Category: Lovely Health Tips

Anaemia :

Anaemia in Adolescents : Reduced ability of blood to carry oxygen because of a lack of hemoglobin in the red blood cells for a specific age and sex.

How does Anaemia in Adolescents impact the individual?

• Diminished physical growth
• Deficiency in sexual and reproductive development
• Decreased cognitive growth

Types of anaemia :

• Folate or vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Dimorphic anemia
• Anemia from various causes
• Anemia from inflammation

The Effects of Adolescent Malnutrition :

Inter-generational cycle of anaemia

• Malnourished girls
• Likely to develop pregnancy complications
• This vicious cycle of iron deficiency anemia persists since an adolescent girl who enters the reproductive age with low iron reserves and becomes pregnant during adolescence or later is more likely to give birth to a low birth weight and preterm baby.
• The baby is also born with low iron reserves, and because of poor infant feeding practices, is more likely to enter adolescence with low iron reserves in the body.

Other negative outcomes of malnutrition

• Worse overall health
• Impairs academic performance
• Low academic achievement
• Reduced productivity and job capacity
• Slowed growth process and sexual maturation rate

Common signs of malnutrition in adolescents include:

• Inadvertent weight loss
• Constant fatigue Not gaining weight that is typical for that age group
• Sunken eyes
• Getting tired more readily than others
• Irritability
• Inadvertent weight gain
• Getting sick frequently and taking longer to recover

Impact of Anaemia on Adolescents :

a. Impact on boys and girls

• Stunted growth
• Weakness and tiredness
• Diminished concentration
• Poor school performance
• Breathlessness

b. Impact on reproductive health of girls

• Irregular menstruation
• A higher chance of miscarriage
• Low birth weight babies
• Premature labor
• Prepartum/postpartum hemorrhage
• Puerperal sepsis
• An increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidity

What are the risk factors and potential causes of a high anemia burden?

Deficiency :

When pregnant, anemic moms

• Inadequate iron stores from birth
• Childhood deficits, and teenage anemia
• Folic acid and B12 deficiency
• Disorders connected to blood that are inherited or acquired

Dietary :

• Improper IYCF, particularly with regard to complementary feeding methods
• Consuming too many “iron inhibitors” (tea, coffee, foods high in calcium) and not enough “iron enhancers” (Vitamin C, etc.)
• 50% of the population consumes less than 50% of the recommended daily allowance for dietary iron
• There is a lack of knowledge about affordable, locally accessible, and nutrient-dense foods;

Iron Loss :

• Because of worm infection by roundworms or hookworms.
• Acute or chronic inflammation or a chronic illness.
• Living in a location where malaria is endemic.
• Poor environmental cleanliness, contaminated drinking water, and inadequate personal hygiene

Maternal Anaemia :

• Iron loss from postpartum hemorrhage
• Increased iron need during pregnancy as a result of tissue, blood development and energy needs
• Adolescent pregnancies
• Teenage pregnancies
• Repeated pregnancies with a gap of less than two years

Haemoglobinopathies :

A class of inherited blood illnesses and diseases known as hemoglobinopathy mostly affects red blood cells.

Consist of two major groups:

• Thalassemias
  • The primary burden of disease is caused by Thalassemia Major (TM) and its severe version, Thalassemia Intermedia (TI), both of which require iron chelation and lifelong blood transfusions for treatment.
• Sickle Cell syndromes
  • Sickle cell disease (SCD), which increases morbidity and mortality in infants and children, needs to be managed throughout one’s life.

Vitamin B₁₂:

A vitamin B₁₂ deficiency adds to the risk of anemia in adolescents and adults in addition to hemoglobinopathies.

Importance :

Vital for a healthy neurological system and the synthesis of red blood cells

Causes of Deficiency :

• Diet deficient in Vitamin B12
• Cause pernicious anemia.
• The most prevalent cause of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is a shortage of a chemical called intrinsic factor, which can be brought on by the immune system inadvertently.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency can also be induced by a diet low in meat, eggs, and milk.
• Assaults the stomach cells that generate this chemical. We refer to this kind of anemia as pernicious anemia.
• Vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed and is eliminated from the body as waste without intrinsic factor, a protein secreted by the stomach that combines with vitamin B12 in the stomach and transports it through the small intestine to be absorbed in the bloodstream.
• Vitamin B12 is crucial for the synthesis of red blood ceIf left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause neurological issues like chronic tingling in the hands and feet or trouble balancing.
• Because vitamin B12 is essential for normal brain function, it might cause mental confusion and amnesia.
• If vitamin B12 deficiency is not treated, neurological issues may persist for a long time.
• It is also necessary for a healthy nervous system.

Consequences of deficiency :

• Can result in neurological issues.
• Can lead to mental disorientation and forgetfulness
• If not treated, neurological issues can become permanent

Appropriate food :

A. person’s BMI is a rough indicator of their weight condition. It is computed by dividing height in meters squared by weight in kilos.

B. A result ranging from 18.5 to 24.9 indicates that the individual’s weight is typical for their height.

• A balanced diet is one that fits the body’s nutritional requirements by including a suitable amount of food from each of the several food categories.
• Between 50 and 60 percent of total calories should come from carbohydrates, ideally complex ones (starches in cereals, millets, pulses, and root vegetables, and glycogen in animal foods); 10 to 15 percent should come from proteins (milk, meat, fish, and eggs; and plant foods like pulses and legumes); and 20 to 30 percent should come from both visible (oils and fats like butter, ghee, and vanaspati) and invisible (fat found in plant and animal foods) fat.

C. Using hemoglobin levels to identify anemia:

Teach the teenager about a balanced diet and good nutrition by using the Healthy Eating Pyramid:

A balanced diet’s relative amounts of each food type are shown by the food pyramid.

• Because the base of the pyramid is broad, meals that are positioned here should be consumed in greater amounts; these are the foods that provide energy.
• Meals high in fats (oils) and sugar are found at the tip of the pyramid.
• These provide energy as well, but only in modest amounts can be included in a regular diet. From an economical and sustainable standpoint
• It is crucial to build a diet on locally sourced foods.

Healthy Eating Practices :

• Slow eating and correct chewing are two examples of healthy eating practices.
• Avoid watching TV or reading while eating.
• Consuming a well-balanced meal that includes the various food groups in sufficient amounts
• Eating in moderation and at the right times
• Drinking enough water (8 to 10 glasses daily)
• Avoiding junk food on a regular basis
• Eating all meals on time and never skipping or overeating

Work with families to promote :

• Present the meal in an eye-catching manner.
• Consider the teen’s preferences as much as you can when preparing meals at home.

Easily accessible in many regions of India, millet ragi is a particularly rich source of calcium. Iron is abundant in gram (chana) and jaggery

• Promote wholesome, locally accessible resources
• Recognize gender-based discrimination
• Educate on preventing anemia
• Encourage families to support their adolescents’ weekly administration of IFA in schools or Anganwadi Centers (AWCs)
• Encourage the use of biannual deworming with albendazole; Avoid collecting water to prevent malaria, filaria, and dengue
• Use footwear and latrines to prevent hookworm infestations;

Encourage good hygiene and a balanced diet:

• Washing fruits and vegetables well before eating them
• Maintaining a clean kitchen Checking the date of manufacturing, expiration date, MRP, etc. when purchasing packaged foods
• Cooking with iron utensils
• Cooking greens in an open container
• Keeping food covered
• Washing hands before eating and after using the restroom

Common iron rich foods

• Mutton
• Seafood
• Chicken
• Lamb
• Eggs
• Chana saag
• Kantewali chulai
• Mustard leaves
• Mint
• Spinach
• Onion stalks
• Nutrition and Anaemia in Adolescents
• Fenugreek leaves (methi)
• Arvi ka saag
• Lentil
• Bengal gram (whole)
• Soybean
• Gingelly seeds (Til)
• Black gram dal (urad dal)
• Red gram dal (arhar)
• Plantain green (unripe kela)
• Watermelon
• Seetaphal

Common Vitamin C rich foods

• Lemon, Oranges, Kiwi
• Peppers
• Amla
• Adding Vitamin C to one’s diet can help in the absorption of iron

Spread Knowledge in the Community on the Causes of Anaemia and Malnutrition :

1. Identify carriers in teenagers by screening before to marriage
2. Address stigma associated with illness, gender bias, and misconceptions about how diseases spread.
3. Give all thalassemia and sickle cell disease patients the best care possible.
4. Provide day care centers at district hospitals for transfusion patients.
5. Maximum alignment with other health initiatives
6. Plan quizzes, instructional seminars, and hand out educational papers.
7. Encourage B12 deficiency screening and raise awareness

Sources of Vitamin B12 rich foods :

• Eggs
• Fish
• Mutton
• Chicken
• Mushrooms
• Milk and dairy products

Key message :

• Nutrition is the process of consuming food while keeping in mind the body’s nutritional requirements.
• Malnutrition is defined as an imbalance, excess, or deficiency of nutrients in the body.
• Malnutrition can increase the risk of illness and even death in children, adolescents, and pregnant and lactating women.
• Micronutrient deficiencies are a major underlying risk factor that contributes to the global burden of disease.
• Adolescence is a time when people transition into a more independent stage of life, which affects how they eat.
• Adolescent girls with limited iron stores who reach reproductive age and falls pregnant later in life or during adolescence is more likely to give birth to a preterm, low-birth-weight child.

Thanks and Regards

N.B. This information is suggestive only.

Malnutrition and nutrition :

Fight against Malnutrition : Our bodies need nourishment to function, just like a machine needs fuel to run. Nutrition from food gives us energy, helps create muscles and other body components, and keeps us healthy.

• Nutrition is the process of consuming food while taking into account the body’s nutritional requirements.
• This process involves the ingestion, digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food.
• Eating gives us the energy we need to do our daily tasks.
• Nutrition has a vital role in both development and health. Increased longevity, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancies and deliveries, decreased risk of non-communicable diseases (including diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and better health for mothers, babies, and children are all associated with better nutrition.

Malnutrition (Fight against Malnutrition) :

Malnutrition is defined as an imbalance, excess, or shortage of nutrients in the body. Children, teenagers, and expectant and nursing mothers are more vulnerable to illness and even death due to malnutrition. Nutrient imbalances, surpluses, or deficiencies in an individual’s diet. We have to fight against malnutrition.

Addresses three groups :

• Undernutrition
• Micronutrient-related malnutrition
• Overweight, obesity and diet-related

A. Under-nutrition :

• Low weight for height: Also referred to as wasting, this condition denotes recent, significant weight loss brought on by inadequate nutrition, either as a result of a person not eating enough food or an infectious ailment, like diarrhea, that caused them to lose weight.
• The term stunting refers to low height for feed. It results from chronic or repeated undernutrition, which is typically linked to poor socioeconomic circumstances, poor nutrition and health of mothers, frequent illness, and/or improper early feeding and care of infants and young children. Stunting prevents people from developing to their full potential in both their physical and mental abilities.
• Adolescents and children who weigh little in relation to their age are deemed underweight. An individual who is underweight may be wasted, stunted, or both.

B. Micro-nutrient-related malnutrition :

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: A nutritional deficiency happens when the body is unable to absorb or obtain the required quantity of nutrients from diet. Deficiencies can cause a number of health issues. These can include issues with skin, digestion, bone growth that is either stunted or faulty, and even dementia.

C. Overweight, obesity and diet-related :

• Overweight that could be harmful to one’s health
• An imbalance between energy expenditure and consumption might have negative health effects.

Essential Elements of Nutrition :

1. Carbohydrate:
   • Energy-producing
2. Vitamins and minerals
   • Prevent illness and promote good health
   • Support many bodily processes
3. Proteins
   • Mostly for development
   • Bodybuilding
4. Fats :
   • Give the body energy
   • Encourage the formation of cells.
5. Water :
   • Water elevates mood and enhances cognitive function.
   • Aids in removing impurities, delivering nutrients to cells, keeping the body hydrated, and avoiding constipation.

Deficits in micro-nutrients :

• Deficits in micronutrients are a major underlying risk factor that contributes to the worldwide burden of disease. More than 2,500 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 adolescents are caused by iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
• Adolescent females are more likely than males to suffer from iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, and in countries with lower social development indices (SDI), the prevalence is higher.
• Micronutrient deficits are largely caused by iodine insufficiency, which is more prevalent in female teenagers.

Underweight :

Less than two Standard Deviations (SDs) from the median BMI by age and sex is known as underweight (thinness), and it affects 8.4% of girls and 12.4% of boys.

Overweight :

Among teenagers in Low and Low Middle Income Countries (LMICs), overnutrition is becoming a more significant population health concern.

Adolescents’ The Recommended Daily Allowance of Nutrients :

The Needs for Nutrition in Adolescence :

• Adolescence has greater nutritional needs because of the growth spurt.
• Additional iron needs for teenage girls
• Teenagers who eat well are better able to learn, play, and develop.

Consumption of Fast Food in Adolescence

Calories per 100 grams in foods that are frequently consumed

• Pizza has 295 calories.
• Burger: 266 calories
• 536 calories in chips
• With 262 calories, a samosa
• 38 calories from soft drinks
• 546 calories from chocolate
• 300 calories from jalebi
• Cake has 256 calories.

2. Reasons why teens are more prone to choose bad foods ?

They could be influenced by their peers and the media to choose unhealthy foods and to have a particular body type.

• Having home-cooked meals and dining with the family may not be favored
• Fast food is readily available to fit unpredictable schedules.
• Missing meals or substituting fast food for them
• Having trouble finding healthy options, such as food in school canteens
• Having trouble choosing meals for working or married adolescents, particularly girls who might be the last in the family to eat
• Adolescence is a time when people transition into a more independent stage of life, which also affects eating habits
• The most popular foods at fast food restaurants among teenagers include pizza, burgers, bread pakoras, samosas, and soft beverages. High in calories and low in nutrition, these can make you less hungry for normal meals.
• Availability, time, and convenience are prioritized over food value while choosing foods.

Adolescents Are More Probably to Choose Unhealthy Foods :

• Peer pressure and media influence to attain a particular body type.  
• Cooking at home and dining with the family might not be the best options. 
• Simple access to fast food. 
• Not eating or substituting fast food for meals. 
• Access to healthy food options may be limited.

The factors that affect adolescents’ nutrition :

a. Factors related to health and conditioning

• Diseases that are infectious
• Malnutrition can be caused by intestinal parasites, diarrhea, malaria, and tuberculosis.
• Environmental sanitation: Recurrent infections are another consequence of poor environmental cleanliness.

b. Food preferences and cultural considerations

• Cultural practices
  • Family members pass on dietary habits, customs, beliefs, traditions, and attitudes
  • Culture has a significant impact on eating habits, such as taboos
• Personal preferences and dislikes impact our dietary choices, and making bad choices on a regular basis might result in nutritional inadequacies.
• Cooking methods can affect the nutritional value of foods, for example, deep frying can decrease the nutritive value of foods

c. Socioeconomic factors :

Large family sizes, poverty, ignorance of the nutritional worth of foods, and ignorance about locally accessible and reasonably priced foods, among other factors.

d. Gender issues :

• Girls and women typically eat last and the leftovers in many ghouseholds. Girls who are menstruating also experience nutritional restrictions.
• Some young women marry young, become pregnant, and give birth early, all of which worsen their nutritional state.

Thanks and Regards

N.B. This information is suggestive only.

Dental Conditions in Children : The whole health of a child depends on their dental health. Cavities, or tooth decay, are common dental disorders in children and are frequently brought on by eating too much sugar and not brushing their teeth properly. Plaque accumulation can also cause gum disease (gingivitis), which manifests as swollen and bleeding gums. Orthodontic therapy may be necessary for malocclusion, or misaligned teeth, while excessive fluoride consumption can cause fluorosis, which discolors teeth. Children may also have early tooth loss from decay or trauma, as well as tooth sensitivity.

• Know the signs of “Early Childhood Caries,” “Caries,” “Gingivitis conditions,” and their effects on a child’s health and well-being;
• How to prevent dental decay
• Comprehend how teeth decay
• Identify decay and other dental diseases and conditions
• Know how to prevent

How it starts?

• Streptococcus mutants
• Carbohydrates
• Acid formation
• De-mineralisation
• Tooth Destruction

What is Early Childhood Caries ?

• Severe and quickly worsening
• Any primary tooth in a child aged six or less that has one or more decayed (cavitated or non-cavitated lesions), empty (cavitated) or filled tooth surfaces.

What to see ?

• Mothers caries status
• If the child complains of sensitivity to
  •      hot
  •      cold      
  •      sweet
  •      food lodgment                      
  •      pain

Check for Normal Healthy Teeth :

Check for Early Signs of Decay – White Spots:

Check for Later Signs of Decay- Brown Spots

Check for Advanced /Severe Decay :

Check for caries 6-18 years

Check  gums :

• Red
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Plaque / calculus

Early Childhood Caries leads to :

• Severe Pain and Infection Transmission
• Dysfunction in speech and eating
• Delay of growth Adult teeth with crooked edges and a high risk of dental decay
• Costly and extensive dental care
• Difficulty chewing
• Poor nutrition
• Below average weight
• Distraction from normal activities including learning, missing school

Early Childhood Caries is infectious and Transmittable disease :

Transmitted from mother to baby

• Mother’s diet advice, a diet high in calcium to promote tooth growth
• Reduce the amount of microorganisms in Mother’s mouth with good dental hygiene and brushing
• Minimal risk of ECC in children

Infant  feeding habits :

• Breastfeeding is the best method.
• Don’t use bottles.
• No juice or milk to put to bed.
• Attempt to use a spoon and Katori.
• Drinking from a cup is encouraged on the first birthday.

Be mindful of what you eat :

• Steer clear of between-meal snacks and drinks.
• Limit eating
  • Jalebi,
  • Sweets,
  • Chips,
  • Kurkure,
  • Chocklets etc.

• Not Just What You Consume, But How Frequently
• The frequency of your diet matters more than its quantity.
• The acids you make last for 20 to 40 minutes.
• Water should be consumed after consuming sweets.
• Sweet Bank: gather all of the candy and consume it on a specific day of the week.
• Sugar Self-Control:
• Eat sensibly and avoid cutting off sugar.

Avoid saliva-sharing

• Cutting Down on Saliva Sharing
• Keeping toothbrushes separate and not licking a dummy before handing it to a child
• Refrain from sharing food, beverages, or utensils.
• Avoid letting the child put their hand in the caregiver’s mouth.

Oral Health Education :

• First tooth appears after being cleaned with moist cotton
• “RAISE THE LIP” Once a month at home to check for white/brown spots
• Parents use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth.
• Swipe, under two years
• Pea size 2-5 year age

The right way to brush :

• Brush with a short Sweeping vertical motion while holding the brush at a 45-degree angle with the bristles resting on the teeth and gums.

Take home message :

• Dental health and development depend on teeth, including baby teeth. 
• Early-life dental decay is a dangerous infectious disease. 
• In the presence of teeth, germs, and carbohydrates, decay occurs.
• Dental deterioration in early childhood is fully avoidable
• First dental visit by first birthday

Thanks and Regards

N.B. This information is suggestive only.

Risk of Worm Infestation increases due to the Worms which are parasites that eat the human gut to stay alive, typically in the intestines. These worms, such as roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and pin-worms, can cause various health issues if left untreated. Worm infestations are more common in children and individuals with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.

How do worms spread & risk of worm infestation increases?

• Unsanitary and unhygienic circumstances lead to worm diseases.
• Contact with contaminated soil can spread worms.

Common Behaviors in the rural Community

• Going outside to play barefoot. 
• Not cleaning your hands before consuming food. 
• Having an open bowel movement. 
• Hands not being cleaned after using the restroom. 
• Consuming fruits and vegetables without cleaning them. 
• Food contamination could occur if food is not covered.

Symptoms of Worm Infections :

• The symptoms of an infected person increase with the number of worms in the child (intensity).
• Symptoms of severe infections can include weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Mild infections in children typically don’t cause any symptoms.

Types of Worm :

• Hook Worm
• Whip Worm
• Round Worm

Worm Transmission Cycle :

1. A child with the infection contaminates soil with worm egg-containing feces. These eggs hatch in the soil to become larvae.

2. Other kids get infected by larvae that pierce the skin or by eggs that are consumed through food or contaminated hands.

3. In a youngster with the infection, eggs and larvae grow into adult worms that lay eggs and negatively impact the child's health.

Preventing Worm Infection :

• Keep your nails neat and short.
• Maintain a clean environment.
• Always consume pure water.
• Food should be kept covered.
• Clean fruits and veggies with water.
• Particularly before eating and after visiting the restroom, wash your hands with soap.
• Avoid urinating outdoors. Always use the restroom.
• Put on some shoes or slippers.

Benefits of Deworming :

Direct Benefit:

• Manages anemia 
• Increases the absorption of nutrients

Indirect Benefit:

• Increases immunity 
• Enhances focus, learning ability, and attendance in School and Anganwadi centers.
• Enhances livelihood opportunities and employment possibilities
• Helps break the cycle of transmission, which reduces the number of worm infections in the population.

Treatment for Worm Infestation

Worm infestations are usually treated with prescribed Anti- Parasitic medications

In addition to medication, maintaining good nutrition and hygiene can help in faster recovery and prevent reinfection.

Conclusion

Worm infestations can lead to serious health problems if not addressed in time. By adopting proper hygiene practices, safe food consumption, and regular de-worming, individuals can effectively prevent and control worm-related infections. If symptoms persist, it is crucial to seek medical advice for appropriate treatment.

Thanks and Regards

N.B. Tis informaion is suggestive only.

Deficiency-Induced Anemia : Anaemia is a condition in which the amount of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and subsequently their oxygen carrying capacity is insufficient to meet the body’s physiological needs.

Hemoglobin requires iron, folic acid, vitamin C, protein, and vitamin B12 to be thick and red.

When these nutrients are lacking in the diet, hemoglobin becomes thin, pale, and less concentrated.

When there are insufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, it is referred to as anemia.

Age Groups	No anaemia	Mild	Moderate	Severe
Children 6-59 months	> 11	10 – 10.9	7 – 9.9	< 7
Children 5 – 11 years of age	>11.5	11 – 11.4	8 – 10.9	< 8
Children 12 – 14 years of age	>12	11 – 11.9	8 – 10.9	< 8
Non pregnant women (15 years and above)	>12	11 – 11.9	8 – 10.9	< 8
Pregnant Women	>11	10 – 10.9	7 – 9.9	< 7
Men	>13	11 – 12.9	8 – 10.9	< 8

• Reduced Development in Children
• Decreased Immunity: You frequently get sick
• Reduced ability to focus and disinterest in one’s work
• Diminished capacity for memorization and an inability to focus while working or retain recently acquired knowledge.
• Poor academic achievement
• Poor work capability, fatigue, and poor energy
• Low productivity
• Poor intrauterine growth and an elevated chance of preterm births are linked to maternal anemia, which raises the incidence of low birth weights and compromises the mother’s own survival after delivery.

i. CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS :

• Poor memory, focus, cognitive function, and academic performance
• Recurrent infections and weakened immunity
• Poor results for motor development
• Irregular menstruation Exhaustion/breathlessness
• Low stamina
• Child mortality

ii. Adults :

• Disabilities, weariness, and diminished muscle strength,
• Decreased work productivity and physical activity
• An irregular heartbeat
• Cardiac arrest
• Irritability or mood swings
• Hospitalizations
• Increased chance of mortality

iii. Pregnant Women :

• Early birth
• Low birth weight
• Blood loss during delivery
• Bleeding after giving birth 
• Deaths from pregnancy
• Perinatal care
• Neonatal care
• Immune depression and morbidity

iv. Lactating Women :

• The quality of life
• Fatigue
• Fyspnea and heart palpitations
• Risk of infection 
• Stress increases the likelihood of depression.

A)Nutritional: deficiency of these nutrients due to

• Low Dietary intake of iron
• Low bio-diversity
• Tea with meal
• Calcium phosphate supplement with meal
• Phytic acid and fibre in bran of cereals
• Phosphvitin in egg 

B)Blood loss or destruction of blood cells due to :

• Malaria
• Delivery
• Parasitic (Hook/round worm) infestation
• Blood loss during
•  Menstruation
• During adolescence & pregnancy iron needs are very high

Nutrition:

Genetic hemoglobin disorders :

• Thalassemia
• Sickle-cell anaemia

Non -Nutritional Causes

• Helminths spread by the soil
• AIDS
• Malaria
• Tuberculosis
• Fluorosis
• Pregnancy and early marriage
• Small intestinal problems and mal-absorption
• Poor sanitation and hygiene

50% of Anaemia is due to Iron deficiency

Inter-generational Life Cycle of Anemia :
a. Women with anemia who are pregnant
b. Low hemoglobin and iron levels in a baby 

c. Untreated anemia during early childhood

d. Teenager experiencing menstrual blood loss along with low iron and hemoglobin levels

e. With low iron stores, adolescents enter the reproductive age range.

Methods to Manage Iron Deficiency Anaemia:

• Food-Based Method
  Boost the amount and caliber of your diet
• Enhancement of food
• Supplementing with IFA and
• De-worming
• Preventing malaria
• Family planning

Nutritional Diversification Counseling

• Green fruits and vegetables
• Fish, beef, liver, and eggs
• Dried fruits, sesame, jaggery, sprouting pulses, ground nuts, jowar, bajra, and wheat
• Iron absorption is aided by diets high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is abundant in fruits including oranges, lemons, apples, pears, and Indian gooseberries (Amla).

Increased consumption of Iron Rich and Iron-Fortified food is necessary, as it is dietary diversification

• Long term approach
• Involves people’s eating habits
• Educating people about nutrition
• Reduce inhibitor and raise promoter concentrations to improve iron absorption

Thanks and Regards

N.B. This information is suggestive only.

Early childhood is a crucial stage for a child’s cognitive, social, and physical development.

Gross Motor :

Social smile by two months.
Four months of head holding.
Nine months of sitting alone.

Crawl after a year.
Individual 15-month period.
18 months of walking alone.
Reach the upper and lower levels in 24 months.
A child should be able to see, hear, and listen.

By six months, hold the rattle.
Move items from one hand to the other by nine months.
Twelve months of pincer grasp.
By 15 months, placing toys or other items in a container.
By 18 months, Scribble
Self-feeds by 24 months using a spoon or hand.

Hearing :

Becomes sound-sensitive by two months.

Reacts to the mother’s voice by four months

Turns one’s head or eyes to a whisper. Six months.

Answers the name within nine months.

Coos or squeals by two months

Create screaming noises by four months
“p,” “b,” and “m” by six months
The 9-month-old babbles “baba,” “dada,” and “mama.”
Speaks one significant word every twelve months.
15 months old and able to say at least two words other than “baba” and “ma,” such as “cat” and “ball.”
18 months old and able to speak at least five words
Combines two words, such as “mama-milk” and “car-go,” by the age of 24 months.
36 months to speak sentences

By two months of eye contact
Four months after the object
Watches TV for six months without cocking their head.

Refrain from running into things when moving for nine months.
By 15 months, placing tiny items in a cup

social smile by two months
reaches out for something six months in advance.

Poor hands by four months
Seeks a spoon or a six-month-old toy that has fallen
Answers her name within nine meters
Responds to “no” within a yearlooks for concealed objects by the end of the year.
15 months pointing at objects
By the age of fifteen months, the child uses toys to pay by pulling or prodding.

Mimic household chores at the age of 18 months
Act like you’re two years old.
By two years, parallel play
Skipped three years of play.

Features of Mental retardation :

1. A Slow Reaction
2. Inability to Understand Quickly
3. Lack of Clarity 
4. Inability to Learn Fast
5. The inability to make a decision
6. Absence of Focus
7. Short-tempered
8. Unable to Recall 
9. Insufficient Coordination
10. Development Delay

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT :

Social smile by 2 months

Enables parents to choose arms by six months.

Adores peek-a-boo by nine months.

Distinguishes known faces from unknown ones by a year.

15 months of imitation of phrases like “bye bye” and “namaste”

24-month parallel play

Head holding by 4 months & Rolls over by 6 months :

Sit alone by 9 months

Crawl by 12 months  

Stand-alone  15 months

In Indian context most of the children walk alone by 15 months  and stand alone by 12 months,

What does walking alone mean for mothers ?

12 months to 15 months, walk alone by 15 months 

 Walks well means he can walk while pulling a toy by 18 months :

 2 years one step at a time with holding

Climb upstairs and down stairs :

 3 years alternating feet without holding

Hold rattle by 6 months :

•Grasps an object with the center of his or her palm, using his thumb and the whole palm

Pincer grasp by 12 months.

Transfer object from hand to hand by 9 month :

Putting objects or toys in a container by 15 month

Scribble by 18 months

Feeds self with hand or by spoon by 24 months

Pattern of child development (Flexion to extension):

Thanks and Regards.

N.B. This information is suggestive only.

Vaccination & Immunity of a baby : Your baby departs the safe and sterile confines of the mother’s womb at birth. The infant’s body lacks the experience necessary to defend itself in the face of the harsh outer world. Three crucial actions must be taken in order to support the newborn’s immunity development.

Step – 1

As soon as possible after birth, provide the mother’s breast milk. The child’s first natural vaccination is the first day’s milk (colostrum). It guards against all infections and is high in immunoglobulin and protein.

Even while the infant may only receive 3 to 5 milliliters of colostrum at a time, it meets all of her nutritional needs and provides her with protection from a variety of diseases that she may later encounter. Don’t miss it—colostrum helps your child stronger!

Step – 2

In addition to shielding infants from numerous dangerous illnesses, essential vaccinations aid in the development of immunity, or defense, against illnesses even before they are exposed to them. These vaccinations are given away for free in government hospitals and through ANM or ASHA. Keep in mind to provide all vaccinations on schedule.

Step – 3

Up until the kid is six months old, exclusively offer breast milk; don’t even give them water. Since “clean drinking water is health and water is life,” only provide clean drinking water after six months.
Antimicrobial components found in breast milk help shield babies from several acute illnesses.

The following chart can help you become acquainted with:
Important vaccinations for the infant. As your child learns and grows, this chart will help you be prepared for any questions you may have.

The pentavalent vaccine offers protection against Hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenza type B, or Hib vaccine, Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT).

At 6, 10, and 14 weeks, make sure to take three doses.
Vaccination against Rotavirus prevents diarrhea, particularly that caused by Rotavirus: At weeks 6, 10, and 14, three doses. given verbally.

Rubella and measles are administered to prevent infection and measles pneumonia: Make sure the child receives the first dose between the ages of 9 and 12 months, and the second dose between age 16 and 24 months.

The first dose is given between the ages of 9 and 12 months, and the second dose is given between the ages of 16 and 24 months to prevent encephalitis.

Hepatitis B prevents jaundice caused by the virus: Birth dosage for institutional deliveries with a 24-hour period is 0. There are three main doses of the pentavalent vaccine at 6, 10, and 14 weeks.

Oral polio vaccine (OPV): Institutional delivery require no dose. Three first doses should be administered orally at ages 6, 10, and 14 weeks, followed by a booster dosage at 16 to 24 months.

In addition to the first and third oral polio doses, the infant must take injectable polio IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) at 6 and 14 weeks.

Night blindness can be avoided with vitamin A. First dose at 9 months, second at 18 months, and third to ninth at 6-month intervals for up to 5 years.

Thanks and Regards

N.B. This information is suggestive only.

Iron Deficiency :

Over 3% of all disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost may be caused by iron deficiency, making it the most significant nutritional risk factor.

In preschoolers (ages 1–5 years) and newborns (ages 0–12 months), iron-deficiency anemia causes behavioral abnormalities and developmental delays, including

a. Decreased motor activity.

b. Less social contact
c. Poor development of the brain
d. Diminished focus on duties

These delays in development may continue past the age of five, or school age. The period between 6 and 24 months, when a child’s body and brain are growing at a rapid pace, corresponds with the maximum iron deficiency. Supplementing with iron is necessary because diet alone is insufficient. Iron supplements must start two to three months sooner if your child weighed less than 2,500 grams at birth.

Promote your baby’s exclusive breastfeeding throughout the first six months after birth and beyond, without the use of any additional food, drink, or formula.

Start introducing foods high in iron at six months of age.

Given that diet alone is insufficient to meet the need, iron drops (about 1 mg/kg per day of elemental iron) are introduced as a supplement at 6 months of age.

Before six months, you should start giving your infant iron drops if they were born prematurely or with low birth weight.

At six months, start giving vitamin C-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, or juice) once a day, ideally with meals, to help with iron absorption.

Infants should not be given cow’s milk before they are 12 months old.

Children above the age of one year should avoid consuming more than 500 milliliters of cow’s milk, goat milk, or soy milk per day, as this can also result in iron deficiency.

Children who have anemia (Iron Deficiency Anaemia) or even those who do not have anemia (Iron Deficient Non-Anaemic) may be iron deficient. Iron drops are necessary even if your child’s hemoglobin level is normal since iron shortage can still affect a child’s capacity to think clearly.

Thanks and Regards

N.B. This information is suggestive only.

Baby’s First Two Years from Infant to toddler is the important period of milestone & brain development in all respect.

Day of Birth :

• Make sure the person who gave birth is with you.
• The newborn should never be separated from the mother.
• Make sure the baby is skin-to-skin contact with the mother’s breast right away.
• As your baby is still awake and responsive and will soon go asleep, spend the first hour holding (skin-to-skin), stroking, and gazing at her.
• For better maternal and newborn nutrition and health outcomes, delayed umbilical cord clamping—not before one minute after delivery—is advised.

Make sure the infant receives the first hour of colostrum, which is a rich, yellow milk. Your newborn’s stomach is only the size of a grape, so at first she only needs around 1 tsp of milk per feed to satiate her hunger. On the first day, she would only wet one diaper and pass one or two dark green or black feces. Aim for 8–12 feedings over the first 24 hours.
During the first week, the child’s stomach grows to the size of a walnut. The amount of milk produced is going to rise.

in proportion to 4-5 tsp (20 ml) of feed. On the tenth day, the amount is nine teaspoons (45 milliliters) full. By the tenth day, the child begins to wet six diapers per day.

By day 10, most newborns have returned to their birth weight after losing roughly 1/10th of it during the first five days and then gaining it back over the next five.
Measure the circumference of your child’s head using a regular measuring tape to keep tabs on their head growth.
Talk, sing, cuddle, and react to the child’s cries in a swift and gentle manner. You should also hold the child close to you to help her feel safe.

Children initiate a reciprocal grin as a socialization tool.
Mums should refrain from using body spray because kids may identify their mothers by their scent. Since cotton carries the scent of the mother, wrap the infant in a fresh fabric made from her old clothing. Since the black hair helps the kids identify their mother, the mother shouldn’t change her hairstyle.
Avoid swaddling after birth to avoid congenital hip dislocation (CDH).
Make use of a traditional mustard seed cushion, which will conform to the newborn’s head’s natural shape and avoid malformation.

For six months, make sure to breastfeed exclusively. Until the child is at least two years old, keep nursing. Weaning foods should be introduced at six months. There should be variety in the color, flavor, and aroma of foods. Promote finger meals by the age of nine months.

Toys can be social, cognitive, sensory, or physical, so give your kids safe toys or everyday items they will enjoy to play with.
Engage in as much interaction as you can with your youngster. Show your youngster lots of love and care. Children who grow up in a loving and caring environment feel more secure, capable, and taken care of.
Youngsters benefit from toys with gentle sound and starkly contrasting colors and patterns.

For language development, direct face-to-face interaction and storytelling are essential.
Avoid shaking or throwing a newborn in the air as this might result in severe Shaken newborn Syndrome, which can harm the infant’s body, mind, and possibly even cause death.

Don’t use laptops, smartphones, video games, or television to entertain young children. Don’t even help with feeding them, especially during the first three years of life.
Instead of using walkers, use conventional push toys.
Stay away from toys that encourage violence.

A stimulating environment that fosters learning, problem-solving, and exploration should be provided to kids.
Parents are responsible for the baby’s safety.
A youngster that grows up in a loving, caring, and respectful atmosphere is more confident and self-assured.

Try to encircle yourself with a “village.” Ask your family, friends, and community for support because raising a child alone is difficult. Consult with other parents.
As a parent, be aware of how your behavior impacts your child. Your child’s entire universe revolves around you. Establish uniform rules and regulations. Make sure the regulations you and the other caregivers are following are the same. Make sure your own rules and regulations are constant while accounting for your child’s increasing proficiency.

Being consistent gives the child a sense of security about what to anticipate from their surroundings.
The environment you create has a big impact on a baby’s development, so don’t just rely on your genetic code.
Early Brain Development: A baby’s brain grows and develops a lot throughout the first three years of life, and thought and response patterns are formed. Being a parent gives you a unique chance to support your child’s social, physical, and cognitive development. The initial years are eternal.

• A youngster must experience a sense of worth, affection, and specialness.
• She must feel secure.
• She must be assured of what to anticipate from her surroundings.

She requires direction.
She requires a well-rounded experience of both freedom and constraints.
Through play and storytelling, she must be introduced to a variety of activities, including language, play, exploration, literature, music, and appropriate toys. A baby’s brain is twice as active during this time as an adult’s.

• Parents should avoid disparaging one another in front of children.
• This is because it causes youngsters to lose trust in their parents, question parental authority, become confused, and feel forced to take sides.
• Avoid embarrassing your child in public: Shaming your child in public, even with the best of intentions, is emotionally incorrect and can cause childhood unhappiness with disastrous long-term implications.

But it actually has the opposite effect, making many of these kids feel unworthy.

Some parents wish for perfect physical and emotional development in their kids. They think that individuality is a weakness that has to be fixed. This could lead to a child having a negative self-image.
Avoid harping on about your errors all the time: A child’s learning and development process includes making mistakes. Remembering that infancy is a time of unrestricted exploration and that mistakes are inevitable is crucial.
Parental criticism, particularly from mothers, is a major risk factor for children’s depression: Continuous criticism erodes a child’s initiative, self-confidence, and sense of purpose and fosters bitterness and resistance. It is imperative that we stop the accumulation of these detrimental mindsets in our kids’ minds.

Thanks and Regards

N.B. This information is suggestive only.

The initial phase of your pregnancy journey:

The prenatal and planning stages are equally as crucial as the actual pregnancy and delivery!
Almost everything you eat or breathe during pregnancy will be transferred to the developing fetus. This procedure starts as soon as you get pregnant. As a result, make sure you are following a healthy diet and have stopped using smoking, alcohol, tobacco products, and illegal drugs. This holds true for both parents.

It’s a good idea to start preparing for pregnancy if you’re just considering or attempting to become pregnant. A healthy infant with a good start can be achieved by focusing on the mother’s pre-pregnancy health, diet, lifestyle, and surroundings.
Some women just need a few months to prepare their bodies for pregnancy. However, it may take longer for others. Here are some crucial actions to help you prepare for the birth, whether this is your first child or your second.

Fostering a child who is smart, healthy, and sensitive.

A. Plan your pregnancy :

Talk with your partner about the number of children you wish to have and the time you want to become pregnant in order to plan your pregnancy.

The following important details can assist you in making a better choice:

Never give in to peer or parental pressure while making decisions.
Do not become pregnant before the age of 18.
Keep your pregnancies at least two years apart as advised for the benefit of both of your children’s nutrition.

When the baby arrives, you might need to make arrangements for resources.
Prepare your spouse or yourself financially, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Get checked out holistically.
Take up and keep up a healthy diet, way of life, and habits.
Find out what your hemoglobin level is. See your doctor if the amount is less than 12 grams per deciliter.

If so, discontinue using birth control at least six months prior to beginning your planning.
If you choose to wait, find out from a doctor, ANM, or ASHA what kind of contraception is best for you and your partner. Then, use the contraception consistently and correctly until you are ready to have children.

B. Eat Nutritious Foods :

Your diet can help you have a healthy pregnancy. Physically, cognitively, and emotionally, the fetus is reliant on the mother. Therefore, even before being pregnant, the mother’s nutritional health plays a crucial role in the baby’s early growth.

Make sure to include one from each group in the mother’s diet.

Rice, wheat, ragi, bajra, and jowar in the forms of chapati, halua, idli, dosa, upma, poha, and so forth are examples of cereals. Steer clear of processed flour-based items like white bread and biscuits (Maida).

Fruits and veggies: Consume a lot of the seasonal fruits and vegetables. Two kilograms of green leafy vegetables, one kilogram of starchy vegetables (such as potatoes, beets, and carrots), and one kilogram of other vegetables (such as lady fingers, brinjal, tomatoes, beans, etc.) must all be included in your diet. A fruit or vegetable’s nutritional value increases with its color.

Protein: Select cooked meat, full-boiled eggs, and fish if you’re not a vegetarian. Choose any pulses, such as moong, masoor, tuvar, rajma, and at least two katoris every day, if you’re a vegetarian.

Milk and dairy products: You have the option of 60 grams of paneer, two glasses of milk, or two katoris of curd.

Fat: Make an effort to obtain your fat from vegetable sources such as rice bran oil and mustard oil. For sufficient amounts of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids in your diet, use a combination of mustard oil and groundnut oil or mustard oil and rice bran oil. Consuming flax seeds (Alsi) is another way to ensure that your diet has adequate amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Water: Consume 10 to 12 glasses of water each day.

C. Stay Active :

Prior to becoming pregnant, women should maintain an active lifestyle and achieve a healthy weight. For the mother and the child, this is crucial. You have a lower likelihood of getting pregnant if you are underweight or overweight before getting pregnant. Doing a job or working from home is not the same as exercising; instead, one should schedule frequent physical activities like yoga or walking.

D. Consume 400 micrograms of folic acid every day (1 tablet).

Both the mother and the child need folic acid. This keeps the infant from being born with brain and spinal abnormalities. You must begin as soon as you have made plans to become pregnant and continue for three months after the pregnancy has been confirmed. You can acquire it at a government clinic or from your ASHA/ANM for free.
In addition to eating a diet high in folic acid, you can take a 5 mg pill if a 400 microgram tablet is not available.

To determine your optimal body weight if you are expecting a child, speak with a physician or other local health care provider.

E. Steer clear of toxic chemicals and substances

Substances that can be harmful to your health include metals, chemicals, and other things. Toxic compounds, such as pesticides on fruits and vegetables, household cleaning products, and cosmetics containing lead, may be present in your daily life. Toxic substance exposure can affect you by making it more difficult to conceive, and even trace levels of these toxins during pregnancy might cause early or later-life problems in your unborn child. Here are some actions you can take to avoid being exposed to toxins:
Avoid smokers and give up smoking.

Steer clear of pesticides.
Before chopping or peeling, let fruits and vegetables soak in salt water for a while to remove any pesticides that may have been sprayed on them. Thoroughly rinse and discard the water.
Before you enter the house, take off your shoes to avoid bringing in lead-contaminated dirt from the outdoors.

Instead of using commercial cleaning products, use soap and water to clean your home.
Instead of sweeping, mop your floors. Dust is a major source of lead and can be released into the air by dusting or sweeping.

Food should be stored and consumed in glass and stainless steel containers rather than plastic ones.
Request a change in responsibilities if you are exposed to harmful substances at work.
After work, anyone handles hazardous chemicals in your family should change and take a shower.

Lead exposure during pregnancy can affect the developing baby’s brain. Steer clear of items that might contain lead, such as paint and cosmetics containing lead.
Avoid using mosquito coils in enclosed spaces. Use mosquito netting in its place.

F. Take precautions against infections.

Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially before cooking and eating, will help prevent infections.

After using the restroom, practice good hygiene.
Stay away from sick people.
Avoid sharing utensils, food, and beverages with sick people.

G. Administer the required vaccinations

Our best line of defense against many diseases is vaccination. The infant may experience severe health issues as a result of these conditions.
Unborn children can be gravely impacted by Hepatitis B and rubella/German measles. If you have not received the vaccination, see your doctor before attempting to conceive and refrain from getting pregnant for a month following the vaccination.

H. Consult with a physician or ANM.

Inform the doctor or ANM of your pregnancy attempt.
It is beneficial to get your blood pressure, blood sugar, and other regular tests and clinical evaluations completed. Tell your physician if you experienced any brief joint (rheumatic fever) pains as a youngster.

If you are taking medication for a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, or another illness, ask your doctor if you should keep taking it. Develop improved management skills for your pre-existing medical issues. Screening for thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and sexually transmitted diseases (such HIV and syphilis) is beneficial for both you and your spouse.

I. Steer clear of narcotics, alcohol, and tobacco.

Smoking, drinking, and using narcotic medications can all lead to issues for the mother, including trouble getting pregnant, early placenta separation, and premature water breakage. The baby may have issues such as low birth weight, premature or postpartum death, SIDS, premature or postnatal death, and potential birth abnormalities. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for the baby’s home environment.

J. Oral Health :

Get a dental examination and brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time, in the morning and right before bed, to maintain good dental health.

If you have gum and tooth disease, monitor your oral health closely and talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.

K. Emotional Health :

Reduce and control your tension.
Any type of stress can make you feel lonely, depressed, and anxious. Your infant may have issues at delivery or in the future as a result. The father and other family members can support the mother by establishing a secure and nurturing home environment.

Opt Out of Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse may cause your child to suffer or possibly pass away. Find someone to assist you in leaving securely by calling your local Women’s Helpline number or telling a trusted person if you are a victim of domestic abuse.

Emotional support and confidence in handling the childbearing process are provided by the husband and mother-in-law’s care and support. To ease anxiousness, the mother-in-law can talk about their experience.

Dispelling Myths Regarding Obesity and Conception-

Does the mother have the responsibility for the birth of a boy or girl?
Having a boy (or girl) child should not matter in today’s environment, to start. Girls can succeed just as well in any career. Consequently, they can become skilled physicians, engineers, scientists, poets, painters, or athletes. This is only possible if they are given the same encouragement and treatment as boys. Some of us, however, still undervalue a girl child’s potential and hold the mother responsible for her birth. The complete cognitive capacity of our girls is lost to society in the process.

The father chooses a child’s sex, yet he has no control over it. Here’s why:

Chromosomes are inherited from both the mother and the father. These chromosomes determine the child’s sex. “XX” is the name of the mother’s two sex chromosomes. Though they are distinct from the mother’s, the father’s two sex chromosomes are known as the “XY” chromosomes. The Y chromosome, which a youngster inherits from their father, defines their male sex. The father cannot, however, predict which chromosome will be inherited by the child! The genetic composition of a primitive infant cannot be altered after XX or XY is chosen on the first day of life.

Can a child’s sex be chosen? Is it possible to alter the sex inside the womb with medication or treatment?

Does a medication or treatment exist to alter a fetus’s sex?
The answer is no, you cannot select a child’s sex. The father has no control over which chromosomes a given sperm will carry or which sperm will fertilize the egg, even though his chromosome determines the child’s sex.
There are no pills or medications that can alter your child’s sex. Any medications that make such claims run the risk of damaging the child’s brain and other organs.

The Decision to have a Baby  should be made mutually  between husband and wife.

Thanks and Regards

N.B. This information is suggestive only.