• Few facts on corona virus (COVID-19)

    What is a novel coronavirus?
    A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. It is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

    Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

    What is the difference between the coronavirus and the influenza virus?
    The speed of transmission is an important point of difference between the two viruses. Influenza has a shorter median incubation period (the time from infection to appearance of symptoms) and a shorter serial interval (the time between successive cases) than COVID-19 virus. The serial interval for COVID-19 virus is estimated to be 5-6 days, while for influenza virus, the serial interval is 3 days. This means that influenza can spread faster than COVID-19.

    Further, transmission in the first 3-5 days of illness, or potentially pre-symptomatic transmission –transmission of the virus before the appearance of symptoms – is a major driver of transmission for influenza. In contrast, while we are learning that there are people who can shed COVID-19 virus 24-48 hours prior to symptom onset, at present, this does not appear to be a major driver of transmission.

    How does the coronavirus disease spread ?
    People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.

    Can patients with suspected and confirmed nCoV infection be cohorted in the same room ?
    Ideally, suspected and confirmed 2019-nCoV acure respiratory disease patients should be isolated in single rooms. However, when this is not feasible (e.g., limited number of single rooms), cohorting is an acceptable option. Some patients with suspected 2019-nCoV infection may actually have other respiratory illnesses, hence they must be cohorted separately from patients with confirmed 2019-nCoV infection. A minimum of 1-meter distance between beds should be maintained at all times

    What precautions should I take while travelling during the coronavirus disease outbreak ?
    Recommendations for international travellers. Perform hand hygiene frequently, particularly after contact with respiratory secretions. Hand hygiene includes either cleaning hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub. Alcohol-based hand rubs are preferred if hands are not visibly soiled; wash hands with soap and water when they are visibly soiled; Cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or paper tissue when coughing or sneezing and disposing immediately of the tissue and performing hand hygiene; Refrain from touching mouth and nose; A medical mask is not required if exhibiting no symptoms, as there is no evidence that wearing a mask – of any type – protects non-sick persons. However, in some cultures, masks may be commonly worn. If masks are to be worn, it is critical to follow best practices on how to wear, remove and dispose of them and on hand hygiene after removal

    As for any travel, travellers are also advised to follow proper food hygiene practices, including the five keys for food safety, as well as recommendations to reduce the risk of transmission of emerging pathogens from animals to human in live markets.

    What should I do in the case of a coronavirus outbreak ?
    Get the facts from reliable sources to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. Seek guidance from WHO, your healthcare provider, your national public health authority or your employer for accurate information on COVID-19 and whether COVID-19 is circulating where you live. It is important to be informed of the situation and take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family.

    You need to take the risk of infection seriously. Follow the advice of WHO and guidance issued by national and local health authorities. For most people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness however, it can make some people very ill and, in some people, it can be fatal. Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or diabetes) are at risk for severe disease.

    What happens when you get the coronavirus disease ?
    People with COVID-19 generally develop signs and symptoms, including mild respiratory symptoms and fever, on an average of 5-6 days after infection (mean incubation period 5-6 days, range 1-14 days). Most people infected with COVID-19 virus have mild disease and recover

    Can you contract the coronavirus disease by touching a surface ?
    People could catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

    Are smokers more vulnerable to the coronavirus disease ?
    Smokers are likely to be more vulnerable to COVID-19 as the act of smoking means that fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes) are in contact with lips which increases the possibility of transmission of virus from hand to mouth. Smokers may also already have lung disease or reduced lung capacity which would greatly increase risk of serious illness. Smoking products such as water pipes often involve the sharing of mouth pieces and hoses, which could facilitate the transmission of COVID-19 in communal and social settings.

    What is the recovery time for the coronavirus disease ?
    Using available preliminary data, the median time from onset to clinical recovery for mild cases is approximately 2 weeks and is 3-6 weeks for patients with severe or critical disease.

    Is the coronavirus disease the same as SARS ?
    No. The virus that causes COVID-19 and the one that caused the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 are related to each other genetically, but the diseases they cause are quite different.

    Can the coronavirus disease spread through food ?
    Current evidence on other coronavirus strains shows that while coronaviruses appear to be stable at low and freezing temperatures for a certain period, food hygiene and good food safety practices can prevent their transmission through food.

    Is headache a symptom of the coronavirus disease ?
    The virus can cause a range of symptoms, from ranging from mild illness to pneumonia. Symptoms of the disease are fever, cough, sore throat and headaches.

    Is diarrhea a symptom of the coronavirus disease ?
    The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell.

    Can antibiotics treat the coronavirus disease ?
    No, antibiotics do not work against viruses. The 2019-nCOV is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.

    Who is at risk for coronavirus ?
    The virus that causes COVID-19 infects people of all ages. However, evidence to date suggests that two groups of people are at a higher risk of getting severe COVID-19 disease. These are older people (that is people over 60 years old); and those with underlying medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer). The risk of severe disease gradually increases with age starting from around 40 years. It’s important that adults in this age range protect themselves and in turn protect others that may be more vulnerable.

    WHO has issued advice for these two groups and for community support to ensure that they are protected from COVID-19 without being isolated, stigmatized, left in a position of increased vulnerability or unable to access basic provisions and social care.

    How long does the coronavirus last on surfaces ?
    It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days.

    Can babies get the coronavirus disease ?
    We know it is possible for people of any age to be infected with the virus, but so far there are relatively few cases of COVID-19 reported among children.

    Can coronavirus spread through mosquito bite ?
    To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.

    Are masks effective against the coronavirus disease ?
    If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

    What is the incubation period of the coronavirus disease ?
    The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available.

    Can cold weather and snow prevent the coronavirus disease ?
    Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
    There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases.

    Can the coronavirus disease be transmitted in hot or humid climates ?
    From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

    Does chlorine kill Coronavirus ?
    Weak chlorine solution (0.05%) can be used to disinfect hands when there is no alcohol based hand rub (ABHR) or soap. However, weak chlorine solutions are not recommended when alcohol based hand rub or soap and water are available as there is a higher risk of hand irritation and ill health effects from making and diluting chlorine solutions. Further chlorine solutions must be made daily, stored in a cool dry place with a lid away from sunlight, otherwise they have the potential to lose potency and efficacy at disinfection. Chlorine is effective as a decontamination (at 0.5%) for environmental cleaning when preceded by cleaning with soap and water.

    What is the treatment for the coronavirus disease ?
    No pharmaceutical products have yet been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of COVID-19. However, a number of medicines have been suggested as potential investigational therapies, many of which are now being or will soon be studied in clinical trials, including the SOLIDARITY trial co-sponsored by WHO and participating countries.

    In many countries, doctors are giving COVID-19 patients medicines that have not been approved for this disease. The use of licensed medicines for indications that have not been approved by a national medicines regulatory authority is considered “off-label” use. The prescription of medicines for off-label use by doctors may be subject to national laws and regulations.

    Is there a vaccine for the coronavirus disease ?
    When a disease is new, there is no vaccine until one is developed. It can take a number of years for a new vaccine to be developed.

    How to dispose of waste from coronavirus patients ?
    No. Waste produced during the health care or home care of patients with suspected or confirmed 2019-nCoV infection should be disposed of as infectious waste. For more information on disposing of infectious waste, please click here. Or visit CDC website here

    How to disinfect houses of COVID-19 patients ?
    Environmental cleaning in healthcare facilities or homes housing patients with suspected or confirmed 2019-nCoV infection should use disinfectants that are active against enveloped viruses, such as 2019-nCoV and other coronaviruses. There are many disinfectants, including commonly used hospital disinfectants, that are active against enveloped viruses. Currently WHO recommendations include the use of:

    • 70% Ethyl alcohol to disinfect reusable dedicated equipment (e.g., thermometers) between uses
    • Sodium hypochlorite at 0.5% (equivalent 5000ppm) for disinfection of frequently touched surfaces in homes or healthcare facilities

    Source : https://www.who.int/

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  • A coverage on our CEO Sabi Singh published in New Business Age Magazine

    Born and brought up in a family with a pharmaceutical business background, Sabi Singh is continuing the same business legacy but in a different way–by running an online pharmacy. The concept of an e-pharmacy service was new in the health sector when Singh jointly started Online Ausadhi Pvt Ltd with her brother, Sanjeev Singh, in 2016. In fact, the service was the first of its kind in the country.

    After the completion of her Bachelor’s in Public Health, Singh strived to find a solution for the problem by starting Online Ausadhi.

    As a woman entrepreneur, doing business in the healthcare sector was both a challenge as well as an opportunity for her. According to her, many people did not believe in her in the beginning. “Whenever we say women entrepreneur, generally people perceive it means women engaging in handicraft, jewellery or food business,” she shares.

    Singh has found drastic changes in the public perception of women entrepreneurship and even startups recently. Today, even capital investors are encouraging and supporting many potential entrepreneurs and start-up companies. “There were only two women, including me and my female staff, among 30 businessmen in one presentation programme for pitching in front of investors,” she recalls. While other businessmen were asked routine questions, she encountered multiple cross-questions. Though the scenario has been changing for women entrepreneurs, she says people are still sceptical about it. Today, Singh is trying to pitch her business ideas to expand her business. With the positive responses from her clients and support from her family, she is diversifying her online business from medicine to baby products, ‘physiotherapy at home’ and ‘doctor at home’ services.

    Source : https://www.newbusinessage.com/MagazineArticles/view/2744

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  • Cough and Cold Remedies for Babies and Toddlers

    The over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for a cough or cold for babies or toddlers is not recommended. Cough and cold medicines that are safe for grownups can cause serious side effects, even life-threatening ones in children under age 2.

    If your baby or toddler is sniffling or coughing, try these methods. They’re all drug-free and safe:

    Try Saline Drops:
    When your child’s nose is stuffy, she may have trouble breathing, sleeping, and eating. Saline nasal drops can thin the mucus in her nose and shrink swollen airways. Use them two or three times per day; any more often could make her nose sore.
    Saline drops may make it easier to remove mucus from your child’s nose. For babies, try a suction bulb. If your toddler can blow her nose with your help, give that a try.

    Increase Fluids
    When your child isn’t feeling well, give more drinks than usual. Extra fluids can thin out her mucus so her nose won’t be as stuffy and she’ll cough up all that gunk more easily.
    Most drinks, like water, juice, and milk, are fine. Warm liquids like chicken soup, apple cider, or hot chocolate can soothe a sore throat. Be sure they’re warm, not hot, to avoid burns.
    Babies under 6 months should only drink breast milk or formula, not water or juice. But you may offer more milk than usual for coughs or colds.

    Give a Little Honey
    It soothes sore throats and eases coughs. It may even work better for children than OTC cough medicines. Give your child 1/2 teaspoon of honey before bedtime. But never give it to a child less than a year old. It can make them very ill.

    Raise Baby’s Head
    Sleeping with extra pillows will ease to breathe more easily when your baby have a stuffy nose . Simply place a pillow or folded towel under the head of your baby’s mattress to create a slight angle. This will raise her head safely and help her to breathe.

    Use a Humidifier
    Moisture in the air makes it easier to breathe, so run a humidifier in your child’s bedroom at night. Cool-mist models are safer than those that produce steam.

    Hot shower
    Put your baby to your bathroom with hot shower open for few minutes. Moisture in the air makes your baby easier to breathe

    Lower Fevers
    Some colds and coughs come with a slight fever. If your baby or toddler has a fever, follow these steps:

    • Babies under 1 month: Call your pediatrician. Fever isn’t normal.
    • Babies under 3 months: Call the doctor for advice.
    • Babies 3 to 6 months: Give paracetamol every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
    • Babies 6 months or older and toddlers: Give paracetamol every 4 to 6 hours or ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours. Don’t give both drugs at the same time.

    Serve Easy-to-swallow Foods
    Babies and toddlers with scratchy, sore throats often don’t want to eat because it hurts to swallow. Feed them foods that go down more easily.
    Toddlers and babies who eat solids may prefer soft, smooth foods. Try pudding, yogurt, or applesauce.
    If they prefer warmer foods, try chicken broth or freshly made pudding. Babies 6 months and younger should stick with breast milk or baby formula.
    These are just a few easy ways to soothe your little one’s cough or cold. Try them instead of over-the-counter medicines.

    Reference : webmd.com

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  • First Aid Kit

    A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment that is used to give medical treatment. There is a wide variation in the contents of first aid kits based on the knowledge and experience of those putting it together.

    Almost everyone will need to use a first aid kit at some time. Make time to prepare home and travel kits for your family’s safety. First aid kits may be basic or comprehensive. What you need depends on your medical training and your distance from professional medical help. Ready-made first aid kits are commercially available from chain stores or outdoor retailers or with Online Aushadhi. It’s easy to make smart, inexpensive first aid kits.

    Home and Travel First Aid Kit Basics
    Home first aid kits are usually used for treating these types of minor traumatic injuries:

    • Burns
    • Cuts
    • Abrasions (scrapes)
    • Stings
    • Splinters
    • Sprains
    • Strains

    First aid kits for travel need to be more comprehensive because a drug store may or may not be accessible. In addition to personal medical items, the kit should contain items to help alleviate the common symptoms of viral respiratory infections such as these:

    • Fever
    • Nasal congestion
    • Cough
    • Sore throat

    It should also contain items to treat these ailments:

    • Cuts
    • Mild pain
    • Gastrointestinal problems
    • Skin problems
    • Allergies

    Try to keep your kit small and simple. Stock it with multi-use items. Almost anything that provides good visibility of contents can be used for a household first aid kit.

    How to Use a First Aid Kit ?
    Make sure you know how to properly use all of the items in your kit, especially the medications. Train others in your family to use the kit. You may be the one who needs first aid.

    Pack and use barrier items such as latex gloves to protect yourself from the bodily fluids of others. Check the kit twice a year and replace expired drugs.

    Where to keep your first aid kit:

    The best place to keep your first aid kit is in the kitchen. Most family activities take place here. The bathroom has too much humidity, which shortens the shelf life of items.

    The travel kit is for true trips away from home. Keep it in a suitcase, backpack, or dry bag, depending on the activity.

    Must-Have First Aid Kit Essentials
    You can buy all items for your first aid kits at a well-stocked drug store. Ask the pharmacist for help in selecting items.

    A household first aid kit should include these items:

    • Adhesive tape
    • Anesthetic spray (Bactine) or lotion (Calamine, Campho-Phenique) — for itching rashes and insect bites
    • 4″ x 4″ sterile gauze pads — for covering and cleaning wounds, as a soft eye patch
    • 2″, 3″, and 4″ Ace bandages — for wrapping sprained or strained joints, for wrapping gauze on to wounds, for wrapping on splints
    • Adhesive bandages (all sizes)
    • Oral antihistamines
    • Topical corticosteroids, such as over the counter Hydrocortisone 1% for rashes
    • Aloe vera topical gel or cream for burn relief
    • Exam gloves — for infection protection, also to make into ice packs when filled with water and frozen
    • Polysporin antibiotic cream — to apply to simple wounds
    • Nonadhesive pads (Telfa) — for covering wounds and burns
    • Pocket mask for CPR
    • Resealable oven bag — as a container for contaminated articles, can become an ice pack
    • Safety pins (large and small) — for splinter removal and for securing triangular bandage sling
    • Scissors
    • Triangular bandage — as a sling, towel, tourniquet
    • Tweezers — for splinter or stinger or tick remova

    A travel first aid kit may contain these items:

    • Adhesive tape
    • 4″ x 4″ sterile gauze pads
    • Antacid — for indigestion
    • Antidiarrheal (Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, for example)
    • Antihistamine cream
    • Antiseptic agent (small bottle liquid soap) — for cleaning wounds and hands
    • Aspirin — for mild pain, heart attack
    • Adhesive bandages (all sizes)
    • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin) — oral antihistamine
    • Topical corticosteroids, such as over the counter Hydrocortisone 1% for rashes
    • Aloe vera topical gel or cream for burn relief
    • Book on first aid
    • Cigarette lighter — to sterilize instruments and to be able to start a fire in the wilderness (to keep warm and to make smoke to signal for help, for examples)
    • Cough medication
    • Dental kit — for broken teeth, loss of crown or filling
    • Exam gloves
    • Small flashlight
    • Ibuprofen (Advil is one brand name)
    • Insect repellant
    • Knife (small Swiss Army-type)
    • Moleskin — to apply to blisters or hot spots
    • Nasal spray decongestant — for nasal congestion from colds or allergies
    • Nonadhesive wound pads (Telfa)
    • Polysporin antibiotic ointment
    • Oral decongestant
    • Personal medications and items
    • Phone card with at least 60 minutes of time (and not a close expiration date) plus at least 10 quarters for pay phones and a list of important people to reach in an emergency
    • Plastic resealable bags (oven and sandwich)
    • Pocket mask for CPR
    • Safety pins (large and small)
    • Scissors
    • Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more
    • Thermometer
    • Tweezers

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  • Laughter is the Best Medicine

    It’s fun to share a good laugh. Laughter is strong medicine. It strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. As children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day, but as adults life tends to be more serious and laughter more infrequent.

    Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you to release anger and be more forgiving.

    With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.

    Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

    Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

    Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

    Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

    Laughter burns calories. OK, so it’s no replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn about 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.

    Laughter lightens anger’s heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment.

    Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.

    Laughter makes you feel good. And the good feeling that you get when you laugh remains with you even after the laughter subsides. Humor helps you keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments, and loss.

    Laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh–or even simply a smile–can go a long way toward making you feel better. And laughter really is contagious—just hearing laughter primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in the fun.

    Laughter stops distressing emotions. You can’t feel anxious, angry, or sad when you’re laughing.

    Laughter helps you relax and recharge. It reduces stress and increases energy, enabling you to stay focused and accomplish more.

    Laughter shifts perspective, allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and diffuse conflict.

    Laughter draws you closer to others, which can have a profound effect on all aspects of your mental and emotional health.

    Laughter brings people together and strengthens relationships.

    Laughter doesn’t come from hearing jokes, but rather simply from spending time with friends and family.

    Shared laughter is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships fresh and exciting. Humor is a powerful and effective way to heal resentments, disagreements, and hurts. Laughter unites people during difficult times.

    Humor and playful communication strengthen our relationships by triggering positive feelings and fostering emotional connection. When we laugh with one another, a positive bond is created. This bond acts as a strong buffer against stress, disagreements, and disappointment.

    Laughter helps you forget resentments, judgments, criticisms, and doubts.

    Laughter is an especially powerful tool for managing conflict and reducing tension when emotions are running high. Whether with romantic partners, friends and family, or co-workers, you can learn to use humor to smooth over disagreements, lower everyone’s stress level, and communicate in a way that builds up your relationships rather than breaking them down.

    Physical health benefits of laughter

    • Boosts immunity
    • Lowers stress hormones
    • Decreases pain
    • Relaxes your muscles
    • Prevents heart disease
    • Mental health benefits of laughter
    • Adds joy and zest to life
    • Eases anxiety and tension
    • Relieves stress
    • Improves mood
    • Strengthens resilience
    • Social benefits of laughter
    • Strengthens relationships
    • Attracts others to us
    • Enhances teamwork
    • Helps defuse conflict
    • Promotes group bonding
    • Laughter helps you stay mentally healthy

    Bring more laughter into your life

    • Smile
    • Count your blessings
    • When you hear laughter, move toward it
    • Spend time with fun, playful people
    • Bring humor into conversations

    Develop your sense of humor :

    • Laugh at yourself. Share your embarrassing moments.
    • Attempt to laugh at situations rather than bemoan them. Look for the humor in a bad situation, and uncover the irony and absurdity of life. When something negative happens, try to find a way to make it a humorous anecdote that will make others laugh.
    • Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Keep a toy on your desk or in your car. Put up a funny poster in your office. Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh. Frame photos of you and your family or friends having fun.
    • Remember funny things that happen. If something amusing happens or you hear a joke or funny story you really like, write it down or tell it to someone else to help you remember it.
    • Don’t dwell on the negative. Try to avoid negative people and don’t dwell on news stories, entertainment, or conversations that make you sad or unhappy. Many things in life are beyond your control—particularly the behavior of other people. While you might think taking the weight of the world on your shoulders is admirable, in the long run it’s unrealistic and unhealthy.
    • Find your inner child. Pay attention to children and try to emulate them—after all, they are the experts on playing, taking life lightly, and laughing at ordinary things.
    • Deal with stress. Stress can be a major impediment to humor and laughter, so it’s important to get your stress levels in check. One great technique to relieve stress in the moment is to draw upon a favorite memory that always makes you smile—something your kids did, for example, or something funny a friend told you.
    • Don’t go a day without laughing. Think of it like exercise or breakfast and make a conscious effort to find something each day that makes you laugh. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes and do something that amuses you. The more you get used to laughing each day, the less effort you’ll have to make.

    Source : https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm

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  • Health Benefits of Fenugreek or Methi

    We all use Fenugreek or Methi in our kitchen daily which has a lot of health benefits. It helps to control cholesterol, heart diseases, diabetes and many more.
    नेपाली भान्सा घरमा मेथी प्रायमा उपभाेग गरिन्छ । यद्यपि यसकाे फाइदाकाे बारेमा सबैलार्इ हेक्का नरहला । यसका केही फाइदाहरु यसप्रकार छन् ।

    १. मेथीको सेवनले शरीरमा राम्रो कोलेस्टेरोल बढ्छ र नराम्रो कोलेस्टेरोल घट्छ । यसबाट मुटुसम्बन्धी रोग पनि कम हुन्छ ।

    1. Fenugreek or methi increases good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol. It also prevents heart diseases.

    २. मेथीको सेवनले रगतमा ग्लुकोजको स्तर कम हुन्छ, जसबाट डाइबेटिजको टाइप वान र टाइप टु दुवै नियन्त्रित हुन्छ ।

    2. Fenugreek decreases blood glucose as a result diabetes type I and type II will be controlled

    ३. सुत्केरी भएपछि महिलाको दुध बढाउन मेथीको सेवन फाइदाजनक हुन्छ । यसमा रहेको डायसजेनिन नामक स्टेरोइड यस मामलामा फाइदाजनक हुन्छ ।

    ४. पेट खराब हुँदा या अपचको स्थितिमा मेथीको सेवन लाभकारी हुनछ । यसले भोक पनि बढाउँछ ।

    ५. कब्जियत हटाउँन मेथी फाइदाजनक मानिन्छ । यसले शरीरको मेटाबोलिजम ठीक राख्छ ।

    ६. मेथीको सेवनले स्तन क्यान्सर र प्रोस्टेट क्यान्सरको खतरा पनि कम गर्छ ।

    ७. उच्च रक्तचापका बिरामीका लागि मेथीको सेवन फाइदाजनक हुन्छ, यसबाट रक्तचाप पनि नियन्त्रण हुन्छ ।

    ८. मेथीको सेवनबाट शरीरमा टेस्टोस्टेरोनको स्तर पनि बढ्छ, जसबाट मांसपेशी बन्छ र शरीर मजबूत हुन्छ ।

    ९. छालामा र्यासेज अथवा चायाजस्ता समस्याका लाग मेथीको दानाको सेवन फाइदाजनक हुन्छ ।

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  • Nipah Virus: Symptoms, prevention and treatment

    What is Nipah Virus(NIV) ?
    Nipah Virus(NIV) infection is a newly emerging zoonosis(a disease that animals can transmit to humans, known as a zoonosis) that causes severe disease in both animals and Human.
    People first discovered NiV in a village named Kampung Sungai Nipah in 1999 in Malaysia, the virus was named after the village.
    This first recorded outbreak began in 1998-1999 and reached Singapore. A new strain occurred in 2001 in Bangladesh and India. Small outbreaks of NiV have happened in these countries since 2001. An outbreak in India (state of Kerala) occurred in May 2018. The virus is moderately contagious as it needs close contact and usually infects the family members and/or medical caregivers of NiV-infected individuals.
    Fruit Bats are natural hosts of NIV

    How is it transmitted ?

    • By consuming fruits eaten by infected bats and birds
    • Direct contact with infected bats and pigs
    • Through contact with NIV infected people

    Precautions : What you must do to stay safe from Nipah Virus

    • Use Nose Mask which prevents inhaling of virus. NH95 grade or equivalent mask is the best.
    • Avoid contact with infected person
    • Wash hands with cleansers frequently

    Signs and Symptoms :

    • Fever and headache
    • Drowsiness
    • Disorientation
    • Myalgia (muscle aches)
    • Sore throat
    • Vomiting
      Dizziness
    • acute respiratory syndrome or atypical pneumonia.
    • Encephalitis follows and those infected may exhibit drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, altered consciousness, and seizures that can progress, within 24-48 hours, to coma and eventually death.

    Treatment:

    • No specific treatment for Nipah Virus
    • According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), primary treatment is intensive supportive care.
    • There is no vaccine specifically available to protect humans. However, some researchers suggest that the antiviral drug ribavirin may be useful, but there is little or no data to support this.
    • A human monoclonal antibody that targets the G glycoprotein of NiV has shown benefit in a ferret animal model of this disease, but researchers have not studied the effects of the antibody in humans.

    Source : WHO & Centers for Disease Control and Prevension, US

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  • Healthy and Balanced diet plan for your Age group

    Growing up isn’t easy. Whether you’re just entering ‘the real world’ after college, doing the kids-and-career-dance, or preparing for retirement, all stages of life have their surprises and requirements. As we age, our bodies change. Our focus changes. Our motivation changes. Our nutritional needs change. Our activity habits and abilities change.

    Good health and a killer body might come naturally in your 20s… but what about your 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and yes, even 70s? Here’s how to eat right for your age and feel great at every stage of life.

    For your busy 20s & 30s,
    Start making time

    Life is busy for most women aged 20-30 and healthy eating is often way down the list of priorities. A high percentage of women in this age band fail to meet the recommended daily intake for several key nutrients, including calcium, folic acid and iron.

    Skipping breakfast and relying on quick, convenience foods high in salt and sugar may result in low fibre intake. The recommended daily amount of fibre is 30g per day, yet the average intake for adults is only 12g. Low fibre, high sugar and high salt diets can contribute to digestive problems such as constipation and an increased risk of diverticular disease and high blood pressure later in life.

    Women who are considering starting a family should ensure they are consuming enough calories, folic acid and minerals such as iron and calcium.

    What should I eat at this age ?

    Calcium-rich foods:

    To ensure you’re getting the required amount of calcium, you need to eat three servings from the dairy group each day (1 serving = 200ml milk, one small pot yogurt, 30g cheese). If you’re pregnant there are some dairy foods you should avoid including unpasteurised milks, soft cheeses and soft blue cheese – this includes products made from unpasteurised goat and sheep’s milk. If you don’t eat dairy, try calcium rich plant products such as broccoli, spinach, beans and fortified soy products such as tofu.

    Wholegrains

    Make time for breakfast. Try fortified wholegrain cereals or porridge oats with chopped fruit or a handful of nuts and seeds like flaxseeds. A proper breakfast will provide fibre and several key vitamins.

    Low salt

    Official guidelines suggest that adults should consume no more than 6g salt per day (less for children). Check information on the back of the pack before you buy ready meals or sandwiches – for a main meal you should aim to eat no more than 2.5g salt. Use alternative seasonings when cooking – garlic, black pepper, chilli, lemon juice, fresh herbs and spices. Taste before you season with salt.

    Folate-rich foods

    Folate (also known as folic acid or vitamin B9) is of critical importance both before and after conception in protecting your baby against neural tube defects and cleft palate. Good sources of folate include fortified breakfast cereals (which also include iron), dark green leafy vegetables and oranges.

    In your 40s,
    Exercise and iron are very important

    At this time of life many people take their good health for granted and healthy eating and exercise are often put on the back burner. But as we grow older, good nutrition and regular exercise become even more important. A diet rich in antioxidants will help protect against problems like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cataracts and certain types of cancer.

    After the age of 40, the metabolic rate (the speed at which the body burns calories) drops, but the drop is very modest and the real reason many people in this age bracket start to suffer from middle-aged spread is due to a change in hormone levels and poor dietary choices, combined with a lack of exercise. Excess weight, particularly around the ‘middle’ is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and osteoarthritis and the longer you wait before you tackle the problem the harder it becomes – nip any weight gain in the bud now before it becomes a serious problem.

     

    What should I eat at this age ?

    Antioxidant-rich food

    Brightly coloured fruit and vegetables are the best source of antioxidants. Make sure you eat at least five portions a day and include a wide variety of different produce.

    Iron-rich food

    Liver and lean red meat are the best and most easily absorbed forms of iron (haem iron), so try to eat red meat approximately twice a week (you don’t need to eat huge portions, 100g is enough). Vegetarians can eat fortified breakfast cereal, lentils and plenty of green leafy vegetables such as spinach, green beans, asparagus and broccoli. Enjoy these plant foods with foods rich in vitamin C to aid absorption, such as spinach.

    In your 50s,
    Watch your fat levels

    Health problems, such as raised cholesterol, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes are more common in this age group. A low-fat, low-GI diet which includes plenty of fruit and vegetables, is the best way to prevent and treat these problems.

    As women enter the menopause, they are affected in different ways. Consequences such as a decline in libido, osteoporosis and heart disease are all linked to the decline in oestrogen levels that accompany this stage of your life. These hormone changes accelerate the loss of calcium from bone, which increases the risk of osteoporosis or brittle bones. To counteract this, it’s important to eat at least three servings of low-fat, calcium-rich foods each day.

    Smoking and being inactive can severely harm your bones, and it’s particularly important on the exercise side to include some weight bearing exercise such as brisk walking, yoga, jogging or aerobics. Aim for a combination of weight-bearing exercise and aerobic activity to help keep bones and joints strong. Toning and muscle development can increase metabolic rate, as increased muscle mass helps to keep our weight constant.

    Continue to drink 6-8 glasses of water or herbal teas every day and watch caffeine consumption. Caffeine can interfere with the amount of calcium we absorb.

    If you don’t eat at least one serving of oil-rich fish each week, you should also think about taking an omega-3 supplement.

    What should I eat at this age ?

    Follow a Mediterranean diet

    A Mediterranean diet is based around lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, of all colours and types to help you obtain a spectrum of heart friendly vitamins and minerals. Other healthful foods are whole-grains, lean meats and fish as well as heart-friendly fats such as olive oil. Get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked and if you have high cholesterol, you may consider trying products rich in plant stanols or sterols which can help lower cholesterol levels.

    Slash the sat fat

    As we age, our body’s energy requirement decreases. Body fat gets deposited when we take in too many calories and don’t burn enough in our everyday life. Include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from nuts, seeds and their oils instead of too much saturated fat in animal products.

    Phytoestrogens

    Soya based foods such as tofu may help reduce some of the unpleasant symptoms associated with the menopause. Eating 15-25g of soya protein a day may help reduce blood cholesterol levels. Use tofu instead of beef in stir-fries and pour calcium-enriched soya milk on your cereal. If soya isn’t your thing, other sources of phytoestrogens include lentils, beansprouts, peanuts, and sweet potatoes.

    Omega-3 fats

    Aim to eat three portions of omega-3 rich foods a week as these can help to keep bones and heart healthy. Remember canned fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel offer value for money and are omega-3 rich (but not canned tuna). Other sources include omega-3 enriched eggs, nuts and seeds like chia and flaxseed.

    60 & over,
    Vitamins are vital

    As we grow older, various physiological and psychological changes occur which have a direct effect on nutritional requirements. The body becomes less efficient at absorbing and using many vitamins and minerals. Long-term use of prescription drugs can reduce the absorption of certain nutrients. At the same time, many people find that as they get older their appetite decreases. Since the need for vitamins and minerals stays the same, or in some cases increases, it becomes even more important that the food we eat is healthy and nutritious.

    Digestive problems, like constipation, piles and diverticular disease, are more common as we age and become less active. Ensure you keep your fluid intake up by drinking lots of water. Being active helps the gut function appropriately, even walking or yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety levels which can contribute to constipation.

    Our sense of smell and taste becomes less acute as we get older, but don’t fall into the trap of adding extra salt to your food – use herbs, spices and other flavourings such as garlic, lemon juice, flavoured vinegars or mustard.

    As levels of stomach acid fall with age, the absorption of iron, calcium and the vitamins B6, B12 and folate are reduced. Decreased secretion of gastric intrinsic factor, the protein required for vitamin B12 absorption further decreases your levels of vitamin B12. As a result symptoms of fatigue, weakness and impaired concentration may ensue.

    The risk of heart attack and stroke also rises steadily with age. The major contributing factors – nutritional deficiencies, too much saturated fat, alcohol, smoking and a lack of exercise are factors which can all be addressed.

    As we get older, our body tends to become less efficient at absorbing or manufacturing vitamin D. The body can make vitamin D by the action of sunlight on the skin, but as people get older they tend to spend less time outside, so make sure your diet contains vitamin D rich foods like eggs and oily fish. Over 65s are also advised to take a supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily.

    What should I eat at this age ?

    Fibre

    Make sure that your diet includes lots of fibre-rich foods such as wholegrains, oats, fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils.

    Vitamin B12

    Ensure that you include plenty of foods rich in B12 such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and fortified breakfast cereals all contain vitamin B12. Check with your GP if you are concerned about your vitamin B12 levels.

    Vitamin D

    Small amounts of vitamin D are found in eggs and oil-rich fish as well as fortified foods such as spreads. Vitamin D can also be made by the action of sunlight on the skin so when the weather is warm, expose your arms and face to the sun for at least 20 minutes a day.

    Source :

    bbcgoodfood.com

    www.precisionnutrition.com

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  • Startups Benefiting Health

    Nepal has endless possibilities for investment and young people with innovative ideas are set to create businesses that add value to the lives of other people. Almost every sector is witnessing innovative enterprises and the health sector is no exception.

    Online Aushadhi

    While buying most of your essentials online, have you ever wished that medicines were available online? Online Aushadhi is an online pharmacy, a pioneer in the field. Simply place an order and you will have your medicine delivered right at your doorstep within 24 hours. Call the customer support team or register on the official website to request an order. A doctor’s prescription is mandatory if it is not over-the-counter medicine.

    Founder Sanjeev Singh shares, “the major objective is to give hassle-free medicine purchase experience. It’s a new concept so we are very hopeful that we will go a long way.” Established towards the end of 2015, it currently delivers medicines within Ring Road. “We receive about 5-6 orders per day. The response so far has been positive,” Singh states. “We are planning to expand our service outside the valley and for that we are studying the protocols.”

    Source:

    Startups Benefitting Health

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  • Hair Fall – symptoms of medical conditions

    Sleepless nights, lack of concentration, recurrent headaches, extra pounds and pale skin might cause HAIR FALL.

    A girl list these on her fingertips each time she spoke to her friend. She got herself tested for the common lifestyle medical conditions and realized how these conditions were the major cause for the incessant hair fall that she had but never gone for a thorough diagnosis to identify the reason.

    A healthy body and healthy hair walk hand in hand which is already proven. Eating healthy, staying physically active, and living a healthy lifestyle significantly contribute to your hair health. There are also some medical conditions which may take away the strength and quality of your hair. Hair fall is a common and one of most frequently reported symptoms of medical conditions. Few of these conditions are described below:

    Thyroid Disease :

    Thyroid is one of the common causes of hair fall in both men and women. Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism Thyroid happens to interfere with the hair growth cycle. Hence, it is necessary to fight hair fall by restoring thyroid function and devoting extra time to hair care.

    Anemia :

    One in every 10 women aged around 20-50 years suffers from anemia. Iron deficiency is one of the most common types of anemia. Undoubtedly unhealthy eating habits and negligence during the early years of adolescence and post pregnancy are some of the common reasons for anemia among women. Hair fall is a common symptom of anemia along with other symptoms such as fatigue, headache, pale skin and coldness in feet and hands. An iron-rich diet along with nutritional supplements for healthy hair are helpful in such cases.

    Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) :

    PCOS is an endocrine disorder that disturbs the hormone levels of several women. One of the prime reasons for hair loss in females is due to the increased levels of hormones such as androgens and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in PCOS. Treatment for hair fall in such patients includes both oral and topical medications that target to balance the level of hormones and also promote hair growth. Additionally, females suffering from PCOS need to make sure that they consume a healthy diet, stay physically active and practice a healthy routine.

    Skin conditions :

    Skin conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis (an autoimmune condition where the cells build quicker than they shed) or seborrheic dermatitis (inflammatory skin condition marked by small discolored patches) are commonly associated with hair loss. It is of course important to choose the right shampoo and topical formulations which will significantly contribute to correcting your scalp and hair problems.

    Depression :

    Depression is also the key reasons for shedding hair or hair fall. Stress and depression not only affect your overall health but adversely affect the quality of your hair and make them break easily. Use of anti-depressants has been found to further add to hair loss in depressed patients.

    It is often recommended to try supportive therapy along with the mainstay treatment in this type of medical conditions. The supportive therapy would include oral and topical medications that target to reduce hair fall and aid in hair growth. In addition to that, you may also need to modify your daily routine and habits, get rid of unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive drinking, and switch to meditation and yoga.

    For a healthy nutrition, you may choose to add nutritional supplements to your daily diet. They can serve as the perfect source of both essential and non-essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals that act as cofactors for hair growth. Also, you may try some novel hair serums such as mixture of actives, containing peptides (such as procapil), melatonin, adenosine, coccocin, and vitamins such as vitamin B5, B6 and B8. These components help to increase the microcirculation in the scalp and also add strength and vitality to the hair strand. Hair serums also strengthen the hair follicle by increasing the supporting proteins (laminin and collagen) in the hair roots.

    So if you are running low on some of your vital nutrients, do not stress to aggravate hair loss; instead, determine to win over the condition by following these golden rules! A healthy body along with shiny locks shall surely reflect on how practically you fight your medical condition!

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