All posts by Sumana Rao

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Colacacia Arbi leaves chutney

Colocasia Arbi Leaves Spicy Chutney

Colocasia is also known as “Patra or arbi “. This plant is available throughout the year and is a flavorful dish often enjoyed with various meals.

Do you know? Colocasia leaves are rich in Vitamin A, iron, fiber, and potassium. Consuming Colocasia leaves not only helps digestive system, but it is also good for eye vision! It helps in preventing age related eye vision issues like macular degeneration.

Ingredients:

  1. Colocasia leaves (Arbi/Patra leaves) – 10 to 12 medium-sized
  2. Grated coconut – 1 cup
  3. Green chilies – 3-4
  4. Garlic – 4-5 cloves
  5. Tamarind pulp – 2 tbsp
  6. Coriander – ½ cup
  7. Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
  8. Salt – to taste
  9. Oil – 2-3 Tbsp
  10. Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
  11. Curry leaves – a few
  12. Urad dal -1/2 tsp
  13. Red chili- 1 or 2
  14. Water – as needed.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Colocasia leaves: Wash the Colocasia leaves thoroughly to remove dirt. Trim the stems and remove thick veins if necessary. Cut leaves into small pieces.

2. Place frying pan on medium heat. Add 1 or 2 tsp cooking oil. To heated oil, add Cut Colocasia leaves and fry till leaves cook. Allow it to cool.

3. Transfer the cooked leaves to a blender, add grated coconut, green chilies, garlic, tamarind pulp, coriander leaves, cumin seeds, and salt. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chilies.

4. Add a little water to the mixture and grind it into a smooth paste. Adjust the consistency by adding water if required. The chutney should not be too runny.

5. For tempering – Heat a small pan and add a little oil. Once the oil is hot, add urad dal and mustard seeds. Add red chili, curry leaves and sauté for few seconds. Pour this tempering over the prepared chutney.

6. Serve Colocasia leaves chutney with steamed rice, roti, or even as a side dish for lunch or dinner. If you are mixing it with rice, add a little coconut oil to chutney, as it enhances the taste and flavor!

Note: It is important to cook Colocasia leaves properly, if not your tongue can start itching. This is because of Calcium oxalate crystals present in the leaves. Adding tamarind to chutney will take away the itchiness!

Image credit: Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons -Colocasia leaves.

Chutney image: WerIndia.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 24, 2024
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Oropuche virus outbreak

Travel Alert – Oropouche Virus Outbreak in Americas And Precautions For Public And Pregnant Women

An outbreak of Oropouche virus (OROV) is currently affecting several countries in the Americas. The virus, which is transmitted primarily by biting midges (Culicoides paraensis) and mosquitoes, causes Oropouche fever, a disease characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, myalgia, joint pain, and gastrointestinal issues.

Key outbreak details:

  1. Bolivia: So far this year, more than 400 confirmed cases were reported, in the departments of La Paz, Beni, and Pando.
  2. Brazil: As of late July 2024, Brazil has reported 7,284 cases, primarily in the Amazon region. Two deaths were reported in the state of Bahia, the first known fatal cases associated with acute Oropouche virus infection in Brazil.
  3. Colombia: 74 confirmed cases were reported in the departments of Amazonas, Caquetá, and Meta, with no associated deaths.
  4. Cuba: The first outbreak in Cuba occurred in May 2024, with 74 confirmed cases in Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos provinces.
  5. Peru: 290 confirmed cases have been reported in five departments, including Loreto and Madre de Dios, the highest number recorded in the country to date.
  6. United States: 21 travel-associated cases have been reported among U.S. residents who traveled to Cuba. The CDC has advised travelers to areas with known Oropouche virus activity to take precautions against insect bites to prevent further spread of the virus upon their return to the U.S.

Symptoms of Oropouche virus disease:

  • Fever: An abrupt onset of high fever is common.
  • Headache: Severe headaches, often with pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain).
  • Muscle Pain (Myalgia): Generalized muscle aches are frequent.
  • Joint Pain (Arthralgia): Pain in the joints, sometimes with swelling.
  • Rash: A maculopapular rash may develop in some patients.
  • Photophobia: Sensitivity to light.
  • Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur in some cases.
  • Neurological Symptoms: In rare cases, OROV infection may lead to neuroinvasive disease, presenting with symptoms such as a stiff neck, altered mental status, seizures, or limb weakness.

Recurrent symptoms: Unlike many other arboviral infections, symptoms of Oropouche virus disease may recur after initial recovery. Some patients experience a relapse of fever, myalgia, or headache days to weeks after the first episode of illness resolves.

Care and management: There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Oropouche. The best way to protect yourself from Oropouche is to prevent bites from biting midges and mosquitoes. Management of Oropouche virus disease is primarily supportive, as there is no specific antiviral treatment.

Supportive Care:

  1. Rest and hydration: Adequate rest and fluid intake are crucial to prevent dehydration, especially in cases with fever or gastrointestinal symptoms.
  2. Pain and fever relief: Use acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce fever and alleviate pain. Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin or ibuprofen, to reduce the risk of bleeding complications.
  3. Avoid further insect bites: Patients should use mosquito nets, insect repellents, and wear long-sleeved clothing to prevent being bitten by vectors (mosquitoes or midges), especially during the first week of illness to avoid further transmission​.
  4. Clinical monitoring: Monitor for severe or unusual symptoms, especially signs of neuroinvasive disease (e.g., stiff neck, seizures) or complications like severe bleeding or liver involvement.
  5. Pregnant patients: Should receive additional monitoring due to the risk of vertical transmission and potential adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as fetal death or congenital malformations.

Oropouche Virus and Pregnancy:

Oropouche virus (OROV) infection during pregnancy is a growing concern, especially given recent reports of potential vertical transmission (transmission from mother to fetus). The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert in July 2024 regarding this potential risk, following reports of adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with Oropouche virus infection, including fetal deaths and congenital malformations​.

Potential risks to pregnant individuals:

  1. Vertical Transmission: There is a potential for the Oropouche virus to be transmitted from a pregnant person to the fetus, like other arboviruses like Zika virus. This transmission could occur at any stage of pregnancy and may lead to severe consequences, including fetal loss, congenital anomalies, or other pregnancy complications​.
  2. Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Ongoing studies are evaluating whether Oropouche virus infection during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes, such as stillbirths or developmental issues in newborns. The evidence is currently limited, but the concern arises from similar patterns seen with other arboviral infections.

Recommendations for pregnant travelers:

  • Avoid travel to affected areas: Pregnant individuals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to regions experiencing Oropouche virus outbreaks, particularly areas with documented transmission in South America and the Caribbean.
  • Prevent insect bites: If travel is unavoidable, pregnant travelers should take stringent precautions to prevent insect bites:
    1. Use EPA-registered insect repellents.
    2. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
    3. Stay in air-conditioned or screened-in accommodations.
    4. Use bed nets if sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened environment.

Clinical Management and Monitoring:

  • Close Monitoring: Pregnant persons with a suspected or confirmed Oropouche virus infection should be closely monitored by healthcare providers for potential complications. This may include ultrasound examinations to assess fetal health and additional laboratory tests.
  • Supportive Care: Since there is no specific antiviral treatment for Oropouche virus, supportive care is essential. Fever and pain management with acetaminophen is recommended, while avoiding NSAIDs to minimize the risk of bleeding​

Public Health Actions:

  • Enhanced Surveillance and Research: Health organizations like the CDC and PAHO are increasing surveillance and research efforts to better understand the impact of Oropouche virus on pregnancy and to establish more concrete guidelines for care and prevention.

If you are pregnant and considering traveling to an area with Oropouche virus transmission, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the risks and appropriate preventive measures.

For further details on travel advisories, symptom management, and prevention measures, you can visit the CDC and WHO websites.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/oropouche/about/index.html

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 15, 2024
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Health tips for kids

Ways To Keep Kids Healthy During School Days

Kids’ health is always a great concern for parents especially when they go to school. While in school kids can be exposed to different germs that parents might not be aware of. Little ones will not understand the impact of exposure to various types of germs. All parents want to see their kids healthy, energetic, and cheerful all the time. How can parents help and take care of their kids’ health? Here are some key health tips for kids to help them stay healthy, focused, and energetic throughout the school year:

1. Healthy breakfast:

  • Ensure your kids start the day with a nutritious breakfast. Include protein (eggs, yogurt, nuts), whole grains, and fruits to boost energy and concentration.

2. Hydration:

  • Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially if they are active in sports. Packing a water bottle helps ensure they get enough fluids.

3. Balanced lunch:

  • Pack balanced lunches with a mix of proteins (chicken, turkey, beans), whole grains (whole-wheat bread, quinoa), fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (avocados, nuts). Keep sugary snacks to a minimum.

4. Sleep routine:

  • Re-establish a consistent sleep routine at least a week before school starts. Kids need 9-12 hours of sleep depending on their age and having a consistent bedtime routine helps them stay well-rested and focused.

5. Immunizations and checkups:

  • Ensure that your child’s immunizations are up to date and schedule a back-to-school checkup. Eye exams, dental visits, and overall health assessments are important before the school year starts.

6. Hand hygiene:

  • Teach kids the importance of hand washing, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Consider packing hand sanitizer for when soap and water are not readily available.

7. Physical activity:

  • Encourage daily physical activity. Whether it is participating in sports, playing outside, or walking/biking to school, exercise is essential for their physical and mental health.

8. Proper backpack use:

  • Ensure that your child uses a backpack with padded straps and encourage them to carry it with both straps to avoid back and shoulder pain. The backpack should weigh no more than 10-15% of their body weight.

9. Mental health check ins:

  • Talk to your kids about their feelings and stress related to school. Create a supportive environment where they can express worries or challenges and remind them that their mental well-being is as important as their physical health.

10. Limit screen time:

  • Encourage limiting screen time, especially before bed, to ensure quality sleep. Instead, promote outdoor play, reading, or creative activities in their downtime.

These habits help keep kids healthy and create a solid foundation for a successful school year.

Image credit: Image by Эдуард Черников from Pixabay (Free to use under pixabay license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 14, 2024
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Tips to maintain home library

Tips To Maintain Home Library

If you love books and love to collect good books and, have a good collection of books at home, then these tips can help you maintain your book collections at home. Maintaining a home library can be both enjoyable and practical. Keep your library organized and in good condition with these tips.

1. Organize by category

  • Genre/subject: Group books by genre (fiction, non-fiction, mystery, romance, etc.) or subject (history, science, cooking, etc.).
  • Author/series: If you have many books by the same author or series, consider dedicating specific shelves to them.
  • Color or size: For a more aesthetic look, you can organize books by spine color or size, though this might make finding specific titles harder.

2. Create a catalog system

  • Use an app or software (like Goodreads, LibraryThing, or a spreadsheet) to create a catalog of your books, including titles, authors, and locations. This can help you quickly find books and track what you own.

3. Regular dusting and cleaning

  • Dust shelves and books regularly to prevent dust buildup. A soft cloth or feather duster works well. Keep the library area well-ventilated to prevent mildew and mold.

4. Protect books from sunlight and moisture

  • Place shelves away from direct sunlight to avoid fading or warping. Use curtains or UV-protective window film if necessary.
  • Ensure the room is not too humid; use a dehumidifier if needed to maintain the right humidity levels.

5. Use proper shelving

  • Invest in sturdy bookshelves that can hold the weight of your books. Consider adjustable shelves to accommodate different book sizes.
  • Ensure that heavier books are placed on lower shelves to prevent toppling.

6. Regularly weed out books

  • Periodically review your collection to decide which books you want to keep, donate, or sell. This helps maintain space and allows for new additions.

7. Label sections

  • Use labels or small tags to mark different sections or categories, especially if you have a large collection.

8. Use bookends and dividers

  • To prevent books from falling over on half-filled shelves, use bookends or dividers. These also make the shelves look neat.

9. Consider a reading corner

  • Create a cozy reading nook with comfortable seating, good lighting, and a small table for coffee or notes. This encourages regular use of your library.

10. Personalize your space

  • Decorate with items that reflect your personality, such as framed quotes, small plants, or memorabilia related to books and authors.

11. Implement good lighting

  • Ensure your library has adequate lighting. Use adjustable lamps for reading areas and indirect lighting for the bookshelves to avoid glare and direct exposure.

12. Avoid overcrowding

  • Avoid stuffing books too tightly on shelves, which can damage the spines. Leave some space for airflow and easy removal of books.

If someone borrows books from you, make sure you get your book back. In this smartphone era, not everyone likes to read books as articles are readily available on fingertips. However, there are many books that are not readily available and out of print and you might be the owner of many of these books. Moreover, good books are like friends, you keep them lifelong.

Image credit: Image by Free Fun Art from Pixabay (Free to use under pixabay license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 13, 2024
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Crocodile pose for relaxation

The Crocodile Pose A Gentle Restorative Yoga Pose Helps To Relax Entire Body

The Crocodile Pose, also known as “Makarasana” in Sanskrit, is a gentle restorative yoga pose that primarily focuses on relaxation and breathing. The key benefits of performing the Crocodile Pose are:

1. Relieves stress and anxiety: The Crocodile Pose encourages deep, diaphragmatic breathing, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety levels.

2. Supports respiratory health: This pose helps open the chest and lungs, which can improve breathing capacity and help with respiratory issues like asthma or bronchitis.

3. Eases back pain: By lying flat on the stomach, the Crocodile Pose gently stretches and relaxes the muscles in the lower back, relieving tension, and discomfort. It is especially beneficial for people who suffer from mild lower back pain.

4. Improves posture: Regular practice can help improve posture by aligning the spine, reducing hunching, and strengthening the back muscles, which can correct postural imbalances over time.

5. Enhances circulation: This pose can improve blood circulation by encouraging the body to relax and allowing for better oxygen flow throughout the body.

6. Soothes the nervous system: It is calming for the nervous system, which can aid in reducing symptoms related to anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue.

7. Aids in digestion: The gentle pressure on the abdomen can help stimulate the digestive organs, aiding in digestion and relieving bloating or discomfort.

8. Relieves fatigue: Practicing this pose can help alleviate both mental and physical fatigue, providing a sense of rejuvenation and calm.

Steps to perform crocodile pose:

  1. Start by lying on your stomach.
    • Find a comfortable flat surface or yoga mat.
    • Lie face down on your stomach with your legs extended straight back and feet hip-width apart. Let your toes point outward slightly.
  2. Position your arms.
    • Fold your arms in front of you, placing one palm on top of the other.
    • Rest your forehead on your arms, ensuring your neck and shoulders are relaxed. Alternatively, you can rest your chin on your hands if that feels more comfortable.
  3. Adjust your legs and feet.
    • Allow your legs to relax and your heels to fall outward. Slowly fold and bring your one knee on the side like touching your chest (see picture)
    • Relax your entire body, releasing any tension in your back, shoulders, and hips.
  4. Focus on your breathing.
    • Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths.
    • Inhale deeply through your nose, expanding your abdomen, and exhale slowly, releasing any tension. Feel your belly pressing gently into the floor with each inhale and releasing with each exhale.
  5. Hold the pose.
    • Stay in this position for 2 to 5 minutes or longer, depending on your comfort level.
    • Use this time to relax completely, focusing on your breath and letting go of any stress or tension.
  6. To Release the pose
    • Slowly bring your arms back down to your sides. Release the leg down.
    • Repeat the pose with the other leg and stay for 2 to 5 minutes.
    • Gently roll onto one side and rest there for a few breaths before pushing yourself up to a seated position.

Tips for performing crocodile pose:

  • Find comfort: Use a folded blanket or towel under your chest or pelvis for added comfort if needed.
  • Avoid strain: If you feel any strain in your lower back or neck, adjust the position of your arms or legs to find a more comfortable angle.
  • Use support: If your lower back feels uncomfortable, you can place a pillow or bolster under your hips for support.

Image credit: photograph by Akshay Gupta Makarasana (Crocodile Pose) – PixaHive License CC0

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Yohimbine for Erectile Disfunction from Corynanthe yohimbe

Yohimbine for Erectile Disfunction from Corynanthe yohimbe

Yohimbine is derived from Pausinystalia johimbe (Corynanthe yohimbe) has been used to treat ED, but it is considered less effective than prescription medications like vardenafil. It is available in various forms, including dietary supplements, but its use is subject to regulations and potential side effects. Furthermore, the effectiveness of yohimbine can vary, and its use should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Vardenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors are prescription medications, and their use should be supervised and prescribed by a healthcare professional to ensure they are appropriate and safe for the individual. While plant-derived remedies like yohimbine may be available without a prescription, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before using any medication or supplement to address issues related to ED.

Image credit: https://www.britannica.com/plant/yohimbe-tree

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 12, 2024
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Quinine Antimalarial Drug from Cinchona

Quinine Antimalarial Drug from Cinchona

Quinine is used to treat malaria, although it is less commonly used today due to the development of other antimalarial drugs. It was originally derived from the bark of the cinchona tree Cinchona spp. which is native to South America. Quinine has historically been used to treat malaria and remains an important anti-malarial drug even today.

While quinine was traditionally extracted from cinchona bark, the increasing global demand for anti-malarial drugs has led to the development of synthetic or semi-synthetic methods for producing quinine. These methods are often more efficient and cost-effective for mass production, ensuring a stable supply of this vital anti-malarial medication.

The use of quinine for malaria treatment should be supervised and administered by healthcare professionals. Quinine has been replaced by other anti-malarial drugs like artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) due to concerns about quinine resistance and potential side effects, but it is still used in certain cases.

Image credit: Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Artemisinin for Malaria from Wormwood Plant

Artemisinin for Malaria from Wormwood Plant

Artemisinin and its derivatives are used in the treatment of malaria. Artemisinin is a powerful and effective anti-malarial medication derived from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisia annua. It has played a crucial role in the treatment of malaria, particularly drug-resistant strains.

Artemisinin and its derivatives, such as artemether and artesunate, are key components of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which are the recommended treatments for malaria by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO). The use of ACTs has been vital in addressing the global problem of malaria, particularly in regions with a high incidence of drug-resistant malaria parasites.

The original extraction of artemisinin from the sweet wormwood plant was a significant development in the fight against malaria, mass production of artemisinin is now often carried out through semi-synthetic or synthetic methods to meet the global demand for anti-malarial treatments. These methods are more efficient and cost-effective, ensuring a stable supply of this life-saving medication.

Image credit: Stefan.lefnaer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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