First aid for superficial heat burns

   Hold under cold running water for at least 10 minutes or immerse in cold water. Never apply cotton wool, dressings, ointments, fats or lotions or attempt to rupture blisters or remove anything from wound. If burns are not small or superficial, call a doctor.

First aid for chemical burns

   Hold under cold running water for at least 10 minutes so that contaminated water drains away freely. Remove all clothing soiled by the chemical and protect your hands from contact with it.

Fish is good for your baby

   Introduce your baby between the first and second year to a variety of fresh fish but check that they are easily chewable and low in fat and sodium. Check very very carefully for bones.

Reducing salt in high blood pressure

   Add very little salt during food preparation. Do not add salt to food on the table. Read labels carefully and choose food having less salt and sodium content. Avoid pickles, ketchups, chutneys, fast-food and restaurant food.

Baby's first shoes

   Your baby's first shoes should be lightweight, made of leather or cloth (breathable material), definitely not plastic with soles so flexible that you can feel the baby's toes through them. Hard soles are out.

If you are sick and have diabetes

   Check your blood sugar more often, keep taking your medication, drink plenty of liquids and always mention all the medicines you are taking to your doctor, as some can affect your blood glucose.

Prevent dehydration in your child

   If your child has diarrhoea and vomiting, you can prevent dehydration by giving small sips of cold sugar and salt solution available in ORS (Oral rehydration solution) packets at any medical store.

If your baby is having antibiotics

   If your baby is having antibiotics for any reason and develops loose motions within the first few days it is most likely a reaction to the antibiotic known as a 'drug - diarrhoea'. Stop the antibiotic immediately and inform your doctor. While you are waiting give your baby 'oral rehydration solution' which is easily available with any good chemist. You should always keep a few packets at home.

Foods that can trigger Migraine

   Avoid chocolate, cheese, citrus fruits, fried foods, onions, tomatoes, spinach, beans, nuts, alcohol (particularly red wine), beverages with aspartame and foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG).

If you are acne-prone

   Avoid oil-based make-up, hair gels and sprays, stress, squeezing or picking at the pimples and hard scrubbing of skin.

Reduce dust and dust mites - common causes of allergies

   Avoid soft toys, drapes, feather pillows and carpets. Vacuum regularly and use a damp cloth for mopping and dusting.

Proper length for baby's shoes

   For your baby's first shoes press down on the toe of each shoe with your thumb. If there is a full thumb's width between your baby's longest toe and the end of the shoe then it is the right one. The shoes should be soft and made of leather or cloth not plastic.

Your mole looks suspicious

   If it has an irregular shape and border, is increasing in size and changing colour. An excision biopsy is strongly recommended to rule out cancer.

How to avoid snoring?

   Sleep on your side, keeping your neck straight. Avoid alcohol and smoking 2-3 hours before bedtime. And lose excess weight.

A must for mother

   Help bonding with your baby as early as the second month by using touch, sound, smell and sight-lots of colourful musical objects as stimulants.

Be cautious with children

   If you have children in the house keep all poisons out of their reach - lock away pesticides, floor cleaners, kerosene, detergents, insecticides and medicines.

If your baby has dandruff

   If your baby has dandruff particularly when it is caked on the scalp (cradle cap) - wash hair, brush and comb daily with shampoo and medicated lotion until it disappears. A medicated cream with Cetrimide also helps.

Reduce harmful fat in your diet

   Reduce harmful fat in your diet by avoiding processed meats such as sausages and salami, chicken skin, fried fish and meat.

Rice based cereals better for babies

   The first cereal your baby should have by 5-6 months is a rice-and not wheat based one. This is digested more easily and less likely to cause allergies.

A must for expectant mothers

   If you are an expectant mother drink 600-900ml of milk a day or substitute with cheese - 30gms is equal to 200ml milk.

Babies refusing feeds

   Avoidable reasons for your baby refusing to feed could be - a blocked nose, strong odours in the mother's diet like garlic and onions or a small hole in the feeding bottle's nipple.

Babies refusing feeds due to impending problems

   Your baby could be refusing feeds due to an impending ear problem causing irritability, fever and even vomiting.

If you have a dislocated joint

   Never try to manipulate a dislocated joint. Move the affected limb as little as possible until qualified medical help arrives.

Semi-solids for babies

   Baby's first semi-solids should be started between 5-6 months one by one with a 5-6 days gap between each item.

Avoid alcohol during pregnancy

   Avoid alcohol during your pregnancy. Its frequent and excessive consumption could cause the 'fetal alcohol syndrome' comprising of retardation of your baby's growth, abnormalities of face and head, mental retardation and abnormal behaviour.

Tips for a person stung by an insect

   If a person is stung by an insect on the throat, particularly if there is a known sensitivity to stings, the throat will swell quickly and cause choking. Give him or her cold water to drink or an ice-cube to suck. If the breathing becomes difficult call a doctor immediately.

How to walk the right way?

   While walking, swing your arms rhythmically. Bend slightly forward from the waist, keep shoulders back and chin up for a better balance.

Bleeding after menopause

   A few years after menopause if you have spotting, scanty or profuse bloody discharge from the vagina contact your gynaecologist most urgently. It could be hormonal but also something as serious as cancer.

Body fat is necessary for good health.

   Though a lot of people want to look lean and thin, some body fat is required to maintain good health. It protects our internal organs, helps to regulate the body temperature, and is essential in hormone production and regulation.

Alcohol deaddiction

   If you have recently given up your regular habit of drinking alcohol you might suffer from sleeplessness and irritability. This is not a reason to give up on your good resolution. A minor tranquiliser like Diazepam 5mg at night will relieve these symptoms BUT first check with your doctor to make sure you have no health problems like low blood pressure, which could be aggravated by this.

Babies refusing feeds

   Your baby may refuse feeds if he has 'Thrush' - a fungal infection of the mouth which is painful and looks like milk curds, white and furry on the tongue.

If your baby has a diaper rash

   If your baby has a diaper rash expose the area to sun and fresh air. Avoid plastic panties during the day and apply calamine lotion and zinc ointment. Use plain water to wash the area and no soap because this aggravates the problem.

Swallowing kerosene oil

   If someone swallows kerosene oil by mistake do not induce vomiting. This could cause serious complications in the lungs. Turn the patient to one side and rush to a hospital.

Diagnosing high blood pressure

   One high BP reading is not enough. It should be monitored twice a day (at the same time) for five days in a row before commencing treatment.

Wear seat belts to prevent injury

   A car accident may cause permanent damage as well as neck and back pain due to whiplash injury. To prevent whiplash, always wear your seat belt and ensure that the headrest is at the same level as the back of the head, so it prevents your head from stretching too far backward in the event of an accident.

Do not smoke near an accident site

   Never let anyone smoke near a crashed vehicle - there maybe petrol, oil or chemicals on the road which could easily catch fire.

High blood pressure

   If your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90 mmHg, it is time to consult a cardiologist, reduce weight (if overweight), restrict salt in diet, reduce alcohol consumption and stop smoking.

First aid in a convulsion (Fit)

   Keep calm and let the fit run its course. Place soft padding under the head. Gently loosen clothing around the neck and after jerking stops, turn over onto right side until recovery is complete.

What NOT to do in a convulsion (Fit)

   Never try to stop the fit or hold the person down or put anything in the mouth. Unless there are successive uncontrollable fits or this is the first one there is no need to call an ambulance.

Are you taking dietary supplements for weight loss?

   Watch out for insomnia, lethargy, nervousness, excessive sweating, diarrhoea and/or a rapid pulse. If present, you may be taking products similar to the thyroid hormone which may affect the heart.

Driving with a small child?

   The rear seat is the safest for your child. Use an appropriate baby chair with restraining belts.

Prevent heat exhaustion / heatstroke

   Wear light coloured, loose cottons, drink plenty of cool fluids and avoid heavy exercise and direct exposure to the sun, particularly if it is humid and the environmental temperature is over 40 degrees Celsius.

Heat exhaustion

   If it’s very hot and you are feeling very tired, faint, dizzy, weak and sweating heavily; rehydrate yourself slowly with 10g of salt in 2 litres of water, get under a fan or Air Conditioner, sponge yourself or have a bath with cold water.

Prevent heat stroke

   Limit exposure to the hot sun, and wear protective clothes if working in intense sun. Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and avoid strenuous activity in hot or humid weather. Drink extra fluids when sweating, even in absence of thirst.

Do you find yourself very pale and tired

   If you find yourself looking very pale and constantly tired, with occasional throbbing in the head and ears, tingling in your hands and feet, sleeplessness, headaches, palpitations (sensation of a rapid heartbeat), breathlessness on exertion, swelling of your ankles, frequent redness and swelling of your tongue and mouth or even chest pain you may have anaemia. This is usually nutritional and can be corrected. So you need to consult your doctor and get your blood tests done as soon as possible.

Avoid drugs during pregnancy

   Pregnant women should always check with their doctor before using any medicine, especially during the first three months.

Check your calcium intake

   Chronic undereating contributes to osteoporosis. Your calcium intake should be above 800mg per day from early childhood.

Skin spots

   Small, scaly white-to-tan spots over the upper arms, neck, chest and back could be Tinea versicolor. This is a common fungal infection of the skin for which a Dermatologist (skin specialist) may be consulted.

Fat and cholesterol are essential for your baby

   Whereas you should be careful about cholesterol levels in your own diet a shortage of these in baby's diet could prove hazardous. Fat and cholesterol in the first two years of your baby's life are essential for normal growth of the brain and nervous tissue.

Antibiotics: not always required

   Antibiotics are not always indicated, and in fact, can contribute to health problems in the future. That is why it is important to know when antibiotics are appropriate, when they are not, and how to use them correctly. Antibiotics work only in bacterial infections, such as a streptococcal sore throat and most ear infections. They do not work on viral illnesses like in colds, most sore throats and flu. But, when the doctor does prescribe an antibiotic, you need to use them as prescribed.

Add Calcium to your diet

   Build up reserves of Calcium and strengthen your bones, particularly before you are 35 years old. Rich sources of Calcium include Milk and Milk-products like Cheese, Paneer, Dahi, Lassi (buttermilk), Raita, Kheer and Kulfi.

Get a good workout by climbing stairs

   Climbing two steps at a time is good for building the quadriceps (thigh muscles) and the gluteus (buttock). Going down steps builds strength in the quadriceps and to a lesser extent, the hamstrings (muscles at the back of the thigh). This can be done at home, your office, apartment building, or on stair-climbing machines in the gym.

Breast milk is best for your baby

   Breast milk is best for your baby until at least the first six months. Once you wean him off start giving him WHOLE milk and definitely not skim or low-fat milk.

To overcome stress

   Breathe deeply and think of nothing else for 10 minutes. Laugh with a movie, book or friend. Crying also helps - it reinforces the immune system and relieves tension.

Lead is poison

   It is found in homes – in paint, dust, tap water, glazed pottery and in petrol/diesel fumes. Get your baby’s blood checked for lead at 6 months and yours if you are pregnant. An unborn baby is easily hurt by lead.

Always tired?

   Get your haemoglobin level checked. If low, supplement your diet with rich dietary sources of iron - rice flakes, sarson ka saag, pulses and legumes.

Consume fluids while breastfeeding

   It helps the flow of milk if you drink liquids while breastfeeding your baby. This also applies to milk extraction with a breast pump.

Never give your baby low-fat milk

   Never give your baby low-fat or skimmed milk. The high ratio of protein to fat and high sodium levels put too great a strain on the kidneys.

Reduce your cancer risk

   Eat a low-fat, high-fibre diet. Include five servings of fruits and vegetables daily from the following list - a medium sized fruit, ¾ cup of fruit juice, ¼ cup dry fruits, ½ cup vegetables, 1 cup raw leafy vegetable like spinach/lettuce, ½ cup cooked daal or beans or peas.

Protect your child from lead

   Prevent ingestion of paint chips and dust (cleaning by wet-mopping). Wash your child’s hands before meals and at bedtime. Run the tap-water for a few minutes in the morning before use and provide a diet rich in calcium and iron.

First aid when someone faints

   Help the person lie down, raise the feet above chest level and loosen clothes. Open windows to ensure good air circulation. If recovery is delayed, call a doctor.

Weight gain during pregnancy

   The average overall weight gain during pregnancy is 12-14 kgs. Do not overeat or exceed this average otherwise you could suffer backaches, leg pains, varicose veins, increased fatigue and the baby could become too big for a normal delivery.

Relax during pregnancy

   Tension during pregnancy makes you forget your good intentions. Relaxation exercises could help a lot. Sit with eyes closed. Relax your feet muscles, legs, neck and face. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, push your abdomen out, count to four, relax shoulder and neck muscles, exhale slowly and count to six. Repeat this 4-5 times until you are completely relaxed.

If your baby has a heat stroke

   This is the season to watch out for a heat stroke in your baby - hot and dry skin, very high fever, diarrhoea, agitation or lethargy, confusion, convulsions and unconciousness. If you suspect your baby has heat stroke call a doctor immediately. Meanwhile immerse a towel in icy water and wrap around your baby. As the towel gets warm keep changing it for another cold one.

Avoid Acne Scars

   Never squeeze or pick at pimples. Avoid scrubbing. Just wash gently twice a day and don't rub but pat dry with a clean and separate towel.

Something falls in your eye

   In case a grain of sand or any other foreign body enters your eye–DO NOT RUB IT. Flush it with plenty of clean water repeatedly.

Restrict the intake of high soda drinks

   Restrict your child's intake of high soda drinks as these can lead to tooth decay among children and teenagers.

Do not use laxatives as a weight loss tool

   Do not use laxatives as a weight loss tool. They do not improve your metabolism, but make it more difficult for your body to absorb nutrients and calories.

It is normal for your baby to pass a stool after every feed

   If you are breastfeeding your newborn baby she could normally pass a stool after every feed sometimes even a dozen a day. Fewer than five stools a day in the early weeks could indicate that the feeds are not sufficient and should be increased.

Your baby is not getting enough fluids

   If your baby passes urine less than 8-10 times a day or passes yellow, fishy smelling urine or the wet diaper turns pinkish. This could mean that she is not getting enough fluids and could be on the verge of dehydration.

Vaccinations in children

   Protect your child from Diphtheria, Whooping cough (Pertussis) and Tetanus by the DPT injections. Polio drops protect against paralytic polio. BCG protects against serious form of Tuberculosis. Vaccines against Measles, Rubella (German measles) and Hepatitis are also recommended.

A low sodium diet is better for health

   Sodium is essential to the body for fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve reactions. Since excess sodium in the diet can predispose to high blood pressure, a low sodium diet is better for health. Table salt is sodium chloride. Sodium occurs naturally in most foods and is also added to many processed foods and several over-the-counter medicines, like antacids, laxatives and aspirins.

Eat slowly to avoid weight gain

   A lot of studies have shown that the faster you eat, the more you eat. The human brain requires about 20 minutes to register satiety (feelings of satisfaction and fullness). So, the slower you eat, the less food you will need to feel full.

If you suffer headaches after working out

   If you suffer headaches after working out and you do not have high blood pressure, you are probably overdoing it. Cooling down afterwards may help.

Reduce salt consumption

   Reduce salt consumption by using less salt in cooking and at the table. Reduce your intake of canned and preserved foods, including pickles. Include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Once you start, it takes only a short while to get used to lower levels of salt.

What can I do prevent ingrown toenail?

   Cut your toe nails straight across upto the end of the skin and file the sharp corners. Wear shoes that do not pinch your toes and preferably the ones without high heels so that excess pressure is not put on the toes.

What is the first aid for burns?

   Run cool water over a superficial burn for 10 to 15 minutes. Never put butter or any grease on a burn. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see the doctor immediately.

Avoid eye infections

   Ensure that each member of your family has separate towels. Eye infections like trachoma and conjunctivitis are transmitted through common towels and handkerchiefs.

Avoid unnecessary antacids

   Be careful not to take more than the prescribed dose of antacids. In excess, they can cause constipation and block absorption of some antibiotics like tetracyclines. The elderly should avoid sodium bicarbonate especially if they have high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems.

Safe travel

   Safety belts improve your chances of travelling safely and can protect your body in the event of a crash. Many injuries or deaths can be prevented by using safety belts.

Pregnancy after 35 years

   If you are above 35 years old and wish to have a child, you should consult your doctor. At this stage of life, the risks for both mother and child (particularly congenital abnormalities) are increased, so medical supervision is necessary.

Pregnancy before 18 years

   If you are 18 years old or below avoid becoming pregnant. You are neither physically nor mentally fit for it. It is best for both you and baby to have a child between 21-29yrs.

Get yourself tested for HIV

   Have you had a blood transfusion even some years ago, or been indiscriminate in your sexual activities, or ever indulged in injectable drug abuse, shared shaving razors or had your ears or nose etc. pierced without proper disinfection? Then get yourself tested for HIV if you have developed any symptoms.

For a healthy pregnancy

   Keep an eye on weight gain during your pregnancy. It should be about 10-12kg. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Don't forget to have your folic acid tablets from the very beginning and your TWO shots of the anti-tetanus injection. These are all very important so speak to your doctor about them from the first visit.

Control how much you eat

   Drink a glass of water before meals, eat off a small plate taking small helpings and chew food slowly and thoroughly. Taking a longer time to eat will make you feel satisfied with less food.

An ice pack can ease pain and swelling

   An ice pack can ease the pain or swelling caused by a strain, sprain or bruise. But to avoid frostbite, do not leave the ice for more than 10 minutes on the affected area.

Doing moderate workouts help

   Doing 30-minute moderate workouts three times per week helps you fight depression and reduces the symptoms just as much as drugs.

Swimming is good for asthmatics

   Swimming is good exercise for people with asthma. The warm, humid air improves respiration.

What can I do prevent ingrown toenail?

   Cut your toe nails straight across upto the end of the skin and file the sharp corners. Wear shoes that do not pinch your toes and preferably the ones without high heels so that excess pressure is not put on the toes.

What is the first aid for burns?

   Run cool water over a superficial burn for 10 to 15 minutes. Never put butter or any grease on a burn. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see the doctor immediately.

Avoid eye infections

   Ensure that each member of your family has separate towels. Eye infections like trachoma and conjunctivitis are transmitted through common towels and handkerchiefs.

Avoid unnecessary antacids

   Be careful not to take more than the prescribed dose of antacids. In excess, they can cause constipation and block absorption of some antibiotics like tetracyclines. The elderly should avoid sodium bicarbonate especially if they have high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems.

Safe travel

   Safety belts improve your chances of travelling safely and can protect your body in the event of a crash. Many injuries or deaths can be prevented by using safety belts.

Pregnancy after 35 years

   If you are above 35 years old and wish to have a child, you should consult your doctor. At this stage of life, the risks for both mother and child (particularly congenital abnormalities) are increased, so medical supervision is necessary.

Pregnancy before 18 years

   If you are 18 years old or below avoid becoming pregnant. You are neither physically nor mentally fit for it. It is best for both you and baby to have a child between 21-29yrs.

Get yourself tested for HIV

   Have you had a blood transfusion even some years ago, or been indiscriminate in your sexual activities, or ever indulged in injectable drug abuse, shared shaving razors or had your ears or nose etc. pierced without proper disinfection? Then get yourself tested for HIV if you have developed any symptoms.

For a healthy pregnancy

   Keep an eye on weight gain during your pregnancy. It should be about 10-12kg. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Don't forget to have your folic acid tablets from the very beginning and your TWO shots of the anti-tetanus injection. These are all very important so speak to your doctor about them from the first visit.

Control how much you eat

   Drink a glass of water before meals, eat off a small plate taking small helpings and chew food slowly and thoroughly. Taking a longer time to eat will make you feel satisfied with less food.

An ice pack can ease pain and swelling

   An ice pack can ease the pain or swelling caused by a strain, sprain or bruise. But to avoid frostbite, do not leave the ice for more than 10 minutes on the affected area.

Doing moderate workouts help

   Doing 30-minute moderate workouts three times per week helps you fight depression and reduces the symptoms just as much as drugs.

Swimming is good for asthmatics

   Swimming is good exercise for people with asthma. The warm, humid air improves respiration.

Avoid spicy food if you have heartburn

   Avoid eating garlic, chillies, and other hot spices before bedtime. They can keep you awake by causing heartburn or indigestion.

Avoid spicy food if you have heartburn

   Avoid eating garlic, chillies, and other hot spices before bedtime. They can keep you awake by causing heartburn or indigestion.

Diet during pregnancy

   Eat plenty of fruits, green and yellow vegetables, 'dals', & grains including dalia & buckwheat (kuttu atta). A litre of milk or milk products (like curd, buttermilk and paneer) and an egg everyday will provide enough calcium for healthy bones in the mother and baby.

Folic Acid prevents against birth defects

   Take 400mcg (0.4mg) tablets daily before you are pregnant and continue through pregnancy. Dietary sources include orange juice, green vegetables, beans, peas and chappatis.

Foot care in diabetics is important

   Wash feet daily with water and soap, dry thoroughly especially between toes and check for blisters, cuts and sores. Avoid walking barefoot, examine shoes for pebbles, cracks or nails and minimize any risk of injury.

Hormone replacement therapy

   Oestrogen relieves hot flashes, slows bone loss (osteoporosis), fractures, possibly prevents heart disease and Alzheimer's but increases risk of breast & uterine cancer, gallbladder disease and blood clotting. It often causes bloating, nausea, asthma and breast-tenderness.

How can I prevent ingrowing toenails?

   Cut your toenails straight across and close to the end of the skin and file the sharp corners. Wear shoes that do not pinch your toes and preferably the ones without high heels so that excess pressure is not put on the toes.

Infant feeding - bottle vs. cup

   A cup and spoon is better for feeding, even in low birth weight babies. Bottle-feeding has a high risk of infection for the baby.

Is it necessary to exercise in the morning?

   No, one can work out an individualised exercise pattern. It is suggested to exercise in the morning, as the air quality is best at this time. Exercising in polluted air can rather triple the level of harmful chemicals in your bloodstream.

It’s unsafe to fly if you are anaemic

   Do not travel by air if your haemoglobin is less than 7.8% as you may suffer from problems of oxygen depletion like breathlessness and collapse.

Liquorice (mulaithi)

   Avoid liquorice if you have high blood pressure, diarrhoea or use laxatives. Though it gives relief in cough and sore throat, it raises blood pressure and lowers potassium levels, leading to irregular heart beats, muscle weakness and twitches.

No smoking near your baby

   Create a smoke-free zone around your child to reduce the risk of colds, respiratory and other diseases and the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (unexplained death in the under one year old)

Oils least harmful for your heart

   Use liquid oils that never solidify – like sunflower, safflower, corn, canola, soya and to a lesser degree mustard oil.

Reduce heartburn and nausea in pregnancy

   Eat small, frequent meals to decrease its severity. Also, avoid tight clothes, spicy, greasy foods or lying down within two hours of eating.

Respiratory infections and dietary restrictions

   There should be no restrictions even of cold drinks, ice-cream, curds or fried food. Have plenty of fluids. Rarely, an allergy to some foods like cow's milk, eggs, chocolate, etc. may aggravate a cough.

Sinusitis and air travel

   Avoid flying if you have sinusitis, cold or cough. It can result in acute pain in the ears and sinuses.

Protect your child's eyes

   Protect your child's eyes from direct sunlight, dust, smoke and kaajal (or surma). These predispose to trachoma - an infection of the eyes.

Checkups during pregnancy

   If you are pregnant you should have at least four checkups by your obstetrician before your delivery - first between the 20th and 22nd week, second between the 28th and 30th week, third during the 34th week and the last one during the 38th week.

Benefits of breast milk

   It contains suitable and adequate proteins, lactose (milk sugar), vitamins C, D and E, iron, water, salt, calcium, phosphate and lipase for effective digestion. The breastfed baby requires no supplements for first four-six months.

Avoid having the fourth child

   If you are a mother of three children it would be better to avoid having a fourth. The chances are high of both you and the baby being anaemic, the baby having a low birth weight, disabilities and of your having heavy bleeding.

If your infant gets stung

   If your baby is stung by a bee or a wasp, DON'T grasp the sting with your nails or a tweezer, this could force more of the remaining venom (poison) into the skin. Instead scrape it off with a blunt edge of your knife or with your fingernail.

How to get better sleep?

   Have a regular sleeping and wake-up time everyday. Do not over- or under-eat at dinnertime. Also, avoid alcohol, smoking and exercise before going to bed.

A healthy baby

   Prevent your child being born with a low birth weight (less than 5 lbs/2.2 kgs) by having a nutritious, balanced diet with plenty of cereals, low fat milk products, fruits and vegetables. Avoid smoking and drinking.

Benefits of breast milk

   It contains suitable and adequate proteins, lactose (milk sugar), vitamins C, D and E, iron, water, salt, calcium, phosphate and lipase for effective digestion. The breastfed baby requires no supplements for first four-six months.

Benefits of breast milk

   Besides its nutritive value & being easy to digest, it also protects the baby from infectious diseases (like polio, measles, chicken pox) for the first six months and avoids infections transferred by bottle-feeding

High blood pressure in children

   Get your child's blood pressure measured occasionally. If it is high, early treatment will help before complications develop.

Minimise post-flight fatigue

   Pre-flight – exercise & sleep adequately; avoid alcohol, stress & dehydration
In-flight – follow airline exercises; avoid heavy food & alcohol
Post-flight - utilise bright light to adjust the body clock in accordance with local time.

Prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis

   Do weight-bearing exercises (walking, swimming and biking) before 35 yrs. of age followed later by milder exercises. Take calcium/magnesium supplements and avoid smoking, alcohol and coffee.

Are artificial sugar substitutes safe during pregnancy?

   Sugar substitutes are generally compounds made up of simple forms of proteins. Since it is not a sugar it is used as a sweetener by people with diabetes and is also safe during pregnancy.

Colostrum is good for the newborn

   The mother’s breast produces the thick, yellowish colostrum in the first few days after childbirth. It is rich in proteins, Vit. A and antibodies that protect the newborn from many infections. Commence breastfeeding without delay.

Use condoms to prevent AIDS

   Condoms prevent sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS apart from their use for birth control.

First aid for a snake or scorpion bite

   Reassure the person and clean the area around the puncture marks. Apply a sterile dressing. If the bite is on the arm, immobilise it with a sling. If it is on the leg, tie both legs together. Call for medical help urgently.

Do not get stressed about your hair loss

   Do not get stressed if you feel bad about your hair loss. Just remember, other people do not look at you as closely as you do.

If you are prone to air-sickness

   If you are prone to feeling air-sick take anti-travel-sickness medicines half an hour before departure. Some travel medicines may cause a dry mouth, others may make you feel drowsy. Also, do not over eat and try to avoid alcohol and cigarette smoke.

If you have had a Caesarian Section

   If you have had your delivery by a Caesarian Section or been advised bed rest for a long time it is advisable to put on elastic stockings first thing in the morning and start walking around as soon as possible. This helps to prevent blood clots from forming in the veins, causing pain and inflammation (thrombophlebitis) and even worse travelling up to cause serious heart and other problems.

If you have had a normal delivery

   If you have had a normal delivery and within the first three days notice blood running down your legs do not be alarmed - this discharge, called lochia, is a mix of leftover blood, mucous and tissue from your uterus. It can be heavy just like a period and then tapers off within a week or two.

If you suffer from motion sickness

   If you suffer from motion sickness, you probably cannot tolerate turbulence on an airplane. You will feel less of the effects if you sit over the wings, in the middle of the plane.

Protect your baby from direct sunlight

   Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. Move your baby to the shade or under a tree, use an umbrella, etc. Dress babies in light clothing that covers the arms and legs. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF (sun protection factor) should be at least 15.

Schedule a pap smear after your period

   Schedule a pap smear for five to ten days after your period. That is when the cervical mucous is thinnest and the test gets the best sample for cancer detection.

Twisting won't do much to slim down your waistline

   Twisting from side to side won't do much to slim down your waistline. Instead your back muscles will bear the burden, and the twisting may strain them.

Is it good to scrape or brush the tongue?

   Yes.
Brushing or scraping the tongue twice a day while brushing the teeth reduces the number of bacteria that live on the tongue. These bacteria may cause bad breath.

Injuries in children

   If your child falls and a blue patch (bruise) appears - apply ice or cold water. However if your child bruises easily and frequently, consult a doctor.

Prevent your small child being scalded at home

   Never leave a hot teapot near the edge of the table. The tablecloth should not hang over the edge of the table. Do not pass hot tea or any other fluid in front of the child. The baby should not be on your knee when you are drinking a hot liquid. Never leave a hot water bottle in the baby's bed and turn pan handles away from the front of the stove.

Does exercise really help treat osteoarthritis?

   Yes, regular exercise keeps your joints and muscles healthy, strong and flexible. It helps to maintain the desired weight and improves your general health.