All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
Premature early menopause and dementia

Premature And Early Menopause Are Linked to Dementia In Women -Study

Women experience premature menopause before age  40. A menopause that happens between age 40 and 45 is known as early menopause. Most women go through normal menopause between age 48-52. Menopause is when the ovaries stop making hormones and periods stop. The average age of menopause is around 52.

Those women who go through premature or early menopause will have difficulty in getting pregnant and cannot conceive. Reasons for early and premature menopause are:

  • History of smoking: Those who smoke at young age and as young adults, might experience early menopause two years earlier than nonsmokers. Smoking has huge negative impact on fertility of women
  • Family history: It runs in genes, women whose family including mothers, aunts and grand mother who experienced early, premature menopause could carry it in their genes too.
  • Radiation and chemotherapy: Such harsh treatments could damage ovaries and affect periods. Not all women who undergo chemo and radiation therapy have this issue.
  • Surgery: After surgical removal of ovaries (oophorectomy),  women will have menopausal symptoms. During which one will experience hot flash and less sexual desire.
  • Uterus removal: In cases where uterus is removed and ovaries left behind, period will stop. Natural menopause happens earlier than expected.
  • Other health conditions such as: autoimmune diseases, AIDS, missing chromosome, chronic fatigue  could cause premature or early menopause.

When women experience hot flash, sweating, sleepless nights, mood changes, vaginal dryness, irregular period – they should let OBGYN know the symptoms. If you are not pregnant doctor will have series of tests done to make sure that it is premature menopause or not.

Why it is important to understand menopause symptoms?

A recent study showed that there is a modest association between premature menopause and subsequent risk of dementia. According to President of American Heart Association Dr. Donald Lloyd jones Professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of medicine Chicago “ women undergo premature menopause when there a more rapid biological aging of all the body’s tissues, including premature aging of our organs and their function”  The only other reason they could go through premature menopause is when their uterus, ovaries are removed.

This data obtained from the participation of 153000 women in Biobank UK in an ongoing study that (will be presented this week) examines genetic and health information of half a million people. The study is adjusted for race, weight, age, education and income level, alcohol use, smoking, diabetes, heart conditions and physical activities. In the study it was found that the women who became menopausal before age 45 were 1.3 times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia as early as 65 ages. And, early menopause can also have a negative effect on a woman’s thinking ability, including visual memories and verbal fluency.

As per Prof Lloyd- Jones “Functional menopause due to surgery is less risky than the biological menopause that happens early in  women’s life. It is red flag that the tissues and organs are aging rapidly. Which is the reason woman needs to see a doctor and have plant to optimize all her health factors”

Study also mentions that Estrogen hormone when decreases will cause early menopause. The lack of estrogen over the long term enhances oxidative stress, which may increase brain aging and lead to cognitive impairment” An oxidative stress occurs when body’s antioxidant defenses cannot keep up with an overabundance of free radicals. These free radicals that by product of cell metabolism damage cells. The increase in free radical number is directly proportional to smoking, toxins, pesticides, dyes, and air pollution.

Can a woman control the early menopause or premature menopause happening?

Eating balanced diet, avoiding spicy and hot temperature food, keeping in temperature controlled cool room, dressing in layers, being regular in physical activity, trying to control weight gain,  controlling alcohol and smoking. improving lifestyle and if needed medication – all could help a person to not get into early or premature menopause.

Being aware of the risk of certain lifestyle and the other reasons listed above that could cause early menopause and knowing how to prevent dementia will help a person closely monitor their cognitive status. Such awareness will help doctors to help you in the process of solving future major health issue that could happen.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 11, 2022
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Passionflower benefits

Calming Benefits Of Passionflower Plant

Passionflower vine is well known for its gorgeous flowers. Its fruits are edible and are used for making delicious passionfruit juice. Passion  fruits are known as maypops and looks like an egg. Passionflower grows both in wild and as cultivated variety. It is commonly grows in warmer climates and is a garden favorite plant and many herbal gardens grow them for flower, fruits and as well as for its medicinal properties. Its flowers appear like a clock and exhibit beautiful colors. Most common passionflower that one can find is purple flower passionflowers.

Passionflower plant leaves, fruits, roots and flowers – all exhibit medicinal properties.

What is in passionflower plant?

  1. Amino acids: It is loaded with GABA an inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA’s receptors are distributed in human brain.
  2. Indole alkaloids
  3. Maltol
  4. Fatty acids such as linoleic, linolenic and palmitic fatty acids
  5. Flavonoids such as orientin, vitexin, apigenin, luteolin

Presence of these compounds makes one of the best herb for calming human system. Presence of GABA helps in calming brain. Appropriate levels of GABA helps to relax muscles. Not only calming mind, consuming passionflower in different forms helps to get relieve from muscle cramps, seizures, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.

Presence of flavonoid glycoside in this plant, makes it a sedative, analgesic and anxiolytic herb.

  1. Passionflower helps in anxiety and insomnia – improves sleep quality
  2. It reduces anxiety
  3. It is good for calming nervous system
  4. It helps to control body pain, chronic pain, and inflammation
  5. It is a muscle relaxant
  6. Helps in improving memory
  7. Helps in seizures and neuralgia conditions
  8. According to some studies, it is good for children who are diagnosed with ADHD.
  9. Good for heart health, it lowers blood pressure
  10. Recommended for  menopause relief
  11. It helps to alleviate spasmodic asthma symptoms.

How Passionfruit vein parts are used?

  1. Dried aerial parts are used as infusion
  2. Tincture made of aerial parts are used for topical application.
  3. Passionflower tea is used for reducing stress and anxiety
  4. Passion flowers are edible and eating them helps to reduce anxiety.
  5. Passion fruits – ripe fruits are edible. One can eat them (spit black seeds) or fruit pulp can be used for making juice. Unripe fruits are sour, ripe fruits taste better and good for preparing juice.
  6. Leaves of passion fruit plant can be used for making tea by infusing 2-5 grams of leaves into one or 2 cups  of water.
  7. Roots of the plant is used as poultice to reduce inflammation of wounds.
  8. Tea from the root is used to bring down earache
  9. Infants can be weaned using the root tea.
  10. Entire plant is used as blood tonic, to improve blood.

How to include passion fruit plant in diet? Before collecting passion fruit plant or vein parts, make sure the vein is not sprayed with pesticide or herbicide.

  • Rinse and dry passion flowers and add to desserts and drinks – use them for garnishing dishes.
  • Both flowers and young leaves can be added to salad.
  • Steep passion flowers in tea or cold juices (like lemonade)

If you are a lactating mother or suffering from serious conditions, before consuming this plant parts contact your physician and seek advice.

Image credit: Image by wurliburli from Pixabay  (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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How to deal with rejection

How To Deal With Rejection in Life

At one point in our life, we all would have faced rejection for one or other reasons. It could be a rejection from a friend, rejection at co-workers, job, university, school, sports, family, or love. Any type of rejection can be hard for a person who is sensitive by nature and unable to face relatives, outsiders, friends, or family. Rejection means no for the thing which we approach and not accepted. Generally, human nature wants to be accepted by everybody. When there is a rejection, it hurts.

Rejection can hold us back and put a setback on our personal life. It could cause havoc in one’s life. Not everyone will know how to deal with rejection. When one doesn’t know how to deal with rejection it can only have a negative impact on life and relationship, and it could lead to anxiety, stress, and depression.

How to deal with rejection?

It is important to deal with rejection boldly and come out stronger. Rejection should not define a person and personality. Overcoming rejection and coming out stronger is essential to lead a successful life.

Process your emotions: If you feel rejected or received a message of rejection, you might feel down, angry and anxiety can kick in. Focus on what you are feeling, if possible, write down your emotions and thoughts. By writing it down, one may feel better. Whatever the emotions you have by writing it down you may feel the intensity of sadness coming down. There is no right or wrong in what you are feeling.

Spend time with people whom you love and trust: When you face rejection from anyone, remember there are others who consider your happiness and care about you. Spend quality time with parents, siblings, or friends. Try to connect with friends who care about your wellbeing. Talk to near ones in confidence, what you are feeling about rejection, and seek advice on how to overcome it. Think about those people who make you happy and support you all the time.

Be kind to yourself: Don’t beat yourself for the rejection. It is not your fault if someone rejects you. Whether it is your love life or job or college admission -they may not have understand your worth and hence the rejection could have happened. Don’t be unkind to yourself. Come out and look at the world which will give you new ideas, better opportunities,  a new path to lead a happy future life.

Do not stop yourself: Rejection should not stop you from what you want to achieve. If you stop pursuing it could only pull you down. Find other avenues to reach a goal or find a new goal. Sometimes rejection means something better is waiting for you in the future. You must have the patience to find and figure it out.

Develop healthy hobbies: Remember, you deserve best like any others. If you don’t have a hobby, go find a hobby. Instead of sitting in a place and worrying about what and why someone rejected you, develop a hobby or find your lost hobby that will help you forget the rejection and the incident. Cooking, exercise, gardening, reading club, painting, continuing studies, volunteering, acting, reading inspirational stories of great personalities etc.- all these good hobbies will give you sense of relief and calmness leading to clarity.

Life is too short to worry about the rejection and such incidents. World is big enough to give opportunities and bring back happiness to all.  

 

 

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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How to cool sibling rivalry?

How to cool sibling rivalry?

There is no surprise when more than one kid is at home there will be always fights, complaints, crying, arguing and jealousy between children.

This is natural and very rarely we find families where kids have understanding and continue to grow without arguments.

For many parents it is a dream. What parents should concern about is  sibling rivalry that might remain for life long.

Parents can teach and handle kids to make them understand what matters and how all kids are important to them.

The squawk and yelling starts at young age itself. When there is not much of an age difference between kids and one kid grabs another’s toy or other belonging fight starts. Sharing is a difficult thing for kids especially for elder kids to share things with new born or younger sibling. Elder kids does not like the feeling of negligence towards them. Neither they don’t like sharing attention to other sibling.

How to tamp down sibling rivalry? Here are grandma’s suggestions

  • Give each kid one on one attention that is meaningful to her/him: Playing, watching movie, listening to music, story with them soothes them.
  • Always set ground rules not to shout at each other or not to complain.
  • Listen to both child when they still bring complain – understand each ones’ point of view
  • Tell children to listen to each other – when one-person talk, the other must listen
  • Ask children what could be the solution and how they would handle. Let them reason it.
  • Tell children to exchange their role and be the other person for few hours to make them understand each other.
  • As a parent you should stop comparing children. Stop labeling children. Don’t say “smart one” athletic one, wild child – this creates competition amongst kids
  • Give individual attention and listen to each one of their story 10-20 minutes.
  • Ignore – when you hear arguments, fights don’t jump to solve the issue. Ignore and give them a chance to solve the issue.
  • When kids cannot reach an agreement and their flight escalates then step in. Without taking sides tell them to come up with solution.
  • If they don’t listen and continue their fight, put them in the same boat and tell them the consequence of fighting – punishment or time out

Keep in mind, like all parents you are also raising your children. There is no need to compare yourself with other parents. One minute they play and next minute they fight and cry. It is a common challenge. The only thing you should be doing is trying to stop rivalry. If you need suggestions, ask other parents how they handle their kids. You may hear interesting story or get good suggestion.

Image credit: Photo by Andrew Seaman on Unsplash

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 27, 2022
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Helping baby sleep at night

Tips to get your baby sleep throughout the night

Most parents with babies face one common challenge when it comes to baby’s sleep at night. Babies need to be fed every few hours or so as they have small tummies that need filling often. Newborns sleep around the clock as they cannot make out the difference between day and night. As babies grow, parents expect them to get sleep at night, but many babies cannot sleep at night. This leaves parents tired and exhausted in the daytime.

Why babies don’t sleep at night?

Like adults, babies need to learn how to sleep. Sleep regression is common in babies at 4 months. But it can happen at any time of their growth. Reasons for them not to sleep could be any of the following:

  • Baby is overstimulated by surroundings that are causing excitement and cannot keep calm.
  • Baby could be overtired and becomes fussy rather than drifting to sleep.
  • There is no set routine for feeding, bathing or to play with toys
  • Babies bed is not comfortable or there may be physical discomfort
  • As the baby grows, food habit needs to be changed. Improper nutrition affects a baby’s sleep
  • Baby’s room exposed to too much hot or cold settings

How to get baby to sleep throughout the night?

  1. Establish a routine to sleep: Setting up a bedtime routine will help the baby. It is never too early for setting up a routine. Soothing and calming activities and rituals for which baby responds will help to put the baby to sleep. For example, summertime taking a small stroll in the evening with baby during dawn will help. Singing lullaby is another way to put them in sleep. Turning on soft music every day before bedtime or nap time gives comfort and baby will know it is sleep time.
  2. Weaning the nighttime feeding: Depends on baby’s age weaning night feeding will help. Talk to your doctor and slowly reduce nighttime feeding. Slowly reduce the number of times of feeding over a few days or weeks at night.
  3. Daytime sleep: Baby’s will sleep in the daytime too. It helps them to grow. They just sleep around the clock when they are newly born. As they grow older the long stretch of sleep should be nighttime. If the baby sleeps long hours in daytime, then it disturbs or reduces their sleep at night. Up to three months babies might sleep longer hours in daytime. At 4-6 months sleeping patterns could change with probably 2 naps per day.
  4. Learn to be patient: During baby’s growth sleep regression can happen anytime and it will go back to normalcy after a few days. Parents must focus on baby’s sleep with the fact that sleep regression won’t last long.
  5. Learn baby’s sleep pattern: There are times at night baby’s will be in deep sleep and any sounds will not wake them. If you observe them you will notice when they enter deep sleep or what time they sleep light. To prevent waking them up during light sleep you might need to cautious not to disturb the baby.
  6. Create a calming ambiance: Make sure the room stays dark, the right temperature and add some soft sound to make them feel comfortable. Soothing sounds will make them fall asleep. Other noises that can cause excitement in the baby should be avoided or hidden or reduced.
  7. Bath, eating, and pooping schedule: These three daytime schedules of baby will make a difference at nighttime sleep schedule. Engaging baby in activities, slowing down activities, and putting them to sleep – all should be a routine in a baby’s life. These routines could change every few months with a baby’s growth.
  8. Notice the smallest things associated with baby’s sleep: Does baby needs burping after feeding. Whether room temperature is perfect, did diaper is soiled, does baby startle, is there any sound that disturbs baby, is there any creek sound in floor? – These are a few examples of small details that will help parents to put the baby to sleep.

In case the baby is not sleeping at all and crying most time, then you must consult your pediatrician to see whether the baby has any health issues. Generally, parents should know that baby’s sleeping cycle changes as they grow. Understanding baby’s needs and creating ambiance atmosphere in the room will help the baby to sleep.

Image credit: Photo by Tatiana Syrikova from Pexels (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Baby powder tips

Different ways to use baby powder

Do you know you can use baby powder for various other purposes? Baby powder not only smells good, also is useful for various daily tasks. See yourself;

  1. Apply baby powder and wear gloves – It avoids slipperiness of the hands due to sweat
  2. Preventing ants – If you are worried about ants in kitchen and don’t want to use strong chemicals then apply baby powder – just sprinkle powder around ants
  3. For squeaky floor – Apply baby powder in between floorboards, this will reduce squeaking.
  4. Before threading or waxing – Apply baby powder before waxing or threading in places like upper lips to reduce pain.
  5. Remove stinky odor from shoes – Remove dampness and stinky odor together by pouring some baby powder inside shoes. Leave it for a day and check back
  6. To remove grease from cloths – Apply baby powder on greased cloth really well and brush of the left-over powder. Repeat and wash clothes.
  7. Apply on crystals and gems – If your crystals and gems in jewelry are greased, apply baby powder and leave it for a day or two. Use a dry cloth or cotton ball to remove powder.
  8. Prevent chafing – If you sweat while running or exercising – especially in hot summer- it might result in chafing. Apply baby powder to reduce chafing and pain.
  9. Deodorant – Instead of using regular deodorant use baby powder – this lasts longer and feels fresh
  10. For flower bulbs protection – Apply or sprinkle baby powder on flower bulbs – it protects bulbs from rotting.
  11. Removing mold from old books – First remove dampness from the old books and apply baby powder between pages. After a day, remove or dust of the powder and you will see fresh pages with fresh odor.
  12. After shave – For both men and women, it is a great after shave and keeps skin cool
  13. Keep drawer’s fresh – If your drawer and closet is misty, apply baby powder and leave it for a day or two. Later dust it off!
  14. Pet shampoo – Use baby powder to shampoo your pet – just apply and leave it in the fur for sometime. Later use a brush to brush it off. This gives fresh odor from pet.
  15. Apply between toes – If space between your toes are itchy apply baby powder and then wear socks.
  16. Summer sheets – Apply baby powder between sheets in the summer, it keeps night cool and reduces burning sensation on the back.

Image credit: www.WerIndia.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 22, 2022
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Feeding pets

Safety tips to feed pets

Pets are great companions. Owning a pet is great responsibility. Feeding pets is fun and could be challenging for pet owners. If you are owning a pet, you must also know how to feed pets to avoid any mistakes in feeding. These mistakes may be in selecting food types, handling pet food, feeding pet and safety of your health as well as pets health. Health organizations often warn pet owners about contaminated food and how to discard them. It is essential for pet owners to be in aware of such news to protect pet and family’s health. How to handle pet food and protect family’s wellbeing?

Raw pet foods can make pets and people sick-

Feeding raw food to pets is not recommended by CDC as well as other Health organizations. Reason for this is; Dangerous germs like Salmonella and Listeria bacteria have been found in raw pet foods, even packaged ones sold in stores. These germs can make your pets sick. Your family also can get sick by handling the raw food or by taking care of your pet.

Moreover feeding raw food for pets is dangerous for pet owners too.

If you decide to feed your pet raw food

Wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw pet food.

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water right after handling any raw pet food.
  2. Clean and disinfect all surfaces that the raw food touched, like countertops, microwaves, refrigerators and objects like knives, forks, and bowls.

Safely store and handle raw pet food.

  1. Freeze raw pet food until you are ready to use it.
  2. Keep raw pet food away from other food in your refrigerator or freezer.
  3. Don’t thaw frozen raw pet foods on a countertop or in a sink.
  4. Throw away any food your pet doesn’t eat.

Safely play with your pet after he or she eats.

  1. Don’t let your pet lick around your mouth and face after eating.
  2. If you do play with your pet after they have just eaten, wash your hands, and any other parts of your body they licked, with soap and water.
  3. Don’t let your pet lick any of your open wounds or areas with broken skin.

Tips to stay healthy while feeding your pet

  1. Always wash your hands with soap and water right after handling pet food or treats; this is the most important step to prevent illness.
  2. When possible, store pet food and treats away from where human food is stored or prepared and away from reach of young children.
  3. Don’t use your pet’s feeding bowl to scoop food. Use a clean, dedicated scoop, spoon, or cup.
  4. Always follow any storage instructions on pet food bags or containers.

If you feed your pet reptile or amphibian frozen or live rodents

  1. Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling frozen or live feeder rodents.
  2. Thaw frozen feeder rodents in a dedicated container out of the kitchen.
  3. Never feed wild rodents to your pet.

Dry and canned pet food

Dry and canned pet food also can be contaminated with germs. Before making any changes to your pet’s diet, talk with your veterinarian.

Children and pets

  1. Young children are at risk for illness because their immune systems are still developing and because they are more likely than others to put their fingers or other items into their mouths.
  2. Children younger than 5 years old should not touch or eat pet food, treats, or supplements.
  3. Adults should supervise young children when washing hands.

Resources:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Vaginal discharge in women

Causes for vaginal discharge, odor and treatment

In women vaginal discharge is normal. The fluid in mucus form helps to keep the area moist, clean and protects it from infection.

The discharge generally will be clear or white, sticky, wet and will not have strong or unpleasant odor. Sometimes the discharge can appear in color and its texture can change for reasons like:

  1. When by accidentally tampon is left behind and pushed sideways into back of cervix while inserting new tampon.
  2. If the person eats something the odor of which is strong and funky – eating garlic or strong spices can give the smell. This smell will go away by drinking enough water.
  3. Sextual intercourse – when two different fluids with different pH mixes up, it could end in giving strong odor. The smell will go away after shower or washing
  4. During menstrual period- The elevated pH of the blood can act on vaginal flora causing the strong odor. Odor will disappear once the period wraps up.
  5. Infection- Commonly known as B.V.- Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that occurs between the age group 14 to 44. When the flora increases, it results in change in pH of the area resulting in smell. 6. You have a yeast issue.
  6. Yeast infection – Yeast infections can cause odor with discharge. Medications can help to reduce the infection and odor.
  7. Trichomoniasis- is STD or Sexually transmitted disease that can cause strong odor, itchiness or irritation in vagina. Trichomoniasis can be cured with proper medication and it takes care of odor.
  8. Smoking – Smoking can result not only in bad breath, body as well as smell in vagina.

When the discharge in women changes its color, odor or texture it could be due to following types of infections.

  • Thick, white, cottage cheese like – Thrush or yeast infection
  • Fishy odor- Bacterial vaginosis
  • Green, yellow and type of frothy or foamy – Trichomoniasis -bacterial infection
  • Pelvic pain and bleeding – due to gonorrhea or chlamydia
  • Sores or blisters, pain and fever – Genital herpes

 When to see the doctor?

  • If the discharge is more than normal
  • If there is any itchiness and soreness
  • Bleeding with discharge
  • If the color, texture and smell changes in discharge
  • If there is any significant pain while urinating
  • If there is pain in pelvic area, thighs and lower abdomen

During pregnancy the discharge will be more, thin, white, milky with mild odor. However, during perimenopause and menopause, due to low level of estrogen discharge decreases. Estrogen level in women drops and results in very little or no vaginal discharge during:

  • Treatments that used for Infertility, endometriosis, fibroids and breast cancer
  • Radiation treatment
  • Chemotherapy
  • Surgical procedure to remove uterus and ovaries
  • Mental stress and depression
  • Excess and intense exercise

Some vaginal discharge is common in women. It can leave yellowish tint behind on underwear. Using proper panties with liners and to prevent irritation one can wash the area gently using water and emollient. One should not use deodorants, scented wipes, gels and soaps to remove the odor. However, if there are any above-mentioned symptoms are there, as a precaution better to contact doctor for further health checkup.

References:

https://www.unitypoint.org/

https://www.cdc.gov/

https://www.healthline.com/

https://thehealthysteps.com/

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 20, 2022
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