Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, is a growing eye problem among school-going children. A child with myopia can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects like the blackboard, classroom charts, or playground signs appear blurry. Because this problem develops slowly, many children do not complain, making myopia a silent vision problem that often goes unnoticed.

Why Is Myopia Increasing in Children?
• Excessive screen time on mobiles, tablets, computers, and televisions
• Less outdoor play and reduced exposure to natural sunlight
• Prolonged reading or writing without proper breaks
• Poor lighting while studying
• Family history of myopia
Children today spend more time indoors with screens and books, which puts extra strain on their eyes.

Signs and Symptoms Parents Should Watch For
Children often do not realize they have vision problems. Parents and teachers should look for these warning signs:
• Sitting very close to the TV or holding books too close
• Difficulty seeing the blackboard
• Squinting or narrowing the eyes to see clearly
• Frequent headaches or eye strain
• Rubbing eyes often
• Poor academic performance or lack of interest in studies
Early detection can prevent further worsening of vision.

How Myopia Affects a Child’s Life
If left untreated, myopia can affect a child’s learning, confidence, and overall development. Poor vision may lead to:
• Difficulty in schoolwork
• Reduced participation in sports and outdoor activities
• Low self-esteem
• Increased risk of severe eye problems later in life
Severe or progressive myopia can increase the risk of retinal problems, glaucoma, and early cataracts in adulthood.

Diagnosis and Treatment
• Prescription spectacles – the most common and effective solution
• Contact lenses (for older children, under supervision)
• Myopia control lenses or special glasses to slow progression
• Regular eye check-ups to monitor changes in vision

Can Myopia Be Prevented or Controlled?
While myopia cannot always be prevented, its progression can be slowed with healthy habits:
• Encourage at least 1–2 hours of outdoor play daily
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Maintain proper reading distance and posture
• Ensure good lighting while studying
• Limit unnecessary screen time
• Schedule regular eye check-ups, especially for school children

Also read articles of  Dr Hareesh K V

Dr Hareesh K V
Medical director
Abhishek Nethradhama
Krupa Bindu, No.971/37, Mig 15Th A Cross, A Sector
Khb High Rise Apartment
Ambedkar Colony, Yelahanka New town
Bengaluru -64
Ph: 080-4093 3219/77957 15203

Eye Hospital in Yelahanka new town – Abhishek Nethradhama

The post Myopia in School-Going Children – A Silent Vision Problem appeared first on Health Vision.

Many parents seek ways to enhance their children’s mental clarity, focus, and overall cognitive health. Nutritional support is one of the most impactful strategies. Here’s a guide on eight essential nutrients that play a crucial role in children’s brain development and health.

1. Vitamin B12: Supporting Nerve Health
Vitamin B12 is critical for nerve health, as it helps maintain the protective covering around nerves. Deficiencies in this vitamin can lead to issues like numbness, forgetfulness, and reduced focus. While meat sources are rich in B12, vegetarian options include milk and curd in substantial amounts.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential for Cognitive Growth
Omega-3, particularly DHA, is a powerhouse for brain development. It’s especially abundant in fish, making it a staple for brain health. Vegetarians can incorporate flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds to boost Omega-3 intake.
3. Vitamin B6: Building Neurotransmitters
Vitamin B6 is key in producing neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, which are critical for mood regulation and cognitive function. It’s found in indigenous cow’s milk, green onions, and squash, which can enhance children’s concentration and memory.
4. Magnesium: Preventing Stress and Seizures
Magnesium not only reduces stress and panic attacks in children but also shows benefits for those with epilepsy. This mineral is found in pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, walnuts, and dark chocolate, making it easy to incorporate into snacks.
5. Zinc: Enhancing Oxygen Flow to the Brain
Zinc is essential in managing oxygen levels in the brain, thereby supporting overall cognitive function. Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and whole grains are rich sources of zinc, making them easy additions to meals for improved mental clarity.
6. Vitamin B2: Protecting Brain and Nerve Health
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is vital for brain protection, preserving memory, and ensuring nerve health. Fish, meat, milk from domestic cows, spinach, and saffron are good sources of B2, supporting brain resilience during exam preparations.
7. Good Fats: Fuelling Brain Power
Healthy fats like those found in ghee, sesame oil, and coconut oil are vital for brain cell membranes, providing the brain with energy and protection. A diet rich in good fats promotes better brain function, memory retention, and overall cognitive health.
8. Vitamin C: Fighting Brain Fog and Improving Sensory Communication
Vitamin C is an antioxidant powerhouse that helps prevent brain fog, supports nerve health, and enhances sensory communication between nerves. Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi, and Indian gooseberry are rich in Vitamin C, providing the brain with the resources it needs to stay sharp.

Making Nutritional Changes: A Few Tips
Providing children with a balanced diet that incorporates these nutrients can bring noticeable improvements in cognitive abilities and focus. Some tips to make these foods a part of your child’s routine:
• Include diverse sources: Offering a variety of foods, from leafy greens to nuts, ensures they receive a full spectrum of nutrients.
• Healthy snacks: Nuts, seeds, and fruits rich in Vitamin C make easy snacks that are both nutritious and brain-boosting.
• Whole foods over processed: Nutrients from whole foods have greater bioavailability, which supports better absorption.

Dr Venkataramana Hegde

Veda Wellness Center
Nisarga Mane, Sirsi
Uttarakannada District
Ph:9448729434

The post Boosting Brain Health – Essential Nutrients for Children: appeared first on Health Vision.

1. Tell us briefly about your professional journey.

As a paediatrician specialising in neonatology from Sydney, Australia, my journey in healthcare has been driven by a deep-seated commitment to improving neonatal and pediatric healthcare in India. Returning to my homeland, I was determined to address the gaps in medical services, particularly for women and children.

Recognizing the critical need for accessible, high-quality healthcare, I founded Ankura Hospital for Women and Children with the belief that specialised and advanced medical care should reach more women and children. Though we started as a neighbourhood hospital, today Ankura has grown into a leading healthcare centre, renowned for its excellence in serving women and children. We’ve expanded across four states, with 15 centres and counting. But for me, this is just the beginning. I envision a future where every woman and child, regardless of their location, can access top-notch medical care right in their neighbourhood.

2. What made you set up Ankura Hospital? Any specific reason or event that led you to set up Ankura?
I’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable advancements in healthcare—super specializations, cutting-edge technology, and increasingly sensitive diagnostic tests have revolutionized medical treatment. What was once considered incurable is now within our grasp, and conditions, once deemed fatal, can now be managed with promising prognoses.

I firmly believe that it’s our responsibility to ensure these advancements reach every corner of our nation, especially our women and children. This belief was the driving force behind the inception of Ankura Hospital. Regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, every woman and child deserves access to the highest quality of care available.

3. With so much competition in the same space (Women and Childcare) how do you differentiate your services vis a vis other players?

In a competitive landscape like women and childcare services, setting oneself apart requires a unique approach that prioritizes quality, innovation, and a deep understanding of the needs of our patients and their families. At Ankura Hospital, we differentiate our services in several key ways:

Comprehensive Care: We provide holistic care that addresses not only physical health but also the emotional and psychological well-being of women and children. Our multidisciplinary team includes experts in various specialties, ensuring that all aspects of our patient’s health are covered under one roof.

Patient-Centred Approach: We prioritize the needs and preferences of our patients and their families, ensuring that they feel heard, respected, and involved in their care decisions. Our personalized approach to healthcare fosters trust and long-term relationships with our patients.

Advanced Technology and Expertise: We continuously invest in the latest medical technologies and ensure that our staff receives ongoing training to stay abreast of advancements in healthcare.

Community Engagement: We actively engage with the communities we serve, organizing health camps, awareness programs, and outreach initiatives to promote preventive healthcare and education. By building strong ties with our communities, we establish ourselves as trusted partners in their health journey.

Focus on Accessibility: We strive to make high-quality healthcare accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location. Through initiatives like telemedicine and our presence in lower-tier cities, we extend our reach to underserved areas, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Strong Team Stability: Our low attrition rate among doctors and staff fosters a committed team, ensuring consistency and quality care. As a certified Great Place to Work organization, we prioritize employee satisfaction, creating a positive workplace culture that enhances patient experience and sets us apart.

4. What are the core competencies of Ankura both in the Paediatric and Gynaecology divisions?

Ankura Hospital for Women and Children provides holistic and in toto healthcare services for women and children. We are proud to have all pediatric and gynaecology super specialities under a single roof. Some of our services in the paediatric division include advanced neonatal intensive care, pediatric surgery, child development, and behavioural health, and all other pediatric super specialities including pediatric neurology, paediatric rheumatology, paediatric gastroenterology, paediatric haematology, paediatric orthopaedics, etc.

In the Gynaecology division too, we are equipped to provide the highest level of care in all spheres. Some of our services include obstetric care, gynaecological surgeries, reproductive health services, gynaecological oncology, gynaecological cosmetology, laparoscopic surgeries and, vNOTES. We have also established specialised 9M fertility centres that focus on providing predictable and advanced cures for infertility.
Overall, Ankura Hospital excels in delivering comprehensive care for both children and women, utilizing advanced techniques and a patient-centred approach to ensure optimal outcomes.

5. You specialize in handling critical and high-risk patients. How do you equip your team to handle these cases? Any notable case studies.

At Ankura Hospital, we recognize the importance of specialized training and advanced equipment to handle critical and high-risk patients effectively.

Specialized Training: Our medical staff undergo rigorous training in their respective specialties, including pediatric and neonatal intensive care, obstetrics, gynaecological oncology, and surgical procedures. Continuous education and skill development programs ensure that our team stays abreast of the latest advancements in their fields.

Multidisciplinary Approach: We adopt a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, with teams comprising specialists from various disciplines working together to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This collaborative approach ensures that critical and high-risk patients receive personalized care that addresses all aspects of their condition.

Advanced Technology: We invest in state-of-the-art medical equipment and technology to support our team in diagnosing and treating complex cases effectively. From advanced imaging techniques to minimally invasive surgical tools, our cutting-edge technology enables us to deliver precise, targeted care with minimal risk to patients.

Protocols and Guidelines: We adhere to strict protocols and clinical guidelines established by international medical associations and regulatory bodies to ensure the highest standards of patient safety and quality of care. These protocols help streamline our clinical processes and ensure consistency in our approach to managing critical and high-risk cases.

With our expert care and multidisciplinary approach, we recently witnessed a miraculous recovery of a six-year-old battling dengue-multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and perforation peritonitis. Through immediate and intensive care and a series of crucial medical interventions, the little girl triumphed over all her medical complications and was discharged successfully.

6. What are your plans for expansion? How do you plan to fund this growth?

Ankura Hospital for Women and Children is strategically planning a rapid expansion over the next 30 months, with a keen focus on enhancing healthcare accessibility for specialised care. We recently stepped into Orrisa, by opening our 15th world-class centre in Bhubaneswar and we now look forward to establishing ourselves in Bengaluru, Nagpur, Vishakhapatnam, and more cities in the coming years.

We have devised a comprehensive fundraising strategy for its expansion, primarily focusing on exploring opportunities in debt financing and private equity. By leveraging these avenues, we aim to secure the necessary funds to support the expansion of services and infrastructure. This approach ensures financial sustainability, allowing Ankura to enhance its healthcare offerings and reach a wider demographic.

7. What is the state of women and child health care in India as compared to the global standards? How can the gap be bridged? What is being done by Ankura Hospital in this direction?

The state of women and child healthcare in India, while improving, still lags behind global standards in several areas. Despite significant progress in recent years, challenges such as inadequate access to quality healthcare services, high maternal and infant mortality rates, malnutrition, and disparities in healthcare delivery persist. By enhancing access to healthcare, promoting preventive care, conducting patient education programs, and providing high-quality and advanced healthcare services Ankura has been striving to bridge this gap.

8. What is your opinion about AI being accepted in all walks of life gradually which also includes the medical sector? How will it disrupt Women and Child care space? Would you adapt to this technology?

The gradual integration of artificial intelligence into various sectors, including healthcare, offers transformative potential for women and child care. AI technologies can enhance diagnostic accuracy, personalize treatment plans, and streamline administrative tasks, leading to improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

In the women and childcare space, AI-powered algorithms can aid in the early detection of conditions through imaging analysis and predictive analytics. This enables proactive intervention and risk mitigation for high-risk pregnancies and pediatric conditions. Additionally, AI can optimize administrative processes, such as appointment scheduling and medical record management, freeing up healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care.

At Ankura Hospital, we recognize the value of AI in advancing healthcare delivery. While prioritizing patient safety and ethical considerations, we are committed to integrating AI technologies into our practice to complement the expertise of our healthcare professionals and enhance the quality and accessibility of care for women and children. By embracing AI responsibly, we can harness its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for patients.

Dr Krishna Prasad Vunnam
Founder & MD
Ankura Hospital for Women & Children
www.ankurahospitals.com

The post Ankura Hospital – A Beacon of Excellence in Paediatric & Gynaecology appeared first on Health Vision.

Today, let’s explore strategies to not only improve memory but also enhance overall brain health, fostering positive mental changes. Factors such as diet, daily activities, lifestyle choices, and certain medicines play crucial roles in this endeavour.

Memory-Boosting Measures:
• Ghee: Ghee, particularly pure desi cow’s milk ghee, stands out as a top memory-boosting food. Children should consume a couple of spoons of ghee daily as part of their regular meals.
• Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, and cashews are known to significantly enhance memory power.
• Ash Gourd: According to Ayurveda, Ash gourd is considered mild and beneficial for memory. Preparing Ash gourd halwa or lehya and incorporating it into children’s daily diet can be a delicious way to reap its benefits.
• Brahmi: Administer half a glass of Brahmi or one cup of its juice daily to children. Caution: Consult a doctor before exceeding five Brahmi leaves per day.
• Yoga: Encourage children to practice asanas and pranayama for a minimum of 20 minutes daily. Even ten minutes of the chin mudra, formed by joining the tips of the thumb and forefingers, can reduce mental stress and boost memory.

Utilizing Brain Power:
• Engage in Mental Activities: Dedicate a part of the day to games or entertainment that stimulates memory. Avoid measuring or testing memory, as such actions may lead to a loss of confidence in children.
• Prioritize Comfortable Sleep: Ensure children receive a minimum of seven hours of quality sleep. Distractions, particularly from TV or mobile phones during study or homework, should be minimized.
• Control Mobile Phone Usage: If providing mobile phones to children, establish a specific time for usage, preferably once a day. During study sessions, keep mobile phones and TVs away to maintain focus.
• Optimal Study Time: It is advisable to commence studying in the morning during Brahmi Murti, considered an auspicious time according to Shastras.

By implementing these measures, parents can actively contribute to improving their children’s memory power, ensuring a positive impact on both academic performance and overall well-being during the challenging exam period.

Key Takeaways from PM Modi’s Address in “Pariksha Pe Charcha”:

• Avoid Negative Comparisons: Practice of negative comparisons by parents, teachers, or relatives, can harm a student’s mental well-being. Address the issues through positive and heartfelt conversations rather than demoralizing comparisons.
• Deep Teacher-Student Bond: There is a need for a deep and meaningful relationship between teachers and students that goes beyond the academic bond. Create an environment where students feel comfortable for discussing their tensions, problems, and insecurities with their teachers.
• Importance of Self-Care: Likened the body to a mobile phone, emphasizing the importance of keeping it “recharged” for a healthy mind. Highlighted the significance of proper sleep for maintaining physical and mental well-being.
• Practice Builds Confidence: Consistent practice builds confidence and prepares students for challenges. Encouraged students to focus on their own efforts, practice, and improvement rather than comparing themselves to others.
• Set Small Goals: Advised students to set small goals during preparation and gradually improve their performance, reducing self-imposed pressure.
• Avoid Confusion and Indecisiveness: Warned against the negative impact of confusion and indecisiveness. Encouraged students to be insightful in analysing details and decisive in overcoming confusion.
• Moderation in Technology Use: Cautioned against excess in any aspect, including the use of technology. Emphasized the need for discretion and positive utilization of technology.
• Parents as Inspirations, Not Competitors: Urged parents not to foster competition among their children but to serve as inspirations for each other.

These key points reflect the emphasis on mental well-being, positive relationships, self-care, and a balanced approach to academic and personal development in the context of education.

Dr Venkataramana Hegde

Veda Wellness Center
Nisarga Mane, Sirsi
Uttarakannada District
Ph:9448729434

The post Steps to Enhance Memory Power for Children During Exam Season appeared first on Health Vision.

The rapid rise in lifestyle diseases in children is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Children today are leading sedentary lifestyles which is harmful for their mental and physical health. Given their lethargic routine, which includes long sitting hours and screen time, they are becoming more and more prone to lifestyle diseases such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, COPD, anxiety, potential heart diseases and so on. According to a research paper titled “Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Children” by Dr. Randeep Guleria, Dr. Surya Prakash Bhat and Dr. Sushil Kumar Kabra, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is an increasingly recognised health issue especially in Asian Indian children aged 10 and above.

OSA is the most common sleep related breathing disorder in which there are episodes of complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway leading reduced or absent breathing during sleep. There are several reasons for growth of OSA in children some of which are growing urbanization and nutrition transition, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the most common cause of OSA in children. Obesity, tumour, down syndrome, cleft palate repairs, receding chin, allergies, oxidative stress and anatomical abnormalities are some other reasons. OSA is associated with metabolic, cardiovascular and neuropsychological disorders.

According to Dr. Randeep Guleria, Chairman, Institute of Internal Medicine & Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Medanta, and Former Director & CEO, AIIMS, New Delhi “OSA in children is defined as an absence of airflow with continued chest wall and abdominal wall movement for duration longer than two breaths. It is diagnosed by conducting a polysomnography test in children which is considered a gold standard. If diagnosed, children should be put under treatment which includes management of conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hyperlipemia if present and if needed adenotonsillectomy may be conducted. Various lifestyle modifications should also be undertaken by children, including physical activities such as planned exercise, recreational activities, sports and so on. They should ditch the lethargic lifestyle and try to remain active. Use of CPAP device and surgical treatments are other ways of treating OSA.”

As a sleep-related disorder, OSA deprives children of the restful sleep they should be experiencing every night. Sleep plays a crucial role in developing young minds. Those regularly catching up on deep sleep enjoy improved learning, attention, memory, and overall wellbeing. OSA in children could lead to a long-lasting impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. To learn more about this health issue, parents and concerned caretakers should visit sleep experts and healthcare professionals which can help them in an early detection and the requisite recourse. This will ensure timely care and enable children to enjoy the golden phase of their lives.

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Parents often find themselves asking what more they can do to ensure their kids have good health habits. Fortunately, there are multitude of simple health tips that can be implemented to improve the overall health of kids. This article will provide an overview of some effective and easy-to-implement health tips for children. These suggestions can help create a healthier environment for kids and promote long-term health benefits.

6 Useful Tips to Improve Your Child’s Health

Manage Their Sleep Routines

An adequate amount of sleep will top the list of health tips for kids because your body needs a proper good night’s sleep to manage your overall health. With kids, the sleep requirement varies depending on their age. For example, babies will need at least 16 hours of sleep, while toddlers will require 12 to 14 hours. Kids between the ages of three to 12 will need 10 to 12 hours of sleep, and eight to nine hours are enough for kids older than that.

Make sure you form good sleeping habits, like encouraging your kids to sleep early and wake up early to form a healthy sleeping schedule.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Our health reflects the choices we make to live our life. Hence, the choices we are going to make to lead our lives will also affect our health in the long term. For example, if you are going to regularly make your child eat junk food or support a sedentary lifestyle for them, it will affect their health.

So, ensure your child is making healthy choices by feeding them nutritious food with essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and other nutrients. Make sure your child participates in extracurricular activities like outdoor sports, art, and other hobbies to maintain healthy physical as well as mental health.

Develop Healthy Personal Hygiene

Another useful tip to improve your child’s health and help them maintain a healthy life is to adopt good personal hygiene. Personal hygiene is an essential aspect of staying healthy, especially for kids.

Developing good personal hygiene habits at an early age can go a long way in preventing the spread of germs and diseases. It plays a key role in protecting kids from illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses in schools, playgrounds, and other public places. Children are more susceptible to getting sick than adults because their immune systems are still developing. By washing their hands frequently with soap and water, using hand sanitizers  when necessary, covering their mouth while coughing or sneezing, brushing and flossing, washing hands before eating, after coming from outside and after using the washroom (to keep germs away from the body), rinsing their mouth after eating, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick, kids can minimize their risk of contracting illnesses.

Don’t Forget Their Regular Immunizations

Getting your kids their regular immunizations is one of the most important tips to improve their health and ensure they don’t fall ill frequently. Vaccines are designed to help protect children from various diseases that can cause serious illness or even death.

Following the recommended vaccination schedule, parents can prevent their children from contracting measles, mumps, rubella, and polio.

So, if there are any pending COVID-19 boosters or flu shots that need to be given to your child, make that doctor’s appointment immediately!

Maintain Medical Records

This health tip for kids is not directly related to improving your child’s health but contributes towards maintaining a good overtime. A part of having a child will majorly include you carrying around a bulky file that includes all their medical history – from blood tests and history of allergies to immunization records and lab test reports. But how efficient is this old-school way? Not much, if you think about it.

You are always at risk of losing an important paper or forgetting to file it and eventually not bringing it with you on your next doctor’s visit. A PHR application can help you save your child’s medical history in digital format so you can carry them along whenever needed!

Reduce Their Screen Time

In today’s digital age, kids spend more time in front of screens than ever. While technology has brought many conveniences into our lives, excessive screen time can harm young children’s health and well-being.

Reducing screen time can improve a child’s physical health. Excessive screen use can lead to sedentary behavior and lack of physical activity, which increases the risk of obesity and other related health problems. Children can develop healthier habits that promote physical fitness by encouraging outdoor playtime or engaging in active games that do not involve screens.

Blend Health with Learning

Lastly, As parents, following tips to improve your child’s health is essential. But have you ever thought that teaching your child the importance of staying healthy isn’t always supposed to be boring? Yes, you can add a touch of fun to some health lessons by mixing the two. For example, let your child identify the colours of the vegetables and fruits while eating, or you can teach them how to count when skipping the rope! See, it doesn’t need to be boring after all.

Jigar Patel
Founder, Health-e.

The post 6 Useful Tips to Improve Childs Health appeared first on Health Vision.

In recent months, adults and children have headed back to normalcy, with the reopening of offices and schools. Likewise, in-person learning, sports and afterschool activities have begun in full swing. While this has given many families a bit of normalcy back in their lives, it has also created a health challenge among school going kids.

Doctors have reported a significant increase in cases of respiratory infections among children in Bengaluru in the last few weeks. School-going kids normally suffer from respiratory infections during the rainy season due to low immunity, but compared to the last two years, their incidence is on the rise this year. Opening of schools is leading to cross-infection between students, leading to recurrent infections. Weather is also helping the viruses to grow and multiply, infecting more and more people, according to paediatricians in the city.

We are seeing a surge in both viral and bacterial infections among children, especially H1N1 cases. Kids are presenting themselves with symptoms like common cold, wheezing, fever, and loss of appetite. If these respiratory infections are not treated early, they can lead to pneumonia and empyema, an infection that spreads directly from the lung, leading to a build-up of pus. In these cases, hospital admission is required for the child, and longer treatment. We are already seeing many children getting admitted due to these infections.

Respiratory infections are contagious and spread through air or physical contact. Children with reactive airways disease, in which bronchial tubes which bring air into the lungs overreact to an irritant, swell, and cause breathing problems, are prone to recurring respiratory symptoms. These infections can spread to adults too from children.

We should follow Covid guidelines like social distancing, mask and frequent hand sanitisation. Parents should not send their wards to school when they have fever to prevent spread of infections. Schools also should not allow students with fever to come for classes. After coming back from school, kids should wash properly and change clothes. Everyone should avoid crowded places.

Dr. BK Vishwanath Bhat
Paediatrician and Managing Director
Radhakrishna Multispecialty Hospital, Bengaluru

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It is estimated that about 10000-15000 children are born with thalassemia in India slowly moving our country becoming the capital of thalassemia cases. It is predicted that in the next 20 years, about 900,000 patients with thalassemia will be born in the world, with 95% of them being in Asia especially in India and Middle East.

Depending on the genes involved the disorder can be categorised into alpha thalassemia, beta  or delta thalassemia. Of these, beta thalassemia is the most severe form also known as “Cooley’s anemia” which requires lifelong blood transfusions.

How is thalassemia inherited?

It is passed on from the parents to children through genes one from each parent (genes occur in pairs with one gene inherited from father and other from mother). It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner i.e. two defective alleles (genes) are required for the disease condition to be expressed. An individual carrying only one defective gene is said to be carrier/trait/minor and an individual with two defective genes is called thalassemia major.

If both the parents are carriers then there is a 25% chance that the child may be normal, 50% that the child will be a carrier and 25% chance that the child may be patient or thalassemia major. Thalassemia carriers are asymptomatic with mild or no anemia. However, their haemoglobin levels may reduce under stress due to puberty, pregnancy or infection and may require treatment. They may have iron deficiency and may require treatment with iron supplements.

Signs and symptoms 

Thalassemia major children do not show signs or symptoms in their infancy and cannot be diagnosed clinically or with routine diagnostic tests. Around 90-95% thalassemia majors start showing symptoms within 3-24 months. They present with persistent and progressive pallor (pale appearance), poor appetite, weakness, lethargy and delayed milestones. On examination they will have anemia of moderate to severe degree along with enlarged liver and spleen. Children diagnosed at later age have typical thalassemia facial features (frontal bossing, prominence of of facial bones, forward protrusion of upper teeth, and depression of nasal bridge). Inadequately transfused thalassemia major also show similar symptoms.

How to diagnose a thalassemia major child?

If there is any suspicion of thalassemia in a child, then the following investigations have to be done to confirm the diagnosis:

Complete Blood Count (CBC): CBC using an automated cell counter will reveal haemoglobin (Hb) level <7 gms/dl, WBC counts mildly elevated, MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) and MCV (Mean CorpuscularVolume) reduced and MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) will be normal.

Peripheral blood shows microcytic hypochromic picture along with anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, broken red cells and target cells. Large number of nucleated RBC’s will be seen.

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Hemoglobins are of three types depending on the stage at which they are expressed – HbA, HbA2 and HbF. In thalassemia major, Hb electrophoresis or Hb HPLC will reveal HbF 70-99%.

Biochemical Tests: Unconjugated bilirubin may be high. Serum iron, transferrin saturation and serum ferritin may be normal in early infants but are elevated if the diagnosis is delayed.

DNA Testing: DNA analysis detects the type of mutation/defect in the beta globin gene causing thalassemia major. More than 250 changes have been reported to be causing the disease.

All these tests should be done before putting them on transfusion to rule out whether it is thalassemia or other causes including iron deficiency anemia.

An Early Diagnosis can reduce the mortality among the children affected with this disorder.

Dr. Padma G
Research Scientist, TSCS
Co-authored
Dr. Suman Jain
Chief Medical Research officer and Secretary
TSCS- Thalassemia and sickle cell society, Hyderabad

The post Thalassemia disorder: How it is inherited from Parents to Children appeared first on Health Vision.

What’s teaching?

Teaching is a skill which can be learnt but being passionate about teaching is not an easy task. Every teacher teaches some subject or the other. But very few teachers leave an indelible mark on the minds of learners.

If a teacher shares the teaching concepts, he / she will only impart book knowledge, which the child can only learn. It’s important for a teacher to follow a certain methodology which is effective to make a learner sustain interest in the class.

How to create interest?

1. It’s simple, always start your class from a known concept and then move on to an unknown concept. While doing it, insight passion in students by asking questions which are thought provoking.

2. Always concentrate on the slow learners. Do not ask a question for the whole class! It will create a mess. Rather ask those backbenchers and slow learners which will automatically make them be alert and they then try to make an attempt to answer.

3. Never discourage a child even if he/ she goes wrong or gives out the wrong answer. Never consider any question being asked by students “silly”.

4. Always initiate a talk with that child who is an introvert and try to help him in expressing his thoughts, ideas, fears, interests etc. By doing so you will definitely help all the children in a class involve themselves in class interaction and group discussions.

Challenges faced by teachers after Covid:

1. Nowadays it has become difficult to make a child sit in a class for one period.

2. Consistency and continuity of a Child’s mind is missing; Social development seems to be changed.

3. Children have forgotten social behaviour after a gap of two years

4. Simple etiquette has to be taught everyday.

5. Reminders are set aside by all teachers for the children so that they do not forget their routine. Everything seems to be new for the children.

6. Formal ways of learning and writing are becoming difficult. Reading habits have taken a back seat, Handwriting has become pathetic. Laziness and procrastination has taken a prime position.

7. Addiction to phone, gaming, chatting and social media has become common.

8. Parents’ guidance seems to be a disturbance to children.

9. Basics in almost all the subjects have been forgotten by the children.

10. Eating habits and lack of exercise has made children obese and inactive

11. Improper time schedule and lack of self-motivation has resulted in poor academic performance.

Finally, it’s the teacher at school and the parents at home who have to bear the brunt of covid 19 pandemic.

Teachers role

Teachers have to develop more patience, empathy and cooperate with the heterogeneous group and try to impart knowledge away from the books. A teacher has to make the children think out of the box and develop analytical, technical, digital, social, critical and logical thinking. It’s definitely a challenge for teachers of today.

Happy Teachers Day to all the nation builders.

Ms Abida Begum
Principal
Florence Public School
R.T.Nagar, Bangalore – 560032

The post Teaching : A Challenge appeared first on Health Vision.

The brain undergoes a rapid growth during the first three years of life. During this early stages, a child’s brain is susceptible to cognitive development. Further, early brain development leads to early literacy. Thus, it plays a pivotal role in contributing to an individual’s ability to learn and succeed in life.

Science behind Breastfeeding and early brain development

Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition which babies need during the first six months of life, helping them to prevent illness and boost brain development. It is ideal food for infants as it contains a variety of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals vital for early child development and also enhances healthy brain development. Similarly, the process also protects mothers against deadly illnesses and has many other beneficial effects.

A study says it is important to have Mother-to child touch and an emotional bond is developed during breastfeeding. This bonding plays an important role in strengthening a child’s sensory and emotional circuitry which further helps in cognitive and social-emotional development. A child who is exclusively on breast milk for six months of life will foster better growth and development. Breast milk contains a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), notably docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been considered a key explanation for neurodevelopmental benefits of breast milk.

It contains significant quantities of cholesterol, an indispensable component of myelin membranes. These benefits have been largely attributed to human milk oligosaccharides (HMOS), an important constituent of human milk. Sialic Acid is one of the major contributor which infants get from Breast milk. It is a key molecule essential for proper development of gangliosides, and hence critical in brain development and function.

Other benefits of breastfeeding for infants and mothers include:

1. For most babies, mother’s breast milk provides an adequate amount of nutrition.

2. The baby develops antibodies from the mother through breastfeeding. The antibodies play an important role in protecting the baby from various illnesses. Also, the antibodies will help develop a strong immune system and protect the babies from severe infections.

3. Helps mother reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

4. Breastfeeding helps moms to reduce weight from pregnancy at a faster pace.

5. Lowers risk of postpartum depression, postpartum bleeding and the risk of urinary tract infections.

6. Aids positive mood.

7. Emotionally, breastfeeding boosts the level of soothing hormones including prolactin and oxytocin which helps with stress reduction.

Also Read: Breast feeding benefits and natural remedies to improve breast milk 

Conclusion

There is evidence that breastfeeding has benefits which enhances a child’s neurodevelopment. It is proven that breastmilk is far more nutritive than formula milk. It is advisable for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months as it acts as the baby’s first vaccine. It is the best vaccine to protect the child from certain diseases and any form of malnutrition.

Dr. Gowri Ravi Chinthalapalli

Consultant – Child Development

Aster CMI Hospital

The post Benefits of breastfeeding – How breast milk promotes healthy brain development? appeared first on Health Vision.