A study published in the journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (April) has found a causal link between caesarean section birth, low intestinal microbiota and peanut allergy in infants. Researchers of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry analysed the gut bacteria of 1,422 infants of three-four months age and again when they were one year old. They identified four trajectories for bacterial development, including one in which infants had persistently low levels of bacteroides, critical for immune system development. This profile was most common in infants born by caesarean section. The infants were also given skin prick tests at one and three years of age to assess their reaction to a variety of allergens, including egg, milk and peanut. Infants with low bacteroides levels exhibited a threefold increase in their risk of developing peanut sensitivity by age three with the risk eight times higher for babies born to mothers of Asian descent. “It’s important to know what predicts or increases risk of food sensitivities because they identify which infants will go on to develop asthma and other types of allergies,” says Anita Kozyrskyj, pediatrics professor at Alberta University. Also read: Infants born to older men at risk of premature birth
Harsh parenting practices such as repeatedly getting angry, hitting, or yelling at children have long-term repercussions on their brain development, says a study published in Development & Psychology (May). The study, conducted by Université de Montréal and CHU Sainte Justine Research Centre in partnership with researchers of Stanford University, found that the brain size of adolescents repeatedly subjected to harsh parenting — even though the children did not experience serious acts of abuse — had decreased. “These findings are new and significant. It’s the first time that harsh parenting falling short of serious abuse has been linked to decreased brain structure and size. This is common in victims of serious acts of abuse. Therefore it is important for parents and society to understand that the frequent use of harsh parenting practices can harm a child’s brain development,” says Dr. Sabrina Suffren, Ph D, of the Université de Montréal. Also read: Pros and cons of popular parenting styles
Almost half (47.5 percent) of first-time mothers in the UK with infants aged six months or younger were diagnosed with post-natal depression during the first Covid-19 lockdown — more than double the average rate for Europe — reveals a recent study conducted by University College London (UCL). Researchers surveyed 162 new mums in London between May and June 2020 who reported feelings of isolation, exhaustion, worry, inadequacy, guilt, and increased stress. However the study found that the more contact new mums had with people, either remotely or face-to-face, the fewer depressive symptoms they reported, suggesting reduced social contact during lockdown may have increased the risk of post-natal depression. “It really does take a village to raise a child, especially in a crisis when everyone is dealing with increased demands and stress. Our survey shows that lockdowns leave new mothers more vulnerable to post-natal depression, and that digital solutions might help but they are not the answer. Policy makers must take this into account as we continue to deal with Covid-19, for the sake of mothers, infants and families,” says Dr. Sarah Myers, senior teaching assistant at UCL. Also read: Depression in new male parents caused by relationship insecurities
From complaints of loneliness to dealing with anxiety after parents contracted the virus during the past eight months, over 1,000 children have reached out to a government helpline seeking aid and advice. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights’ recently introduced tele-counselling SAMVEDNA (Sensitising Action on Mental Health Vulnerability through Emotional Development and Necessary Acceptance) toll-free helpline is becoming popular for providing psycho-social mental support to Covid-affected children. This tele-counselling service is available on a toll-free number 1800-121-2830 from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 8 pm. The service is provided to children in three categories: children in quarantine/isolation/Covid care centres; those with Covid positive parents or family members, and children who have lost their parents to the pandemic. Also read: Coping with pandemic anxiety
When separation and/or divorce become inevitable, child counsellors, psychologists, and mental health professionals stress that there is a moral and ethical obligation upon estranged parents to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible and doesn’t totally disrupt the lives of children – Aurelin Ruth, Cynthia John, Mini P. Since it originated in Wuhan, China in November 2019, the deadly Covid-19 virus has infected 29 million Indian citizens and killed 374,000 countrywide, and prompted prolonged lockdowns of business, industry and education institutions. Conterminously with inflicting massive damage in terms of loss of lives and livelihoods, with hundreds of millions of citizens obliged to work from tight, cramped homes — the average homestead in India is a mere 494 sq. ft — the Covid-19 pandemic is playing havoc with personal relationships and equations behind locked doors inside millions of homes. As couples struggle to manage financial and health problems, and prolonged social isolation, counsellors, psychologists and the media are reporting an upswing in emotional meltdowns, mood swings, and anger outbursts across the country. In the circumstances, it’s unsurprising that divorce lawyers and courts are very busy. The website Lawyered.in reports a 20 percent spike in divorce enquiries since April 2020, shortly after the first national lockdown was announced. LegalKart, an online legal services provider, received 9,700 queries related to divorce, domestic abuse and child custody in April-May this year with the metros of Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru reporting almost three-fold increase in the number of divorce cases filed. “Since the national lockdown was declared on May 25, 2020, there’s been a sharp increase in the number of divorce cases in the courts. Personally, my divorce caseload has risen by 10 percent since last year. Couples who earlier spent barely four-six hours together every day before the pandemic, are being forced to co-habit together 24×7. The common complaint is that prolonged confinement has made them aware of the unpleasant side of each other. Moreover, pay cuts, job losses and arguments over money and shared household chores have added stress and tension within closed homes generating frustration, anger and resentment. That’s why the upsurge in divorce cases,” explains K.H. Jagdish, a Bengaluru-based matrimonial/divorce lawyer. Undoubtedly, the rampaging pandemic and lockdowns of industry and business, and curbs on socialisation have pushed inter-personal relationships between many previously compatible couples to the edge. “After almost 15 months of home confinement, a surging number of couples are unable to cope with the sea-change in living and lifestyles. Uncertainty and anxiety about household finances and health, and the pressure of couples working and living together 24×7 in cramped homes has strained marital relationships during the past 15 months of the pandemic. In numerous cases, forced home isolation has aggravated suppressed resentments while in others it has prompted new fissures. Lockdowns are not normal circumstances. The world over there has been increase in divorces since the outbreak of the pandemic. India is no different,” says Priyanka Naveen, a psychologist and founder of the Hyderabad-based TruHap Positive Psychology Centre.…
Ingredients 6 two-inch pieces turmeric root, peeled and grated coarsely (turmeric stains the skin temporarily, so use gloves while peeling) 1 tbsp coconut oil 1 cup frozen peas 1 tsp grated ginger 1 small green chilly 1 tsp fennel seed powder 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp garam masala 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves 1 cup large tomato puree 250 ml coconut milk Salt to taste Preparation guide Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the turmeric root and saute over medium-low heat, for 10 minutes or until the turmeric starts to slightly brown. Add the grated ginger, chilli pepper and coriander leaves and sauté for another minute. Add the green peas and saute for another couple of minutes. Add the powdered spices, including the fennel seed powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Add the tomatoes and stir well. Add the coconut milk. Simmer till it begins bubbling. Now add ½ cup water (more if you want the curry to be thinner). Close with lid and cook for 15 minutes over low heat. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Health benefits. Peas are rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, zinc, and other antioxidants which improve the immune system, promote healthy skin, and fight diabetes and arthritis. Also Read: Citrus turmeric tart Peas mint soup Summer salads fresh & cool!
Sfouf is a Lebanese dessert, a healthy semolina cake. Oriental spicy yellow cake with curcuma, sesame and star anise Ingredients 3 cups semolina 1 cup maida/ flour 2 cups sugar 2 tsp turmeric powder 2 ½ tsp baking powder 1 cup vegetable oil 1 ½ cups milk 1 handful de-skinned almonds 1 pinch of salt Preparation guide Grease two 9″ baking pans with oil. Mix semolina, maida, sugar, turmeric and baking powder in a large bowl with pinch of salt. Add oil and milk and mix all the ingredient still the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into the baking pans. Decorate with slivered almonds. Bake it at 350oF for 30 to 40 minutes. Wait for the cake to cool and cut into slices. Health benefits. Semolina is rich in protein, iron and fibre. Almonds are rich in protein and vitamin E. Turmeric has antioxidants, which help the body fight cancer and other diseases. Also Read: Sfouf turmeric cake Apple Fritters
Ingredients For the base: • 1 ½ cups almond • 5 seedless dates • ½ tsp turmeric powder • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp pepper • ½ tbsp lemon zest For the filling: • 1.5 cups coconut cream or full fat coconut milk • 1.5 cups orange juice • ¼ cup honey • 2 tsp corn starch • 1 tsp gelatin • 1 tsp turmeric powder • 1 tsp vanilla essence Preparation guide • To prepare the tart base, crumble the almonds in a mixer. • If dates aren’t sticky enough, add one more date or 1 tbsp coconut oil. • Add the crust dough to a tart pan (8″/20cm). Spread it evenly on the surface and press with a flat object (like the bottom of a glass) to level it. • Chill in the fridge. • Mix all ingredients for the filling in a saucepan. • Boil over medium heat. Stir continuously. • When the mixture becomes thicker, remove from heat. Now pour the filling over the chilled crust. • Set aside to cool. Then place in the fridge so the filling sets completely. • When set, this tart may wobble but will remain firm. Health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It improves bodily immunity and cardiovascular health. Also Read: Summer salads fresh & cool!
Turmeric — a vital input in Indian cuisine – has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties which boost the body’s immunity. It is also an antidote for arthritis, depression and cancer. Here are four recipes to harness the healing power of turmeric, writes Parvathy Menon Ginger turmeric herbal tea (2 servings) This tea is popular in Okinawa, Japan and known for its rejuvenating and healing properties. Ingredients • 2 cups water • ½ tsp ground turmeric • ½ tsp chopped fresh ginger • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional) • 1 tbsp honey • 1 lemon wedge Preparation guide • Boil water in a small saucepan; add turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for ten minutes. Strain tea into a large glass; add honey and lemon wedge. Health benefits. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and improves brain functioning, heart health and lowers blood sugar. Also Read:Turmeric curry with peas
I’m pregnant with my second child and loved reading your Early Childhood advisory on swaddling. I didn’t swaddle my first born as there are many myths and superstitions about swaddling infants. Thanks to paediatrician Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta for setting the record straight. After reading his excellent suggestions on the right way to swaddle infants and the benefits thereof I feel confident about trying it with my second child. Mercy James Chennai Media spreading panic Since the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic hit India, there is constant talk in the media of the likelihood of children being infected with the virus this time. Indeed there is a flood of reports about the impending third wave targeting children. All these reports are generating great fear among parents. Is there any scientific basis behind the prediction that the third wave will be more dangerous for children? I don’t think so. I consulted our paediatrician on this matter. She pointed out that even though during the second wave many children have been exposed to the virus through family members, the rate of infections among children is still low. And the few children who test positive are mostly asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. So the third wave also is unlikely to affect children as much as people fear. The media should refrain from printing unsubstantiated news about the virus especially when it concerns children. Already there is so much fear and panic about the pandemic. Please don’t make it worse. Vidhi Sindhu Mysuru Don’t dismiss pandemic anxiety Thank you for your timely cover story ‘Enabling children to cope with pandemic anxiety’ (EW May). Children have many fears related to the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic which has upended our lives. Parents should not dismiss them as something trivial that children will get over in course of time. After more than one year of online classes, my teenage son is so frustrated that he believes that he will never see his friends and go back to school again. It’s difficult to calm his anxieties because of the uncertainty that I feel about the pandemic situation as well. My younger nine-year-old son keenly watches all the television coverage about the pandemic and worries about his grandparents’ health and well-being. Of late, with the second wave visiting misery all round, he has become reticent and doesn’t talk about his fears. Moreover with the lockdown in force, children can’t engage in any outdoor activity. This adds to their gloom and doom. Brijeena Malwar Bengaluru Ease children’s pandemic stress Your May cover story on enabling children to cope with pandemic anxiety was informative and useful. Information overload about the pandemic is playing havoc with the mental well-being of children. They are scared not only for the physical health of their parents and loved ones, but have to confront financial insecurity because parents are suffering jobs and income loss. It’s a sad situation for children, especially since schools are also closed. They have no social outlet. The suggestions made by psychologist Dr.…
Soliloquy comes from the Latin soliloquium, which means talking to oneself -Roopa Banerjee Soliloquy is expressing thoughts aloud, without addressing another person or persons. It comes from the Latin word soliloquium, which means ‘talking to oneself.’ This literary form was popularised in the 16th century by the bard William Shakespeare. An example is when Romeo declares his love for Juliet in the legendary balcony scene. “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?” or when Macbeth is contemplating killing Duncan, “Is this a dagger I see before me?” Many people equate a soliloquy with monologue. But there is a big difference. In a soliloquy, the speaker is addressing himself/herself, while in a monologue the speaker is addressing an individual or others. A soliloquy is when inner sentiments are expressed aloud without addressing anyone in particular. In literature, soliloquies serve the purpose of protagonists expressing thoughts and emotions not to be disclosed to others. Soliloquy enables writers to create dramatic irony, a plot stratagem to highlight a difference between a character’s knowledge of a situation, and of the audience. The audience is aware of some crucial piece of evidence, while the characters most affected by the information, are clueless about it. Hamlet’s Act III, Scene I soliloquy is perhaps the most famous in English literature. To be, or not to be — that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune Or to take arms against a sea of troubles And by opposing end them. Though soliloquy was a staple in Elizabethan plays, it’s rare in modern dramatics. However some modern films have used soliloquy to great acclaim. For instance Travis Bickle’s soliloquy in the Hollywood movie Taxi Driver directed by Martin Scorcese is iconic and oft parodied in popular culture. The Bollywood movie Devdas in its Bimal Roy avatar as well as the Sanjay Leela Bhansali version has intense soliloquies by the protagonist. Another modern example is the television serial House of Cards where Frank Underwood occasionally directly addresses soliloquies to the camera when other characters are not on screen or within earshot. There are also several fine examples of soliloquies in Disney films. Dory’s tear-jerker soliloquy is a memorable finale of Finding Nemo. Similarly, Anton ego in Ratatouille and Rapunzel’s lines in Tangled are classic examples of modern soliloquies. Writers select characters with intense feelings and/or individuals confronted with tough decisions and dilemmas to emote soliloquies. This achieves the dual purpose of helping the audience/reader understand what’s in the character’s mind and to earn her the audience’s sympathy. Exercise: Identify these famous soliloquies of English literature: It must be by his death: and for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him, But for the general. He would be crown’d How that might change his nature, there’s the question. O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear; Beauty…
In this special essay, Rebecca English, lecturer at the Queensland Institute of Technology (Australia), highlights the pros and cons of various parenting styles — tiger, helicopter, snowplough and free range What’s the best way to raise your child? It’s a question that has provoked the publication of numerous books, and seen authors race to coin the next quirky name for a new style of parenting. And it turns out there are many styles. To date, some of the best known are: Tiger parents, who are seen as pushing their children to succeed according to their parents’ terms. Helicopter parents, who take over every aspect of a child’s life. Snowplough parents, who remove obstacles to make life easier for their children. Free-range parents, who allow children a great deal of freedom. Attachment or gentle parents, relaxed but set limits in line with every child’s needs and character. Psychologists generally talk about parenting as fitting into typologies, based on the work of Diana Baumrind, a clinical and developmental psychologist known for her research on parenting styles. There are generally understood to be four typologies: Authoritarian. Parents who are the authority in their child’s life. They set the rules and say “jump” and their child responds “how high?”. (Very similar to tiger parents.) Permissive. They are lax about their expectations, don’t set standards and don’t ask much of their children. Neglectful. Uninterested in their children and unwilling to be an active part of their child’s life. Authoritative. They are highly demanding while being highly responsive. One of the major criticisms of these typologies is how culturally determined they are. So what does research say about the pros and cons of each of these parenting styles? Tiger parents Type of parent. You expect first-time obedience, excellence in every endeavour and a child who never talks back. Who coined it? Amy Chua popularised this name in her 2011 book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. Chua describes tiger parents, often seen in Chinese families, as superior to Western parents. Chinese parents assume strength and don’t shy away from calling their children names. They assume their children owe them and expect their children to repay them by being obedient and making them proud. Why parents choose this style. Tiger mothers are, as Chua attests, socialised to be this way by their cultural conditioning. When they successfully demand an hour of piano practice, it’s part of their cultural background that the child complies. Western parents will have a hard time emulating the years of acculturation that leads to that moment. Parents who follow Chua may do so because they want their child to be successful. It may be these parents are deeply insecure about the future. These parents are most likely authoritarian. Pros. Raising a child in this way can lead to them being more productive, motivated and responsible. Cons. Children may struggle to function in daily life or in new settings, which may lead to depression, anxiety and poor social skills. But again it’s culturally dependent.…
PW invited parents of Shiksha Valley School, Dibrugarh (Assam) to share their insights on how they are helping their children remain emotionally strong during the pandemic lockdown “I believe love, attention, recognition and appreciation are some ingredients that help nourish children’s emotional strength. My adolescent son Kunal (15) needs special counselling to understand and deal with his emotions. I always give him a patient hearing when he expresses his apprehensions about the future and other worries and anxieties, feeling of insecurity etc. I often run him through a critical appreciation of life, its joys and sorrows, successes and failures. In the current pandemic situation, we try to involve him in multiple activities so he remains productively engaged.” — Dr. Indrani Sengupta, assistant professor, department of education, Manohari Devi Kanoi Girls College, Dibrugarh. “To keep my daughter Benesha (class IX) from overthinking about the pandemic, I have introduced her to responsible household chores like preparation of meals, gardening, car washing etc. Moreover during our mealtime conversations, she is encouraged to speak her mind on various issues. We give her a patient hearing and reason with her so she is assured that her opinion also matters. This has raised her confidence level. Since we live in a tea estate, we are privileged to take long walks every evening which is very relaxing after a long day of online classes.” — Neelanjana Kaushik, lawyer, Dibrugarh district court. “In an era of social distancing, isolation, increased exposure to digital screens, less physical play and anxiety about invisible threats, it becomes critical to safeguard our children’s emotional well-being through mindful observation and deep connect. I make it a point to observe my 15-year-old daughter Maanvi (class X), converse with her regularly, listen to her views, exercise together, involve her in household chores among other activities. She is now aware that failure, loss, or rejection are all part of life despite success. I allow her to resolve her own problems so she is better prepared to face life’s challenges.” — Puja Jain, homemaker. “Tough times are coming in waves and robbing our children of their childhood. What’s worrying is my son Parthiv’s (class VI) emotional health. As is natural with children his age, he is curious to know when he can go out to play again. I reassure him that it’s only a matter of time, and spend as much time as possible playing with him, engaging him in gardening activities and preparing his favourite food to keep him happy. I even allow him to play online games for a short while. But what has elevated his mood appreciably are his two pet rabbits that we brought home during the second wave of the pandemic. They bring an instant smile on his face and keep him super busy 24/7.” — Tanma Mahanta, palliative care consultant, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh. Also Read: Keeping children motivated in lockdown times
The subject of children suffering the loss of loved ones during the pandemic when mourning rituals are truncated, support systems are inadequate, and the weight of social stigma is often suffocating, is insufficiently discussed – Punita Malhotra In its second wave, which began in March, the rampaging Covid-19 pandemic is raining a second round of death and misery countrywide — 94,052 infections and 6,148 fatalities per day (June 12). The biggest untold story of the spiralling death toll is that hundreds of children have lost a parent, some even both, to the deadly virus. The subject of children suffering the loss of loved ones is insufficiently discussed especially when mourning rituals are truncated, support systems are inadequate, and the weight of social stigma is often suffocating. In this feature, we present advice from well-known child psychologists on ways and means to help and comfort children to cope with loss of a parent/sibling/grandparent and to build resilience. Breaking the news It’s difficult to break the news of a loved one’s death to children. Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour, executive director of the Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls, Ohio, USA, in an excellent advisory titled, ‘How parents can support their child through Covid-19 losses’ (unicef.org) says that age of a child is the most important factor to bear in mind when breaking such sensitive news. According to her, for children under the age of five years, it’s important to first explain the very concept of death. “Very young children may be confused about what happened — both with loss and grief. They may not really understand what death is or understand that it’s permanent. We need to appreciate that really young children are not only dealing with dramatic changes in their lives, but that they often don’t entirely understand why these changes have occurred or what caused them,” writes Dr. Lisa Damour. Children aged six-11 years react differently to death of a parent. “They are very eager for explanations. They are ready to understand what caused the great disruptions they are dealing with or the death of the person they love. And sometimes we can give them the answers they are looking for, and sometimes we just don’t know — and that can be very hard for them.” In case of teenagers, Dr. Lisa Damour says that they are likely to experience intense emotions and doubts/fears. “For teenagers, the process is intense, because adolescents experience very powerful emotions. They need reassurance that the intensity of their grief or even the moments where they forget or don’t think about the death of the family member, are all normal and expectable, because teenagers can worry that they’re not having the right reaction.” Dr. Damour warns that children who lose a parent often experience bouts of disbelief and shock. It is common for them to wipe out traces of memory connected to the event, which is a normal human defence mechanism against intense pain and trauma. Youngest children tend to get regressive, clingy, and experience…
-Sue Atkins I am a parent of a three-year-old who is overwhelmed by the infodemic around me. How do I stay well-informed about the pandemic while keeping anxiety in check? I am so nervous and scared all the time that I fear I’m passing my anxiety on to my child and husband. — Shalini K, Chennai Most adults and children worldwide are experiencing anxiety, stress and loneliness because of the pandemic. It’s important to remember that it is okay to feel this way and that these difficult feelings will pass. However if you believe they are overwhelming you and affecting your parenting, here are some simple ways to improve your mental health and well-being. Stay connected with people. Make an effort to communicate with people you trust. This will reassure you and improve your mental well-being. Express your fears. It’s normal to feel worried, scared, and helpless about the current pandemic situation. Share your fears with adults you trust, taking care not to express them before children. Be well-informed. As the pandemic outbreak continues, you should be well-informed about changes in government guidelines, so you are prepared to cope with changes in daily routines. It will reduce anxiety and make you feel more in control of your life. Stick to the facts. Find a credible media source and always fact-check information you get from newsfeeds, social media, and people. Focus on things you can control, such as your behaviour, who you speak to, and where and how often you get information. My son is in class XII and it looks like this year too will be a year of remote online schooling. He is also studying for his IIT-JEE entrance exam. With no end to the pandemic in sight, he is demotivated and anxious about his future. Please advise. — Pradeepa Jairaj, Delhi Explain to him that these are unprecedented times and that he must keep his motivation levels high. You could help him by: Exploring careers that interest him. And discuss and research ways and means by which he can achieve his career and life goals. Help him set daily achievable academic goals. Aim for five daily to-dos. Encourage him to take short breaks during study hours. Advise him to ask a friend to be a study buddy. Peer learning and mentoring is a good way to motivate children. Will talking about Covid-19 increase my child’s anxiety about the virus? The reason I ask is that recently, three members of my extended family died due to Covid-19 complications and it was a traumatic experience for all of us. — Dheeralakshmi, Coimbatore I’m sorry to hear about your loss. It’s always best to speak about difficult emotions bearing in mind your child’s age and maturity. My advice: Use age-appropriate language. Keep the communication clear and allow your child to ask questions. Use words ‘died’, ‘dead’, and ‘death’. Euphemisms such as ‘we’ve lost Grandpa’ or ‘Grandma has gone to another place’ are confusing for children. Keep children informed about illness of…
-Vasanthi Venkatesh I hear a lot about the dangers of using commercially produced sanitary pads. But due to convenience, I and my two daughters use them. We have heard about some natural sanitary pads producers but are wary about unknown brands. Please advise. — Anonymous Commercially produced sanitary pads often contain harmful chemicals which is why you are hearing about the dangers and risks associated with using them. In the long term these chemicals could cause ovarian cancer and endometriosis. So it is advisable for adults and children to avoid using them. Instead, use cloth pads or pads made from eco-friendly, safe materials. These may be more expensive and inconvenient but they are safer and healthier. After pregnancy, women can use silicone menstrual cups. Initially, they may not be comfortable, but you will get used to them. My 13-year old daughter has been reading ads of vaginal wash products, and has been pestering me to buy them for her. I believe using them is unnecessary. Please let me know if they are useful and advisable. — Chelsie Menon, Kochi Menstruation is a normal and natural process, and no additional cleansing of the vagina is needed, except with water. The human body produces its own fluids to protect the vagina. The use of products such as vaginal wash results in needless exposure to chemicals. However, if your daughter really feels uncomfortable during her monthly periods, she could use it briefly, for two-three days. Advise her to use carefully selected brands minimally. I’m expecting my first child in two months, and I’m worried about whether I will be able to breastfeed properly. I have heard that it is good to feed an infant immediately after birth. But what if I have a problem and am unable to lactate sufficiently? — Shalika Sharma, Mumbai First milk, which is released after delivery, is immunity-rich colostrum. This is why the first feed is very important. Nurturing 21st Century children ask the doctor There are many superstitions about its utility, with some people deprecating it without knowing its goodness. If you are expecting a Caesarean birth, consult your gynaecologist about how you could breastfeed your child post-delivery. Perhaps you could request the doctors and nurses to hand over your baby to you at the earliest, if possible. Let your family also know about your request. Sometimes, hospitals and nurses offer sugar water or formula milk to keep infants quiet. This is wrong. Mother’s milk should be the first feed of a new-born. Even after a Caesarean birth, a mother can request doctors not to give her sedatives unless necessary, so she can feed her newborn. Most mothers have a natural instinct to figure out how best an infant latches on, and how long she feeds to feel full. If you have difficulty, you can ask your gynaecologist to recommend a lactation consultant, because breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do to ensure your child’s long-term health and well-being. (Dr. Vasanthi Venkatesh is consultant…
For parents soothing a sick, irritated and tired infant is frustratingly difficult. Here are some home remedies which provide infants relief from common cold symptoms – Archana N. Common cold symptoms of fever, nasal congestion and headache are difficult for adults to manage. For infants, suffering a cold infection is even more arduous, making the task of soothing a sick, irritated and tired infant frustratingly difficult. Especially in these Covid-19 times, parents should carefully tend infants complaining of common cold symptoms. Most important, don’t self-prescribe and use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines unless prescribed by a qualified paediatrician. Usually common colds subside naturally in infants and don’t require medication. However there are some time-tested home remedies which provide reliable and safe relief. Saline drops “One or two drops of saline solution will decongest the nose. It is simple, sterile and safe to use for infants,” advises paediatrician Dr. Basavaraju B.S. of the Rohit Children’s Clinic, Bengaluru. Saline solutions can be made at home. Mix half tea spoon of salt with one cup of warm water. Boil the water for 10-15 minutes. Store the solution in a clean, dry container and use within 24 hours. You can use a clean dropper to administer one or two drops per nostril and later use a bulb syringe to draw out mucus if necessary. Saline drops are especially useful if your infant is having trouble breastfeeding or sleeping because of a stuffy nose. Gentle steaming Adults often use steam inhalation to ease nasal congestion. But it’s not advisable to expose infants to high heat. However milder forms of steam provide relief to children. Turn on a hot shower with the bathroom door shut, until the room fills with steam. Then sit with your infant inside the room for ten minutes. Breathing in the warm, moist air will clear nasal blockages. You could also try using a vaporiser or a bucketful of steaming water kept at a distance to enable her to inhale steam without getting too hot. Ambient room temperature Check if the room temperature is too hot or cold and ensure your little one is comfortable. She shouldn’t be shivering or sweating. Dress her according to the weather to ensure that she is snug and comfortable. Fluids and sleep Administering fluids including breastmilk will rid cold symptoms expeditiously. Breastmilk plays an important role in providing antibodies. Getting sound sleep will also heal the body. Use a folded towel to elevate the head; this will help your infant sleep peacefully. Also read: 5 reasons why your infant cries out loud
With an increasing number of buyers insisting on best construction practices and sound titles, the demand for home inspection and certification services is zooming Paromita Sengupta Unlike the multi-billion dollar real estate industry in the US where every eight of ten homes for sale/rent/bank mortgage requires clearance from a home inspection audit team, professional home inspection and certification is a new concept in India. Essentially, home inspectors check out commercial and residential properties to determine if they satisfy global safety and quality codes, certify electrical/plumbing systems, and flag systemic faults for repair so that purchasers (and their financiers) are fully informed before sales contracts are finalised. With India emerging as a favoured property investment destination of non-resident Indians, and an increasing number of savvy home buyers demanding sound construction practices and titles before investing their life’s savings in a property, home inspection companies, firms and consultancies have mushroomed. Notable among them are MACJ — A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections (Kolkata); Homeinspektor (Bangalore); E-ghar (Ghaziabad); Meazurement Home Services (Mumbai) and CheckMyProp (Pune). Moreover, the recently legislated Real Estate Regulation and Development Act (RERA), 2016, whose prime objective is to protect home purchasers, has given the business of independent, third-party property inspections and certification a big boost. Given the imminent boom in real estate and rising awareness of the importance of best construction practices, the demand for home inspectors is set to grow exponentially — Yamini Sureka Study programmes. Arts/science/commerce/civil engineering/electrical engineering graduates are eligible to enroll for short-term certificate/diploma courses covering real estate principles and practices offered by the Mumbai-based Real Estate Management Institute (REMI) or the Pune-based India Institute of Real Estate (IIRA), among a few others. Ideally, this diploma programme needs to be supplemented by the online home inspection certification programme offered by InterNachi — the world’s largest association of property inspectors based in the US — or Inspection Certifications Associates (ICA), also US-based. Career progression. The remuneration packages of home inspectors vary depending on individual skills, size of projects and number of inspections conducted. Starting salary is in the range of Rs.30,000-40,000 per month. However, a senior/lead home inspector with three-five years experience can expect to earn Rs.60,000-100,000. Professional profile. “The real estate industry whose annual revenue is set to touch $180 billion (Rs.12.3 lakh crore) by 2020, is one of the largest contributors to the country’s GDP, providing livelihood to 52 million people. The industry is experiencing a fundamental shift towards professionalism, credibility, and transparency. It is also adopting international standards and cutting-edge technologies to change age-old practices. In the new-age real estate industry, home inspection, which is critical for ensuring buyer satisfaction, has emerged as an important function. Youth aspiring to explore this new vocation must be ready and willing to work long hours on sites, and develop the virtues of patience, time management and communication capability,” says Yamini Sureka, founder-director of the Kolkata-based MACJ — A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections Pvt. Ltd, and India’s first InterNachi certified home inspector. An English postgraduate of Rajasthan University…
The story of India’s past from the 12th-20th centuries remains immortalised in the well-preserved monuments and exquisite gardens of Delhi which became India’s admin capital in 1931 With an archaeological heritage dating back over 2,500 years, Delhi, with its magnificent array of monuments, forts, tombs, palaces, mosques, temples and churches has as much to offer as India’s other business tourist entrepots such as Jaipur, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Indeed for over a century under British rule, Mumbai and Kolkata were the more popular imperial strongholds than this northern city which stands on the ruins and remains of several Mughal and Sultanate dynasties, and is indelibly Islamic in character because of its legacy of majestic specimens of Muslim architecture. But in 1911, a decision to shift British India’s admin from Kolkata to Delhi inaugurated a new period in this city’s history, transforming it into the national capital that is New Delhi — a bustling metropolis populated by celebrated politicians, bureaucrats, lawyers, intellectuals, creative artistes, writers, and other powerful elites. Its character now is undeniably modern, cosmopolitan, and global, even as the story of India’s past from the 12th to the 20th centuries remains immortalised in the well-preserved tombs, monuments, and exquisite gardens that lend shape and character to this city which transformed into the admin capital of India in 1931. Geographically, the National Capital Region (NCR) aka Delhi (population: 13.8 million) — the third most populous city in the country after Mumbai and Kolkata — is sited on the Indo-Gangetic plain flanked by Uttar Pradesh to the east and Haryana on the other three sides. To the south-east flows the Yamuna — one of the most sacred rivers of India. The region experiences extreme weather conditions with harsh, forbidding summers (May-August) when the mercury rises up to 45°C and bone chilling winter months (December-February) when the temperature could dip to 2°C. However the best time to visit Delhi is October-November, when the temperature remains constant at a moderate 30°C and occasional rains cool the metropolis. All in all, Delhi which includes Old Delhi, the part of the city built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, as well as New Delhi, which boasts some of the finest examples of 20th century Victorian architecture, is a unique and stimulating blend of past and present, old and new, ancient and modern. Over time, it has evolved a distinctly secular character with its mosques and temples coexisting with gurudwaras, churches, and edifices like the lotus-shaped Bahai House of Worship, making it a city of rich religious and cultural diversity. The history of the national capital is colourful and interesting. Upto the 7th century AD the NCR was under the rule of the Maurya, Kushan, and Gupta dynasties. Following the fall of the Gupta kings, the region came into the possession of Rajput Tomara leader Anang Pal who established the towns of Anangpur and Lalkot. Later in 1191 AD, Mohammed of Ghor mounted a campaign to seize the stronghold of the Chauhan…
In a society where marriages are less the union of two individuals and more about an economic alliance between two families, divorce in instances of irretrievable breakdown of marriage is being grudgingly accepted. Over the past decade, divorce rates countrywide have zoomed from 1 per 1,000 to 13 per 1,000 marriages (2019). Several factors including meltdown of joint families, increase in number of nuclear households, social and financial emancipation of women, economic liberalisation, relaxation of divorce laws, among others, have prompted a multiplying number of couples to end oppressive and abusive marriages. In the process, the social stigma traditionally attached to divorce is weakening, at least in urban India. In particular, over the past 15 months since the deadly Covid-19 pandemic invaded India in February 2020, divorces have spiralled. According to some estimates, there’s been a 20-30 percent increase in divorce cases filed in courts of law during the past year. Pressure cooker home environments generated by Covid-19 lockdowns are bringing out the worst in couples struggling to cope with the loss of personal freedoms, mobility, financial and health anxieties and prolonged social isolation. Cloistered in cramped homes 24×7, even seemingly compatible couples are heading for divorce courts. While this social phenomenon may be liberating for estranged couples, the rising incidence of divorce is playing havoc with the emotional and mental wellbeing of children, with bitter child custody and support battles often scarring them for life. In our cover story of this month, we present the opinions of child rights activists, family counselors and mental health and emotional wellbeing professionals who suggest ways and means to ease the pain of divorce for children. The consensus of informed opinion is that when divorce becomes inevitable parents should take the aid and advice of lawyers and counselors to sort out mundane details such as custody, visitation rights, financial and living arrangements to ensure that children suffer minimal trauma and disruption. We strongly recommend our cover story for couples contemplating or heading for divorce courts. You owe it your innocent children who didn’t volunteer to be born. I also highly recommend our Early Childhood advisory informing parents about time-tested home remedies to attend to infants suffering common cold symptoms and Middle Years section to enable children to cope with loss of loved ones during this unprecedented pandemic era. Other columns of interest are Bengaluru-based gynaecologist Dr. Vasanthi Venkatesh’s advice to parents confronted with menstruation troubles of girl children, and Ask Your Counselor, in which UK-based parenting expert Sue Atkins answers parents’ queries relating to pandemic anxieties of children.
