Most Hindu people consider Tulsi sacred and use it in religious rituals too. Tulsi plant is grown and worshipped in many Indian homes. And it is commonly used in home remedies, especially for fighting cold and cough. Now, even scientific research is proving Holy Basil’s beneficial effects on physical and mental health.

What do scientific studies say?

Hundreds of scientific studies have examined the medicinal properties of Tulsi through in vitro, animal and human experiments. As per the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it has been found that Tulsi has a unique combination of actions that include: Antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antimalarial, anthelmintic), anti-diarrheal, anti-oxidant, anti-cataract, mosquito repellent, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive, hepato-protective, radioprotective, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-carcinogenic, anti-pyretic, anti-allergic, analgesic, immunomodulatory, memory enhancement, central nervous system depressant, anti-asthmatic, diaphoretic, anti-tussive, anti-thyroid, anti-fertility, anti-emetic, anti-spasmodic, anti-arthritic, anti-ulcer, adaptogenic, anti-stress, anti-leukodermal and anti-coagulant activities. All these pharmacological actions help the body and mind against a wide range of chemical, physical, infectious, and emotional stresses. And they also help in restoring physiological and psychological functions.

Benefits of Tulsi

Tulsi is considered a potent adaptogen and its unique combination of pharmacological actions help in promoting wellbeing and resilience. (An Adaptogen is a herb that can help with the adaptation to stress and the promotion of homeostasis.) As per some studies, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) can help in relieving physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress. Tulsi also has a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This includes activity against a range of human and animal pathogens which suggests it can be used as a hand sanitizer, mouthwash, and even water purifier. Holy Basil can also help in healing wounds.

Daily consumption of Tulsi (Holy Basil) can reduce the risk of infections and promote general health and wellbeing. It may also give luster to the complexion, sweetness to the voice, and enhance beauty, intelligence, stamina, while relieving stress and anxiety. It is said to provide relief in a range of conditions including anxiety, asthma, cough, fever, dysentery, diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting, arthritis, eye diseases, otalgia, hiccups, gastric, cardiac and genitourinary disorders, skin diseases, back pain, ringworm, insect, snake and scorpion bites and malaria.

1. Tulsi is Anti-Inflammatory:

The anti-inflammatory properties of Tulsi can help in a variety of diseases and disorders. It has several enzyme-inhibiting oils, including eugenol, linalool, and citronellol. Tulsi helps in reducing inflammation, the risk of heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel conditions. Chewing of Tulsi leaves may give relief in fever, headache, cold, cough, sore throat, and flu.

2. Rich in Disease-Fighting Antioxidants:

Tulsi essential oil can help fight free radical damage and protect DNA structure and cells. It has two water-soluble flavonoid antioxidants – orientin and viceninare. These help in strengthening the immune system, protecting the cellular structure, DNA. And they may also delay the effect of skin aging.

3. Skin Care:

Tulsi essential oil or Holy Basil essential oil is an excellent skin cleanser. Its ability to clean the skin from within makes it a good choice for people with oily skin. It helps in removing dirt and impurities that may block skin pores. Tulsi has strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can prevent the formation of acne. Some people also use Tulsi leaves for treating ringworm and several skin disorders. Regular use of Tulsi essential oil, paste of Tulsi leaves, or ointments can prevent premature aging and keep the skin healthy.

4. Heals wound and protects against infection:

Tulsi has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (a painkiller) actions. Extracts made from Tulsi leaves may help in healing wounds sooner. It may also help in preventing the wound from getting infected. Experimental evidence shows that Tulsi can increase wound-breaking strength and speed up wound healing. Tulsi also has anti-ulcer and ulcer-healing activity. Some people even use Tulsi after surgery to accelerate healing and protect their wounds from infections.

5. Home Remedy for Cough:

Indians commonly use Tulsi to get relief in cough and cold. You can add Tulsi leaves while brewing tea. Indian households use different recipes of Tulsi leaves or flowers decoctions with ginger, cloves, black pepper, black cardamoms, etc. to soothe cold and cough and fight respiratory infections. Some people take Tulsi leaves’ juice (a few drops) and honey for relief in cough, cold, and sore throat.

6. Benefits of Tulsi include Detoxification:

Many of the physiological benefits of Tulsi result from its ability to help with the body’s internal housekeeping and protection of the body from toxin-induced damage. This may be because Tulsi, especially Krishna Tulsi (black/purple varieties), has a high content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties. Laboratory studies suggest that Tulsi can protect against toxic chemical-induced injury by increasing the levels of anti-oxidant molecules and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

7. Stress Buster:

Benefits of Tulsi include its excellent ability to fight stress. Tulsi can help in reducing the body’s toxicant stress, physical stress, metabolic stress, and mental stress. Tulsi essential oil may reduce depression and anxiety too. By stimulating neurotransmitters that regulate the hormones, Tulsi may help you feel more relaxed, happier, and energetic. You can use Tulsi essential oil, drink Tulsi tea, or just chew 10-12 Tulsi leaves to reduce your stress.

8. Immunity Booster:

Tulsi has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal qualities that can protect against many infection-causing pathogens. It may also boost immunity and help protect against infections. Many experts recommend Tulsi pills, Tulsi tea, water boiled with Tulsi leaves for boosting immunity. And Tulsi may be effective against malaria and dengue fever as well.

9. Tulsi can lower cholesterol and prevent heart diseases:

Holy Basil leaves can lower the cholesterol level in the body and help prevent cardiac diseases. By reducing metabolic stress, it can also help with weight loss, and managing cholesterol levels. Animal studies have shown fresh Tulsi can lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol). One animal study has also shown that the oil in Holy Basil (eugenol) can lower stress-induced cholesterol levels. Tulsi leaves can act as a tonic for the heart.

10. Lower your blood sugar:

Tulsi is also beneficial for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. All parts of the Holy Basil plant can help reduce blood sugar. Tulsi can help in reducing diabetes-related problems like weight gain, hyperinsulinemia, or excess insulin in the blood, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and hypertension.

How to use Holy Basil for better health?

As you can see, there are many benefits of Tulsi or Holy Basil. The list above is only a small glimpse of them. So, include Tulsi in your healthcare regime. If you can grow a Tulsi plant in your garden, you can take advantage of the fresh Tulsi leaves.

You can make Tulsi tea easily. Or you can make Tulsi concoction with ginger, cloves, black pepper, black cardamoms. It is called Tulsi Kadha in Hindi. If you google, you’ll find many recipes of Tulsi Kadha. You can also make a paste of Tulsi leaves for skincare. Mix it with aloe vera to get a soothing face mask. You can also use Tulsi essential oil to relieve stress, headache, etc. Tulsi supplements are easily available too in the form of pills or capsules.

However, before consuming fresh Tulsi or Tulsi supplements, consult your doctor. If you take Tulsi supplements, read the directions on the label carefully and don’t take more than the recommended dosage.

The post The Health Benefits of Tulsi that make it the Mother Medicine of Nature appeared first on WellnessHub Nourishing Your Mind, Body, and Soul.

Words like Social Distancing, Self-Isolation, Self-Quarantine, Lockdown are the buzzwords of these trying times. But what do they mean? What’s the difference between Social Distancing, Self-Isolation, Self-Quarantine, and Lockdown? Let us explain.

Difference between Social Distancing, Self-Isolation, Self-Quarantine, Lockdown

Social Distancing:

Social distancing means “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.” Simply speaking, it means — reduce contact with other people.

• Stay away from the crowd. Stay away from crowded places like malls, movie theatres, markets, religious places, restaurants, gyms, swimming pools, etc. Avoid stepping out of your home unless it is unavoidable. Don’t organize or take part in any activities that involve mass gathering.
• Social distancing does not limit you from going out of your home to buy essential supplies or other important work. But when you go out, maintain a minimum 1-meter distance from others (2 meters is recommended, wherever possible).
• The elderly or immunocompromised people must be stricter in maintaining this social distancing. People who already have poor health and weak immunity can get more severely affected by Coronavirus.

Isolation or Self-Isolation:

While social distancing is for the people who don’t yet have COVID-19, Isolation is for those who have become infected. People who have COVID-19 are advised to isolate themselves to prevent the infection from spreading to others. It is a way of limiting the patients’ contact with those living around them.

Quarantine or Self-Quarantine:

Quarantine is to limit the movements of those people who have been exposed to COVID-19 but are not yet sick. Authorities send people into quarantine to monitor their health and see if they develop COVID-19. Some at-risk people are put in quarantine centers. Others may be advised to self-quarantine themselves at home.

Isolation and Quarantine follow almost similar procedures to distance the general public from people who have or might have COVID-19 infection. The purpose of both these procedures is the same — break the chain of the infection.

When should you isolate yourself?

As per NHS, If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you need to self-isolate yourself for 7 days. After 7 days, if you do not have a high temperature, you do not need to self-isolate. If you have a high temperature, stay isolated until your temperature returns to normal. No need to self-isolate if you only have a cough after 7 days.

If you live with someone who has COVID-19 symptoms, you need to isolate yourself for 14 days from the day their symptoms started. If more than one person in your family has the symptoms, isolate yourself for 14 days from the day the first person showed symptoms. And if you start showing symptoms too, self-isolate yourself for 7 more days from the day your symptoms appear.

Precautions in self-isolation:

People under self-isolation or self-quarantine must be very careful about their health and surrounding. If you are isolating yourself, observe the following precautions:

• Monitor your symptoms and communicate any change you notice in your health to your doctor.
• Eat a healthy diet. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Do some light exercise every day if you feel well enough.
• People observing self-isolation or self-quarantine can go out to exercise. But stay at least 3 steps away from other people. Avoid public parks. Walk and exercise in your garden, patio, backyard, etc.
• Do not visit anybody and say no to visitors.
• Do not go out to buy food or medicine. Ask someone to get such things for you and leave them at your doorstep.
• Stay in one room and do not share your bed with anyone.
• Maintain a distance from all family members as much as possible.
• COVID-19 patients should wear masks when they are around other people.
• Ensure good personal hygiene and practice rigorous hand washing, or frequent use of hand sanitizer.
• Do not share your personal items with family members. Things like towels, bedsheets, etc. should be kept separate.
• The household surfaces like table tops, door handles should be cleaned thoroughly and regularly.
• If you have symptoms and someone in your family is of the vulnerable group (Elderly, pregnant, long-term health condition, immunocompromised)arrange for them to stay with family or friends for 14 days. If they must stay with you, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.
• Clean a shared bathroom every time you use it. Wipe clean the surfaces you have touched.
• Educate your children about the need to stay away from you in age-appropriate language.
• Take care of your physical and mental health while in isolation or quarantine. Stay in touch with family and friends over the phone. Stay positive.

Lockdown: 

In a lockdown, people of an entire region are ordered to stay at home. At such a time, you can go out for essential supplies and other emergencies. But you must not step out of home for non-essential tasks. Doing this may even be a punishable offense.

• When you do step out in a lockdown, make sure you can prove it is for an essential purpose.
• Maintain social distancing when you are outside your home.
• Lockdown can extend for many days. At such a time, you must keep yourself busy and engaged within your home for managing your physical and emotional health. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly within your home or garden, and stay positive.

Conclusion:

Social distancing, self-isolation, quarantine, lockdown are all measures important to contain the spread of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Observe them carefully, taking all precautions to ensure that you and those around you stay safe from Coronavirus. When you must stay confined within your home, don’t panic or get anxious. Keep yourself engaged, eat a good diet, and stay connected with your family, friends, and doctor.

The post Social Distancing vs. Self-Isolation vs. Quarantine – What’s the difference? appeared first on WellnessHub Nourishing Your Mind, Body, and Soul.

Studies suggest that taking a healthy breakfast every day keeps you more physically active, compared to skipping breakfast and eating a heavier meal later. Breakfasting everyday helps in controlling obesity and Type 2 Diabetes and prevents large fluctuations in your blood glucose level.

However, it is important that you eat healthy breakfast. Breakfast items typically offered at restaurants or available in supermarkets may not always be healthy. Muffins, pancakes, waffles taste great. But eating them every day is not a healthy choice.

What is a healthy breakfast?

A breakfast that is a healthy mix of protein, vitamins, and other essential nutrients is a healthy breakfast. Try to make your breakfast nutritious by including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins and fats. Keep harmful fats and sugars away. Remember that a well-balanced breakfast can boost your energy, make you more alert, and keep you from overeating during the rest of the day.

11 food items you should include in your healthy breakfast

1. Coffee:

Coffee is rich in caffeine and is a great drink to get rid of the morning drowsiness. It can make you feel more alert. It can also improve your mood and mental performance. Caffeine can increase your metabolic rate and fat burning. It is also rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants can help in reducing inflammation and protecting the cells lining your blood vessels. They can also help in decreasing diabetes and liver disease risk. Just be careful while adding sugar to it. Better still, skip the sugar.

2. Green Tea:

The caffeine content in Green Tea is only half the amount found in coffee. It provides only 35–70 mg of caffeine per cup. But it is an excellent drink for a healthy start of your day. It too can make you alert and improve your mood. And it is great for raising your metabolic rate.

Green Tea can also help in reducing blood sugar and insulin level. This may be a helpful for people with diabetes. The EGCG antioxidant in green tea may help in keeping your brain, nervous system, and heart healthier.

3. Protein Shake or Smoothie:

If you don’t want a drink with caffeine, protein shakes and smoothies can be a good option for you.

For the protein shakes, you can use protein powder, including whey, egg, soy, and pea protein. Whey protein might be a great choice as it is absorbed most quickly by the body and helps in reducing appetite better than other proteins. Whey protein may also help in lowering blood sugar levels if included in a carb-containing meal.

Whatever protein powder you use, make it more nutritious with fruits, greens, seeds, etc. It will prove to be a filling and satisfying drink.

4. Eggs:

Eggs are a good option to include in your breakfast. Eating eggs at breakfast increases feeling of fullness. This may prevent you from overeating in your next meal. Eggs may also help in keeping the blood sugars and insulin levels steady.

Eggs are high in cholesterol, but they don’t raise cholesterol levels in most people. Whole eggs may even modify the shape of “bad” LDL cholesterol and increase “good” HDL cholesterol. This can help in reducing the risk of heart disease.

The lutein and zeaxanthin antioxidants in egg yolks can help in preventing eye disorders like cataracts and macular degeneration. Eggs add high-quality protein to your diet. And they are rich in choline which helps in brain and liver health.

Eggs are also quick to make. So, no matter how rushed your morning is, you can include eggs in your breakfast.

5. Cottage Cheese:

Cottage cheese is a rich source of calcium and may help in bone strength and prevention of osteoporosis. If you are a vegetarian and don’t eat eggs, include cottage cheese in your breakfast. It is rich in protein. Cottage Cheese also increases metabolism, decreases hunger hormone ghrelin, and gives you a feeling of fullness. Full-fat cottage cheese also has Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) which may help in weight loss. Cottage Cheese may help in regulating blood pressure and preventing certain cancers, such as prostate cancer.

6. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is made by straining whey and other liquids from milk curds. This makes the yogurt creamier and more concentrated in protein. It increases levels of hormones that promote fullness. So, like eggs and Cottage Cheese, the protein-rich Greek Yogurt also gives a feeling of fullness and can help prevent over-eating.

The full-fat yogurt contains Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). This CLA may help in fat loss and decrease the risk of breast cancer. Some types of Greek Yogurt also have probiotics like Bifidobacteria that help in keeping your gut healthy.

Add berries and chopped fruits to the Greek Yogurt for vitamins, minerals, and fiber content. It makes for a delicious and healthy breakfast.

7. Oatmeal:

If you like to eat cereals in your breakfast, Oatmeal is a great choice for you.

Oats contain a fiber called beta-glucan which has many health benefits. The biggest of these is that it helps in reducing cholesterol. Beta-glucan is viscous fiber. It promotes feelings of fullness and may prevent over-eating in the next meal. Oats are also rich in antioxidants and may help in heart health and blood pressure.

Oats are not a rich source of protein. So pair oatmeal with eggs or cheese to get sufficient protein in your breakfast. Also, if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, buy only gluten-free certified oatmeal.

8. Seeds:

Including seeds in your breakfast is a good idea. They add a delicious and healthy crunch to your meal. They are a good source of fiber and different seeds are rich in different nutrients. Seeds have various antioxidants that help in fighting ailments and maintaining better health.

Flaxseeds, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds can be great for your health. Flax Seeds and Chia Seeds are a good source of omega-3 fats. Hemp Seeds are rich in protein and have a good proportion of omega-6 to omega-3 fats. Sesame Seeds are rich in lignans and several nutrients. Pumpkin Seeds are rich in phosphorus, monounsaturated fats and omega-6 fats and Sunflower seeds are rich in protein, monounsaturated fats, and vitamin E.

In short, seeds can give you many health benefits. They are easy to include in your diet and taste great. Just add them to salads, yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, etc. and enjoy.

9. Berries:

Don’t underestimate the health benefits of berries. They taste great and are packed with antioxidants. They are high in fiber and low in calories. Their sugar content is less than fruits, yet they taste as good. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries can help in maintaining good health. They can also reduce markers of inflammation and prevent oxidizing of blood cholesterol.

So include berries in your breakfast. They will make your meal delicious and healthier.

10. Nuts:

Along with seeds and berries, nuts can be a great addition to the taste and nutrition value of your breakfast. They are high in calories, yet may be helpful in weight loss because they give a feeling of fullness and may prevent overeating. Nuts may improve heart health, decrease inflammation, and reduce insulin resistance. Nuts are also rich in nutrients like magnesium, potassium and heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Nuts may also help people with diabetes. One study suggests that replacing a portion of carbs with nuts may help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Include two tablespoons of chopped nuts in your breakfast to make your meal healthier and crunchier.

11. Fruits:

Fruits are packed with nutrients. They can satisfy your cravings for something sweet in a healthier way. Fruits contain vitamins, potassium, and fiber. And they are low in calories. One cup of chopped fruits provides 80–130 calories. Fruits can help build your immunity and give you better overall health. With high fiber content, they are also very filling and can help in weight loss.

So you see, healthy breakfast can be delicious too. It can give you the energy to face a hectic day and help in maintaining good health. Just try it!

The post Healthy breakfast can be delicious too. Try these 11 awesome breakfast foods appeared first on WellnessHub Nourishing Your Mind, Body, and Soul.

Well, you need to make that time. Because if you just keep on running, trying to manage more responsibilities than you can, it will lead to frustration and burnout. And that will not be good for you, your family, and your career.

5 ways every woman needs to take care of herself.

1. Exercise:

Regular exercise doesn’t just help manage weight, it is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Exercise helps you reduce obesity. Obesity can lower immunity and lead to a lot of health and emotional issues. Regular exercise also strengthens the heart and improves blood circulation. Exercising reduces the risk of heart diseases, helps manage cholesterol level, and also lowers blood pressure and triglyceride levels. A moderate level of regular exercise also helps in managing blood sugar and insulin levels. It may also reduce your risk of some cancers, including breast cancer.

Exercise helps in strengthening bones and muscles and also improves balance, reducing the risk of injury from falls. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that can make you feel happier and more relaxed, and help in keeping your cognitive skills sharp as you age. And exercise improves your sleep too.

In short, exercise can make you healthier and happier. So, no matter how busy you are, make time for exercising. If you can’t exercise for 30 minutes at a stretch, exercise for 5 minutes several times a day. But do it. A moderate-intensity exercise like walking can be great for your health and happiness.

2. Relax:

Some amount of stress is helpful. It makes you feel more energetic and alert and keeps you motivated to get things done. But too much and long-term stress can lead to many medical and psychological problems. Stress can give you headaches and general body aches. It can upset your digestion.

Stress can even lead to obesity! When you are stressed, it increases the amount of cortisol hormone in your body. This can lead to overeating and make your body store fat. Stress can also cause problems in getting pregnant, reduce sex drive, and disturb menstrual cycle. Excess stress can raise blood pressure and heart rate and increase your risk of heart diseases and stroke. Chronic stress may also lead to psychological disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

So you must make time to relax. Life is a hectic race. But constant stress can break you. So for at least a few minutes every day, sit back, take deep breaths, and relax. You will see that taking relaxing breaks makes you more efficient.

3. Socialize:

Socializing is not just a way to pass time. It also benefits your physical and mental health. But by socializing, we do not mean sitting alone and interacting on Facebook. You need to meet people and have friendly interactions with them.

Healthy social interactions can work wonders for your mental and emotional health. Social interactions help in improving confidence and self-esteem. And believe it or not, it can boost your immunity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, some cancers, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Socializing can also keep the brain healthy as you age.

Staying at home and reading a book or watching television may be more comfortable. But stepping out of home and interacting with friends and family is healthier. So, make time for social interactions. It is important for your emotional and physical health.

4. Pamper Yourself:

A bit of pampering does nobody any harm. You may find yourself too busy finishing the chores, but do take out a few minutes for making yourself happy. Make a compulsive purchase. Give yourself a beauty treatment. Or just allow yourself that extra dollop of ice cream. In short, make yourself happy. Happiness is very important for good health. When you are happy, you are likely to make better lifestyle choices. Happiness also appears to boost the immune system. By reducing blood pressure, happiness may also reduce your risk of heart disease. So make yourself happy. Pamper yourself every once in a while.

5. Have a Hobby:

A hobby will take up more of your time, making you busier. But when you do something you enjoy, you feel happier. And we have already told you happiness boosts health. Some hobbies can help you have an active lifestyle. Some will boost your creativity, self-confidence, and self-esteem. A hobby can also improve your concentration and mental alertness. A hobby can give you many physical and emotional benefits. So pick up a hobby, anything you like.

You may think you have no time for all these. But the five things above need not be separate. A hobby can give you regular exercise, exercising with a partner or team can help you socialize, socializing with friends can help you relax. Your health and happiness are important for the health and happiness of your family too. So, do these five things now. You owe it to yourself.

The post Dear women, here are 5 more things you need to do now. appeared first on WellnessHub Nourishing Your Mind, Body, and Soul.

Serious cases of COVID-19 are showing adverse effects on kidneys. So, people who already have impaired kidney functions and need regular haemodialysis are particularly vulnerable. In SARS and MERS-CoV infections, acute kidney injury occurred in 5 to15 percent cases and carried a 60 to 90 percent mortality rate. Early reports of COVID-19 suggested 3 to 9 percent incidence of Acute Kidney Injury. But recent reports show a more alarming picture. A study of 59 COVID-19 patients found that about two-thirds of patients developed a massive protein leak in urine during their hospital stay.

“Unlike other at-risk individuals, these patients do not have the ability to stay at home and not interact with others. Despite being high risk since they must travel to dialysis centers 2-3 times every week. This significantly increases the risk of transmission of infection, to patients themselves, family members, medical staff and facility workers, and all others,” says Prof Vivekanand Jha, Executive Director, George Institute for Global Health India and President of the International Society of Nephrology.

According to a paper entitled “The Novel Coronavirus 2019 epidemic and the Kidneys”, patients dependent on dialysis, and their family members need to strictly follow the precautions to stay safe from COVID-19. For patients on dialysis suspected to have been in contact with COVID-19, treatment should be carried out according to strict protocols. All efforts need to be made to minimize risk to other patients and healthcare personnel.

The directions mentioned in the paper include strategies of managing COVID-19 in patients on dialysis, recommended facility and staff management practices, proper management strategies for such patients, and recommendations for their family members and caregivers. All these recommendations, precautions, and protocols may help in the prevention of COVID-19 in patients with kidney disease, and better management if they catch the infection.

Check out The Novel Coronavirus 2019 epidemic and the Kidneys to know the best preventive measures and management protocol for COVID-19 in people with Kidney disease.

The post COVID-19 Guidelines for Persons with Kidney Disease appeared first on WellnessHub Nourishing Your Mind, Body, and Soul.

While it is impossible to predict and prevent every accident, there are many things you can do to reduce the most common dangers. Given below are some of the most important precautions you need to take to keep your children safe.

How to keep your children safe at home?

1. Little things:

Babies and toddlers may not like eating food, but they all enjoy putting random things in their mouth. They will pick up things from the floor and swallow them. This puts them in danger of infections. Worse, it puts them in danger of choking. Things like buttons, coin batteries, small magnets, beads, etc can be a serious health hazard for little kids. Ingesting of magnets and batteries can prove fatal if the child swallows them. When a coin battery is broken down by the acids in the stomach, it can cause alkaline poisoning. And if the child ingests several magnets, they can stick together in the stomach and cause perforation.

• Keep your floor clean of litter.
• Keep anything that can be swallowed out of the reach of children.
• If any toy uses coin battery, seal it off with thick tape.
• Remove all magnets from your child’s room and toys.
• Don’t put fridge magnets where your child can reach them. Do the same with other tiny things that your child might swallow.

2. Toys:

Be very careful while buying toys for your children. Toys with many little parts can be a hazard. Children can pull those parts out and swallow. Some toys might have sharp edges that might cause cuts. Some might have magnets and coin batteries. An older child’s toy can prove harmful to the younger sibling. Even soft toys can prove dangerous.

• Examine a toy carefully before buying it for your children.
• Tell your older kids to keep their toys away from the younger siblings.
• Make sure your older kids are not using their toys in a dangerous way. For example, flinging a heavy toy high and trying to catch it can cause serious injury.
• When you put a toy in your baby’s crib, make sure there’s no danger of the baby suffocating on it.
• Children can use their toys in many dangerous ways. So be very careful of the toy you give them, and how they play with it.
• Children can also make toys for themselves. A cardboard box, a wrapping paper, a kitchen bowl — kids can use anything to play. Make sure nothing dangerous comes within their reach.

3. Water:

Drowning is one of the biggest risks for children. A child can drown even in a bucket of water. So, you need to be very careful about keeping your children safe from drowning.

• Never leave your children unattended near water.
• If you have a swimming pool, make sure your children can’t enter it unattended.
• Don’t let pool toys remain scattered near or in the pool when you are not nearby. Attracted by these toys, your child can fall into the pool.
• Keep your bathroom door closed.
• If you have a toddler or a baby old enough to crawl, never keep a bucket full of water anywhere in your home.
• Keep your toilet seat covers down.
• Never leave a child unattended in a bathtub. Never put the child in a bathtub without first testing the water temperature.
• Remember that your bathroom can be the most dangerous place for your young children. You need to be very careful.

4. Windows:

Windows attract little children a lot. And this can be very dangerous. Unsafe window blinds with dangling cords can prove hazardous. Children love playing with ropes. But it’s best to keep these out of their reach.

• Try to install safer window treatments like cordless or motorized window blinds.
• Children can also climb on the windowsill to look out. These can prove fatal. Try to secure your windows with safety grates. Make sure there’s no climbable furniture near the window.

5. Chemical substances in the house:

You may not realize it, but your home is full of chemicals. Medicines, cosmetics, cleaners can be commonly found in homes. Insecticides, pesticides, paints, and polishes are often present too. A young child can ingest any of them out of curiosity. And the results can be grievous.

• Keep all such chemicals away from the children. Better to lock them in secure cabinets.
• Keep the child safety caps on medicines engaged.
• Never leave pills within the reach of the child, even if you are stepping away for just a minute.
• Keep your cosmetics, perfumes, deodorants out of a young child’s sight too.

6. Falls:

All children fall now and then. It is a normal part of growing up for kids. But some falls can be life-threatening. And it is upon you to look out for them and prevent them from happening. The danger is not just in children falling from a height. Many serious accidents occur when things fall over them. For example, a child trying to open a tall cabinet can make it topple over him or her.

While it is impossible to foresee all such accidents, there are many precautions you can take.

• Secure the stairs by installing safety gates at their top and bottom.
• Secure the windows with safety grates.
• Keep the floor free of litter to reduce the risk of tripping.
• Don’t let children climb on the furniture.
• Keep the height of cribs set to lowest.
• Make sure all heavy furniture like dressers, bookcases, tall stools, television sets, etc. are wall-mounted or secured to stop them from toppling.

7. Electricity:

Look around and notice how many electrical appliances you have in your home. How many electrical outlets and cords. Each of them can put your child in danger. You can’t remove these from your home. But with a little precaution, you can minimize their danger.

• Never leave a child unattended near an electric appliance.
• Switch off and unplug the electric appliance when it is not in use.
• Secure all electric outlets with well-fitting safety caps.
• As much as possible, keep electric wires and cords out of the reach of children below ten years of age. If that is not possible, check them regularly to make sure they are not frayed or have any other fault. Replace the wire immediately if you notice any such thing.

8. Weapons:

Even a sharp pencil can be dangerous for a little child. Can you imagine how hazardous an unattended weapon can be? If you have a gun or any such weapon at home, your child might get curious about it and pick it up for play.

Every year, many children get injured from the weapons kept at home. You might be able to keep these away from little kids. But if a ten-year-old decides to play with your gun, he or she will devise a way to reach it. It is up to you to make sure your weapon does not harm your child.

• Keep your weapons under lock.
• Teach your kids how dangerous the weapons can be and why they should never touch them.
• Never handle or show off your weapons in a way that tempts your children to play with them too.

9. Sharp objects, and other such dangerous things.

• You also need to be careful about things like a kitchen knife, screwdrivers, electric drills, nails, etc. Keep all such hazardous things away from children. These can cause serious injuries and even death.

Conclusion:

For a little child, anything can prove dangerous. You, as a parent, need to be watchful and alert. As much as possible, remove all hazardous things or lock them up. Try never to leave your young children unattended. With care and precautions, you can make your home safer for your children.

The post Keep your children safe from these 9 dangers lurking at home appeared first on WellnessHub Nourishing Your Mind, Body, and Soul.

 How to build your immunity

1. Take proper diet to build your immunity:

A healthy diet is essential for a healthy body. When your diet is deficient in vital nutrients, it can weaken your immune system. A diet high in saturated fat can lead to unhealthy weight. Obesity reduces the number and function of White Blood Cells, leading to weak immunity.

Make sure your diet is high in vital nutrients like protein, vitamins, minerals, and low in saturated fat, salt, and sugar. Include immunity-boosting fruits and vegetables in your meals. Many fruits and vegetables have vital nutrients that help in strengthening the immune system. You need a healthy combination of all of these to have strong immunity.

Some immunity-boosting food items are:

• Vitamin C: Citrus Fruits, Spinach, Kale, Bell Peppers, Brussel Sprouts, Papaya, Blueberries.
• Vitamin E: Peanuts, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Spinach, Broccoli
• Vitamin B6: Lean Chicken Breast, Cold-Water Like Tuna, Baked Potatoes, Bananas, Chickpeas.
• Vitamin A: Pumpkin, Cantaloupe, Squash, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes
• Vitamin D: Fatty fish like Mackerel, Salmon, Tuna, Sardines). Fortified Milk, Orange Juice, Cereals.
• Iron: Chicken, Turkey, seafood. Beans, Broccoli, Kale.
• Folic Acid/Folate: Beans, Peas, Green Leafy Vegetables
• Selenium: Garlic, Broccoli, Brazil Nuts, Barley, Sardines, Tuna
• Zinc: Oysters, Crab, Lean Meats, Poultry. Baked Beans, Yogurt, Chickpeas.

2. Dietary supplements:

As much as possible, try to take a healthy and balanced diet. However, if you are still deficient in some vital nutrients, you can take dietary supplements. Taking fortified food like fortified milk, cereals, health drinks, etc. can help you. However, before you start any food supplement, you must consult a doctor. Don’t take any food supplements without first taking proper medical advice.

3. Take sufficient sleep:

Proper sleep is important for strong immunity. When you sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines to help promote sleep. They also help in managing infection, inflammation, and stress. Constant sleep deprivation can reduce the production of these protective cytokines. Lack of sleep can also decrease the production of infection-fighting antibodies.

In short, lack of sleep can make you vulnerable to infections and delay your recovery. Long-term sleep deprivation can also increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

So, take proper sleep. Adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day whereas children and teenagers need up to ten hours of sleep per day.

4. Exercise & maintain a healthy weight:

Regular exercise doesn’t just help you lose weight. It is also important for a strong immune system. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity and heart diseases. It can also weaken the immune system. So, regular exercise is important to stay fit and have strong immunity.

However, excessive exercise is also not recommended. It puts a strain on the body and may weaken your immune system. A moderate and regular exercise like walking, cycling, swimming, yoga for 30 minutes might work better to boost immunity.

5. Avoid bad habits like smoking, alcoholism:

Smoking and excessive intake of alcohol also have adverse effects on the immune system. So free yourself of these bad habits and choose better health.

6. Control your stress and stay happy:

Chronic stress and negative feelings like loneliness, anxiety, grief, etc can also affect your immune system.

When you are stressed, your body increases the production of a hormone called cortisol. This helps the body deal with the stress, temporarily limiting the bodily functions that aren’t needed in fight-or-flight situations. While short-term stress is not harmful, long-term chronic stress can reduce the immune system response. This means, you are left more vulnerable to viruses and infections.

Conclusion:

Having a strong immunity is vital for a healthy body. With a little care, you can strengthen your immune system. Just make good choices. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, take proper sleep, and try to be happy and relaxed. Can you do that for yourself?

The post 7 Easy Ways To Build Your Immunity appeared first on WellnessHub Nourishing Your Mind, Body, and Soul.