Down Syndrome: Ways to help your Child Communicate

Down's Syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes physical and mental abnormalities in children. It is a result of irregular cell division after the fusion of the sperm and egg which results in extra genetic material being transferred from chromosome 21 to the new embryo. Also called Trisomy 21, Down's syndrome is characterized by physical and mental retardation and unusual facial variations. One in every 600 babies born worldwide is said to have Down's syndrome. 

Signs and Symptoms of Down's Syndrome 

Children with Down's syndrome have certain unusual facial characteristics like 

• Small undersized head 
• Flat face 
• Upward slanting eyes 
• Ears positioned lower than normal 
• Stunted neck 
• Small mouth with protruding tongue 
• Wide hands with short fingers 
• Overall retarded growth 
• Poor Mental IQ 
• Loose muscle tone with excess flexibility 

Apart from these, children with Down's syndrome also suffer from lung, heart, intestine and hearing problems. 

Causes of Down's Syndrome:

Late pregnancy in women:  Pregnant women over 45 are at greater risk as their eggs are older and may lead to improper chromosome division 

Delivering one baby with Down's syndrome: The chances are more for the next baby to have Down's syndrome if its elder sibling already is affected by it. 

Heredity: If the parents have Down's syndrome, there are great chances of this being passed on to their children. 

Down's Syndrome prevention

Doctors claim that taking adequate amounts of Folic Acid or Vitamin B9 before and during early pregnancy stages may help in Down's syndrome prevention. 

Folic Acid is crucial for the development of the brain in infants. It is also responsible for the production of red blood cells in babies and the vital key to their strong mental health. 

Down's Syndrome prevention is thus possible only with consumption of sufficient Folic acid through spinach, dairy products, seafood, eggs, fruits and nuts. 

Medical Treatment in India for Down's Syndrome 

Every year in India, there are incidences of  23 to 26,000 children with Down's syndrome. But hope is not lost as there are enough health centres and hospitals offering medical treatment in India for Down's syndrome. 

Down's Syndrome treatment starts with initial screening and diagnostic test during the first trimester, cell-free fetal DNA analysis, amniocentesis and cordocentesis and karyotyping at birth. 

A baby affected by Down's syndrome needs early intervention to improve the duration and quality of its life. Early intervention involves several therapies directed at helping children cope with their daily difficulties. 

Speech Therapy - to improve the speaking and hearing skills of the child 

 Behavioural and Emotional therapy- to help them cope up with their condition and the stress it involves, to interact with their peers normally and to tackle age-related issues like puberty etc. 

Multispecialty treatment - Children with Down's Syndrome are often affected with heart, lung, ear and digestive problems. So they require multispecialty treatment from cardiologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, audiologists etc. 

Helping children with Down's syndrome 

Treating children with Down's Syndrome as part of the society is the first step in helping them. 

Apart from this, the following activities can help children with Down's Syndrome 

• Using pictures to illustrate topics using books 
• Using assisted devices like touch screen tablets and laptops 
• Improving their writing ability by using  special pencils, pencil grips and sloping surface to write 
• Reading aloud and recitation to improve their speech, hearing and vocabulary 
• Improving motor skills using finger puppets, beads and pegs, lego and hand gym. 
• Games to improve hand-eye coordination like building bricks, jigsaw puzzles, mazes and tracing patterns 
• Inculcate independence by encouraging them to eat, bathe and dress on their own. 

Down's Syndrome is definitely a congenital genetic disorder but one whose medical treatment in India is done both efficiently and economically. 

9 Essential Foods for Zinc – And, the Role of Zinc in Treating Hair Loss and Night Blindness

The health benefits of zinc are numerous. It is essential for almost all organs and systems in our body. Zinc stimulates the learning potential of the brain and improves cognitive ability, helps the immune system by stimulating the free radicals, and reduces the stress levels which in turn keep diabetes under control. Lack of zinc in the appropriate proportions in the body leads to various health issues.

Medical researches on zinc and its essentiality in the body state that a man should take about 11 mg and a woman about 8 mg per day for better health. This element will be available in natural diets and you could also take it as a supplement post consulting the physician.

Here are 9 essential 3foods that are rich in zinc and take them on a regular base as part of your balanced diet.

·         Beans – This is the best food for fibre, antioxidants, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Making it part of your diet help you in reducing heart diseases and diabetes.

·         Animal Meat – Red meat is an excellent source of zinc. Balanced consumption of red meat ensures sufficient amounts of zinc in your body.

·      Nuts – The power-packed food with proteins is also rich in healthy fats such as mono and poly-saturated fats, Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.

·       Fish – Fish is full of health essentials such as Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D and Vitamin E, and minerals such as calcium, potassium and zinc.

·      Seafood - Crabs, clams, lobsters, oysters and other seafood are low in cholesterols and excellent sources of zinc and other minerals just as fish.

·       Dairy Products – Ensure Milk, yoghurt and other dairy products are consumed daily as they are good sources of zinc.

·       Seeds – Sesame and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources for zinc. You could consume them raw or eat the boiled ones. However, roasting decreases the zinc levels.

·         Fruits – A complete diet is incomplete without fruits. Consume pomegranates, avocados, berries and bananas as natural zinc supplements.

·        Mushroom – Similar to spinach, mushrooms are high in zinc. People who don’t like any of the foods mentioned above can choose mushrooms as an alternative.

Zinc plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy life. Deficiency of it may lead to various health issues such as reduced bone strength, immunity and infections. Zinc also works as the best treatment for Alopecia (Hair loss) and night blindness, the two major health issues faced by many due to stress and untreated short-sightedness, respectively.

·         Alopecia – This is a condition of excessive hair loss occurred due to stress, sedentary lifestyle and excess use of chemicals or drugs. One way to address this issue is taking a balanced diet and food that is rich in beta-carotene and zinc. The essential nutrients for healthy hair such as biotin, Vitamin C and iron, along with zinc work as a great supplement for hair regrowth. Doctors may prescribe zinc capsules as an additional supplement in case of high-deficiency of this mineral. Scientific researchers have proven that zinc works as the best treatment for hair loss, especially in the children.  

·         Night Blindness – It is a condition where the person could not see during night time. Conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, untreated short-sightedness and cataracts may lead to night blindness. The treatment for this condition depends on the reason of it. Doctor may prescribe glasses or medications for glaucoma. However, with regular consumption of zinc, this condition can be prevented from advancing as Vitamin A needs zinc in functioning effectively.

Zinc is essential for our body in every aspect. Ensure this mineral is available in your regular diet and avoid various medical issues.   

How do you prepare yourself for Gamma Knife Surgery?

The Gamma Knife surgery is a non-invasive, advanced radiation therapy focused on small to medium-sized tumours located in the brain. Unlike as suggested in name the procedure does not include surgical incision but involves radiation therapy with single, many beams of high-intensity gamma radiation, targeted very precisely to destroy a tumour.

Basically, the Gamma Knife treatment includes six steps:

      Preparation

Applying the frame

Imaging studies

Treatment planning

Gamma Knife treatment

Recovery

Since this is a non-invasive procedure, surgical risks are eliminated and can be performed in a day or two without hampering much of the daily activity. If you have been scheduled for a gamma surgery, you may feel apprehensive. You need not feel anxious as the preparation is quite simple and involve only a few steps.  

Preparation prior to the day of the therapy

The preparation starts, a day prior the scheduled gamma knife surgery. Depending on your medical findings, doctors may recommend certain medications which should be taken positively.  It is advised to fast for eight hours before the treatment. So, preferably don’t eat anything after midnight.  In case you witness any abnormal pain, immediately inform the doctor.

Wash your hair using shampoo and refrain from using any product other than shampoo. It is good to take adequate sleep, so try sleeping early.

Make sure you have a family member or a friend who can accompany you to the hospital, stay at the hospital during the entire treatment.  

Preparation on the day of treatment

The procedure usually takes a day and you will be discharged the next day. It is good to wear comfortable and relaxing clothes.  Remove all your accessories, contact lenses, hairpieces, dentures and avoid any makeup products. Make sure you reach the hospital within time. Before you change into the hospital gown it is best to empty your bladder.

Applying the Frame

The head is cleaned at the position where the stereotactic frame is placed.  The local anaesthetics are administered at the pinpoints of the frame to achieve numbness in these areas, following which the head frame is placed. A slight discomfort may be felt at the time of administration of anaesthesia and frame insertion but this will last only for a short duration. 

Imaging Studies

Subsequently, after frame attachment, imaging studies are performed to trace the exact location of a tumour.  The imaging tools may include computed tomography (CT) scan, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or a cerebral angiogram. The images obtained from these are used by the team to plan the specialized treatment.

Treatment Planning

On completion of the imaging, you are allowed to relax and take rest for some time; meanwhile, the team works on the treatment plan.  

Gamma Knife Treatment

When the team is ready with the treatment plan, you will be assisted to the gamma knife area. The nurse will instruct you to lie down on the bed. In most of the patients, a blood pressure cuff, oxygen monitor and EKG monitor is connected to monitor vital signs.  A special helmet, known as collimator helmet, is fitted over the stereotactic frame. After making all the necessary arraignments for the initiation of the treatment, the team will leave the room. You will also be observed with a video monitor.

Recovery

Upon completion of the therapy session, the stereotactic frame is removed and a sterile dressing is applied at the pin insertion points. You may have a headache or nausea after the treatment.  You can communicate with the nurse and get medicines. Most of the patients will be discharged the next day.  You can return to your normal activities, eat and drink as per your mood and choice.  

Miracles which Only Sesame Oil Can Give You

Sesame oil, also called gingely oil is a generally known as a cooking oil in our Indian culinary. It is considered as one of the healthiest and highly favourable oil used for culinary purposes. This oil is extracted from small brown seeds called Sesame seeds which are widely grown in Africa and India. It contains numerous essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals that are vital for the prosperity of the human body. 

Sesame oil is rich in antioxidants and has tons of health benefits. Cooking with sesame oil is normally practiced in most of the Asian countries like India, China, and Japan. It is also a fundamental ingredient in various Middle Eastern cuisines and continental dishes. Nowadays, top chefs all around the world are recommending sesame oil in daily culinary activities. It has polyunsaturated fat with omega 6 fatty acids which are really crucial for the heart and cells.

Sesame oil benefits are not only limited to culinary and exotic cuisines but also for distinct therapy and medical treatments. Application of sesame oils in a medicine dates way-way back from the pages of history could read. Multiple historical records have been found through time that shouts the undeniable purpose of sesame oils in the field of medicine in different regions of the world like ancient India, China, and the Middle East. Still, it is extensively used in Ayurvedic treatments in India and therapeutic treatments across the world. 

Here are some wonderful applications of this miracle oil,

Sesame oil for skin

• The antioxidants present in sesame oil will delay your aging process and prevents skin wrinkles when applied to the face regularly.
• Sesame oil will stop skin dryness and other harmful factors affecting the skin. Thus, giving your skin a natural glow and a fair complexion.
• It is applied all over the skin in the various forms of massage therapies because of its moist nature and it relieves the body from heat and pressure. It also makes your skin flexible and tranquil.
• Zinc content in the sesame oil helps in the healing of skin wounds, cuts or scars and it also repairs the possibilities of further skin complications.
• Applying sesame oil regularly on the skin will prevent skin infections and wipes out dark spots, acne, age spots etc.
• If applied before taking a bath, sesame oil will release unnecessary heat from the body and regulates the body temperature.
• High vitamin E enrichment in sesame oil prevents premature aging and nourishes your skin by keeping it young.
• It is a natural moisturizer that prevents sunburn and also prevents toxins from entering the body.
• It helps in the treatment and prevention of fungal infections over the skins like rashes and scabies.

Sesame oil for hair

• Regular sesame oil massage on your head prevents hair loss. Sesame oil is essential for those who are working under direct sun rays which usually damages basically every aspect of hair.
• Applying warm sesame oil on your head before taking a bath will reduce your body heat and boosts hair growth.
• It also removes lice and dandruff problem. It increases the moisture content of your scalp and leaves no environment for lice and dandruff to thrive.
• Massaging your scalp with sesame oil will eventually improve the blood circulation in your head giving you sheer relaxation and deep sleep.
• Proper usage of sesame oil will darken your hair and avert grey hairs.
• It prevents excess hair fall and provide the necessary nourishment for the roots.

Sesame oil for health

• Consuming sesame oil than any other cooking oil will greatly reduce your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
• Performing an oil pulling with sesame oil will bring you to the peak of oral hygiene and prevents tooth problems like sensitivity, plaque, bleeding, decay etc.
• Cooking your day to day food with sesame oil is good for the heart and it strengthens the cardiac muscles. It also cures any chances of heart disease by eliminating oxidants and free radicals.
• Higher content of Zinc, Copper, and Calcium in sesame oil raise bone density, bone development, fasten the reattachment of bones after fracture and prevents osteoporosis, the condition of bones becoming weak and fragile.
• Sesame oil contains all the necessary supplements that reduce the probability of having cancer in near future.

8 Ways to reduce your risks of type 2 Diabetes

It is the most generally known form of diabetes. When your body loses its ability to synthesize glucose (blood sugar), it leads to the condition of Type 2 diabetes or diabetes mellitus. The pancreas usually produces a hormone called insulin which breaks down the glucose and sends them into the bloodstream. Type 2 diabetes occurs if the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to break down the glucose which causes the rise of blood sugar levels in the system. 

These are some ways to avoid the risks of getting the type 2 diabetes

Drink plenty of water regularly

Water controls the blood sugar levels in your body and regulates the insulin production mechanism.  Drinking plenty of water is considered one of the healthiest habits that any human can have. Alongside, making water your primary drink will cut your habit of having other beverages like soft drinks, packed drinks, milk etc., which contains a lot of sugar. Sugary drinks will boost your blood sugar levels and calories which your body might find difficult to synthesize.

Exercise regularly

Routine exercise is mandatory to avoid the risks of having diabetes. Regular workouts will enhance the ability of your body to burn the glucose by increases your body’s production and consumption of insulin. Exercises like strength training, aerobics, high-intensity training etc., readily help in blood sugar regulation of your system. You need to get up and work out regularly to burn down your calories and improve the action of insulin towards the process of synthesizing glucose in your bloodstream.

Minimize your carbohydrate (carbs) and starch intakes

Everyone craves for carbs. Yes, carbs are one the tastiest things that have ever occurred in this world. Every tasty and junk foods contain lots of carbs and carbs contain lots of calories. The carbs usually take more time than usual to break down into the bloodstream and also consume more insulin. This deprives the proper usage of the insulin produced and demands your body for more insulin. On the other hand, carbohydrates and starch are the most important of nutrition. So less the carbs, less the problems.

Increase your fibre intake

Fibre based foods are good for the digestive tract and the body mass management. These types of foods help in blood sugar regulation. Fibre based foods are easily digestible and consume less amount of insulin for the process. Thus, making your chance of getting diabetes nearly impossible.

Never get obese

Obesity is the root cause of most of the disease in this world, mainly diabetes, risks of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure etc., Majority of diabetes patients are suffering from obesity and overweight. Excess of fat gathering in and around the abdominal tissues affects the production of insulin and also makes your body resistant towards insulin causing serious cases of diabetes. Losing even a little amount of your usual weight will show a remarkable change in your bodily functions and metabolism. You should control obesity and your BMI with the help of regular exercise, low carb diets, and healthy lifestyle.  

Quit smoking

Smoking has serious risks of causing diabetes. If you are already a diabetes patient, quitting your smoking habit will never help, because the damage has already done. Smoking leads to the inhalation of a lot of carcinogens and other hazardous chemical substances that deliver a serious blow to your health. 

Go for healthy food choices

In spite of eating low card foods and fibre-rich foods, you can also regulate your daily food options towards the path of healthy food choices.  Eat healthy whole grain food, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Certain fruits contain high glucose levels, which make you prone to diabetes. Even though you are eating healthy, you have watch out for the amount of food you eat, it will be hazardous also and will increase your chances of getting diabetes. Vitamin D is so important for controlling diabetes, it will improve the production of insulin and normalizes the blood sugar regulation.

Regular health check-ups

If you are above forty, regular health check-ups become mandatory. Seek proper counselling regarding the awareness of diabetes. Consult dietitians for your doubts on your food consumption and proper health trainers to keep your weight in control.   

Confuting the Myths on Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease which reduces the mass and density of the bone. This further leads to weakening of the bone, making them prone to low trauma fractures.Osteoporosis is accompanied by decreased functional impairment, pain and respiratory obstructions. Eventually it leads to decreased quality of life in older age. 

Bones in osteoporosis

It is important for all to remain acquainted with the true facts in order to maintain a good bone health and stay away from the potential risks of osteoporosis.

Here are some common myths or assumptions that prevent people from availing the right prevention and treatment strategies.

Men are safe from osteoporosis

Although the incidence is marginally more among females due to menopause, the assumption that osteoporosis is a feminist issue is not true. A Canadian study shows that 1 out of 8 men suffer from osteoporosis.Fractures due to osteoporosis are equally common in older men specially those above 50 years of age. The likelihood of developing osteoporosis among male is greater as compared to prostate cancer. 

Osteoporosis occurs only in old age

Osteoporosis can occur at any age. The serious complication of osteoporosis can be seen at old age when the natural healing process of the body slows down.While age is one of the established risk factor, the presence of any of the other risk factors, can induce osteoporosis irrespective of the age. 

Only medicines can help curing Osteoporosis

Although non-pharmacological treatment are most effective for managing the condition, one can also benefit from regular exercise sessions including muscle strengthening exercises, cardiovascular or aerobic exercises. Exercise is seen to improve the bone mineral density and produce a synergistic effect with the drug combination.

Calcium supplements are sufficient to prevent osteoporosis

While calcium is vital, other essential components like vitamin D, K, B_6, B_11, along with minerals are equally important for maintaining the bone health. Vitamin D is one of the key components as it helps the body to absorb calcium.

Osteoporosis is natural as we age

The prevalence of osteoporosis increases dramatically with age but in osteoporosis, bone loss is significantly higher as compared to normal aging process.The older people are at a greater risk for vitamin D insufficiency which may exaggerate their condition hence, it is very important to manage calcium and vitamin D deficiency in older people.  

Osteoporosis has a familial association

Genetics or family history definitely makes one more susceptible to osteoporosis, but there are many other factors for instance improper nutrition, hyperthyroidism, low levels of vitamin D, excessive smoking, alcohol consumption,sedentary lifestyle that can attribute to this condition.

There are indications or manifestations of the disease

Surprisingly, osteoporosis remains symptom less until the bones are extremely fragile to withstand minor fractures. People may not experience any sign throughout their 20s, 30s, and 40s when the disease may remain in a progressive stage. Hence, in order to detect osteoporosis at earlier stage, one should go for routine bone density tests.

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10 Common Pregnancy Risks Every Woman Should Know

Motherhood is a boon to women from the almighty which makes them a complete woman. God has chosen woman to bear and reproduce life thus proclaiming her as the power of evolution on earth for two prime reasons. First and foremost being her emotional characteristics to bear and give birth to a baby with love, care with warmth. Secondly, a woman’s patience to withstand the pain and difficulties bearing the baby for ten months sacrificing her comfort. So, a woman should always be respected in our society providing a safe environment though not comfortable living standards.

Giving birth to a new life is like a second birth for every mother. Many complications and risks are associated with pregnancy. A pregnant mother undergoes psychological and physiological complications. Hence due care and attention should be rendered from the first month until delivery.

Let us discuss few common pregnancy complications that may arise due to certain infections during pregnancy:

• Ectopic Pregnancy –egg is fertilized outside the uterus in the fallopian tube which is a dangerous complication.This pregnancy complication occurs usually due to STD called as chlamydia, women who have undergone surgeries, or any other gynaecological disorders. Symptoms include severe pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness which needs immediate medical care.

• RH negative disease –this disease is caused by a condition when certain protein that needs to be produced around red blood cells is absent. This impacts creation of antibodies due to which a pregnant mother becomes RH negative. So in such a situation if the baby happens to be RH positive, pregnancy complications arise during next pregnancy. This complications is handled by testing the mother and putting her under a medication called Rhogam for 28 weeks or after delivery if the baby happens to be RH positive.

• Premature labour –a mother delivers premature babies when the delivery happens before the full term of 37 weeks. Severe cramps, back ache, stronger or longer contractions are some of the symptoms of preterm labour. A doctor gives relevant medications to control preterm labour thus saving the mother and baby.

• Miscarriage –another common pregnancy complication that occurs at a very early stage of before 12 weeks of pregnancy. This complication arises due to chromosomal anomalies that prevents the fertilized egg for further development. Heavy bleeding occurs causing severe pain to the mother.

• Gestational diabetes –this is special condition of diabetes unlike the regular diabetes. It occurs during pregnancy and can be controlled only through insulin and diet because it may lead to further complications and risks for mother and baby especially babies resulting in some birth anomalies.

• Group B strep–a common infection that affects new born. This can be avoided by identifying the infection through a culture done during pregnancy.

• Low birth weight – a common pregnancy complication due to poor nutrition of pregnant mothers which results in several birth complications such as congenital diseases etc.,

• Preeclampsia –this occurs in pregnant mothers who have high blood pressure or abnormal proteins in urine, kidney. This will lead to serious life threatening situations for the mother. Hence early delivery is done which is even worse.

• Low amniotic fluid – this condition is called as oligohydramnios when there is less fluid in the placenta that protects a baby’s growth. This condition should be treated to avoid further pregnancy complication.

• Placenta Previa–the placenta lowers to the bottom of the uterus near the cervix during early stages of pregnancy that needs to be addressed by dragonising though ultrasound scan to avoid serious medical complications.

Pregnancy complications are not confined to the points discussed above. There are many more pregnancy complication which are not typical and varies with a person’s specific condition.Hence, a pregnant mother should be carefully monitored through monthly check- ups especially for managing high blood pressure that may cause serious pregnancy health problems and due care should be taken as it is a concern of two lives – mother and baby.

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