Pesticides include a wide range of chemicals such as herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Some of the most commonly used pesticides include glyphosate, organophosphates, and carbamates. These chemicals can enter the human body through food, water, air, and even skin contact, leading to varying levels of exposure.

Scientific Evidence Linking Pesticides to Cancer
Numerous studies have examined the relationship between pesticide exposure and cancer risk. Key findings include:
Glyphosate and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen” in 2015. Several epidemiological studies have found an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among agricultural workers exposed to glyphosate-based herbicides.
Organophosphates and Leukemia: Organophosphate pesticides, commonly used in farming, have been linked to an increased risk of leukemia, particularly in children exposed to these chemicals in utero or early childhood.
DDT and Breast Cancer: Although banned in many countries, DDT and its breakdown products persist in the environment and have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Pesticide Exposure and Prostate Cancer: Studies indicate that farmers and pesticide applicators have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, possibly due to prolonged exposure to certain pesticides like chlorpyrifos.

Mechanisms Behind Pesticide-Induced Cancer
Pesticides may contribute to cancer development through various biological mechanisms:
• DNA Damage: Some pesticides act as genotoxic agents, causing mutations in DNA that can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
• Endocrine Disruption: Many pesticides interfere with hormone regulation, which can contribute to hormone-related cancers like breast and prostate cancer.
• Oxidative Stress: Exposure to pesticides can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cellular damage and increased cancer risk.

Reducing Pesticide Exposure
Given the potential risks, it is essential to take steps to reduce pesticide exposure:
• Opt for Organic Produce: Organic farming limits the use of synthetic pesticides, reducing exposure through food consumption.
• Wash Fruits and Vegetables: Proper washing and peeling of produce can lower pesticide residues.
• Use Protective Gear: Farmers and agricultural workers should wear protective clothing and follow safety guidelines when handling pesticides.
• Support Regulatory Measures: Advocating for stricter regulations on harmful pesticides can help reduce public health risks.

Scientific research strongly suggests a link between pesticide exposure and increased cancer risk, particularly for individuals in high-exposure occupations. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects, adopting preventive measures can help minimize risks. Consumers, policymakers, and agricultural professionals all have a role to play in ensuring safer pesticide use and reducing potential health hazards.

Prashanth Sundaresh
Co founder and operations head, Woodified Natura
65/2, 6th Cross, Kaveri Pura, Bengaluru – 560079
E-mail: prashanth@woodifiednatura.in
Ph: 91485 43303/ 9845764343
https://woodifiednatura.in

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Deepavali is a very important festival celebrated in India. Deepavali means “row of lights”. That is why Deepavali is called the festival of lights. Deepavali also means awakening the inner light i.e. the light of Jnana.

Deepavali is said to be the celebration of victory of Rama over Ravana and reaching Ayodhya. It is also the day of God Krishna killed Narakasura. Therefore, the destruction of evil and the celebration of virtue is the symbol of Deepavali.

In most places, Deepavali is celebrated by the household members by cleaning their homes, decorating them with lights, prayers, and enjoying sweets.

But these practices are not limited to mere likes. These practices are religiously, ideologically, socially important and beyond this the principles of health are incorporated in our practices. According to the time, food required by the body, achara and vihara (work to be done), the basic principles of Ayurveda have been implemented in the form of rituals. Necessary health formulas are incorporated in the form of ritual in accordance with the constant changes in the climate.

Celebration

A five-day celebration, Deepavali begins on the 13th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwini and ends on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartika. During these days i.e. the end of Ashwini month and the beginning of Kartika month, it is the time of transition from one month to another and there is a great change in the weather. Cold, windy and wet weather begins in the atmosphere. So Vata gradually increases during this period. These changing weather conditions leads to changes in the human body and mind and disturb the balanced vata of the body.

Therefore, all the rituals and traditions of Deepavali are adapted to alleviate Vata Dosha and balance the imbalances in the body.

Traditionally Deepavali is celebrated by waking up at Brahma Muhurta, performing oil abhyaya, bathing, wearing new clothes, puja, prayers, lighting sesame lamps in the evening and serving sweet meals to the household.

Waking up at Brahma Muhurta

Ayurveda tells waking up at Brahma Muhurta, although Brahma Muhurta varies from region to region, approximately 2 Muhurtas before sunrise i.e. 1 and half hours before sunrise is called Brahma Muhurta. Sattvic energy is at its highest in nature during this period, giving pleasure to my mind. Increases mental concentration and calms the mind. During this period, Apana Vayu, which aids in the excretion of faeces and urine, is quickened and naturally expelled from the body. This is a great time for health and spiritual fulfilment.

Appetizer

Oils prepared from medicinal herbs and sesame seeds are heated and are usually said to be used as a condiment for the body. Sesame seeds are rich in astringent and thermal properties, and the herbal oil processed with them provides special health benefits. Reduces coldness and roughness of vata dosha, reduces mental tension, calms nervous system, promotes sleep. It nourishes the body and gives radiance to the skin.

Bathing

A hot bath is best. Hot water bath increases the blood circulation of the body, reduces body fatigue, fatigue, appetite, improves digestion. Using medicated bath powders instead of soaps can help retain the skin’s natural moisture, cleanse the skin, and rejuvenate the skin.

Special foods

Deepavali special sweets are also in accordance with Ayurvedic principles. Sweets, fried snacks are specially prepared on Deepavali. Atirasa (Kajjaya), Parmanna, Payasa, and fried items prepared from ingredients like coconut, rice, jaggery, sesame, ghee, chickpea flour, milk, etc. have special viscous (greasy) quality, which helps to reduce excess moisture in the body and atmosphere and increase the necessary viscosity. Ayurveda advises to eat sweet, sour, hot and sticky foods during this time.

 Deepavali Lehya

Many regions of South India have a tradition of consuming special lehya made from medicinal herbs on Deepavali. This lehya is called Deepavali lehya.

Lehya made with dry ginger, black pepper, cumin, coriander, hippali, garlic, nutmeg and ghee is consumed after oil bath on the festival day. During this time of change of seasons, cold starts, many infectious diseases start and digestive power decreases. So consumption of this lehya is advised to be consumed as tradition. Many diseases can be prevented by consuming this lehya. Improves immunity, good taste, digestion and relieves indigestion and stomach disorders. It also helps to easily digest the food eaten excessively during Deepavali festival.

Lighting the lamp

Deepavali is special by lighting the lamp. Light is a symbol of purity, auspiciousness, knowledge and power. So the significance of this is to apply knowledge as light against darkness and ignorance. It is said that in northern India, Lord Rama reached Ayodhya on the day of Amavasya after his victory, so people celebrated by lighting lamps.

Since there is no light on the day of Amavasya, and negative energy increases in the atmosphere during this time, lamps are lit outside every house before winter begins. Especially lighting a sesame oil lamp purifies the polluted atmosphere and warms the environment.

Ayurveda prescribes Panchakarma treatment to cleanse the body, mind, senses and emotions of constant unnecessary toxins, negative emotions and mental stress if the external cleansing of the body is done by bathing, Abhyanjanadi.

In the eara of mechanical life, the body does not purify itself. The mind is overstimulated by mental stress, anxiety, negative thoughts. Without body and mind purity there can be no mind or self-purity. Spiritual energy is necessary to be healthy, so on the festival day, worship, mantra, japa, discourse and spiritual meditation can be used to develop mental peace, spiritual energy and get the benefits of perfect health.

Thus, health formulas are included in our rituals and Deepavali festival is important from the point of view of health beyond religious, social and ritual.

Dr. Mahesh Sharma M.
Sri Dharamsthal Manjunatheshwar Ayurvedic Hospital
Mysore Road, Anchepalya, Bengaluru
Ph.: 9964022654
drsharmamysr@gmail.com

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Open defecation is a challenge for rural India that perpetuates the vicious cycle of disease and poverty and is an affront to personal dignity. Besides severe health issues, it is a serious safety concern for the women of rural India. There is fear of animal and reptile bites. Crimes against women are also common when they come out in the dark in the fields to relieve themselves.

Ramilaben Nayaka, a domestic worker, lives with her aged mother-in-law, husband and two adolescent children in Anjlav, a remote tribal village of Valsad district in Gujarat. Her daughter Urvashi used to choose dark hours in the early morning or late evenings to relieve herself on the outskirts of the village. The anxiety of being seen by someone made her choose these odd hours. Their economic condition did not allow them to build a personal toilet for the family. Atul Foundation had built a toilet for them in their backyard. “I need not worry about my aged mother and adolescent daughter now, especially during the monsoon,” shares Ramilaben.

This is not an isolated story of any particular family from a tribal village of South Gujarat. Many people residing in the tribal villages, still use open fields and riverbanks to relieve themselves. Atul Foundation has been reaching out to rural families since the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission by the Honourable Prime Minister in 2014, and providing them access to toilets near their residences. The Foundation has built about 5,500 toilets in 38 villages providing safe sanitation spaces to about 27,500 people. These toilets are fitted with water tanks and septic tanks. The families had also contributed to the construction of these toilets by providing labour, which further strengthened their ownership and responsibility of maintaining these spaces. Toilets were also customised to better suit the needs of specially-abled villagers.

Some families had individual toilets that were not being used as they needed repair and maintenance. In 2021, Atul Foundation joined hands with District Rural Development Agency, Valsad and retrofitted 211 toilets, thus reaching out to more than 1,000 people. Besides household toilets, Atul Foundation has also built toilets for students on their school premises. Children spend a lot of time in schools hence, it is important that the schools have decent toilets. The Foundation has built | renovated toilet blocks in 13 schools, providing decent sanitation facilities to about 5,000 children every year.

Atul Foundation has also started constructing toilet blocks for community use. The Foundation has constructed a toilet in the Nayakwad area of Atul village that provides safe sanitation facilities to around 350 people every day.  After the completion of the construction of the toilets, a survey was conducted on their actual usage and an analysis of their impact on the community. The results were encouraging. It confirmed that all the toilets are being used and maintained and that the beneficiaries are happy using them as they are spacious and durable.

About Atul Foundation.

The Foundation aims to continue to expand its outreach every year to help the underprivileged with access to their basic human rights that will ensure safety, security and dignity. Atul Foundation was established in 2010 as an umbrella trust of Atul. It carries out activities under six broad programs of national importance: Education, Empowerment, Health, Relief, Infrastructure, and Conservation.

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 Air pollution due to smoke from chulha and angithies, metal dust from machines in factories, and dust from stone cutting in Aravalis is leading to poor lung health among people in and around Faridabad. Individuals directly exposed to these pollutants are particularly at risk of severe lung disease, according to experts at Amrita Hospital. Doctors say they are seeing alarmingly poor lung health among people in the region, with many of them coming with advanced stage of lung disease after ignoring symptoms for years.

Women’s health is not given high priority

Said Dr. Arjun Khanna, Head, Dept. of Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Sector-88, Faridabad: “Women in villages in Faridabad and rural areas around Delhi are still cooking food on traditional chulha or angithis, which cause significant smoke pollution. They don’t realize that this smoke is even more dangerous than cigarette smoke and gets inhaled in large quantity daily. Even a few years of daily exposure to chulha smoke causes as much lung damage as someone smoking cigarettes for 30 years. Due to this, we are seeing large number of young women patients in their 30s and 40s suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition typically found in elderly cigarette smokers who have been smoking for decades. Many of these women are from well-to-do families in villages, but they still prefer to use chulha that burns wood or animal dung. This is an old kitchen tradition they find hard to break even when cooking gas is available.”

He added: “In India, neither lung disease nor women’s health are given high priority, and people tend to overlook symptoms for years. When exposed to chulha smoke, the situation becomes much worse. Treatment of COPD is not very difficult. Some basic medicines, breathing exercises, and avoiding smoke can make one’s life return to normal, even though the disease cannot be reversed.”

Also Read: Healthy lungs : Very crucial to fight against infectious disease. 

Pollution from industrial activity in the city

Faridabad is the biggest industrial town in Delhi-NCR. Direct exposure to pollution from industrial activity in the city is also causing poor lung health among people. Said Dr. Sourabh Pahuja, Consultant, Dept. of Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Sector-88, Faridabad: “Workers in industries are constantly getting exposed to pollutants and substances they work with, such as metal dust, leading to occupational lung diseases like asbestosis and silicosis. Faridabad falls in the Aravali range, with stone-crushing and stone-cutting as an industry. Stone dust is inhaled by these workers every day due to lack of protective equipment. Many people from factories and stone-crushers are coming to us, suffering from lung disease due to long-term exposure to pollutants at workplace.”

Also Read: Impact of air pollution on health and life – reduces life expectancy by 8 years.

The doctors said that another challenge is the reluctance of people in rural areas to allow children suffering from asthma to use pumps or nebulizers. “Asthmatic young children studying in school are not allowed to use pumps or nebulizers by parents due to fears that it will become a lifelong habit and hamper their marriage prospects. This is a deep social prejudice in rural and semi-urban areas that needs to be tackled,” said Dr. Sourabh Pahuja.

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The next time you need to clean a window or a sink, you won’t need to travel to the store; just raid your cabinets and create a homemade cleaning solution. Using simple supplies, and herbal options, homemade cleaners can be manufactured quickly, inexpensively, and effectively. Think about club soda, which uses its bubbles to help remove grime and dissolve stains. Or you might use cleaning vinegar, which works by reducing the formation of bacteria and preventing mold and mildew due to its acidity. Or even vodka, which is known for eliminating germs.

    Cleaners manufactured from natural herbs and eco-friendly materials don’t have to be expensive or difficult to locate. To sanitize your floors, kitchen counters, and many other surfaces in your home, you may manufacture them right now using many of the components you already have. However, if you are someone, who does not want to invest time in making organic cleaners there are companies available to provide herbal natural products. 

Benefits Of Using Herbal Cleaning

Let’s take a sneak peek into the benefits of using herbal options for cleaning the home.

1.Effective

Did you know that herbs have been used for their ability to disinfect for a very long time? Herbs have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities. For instance, to control sickness, jails were decorated with hyssop and rue plants.

2.Safer

Herbs each have their own set of advantages. Herbs such as lavender can help you relax, and peppermint can help relieve headaches and act as a natural pesticide. Many commercial cleaning supplies, on the other hand, can irritate the eyes, and throat, and cause headaches and other health problems hence, switching to natural detergent is the best and safest option. Some of these products even emit chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are commonly found in pesticides and industrial emissions and may harm you.

3.Cost Effective

Growing herbs indoors or outdoors is simple, inexpensive, and enjoyable. If you don’t have the time or space to garden, check out your local farmers market or grocery store.

4.Environment Friendly

These cleaners are not only safe and inexpensive, but they are also environmentally friendly. Making your cleaners and reusing glass or plastic spray bottles reduces plastic waste significantly. It also reduces the number of chemicals that are washed down the drain and end up in our water systems.

5.Flexible and Fun

Preparing natural homemade cleaners is quite rewarding, at least for me — first, the satisfaction of creating something with a few natural ingredients I have on hand. Second, herbs help to add a pleasant aroma to my home. Every herb has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Types of Herbs used for House Cleaning

Fresh herbs can be used to make homemade cleaners, but they must be washed first. The purest form of the herb is an essential oil, which is extremely effective at killing germs. Essential oil (0.5% strength) has been shown in studies to be effective as a commercial antimicrobial additive to detergent solutions for handwashing and surface cleaning.

The lavender and rosemary combination provides a naturally calming sensation, and the fresh scent lingers for the appropriate amount of time.

Should you use fresh or dried herbs? It’s fine if you have both fresh and dried herbs on hand. Both dried and fresh herbs are effective cleaning agents. However, just like in cooking, dried herbs are much more expensive.

Growing Multiple Herbs in a Single Container: Basil Companion

As you can see, numerous herbs can be used for cleaning, each with its specialty.

However, do you need one container for each herb if you want more than one cleaner? Can you put multiple herbs in the same container? That will save time, space, and soil.

You can, however, have multiple herbs in the same container, which is not recommended. But be careful: if you choose the wrong ones, one of them will perish.

Conclusion

With this guide, you’ll be able to put your extra herbs to use and turn them into effective homemade cleaners. These are not only effective stain removers in your home, but they also have a pleasant aroma.

They are eco-friendly and allow you to learn a lot more about your herbs. Don’t forget that this can be a fun activity for both parents and children. Your children can learn about various herbs and solutions while also learning how to be more environmentally conscious.

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• India registers 18% of deaths annually due to air pollution while 7 million die annually across the world due to air pollution
• Air pollution caused a total loss of Rs. 2,60,000 crores to the Indian economy in 2019 while $9000 is spent every second in the world due to air pollution

Air pollution is the third most man-made potential catastrophe for the ecosystem as well as the health of all living beings including children, expected women, and elderly people. It is the leading cause of critical non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), respiratory illness, lung cancer, stroke, including disabilities and deaths across the globe.

Air pollution is the biggest threat to humanity and has wider economic implications for the country and the world. It is a preventable tragedy that can be averted only by the joint effort of individuals and government by devising and implementing necessary policies. Air pollution was responsible for nearly 14% of contribution to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to NCDs in India in 2015.

Rising burden of air pollution:

According to ASSOCHAM’s report on the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in India, air pollution is the most prevalent risk factor for NCDs with a prevalence of 76.4%. The survey, which is the largest in India, points out that every 3 out of 4 individuals are exposed to high air pollution making the risk of air pollution pervasive and relatively similar across all age groups. It found that the risk of air pollution is marginally higher for the younger population who are either studying or working.

The report observes that air pollution is a significant risk factor for respiratory diseases which include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, and lung cancer. Exposure to air pollution on the road increases the chances of developing respiratory diseases by 16%. Air particulate matter (PM) pollution, PM2.5, and PM10 particles can penetrate deep into the lungs’ passageways and are most harmful to health causing excessive premature mortality.

Air pollution affects skin diseases the most, increasing the chances by as high as 52%. Air pollutants may lead to skin aging, inflammatory or allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and acne, and skin cancer. Indoor air pollution such as workplace and household air pollution are major risk factors with a prevalence of 20.1% and 28.7% respectively. The report covered 2,33,672 people and 673 public health offices in 21 states to analyse the rising cases of NCDs and the social profile of suffering households.

Impact of air pollution on the economy:

Air pollution has hit the economy and productivity due to loss of working pollution and by increasing the government’s healthcare expenditure. It also impacts people’s movement leading to psychological problems due to limited social interaction and alteration in consumption behaviour.

Delving on the impact of air pollution on the economy, Prof. Lallan Prasad, Eminent Columnist, Prolific Writer, Economist and Social Activist commented, “According to WHO report, 7 million deaths happen per year globally due to air pollution and every second $9000 is spent across the world due to air pollution. This problem is more severe in South-Asia where countries like India register 18% of deaths annually due to air pollution which caused a total loss of 2,60,000 crore to the economy in 2019 alone.”

Commenting on the severity of air pollution in India particularly in Delhi, Dr. G C Khilnani, Former Head & Professor Department of Pulmonary Medicine & Sleep Disorders AIIMS, New Delhi Chairman, PSRI Institute of Pulmonary Critical Care & Sleep Medicine says, “Air pollution takes us from wellness to illness reducing life expectancy by almost 8 years. In Delhi, people have got used to this fait accompli where every year they will face breathing problems and other health-related issues due to noxious air during the winter season. Air pollution not only affects our immediate health but also makes us prone to several diseases starting from bronchitis, heart diseases, stroke, coronary artery disease, a variety of cancers, etc. During Covid, the severity of the infection and mortality rate was found to be extreme in regions where the air pollution is high. My sincere advice will be to vaccinate the elderly for flu and pneumonia, use N95 masks, avoid breathing exercise early in the morning, and use a good quality air purifier to reduce the ill-effect of toxic air on our health.”

Impact of air pollution on children

Highlighting the impact of air pollution on children, Dr. Rajiv Chhabra, Chief Paediatric, Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram added, “Air pollution is a life sentence for an unborn child. It may lead to low birth rate besides impacting child health by making them predisposed to diseases like asthma. Air pollution can also hamper child development resulting in autism later in life. It is also associated with obesity which is the mother of all diseases. Against this backdrop, it is advisable to vaccinate children for diseases like influenza and pneumonia and take a diet rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and Omega fatty acids.”

According to Dr. Rajesh Kesari, Founder and Director, Total Care Control, the impact of air pollution on human health is very significant. Polluted air is a major factor in the occurrence of critical NCDs besides significantly impacting the economy of the country and the state. This webinar on the impact of air pollution on health and life focusses on the factors responsible for air pollution, ways it is affecting our lives, country, and economy besides the remedies that we need to take to address this burning issue.”

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For many ages, Art has been a string to connect humanity and divinity. Bonsai is an art associated with nature that purifies our mind. Bonsai mane established in 2016 aims to bring these miniature visual treats to every single house of Bangalore and eventually to all places. Bonsai in simple term is a tree or a plant in a container or vessel. It can be grown from a seed, nursery plant, branch cutting or even wild collection.  This art requires patience and judgement skill as much as other technical skills.

To do this art commercially was difficult initially.  As finding bonsai material, pots and even the customer to buy plants was difficult.  Locally we didn’t have any bonsai business model to follow.  Everything started by trial-and-error method including fixing the price.  We started analyzing the market needs along with the requirements of the art.  New marketing strategies were formed to promote the art.  Gradually we started reaching to many people who were interested in buying the bonsai.

Our world today has become a machine filled with negativity, stress and impurity.  Due to high population and urbanization many trees are cut and we lose greenery.  Bonsai art is one of the best methods to preserve valuable tree in miniature form.  Bonsai can be kept in terrace, balcony or garden.  Bonsai as a gift is a new trend today.

Bonsai mane follows the strong philosophy that the plant in itself is a life form and a living being. A Being who provides breathable air to a human being.  The quality of plant provided here is second to none.  We study the variety before introducing them to the market.  Bonsai mane has created many bonsai enthusiasts and they are in return, helping to spread the art.  Bonsai mane is neither a business house nor a gardening center.  It is a destination where the shadow meets a shade.

Ajay H
Founder- Bonsai Mane
1st main , 3rd e cross, Malleshpalya
Bangalore 560075
www.bonsaimane.com Mob: 77601 82271

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Hygienic food practices have always been a part of a healthy lifestyle. Keeping in view the current situation wherein the country is facing a serious outburst of the covid-19 second wave in the Delhi-NCR region and many other regions of India, it becomes utmost important to maintain hygiene in food consumption. Being a neighbourhood of this crisis, the patients of covid-19 are being served with the simplest quality of food and proper resources for cutlery. The large expansion of “Covid Tiffin” has been introduced to the general public so that the environment-friendly method might be accessible. As per resources, Swiggy runs an initiative called “Swiggy Packaging” which assists with paper and glass as alternative options.

The newly introduced term covid tiffin is the new prominent option towards healthy and simply accessible food options, mainly for patients being alone during this pandemic struggling for food or families those who have covid positive members got to recover nourishment and availability of food. “Boosting immunity is a prerequisite in keeping infections at bay”. The sales have seen an enormous increase in the past month as this concept of covid tiffin has been working well because the food is being cooked by those reception and packed in Eco-friendly and biodegradable disposables eliminating reusable tableware for hygiene and safety protocol. Also, Zomato will soon launch an online marketplace to assist its restaurants to procure eco-friendly packaging easily.

Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital Dean R. Jayanthi says, The food should be served in eco-friendly and disposable plates and cups. “We have placed dispensers in the isolation wards so that patients can have access to warm water. We are also taking care of our doctors, nurses and staff on duty at the isolation ward. We give them special food along with eggs, juice, soups and vitamin tablets. We are also installing dispensers to provide them with hot beverages such as hot chocolate,” she added.

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has set an aim for 2022 to eradicate the utilization of single-use plastics. Many patients in Coronavirus rely on the hospitals for food not knowing whether it is reasonable for them or not especially in a situation when people like this prefer having comfort over anything. Coronavirus has instructed us to battle this infection inside and out by helping each other in times like this, so the possibility of a cloud kitchen came right into it for those in need.

According to the report, a flood is normal in the utilization of dispensable cutlery, and plausible waste weight. This flood can be overseen and wastage can be decreased if cafés adopt a more all-encompassing strategy. At the point when plastic is shaped, benzene, a blend of destructive synthetic substances is delivered into the air. The gas is cancer-causing and makes individuals living around the assembling region more inclined to Lymphoma.

Plastic use add to medical problems

“We urgently need to know more about the health impact of microplastics because they are everywhere – including in our drinking water,” says Dr. Maria Neira, Director, Department of Public Health, Environment and Social Determinants of Health at World Health Organization (WHO). The plastic cutlery gets worn off because of warmth and cleaning it day by day ruins the utensil rapidly. In this way, by spending somewhat more you can pick more secure choices like steel, wood, or silicone. On the off chance that discussions in the initial not many long stretches of a worldwide lockdown were about how “nature is mending”, the ensuing months have gotten back another appalling reality: the resurgence of single-utilize plastic and disposables.

According to Vaibhav Jaiswal, Director & Co-Founder of Prakritii , “Episodically, Covid is fixing practically everything we have done on the disposal of single-utilized plastic and we should find some alternatives to it before it goes much worse. A ton of Covid-19 patients grumbled that restaurants have been declining their food orders in light of them testing positive and their housekeepers had quit coming; the patients were themselves too powerless to even consider cooking. That is the thing that pushed us to step in.”

Commenting on the nature of plastic, Amardeep Bardan, Co-Founder of Prakritii says, “All the specialists managing the infection concur that insofar as individuals follow essential and basic cleanliness, the reusable cups, holders, and staple packs are protected to utilize. The assertion cautions that solitary utilizing plastic isn’t naturally more secure and results in an enormous volume of plastic waste that can additionally add to general medical problems. For home conveyances, a few cafés give a ‘quit’ choice to clients who can utilize their cutleries. Diminishing waste weight lies in the possession of clients as well.”

Prakritii dinnerware- cultivating green

Prakritii dinnerware is made out of fallen leaves which are of no use in general. So, this usage gives the product its uniqueness. If these leaves are not used, it simply decomposes or being thrown into the pit. They collect these fallen leaves and mold them to be used as dinnerware, the best elegant-looking dinnerware which is eco-friendly. After one use, it can be dumped into a pit that decomposes itself in 7-10 days. Their products are 100% natural, biodegradable, compostable, oven-safe, water-resistant, refrigerator safe, and can hold both types of liquids hot & cold. Since no food or liquid reacts when in use is the best attribute of the product. Areca leaf products are safe in all Microbiological Testing (like Plate count within acceptable limit for food contact, No Presence of E-Coli, and no presence of Fungus). The products do not contain any heavy metal which is confirmed through laboratory tests for each consignment. Additionally, their products pass successfully the Compostable Testing.

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When you’re blessed with a newborn baby, the sleepless nights and the constant worrying also tag along. As the world is progressing, issues such as pollution and global warming are also on the rise. In such a case, every parent is worried about how to protect their children from the harmful effects of pollution, especially those of newborns. Their immune systems, their lungs and their brain are still developing and they breathe faster than adults, which makes them more susceptible to pollution.

Your baby may experience some sneezing, cough, a runny nose, irritation in the eyes as well as skin rashes, due to pollution. These symptoms can be more severe if your newborn has allergic skin conditions or respiratory problems such as asthma.

 Tips on how to protect your newborn baby from pollution :

1. Avoid smoking and stay away from smokers – The first and foremost tip is to make the air quality at your home better. To do so, avoid smoking as well as passive smoking. Inhaling that filthy air due to smoking can have serious effects on a newborn baby.

2. Use an air purifier – Humidifiers and air purifiers are a great investment to improve the quality of air by getting rid of bacteria and smoke, indoors. It also helps reduce irritation for the newborn.

3. Products with fragrance – Avoid using items such as air fresheners, scented candles and other products with fragrances at home as it can irritate the baby and cause the above-mentioned symptoms. Paints, perfumes and pesticides should also be kept away from newborns.

4. Stay indoors – Avoid exposure to the outside environment by not taking your newborn outside your house, especially when pollution, where you live, is at peak.

5. Breastfeeding – To protect your newborn, breastfeeding is essential as it improves their immunity significantly. Babies that have been breastfed experience milder symptoms as compared to babies who aren’t.

6. Practising good hygiene – Ensure that everyone washes their hands and face, before going near the newborn. Good hygiene practices are also beneficial for the newborn. Therefore you should bathe them and change them, as and when needed.

7. Protect newborn from dust – When your newborn is present in a room, avoid dusting or cleaning over there. If you use a mosquito repellent, then make sure to use an organic one as the chemical sprays can irritate the baby.

8. Use pram covers – Whenever you take your newborn outside, ensure using a pram cover as this acts as a barrier between outside pollution and your baby.

9. Indoor plants – Plants like Money Plant, Aloe Vera, Peace Lily and Bamboo Palm are natural air purifiers. The carbon dioxide exhaled by us is converted into fresh oxygen by these plants. They also make the air free from contamination, so it is a good idea to put some house plants to protect your newborn.

10. Follow a skincare regimen for your newborn – Pollution can leave your baby’s skin dry and prone to allergies. Hence, it is important to follow a proper skincare regimen for them. Use products that are alcohol, paraben and chemical-free. Also, use a rich moisturiser to avoid dryness.

Following these tips will help you protect your newborn from the harsh effects of pollution.

Dr. Sowmya C C
Consultant Paediatrician
Apollo Cradle & Children’s hospital,
Jayanagar, Bangalore

The post Pollution : How to protect your newborn baby? appeared first on Health Vision.

With the onset of winters and festivals around the corner, the air quality index  (AQI) is plunging each day in Delhi and other nearby areas. The poor air quality is causing many health issues like throat irritation, sneezing, and coughing in almost all the age group. Apart from respiratory issues, exposure to air pollution also gives a rise to cardiovascular disorders, fatigue, headache and anxiety since people are also skeptical to visit hospitals due to the coronavirus pandemic, they are mostly adhering to home-based remedies and various green teas to keep their health on check and strengthen their immunity system.

However, it is suggested that whenever somebody is stepping outside, wearing a mask that fits your face is essential as it will not only protect from COVID-19 infection but also will prevent inhaling harmful pollutant matters. It is quite likely that you will experience respiratory illnesses like cough, cold and congestion if you don’t adhere to precautions. We also need to introduce certain lifestyle changes to fight with the air pollution. One of such amendments is drinking green tea, which has become a staple of health because of its numerous benefits. One of these benefits is that it helps fight many kinds of damages that pollution does to our bodies.

Why one should take green tea?

The time we live in undergoes more environmental issues like global warming and rising air pollution than any other generation. The catechin content of green tea acts as a savior to fight the ill-effects of pollution in our body. The catechins are antioxidants, which fight and prevent cell damage. We all know, taking antioxidants regularly reduces the risks of oxidative damage, which would otherwise result in diseases such as various forms of cancer.

The same applies to many kinds of effects that pollution has on our bodies. In case of air pollution our lungs get oxidized resulting in damage to the respiratory system. But, Green tea’s antioxidants fight to reverse this damage. Even the presence of EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), a major polyphenolic compound, is found to exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties, including:

• anti-oxidant
• anti-inflammatory
• anti-atherosclerosis
• anti-myocardial infarction
• anti-diabetes

Lemon and ginger green tea

Ginger is excellent for controlling cough, congestion and cold. Ginger is a natural antiviral which helps to fight against illness and bacteria that causes cold. Ginger can heal from nausea and reduce congestion. Lemon helps in strengthening the immune system. As lemons are rich in Vitamin C, this drink shields the body from disease-causing microbes and helps the body fight back without antibiotics.

Green Tea and Skin

Air pollution is not just a health concern. It is rapidly becoming a beauty issue not only in India but also globally. Toxic fumes from vehicles and industries are the primary cause of skin ageing in polluted cities. New research shows that air pollution causes wrinkles and premature ageing. Many studies suggest that both drinking green tea and applying it extracts can have benefits for your skin. Green tea extracts help with acne and help your skin look younger, but it also has the potential for helping to prevent melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Mr. Sundeip Bhatia
Business Head
India Shilpa Medicare Ltd

The post Air pollution – combat its effect with green tea appeared first on Health Vision.