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Motherhood comes with its own mixed bag of emotions; we want to save our child from every little peril that comes their way, including allergies. The most common allergen in India are milk, egg and peanuts. According to the IAP survey, 11.4 per cent children under the age of 14 years suffer from some form of allergies and they usually peak around the month of May. The symptoms of allergy range from runny nose, sneezing, coughing, rashes, watery and red eyes to swollen tongue and breathing difficulties. A child experiences serious discomfort and it leaves the parents hopeless at times. Allergies develop slowly over time; parents need to have patience and commitment towards managing them. However, there are certain ways in which we, as parents, can contribute in prevention and possible alleviation of the problems. Do Not Stress Staying stress-free and calm is very important during this time. Creating panic will only add to the misery. Once we know about the symptoms, our mandate must be to keep a first-aid antiallergic kit at home. We can make this kit with the help of our paediatrician. Let Them Get Dirty We are all kids of mother nature. Nature has its own way of strengthening our immunity. Being over-protective about children, not letting them get their hands dirty increases their sensitivity response. Let them play in the park and get dirty once in a while. Gut Microbiota Correction As claimed by ayurveda, all allergies develop from a leaky gut syndrome. Excessive use of antibiotics and MSG-laden packed foods has made microscopic holes in our intestine. These holes get bigger with time allowing more allergens to pass into the bloodstream, eventually a runny nose becomes asthma overtime. Full Research of the Allergen Once we know our child is experiencing allergy symptoms, parents need to work like Sherlock Holmes. They need to take down a detailed history about their food, clothes and skin care products. Anything can trigger the allergy response. Natural Aloe Vera-based Products As far as skin allergies are concerned, Aloe Vera aka the Plant of Immortality is a healer. We recommend using natural, organic and purified Aloe Vera-based products for children so that their skin remains smooth, calm and fresh. DON'T WORRY MOMMIES!!!! (Dr Nidhi Gupta completed her MD from the DY Patil University, Pune. She is a cardio metabolic expert for seven years with a keen interest in mother and child nutrition and hormonal imbalance. She is the co-founder of AloeMaa. She writes several blog posts on emerging nutrition and skin problems and the solutions on the same on her website www.aloemaa.com) Read More► 10 Ways to Get Fit This Year

Your food habits have a huge impact on your energy levels and even show on your skin. The dietary choices we make every day can either make us feel energetic and look good or can make us look older than our actual age. Healthy eating is beneficial for maintaining proper body weight as well as boosting the immune system. It rejuvenates your skin and improves your hair quality, thereby leaving you with glowing skin and reduced hair fall. Apart from that, it also helps to smoothen the skin, curb wrinkles and strengthen nails. Skin, during winters, can become dry, and one might not be able to protect it in the right manner despite moisturizers. Certain superfoods can help healthily protect the skin- Water: This one is one of the most important elements in our daily diet. Water gives our body and skin the much-needed boost of hydration. Consuming ample water makes the skin soft, smooth and supple. If the opposite is done, it can lead to dryness, clogged pores, wrinkles and blemishes. Further, drinking less water leaves you dehydrated that can trigger fatigue and make you look older. Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, flax seeds, and fish like Salmon and Mackerel help in keeping the skin nourished. These polyunsaturated fats accelerate the production of the skin's natural oil barrier, which is critical in keeping your skin hydrated. It even makes it plumper, and younger-looking. Carrots: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and lycopene that protect skin from UV damage. Although the sun is not too bright in winters, UV rays are still present all around us. Carrots are also packed with Vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants that keep dry skin and uneven skin tone issues at bay. Citrus Fruits: Winters are the time when fresh juicy and refreshing citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerine, grapefruit, and lime are available in abundance. These vitamin C rich fruits can be excellent winter superfoods. Some common benefits provided are - Vitamin C can help boost immunity, the water content can help keep the body hydrated, and fibre can help improve digestion. Sweet Potatoes: A winter special is loaded with tons of benefits. Sweet Potatoes are loaded with fibre which keeps the stomach full for a longer time. The high levels of beta-carotene found in sweet potatoes not only nourish the skin but also makes it glow from within. They are essential to boost immunity and help in safeguarding the body against minor ailments. The change in weather demands a change in diet. With Covid cases on a rise again, it poses a lot of health problems as we continue to work from home and there is less physical activity. Joint problems, weight gain, vitamin D deficiency, constipation are some of the common problems people are facing during self-quarantine. With winter stepping in, dry skin and hair fall also become a cause of concern. Enriching your diet with nutrient-rich foods may help deal with all these problems and let you enjoy good immunity, good skin and overall good health. (Rohit Shelatkar, VP at Vitabiotics, Fitness & Nutrition Expert) Read More► Make Your Kids Morning Happy With These Healthy Breakfast Foods

The winter comes with its own set of hassles. New moms have to be careful because they have to take care of themselves and their babies. It becomes imperative to protect babies from the harsh season. The immune system of newborn babies is developing, which makes them susceptible to respiratory infections. But, you can take preventive measures to keep your child warm and safe. Newborn babies need extra care until their immune system becomes stronger to protect their bodies from the harmful effects of viruses and bacteria that usually become more active in the winter season. A drop in the temperature can aggravate different processes in the body, therefore, moms need to take extra care of newborn babies during winters. New moms can follow the given tips to take care of their little ones and protect them from the harmful effects of harsh winds blowing outside. Keep The Temperature Warm in The Baby's Room Use a portable heater in the baby's room to keep the temperature warm. The air becomes dry due to the excessive use of a heater. Therefore, keeping a humidifier to balance the moisture levels. Apply moisturizer The baby's skin is very sensitive and the harsh, dry, and cold air can make the skin dry. Therefore, apply a good moisturizer to keep it soft and smooth. Choose a moisturizer made of milk cream and butter, especially for children. This will keep the skin of your baby soft. Massage Massage is important to keep your baby's skin soft and healthy. Massage helps to improve the blood circulation in the body that helps in boosting strength. Use a natural oil to massage the body of your child. Make sure the room is warm where you massage the baby. Avoid Using Heavy Blankets You can comfort your baby by laying a light blanket to keep your baby warm. Avoid using a heavy blanket to cover your baby during winters because your baby would not be able to move his arms and legs while sleeping. In this process, your baby may pull it up on its face and this can cause respiratory distress. Thus, use a light blanket and keep the room temperature optimum. Dress Your Baby Comfortably Choose comfortable dressing for your baby. Avoid wrapping your baby in thick sweaters, gloves, and socks. This will restrict its movement and he/she will become irritable. Choose clothes depending on the room temperature. The clothes should cover his/her baby but should not restrict movement. You can use light gloves and socks to cover your hands and feet to keep your baby warm at night. Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is the most important activity that can keep your baby healthy. Breast milk consists of required nutrients and antibodies that will enhance the immune system of your baby and will protect him/her against diseases. During breastfeeding your baby will feel warm and cosy that will also give him comfort. Maintain Proper Hygiene Mothers should be careful when handling newborn babies in winters. You will be the first point of contact for your baby. Therefore, make sure you keep yourself clean and healthy. Wash your hands before handling your baby. Germs can easily enter your baby's body through your dirty hands. Therefore, make sure you wash your hands or sanitize them before attending to your baby. Also, ask visitors to wash their hands. Take Care Outdoors If you want to take your child outdoors make sure it is not freezing temperature. Take your child out for fresh air only if the temperature is not too cold and remember to cover your baby properly before taking them out. Taking your baby out will help to give fresh air and will improve their health. Common Issues That May Arise in Newborn Babies During Winters Winter brings flu and other viruses that can easily spread and affect anyone. Common issues that may arise in newborn babies during winters include the following: Influenza Croup Cough Fever Skin allergies Digestive issues Parents can take care of their newborn babies from various diseases that may affect them in the winters in the following ways: If your baby suffers during the winter season, you should consult a paediatrician. You can give a homemade solution if your baby suffers from a cold. Check with the doctor and you can only give a saline solution or nasal drops. Keep your baby well hydrated. Keep breastfeeding your baby and also give water if necessary. Cuddle your baby lovingly and give him warmth along with other precautions. In the first winter, you can take preventive measures to take care of your little ones and keep them safe. Maintain proper hygiene and keep your house warm. Avoid visitors if your child is not feeling well. How often to give a bath to your baby in winter? It is not necessary to give a bath to your baby every day. You can bathe your baby after 2-3 days in winter. You can sponge bathe your newborn every other day in winter. Check the temperature of the room before giving a bath to your baby. The room temperature should be warm and comfortable for your baby. Check the temperature of the water. Make sure the water is not too hot or cold. The temperature of the water should be right for the body of your baby. Check the temperature by touching the water with your elbow or wrist. Use mild soap and shampoo to bathe your baby in winter. Also, apply oil and moisturizer to the skin to keep it soft and prevent skin allergies. (Dr Anil Batra, Director, Pedeatrics, Madhukar Rainbow Hospital) Read More► Top 10 Winter Skincare Swaps

आयुर्वेद में शारीरिक व्याधियों के लिए त्रिदोषों को प्रमुख कारक माना गया है। वात, पित्त और कफ के असंतुलन से त्रिदोष उत्पन्न होता है। ऋतुकाल के हिसाब से यदि आहार-विहार में परिवर्तन न किया जाए तो यह असंतुलन और अधिक बढ़ जाता है। मसलन शीतऋतु में पित्त दोष कम होता है लेकिन कफ दोष बढ़ने की संभावना बढ़ जाती है। लेकिन आयुर्वेद के कुछ कारगर उपायों को अपनाकर सर्दियों में अपने स्वास्थ्य की रक्षा की जा सकती है। आइए ऐसे ही कुछ उपायों के बारे में संक्षेप में जानते हैं।  आयुर्वेद की मदद से सर्दियों में स्वास्थ्य की देखभाल - Health care in winter with the help of Ayurveda in Hindi सर्दी-ज़ुकाम - ठंढ के मौसम में सर्दी-जुकाम होना आम बात है। यदि गले में खराश और सर्दी ज़ुकाम आदि जैसी समस्या आपको हो जाए तो तत्काल 1 छोटा चम्मच अदरक में थोड़ा-सा शहद और काली मिर्च पाउडर मिलाकर मिश्रण तैयार करें। फिर इस मिश्रण को आधा सुबह और आधा रात में सोते समय खाएं। इससे राहत मिलेगी।  एसिडिटी और कब्ज़ - सर्दियों में अग्नि तेज रहती है और कई बार ज्यादा खाने - पीने की वजह से एसिडिटी और कब्ज की समस्या पैदा हो जाती है। ऐसी स्थिति में जब सीने में जलन या एसिडिटी की समस्या महसूस हो तो रात को सोते समय आधा कप ठंडे दूध में आधा कप पानी मिलाकर पीने से एसिडिटी की समस्या दूर होती है। दूसरी तरफ कब्ज़ की समस्या है तो खाने के 2-3 घंटे बाद लगभग 1 छोटा चम्मच ऐलोवेरा के गूदे को 1/2 कप गुनगुने पानी के साथ रात में सोते समय खाने से कब्ज़ दूर हो जाएगा। इसके अलावा सोते समय 1 छोटा चम्मच ईसाबगोल की भूसी को दही में मिलाकर खाने से भी पेट साफ़ होता है। लेकिन ध्यान रहे कि चिकित्सकीय परामर्श के बिना लंबे समय तक इसका सेवन नुकसानदेह साबित हो सकता है। गर्भवती स्त्रियों को इसका प्रयोग बिल्कुल भी नहीं करना चाहिए इससे गर्भस्राव हो सकता है। जोड़ों का दर्द - सर्दियों में कई लोगों को खासकर बुजुर्गों को घुटने, पीठ या हाथ में दर्द बना रहता है। इसके लिए तिल के तेल में लहसुन की कलियां,अदरक, अजवाइन डालकर पकाएं और फिर उसे प्रभावित हिस्सों पर लगाएं। दर्द में आराम मिलेगा। (मूलतः दैनिक भास्कर में प्रकाशित) यह भी पढ़े ► बीमारियों का कारण है विरुद्ध आहार