Summer Guide to Healthy Hair & Scalp For Your Baby

Just like we take care of babies during summer to keep their bodies cool and refreshed, it is important to pay attention to their scalp and hair to keep dry and flaky skin at bay, which is a common concern among newborns. A baby’s delicate skin is highly susceptible to these skin conditions along with sweating, especially during seasonal changes. This makes it imperative for parents to practice and incorporate a hair care routine to soothe their tender scalp and ensure healthy hair.

We all are aware that baby’s hair and scalp is sensitive, which makes it vulnerable to irritation. Moreover, during summer, the scalp is prone to sweating which leads to discomfort. But these conditions can be managed by ample care such as a gentle head massage with a baby oil and washing the scalp with warm water, suggested by AMRI Hospitals.

Here are two key points that will help you choose the right products for your baby’s hair and scalp:-

1. For an oil massage: While massaging baby’s body, concentrate on the scalp as this helps improve blood circulation. Flaky skin and cradle cap can be managed by gently massaging the scalp with an oil. An oil massage also helps promote sound sleep. It is advisable to use a baby oil which is free from mineral oil and lanolin and is enriched with Olive Oil and Winter Cherry. Vitamin E in Olive Oil helps soften the skin and Winter Cherry helps soothe the skin.

2. Use a shampoo to nourish the hair and scalp: You can opt for a shampoo or a head-to-heel baby wash to clean the hair and scalp. Use a shampoo that can nourish baby’s hair without causing any irritation or tears. A shampoo containing Chickpea, a natural source of protein, helps condition and moisturize the hair, and Hibiscus helps nourish the hair. For a baby wash, you can opt for one that is infused with Watermelon and Neem.

Caring for your baby’s skin and hair could be one of the best moments that you will cherish for days to come.

Health Tips to Manage, Prevent, & Treat Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory disease that affects many and needs proper care and treatment. Symptoms of asthma which include problems in breathing like shortness of breath, chest pain, troubles in sleeping caused due to coughing, snoring, wheezing, etc. these symptoms can get worse if one does not take proper care of themselves if they already have the problem. You must also take steps to prevent the disease, given by AMRI Hospitals consultants.

Follow these 5 tips to keep yourself safe and healthy.

1. Avoid smoking: If you suffer from asthma or see mild symptoms of the disease in your body, it is recommended that you steer clear of habits like smoking. Smoking, both active or passive can act as a trigger and cause an asthma attack. You should avoid standing in a group of people who are smoking and refrain from the habit yourself.

2. Keep away from dust: Dust can irritate the lining of your nose and cause you to sneeze even when you are healthy, but if you have asthma or show any symptoms of the respiratory disorders, dust can be an even bigger enemy for you. You must keep away from dust in the streets by using a mask to cover your face and nose and even otherwise.

3. Wash your bedding and curtains: A lot of dust can settle on curtains over time and can cause irritation and trigger asthma symptoms. You must also change your bedding regularly and wash them to make sure dust cannot disturb your sleep by causing coughing, snoring, etc.

4. Exercise: Exercise can help you prevent, as well as manage asthma better. You must refrain from a lot of cardio exercises since it can increase your heart rate and cause breathlessness. However, including breathing exercises like the ones in Yoga, and practicing light and mild exercises, can help in relieving symptoms of asthma, and also prevent it if you do not have it already.

5. Eucalyptus oil home remedy: Eucalyptus oil is one of the most popular home remedies for treating asthma naturally. Just put a few drops of the oil in a diffuser and sit next to it and take deep breaths in and out. You can use the diffuser when you are practising yoga, to help you relieve symptoms of asthma even better.

First Trimester : 9 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

9 WEEKS PREGNANT SYMPTOMS

Right now, the pregnancy hormone hCG is circulating through your body at its peak level. That means at 9 weeks, some pregnancy symptoms may be at their most severe. Hang in there—you’re just weeks away from those hormones leveling out a bit, leaving you feeling a lot more like yourself. Here’s what 9 weeks pregnant symptoms you may be experiencing:

• Mood swings. Because those hormones just keep raging, and also because other symptoms—such as nausea and fatigue—are bothering you, you may find your emotions more difficult to control. Remember that it’s okay to slow your usual pace, to take breaks (to nap, to meditate, or just to veg out and binge-watch Netflix), and to avoid stressful situations for the sake of your sanity.
• Morning sickness. Up to 80 percent of pregnant women experience some form of morning sickness. It really should be called all-day sickness though! If you’re suffering from nausea, you might just be feeling a little ill, or you may be vomiting regularly. If you are 9 weeks pregnant with twins, you may find yourself with more severe morning sickness symptoms. The good and bad news is that at 9 weeks, morning sickness is likely at its worst. Do some trial and error to see what makes you feel better—many moms-to-be find that ginger, frequent meals and snacks, and vitamin B6 help ease nausea. You’re suffering now, but this too shall pass. You can get through this!
• Frequent urination. Because your uterus is expanding and because there’s major blood flow to your pelvic area, you may be heading to the bathroom more often than you did pre-pregnancy. Don’t let that stop you from drinking lots of water. It’s important that you stay hydrated. Just put more pit stops onto your mental to-do list.
• Fatigue. While your hormones are working overtime to grow and develop your 9-week fetus, you might be feeling totally zapped. Sleep more, if you can, and keep your blood sugar stable by snacking healthily throughout the day. In the second trimester, you’ll get some of your energy back.
• Nasal congestion. Surprise! Pregnancy can cause higher mucus production in the body—an unexpected symptom—so you might need to keep tissues handy.
• Headaches. Thanks again, hormones! Those surges can give you headaches—and so can dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, hunger, lack of sleep, and stress. Deal by treating your other symptoms, eating at least every few hours, getting plenty of sleep, and drinking lots of water. A warm or cold compress can ease a headache and so can rest. Before you take any medication, clear it with your doctor. Many say acetaminophen (Tylenol) is okay but aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil) aren’t. It will depend on your health history and any other medications you may be taking.

9 WEEKS PREGNANT BELLY

Many moms-to-be find themselves struggling to button their jeans at 9 weeks pregnant. Your uterus is expanding to accommodate your growing fetus. In fact, it has doubled in size! When you touch your 9 weeks pregnant belly, you’ll probably find that your lower abdomen feels a bit firmer—that’s the uterus. You may even be showing a bit at 9 weeks! Your uterus will begin to grow out of your pelvis in coming weeks.

Weight gain at 9 weeks isn’t just okay—it’s recommended. How much weight your doctor recommends you put on during pregnancy will depend on your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). For example, if you started out with an average BMI, you will likely be told to put on a total of 25 to 35 pounds total during pregnancy—about three to five pounds of that should happen in the first trimester. If you’re 9 weeks pregnant with twins, you should aim to put on about a pound per week right now.

That said, so many moms-to-be are riddled with morning sickness and food aversions when they’re 9 weeks pregnant that they might not be gaining weight—they may be losing it! Naturally, you’ll want to talk to your OB about any concerns you have with your weight gain or loss—and definitely let him or her know if it’s sudden or drastic. But most doctors will tell you that minor weight loss is okay at this stage of the game. Once you begin getting your appetite back, you’ll have an opportunity to get your weight gain back on track.

There are also pregnant women who get nausea so severe they need medical treatment. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is diagnosed when a pregnant woman is so sick she’s dangerously dehydrated. If you can’t seem to keep any liquids down, are losing a significant amount of weight, or if you’ve fainted, you should tell your doctor, who will do a physical exam to see if you have HG.

The good news is that there are treatments for HG. You may need an IV to replenish your fluids, and you and your doctor may choose to try a prescription anti-nausea medication to help stop the vomiting.

The first prenatal appointment typically happens between weeks 8 and 12. So by now, you may have visited the OB—if not, you will soon! At that first appointment you may even see baby’s tiny heartbeat on the ultrasound. Exciting stuff, huh?

A 9 weeks pregnant ultrasound is typically done transvaginally. That means the doctor or ultrasound technician will have to insert a probe into your vagina, since your uterus still sits behind your pelvic bone. (Don’t worry—it doesn’t hurt!) The probe will emit sound waves, which will allow you to see an image of your 9-week fetus on a screen.

Not only will you catch a glimpse of baby—who will resemble a lima bean—but the 9 weeks pregnant ultrasound will also confirm that the pregnancy is uterine (which means there are no signs of ectopic or tubular pregnancy at 9 weeks). The doctor may point out the gestational sac, the yolk sac, and the fetal pole.

That’s right, week 9 of pregnancy is a milestone: Baby’s no longer an embryo—now he or she is a fetus! These two terms simply define different phases of development. The embryonic phase is about forming major organs, including the brain, heart, and lungs, plus the arms and legs. Once you’ve got a fetus, those organs and parts are formed and are now growing and developing.

Inside your week 9 pregnant belly, baby’s working on that cuteness—developing more distinct facial features. And baby might now have a strong enough heartbeat to be picked up by a fetal doppler. At 9 weeks pregnant, miscarriage risk is on a lot of women’s minds. Rest assured that once you’ve seen or heard a heartbeat, the risk is only 3 percent. In coming weeks, it will lower even more.

Other prenatal tests you can expect around 9 weeks pregnant include blood work to test for hormone levels, blood type, white and red blood cell counts, and certain diseases. You’ll also have a pap smear to check for abnormalities (which can be signs of cervical cancer) and STDs, and a urine test to check that the protein levels and hormone levels seem healthy. All that poking and prodding will totally be worth it when you’re holding your newborn baby. All in good time!

The importance of Sleep for Children & Teenagers

The right amount of sleep is important for many reasons and knowing how much to get can help with your overall health. For children heading back-to-school, getting enough shut-eye can have a huge impact on memory, behavior, school performance and mental health.

The recommended amount of sleep, on a regular basis, to promote optimal health is as follows:

• Infants four to 12 months should sleep 12 to 16 hours per 24 hours (including naps).
• Children one to two years of age should sleep 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours (including naps).
• Children three to five years of age should sleep 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours (including naps).
• Children six to 12 years of age should sleep nine to 12 hours per 24 hours.
• Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep eight to 10 hours per 24 hours.
  

  Tips for Healthy Sleep Habits:

  Make sufficient sleep a family priority. Understand the importance of getting enough sleep and how sleep affects the overall health of you and your children. Remember that you are a role model to your child; set a good example.
  Keep to a regular daily routine. The same waking time, meal times, nap time, and play times will help your child feel secure and comfortable and help with a smooth bedtime. For young children, it helps to start early with a bedtime routine such as brush, book, bed. Make sure the sleep routines you use can be used anywhere, so you can help your child get to sleep wherever you may be.
  Monitor screen time. AMRI Hopspitals experts recommend keeping all screens—TVs, computers, laptops, tablets, and phones out of children’s bedrooms, especially at night. To prevent sleep disruption, turn off all screens at least 60 minutes/1 hour before bedtime.  Create a Family Media Use Plan and set boundaries about use before bedtime.
  Avoid overscheduling. In addition to homework, many children today have scheduled evening activities (i.e., sports games, lessons, appointments, etc.) that pose challenges to getting a good night’s sleep. Take time to wind down and give your children the downtime that they need.
  Learn to recognize sleep problems. The most common sleep problems in children include difficulty falling asleep, nighttime awakenings, snoring, stalling and resisting going to bed, sleep apnea, and loud or heavy breathing while sleeping.
  Talk to your child’s teacher or child care provider about your child’s alertness during the day. Sleep problems may manifest in the daytime, too. A child with not enough, or poor-quality sleep may have difficulty paying attention or “zoning out” in school. Let your child’s teacher know that you want to be made aware of any reports of your child falling asleep in school, as well as any learning or behavior problems.
  Talk to your child’s pediatrician about sleep. Discuss your child’s sleep habits and problems with your pediatrician, as most sleep problems are easily treated. He or she may ask you to keep a sleep log or have additional suggestions to improving your child’s sleep habits.