Everything You Should Know About Swine Flu

On August 23, 2016, Indian athlete Sudha Singh, who participated in the 3,000 metre steeplechase event at the Rio Olympics, tested positive for Swine Flu (spread by the H1N1 virus). This has once again sparked concern among the people of India, and rightly so.

Having killed 981 people in 2009 and 1763 people in 2010, the virus was brought under control before another outbreak occurred post 2014, when 218 people lost their lives. Things got even worse in 2015 and cities like Pune alone saw 153 deaths out of the 1,126 cases registered in the city.

In the 2016 season, more than hundred people have already been tested positive in Punjab and between August 1 to August 10, 2016, four positive samples were found in Hyderabad.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

The symptoms of swine flu are like any regular fever and include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Sore Throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

Many people with swine flu also have diarrhea and vomiting. However, you can have some of these symptoms even if you don't have swine flu, so it is better to consult a doctor before jumping to any conclusions. Also, just like any other flu or fever, they can lead to several other problems, including pneumonia, lung infection and breathing problems. If you already have asthma or diabetes, it can become worse.

Treatment

Antiviral drugs like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab) and zanamivir (Relenza), which are used for seasonal flu, also work against H1N1 virus.

The consumption of these drugs is advised within 48 hours of identifying the symptoms but only after a consultation with a doctor.

Antibiotics don't work against this ailment, since the fever is caused by a virus and not bacteria. In case you are caring for someone diagnosed with the Swine Flu or know someone who has been diagnosed, the best way to prevent contracting the illness is by ensuring personal hygiene. Usage of products like Dettol Liquid Handwash and Dettol Air Protect Masks offer protection against germs and are advisable at such times.  

Myths About Swine Flu

• Many people believe that eating pork makes them more vulnerable to Swine Flu, which isn't true. You should be more cautious about shaking hands with someone or using a public telephone than eating pork.
• People believe that a person is contagious only after he starts showing the symptoms of Swine Flu, which also isn't true. You can be contagious even before any symptoms become visible.
• It is assumed that getting a vaccine in summer makes you immune for the entire year. It is advisable to get vaccinated every winter to prevent infection from mutations of the virus.

10 Things You Never Say to a Woman in Labour

Labour is a tough time for any pregnant woman. After having gone through a lot of changes, physically as well as emotionally, through nine months, it all culminates in this one process of delivery. There are certain things that prove to be encouraging and motivating at this time, while others can be an absolute faux pas, driving the woman already in immense pain completely over the edge into the domain of anger, say some of the best gynaecologists in Hyderabad.

Here are a few things that you should never say to your partner when she is in labour.

'You Don't Have to be a Hero'

This is the most boring and unfortunately the oldest of lines that should never be said to a woman in labour. Most of the people use it either when the woman decides whether to get an epidural or not or when she has already received an epidural.

'I Hate to See You in Pain'

This phrase is often used by those who feel terrible seeing their partner in so much pain and not being able to do anything about it. If you can’t say something positive, don’t say anything at all!

'How are You Doing?

How do you expect a woman in labour is doing? Of course, she is not feeling great. Add to that, she's tired, hungry, nauseated, in pain or emotionally spent. Can you do anything about it? If no, then don't ask!

'Just Relax'

When labour gets difficult and painful, a woman is full of emotions. She is tense, scared and in a lot of pain. So don't tell her to 'relax' because she probably doesn't know how to!

'What Can I Do?'

Admit it, even you don't know what you can do in this situation. A woman in this condition is not a thinking mind and is unlikely to give you a good answer for that question.

'I Am So Tired'

You are not the one who is having the baby and if you are tired, imagine how tired the labouring mother would be!

'Just Breath'

Of course, she knows that! In fact, most of the time she's taking quick, shallow breaths to cope with her labour.

'You Need to Be Quiet'

If you have problems with her being loud, it is you who needs to leave that place. Giving birth is a noisy process. Get used to it.

'Don't Push'

Sometimes the woman starts pushing before her cervix is ready but that happens involuntarily. So, telling her not to push doesn’t help.

'You're Going to Tear'

Thank you for adding to all the stress and tension!

These suggestions from some of the best gynecologists in Hyderabad will help you be a good support when your partner is going through one of the biggest experiences in her life. So, keep them in mind.

Undeniable Importance of a Condom

When it comes to unwanted pregnancy, everything else goes out of the window. There is a hard way to learn this lesson and there is no soft way to handle an unwanted pregnancy. Think about it, there are enough people who tell themselves that they are too cool to get 'involved' after sex. That's pretty much all there is to sex. Once you are no longer a virgin, the rest is up to your choice. If you decide to break up with your sexual partner, the world is not likely to consider you bad or evil. The bad news is that there is more to sex. 

Hitting the Baby Speed Bump

I found out the hard way that sex is nothing but a trick played on us human beings to reproduce. All nature has one overruling and omnipresent purpose and that purpose is to bring forth new life. 

It all started with fun and games and desperate longing. Those nights in her studio soon became impromptu beer sessions with plenty of giggles as we improvised ways to get comfortable. Of course, when you are young and out to have fun, the last thing on your mind will be to look up the outcome of unwanted pregnancy. According to WHO, 15 million out of a total of 16.7 million pregnancies in India every year can be avoided with proper use of modern contraception methods. If you think these are people who are ignorant, think again because Among the 14,893 women who did not use contraception and did not want to get pregnant, 37% women cited fear of side-effects and health concerns as the main reason for non-use; 22.4% women were simply opposed to it, 17.6% women underestimated the risk of pregnancy.

The first shock came when my girlfriend called me up from the doctor's. Her periods were always irregular and there seemed to be no cause for worry except this time it was different. She was pregnant. The baby was born premature (probably because we did not find out until the fourth month and neglected the right care and nutrition my pregnant girlfriend needed out of sheer ignorance) and spent a week in the oxygen tent. By the end of two weeks, I had exhausted all my savings paying for neonatal intensive care and her parents had to foot the bill. That definitely did nothing to improve my image in their eyes. Pretty soon, I lost my job in the global recession of 2013 and had no money to support the baby. Getting fed up of my lack of support, I was barred from visiting my unexpected family. The sorrow of parting drove me to years of alcoholism and depression that ruined my career and a good part of my life. After a good amount of therapy and rehabilitation, I have learned that the golden rule of condoms, 'It is better to have a condom and not need it than to need a condom and not have it.' All my grief could have been avoided if I just had a Durex Excite Me in my wallet on that fateful night.

How to Make Your Kid Stay Clean?

According to a study published in the 2015 Jan-Jun edition of the Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, diarrhea is the third most common cause for child deaths in India, accounting for 13% of the deaths of children below the age of 5 years annually.

These statistics underline the importance of personal hygiene for children. Even BMJ, formerly known as the British Medical Journal, said that diarrhea is often caused by a lack of proper hand washing. A clean body not only enhances a person's personality but also keeps them protected against diseases. This is why it is important to teach kids about hygiene from an early age. Here's how parents can make it possible.

Tips to Keep Your Young Ones Clean

1. Bathe Daily: Living in a hot and humid country like India, children should bathe at least once a day with a good antibacterial soap, such as Dettol Skincare bar soap, which is known to provide 100% better protection against disease causing germs than ordinary soaps. Kids are involved in many outdoor activities and are easy targets for germs and bacteria. A regular bath ensures that their bodies don’t become breeding grounds for germs.
2. Carrying a Hand Sanitizer: A perfect substitute for soap, sanitizers can make your work easy.  Always motivate your kid to carry a sanitizer with them, as it can be very useful while traveling or in school. A drop of Dettol Instant Hand Sanitizer, which kills 99.9% germs without water, would be sufficient.
3. Make Them Cut Their Nails: Not too many people associate this with personal hygiene but it is a good idea to teach the importance of personal hygiene for children. Trimming a child's nails each time they grow a little beyond the skin will prevent dirt from accumulating under the nails, it can help prevent illnesses. Keep a good nail cutter and encourage its use among your kids
4. Brush Their Teeth: It is never a good idea to have yellow teeth or cavities. Change your child's brush at least every six months and make them brush their teeth properly at least twice every day to prevent any tooth or gum damage. It will also help in getting rid of bad breath
5. Get a Good Hair Cut: Long and messed up hair may sound cool but can be the worst enemy of personal hygiene. It doesn't matter what you child tells you, it is not encouraged in their school either. Make them use a good shampoo at least twice a week, if not more often, since it will prevent sweat and germs from accumulating on the scalp and the hair is clean before an illness is caused.

Yoga that helps reduce anxiety and stress amidst daily hustle-bustle

How does Kriya yoga help one achieve balance between one’s inner self and the outer world? We find out.

The ancient practice of yoga has scores of benefits, but its core philosophy centres around creating balance within the self. It teaches one to calm down the negative thoughts swirling in one’s mind and to reduce anxiety by filling the heart with love instead of fear. Thus, it eliminates one’s stress to a large extent.

Kriya yoga, particularly, teaches one to infuse the heart with compassion and love for all God’s creatures. It helps one change perspective about life by prompting one to seek salvation through selfless service of humanity. Overall, however, yoga offers tremendous physical and mental benefits while strengthening one’s connection with God.

Consider practicing the following asanas for the best benefits:

• Balasana (Child pose): It helps to release tension in the neck and back. Sit on your heels and bend forward to rest on your elbows. Now bring your elbows towards your body such that your chest rests on your thighs. Keep your feet together and lower your head to touch the ground. Stretch out your arms and hold the pose for at least 10 seconds.
• Uttana Shishosana (Extended puppy pose): Rest on your hands and knees, with your knees under your hips and your palms under your shoulders. Now slowly descend your torso towards the ground to stretch the spine and hover the chest a few inches away from the ground. Lengthen out your back and stay in position for 20 seconds. This asana eliminates back stress and pain.
• Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half fish pose): Sit on the floor with both legs stretched out. Now bend your left knee and pull the left foot towards the body. Twine your right arm around your left knee and put the left hand behind your back on the floor. This will twist your spine while you look over your left shoulder. This asana works the entire back and improves digestion as well.
• Shavasana (Corpse pose): This is the best asana because it helps one relax after a gruelling yoga session! Lie down flat on the floor and spread your legs slightly. Keep your palms facing the sky and let the feet lie limply on their sides. Straighten the back but do not put pressure on it. Now relax and focus on your breathing, imagining the inhale and exhale. This asana is also an excellent aid to meditation.

The top 4 cord blood banks in India

We list the best and most reputed cord blood banks in India for your consideration.

In recent years, the concept of cord blood banking and stem cell preservation are gaining traction in popular parlance. As more and more parents become aware of the benefits of storing their newborn baby’s cord blood to help in future treatment, the importance of cord blood repositories has also increased. ‘Stem cell preservation’ is now a common watchword among conscientious parents looking to help their children maintain their good health in the future.

Cord blood banking helps parents make a bid to stave off serious ailments in their child’s future; cord blood cells are known to cure as many as 80 potentially fatal disorders. However, it is not enough to merely decide to bank the cord blood, it must be deposited safely in an excellent facility that has the technical expertise and equipment to store the banked sample for a period of 21 years.

If you are on the lookout for a good cord blood bank, we help you with a list of India’s top 4:

1. School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata[1]. This is India’s first Government-run and backed stem cell preservation facility that was inaugurated quite recently. It is a dedicated cord blood banking facility that would provide private and public cord blood banking services. It has been set up as per Government regulations and requirement and is a state-of-the-art centre for cord blood.
2. Cordlife, West Bengal. Cordlife India operates more than 50 cord blood centres in India, and has a state-of-the-art laboratory with a storage capacity of 1,50,000 blood units and advanced cryopreservation facilities. The stem cell processing technology incorporates complete automation that is housed within a safe building that has 24/7 surveillance. It is credited with releasing the first stem cell unit for the country’s first mixed stem cell transplant in 2011.
3. StemCyte, Gujarat. A joint venture between a premier hospital in the country and a pharma major, StemCyte was set up in 2008 and it collects, processes, tests and stores private and public cord blood units. It is an affiliate of StemCyte USA and it is involved not just in cord blood banking but also in clinical trials involving stem cells and numerous therapeutic applications. It has been a part of over 36 transplants in India since its inception and has 12 centres all over the country.
4. Reliance Life Science, Maharashtra[2]. This facility was set up as South Asia’s first public and private cord blood repository, offering family banking services and public withdrawal of units for transplantation. It offers three programmes for cord blood and tissue banking, as well as helping patients looking for units in grafts.

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[1] http://udaipurkiran.com/indias-first-government-run-cord-blood-bank-begins-work-in-kolkata/

[2] http://www.rellife.com/cord_blood.html

The Shrinking Population of South India

India has always been known for its rising population but, contrary to popular belief, the new scenario brewing in the southern parts of the country is both a problem and an advantage. An article in The Times of India describes the whole situation as 'un-Indian'. As it turns out, the population in the southern parts of the country is shrinking not because of population control but as a result of rising infertility in women. According to the 2011 Census data, a significant number of districts in the southern parts of India, especially in Karnataka, have lower fertility rates than the national average. Based on the theory that two children replace two adults, the national targeted average in India is of 2, but the current national average stands at 2.5. This average is decreasing in the South, with a majority of women in the southern states settling for a single child.

Karnataka's overall average stands at 2, with many districts like Udupi (1.2), Chikmagalur (1.4), Bangalore (1.7), etc, recording much lower than the state average. "Women are, perhaps, postponing marriage and, subsequently, childbirth. Many are increasingly settling for one child as they are socially and biologically past their prime by the time they give birth for the first time," said professor KS James of the Population Research Centre.

Effects of Decreasing Population

The national average is kept at 2 on account of the fact that two children would replace the two adults who are their parents and will keep the population at status quo. Although a control on the rising population is the need of the hour in India, experts advise against such a drastic turn around. This is on account of the fact that it will affect the demography of the population, leading to a rise in the number of older people and decrease in the number of youths. Often, this decision to have just one child is to provide better facilities and better standard of living to the lone child, considering the rising cost of living. What this will lead to is more number of parents being taken care of by lesser number of young ones. For example, if in a marriage both partners are from a single child family, then the entire responsibility of taking care of both sets of parents falls on them.

Infertility Issues and Treatment Options

In many cases, the decision to have a child if left till late, in order to give enough time for the couple to settle down in their life. This delay and other day to day stresses can lead to infertility at times. For such scenarios, there are several fertility centers in Bangalore that can be of great assistance. The infertility centers in Bangalore are among the best in the world and renowned for the quality of their services. With such modern and improved facilities at the fertility centers in Bangalore, it shouldn't be a tough job maintaining the national average of fertility throughout the country.