Healthy Diet For Kids

A well-balanced diet, comprising of all the required nutrients and having just the right amount of calories, is vital for the proper growth of children. While planning the diet for your children, never ever concentrate on one type of food items only. They should be made to consume a wide variety of food stuff, to make sure that they get all the essential nutrients and have a balanced diet. Keep a check on their fast-food intake and make sure that they never skip their meals. To get some more tips on healthy diet for kids, go through the following lines.

My Secret Wight Loss Tips For No Workouts 

Planning Healthy Diet For Children

Carbohydrates

A major portion of your kids' diet should comprise of carbohydrates, providing them the energy needed for their growth and development. Carbohydrates also boost the immune system, aid various developmental processes and are essential for storage and transport of energy. Make rice, wheat, maize, bread, pasta, and the like, a part of your children's daily food.

Fruits & Vegetables (Various Nutrients)

Include lost and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your kids' daily diet. They will provide them with vitamins, minerals, fiber and lots of other nutrients. Since they are low on calories, you will not have to worry about you child's waistline as well. It is suggested that you give 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables to your kids, on a daily basis, in the form of salads, juices, puddings, smoothies, milk shakes, etc.

Milk & Other Dairy Products (Calcium)

Milk is one of the food items that should be necessarily made a part of your kids' diet. Apart from direct consumption, you can give it to them in the form of dairy products, like milk, cheese, butter and yogurt, as well. Milk contains a lot of nutrients, right from proteins and fats to calcium and vitamins, making it beneficial in the growth and development of children.

Proteins & Iron

For a kid, who is at the growing stage of his life, it is necessary to consume the right amount of proteins. The nutrient helps aid the proper functioning of the body, apart from being useful in building muscles and forming a part of hemoglobin. So, make sure your kid eats protein-rich foods, like fish, eggs, meat, and pulses. Iron is another nutrient necessary for the growth of a child. It can be given in the form of green leafy vegetables, liver and rice flakes.

Fatty Foods

While some amount of fats is needed by children, make sure that you do not let them consume oily and fatty foods in excess. Keep them away from fast foods, which are high in calories and low on nutrients, as well as soft drinks, as much as possible. Do not forbid them altogether. Just make sure that your kids have it in moderation and never ever replace them for other important food items.

My Secret Wight Loss Tips For No Workouts 

Hair Loss In Children

“Hair today gone tomorrow”, is what you feel when you see little children having no hair on their scalps.. Contrary to popular conception hair loss, is not concentrated just to adults and old age, but can also strike children. Though, it is not a common thing among children, the number is increasing day by day. This condition continues even during their adolescent years, sometimes resulting in permanent hair loss. Luckily a large percentage of children outgrow this hair loss condition. 

However, a small percentage of children, have to deal with the problem throughout their adult life. The hair loss occurs in children due to various reasons. The causes can be a traumatic incident, genetic condition, fungal infections, poor hygiene, medications, or some serious illnesses. For some forms of hair loss, a turn around or complete return of hair happens, but it can take a very long time. If your child is suffering from this condition of hair loss, read below for the causes and treatments that can help you.

Loss Of Hair In Children

Causes For Hair Fall Among Children 

Trichotillomania

This condition in children is characterized by partial loss of hair. This can affect the eyebrows, and the scalp. The hair loss is irregularly spread over the skin. There is a constant urge among the kids to pull their own hair before going to sleep or while watching television. This habit is typically an outcome of the fear psychosis. When the condition gets complicated, the child eats the hair causing digestive complications. This habit is also known as trichophagy. However, the condition improves once the child stops the habit of pulling hair. 

Tinea Capitis

This is a major cause of hair loss among kids. This complication is caused by fungal infection of the scalp, and is a contagious disease. It is also known as ringworm of scalp, and appears as a bare patch of skin on the head. A lot of kids suffer from this type of hair loss because of the damage done to the follicles of the hair. There is a lot of itching, and scaling in the scalp. However, this hair loss condition is curable. 

Alopecia Areata

This condition causes oval or round patches of baldness on the scalp. This condition appears suddenly. The skin exposed is smooth, and the strands near the bald patch may be swollen at the base. Children suffering from this condition also experience ridged or pitted nails. There is no dependable treatment but this condition clears up on its own in about an year. 

Telogen Effluvium 

It is a temporary hair loss caused by trauma, emotional distress, or shock. Sometimes very high fever can be the cause of hair loss among children. At times it can be triggered by some medicines including chemotherapy, too much of vitamin A, crash diets, surgery or bad injuries. This condition affects the efficiency of follicles to regenerate hair. This results in permanent hair loss.  

Traction Alopecia

When parents have a negligent and careless approach towards the hygiene of hair of their child it can be a cause of this type of hair loss. This condition can also happen due to physical damage to the hair. It can result from hair bands, hats, ponytails, rubbing against a hard surface. 

Treatments Of Hair Loss Among Children 

There are three main types of hair loss for which treatment is available. 

Tinea Capitis

An anti-fungal oral and topical treatment is recommended. Visit your physician for medical prescription of oral drugs. There are topical anti-fungal creams available to treat this condition. You might have to get the child a close haircut or a complete shave. Using sulfide based shampoos are helpful in treating this condition. Oral medication and washing the hair with medicated shampoo, once in a week can help the child recover fast. 

Telogen Effluvium

Topical steroids are used for this condition of hair fall among children. Some children respond to it while others do not. Consult a medical expert for prescriptions. There are some side effects of topical steroids like mild irritation of the scalp, so, medical supervision is required for proper treatment. 

Alopecia Areata

This treatment should also be adopted after medical consultation, as the treatment requires cortisone injections in the hair follicles. Sometimes, hair loss can be psychologically disturbing for a child. Hence, a dermatologist tries different medications and treatments to stimulate hair growth.

Dangers Of Sunburn

Over exposure to the ultra violet rays of the sun can be potentially very dangerous for our skin. Sunburns can lead to serious long-term skin damages. In fact, the cumulative effects of sunburn begin at a very early age i.e. right from childhood. Sunbathers generally overexpose their skin to sunrays, as the initial stages of sunburn don’t cause any pain or irritation. It is important to avoid sunburns, as they can even have life threatening and dire consequences. This article dwells upon the dangers of sunburn at length. Read on to know what harmful effects it can have on your skin.

Harmful Effects Of Sunburn 

Sunburns can cause melanoma, which is the worst form of skin cancer. It is the fastest spreading cancer and can prove to be fatal as well. Dark-colored freckling on the skin's surface can be identified as signs of melanoma. It is easily visible to the naked eye. Fair skinned people, who spend a large amount of time taking sunbath, are more susceptible to melanoma. It is advisable to get the signs examined by a doctor.

There is a condition called actinic keratoses, in addition to melanoma, in which sun-affected growths begin to appear on the face, hands and forehand of a person. Usually, such growths are non-cancerous in nature. However, a doctor must be consulted on the first sight of any such evidence.

Cataracts and other eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, can be caused by repeated sunburns.

It has been established by scientific studies that human immune system is compromised by sunburns. The efficacy of white blood cells is adversely affected by them and the sufferers are more prone to falling sick. People with naturally dark skin are at a greater risk.

Sunburns also accelerate premature aging of the skin, with wrinkles and age spots appearing much earlier than their time.

Pre-cancerous growths are also fostered by sunburns. This is one of the extremely harmful effects of sunburn.

Sunburns can cause skin blistering, chills and fevers, temporary pains and redness of the skin.

Photosensitive reactions may also occur due to overexposure to the harmful radiation of the sun. 

Precautions 

To protect yourself from the sweltering sun heat, apply generous amounts of good-quality sunscreen and lotions with 15 SPF or higher, on your exposed body parts.

Sun radiations are the most dangerous between 10 am and 4 pm in the day. Take care to use complete protection between these hours, if you are going out in the open.

Apply the sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun. At the same time, remember to re-apply it every 2-3 hours, if you are going to spend a long time outdoors.

A range of homemade and over the counter remedies exist, which can provide temporary relief from sunrays. However, one should consult a doctor to treat more severe sunburns.

Stay indoors whenever possible, to save yourself from the scorching sun. Try to avoid direct contact with sunlight as much as possible.

Don’t relax on a cloudy day. The sun rays scatter even through the clouds. So, take complete protection.

Baby Acne Eczema - How to Diagnose It

Unlike baby acne, baby eczema can be far more frustrating for both the baby and the child. It is just as common as baby acne. However, one must be well aware of the differences between baby acne, heat rash and allergic reaction to particular food. Eczema is characterized by two distinct components namely dry and easily irritated skin and allergies. Children who suffer from dry and easily irritated skin are tends to have a genetically tendency toward dry skin. 

Eczema is one such condition which does not allow the skin to retain its moisture and leads to situation such as itchiness, rough texture, irritation etc. Allergic reactions further complicate things. The skin when exposed to such conditions over reacts and breaks out into rashes.

So those children suffering from eczema have to fight in order to prevent irritation, itchiness and try to retain moisture on the skin. Some of the symptoms that you will most likely notice in your children suffering from this condition are dry skin, dry patches and flare ups. This condition usually starts in children when they are about 3 weeks old. It may look like pimples and may occur on the cheeks, forehead and even back.

Sometimes, the pimples may disappear in a couple of days and if it does so then it could be other condition. The effects of baby eczema main remain for atleast 4 to 6 months. So far the exact cause of acne is not known but some attributes it to the allergic reaction that some babies might develop to the milk.

Read about babies allergic to milk based formula.

As far as the treatment of this condition is concerned it is best to be left alone to go away on its own. Yet you can take up some good personal hygiene in order to speed up the healing process. Though baby acne is caused by dirt by washing their face regularly might be helpful. At times the baby may also have serious flare ups. If you get worried then talk to your doctor however abstain yourself from using any over the counter products. Instead stick to maintaining proper hygiene and it will go away on its own.

Losing Weight While Breastfeeding

Getting pregnant is one of those moments that bring the most happiness in life. Thereafter, comes the time of delivery and coming of a newborn baby into this world. It is said that it is only after becoming a mother that a women feels complete. You have been through all the joys and troubles of pregnancy and delivery. Now, you have a wonderful little baby in your arms. 

Everything is so perfect, except you have not remained little any more. Your size has increased manifold and now you want to get back into shape as soon as possible. This is the time, when most of the new mothers wonder whether they can lose weight during breastfeeding. The answer is yes, only you need to take certain precautions. In the following lines, we will tell you how to lose weight while breastfeeding.

Losing Weight While Breastfeeding 

First of all, remember that you gained all that weight in the course of nine months. Losing all of it within a few weeks is not possible and not at all healthy, for you as well as for the baby.

In most of the cases, you can start doing light exercises four to six weeks after birth and by the sixth or seventh week, you can also settle into a workout routine. However, it is better to consult a physician first.

While breastfeeding, you should not aim at losing more than one to two pounds a week.

Make sure that you are taking the right amount and right type of calories. While the food has to be nutritious, it does not need to be full of things like oil and other fatty things.

Break down your meals. Rather than having three large meals in a day, have six smaller ones and even them throughout the day. It will help you avoid binges and also boost your metabolism

One of the best exercises for nursing mothers is walking. Put your baby in a stroller and go for a brisk walk. Not only will you burn calories, but your baby will also have a nice time.

You can also indulge in swimming on a regular basis. However, go slow and do not turn to rigorous sessions in the very beginning.

If you experience pain, bleeding, feeling faint, shortness of breath, heart palpitations or dizziness while exercising, stop it immediately and contact your physician.

Health Tips For Moms

Being a woman was, as it is, never easy, but being a mom is downright demanding! Right from packing lunch boxes to running after the little ones to feed them to taking them to doctor for daily checkups, a mom’s schedule is always jam-packed, with little or almost no time to spare for her own self. Mums are often so busy catering to their children’s needs that at times, they forget to attend to their own needs. Sooner or later, they realize that they don’t even have enough time to fall sick and it becomes a habit to shoo off stomach pains as just gas or menstrual cramp. 

However, at times, things can be just a little more serious than a regular cramp or stress. After having a baby, you go through physical and emotional changes that can trigger - or mask - certain health problems. The biggest favor that you can do yourself, as a mother, is to take care of your own health. Take out a little time from your hectic schedule to care for your mind and body. A brisk walk, reading your favorite novel or even catching up on that extra bit of sleep will ensure that you stay happy and healthy. Here are some more health tips for moms that you can include in your everyday life and ensure that you keep kicking always.

Best Health Tips For Mothers

Exercise Every Day

Ageing is never a delight for women, especially when it comes tagged with a host of unwarranted health issues. Thus, you need to take care of your body from a very early age. A 20 minutes brisk walk everyday is all it will take you to stay in shape, be fit, and keep joint- and bone-issues at bay. Indulging in gentle energy-boosting exercises like tai chi and yoga, apart from adding to your healthy lifestyle, is likely to cut down on ageing too, ensuring that you stays healthy and beautiful for days to come.

Frequently Drink Water

Water has more benefits than we can ever count. It helps eliminate harmful toxins from the body and maintain blood osmotic levels. Scientists unanimously vote for the benefits of water. So, gulp at least eight glasses of water every day, to stay healthy for long. Women are prone to diseases like urinary tract infection, thrush and more. Drinking adequate water ensures that you excuse yourself from such ailments for long.

Explore The Goodness Of Tea

Tea indeed makes up as one of the favorite drinks worldwide. So why wait! Treat yourself to the benefits of tea. Tea, apart from being refreshing, is low-calorie beverage that is known to possess free-radical inhibiting properties. It helps prevent atherosclerosis or hardening of arteries. It is also replete with polyphenols, a kind of active antioxidants that help the body against the threat of cancer and diabetes. Get some herbal tea for yourself and get sipping!

Have A Healthy Bite

As mum, you are constantly after your child to force him/her to eat greens. Now it’s your turn for a bite of health. Greens are known to be life-extending, anti-aging foods. Give your mum a healthy dose of soy; leafy green vegetables like spinach, mustard greens, parsley and seaweed; yams and sweet potatoes; nuts and seeds; and deep-sea fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. They are known to help in the battle against breast cancer, osteoporosis, hormonal imbalance, heart diseases, and ageing too.

Indulge In Laughter

With too many things to take care of, as a mum, it is likely that you get stressed easily. Laughter is known to be a great health booster that enhances immunity. It is also known to release endorphins - a hormone that kicks good feelings, making you more peppy and cheery. So, grab your favorite comic flick or your child’s comic books and get rolling with mirth. After all, your happiness is priceless! So get indulging.