Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach, does not produce enough of the hormone insulin, or the body can’t use insulin properly due resistance to its action.

What is pre-diabetes?

In Pre-diabetes, person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Pre-diabetes is also known as Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) or Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG)

What are different types of Diabetes Mellitus?

Type 1

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas makes very little or no insulin. This form of the disease is most often seen in children. 

Type 2

Body is resistant to the action of insulin, meaning it cannot use insulin properly, so it cannot carry sugar into the cells.

Other types

Gestational Diabetes (occurring in pregnant females) and secondary forms of diabetes like pancreatic DM.

What are the Risk factors for developing Diabetes Mellitus?

Main risk factors for developing diabetes are:

• Being overweight
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of diabetes
• History of gestational diabetes
• Age
• Ethnic/racial background
• African
• Hispanic/Latino
• Native American
• Asian

What are the symptoms that should alert you to see your doctor?

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Constant hunger
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue, or a feeling of being tired
• Frequent fungal infections
• Very slow healing of wounds or sores

What can be the serious long-term problems due to diabetes?

Diabetes can affect your entire organ systems including:

• Eyes: Decreased vision and even blindness.
• Kidney disease: Change in size and function of kidneys which can result in decrease in urine output and swelling of body.
• Nervous system: Diabetes can result in stroke (weakness of some part of body like left/right hand or leg), abnormal sensation in both feet which can extend to arms also and eventually lead to complete loss of sensations.
• Heart: Diabetes, if uncontrolled, can lead to heart attacks.
• Diabetic foot: Diabetes is leading cause of non-traumatic foot amputations. A combination of loss of sensation and decreased blood supply to your feet make it more prone to trauma and subsequent infection.

Why should I treat my Diabetes?

Keeping your glucose levels close to normal will greatly lower your chances of developing long-term complications.

If you already have complications, keeping your glucose levels close to normal will help keep these problems from getting worse.

What are goals of Diabetes Treatment?

Goals of treatment in Diabetes are two-fold

• Control of your blood sugar, so that you do not have symptoms like weight loss, increased urination etc.
• Early identification and treatment of diabetic complications like eye disease, heart disease and kidney disease

What is HbA1c?

HbA1c stands for Glycosalated haemoglobin or Glycated haemoglobin. HbA1c is also called as the blood test with a memory. It gives a person’s average blood glucose control for 2-3 month period before the test.

What are the tests that are required to monitor Diabetes progression?

Tests for Diabetes can be divided into three tiers according to frequency^*:

• On Daily basis: Blood sugar with glucometer
• Every Three Monthly: HbA1c, Blood glucose from lab, Lipid profile
• Every yearly: Haemogram, LFTs, KFTs, Urine evaluation, HbA1c, Lipid Profile, Eye checkups, foot examination

* Frequency can vary as per your doctor’s discretion.

How should I manage my Diabetes?

Management of diabetes involves three main components.

• Diet
• Exercise
• Medication (oral or insulin 

Children’s Day 2016: Helping the poor children is the need of the hour

Children’s Day is celebrated every year in India on 14^th November. The day is celebrated as the birthday of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. India houses million of poor children who have to struggle day and night to meet their ends. They have to run from pillar to post to get the basics in life- food, water, clothing and shelter. Hence, it becomes the responsibility of every Indian citizen to help these poor children. Here are some ways in which you can contribute your bit.

Donate to an NGO: NGOs provide an ideal platform for underprivileged children to march ahead in life. These organisations help deprived children with learning opportunities, access to quality medical care, protection from abuse and harm, etc. The objective is to empower poor children of India to grow up into mature, healthy and skilled adults who can take the country to the next level.

Raise funds for children: If you’re really passionate in working for the poor children, go a step beyond donating to an NGO. You can effectively use your social presence and organise various fundraising activities. This includes marathons, social events, concerts, campaigns etc. You can also raise funds through Crowd Funding.  

Volunteer with a charity: It’s always good that besides giving your money, you provide your crucial time and efforts to the cause. There are plenty of opportunities. You can teach children at an NGO’s learning centre or take up a job that helps children in multiple ways. You can conduct enrolment drives for slum children and help them reach schools. If you’re a student, you can pick an internship with an NGO where you can get hands-on training on how social welfare projects are carried out on the ground.

Raise your voice for the cause: Spreading the word and encouraging others to come up is equally important in helping the poor children. It holds importance because if people know and understand the cause there are more chances of them getting involved in the process. Be the torch-bearer for underprivileged children.

There are different methods by which one can make a contribution towards helping the needy children. It’s you who can bring the change in the society. After all, educated children are the backbone of a strong nation.   

Lazoi Team wishes you happy Children's Day 2016! 

World Diabetes Day: Information on the silent killer

World Diabetes Day is observed around the world on 14^th November. The objective of this day is to spread the awareness about increasing number of people being affected by diabetes. This day emphasises the need to have proper education on the risk factors of diabetes along with its prevention and treatment. World Diabetes Day is also celebrated as the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin and used it on humans for the first time.

Diabetes is slowly becoming a silent killer across the globe and it is spreading its roots at an alarming pace in India (65 million diabetics). In 2010, this figure was 50.8 million. According to the World Health Organisation, by 2030, diabetes will be 7th leading cause of death. The occurrence of diabetes for all age-groups around the world is estimated to be 4.4% in 2030, a rise from 2.8% in 2000. Increase in the number of diabetics is because of population growth, ageing, urbanisation, lack of exercises and increase in obese people.

Three forms of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes or Juvenile Diabetes

In this type of diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Type 1 Diabetes, also referred to as Insulin-Dependent Diabetes is the most common disorder diagnosed in children. A balanced diet, regular exercise and timely insulin intake can help lead a normal life.

Type 2 Diabetes or Adult Diabetes

In this type of diabetes, the body does not produce insulin in appropriate measure which is known as insulin resistance. In the beginning, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time it will not be able to make enough insulin to keep your blood sugar levels at bay. Typically, type 2 diabetes is the result of excess body fat and physical inactivity. Healthy diet, regular physical activity and shedding extra body weight helps in maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

Gestational Diabetes

This type of diabetes affects women during pregnancy, normally around the 24^th week. In gestational diabetes, pancreas work extra to produce insulin, but the insulin does not lower your blood glucose levels. So the extra blood glucose goes through the placenta giving the baby high blood glucose levels. This causes the baby's pancreas to make extra insulin to get rid of the blood glucose. 

Treatment for all types of diabetes is available. Type 1 diabetes lasts a lifetime, there is no known cure. Type 2 usually lasts a lifetime; however, some people have managed to get rid of their symptoms without medication, through a combination of exercise, diet and body weight control. 

One thing that every diabetic need to do is to undergo regular tests and monitoring to ensure that all the vital parameters are normal. However, a strict approach is needed to address the diabetes epidemic.

Unable to lose weight post delivery- Try these tips

Welcoming a new member in the family is an awesome emotion. On one side, a mother is filled with joy of bringing a cute little angel in the world, while on the other side she is anxious about whether she’ll be able to lose weight and cope with post-pregnancy hormonal changes. During and after pregnancy, a woman gains weight, which is completely normal.

Putting on weight during pregnancy is crucial as the baby requires the right nutrition and it is under developing stage. Post delivery, mothers are on a look-out for methods which can help them shed extra fat. After going through rigours of childbirth, women can use these tips to reduce but only after consultation with their gynaecologist.

Bring regulation in your diet

It is critical for mothers to eat a balanced diet as they have to breastfeed the baby. It is essential to keep a tab on what you consume as it will affect the milk formation. Therefore, your diet must contain high nutrients such as fruits, whole grains, green vegetables, lean meat etc. Avoid aerated drinks at any cost. Limit the amount of sugar in your tea or coffee. This will assist in losing weight.

Exercise

Strenuous exercise is not the need of the hour but an easy walk in the morning/evening can help you to lose weight if you steadily for few kilometres. This implies that minimum of 20 minute walk is required if you wish to burn fat. Other options include cycling, swimming or games like badminton or squash.

Yoga

Yoga under supervision can bear fruitful results for you and that too swiftly. Yoga can rid all anxiety issues which often perturb new mothers. The onus is upon you to ensure that these workouts are regular and consistent.

Drink Lots of Water

Consuming large quantities of water is known to regulate the flow of milk and simultaneously helps in removing body fat. Gynaecologists recommend 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Weight loss post delivery is something that should not give you headaches. However, practice your weight loss program through appropriate consultation and management.

World Pneumonia Day: Everything you want to know about Pneumonia

World Pneumonia Day is observed on November 12^th each year around the world. The objective behind this day is to encourage people to spread awareness about the prevention, treatment and generate action to fight the disease. Though, children killed due to pneumonia have gone down but still there’s lack of knowledge among the masses. Here’s how to prevent pneumonia.

Currently, there is no vaccine which can prevent all forms of pneumonia. At present, there are two pneumococcal vaccines in the market. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or PCV is suggested for children under 5. Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or PPSV is suggested for children who are at least 2 or older with a compromised immune system. Additionally, the vaccine can also administered to adults who are at an increased risk of getting pneumonia. The vaccine can be given if you:

• Are above 65 years of age
• Are a chain smoker
• Consume alcohol in large quantity
• Suffer from diseases such as diabetes, asthma, lung disease, or heart disease
• Have cirrhosis of the liver
• Have HIV/AIDS, damaged spleen or kidney failure
• Have sickle cell disease
• Have cochlear implants
• Are receiving cancer treatment such as chemotherapy

Pneumonia vaccination will not prevent all forms of pneumonia. However, it will minimise the chances of getting life-threatening complications. Other vaccines used to prevent pneumonia include measles, flu and chickenpox vaccination.

How to treat pneumonia effectively

The knowledge of how to treat pneumonia is equally important with that of how to prevent pneumonia. The treatment of pneumonia involves the prevention of symptoms and cure of the infection. If you are suffering from community-acquired pneumonia, then this can be treated at home with the right medicines. The symptoms will ease after a few days or weeks, although the feeling of tiredness may remain for a month or so. The treatment of pneumonia depends on the type and extremity of the condition, patients' age and overall health. The treatment options may include:

• Antibiotics: These medicines are effectively used when pneumonia is caused by bacteria. Although it may take some time to identify the type of bacteria that causes your infection, the doctor will be in a position to choose the best antibiotic to treat it. If symptoms persist, then a change in medication may be required.
• Medicines for cough: This is a medicine used to reduce a cough so that the patient can have enough rest. A cough plays an essential role in removing fluid from the lungs, so it should not be eliminated completely.
• Pain Killers: You may take pain killers to ease pressure and discomfort, including ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen among others.

Common Myths about Getting a flat Belly

Clinical and sports nutritionist Shwetha Bhatia says that one of the common misconceptions that people have when it comes to exercising belly fat is that spot reduction is the answer. “People believe they can achieve a flat tummy by doing 1000+ crunches a day. Fat actually accumulates in that area due to the genetic tendency for the fat storage there. How you lose it, depends on your genetic make-up. When a structured diet and fitness program are followed, all fat cells are equally targeted. Nevertheless, the fat cells in the abdominal area have fewer receptors for release and more receptors for storage.”

Shalini Bhargava, founder and director of JG’S Fitness Centre, explains further: “The abdominal muscles are covered by a layer of adipose and fat and unless that is not reduced, the muscles will not be seen. No doubt that crunches will strengthen the ab muscles and the tone will be set but unless the covering layer of fat is not removed, these will not be seen.”

Another widely accepted myth is diet-related. Nutritionist Rina Baliga of Gold Gym says, “A universal misreading that people have is that you need to avoid carbohydrates or starve in order to get a flat stomach. The truth is that you can consume carbohydrates and still slim down. You need to include wholesome carbs such as brown rice, whole grains and oatmeal and you need to avoid refined carbohydrates and processed food.”

Fitness solutions for a flat tummy

The first thing to remember when it comes to fat reduction on the belly, says fitness guru Vinod, is that spot reduction absolutely does not work. “If you focus on developing bigger muscles in legs or back, you will burn more in an hour as compared to working on the smaller muscles in your abdomen. No matter what part of your body you workout, you burn calories and lose fat overall, not from that specific spot.”

Include Yoga, breathing or Pranayam and other exercises like calisthenics, aerobics or cardio activity with brisk walks on a regular basis. Exercises when done regularly will not only improve your stamina, strength and flexibility but boost your metabolism resulting in more weight loss. The following exercises are excellent for the abs and need to be included in your schedule crunches, reverse crunches, leg raises, sit-ups and side bends. Also include yoga stretches like surya namaskar, naukasan, bhujangasan and dhanurasna which are stabilizers and core-strengthening exercises.

Also important is strength training. Do strength training to build muscle. It will increase your metabolism, so you’ll burn calories faster overtime. 

World Immunization Day: Information on the most important vaccines

World Immunization Day is celebrated on 10^th November every year around the world. The day is observed to make people aware about the importance of getting vaccinations against vaccine preventable diseases. However, would-be parents must know about the most important vaccines.

After a newborn baby has completed one month, he/she is given the first set of vaccines. These vaccinations include:

• All three hepatitis vaccinations
• Diphtheria vaccine
• Tetanus vaccine
• Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine (HIB)
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
• Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine

But there are several other vaccines you might want to consider for children and self.

Chickenpox Vaccination

According to (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) CDC, the first chickenpox vaccination must be given between 12 and 15 months, and the second between 4 and 6 years of age. Research suggests that the chickenpox vaccine is relatively safe. Serious side effects may include low platelet count, brain injury that causes balance problems or paralysis of one body part.

Rotavirus Vaccine (RV)

Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that can lead to extreme diarrhoea in infants and young children, and is often accompanied by vomiting and fever. If left unattended, it can cause dehydration and even death. Two oral rotavirus vaccines have been approved to prevent the rotavirus infection. CDC recommends doses on the completion of 2, 4, and 6 months. The first dose must be given before 15 weeks of age and the last must be given by 8 months of age.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A is an acute liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. CDC suggests a hepatitis A vaccination for all children between their 1^st and 2^nd years. It should be given in two shots, six months apart.

Meningococcal Vaccine (MCV)

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness that includes meningitis and blood poisoning. CDC suggests that children ages 11 through 18 years get one dose of the meningococcal vaccine.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV)

Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) is a common virus that is passed through genital contact. The HPV vaccine is recommended for 11 and 12 year old girls. It is also recommended for girls and women ages 13 through 26 years who have not yet been vaccinated. 

Whether you go for additional vaccines for yourself or your child is your choice. Some vaccinations may lead to side effects in some people. However, for many individuals, additional vaccines are helpful and not harmful.

How to avoid dietary mistakes

Simplest of diet mistakes can thwart your best of efforts to get back into shape and wear your favorite pair of denims. If unable to achieve desired results or your weight reduces to a certain point only to scare you back, there is a possibility that you are making some serious blunders in the context of dietary choices. Here are some colloquial choices we often make only to regret later.

PUTTING FAITH IN CRASH DIETS

Determined to lose quick kilos, you tend to rely on a crash diet. Perhaps you put faith in consuming grapefruit or cabbage soup each day. You slash your daily consumption of calories to such a low level that resultantly excessive fat melts off. What you do not realize in the process is that by eating fewer calories you are training your metabolism to quite down. Once your crash diet course is over, you are left with a body with slow metabolism rate. This allows weight to come back when you start eating normally.

MISSING OUT ON PRECIOUS BREAKFAST

A strict NO breakfast may be a simple way to cut calories, but the result can be unbearable hunger for the whole day. This may tempt you to vouch for snacks, canned food, eating in big proportions at lunch making calories count ascend. But breakfast enriched with proteins and fibers help reduce hunger throughout the day. There is ample evidence to show that people who eat morning breakfast everyday are likelier to be healthy and active.

KEEPING AN EYE ON SNACKS

May be you are particular about calorie intake but what about the little snack burst in between? There’s the bag of wafers at your desk, a small slice of cake at an office party or an ice-cream cone. All of this unplanned gulping add up to the calories and destroy any otherwise planned, balanced diet. If you are damn serious about losing weight, keep a track record of every bite.

A BIT OF SNACKING IS GOOD

While tedious snacking can take your waistline to the next level, thoughtful snacking may do the reverse. Individuals who indulge in small meals and snacks a day are healthier and likely to lose weight. Snacking keeps your metabolism rate in top gear, especially if the snacks are enriched with protein. Nuts are good option and high in protein. Research suggests that people who consume nuts tend to be slimmer than those who don’t.

WATCH THE DRINKS

While being particular about the calories, we tend to neglect what’s in our drinks. This is a common but big mistake considering some high-end coffees, aerated drinks and alcoholic beverages add up to 500 calories. What’s even sweeping is liquid calories don’t curb the hunger and you would be craving for more after an aerated drink.

Losing excess body weight is not an easy thing to do. You have to be strict, disciplined and follow a dietary chart. In simpler terms, there is no other way to curb excess calorie intake. 

Fasting: A good way to detoxify your body and mind

Much has been written and said about fasting as a means of maintaining good health. What is hardly mentioned is how fasting can be a part of a great emotional transformation that leads to body awareness. It gives you positive direction and heightens self awareness. There is a huge spiritual logic to fasting, besides its scientific logic. For a spiritual person, this period can be very refreshing and introspective.

According to naturopaths, detoxifying the body opens the pathway to self-healing and spiritual enlightenment. On a purely practical level, fasting takes the strain off our physical bodies. Anything that supports elimination helps us detoxify. By drinking an extra quart of water a day, eating more fruits and vegetables and cutting off refined flour and sugar, we can eliminate more toxins and create less congestion.

Benefits of fasting

• Removes naturally accumulated waste via sweat, stool, gases and urine
• Helps shed extra weight
• Leads to improved wellness, concentration and prevents diseases, too
• Delays premature ageing and degeneration
• Regulates sleep patters
• Boosts emotional well-being
• Increases vitality
• Improves appearance and immune system

Prepare to fast

Go organic as much as possible as it lessens the chemical load, saves the environment, helps mental well-being and it’s the best form of charity you could do to Mother Earth.

• Shop for plenty of fruits, leafy greens and vegetables, whole grains, sprouts, cold-pressed oils and rock salt
• Keep the chopping board, blender, knives or food processor ready to reduce prep time
• Buy a steamer
• Buy herbal infusions

The Fasting Routine

• Commence your day with lemon water
• Have fruits till 11 A.M. Cut down on caffeine, shift to green tea and herbal infusions
• Have any vegetable juice at 11 A.M. or lemon water
• For lunch, have a salad with vegetables along with 2 bajra/jowar/rajgira or ragi chapattis or one medium bowl brown rice plus a bowl of sprouts lightly steamed. Have a fruit at 4 P.M.
• Between 6 P.M. to 7 P.M., have a salad and soup, about 20 pistachios plus two walnuts
• Do this for a week every three months. It would refresh and rejuvenate you.   

Valuable Information on Respiratory Problems

Respiratory issues or problem in breathing has become a part of our daily life. Most of the times when we suffer from breathlessness, we are caught unaware because of lack of knowledge. But a greater understanding of your symptoms alongside proper medical diagnosis and effective treatment can help you fight better. It hardly matters the type of breathing problem you have. Daily monitoring is essential to living an upbeat life.

So what exactly causes breathing problems?

There is no one cause of breathing problems. Some individuals may find it hard to breathe during winters. Other may have trouble because of Sinusitis. It may take 1-2 weeks until the swelling wears off and the congested sinuses begin to deplete.

Unfortunately, many respiratory issues are long term. For instance, sinusitis, allergies and asthma are all part of long term breathing problems. These problems can make way for other problems like sneezing, runny nose, chest congestion and low breathing.

The nasal passage is an ideal gateway for viruses and allergens to enter your lungs. So the nose and sinuses are often correlated with numerous lung disorders. An inflammation in the nasal passage may trigger asthma attacks. And allergies play a big role in causing asthma attacks.

How to diagnose breathing problems?

A respiratory problem doctor diagnoses breathing issues by performing a physical test, taking a patient’s family health history into account. One of the simple breathing tests in Spirometry. It measures how much and how fast you blow air out of your lungs. This test is performed to establish the amount of airway obstruction.

In some complex cases, a pulmonologist may choose to do an X-Ray to peek into your chest, including the heart, lungs, and bones. A chest X-Ray is perfect to diagnose pneumonia. For some people an X-Ray may not be enough. They might require a CT scan.

How breathing problems are treated?

Breathing problems are caused generally by triggers and avoiding them in any way is a sure shot way to control allergies and asthma. For example, while doing the household work you can wear a mask to lessen the exposure to allergy triggers. On the other hand, people suffering from asthma must keep their airways open and minimise sensitivity to asthma triggers which includes viral infections, pollen, dust mites, fragrances and many more.