All posts by Sumana Rao

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Papaya for diabetes

Diabetic friendly fruit papaya

Diabetic friendly fruit papaya should be included in diet to keep sugar at bay. Reasons to include papaya rather than other fruits in our diet are:

Scientifically it is proven that papaya is good for diabetic condition. One medium size papaya supplies 120 calories, 4.7 grams of fiber, beta carotene, choline, vitamin K, Vitamin C and it contains good amount of water. Being a fiber rich fruit, papaya is helpful in controlling blood glucose, lipid and insulin levels. Including papaya in diet also reduces cell obstruction and damage!

How to consume papaya?

Papaya fresh fruit, papaya juice, raw papaya curry and adding papaya fruit in salad etc.

Photo courtesy of CDC (during papaya outbreak notice)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 22, 2021
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Garlic for diabetes

Include Garlic in your diet

Garlic is close relative of onion. Include garlic in your diet. From ancient times garlic has been in use mainly for health and medicinal purposes. The pungent odor of garlic is loved by most people. It is a powerful fighter of microorganisms like E. coli and other bacteria. Garlic contains allicin compound which acts as anti-inflammatory and helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. It also reduces blood sugar level.

How to consume garlic?  Swallowing one garlic clove every day morning helps to reduce weight, lowers blood pressure, fights arthritis and helps in many other conditions. Other ways to eat garlic, add in curry,  hummus, bread, roast and have plain.

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Teach kids to wear Face masks

Tips to teach children to wear face mask

Face masks act as barrier and prevent spreading of Covid-19. It prevents respiratory droplet releasing into air and infecting others who are around us. It is good idea for everyone including kids and adults to wear facial mask to stop spreading the pandemic.

Unlike adults’ kids may find it difficult to wear face masks. For most kids it seems to be nuisance wearing mask and they don’t like to wear it. Children under the age two should not wear mask. It is considered as choking hazard and can cause strangulation in little ones. But children who are above two and go to school and appear in public must wear mask.

If your child is refusing to wear face mask, then talk to other parents to understand how they are convincing their child to wear one.  The way you make hand washing is fun for child, teach them importance of wearing mask and how it helps to protect from germs attack.

Here are few suggestions to make your child wear face mask

Encourage to wear face mask in public – Persistent messaging and normalizing mask wearing will make it a habit for child to wear the mask. Tell to keep 6 feet away from people.

Explain why wearing face mask important – Use simple language to explain why they must be wearing face mask

Get face mask with designs that suits child – Most children are fascinated by the cartoon characters, animal prints, floral prints and colorful designs. You will find such masks in the market. Ask child which one he prefers and get more than one mask with different designs.

Tell how awesome he looks – After making him wear face mask, take a picture and show how handsome he looks in face mask.

Admire child’s efforts – When child wear masks, admire and tell him how he is helping community and other people in their efforts to stop spread of pandemic.

Get masks that has ear loop that does not hurt – Cheap masks can have elastic loops that can hurt child and child will find uncomfortable to wear such mask. Get good quality masks that does not hurt child. Expert suggest that get mask with adjustable ear loops or the masks that ties behind head to get good fit.

Practice at home– While child is at home with child practice wearing mask. This will gain child’s attention and sends a message why he should be wearing mask. Teach child to avoid touching mask often, tell them to keep it over mouth and nose.

Play at home with toys – Take extra masks and put it on stuffed animals and other toys. Have child play and let him explain to toys why wearing mask is important.

Go to public place – Visit public place where people wear masks like grocery store, kids play area etc. When they see people wearing masks, they will understand importance of wearing it in public place.

When with friends – Instruct child not to exchange the masks with other friends and how germs can transfer.  Label mask with child’s name on it.

Provide extra pair of masks when attending school or visiting friends – Keep extra mask in child’s pocket or in bag. So that in case masks get dirty by falling on floor, sneezing or coughing or child loses mask, he will have another one handy.

Washing masks – Children always have favorite item and might be same feeling with a mask and want to wear it every day.  Tell child why we should be washing cloth mask. Use gentle, fragrance free laundry detergent and warm water to wash child’s masks.

Image credit: Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 19, 2021
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Banana leaves for food packaging

Banana leaves for food packaging

Many supermarkets in the world continuing use of plastic boxes, plastic bags, carry bags, wraps to sell packed foods. In many produce stores fruits and vegetables are pre-weighed and sold in plastic bags. Strawberries in plastic boxes, corns placed on thermocol trays and wrapped using plastic wrapper, fruits sold in plastic mesh bags are few examples. And all those groceries lentils, condiments, frozen food items – all are sold in plastic bags. Street foods are served on thermocol plates and served with plastic spoon and forks. We know the consequences of using plastic bags and the number of plastic bags collected on earth and sea is outrageous.

To reduce and stop use of plastic bags several innovations have taken place and efforts are ongoing.

Banana leaves for food packaging !

Banana leaves are large and is a simple resource that does not involve too much effort to extract from banana tree. It is nearly free resource and with some little effort easy to gather. In India and other Asian countries food is often served on clean banana leaves. This not only saves money, it is easily decompose in earth.

To change the habit of using plastic bags, a supermarket chain in Chiangmai, Thailand has come up with an idea. Idea is traditional and useful. Grocer’s this solution is eco-friendly. Banana leaves are used in this supermarket store as plates and food wrappers. All vegetables that are weighed bundled in banana wraps and kept separate. Banana stem thread is used for wrapping the bundle. Banana threads are very strong and durable. Apart from this, cooked food like solid rice items also wrapped in banana leaves are available in the market. These wraps are presented beautifully. For liquid foods dried banana leaf bowls and plates are available. This is an encouraging step that should be tried in major, big supermarkets centers.  

As we are aware plastic wraps, plates, boxes can contaminate food with hormone disrupting BPA and makes food poisonous. Advantage of eating in banana leaves is it adds a great flavor to food. It is believed that an enzyme present in banana leaves helps in digestion. Banana leaves are also large, expanded in shape, waterproof and easy material for packaging of foods as it wraps well on any food.

It is not difficult to grow banana tree in backyard. One banana tree produces many leaves that long lost. These leaves are long, thick and flexible. Many industries are making banana leaf plate, boxes etc.  

In Indian traditions eating on banana leaves had health benefits and today science supports this. Many traditional dishes like varieties of idlis are still prepared using banana leaves. Even today several street vendors who sell fruits, and flowers use banana leaves for wrapping. Sri Lankan researchers has found a way to cure banana leaves so that they can remain fresh and usable for long time. One way to cure these leaves is, running banana leaf surfaces on the low flame. It gives away nice aroma from leaves and banana leaves can be stored after cooling.

Before invention of plastic it was banana and other leaf sources, glass materials, porcelain etc  that helped us to stay healthy while serving and eating food. Use of banana leaves as an alternate to plastic is one of the solutions to move away from plastic!

References:

https://www.forbes.com

https://www.greenmatters.com

Images: Google

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Smokers vulnerable to Covid-19

Why smokers are more vulnerable to Covid-19

If you are a smoker, then think before you pick up next cigarette. Recent reports on Covid-19 telling us that smokers are prone to severe covid-19 infections.

What this pandemic is telling us is, that we cannot take our health for granted. A normal hug, handshake or kissing gesture is not safe anymore. We cannot touch our face the way we used to. We don’t know when and where coronavirus can be present and get into our system. We are cautious and concerned about every breath we take. We wear masks to protect ourselves. It means normal people lungs are vulnerable to Covid-19. Then, what about smokers? Patients who are smokers are experiencing more complications with covid-19 infection and their recovery process is also slow.

Reasons for lungs vulnerability for covid-19

Lungs are amazing organs. They have an array of around 1200 miles of capillaries and 300 million-minute alveoli air sacs. During breathing or respiration process oxygen from incoming air enters blood and carbon dioxide the waste gas leaves the blood. If lungs function is reduced, it means the ability of lungs to exchange these two gases is reduced.

  • Smoking cause lung disease by damaging airways and alveoli. When a person smoke, cells that produce mucus in lungs and airways grow in both size and numbers. This results in increase of mucus and it thickens. The excess mucus clogs lungs causing infection and cough. The rejuvenation capacity of lungs decreases and lungs age faster.
  • Smoking irritates lungs because of inflammation. Smoke destroys lung tissues because of which the number of airspace and blood vessels that are essential for oxygen supply to critical organs also diminish.
  • Lungs are lined with broom like hairs namely cilia. Function of cilia is to keep lungs clean. Smoking slows down cilia movement and reduces cilia number.
  • Smoking damages circulation system. The tar chemicals present in cigarettes are harmful and poisonous to blood. This could result in blood clot, high blood pressure, high heart rate, thinner arteries & reduces blood amount that carry clean oxygen.
  • Apart from lungs, smoking is injurious to brain, stomach and other organs.

With such vulnerable lungs one can imagine how the immune system of the smoking person will be. Main symptoms of Covid-19 is “respiratory problem”. 

Generally, coronavirus infections begin at a protein receptor called ACE2 that is present on cell surfaces in the entire body including lower and upper respiratory tracts. Covid-19 plugs into the ACE2 receptor to inject its genetic material into cells for multiplication and spread. The ACE2 receptors numbers are abnormally more in smokers. Presence of more ACE2 receptors in lungs causes lungs to be more vulnerable for Covid-19. Covid-19 thus have tendency to cause more severe infections and long recovery process for smokers than nonsmokers.

A study published in New England journal of Medicine says that more than 1,000 patients in China, who were smokers needed intensive medical interventions than nonsmokers. Nearly 12.3% patients admitted in ICU for Covid-19 problems were smokers and were placed on ventilator or dead as compared to 4.7% nonsmokers.

A study conducted at Sheltzer’s lab, Massachusetts showed that the quantity of ACE2 receptors in smokers is more in goblet and club cells that secrete mucus-like fluid into respiratory tracts. Both goblet and club cells are mostly present in nose and throat of nonsmokers. Whereas in smokers these cells accumulate also in lungs and carry ACE2 receptors in addition to normal count. The mucus is a defense product of the smoke and mucus accumulation reduces lungs capacity and diminishes lungs health. This could be one of the strong reasons why Covid-19 infection is severe in patients who are smokers.

In addition, it is also noted that Covid-19 infection is severe in people who have preexisting conditions. The preexisting conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high BP, thinner arteries, weakened esophagus, acid reflux, poor blood circulation to skin– all can be present in smokers and “could be” the reasons for severe Covid-19 infection.

Adopting and living a healthy lifestyle can help people to fight such deadly disease. Practice Yoga, breathing exercises and expose yourself to fresh air to keep lungs healthy and happy. It is one way to beat Covid-19.

If you are a smoker then it is time to say “Quit”!

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 18, 2021
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Infection risk in cancer patients

Why infection risk is high in cancer patients

Cancer patients are more vulnerable for infections. Infection risk is high due to their changed, weakened immune system. Immune system which is defense mechanism of the body changes with cancer and cancer treatments. Disease itself and the treatments that a patient undergo weakens the defense system and body will easily get infected when exposed to infectious environment.

Infection is a common complication associated with cancer. Some infections could be fatal and cause more complications. Viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites are infectious agents that can attack already weakened body.

Reasons for weak immune system in cancer patients are:

  1. Cancer disease
  2. Loss of nutrients
  3. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy
  4. Medications and or other health conditions

It takes time to get back normal immune system. It depends on the type of cancer, age, treatments, medications, medical problems, food, and environment. Each patient responds to treatment differently and accordingly they recover. Cancer patients who are undergoing the treatment, who finished their treatment need to take precautions to prevent infections from microbial world.

Symptoms of infections in cancer patients:

  • Increase in body temperature. Sometimes the fever is early sign of infection.
  • Tenderness, redness or swelling in any area of the body
  • Pus or discharge in wound or any other part
  • Cough and or shortness of breath
  • Chill and sweating
  • Pain while passing urine
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting or diarrhea or both
  • Sore throat and new sores in mouth
  • Stiff neck
  • Unusual discharge from vagina or irritation

How to prevent infections in cancer patients?

  1. Wash hand often using soap and warm water. Wash hands before eating.
  2. Wash hands after using the bathroom, blowing nose, coughing, or sneezing, after touching trash, animals
  3. Use moist wipes while handling door handles, wipe keypads and other areas which are used often by other people.
  4. Use alcohol -based hand sanitizer to clean hands if water is not available when you go out
  5. Remember that people who are suffering from flu, common fever, cold and other types of infection must stay away from cancer patients
  6. In this pandemic, wear mask around people, keep social distancing and as much as possible avoid public gatherings.
  7. Wear sweater, gloves, and masks when necessary.
  8. Brush teeth twice, focus on oral hygiene. Do not use alcohol- based mouthwash.
  9. Take shower/bathe every day. Wash private parts properly, wash feet, nails, armpits and sweat areas. Use soft moist or baby wipes to clean anal and groin area.
  10. Talk to doctor about vaccination to prevent pneumonia, Hepatitis B and flu.
  11. If your doctor has told that you have weakened immune system, then stay away from young children and avoid visitors to stay away from respiratory infections.
  12. If you notice redness, swelling, bleeding in any parts of the body immediately inform your doctor.
  13. Do not get pedicure or manicure from outside. Clean your finger and toenails at home itself using proper tool.
  14. Avoid using public pools, public tub, and water parks.
  15. Wear shoes or slippers at home and outdoors to keep germs off. Keep separate footwear to use at home.
  16. If you get any cuts and wounds, clean and protect the wound using clean bandage. If you notice puss or infection, inform your doctor.
  17. Do not clean after your pet. Do not touch litter boxes. Seek someone’s help or assign someone to do the task.
  18. Drink water to help digestive system. If you are constipated drinking warm water should help. Do not use suppositories, enemas. Ask your doctor for bowel softener medicine if the constipation problem continues.
  19. Do not share your clothes, combs, brush, soap, towel, or personal items with anyone.
  20. Before planning a trip, consult your doctor and seek advice.
  21. Eat healthy and recommended food that help to build your immune system. Wash fruits and vegetables or any such raw foods before eating to avoid germs entering your system.

It is good idea to keep a thermometer at home. Have your doctor’s and other important contact numbers handy. Know which medications you should be taking if you have fever or develop infection. Take prescribed medications on time.  If you have any infection systems call your doctor immediately.

References:

https://www.cancer.org/

https://www.cancer.net/

Read more about cancer infections here; https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/pdfs/cancer-infection-and-sepsis-fact-sheet.pdf

Image credit: www.cdc.gov (cc by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 4, 2021
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Hiccups remedies

19 Remedies to control Hiccups

Hiccups can be very irritating. We don’t know when and where hiccups starts. While attending class, in a meeting or while on phone talking to someone, we can experience hiccups.  Some people will experience hiccups for longer hours and will not stop easily.

Reasons for hiccups: We all have flat plate of muscle beneath our lungs called diaphragm that helps us to breath. Hiccups occurs when brain sends signal to diaphragm to shift forcefully downward pulling more air into back of throat causing narrow are in throat. It results in hic sound, hence it is hiccup.

Factors that trigger hiccups are:

1.       Lack of water

2.       Too much eating

3.       Stress and excitement

4.       Alcohol intake

5.       Drinking soda and carbonated drinks

6.       Air swallowing while chewing some food

7.       Sudden change in temperature

8.       Cigarette smoking

9.       Chronic constipation, bloating and gas

Remedies for hiccups

1.       Swallow one teaspoon of sugar

2.       Gargle with water, sip ice water

3.       Stick your tongue out and hold for few breath. This opens the throat and reduces spasms in diaphragm.

4.       Biting on to sour lemon piece reduces hiccups.

5.       Drinking warm water is also a solution for hiccups.

6.       Interrupting swallowing and breathing is good remedy for controlling hiccups. Snack on some peanut butter when you have hiccups. Chewing and trying to take peanut butter from teeth using tongue disturbs the breathing pattern and reduces or helps to get rid of hiccups.

7.       If you have dill seeds in kitchen take a teaspoon of dill seeds and slowly chew the seeds.

8.       Try little hot sauce – the heat released from hot sauce distracts the brain and spasm stops.

9.       Cover your mouth while breathing normally. Do this for 4-5 minutes.

10.   Rub back and side of the neck – massaging carotid arteries helps to reduce hiccups

11.   Hold the breath: Take a deep breath and hold it for few seconds. Exhale gradually. Repeat this for few seconds.

12.   Using index fingers, plug your ears for 20 to 30 seconds. While doing so, press the soft areas behind your earlobe for relaxation.

13.   While plugging your ears, drink water using straw. This is one of the effective remedy for hiccups!

14.   Take a paper bag, hold edges near your nose and breathe into the bag. Inhale and exhale. Inhaling your own carbon dioxide relaxes diaphragm muscle. Do this for couple of minutes.  mouth.

15.   Pull your knees up to chest and lean forward

16.   Castor oil and honey: Mix 1 tsp of honey with 1 tsp of castor oil. Using your index finger just lick the mix at 2-3 minutes interval for half an hour or so.

17.   If you are constipated and have hiccups, then try to cleanse the system using enema.

18.   Press your palm using the thumb of other hand. Put gentle, firm pressure. You can also squeeze a ball using thumb and forefinger. The discomfort you feel while holding ball gets  rid of the hiccups.

19.   Try to get distracted from someone or something like loud sound will help to disturb system and hiccups stops.

If the hiccups not stopping with any methods and continuing for more than a day or two, contact your doctor for further health checkup.

Image credit: Image by Darko Djurin from Pixabay (CC by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 3, 2021
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