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.
Students to learn to end hunger

Students to Learn and Help to End World Hunger

How does a world look like without hunger? It will look like ‘everyone enjoying nutritious meals that they need’. Food banks, charitable organizations or temples cannot get there alone. All these organizations, including Government, need support and help. Hunger Now is a program that is going to teach students about world hunger and how they can help.

No doubt the current pandemic has introduced us to a new challenge, unlike natural disasters, catastrophic events, or war. Coronavirus has not shown any type of description while infecting people around the globe.

The major problem the world is facing is still hunger. Millions of kids are going hungry day by day. The impact of Covid-19 on families has caused devastation. People losing jobs, closing businesses, and farmers having problems with labors, labors trying to return to their natives – all these shows lots of suffering and people going hungry with families. Poverty and struggle to earn money in this pandemic year have been outgrowing in numbers. For people existing amidst famine, poverty, and hunger, life is posing challenges, and day to day life is a huge struggle.

Students around the world can help bring about change by learning and contributing to the “Hunger Now” project!”

Hunger now is a program to find a solution to famine and hunger. Recently, Larry and Jane Levine of KIDS (KidsCanMakeADifference) and their commitment to Finding solutions to the Hunger project added worksheets in KIDS Teacher guide that will expand teaching tools for a global understanding of hunger. KIDS and iEARN partners are publishing teacher guides for educators to teach students about poverty and inequality. These new lessons from KIDS aim to help students around the world understand the root causes of hunger.

This step will help students to understand how they can get involved and participate to help those who need food. As we are aware, schools in many parts of the world either opened or will open sometime soon either in a person or virtually. When students return to classrooms in person or by virtual means, they will learn the best practices that exist and needed to combat hunger and will also include in classroom activities.

According to KIDS, few of the International Organizations are participating in helping students to understand their role and these organization will help to explore the resources of the committed group whose focus on classroom activities and outreach strengthened commitment and inspiring both students and teachers. These International organizations are:

United Nations (UN), World Savvy, Oxfam, Food tank, Global Citizen, and WhyHunger.

In order to act against hunger, these organizations will find ways to collaborate and share efforts to outreach together. By participating in these program students will understand the history of hunger and with help of teachers will be able to bring changes.

As they say, ending hunger requires more than just giving one or two meals. It is important to address the root cause of hunger. The root cause of hunger that is poverty – that is increased this year due to the pandemic. Hunger will continue if the poverty continues. In many countries’ development assistance programs are taking place to reduce poverty and to grow economically. These programs are not only limited to agriculture, but it is also extended to other fields like health, education, environment, governance, and other aspects of human life. Students learning about hunger, poverty, and helping those who need food to sustain for many more years will benefit the community, society, and nation(s).

References:

• https://kidscanmakeadifference.org/

• www. careusa.org

• www.hungercenter.org

• www.endhunger.com

• https://foodtank.com/

Image curtesy: Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) https://www.flickr.com/photos/fmsc/16206308111/ (CC by 2.0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 13, 2020
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Eczema enhances food allergy

Eczema enhances food allergy in children

A study cautions parents regarding kids eczema infection that results in severe food allergy and vice versa. A bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus or commonly known as SA bacterium is reason for kids eczema. According to the new study when kids develop severe eczema due to SA it could also lead to severe food allergy!

Eczema enhances food allergies in children – Eczema and food allergies are common in children, with eczema affecting about 20 percent of children and up to 5 percent adults in developing countries. In children symptoms of both conditions develop in the first year and as they grow old, they outgrow these symptoms. However, in about 11 percent people the eczema doesn’t appear until adolescence or adulthood.

An article published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology revealed that, SA is the bacterium that can be present in the skin and nose of healthy individual.  And, the same bacteria is more common in people who suffer from severe eczema. When kids have allergy, their immune system mistakes certain substances as intruder and overreacts with allergy response. Kids body produces Immunoglobin E or IgE in response to intruder. IgE encounters encounters intruder and releases histamine that cause allergic reaction.

About one third of children with eczema also might have severe food allergies. If the child has food allergies, eczema can also get worse. In young children who suffer from eczema who are infected with SA produce more IgE against certain foods. This include peanut, egg, milk, soy, wheat and other nuts. In these children egg allergy persists at age of 5 or 6 years when compared to children those who does not have SA in their system.  

For this reason, both food allergies and eczema are the atopic march in which the eczema, food allergies often occur together. In addition, what parents also must know that, these conditions have a genetic component that often runs in the families as well.

Common food allergies associated with eczema:

Milk allergy: It is common in children. This is different that lactose intolerance

Eggs: One the most common allergy associated with eczema

Soy allergy: Rash and hives are common when kids take soy product and it also can lead to life threatening anaphylaxis and angioedema.

Wheat allergy: It is not gluten intolerance but it is allergy to wheat itself and can be severe if kids has eczema.

Peanuts: A small quantity of peanut or exposure to peanut environment can be life threatening to kids and cause severe reactions in kids and flairs eczema

If your kids suffer from eczema, avoid food that contain these above ingredients. Apart from these foods, several other foods can enhance eczema in kids – citrus fruits, tomatoes, vanilla and egg plant.  Having an EpiPen can save your kids life in case you don’t know the ingredients when you eat outside with family.

Parents can try eliminating certain foods from kids diet. Before making any such changes contact your pediatrician. If you think your child’s eczema is worsening because of food allergy, talk with doctor. Doctor will suggest, if any testing need to be done to help kids condition to bring control.

References: 

  • https://www.sciencedaily.com
  • https://www.verywellhealth.com
  • www.healthylife.werindia.com
  • https://acaai.org/allergies/
  • Image credit: https://www.needpix.com/photo/download/814389

 

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 9, 2020
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Kukkutasana pose

Arm balance pose Kukkutasana Rooster Pose

Kukkutasana is an ancient yoga pose, that has been in yoga practice from thousand years. It is one the advanced yoga pose that require hand strength and focusing.  This pose is also known as rooster pose because the posture looks like cockerel. Another name for the pose is sthambhasana. In ancient texts of yoga, result of performing Kukkutasana is described as ‘ on performance, the matter of earth and water in the body will get reduces and the matter of air and fire will get increased’.

This pose is practiced in Ashtanga yoga practices as a challenging pose for yogis and it offers multiple health benefits.

Kukkutasana Benefits:

  • Strengthens whole body by using biceps, triceps, core, pelvic floor muscles and gluteus.
  • It improves digestion and tones abdominal muscles
  • Helps to focus, brings stability to body and improves balance
  • Promotes self confidence
  • Increases flexibility in legs, arms, hips
  • Helps to stimulate adrenal gland give sense of accomplishment.
  • Brings down stress and improves mood, helps to remain calm
  • Brings awareness to body by acting on central nervous system, keeps body alert and in good health.
  • It creates awareness in Muladhara chakra and brings yogi close to spiritual path that helps to keep mind and body focused on the present.

Women who are pregnant should avoid this posture. People who have pain in shoulders and joints, sciatica pain and lower back pain, osteoporosis must avoid trying this pose.

How to perform Kukkutasana?

  1. Sit in lotus posture. Insert arms in between thighs and calves as close as to knees
  2. Place both palms on floor, fingers pointing forward
  3. Lift your body by pressing palm on floor. Arms should be in straight line
  4. Straighten head and back. Focus on an object that does not move infront of you.
  5. Take three breaths in the pose
  6. To come out from the pose, slowly release the lotus pose, bring bottom on the floor, release both arms.
  7. If you feel comfortable doing the pose, alternate leg in lotus posture and repeat the  pose slowly, steadily by focusing front.

Follow up poses after kukkutasana are:

Image credit:

Kennguru / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Pumpkin dosa

Pumpkin Dosa recipe

It is pumpkin harvest season, which means it is time to enjoy delicious pumpkin recipes. Pumpkin is nutritious with Vitamin C, A, lutein and zeaxanthin. It is good for eye sight. It helps to fight chronic conditions by boosting immune system. Pumpkin is also suggested for weight loss diets as it is low in calorie.

Pumpkin dosa tastes delicious just like jackfruit dosa or masala dosa.

Ingredients:

  1. Ripened pumpkin –1 – 1.5 cup – grated
  2. Rice – 2 cups
  3. Urad daal- ½ cup
  4. Jaggery powder – 1 Tbsp
  5. Grated coconut – about ½ cup
  6. Salt- as per taste
  7. Ghee

Method:

  1. Wash and soak rice and urad daal for 4 hours.
  2. Wash and remove pumpkin pulp and grate.
  3. Grind rice, Urad daal, grated pumpkin and jaggery together. Add salt and mix well. Transfer batter to a vessel and keep it for fermentation.
  4. After good fermentation, use fermented batter to prepare dosa for breakfast
  5. Place an iron skillet or tava on medium heat and sprinkle little oil evenly on tava.
  6. Once the tava heated, pour a ladle of dosa batter and spread it evenly in circular motion.
  7. Apply oil or ghee and cover it using a lid.
  8. After couple of minutes remove the lid and turn the dosa to cook other side. If needed apply little oil. Let dosa turn yellow to golden brown in color.
  9. Remove pumpkin dosa and serve hot with ghee and coconut chutney.

Image : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dosa_and_ghee.jpg

Charles Haynes / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 6, 2020
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Immune system changes in older people

Immune system response in older people

Have you ever wondered why elderly and older people get more sick? Why many older people cannot survive with Covid-19 infections? What makes their system so fragile?

As we age our immune system slows down resulting in weakening immune system. The immune system is essential for body’s defense against foreign invaders such as microorganisms like Covid-19 viruses, cancer cells, parasites such as worms and to transplanted organs and tissues. The same defense system that protects our body for longtime changes as we age.

While defending the body, immune system distinguishes self from non-self. It eliminates harmful molecules and foreign invaders from the body. Any molecule that Immune system recognizes are called antigens.

Our skin, cornea and mucosa are body’s first line of defense and these three physical barriers also have active immune function. In case, any molecules breach these systems then our body further triggers two types of immune response called: Innate and acquired.

Innate immune system does not require prior exposure to an antigen to be effective and responds immediately for a foreign invader. Innate immunity recognizes antigens that are broadly distributed in our system. 

Whereas, acquired immunity requires prior exposure to an antigen and takes time to develop after the initial encounter with a new molecular. It remembers past exposure and its response is antigen specific. It contains two components called T and B cells.

In newborns, immune system will not be fully developed. Those antibodies present in newborns are transported from mothers through placenta and through breast milk. The function of the antibodies is to help newborn from infections until the immune system fully develops.

Why elders are more susceptible for infections and diseases?

Low-grade chronic inflammation is linked to many conditions in older age including, diabetes, heart conditions, dementia and cancer. Chronic inflammation plays a major role in certain autoimmune conditions that adults experience as they age. With age, immune system also adapts and changes in different ways that leads to sickness.

  • Immune system will not be able to clearly distinguish between self and foreign antigens. As a result, in elderly people infections and autoimmune disorders becomes common.
  • There are specialized cells that play a role in immune system called macrophages function of which is to ingest microorganisms, cancer cells and foreign antigens. Macrophage activity slows down with age.
  • There will be fewer WBC production and these WBC cannot respond to antigens and defending becomes difficult.
  • Less number of lymphocytes to fight new antigens.
  • T Cells of acquired immune system responds slowly to antigens. The function of T Cells is to encounter and respond to antigens by remembering them.
  • There will be lesser production of antibodies. This results in infections such as pneumonia, flu, tetanus and other serious infections. Sometimes there will be recurrence of herpes or shingles like conditions. These infections could be fatal to older people.
  • Vaccines becomes less effective due to less antibody production capacity.
  • Elderly people with preexisting conditions such as diabetes, heart issues, kidney and liver problem etc. will already have a weakened immune system. This makes it nearly impossible for them to fight deadly infections and diseases.

How to strengthen immune system?

Studies from Harvard University suggests that practicing yoga and meditation and, good diet helps to fight diseases like Covid-19. By following good diet and practicing exercise practice one can protect immune system.

  1. Consume yogurt to maintain healthy gut
  2. Consume enough water
  3. Include citrus fruits to get Vitamin C that helps to prevent developing cold and infections
  4. Include good green vegetables in daily diet like broccoli, spinach, khale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage.
  5. Consume required amount of fiber that your body needs for your age.
  6. To prevent development of infections include barley and oats. Beta glucan in these foods helps to fight flu type of infections.
  7. Almonds and dry fruits that supply proteins and vitamin E and fresh fruits with manganese, zinc and potassium helps to maintain the vital essentials of the body.
  8. Get regular vaccines as suggested by your doctor.
  9. Limit intake of alcohol and do not smoke.
  10. Daily exercise must be part of your life. Practice meditation and yoga, Pilates for peaceful mind and body helps to maintain strong immune system.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/

https://www.activebeat.com/

https://immunityageing.biomedcentral.com/

https://medlineplus.gov/

Image curtesy: Image by Josep Monter Martinez from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Childcare during pandemic

Parental Guide To Childcare Facility Hygiene and Safety During Pandemic

Pandemic lockdown is lifted in many places and daycare facilities are opening. If you are a parent of young child and thinking of dropping off child at the facility then, as a parent you must know how childcare is taking care of hygiene of the facility and safety of children to assure your child’s safety.

Recent reports show that most children suffer from mild or asymptomatic form of Covid-19. However, the number of kids testing positive to Covid-19 increased in recent days. One reason for this, more children are getting tested for coronavirus than earlier. Couple of months back testing was limited to adults, seniors and sick patients. As of early July, fewer than 5% of infections are in children under the age group 15. Children who showed mild symptoms were not tested for Covid-19. These numbers still a fraction of infections.

In most cases children who got sick is due to transmission of disease from an adult within their household. Most day cares/childcare facilities and schools were closed in past several months. Now lockdown and restrictions are removed in many places, parents are heading back or ready to head back to work. Parents who are thinking of dropping off children at the daycare must take necessary precautions.

Make sure your childcare facility is taking action to curtail infections. Before sending child to day care facility check for following safety information.

  1. Implementation of proper social distancing strategies
  2. Good cleaning and disinfection practice is a must
  3. Proper drop off and pick up facility and policy
  4. Implementation of screening procedure upon arrival of children
  5. There should be an adequate ratio of staff to children to ensure the safety and protection of kid.
  6. If there is new child caregiver, then make sure to that the person has enough working experience in childcare.
  7. They must also follow safety procedures – wearing masks for staff members and older children a must. Babies and toddlers- under age two should not be asked to wear masks.
  8. Hand hygiene stations, use of disposable gloves, well maintained and clean toilet and changing facilities must be available for child.
  9. Staff must assist child in hand washing including infants who cannot wash their own hands
  10. Facilities must have scheduled cleaning and disinfecting procedures.
  11. For babies and toddlers – diaper and cloth changing areas must be available. All changed clothes of children must be put in separate bags or washed in washing machines.
  12. Toys and games must be sanitized. All cleaning materials must be stored in secure place. You don’t want your child to encounter chemicals in facility.
  13. Meal service for children in the facility should be handled properly. Check what procedures are involved and how staff will serve meals. It must satisfy you.
  14. Any symptoms of sickness, childcare personnel must notify parents immediately. Before dropping off to and after return from childcare check your child’s temperature.
  15. Check whether facility has your contact number, emergency contacts
  16. If you have a disabled child and need special care, inform the daycare staff what are the requirements.
  17. If your child has underlying or preexisting condition talk to your doctor before approaching childcare facility

If your have an option of working from home, then consider it. You will know your child is protected and safe with you. If you cannot work from home, then before dropping off your child in day care facility give a visit and understand that necessary precautions are in place.

Image credit: Photo by Naomi Shi from Pexels (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 5, 2020
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Are these reasons making you less attractive

Are these reasons making you less attractive

Even though you are gorgeous and beautiful, have you wondered why sometimes people does not find you attractive or don’t show interest to keep up friendship or relationship with you?

It can happen with anyone.

Most times we don’t realize what could be the reason.

Sometimes friends or family members might say what could be the reason, sometimes we need to look into ourselves to understand what needs to be changed or need to be done.

“It is beauty that captures the attention; it is personality which captures your heart” Anonymous

Here are common factors that makes us less attractive or unattractive..

  1. Having no hobby: One of the most attractive personality is having a hobby. People are attracted to those who are passionate about something and some good hobby. It can be any hobby that is attractive and exciting. When you share your hobby, naturally people will get to know you and your hobby.
  2. Being mean: When you are surrounded by people and if you express only negativity and mean to other people move away. You look unattractive when you are mean to anybody.
  3. Body smell: This one is obvious. Washing body and keeping yourself body odor free is important. If not, no one wants to be close to you. If you are healthy and not suffering from any medical condition, then seriously consider what is the reason for your body odor.  Oral hygiene, cleaning arm pits, private parts, ears, wearing washed cloths – all these are critical if you want to be amid people.
  4. Dishonesty: Dishonesty is a major turn off for both genders. Whether you are intelligent or less intelligent, beautiful or handsome, rich or poor – if you are not honest in your action and words then you are not attractive. Being honest is a character that attracts people.
  5. Bing drinking and smoking: Drinking and smoking are highly unattractive personalities and women generally does not like to have a relationship with such men. Occasional drinking is fine with women but not smoking. Smoking frequently is unattractive as the negative impact of smoking (on health) is understood by most people.
  6. Too much stress: Whether it is small or big matter, if a person is constantly expressing and blaming system for their stress then such personalities are unattractive. No one wants to listen to constant complaints 24X7 days. Stress is part of life, managing stress is one skill that if someone has, then it makes that person attractive.
  7. Bad table manners: Sharing is caring. If you don’t share food or offer food to guests or share with friends in a restaurant or with family, it is not going to give good reputation. If you cross contaminate food with your spoon or hands or making sound while eating, texting while eating and more importantly if you don’t treat waiter/waitress properly then consider yourself unattractive.
  8. Pessimism: Being pessimistic often linked to unsuccessful and unattractive personality because it is a quality no one wants to have as it hinders personal growth. People who are pessimistic o also express cynical views and it can be depressing to others.

If you want to be with friends and have healthy relationship then adopt a healthy life and healthy habit. It helps you to be amid people and keeps you happy!

Image Courtesy: Photo by Phil Coffman on Unsplash

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Indoor plant care tips

Indoor plants fall care tips

During fall and winter, indoor plants face tough time and struggle to survive. As temperature drops down inside the house and freezes outside house plants face several issues.  Between 4-6 months of winter time, take good care of indoor plants because they help us by producing fresh clean air and by being green will give positive vibes during gloomy weather condition. Keeping indoor plants happy and healthy helps you to overcome seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Follow these indoor plants care tips and keep them happy and plants will long last.

Tips to take care indoor plants in harsh cold weather.

  1. Preparing plants for indoor: Before bringing plants inside for the winter (like tropical plants and ferns), wash the pots, gently trim the plants, remove dead leaves and stem. Check for any type of insects that could be present on leaves and stem.
  2. Cut down watering: During fall and winter, plant does not need that much water.  When you are in doubt, check the soil moisture just half an inch below the surface. If moisture is low, then water plants. Water dripping: Place plates under pots to avoid water dripping (in case) on floor that can cause white mark that is hard to remove.
  3. Do not re-pot: All your re-potting should be done before end of summer. Do not re-pot indoor plants during winter as their root strength is low and plants are mostly in hibernating process. Wait till the spring to re-pot plants.
  4. Clean leaves: Using soft cloth clean leaf surface, remove dust. If leaves are small, lightly dust them. Dust can interfere with plant health and can weaken the system causing disease to plants.
  5. Keep in sunlight: Place plants near windows or glass doors where enough sunlight enters. Plants will survive through winter if they get good sunlight.
  6. No breeze and drafts: Plants must be kept away from chill conditions. Do not open the windows or doors near plants. Check for cold air infiltration where you keep plants. Cold and chill air kills the plants.
  7. Humidifier: Air inside home will be dry due to heater and winter air. Run humidifier near the plants or keep humidifier on for at least few hours for plants sake.
  8. Fertilizers: Use crystal or solid fertilizers like Miraclegrow for plants instead of liquid fertilizers. Solid, crystal fertilizers come a long way and dissolves slowly and is enough for next few months.
  9. Pest control: Keep an eye on delicate plants because they tend to host pests. If you find any insects and mites, scale insects etc, separate those plants and treat them immediately.
  10. During vacation: In case you are going on a vacation for few days, put little extra water for plants and make sure the sunlight still falls on plants by keeping curtain slightly open or blinds open in an angle so that sunlight falls on plants.
  11. Grow light: If you live in places where day light becomes too short, buy LED grow light and place near plant to give energy.
  12. Temperature: Maintain temperature between 65-75 F for indoor plants. Most tropical plants love bit heat and good moisture.

Image: www.WerIndia.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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