By Mahmood Hussain, Thursday 30 th May 2019, the article is written for www.babyfirst.com.pk
BABY FIRST PAKISTAN and on Facebook.babyfirstPakistan and other social media such as
LinkedIn, Twitter and so on. Writer Mahmood Hussain is from Karachi Pakistan. Currently in
Dubai with granddaughter Zaynab and today is the start day of one day ICC world cup 2019 at
England & Wales.

Its recommended level to be maintained during young age (2-12years). This is also quite important during the adolescent and progressing age. It also very much needed when the age progresses that is after 50 plus and within the senior citizen. At this age the need is to manage bone calcium for strong and healthy bone in either sex. In women after the age of 50 (when menopause phase normally starts) their hormonal level are disturb which may lead towards the osteoporosis. During this phase the daily calcium in needed as per advised level by the experts. Vitamin D and Calcium both are important nutrient for the bone to remain healthy. We all need diet which are rich in calcium. This will helps to protect and build our bone. The calcium rich diet incudes daily consumption of dairy products, leafy green vegetables, fish and handful of nuts in routine.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is one of the leading dedicated organization
and their focus is on how to prevent osteoporosis and broken bones. NOF was established in 1984.Their slogan and theme is:
“Strong Bone for Life”
NOF objective is to reduce the suffering of human being. They run tailor made awareness and educational program for the doctors, paramedic staff, health care provider and general public.

Importance of Calcium and what it do in our routine life. 

Calcium is important for several body function. Calcium is a mineral, which mainly constitute bone and teeth. They play important role with in human body such as: 

• Building healthy bones, 
• Its function are blood clotting. 
• It is require for muscular contraction.  
• Important for body movement 
• It maintain the heartbeat level. 
• Require calcium level are essential for transporting and travelling message through nerves. 
• It level is also important for regulation of body chemicals.
• Calcium level aid in formation cell membranes.

Role of Calcium in formation of bones. In bone formation calcium plays an important role Bones are formed by a process which is known as mineralization

Nearly 99% of calcium is present within the bones and teeth. 

Daily we lose calcium via skin, hair, nails, sweet, feces and urine. 

Our body does not produce calcium so it is very important for our body to replenish calcium from the food we eat. If this requirement is not met via food intake than needed calcium is extracted from the bone of our body. This way calcium requirement can’t be met. If it is frequent feature than bone may become week and chances of it fracture increases.    

This has been observed especially within senior citizens worldwide and among many American citizens (well documented) they fell short of daily calcium need. This result in bone loss. It may result in having the bone with low density. If this condition persists this will lead towards the chances of fracture of bone.

Calcium deficiency and its consequences.

In case of calcium deficiency bone and teeth will deteriorate with the passage of time, because the body need calcium to perform various functions so it starts dragging / withdrawing it from bones of the body. 

If calcium deficiency persist over long period this can result in several health problems such as Ricketts and blood clotting.     

Role of vitamin D and aid in absorption of calcium.

Vitamin D plays an important role by protecting our bone. This can be achieve by absorbing calcium and strengthening our muscle which protect us from falling. 

In growing age of child they need Vitamin D to build strong bone. Where as in adult it is needed to have their bone to be strong and healthy. If the needed vitamin D requirement are not met, the chances of bone fracture increases with progressing age most likely above fifty years of age.

How to know that not getting enough Calcium.

There are few symptoms start appearing which indicate the individual is not getting needed amount of calcium within their daily diet. Symptoms which appear due to calcium deficiency are listed below,

• Muscular spasm
• Feeling of tingling or numbness with in the body periphery.
• Frequent fracture of bone due to calcium deficiency.

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How to know that individual is overdose because of calcium intake?

Recommended Dietary Calcium Intake per day range is between 800to1300mg. It dependent on the age group range from 4 years to 50+ and pregnant women. 

It has been observed if individual takes 3,000 mg of calcium per day for a long period of time may likely to develop hypercalcemia, is a condition in which the calcium level within blood is above normal level. Presence of excessive calcium in the blood may weaken your body bones.

This also likely to create kidney stones. This also interfere with the heart and brain function. Hypercalcemia condition may also appear because of overactive parathyroid gland. 

In case of mild nature hypercalcemia the symptoms of distress do not appear while in more serious nature of hypercalcemis symptoms appear such as: 

1. Increase in frequency of urination and have the feel of excessive thirst.
2. Digestive problem and feel of stomach pain.
3. Pain in bone 
4. Vomiting
5. Muscular weakness.
6. Fatigue, lethargy and state of confusion. 
7. Abnormal heart beat and high blood pressure.
8. Depression and anxiety
9. Constipation

Importance of Vitamin D in life of the individual.

The function of Vitamin D is to maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphorous with in blood. Other significant function is to aid in absorption of calcium which is needed to manage strong bones with in body. Alone itself or in combination with Calcium it increases bone mineralization which is good for the bone density and it reduces chances of fracture.

Beside the above stated facts recent ongoing research suggest vitamin D protect us from osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cancer and several autoimmune diseases.

Vitamin D deficiency and its consequences. 

The classical symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency are Ricketts and osteomalacia. In the children vitamin D deficiency causes Ricketts disease, which lead to skeletal deformity. Among adult If Vitamin D deficiency persist it will lead to osteomalacia and this result in weakness of muscle in addition to have weak bones. 

What is osteomalacia.

Softness of bones is refer as Osteomalacia. As we know bone are hard living active tissue from the front face. Bones are in continuous formation stage, it is remove and replace with the fresh one. Whole process is known as turnover of bone. Bones outer shell is hard and are made mainly from Calcium and phosphorous. The softer inner side of bone is made up of collagen which is fiber. 

Vitamin D need can be obtained from three sources such as:

Food 

Sunlight

Supplement 

Very briefly high light the benefits of all three sources of vitamin D.

Sunlight. We all know our skin make vitamin D while we are expose to sunlight. This also allows to store in fat form to be use later on. Good thing is we have plenty of sunlight I live in Pakistan as well as our neighbor countries like India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal and Myanmar. 

It is important for us to know how much Vitamin D our skin is capable to produce. It is dependent on various activities that is the time we spent outside during the sunlight, which is the season, at what latitude we live, how is our skin pigmentation, age and other factors too.     

Skin make Vitamin D while we expose to sunlight and also store fat for later use.

Availability of Vitamin D in the food.

Vitamin D is found in very few foods. It sources includes fatty fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel. Vitamin can be added to dairy products such as milk and other products such as yogurt and cheese. This is added in soya milk, found in orange juice and cereals which are fortified.

Meeting the need of Vitamin D is quite difficult from the food we eat. Most of the doctors recommend vitamin D supplement and also people especially old age need to get enough vitamin D for having healthy bone Vitamin D its Daily Value (DV) based on our daily intake of 400 IU. If we consume a cup of milk daily this provide 25% of daily value that is equal to 100 IU of vitamin D.

Is vitamin D deficiency is risky.

This vitamin D deficiency occurs when an individual is not getting recommended level of it for a period of time. 

Certain type of people carry higher risk for vitamin D deficiency such as. 

These include people who give little time to stay under sun light. Also among the people especially in the women in our region who covered themselves while going out of house (Wearing burqa or hijab most of the time).

Old or senior people are confine to live in home most of the time due to certain illness and are at risk 

Staying at nursing / old homes.

People with several medical conditions that is inflammatory bowel syndrome. 

People with the highly dark color skin.

People who are obese or too much overweight

Individual taking medicine that interfere with vitamin D level,

The risk may increase if individual suffering from osteoporosis. Will have vitamin D deficiency. To cover up this situation the physician may prescribe high dose of vitamin D for time being to bring the level to the normal level.  

Article written by Mahmood Hussain for Baby First website, facebook, linkedin, twitter and other social and digital media.

The post Calcium & Vitamin D are essential for the life. appeared first on Baby First.

By Mahmood Hussain, Monday 18th July 2019, the article is written for www.babyfirst.com.pk   BABY FIRST PAKISTAN and on Facebook.babyfirstPakistan and other social media such as LinkedIn, Twitter and so on. Writer Mahmood Hussain is from Karachi Pakistan. 

Below are the listed benefits of walking and especially for brisk walking:  

• Waling regularly increases the fitness of heart and lung. It improve and maintain overall cardiac and pulmonary function.
• Key to lose weight.
• It reduces the chances of heart attack and stroke.
• It overall improve the condition of high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol level.
• Reduce muscular and joint pain and even stiffness of muscle are also reduce.
• It leads toward stronger bones and improved the body balance.
• It enhances memory function and reduces chances of cancer occurrence.

Walking is the simple activity to keep you healthy.

This habit of walking regularly has many powerful health benefits. Courtesy of Harvard Medical School, for more and in depth detail please do visit at: https://www.health.harvard.edu

Experts recommend to walk 40 minutes per day for minimum of 5 days a week

If you visit your physician for routine checkup or feeling distress. Than your doctor will go for checkup. It is not surprise he will prescribe and stress you to walk regularly. It seems to be simple activity which make you healthy, wealthy and wise. 

Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC) says the walking is closest thing to the wonder drug for remedy.

Walking is an ideal form to have healthy life.

It is good activity to trim your waistline.

Keep us motivated, active and agile

For further reading please read article having headline “walking trim your waist line and improve your health” by courtesy of Mayo Clinic Staff.

We need to have a will and determination to walk the way to fitness on daily basis.  It is best to start from today and keep it as regular habit.

Understand the benefit of walking. 

Start and maintain this simple physical activity on daily basis, it should not to be complicated 

Brisk walk on daily basis of 30 to 40 minutes, may help us in maintaining healthier life. 

This simple activity will help all of us to maintain the following condition: 

Maintain healthy weight

Prevent or to manage various biological disease conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular and it improves overall mood.

Bones and muscle are strengthen 

It improve the balance and coordination of various activity.

It is essential to tune up yourself for regular brisk walk from normal walk which was initiated as startup. Brisk walk will have far greater health benefits.   

It is advised to convert your normal walk towards brisk walk, which is refer as setting pace fitness stride  This requires good posture with purpose full movement Proper walking technique, it is mentioned in detail provided by Mayo Clinic report are:

• Keep your head up and straight
• Look forward and not at the ground
• Shoulder movement should be natural and relaxed.
• Maintain your back straight, it should not swing forward or backward
• Look straight and forward and not at the ground.
• Keep your chin straight and it should be parallel to the ground.
• During brisk walk stomach muscle should be tightened and your back should be straight and neither curved forward or back ward.
• Free arm movement and having slight bend in knee.
• Walk smoothly and roll your foot from heel to toe.

If you are prepare and willing to walk routinely, please remember to follow the followings:

Have the right gear and mental attitude to initiate the journey of brisk walk.

Do have the proper sports shoes recommended for walking which will provide proper arch support and needed cushion with comfort to your feet.

Wear proper and comfortable clothing which suites as per weather condition.

If walking after Fajar prayer and it is still dark outside, this can be either in morning or evening walk than please do wear bright colors clothes which can be visible from safe distance.

If we are walking outdoor with in Karachi it is common to see open sewerage line and damage sidewalks and footpath. We need to take necessary precaution and steps to protect yourself. 

It is good to walk in Public Park or designated places to walk.

If weather is not permitting us to walk especially during rainy season or severe cold and hot summer weather, find suitable alternate to walk in limited available space.  

How to initiate brisk walk as well as end of the walk?

It is recommended to initiate the walk slowly for the first five to ten minutes. This will warm up the body and muscle and make ready for brisk walk and exercise. 

The same technique we have to apply to cool down our body at the end of the walk that is after 30-40 minutes.

You need to have proper attire which means wear comfortable clothes which should be suitable for the type of weather is prevailing.

Choose comfortable and recommended shoes for walking / running. 

Outdoor track if you choose for walking, it is important to avoid foot path which are cracked, or having uneven turf. What I recommend with in the SARRC countries, consider especially Pakistan and Karachi please do walk in the Park situated nearby your area. There will be no wild traffic. Parks with walking track is quite safe and suitable for brisk walk. 

If walking on footpath, road side and streets please avoid the paths which have uneven surface, and potholes.

If weather is harsh and not suitable than do avoid brisk walking.

As soon you plan to go for walk, first thing is to walk slowly for 5-8 minute this will help in allowing your body and muscles to warm up, secondly this will prepare your body for exercise.  

When you have nearly done your brisk walk and exercise than please do walk slowly  for5-10 minutes to cool down your body .

Warming first your body and later cool down your body at finish stage is essential to remain fit and healthy.

Article written by Mahmood Hussain for Baby First website, facebook, linkedin, twitter and other social and digital media

The post Benefits of walking appeared first on Baby First.

It is generally assume that illness during winter is more common because of flu, cough and cold. Although during hot weather and sizzling summer numerous ailment and condition do occur. These are quite bothersome and it needs immediate attention and to be taken care off by himself or the family members, 

Special care to be exercise in case of neonates, toddler, children’s and elderly people (senior citizen) who can be effected and suffer in the hot weather,. 

Below are listed / examples of health issues which is associated with hot summer weather.     

• Food poisoning.
• Water borne disease.
• Hot and red rashes.
• Bug Bite
• Summer cold 
• Headache 
• Heat stroke
• Sun burn

We will briefly discuss each condition below:

Food poisoning.

This condition arises due to consumption or ingesting food which is contaminated by bacteria, parasites or virus. This condition is more common during hot summer weather. 

The warm weather encourages / allows the bacteria to multiply rapidly.

If food is cooked and prepare in advance for commercial consumption, party or picnic and during Ramadan for Iftar dinner.  They are mostly kept and place in hot place and open area to be serve. Chances may increase for food contamination which is mostly by the bacteria and this provide condition for food poisoning.  

The Center for Disease Control (commonly refer as CDC) in USA, states each year 3,000 US citizen die each year from foodborne disease. If this condition prevail in USA than what to talk of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SARRC region) where more than 20% of world population lives. Mostly lives in abject poverty and living in unhealthy condition,that is below recommended poverty line. The countries mostly listed are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and so on, In hot weather the temperature persists in Asia Pacific countries & MENA region from 35 degree Celsius to 45 degree Celsius during the day.  This is from month of April to September each year. The road side vendors are very common in this region who are serving food and drinks to the consumers. More chances of contamination of food and drinks.

Food poisoning can be easily diagnosed, it usually have symptoms such as pain and cramps in stomach, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. The food poisoning diagnosis can be done by taking patient medical history, the detail of food stuff and drink consume recently by the patient & thorough investigation. It is essential to have correct diagnosis because infection can be due to different microorganism and this may require different treatments.

The symptoms severity is more likely by patient age, general state of health and his/her medical history.  It has been observed that if two victims who has eaten same infected food their sickness intensity and severity may vary.

If food poisoning patient is seriously ill this may lead to severe dehydration and kidney failure..  

In Health24, updated article on 09 October 2017 on topic of 7 common summer ailments. They mentioned Outbreak of E coli within Europe during 2011, this set an example of virulence / pathogenicity with different intensity of food poisoning. While treating victims this need careful assessment and each individual to be treated differently and as per the need. . 

Causes of Food Poisoning. 

There are several causes of food poisoning such as bacterial which is very common followed by virus and parasite.  Also this can be by toxin and chemical.  

To keep away and protect people from it, the pre-pared food should be manage in hygienic condition, stored properly and place and store in cool place. 

NHS choices of UK advice most of the cases of food poisoning can be manage at home. They do not need visit to the physician or hospital, By the simple basic management such as keep the patient hydrated (intake of liquid and fluid replacement).  Place the sufferer in ventilated place / room. By these simple management, the condition will improve with in a day or two.   

If the patient symptoms and condition become more severe, than he / she may please be admitted in hospital for replenishment of fluid via intravenous route. 

Water borne disease & conditions 

We all are fond off to spend our time in water during hot and sunny summer season. There is a risk of bacterial infections and other water borne illness. Reason is we prefer to spend more time in recreational activities in the water such as in river, pond, bath tub and swimming pool besides drinking plenty of water to overcome thirsty feeling.  .

A detail observation in this regard was stated by Professor Dennis Maki, for infectious disease at School of medicine and Public Health, University Wisconsin. With the excessive use of water, which can be source of gastrointestinal problems and which will engage also other parts of body such as ear, nose and skin infection. This may also result in respiratory, neurological and viral infection. The best and safest place is A-one swimming pool, their management keep regular check on quality of water and maintain require chlorine levels.

Hot and red rashes.

The rashes are red or pink, are normally found in in the body which are covered by clothes we wear. This occurs during hot and humid conditions. It is most common among the children. Hot and red rashes develop due to blockage sweat glands duct. This result in swelling which appear in shape of tiny pimples on the skin which give itching of the skin and lead to discomfort. This condition heal itself wit in days. Very rarely the rash are infected. This may lead to pain swelling and pus. If this is condition plea do consult your physician..      

Bug / insect bite

The insect bite which can result in small wound. They appear as red lump on the exposed area of skin, it may be painful, irritating and itchy. 

Most of the time insect bite will clear in few hour. And can be manage with home remedy.  

Treatment for insect bite and sting are mostly the same.

Summer cold.

It is due one of the form of virus known as enterovirus. It is evident by having cold like symptoms, along with fever, headache and sore throat. Occasionally also observe mouth sore or rash. To treat the viral infection of such type is basically aimed at relieving the symptoms. 

Headache 

During summer season the outdoor activities which lead to exposure of body within hot and shiny sun. This may result in severe thumping and blowing headache. National headache foundation Chicago USA having their objective is to cure headache, reduce the pain and suffering of the individual. In one of their survey they indicted the headache sufferer during summer season is the worst time during the entire year.

Long exposure outside in hot weather may tend to rise the body temperature and give headache. Also vigorous exercise and physical activity in hot weather and dehydration (less intake of water per day) may lead to headaches. .  

Heat Stroke.

Due to prolonged exposure to the sizzling temperature outside this may lead to Heat Stroke. Symptoms are high grade fever and thumping headache. This has been observed when the children are left in the car during summer weather.

Heat stroke is refer to the condition where body cooing mechanisms is reverse and lead towards heat side. The body temperature recorded above 40degree Celsius. The symptoms appear are exhaustion due to heat, headache, weakness and dizziness. If it is not properly taken care and the condition persists which may lead to unconsciousness, organ failure and finally may lead to death.    

Hyper thermic (high grade fever) condition, first priority is to cool down body with water, place the sufferer in cool ventilated and airy place. Use ice pack. The hyper thermic patient .urgently needs hospitalization to provide recommended standard treatment and prevent exhaustion, muscle breakdown and protect from kidney failure.  

Article written by Mahmood Hussain for Baby First website, facebook, linkedin, twitter and other social and digital media

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What is expected out of you for new born baby?  

In the initial stages from the day one when the baby is born till 3 month, it is expected from mother or parents to fully involve and take care by devoting yourself to the baby for better health care. 

 In the initial stages, time is devoted by mother in term of breast feeding (feeding), changing diapers or nappy clothes, bathing once a day at least and soothing baby to be calm. In most of the case during the day time baby is sleeping. As the baby grow older we observe sign of baby growth and development. Neonate normally sleeps most of the time of the day that is approximately 18-20 hours per day. 

How to speed up baby development stages:

Healthy and good relationship you have developed with your baby will lead to healthy development of baby and their growth. Expert have advised few guidelines which is mentioned below for you.

Talk to your baby in simple language.

When you are playing or communicating with your baby please talk to them in very simple word and simple sentences this will allow baby to pick up the message.  In this way you are developing baby language learning skills. Secondly it is essential to response to coos and splashes or murmur sound made by baby at this stage.

Responding when baby is crying: 

When baby is crying it means baby need attention or feeling uncomfortable, and only way to express it by crying. Your immediate attention will calm baby down and in this way you build strong bonding. May be he or she is uncomfortable because baby is hungry or needs diaper change or needs your warm lap to sleep and make comfortable. 

Baby need change in position in later part of 1-3 months.

As parents you need to engage baby by showing him color full toys or picture to engage them.  Also this can be achieved by making good and cheerful noises. In this way you will engage him/her to raise head. Secondly you put baby on belly for tolerable time and play with her / him. When he / she is tired with this activity please put baby on back to catch up sleep.   

As mother or parent you start enjoying the response from her / him which in term start recognizing you in later stage of life that is from 1-3 months.   

Development of moving / stability skills it also is known as Motor Skills:

In the initial stages that is in neonatal age (1-6weeks) during this period baby head will be unstable. Later on baby will be able to move and turn head and may be she turn either on both side that is left and right. She also lie on her belly. In later stages or during later week your baby will be able to kick and this activity will gradually become more power full.

Development of communication skills.

They learn quickly what you feed them and responding and playing with them at neonatal age.  At age of 2 months baby learn the skill of smiling, she start making non rhythmic noises and also blow bubble when you are playing with them.  This has been observed sometimes they start copying you and occasionally responding to your expressions. 

Development of Hearing Skills: 

As mother you will observe baby skills of hearing develop after few weeks, he or she will response to the voices or sound.

Eye sight or vision development.

During this stage of life cycle of baby that is from 1 to 3 month baby start focusing your movement and recognize face in early stages 1-2 months.. In later stages of life cycle she start recognizing different colors, designs and shapes. 

Also babies start playing with their hand and feet by now.

What to do if something is wrong with the baby:

Every baby is different and their development stages may vary from individual to individual for baby development in terms of time line. Some pick up and learn quickly and few follow the trend late. This may please be not the cause of concern and to be taken as normal. 

The cause concern arises if following mentioned symptoms and time lines are not followed by the child in terms of baby development and growth 

• As mother you observe that there is no improvement in terms of head control.
• If baby is unable to hold object in hands.
• He or she does not notice moving objects by rolling eyes to follow the object or toy.
• No response or do not notice to hold their hand.
• When you feel baby is not smiling on your noise and when you see no response when he or she sees you or your face.

Article written by Mohammad Raza and edited by Mahmood Hussain for Baby First Website and facebook.

The post Baby Development Stages: 0-3 months appeared first on Baby First.

Parents are always worried about their children bowel movement and their habit to live with it.  Secondly what is the frequency require to pass the stool? 

How it shape up and what it’s appears or look like.  

Parents especially mother’s anxiety starts when this condition of constipation prevails in the child who is too young. She has to observe how frequently and what is the condition of the stool baby passes either it is with the decrease or increase in frequency. 

Feeling pain and difficulty in passing the feces due to the constipation. 

How frequently diapers or nappy gets dirty. This need to be change at the earliest or soon she came to know nappy is dirty.  

We don’t have to panic in this situation, patience is needed to deal with this condition. 

This condition needs the management through balance and recommended healthy diet. 

This will bring it back to normalization of feces condition such as (semi solid) and also passes easily in right frequency.  

If condition of constipation still persist, please do consult your baby doctor and follow his or her advice. 

For us it is important to recognize the condition of constipation at early stage, this will enable us to stop or avoid it from becoming a chronic condition. 

To define what is the normal frequency of stool.  It is very difficult to say and this varies from child to child or adult to adult also. As a mother or parent you know very well what is normal frequency of passing stool in case of individual child. 

If you observe change in frequency and mainly if frequency is reduce than normal trend, this means the problem of constipation persist. This needs to be taken care by you or by the doctor of baby.

Baby may pass stool or open their bowl several times a day or may do it once after few days. As a parent you need not to worry with this situation. What is important is to observe does baby passes stool easily and does its shape is hard or soft.

It has been observed if baby is on mother breast feed they digest it better as compare to bottle or top feed baby.  

Breast feed child pass runnier stool and its color will be mustard or yellow. 

Breast fed newborn baby’s normally passes stool after every feed which is normal and  in certain cases it is observed baby open their bowl after weeks. Both conditions are term as normal and no need to worry.  

If baby is on bottle feed or on infant formula milk than mostly baby need to pass the stool and open their bowl on daily basis, reason is the stool will be heavy and smells badly. This will resemble like adult feces.

There is no fix formula in newborn babies and young children. It has been observed baby’s stool may vary in color and its consistency on day to day basis. If there is any change observed on long term basis such as it’s getting harder and decrease in frequency of passing stool than this is the sign your child is suffering from constipation. You need to take care and if needed consult your child doctor.

With the passage of time baby grow older reaches age of 5-6 months, now it’s time to start solid food besides breast feeding. After initiating solid food you will observe their stool pattern changes in term of color and odor. The stool child passes has become darker in color as well as thicker and smell more badly. This change in pattern is observe, because we have start feeding the child with solid food. At this stage their stomach is also developing and trying to cope up with solid food which mother has started. Child has to digest food due to new dietary change and in their pattern of eating. This change can be observe by you while changing baby nappy

As the baby grows older with the passage of time from the age of toddler to young baby, as a parent or mother you observe further changes in the pattern of stool passing, its frequency and consistency. These changes will depends upon what you have fed to your baby.

It is important for us to know your child bowel. What is normal and what is irregular or unusual.

As explained in earlier paragraph you will see a great variation in passing of stool and their bowl habit. This depend upon the age of baby and what are food intake.  To judge normality or abnormality in the bowel habit, if this is from three times to one time a day is normal. 

If passing of feces is less often which means with gap of more than 2 days that means constipation. Secondly this has also to be observe if stool are well formed, soft and it passes easily as feces than this condition to be term as normal.

This has also been noted may be baby face turn bit red when they are trying to pass the stool which can be normal. This is not the condition of constipation, whereas constipation is more serious problem. 

This has been noted babies who are fed via mother breast they normally do not suffer from constipation. Reason for it is very simple breast milk contains the well balanced/ healthy nutrition which keep their stool soft and allows it to pass easily.   

It is highly important for us to understand and recognize the difference between diarrhea and constipation. 

Diarrhea is condition in which runny stool passes with more frequency than normal pattern observe.

Less chances of diarrhea in baby who are breast fed than who are not. Nature has provided protection against germs as well immunity in mother breast milk.

It is important for us to understand constipation in children.

This may be recognized as follows:

Passing stool with difficulty or having feeling it is hurting.

Stool which passed are large and hard or it can be in form small pellets.

Feeling of abdominal pain and also observed in many cases having poor appetite.

Having pain while passing stool and sometimes observe small amount of blood spots during change of nappy or while cleaning the area. 

Blood spot observe because small rip or scratch at skin passage of stool passing area known as anus.

Frequency of stool has reduced per week, means less than normal frequency, which may be less than 3 normal quantity of stools per week

May be having feeling of irritation, nausea or sign of unhappiness.

If constipation condition is severe this may cause large stool are held in rectum. This further aggravate the condition of child.

Article written by Mahmood Hussain for Baby First website and facebook.

The post Constipation in children. appeared first on Baby First.

Eye examination is necessary in the first year of baby life. 

It’s your baby doctor or pediatrician need to examine baby eye at each baby wellness visit. Doctor normally examines baby ears, heart, respiratory or breathing system as well as baby back to be sure all is well. Doctors also need to assess and make sure baby eyes are good and normal during one of the visit in year one. If any problem persist such as eye infection this needs immediate assessment and to be treated. If problem assess of sever in nature than this need to be referred to the eye specialist / consultant for opinion and advice. If consultant notices baby has vision problem or has family history of poor vision than to be taken care off,

Think about Your Baby’s Eyes | Eye Exam for Children

An eye exam in necessary in first year for your baby.

You should go for eye examination of your baby by 6 month to be sure about both eyes healthy. It’s very important because as early as the problem detected, easier it will be treat or managed. This will boost your child heath. 

First eye exam

There will be eye examination immediately after your child is born. But make sure you should visit eye consultant after the baby test. First year of baby’s life is very important time to detect and cure eye and if any vision problem. 

After birth of baby they are able to move or roll their eyes, which can be observed very easily. A week after birth they are able to recognize facial expressions such as their parents smile and affection. It will take longer time for them to be able to understand and recognize colors, depth of the things and also motions or moving objects.

As a parent you must keep your eye on your baby’s eyes. If eye are turning in or out, or if his/her eyes are white in photos, do consult your doctor immediately. 

Eye exam is much more important if your child birth was premature. Make it sure your child eye test has been done before coming back home after delivery. If not, later on please go for eye test as soon as possible.

Serious vision problem that needs immediate actions

Look for the following signs during first year:

Strabismus: Eyes alignment is not correct and don’t move mutually.  

Nystagmus: 3 months after birth, baby eyes still have wavy movement, jumping and dancing.

Noticeable change in eyes appearance.

Any sign of problems in eye development stages.

If you see any of these problems, immediately consult your doctor.

Find baby eye doctor

Family physician or pediatrician includes the essential eye exam for your baby in each well-baby visit till first year of your baby. The baby doctor will handle the basic vision problem if any.  If there will be more serious problem he will refer to an eye specialist for detailed examination and treatment.

First eye exam with more details

If you are waiting for doctor, it’s a good idea to make notes about what are you going to ask. Bring a toy or something that your baby can play quietly.

• Family background of eye or vision problems.
• Penlight checkup of eyeballs and eyelids: checking the pupils size and making sure they are same size, are the lids fixed and not loose. Checking any sign of infection or disease and tearing issue.
• Eye movement checkup: checking baby’s ability to following thing by eyes. Checking mutual movement and response of eyes. Specialist check it with instrument known as ophthalmoscope.
• Light sensitivity checkup: This test will be held in dark room. Darkness make pupils wider and allow doctor take a better look inside the eyes. The doctor will look for a red reflation in eyes with Retinoscopy. Looking for and abnormal response to the signals from baby which could be a sign of cataracts of tumors. 

Sometimes doctors refer for an additional eye exam without seeing any abnormal signs. So you should not worry when a doctor refer further tests. Doctors or eye consultant even have different methods of checking and different opinions but their overall objective to manage or treat the problem if any. 

 Article written by Mohammad Raza and edited by Mahmood Hussain for Baby First Pakistan website and facebook

The post Baby eye examination, when this need to be assess? appeared first on Baby First.

This is with the intention to remove or abolish Hepatitis from world map. Though it is highly challenging task. 

WHO is all set to go with the countries and willing to work on Strategy for Elimination of Viral Hepatitis by year 2030?

This theme and strategy for Elimination of Hepatitis by 2030 has been worked out along with individual countries and World Health Organization (WHO)

This will be a big question mark???  Will we be able to achieve this set land mark by 2030 or its fate will be the same as set for Millennium Development Goal (MDG) which fails to achieve set desire results.  Especially we refer it for developing and underdeveloped countries.

The goal of elimination of Hepatitis is set for the first time. The government of countries have signed up and they are committed to achieve this set objective

With the help of individual country we all are committed globally to mark this historic moment. Focus will be to create awareness and do forceful campaign among the masses with the theme of Elimination on World Hepatitis Day (WHD) for 2016. The overall objective will be to increase diagnostic method, vaccination program, safe blood and use of safe needle / injection. As mentioned above all recommended methods will lead towards the Elimination the set goal. 

Whatever communication tools are use and we work on its implementation, the recommended guidelines remains same either it is walk a cause, media briefing, lecture program / seminar or organizing events at the hospital or in public places. These methods will create overall awareness for Elimination that is NOhep by 2030. This is a global agreed elimination program 

To achieve NOhep strategy, the overall objective is set to reach 300 million people by 2030. Please be a part of achieving elimination of viral hepatitis which will be a great achievement

In this regard we need to implement successfully and to work dedicatedly.  We have engage common man to understand Elimination or NOhep by 2030 program. 

You can involve yourself for this noble cause by educating the masses it causes and how to protect and if patient is suffering what is the right treatment and how to reach place to treat it.  

Actively involved in awareness campaign by giving your valuable time for this noble cause. 

Thirdly you can just sign up for this awareness movement. 

In the year 2010 WHO created a dedicated day with the name “World Hepatitis Day” to be celebrated each year on July 28. Now we proudly say in very short span of time millions of people globally participate on World Hepatitis Day. By this way raising awareness among masses about viral hepatitis, also engaging and involving to go for treatment for themselves and their love ones. Also go for better prevention program. In Pakistan government at Federal and Provincial level are fully supporting the Hepatitis prevention program, as well as treatment.

 World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) initiative provides global leadership. WHA support all actions to improve the life people who are affected by viral hepatitis and also with the objective to reduce / stop the death toll.  WHA objective is to work with all stake holder either it is government, NGO or any reliable /reputable partners helping to eliminate viral hepatitis from this world. 

The incidence Liver cancer (HCC) are associated with liver cirrhosis and it is mostly related  to Hepatitis B Virus or hepatitis C Virus infection

 Incidence of Hepatitis virus in human being around the world

It is estimated 5% of the total world population is chronically infected by Hepatitis B Virus. In terms of number it comes to 350 – 400 million inhabitant suffer around the world. Out of which 75% infected people lives in Asia and very low incidence / prevalence reported of 0.3% to 1.5% reported in western countries.

The worldwide reported cases of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is 2% of the population. This means figures arrive to around 180 million people who suffer from it on our planet. 

HCV is reported as chronic in Japan in 1920 infecting among young adult, in Europe during 1940 and 1960 in USA.

Its epidemic in USA which was / is due to the usage of contaminated needles and injection drug during the early period of 1960-80 and later on. But with effective control the incidence of HCV occurrence reduce significantly.

Pakistani population data for HBV and HCV.

Data collected from various studies in Pakistan, which stated occurrence or incidence of HBV and HCV in overall general population is 2.6% and 5.3% Prevalence in children is 2.3% for HBV & 2.5% for HCV. In pregnant women it is 2.6% and 5.3%.  

Above mentioned review reflects HBV & HCV is highly endemic in Pakistan. Hepatitis B & C is serious infection as well term as burden disease. After publication of such data and review , this data was used and force government to launch hepatitis program and the same eas initiated to protect as much as possible  human life.

Article written by Mahmood Hussain for Baby First Pakistan website and facebook

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