All posts by Sumana Rao

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Concussion in children

Concussion in children

Children while playing or during in the midst of activities might bump, blow or jolt to their head that causes both head and brain to move back and forth rapidly. This type of sudden movement can cause the brain to bound around or twist in the skull. Such accidents changes chemical reaction in brain and can damage brain cells. This reaction is called concussion which is type of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Concussions may appear as small injury but the effects of concussion can be serious.

When your child hits or bumps head at home or at school keep an eye and watch closely on any symptoms mentioned below that might appear within next few hours.

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Cannot recall events before or after incident
  • Appears confused or dazed
  • Unusual behavior
  • Clumsy movement
  • Headache, pressure in the head and nausea
  • Balance problem and dizziness
  • Foggy and slowed down activity
  • Sensitivity to noise and light
  • Blurred vision

Danger symptoms – it can be physical, behavioral or cognitive impairment. If a child has pre-existing condition such as migraine, ADD, ADHD, visual disorders, mental health conditions concussion symptoms may be more severe or prolonged.

  • Decreasing consciousness
  • Increase in confusion
  • Irritability and pain
  • Numbness or tingling in extremities
  • Unequal pupils
  • Vomiting several times
  • Inability to recognize familiar places and faces
  • Seizures and low energy
  • Inability to speak or slurred speech
  • Worsening of headache
  • Trouble controlling emotions – infants and toddlers won’t stop crying

If your child is suffering from one or more of these above-mentioned symptoms following blow to head or body, take child for evaluation.  Contact pediatrician and get proper testing done for the child. A complete checkup of head and brain suggested to make sure no internal injury and to understand the impact of accident. The diagnosis needs certain specific answers for specific questions – Cause of injury, was there any loss of consciousness, where was hit, how hard, what symptoms and how long, any memory loss or any seizures?

Brain requires time to heal as the chemical changes gives more stress to brain. Concussion cannot be seen in CT scan or MRI. Concussion affects function of brain and not its structure. Doctors use information they gathered for diagnosis and to manage child’s concussion.

Inform school about child’s medical condition so that school is aware not to give strenuous activities to child. Many children in school experience concussion while they participate in sports. Sport concussions were commonly called bell ringer or ding and many players return to field on same day. However, it is suggested for children to take rest and watch the growing symptoms in case any.

In case you find child is having concussion then -,

  • Don’t allow child to participate in vigorous activities as it increases the symptoms. If you child is athlete do not allow him/her to return to play on same day.
  • Do not allow child to go on bicycle ride or play football or saucer
  • Have child take complete rest. Close the curtains, blinds and turn off the lights.
  • Let there be no loud noise or loud music playing.
  • Limit child’s physical and cognitive activity to stop an increase in above mentioned symptoms
  • Give good food and keep child hydrated. Allow small normal activities but nothing vigorous.

After recovery from concussion, make sure child does not get into fight, does not fall. Child must wear helmet while riding bicycle or when taking part in certain sports. For next several days or months no tough activities should be allowed. Go for follow up visits as your child’s doctor might recommend other cognitive testing to see improvement in symptoms. If you are not sure how to handle a child with concussion, or suspected concussion follow the instruction: “When in doubt, sit them out!”

For more information:

Image credit: Photo by Patrick Case from Pexels (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: March 15, 2019
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Turmeric mouthwash

DYI Turmeric mouthwash

Turmeric health benefits are many and for this reason it is called powerhouse of natural medicine. Turmeric has antimicrobial property and helps in controlling growth of bacteria. Adding turmeric to food reduces body inflammation and cures wounds.

Turmeric mouthwash is a traditional medicine helps to get healthy gums, fresh breath in addition soothes toothache. It is easy to prepare turmeric mouthwash drops at home. One can use coconut oil as base to combine all the ingredients. Using coconut oil has same effect as oil pulling therapy. This recipe also calls for clove which is known to reduce toothache, tooth decay and keeps mouth fresh.

How to prepare turmeric mouthwash?

Ingredients:

  1. Baking soda – 2 tsp
  2. Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
  3. Coconut oil – 1.5 cups
  4. Clove – few
  5. Peppermint essential oil – 4-5 drops

Method:

  1. Dissolve coconut oil on low heat and remove from heat
  2. Add baking soda, turmeric powder, peppermint oil and mix well.
  3. Grind clove (or cut into small pieces) and add to the mix evenly
  4. One can store above mix in a jar as it is and use it as mouth wash.

OR

  1. Transfer the turmeric coconut oil mix into a tray and freeze it for few hours.
  2. Take out frozen mix and cut into small cubes.
  3. When you want to wash mouth, put one or two cubes in mouth and perform oil pulling.
  4. After 3 to 5 minutes, split the content and wash mouth.
  5. Mouth will feel fresh and bad breath goes away with this treatment.

Try this home remedy for few days to feel better about your breath!

Image credit: Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash (free for commercial use) (Inset photo of lady lips)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: March 14, 2019
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Green gram idli

Healthy green gram idli

Today we are presenting another green gram recipe ” green gram idli”. Green gram supply good amount of protein and idli prepared using green gram tastes good! It is also recommended for breakfast or could be a lunch item. Try healthy green gram idli with coconut chutney combination today!

Green gram idli recipe

Ingredients:

  1. Green gram – 1cup
  2. Urad dal/split black gram – ¾ cup
  3. Fenugreek seeds – ½ tsp
  4. Salt as per your taste
  5. Chopped cilantro – 2 Tbsp
  6. Asafetida – pinch
  7. Grated carrot – 1 Tbsp
  8. Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
  9. Curry leaves – chopped few
  10. Ginger – small cut 1.5 tsp
  11. Green chilli – small cut 1 or 2

 Preparation:

  1. Wash green gram soak in 2 cups of warm water for about 5 to 6 hours.
  2. Wash and soak urad dal in 2 cups of water.
  3. After soaking, rinse and grind the soaked green gram first by adding little by little water. Let it be a coarse grinding and it should not be too much paste texture.
  4. Grind Urad dal to a smooth batter.
  5. Mix both green gram and urad dal batter. Add salt and mix well. Consistency of the batter should be not too thin or thick. It should be like rice idli batter consistency.
  6. Ferment the batter overnight
  7. Next day, prepare seasoning using mustard, curry leaves and add to batter. Add finely cut ginger, green chilli, coriander leaves and grated carrot to the fermented batter and mix well.
  8. Grease idli plates using oil and pour seasoned, fermented batter.
  9. Steam cook ildlis for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, wait for few minutes. Using a spoon remove idlis from idli plates, transfer to a hot box or serve immediately with coconut chutney and sambar.
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: March 11, 2019
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Fabric sheet hacks

12 Fabric sheets hacks you must try

Fabric sheets or dryer sheets can be handy and help to clean stuffs around the house. Try these 12 fabric sheets hacks to clean regular items at home!

  1. Cleaning electronic items

Use fabric sheet / dryer sheet to clean TV and computer screens without damaging or scratching the screen. Wipe dust off from screen of electronic items including your smart phones.

  1. Clean vessels

Keep a fabric sheet in dirty vessel and fill it with water. If the vessel is very dirty, then let it sit in the sink for few hours. Remove fabric sheet after few hours and you will see all that gunk comes out without much fight.

  1. Pet hair removal

To remove pet hair vacuum cleaner is helpful. However pet hair can clog vacuum. Wipe fabric sheet on furniture, bed and other areas where pet hair is present. Fabric sheet attracts pet hair makes it easy to clean.

  1. Dry spills

If any dry materials such as face powder, flour, baking soda etc. falls on floor and counter top use a fabric sheet to wipe. Dry particles stick to fabric sheet easily, making it easy to clean further.

  1. Air freshener

Use scented fabric sheets as air freshener in your car and home. Tape fabric sheets near air vents and fresh scent pleasant odor circulates in the house and vehicle.

  1. Remove soap scum

Using damped dryer sheets to remove soap scum in the sink by scrubbing it on the scum. You can use it for shower door, tile, sink and shower curtain. You will be surprised to see the result!

  1. Get rid of water stains

Just use dryer sheet and scrub the water stain in vessels or areas where there is water stain. It works good on bathroom mirror too!

  1. Clean iron

Remove any gunk sitting on iron plate. Just run the iron over the dry sheet with low heat setting. Plates  clean well.

  1. Glass door cleaner

To clean glass door windows, sliding doors, storm doors use fabric sheet. Dampen the fabric sheet and scrub the glass door to remove scum, oil or hard water stains.

10. Clean scissors blade

If scissors blade not working properly, run dryer sheet over both blades. It acts lubricant and scissor turns sharp.

11.Remove deodorant mark

Some deodorants can leave mark on your shirts. Use dryer sheet and rub on deodorant mark.

12. Place in stinky shoes

Remove bad odor from stinky shoes by inserting scented dryer sheet . It absorbs the bad odor by deodorizing action.

Image credit: trenttsd

Image credit: trenttsd
Cut Dryer Sheets in Half and Reuse Them (98/365) , https://www.flickr.com/photos/84335369@N00/7048267849 CC2.0

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: March 7, 2019
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Cluttering causes anxiety

Cluttering causes anxiety

Have you noticed anxiety and tension in your system when you see things are cluttered in your house?  People who thrive on cluttered environment experience lot of anxiety study says. Clutter is nothing but collection of things and things laying around in a disorganized manner. You can call it untidy mess. It can happen at your work station too. Papers, pens, coffee mugs and other objects scattered all over on your desk and things sitting on your counter tops in kitchen, clothes on sofa and floor – all these are best examples of clutters.

There are people who want everything in pristine condition that helps them to go through daily activities without any tension. They don’t like things sitting around or laying around. The moment they see something is not in its place and find it elsewhere it bothers them. These people always manage time, organize their stuffs and get through the day easily. Whereas there is second group of people who work in clutter and take time to find things, not organized. This can ultimately cause tension, anxiety and stress in the system – this is the new finding from Neuroscience Institute of Princeton University.

What happens when things are cluttered around us?

Holding onto things that we don’t want and keep accumulating stuffs in disorganized manner only can harm us. When we are surrounded by clutter or mess – our mind feels overwhelming response. One might not be able to realize it. This overwhelming takes away the focus from the important work that might needed attention, it can disturb productivity, creativity and things won’t get done or very little will get accomplished. Next what happens is, it becomes difficult to relax until the person fulfilled the responsibility or commitment.

Clutter also triggers mind to feel guilty and frustrated. If there is something need to be done, unless cleaning the mess around work cannot be completed – it puts mind to unrest, uneasy, frustrated followed by guilty of not doing anything about it.

Clutter also brings shadow on our thinking. Means, mind won’t be clear and we cannot ever remember or locate items, notes or stuffs that we are looking for.

According to psychology professor Sabine Kastner, visual clutter competes with our brain’s ability to pay attention and tires out our cognitive functions over time.

Decluttering helps

Decluttering is organizing things in a proper manner that helps us to complete work. Decluttering gives us ample of time to be creative, productive and happy. Letting go off stuffs that we don’t need and keeping things in order will not just clear your desk, home or room – it clears mind too. Decluttering brings down anxiety and stress level because you can focus on things that need your attention and mind clears to be creative once again.

To declutter

Take time and go through your stuffs – keep stuffs that you really need, separate the ones which you have not used in past 6 months to 2 years. Take those stuffs which you have not used (unless it is highly valuable), have a yard sale or give it away to charity.

Papers organized: Instead of piling up papers, go paperless and get your bills and other information delivered to inbox. If you get papers by post, organize the papers on priority basis or in other ways which makes it easy to find.

Designate space: For those items that you use often, designated certain place to easily find them. Do not mix beauty products with kitchen stuffs or office stuffs with your home papers.

Children toy: Buy couple of boxes and put children toy in boxes. Teach children to put toys back in place after their playtime.

Keep area clean after decluttering. Keep beautiful plants in your home and work desk or decorate the place with your favorite items. These arrangements will help you to focus on your work and life won’t be dull.

Decluttering means it is helping oneself to increase focus, feel satisfied and to be tension free. It improves mental health and removes anxiety.

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

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: March 5, 2019
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Green gram sundal

Green gram sundal

Also known as mung bean, green gram is one of the top nutritious food that is good for all seasons. It not only good for cholesterol and heart conditions, it is known to lower blood pressure. It clears body system and removes toxic substances. Green gram cutlet is packed with nutrients and khichadi is another dish prepared using green gram for people who suffer from fever and in the road of recovery. Traditionally green gram dishes are favorite of those who fast on regular basis or on festival occasion like Shivarathri. Green gram sundal is a delicious dish with simple ingredients and very easy to prepare.

Green gram sundal

Ingredients

  1. Whole Green Gram : 1.5 cups*
  2. Green chilly: 2-3
  3. Asafetida: a pinch
  4. Curry leaves : few
  5. Chilli powder – ½ tsp
  6. Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
  7. Grated fresh coconut: 2 tbsp
  8. Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  9. Salt: to taste
  10. Chopped coriander -1/2 cup
  11. Cooking oil: 2 tbsp

Preparation:

  1. Soak green gram in hot water for 1 to 2 hours.
  2. Pressure cook green gram. Do not overcook ( to avoid it turning to paste)
  3. Place frying pan on medium heat, add mustard, green chilli, asafetida and curry leaves.
  4. Add cooked green gram and salt. Mix well and turn the heat to low for few more minutes.
  5. Turn off the heat and to cooked green gram add fresh grated coconut, chopped coriander and lemon juice. Mix well.
  6. Serve hot green gram sundal with coffee or tea – your choice!
  • One can soak green gram a day before, sprout it and use for sundal.
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: March 4, 2019
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Nutmeg nutmace benefits

Nutmeg double spice

Nutmeg is a spice used in small quantities in various dishes and cuisines. Nutmeg is the only spice that has two distinct spices in it – nutmeg and nutmace!  It has sweet aroma and hence the Botanical name Myristica fragrans. It is cultivated in the Caribbean, South India and Malaysia.

Nutmace is the orange reddish lacy structured that covers nutmeg seed. It gives a slight orange color to dishes. Both nutmeg and nutmace have many health benefits and are part of traditional remedies. Nutmeg is a moderate size tree and bark and leaves are also used in medicine preparation.  In cuisines grounded nutmeg used in pinches while preparing curry powder, desserts and many non-vegetarian dishes. It gives a strong flavor to food. It is added in masala mixes.

Nutmeg contains myristicin, eugenol, safrole type of volatile oils and is rich in minerals such as magnesium, manganese and copper.  It has other nutrients in abundant too -Beta carotein, dietary fiber, folic acid, Vitamin A, B, C, niacin and macelignan.

Adding nutmeg in food can help in several conditions.

Do you know? “Both nutmeg and mace contain antioxidants and disease-preventing phytochemicals”

It is aphrodisiac: Nutmeg stimulates nerves and is considered one of the best brain tonic. It reduces stress and anxiety. Essential oil of nutmeg is aphrodisiac and improves moods, reduces depression, fatigue and stress.

To get good sleep: Boil milk and add a pinch of nutmeg powder. Drink before going to bed. It reduces insomnia and helps to get good sleep. Nutmace powder has same effect as nutmeg powder. It reduces nerve tension and stimulate release of serotonin. While drinking with milk you can little turmeric or saffron with nutmeg powder.

For easy digestion: Adding nutmeg powder or sprinkling little nutmeg powder in curry, soups helps to improve digestion and it reduces constipation and bloating. It improves bowel movement and removes gas. Add pinch nutmeg powder in one glass amla juice and drink daily for a week to improve digestion.

For skin health: For centuries nutmeg is an important ingredient of skin care products. The natural antimicrobial property of nutmeg helps in removal of blackheads, pimples and clogged pores.  To use at home mix little nutmeg powder in honey and milk cream. Prepare paste and apply on affected areas. Live it for few minutes and wash face. Another remedy is – mix nutmeg and turmeric powder with yogurt, prepare a paste and apply on face. Avoid eye area. Leave it for few minutes and wash using warm water.

Relieves pain: Volatile oils present in nutmeg helps in reducing muscle pain. Anti-inflammatory properties of volatile oil is good for treating muscle and joint pain. Warm few drops of nutmeg oil and apply on affected area to get relief from pain, swelling and body soreness.

For bad breath: Improper digestive system, diet and unhealthy food consumption can lead to bad breath. Nutmeg and mace helps in detoxifying the body and removes unnecessary toxins accumulation in the system. It is a common ingredient in Ayurvedic toothpastes and gum medicines. Eugenol is an essential that is present in clove is also present in nutmeg. It helps in reducing bad breath and improves gum health.

Cold and cough reducer: Mace spice often used in treating both cough and cold. Traditional cough medicines contains mace as one of the ingredient and cold rubs contain mace spice too. It is a good remedy for asthma and helps in breathing.

Blood circulation: Add pinch of nutmeg powder into smoothies, fruit juices and while preparing curry. Mineral contents present in nutmeg helps in improving blood circulation and brings balance in blood pressure.

Kidney health: Nutmeg is a diuretic and promotes urination. Studies show that adding or consuming pinch of nutmeg along with food helps in reducing kidney stone problem.

Apart from above medicinal properties both nutmeg and mace spices are used in preparation of dessert and soups. One can add these two spices in puddings, muffins, cakes, bread, sweets, masala tea, pickles, curries and soups.

Some people are allergic to different types of nuts. If you develop allergic reactions after consuming nutmeg spices, stop using them. If you would like to use this spice first make sure that you are not allergic to nutmeg or mace.

Image credit: https://www.needpix.com/photo/1123475/nutmeg-hand-sri-lanka-spices-free-pictures-free-photos-free-images-royalty-free-free-illustrations (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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