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Harmful Effects of Air Pollution on Child's Health and Development
As the air quality is deteriorating day by day, it has become rather impossible to stay healthy and go without experiencing bouts of sickness for more than a couple of months. Air pollution is ruining our health, but its ill effects are more pronounced on children, as their lungs are still in a developing stage (as is their immunity). If you are a parent, among various concerns that you may have, one must be the effects of air pollution on your child’s health. We get your concern, and this is why we suggest that you read this article to understand how air pollution affects children and how you can do your best to raise your little one in a cleaner and safer environment.
Reasons Why Children are More Susceptible to the Effects of Air Pollution Than Adults
Kids are at a greater risk of developing health problems because of poor air quality. Here’s what you need to know so that you can find solutions to keep your child healthy and protected.
Children tend to breathe more rapidly, as compared to adults. This means that they can inhale or breathe in air pollutants at a faster rate than adults. These pollutants may stay in their lungs and affect not just their lung health but their overall health as well.
The lungs of a child are not well-formed at birth, and may not develop fully until he turns 6 years of age. Toddlers or kids living in polluted cities may inhale more environmental toxins and other air pollutants, which may get trapped in their lungs for a longer duration. This may affect their respiratory health and lead to other medical problems.
Another reason why children are more susceptible to developing health issues because of air pollution is that they are more exposed to toxic substances. Kids often spend time outdoors, playing and running around in playgrounds and parks, which might not always be well-maintained. The dirt and dust outside may expose them to toxic substances, thus affecting their health.
Which Air Pollutants Have Maximum Impact on Kids’ Health?
The air your child breathes in is not really conducive to his health, you already know that. But do you know the major air pollutants that impact your child’s health? Read on to find out!
1. Nitrogen Oxide
Nitrogen oxide affects lung function by causing inflammation and irritation. Long term exposure to nitrogen oxide is known to cause respiratory problems. It also affects the immune system, which may increase the occurrence of lung problems.
2. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide, when inhaled enters the bloodstream and mixes with the haemoglobin very quickly, and forms carboxyhaemoglobin. And carboxyhaemoglobin can be detrimental to a child’s health as it may restrict the flow of oxygen in his body.
3. Ozone
Ozone is a powerful oxidant which can affect the airways and trigger various health problems such as throat irritation, chest pain, coughing, etc. Short-term exposure to this pollutant may give rise to the problems related to the respiratory tract and eye health, and long-term exposure to it may permanently affect the proper functioning of the lungs.
4. Airborne Particles
Airborne particles comprise sulfates, aerosols, carbon, and nitrate. These particles may aggravate the respiratory ailments such as asthma in a child. They may also cause other respiratory problems and reduce the airflow to the lungs of the child.
5. Diesel Emission
The microscopic carbon chemicals present in diesel being very small can easily enter the lungs and may lead to nausea, dizziness, throat problems, eye irritation and other such conditions in children.
6. Sulphur Dioxide
Sulfur dioxide is a toxic gas produced from the burning of fossil fuels and smelting of mineral ores containing sulfur. This pollutant, when breathed in, may restrict the airways and irritate the throat and nose and cause coughing, wheezing, and breathing issues. However, a child exposed to sulfur dioxide will be most at the risk of developing health problems if he has asthma.
7. Lead
Lead is released in the air during the burning of coal, oil, or waste, and is regarded as a toxic air pollutant. Once it enters the body, it may affect almost all the organs as it is distributed by the blood throughout the body and accumulated in the bones. Depending on the level of exposure, it may affect a child’s nervous system and kidneys. Lead exposure, thus can result in kidney problems, cognitive development issues, impaired motor skills, and more.
How Does Air Pollution Affect a Child’s Health and Development?
The harmful air pollutants may affect your child’s health in more ways than you can imagine. If your child is constantly exposed to air pollutants, it may affect his health in the following ways:
Excessive air pollution can hamper the growth and development of a child. It may even affect the proper functioning of the lungs.
Being exposed to environmental toxins may cause infections or injuries in your child’s lungs, which may reduce the lung capacity. These adverse effects may not only be a childhood phenomenon and may affect your child’s health in adulthood too.
Being exposed to polluted air on a regular basis may aggravate health conditions such as cystic fibrosis or asthma in children.
The various air pollutants, besides affecting the respiratory system, affect the nervous system as well. Long-term exposure to air pollutants such as lead can stunt the cognitive development of a child.
Air pollution may impact the overall health of a child because medical conditions, food, water, air pollution, and other such problem-causing-factors are interlinked and together they may deteriorate the overall health of a child.
Ways to Lower the Impact of Air Pollution on a Child’s Health
Finding a one-stop solution to reduce air pollution is not possible, not now, at least. But you can find ways to protect your child from the harmful effects of air pollution. Here’s how you can help lower the impact of air pollution on your child’s health, and keep him safe and healthy.
Make sure that your child’s diet is wholesome and healthy, because a rich and nutritious diet can ensure good health and lower the risk of developing infections and severe health conditions.
Make it a point that your child engages in some kind of physical activity daily. Any form of physical activity will improve your child’s lung health and immune system, and help in maintaining a good cardiovascular system, which will give him the strength to combat health problems. And while he is at it, ensure that he is enjoying that activity in green or open spaces because exposure to fresh air will do good to his health.
If you feel like the air quality in your house is poor, use air purifiers so that the impurities and toxic elements present in the air are eliminated.
If your child falls sick constantly, consult a doctor and make sure he takes his medicines on time.
While taking your child outdoors, avoid peak hours as the air quality will be particularly poor during that time. The ideal time for outdoor play or park visits is early morning.
You can also do your bit to reduce the pollution by engaging in some healthy habits like carpooling, using public transport, cycling or walking to nearby places.
Air pollution is a major concern today and it is steadily worsening. You might not be able to tackle the problem entirely on your own but you can certainly take measures to protect your family from the harmful effects of air pollution. You could also do your bit and practice and educate others to collectively help fight air pollution! This way, you are ensuring that you’ve made a difference to your child’s future, and which parent doesn’t want that?
Also Read: Pollution Facts for Children Read more
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Best Family Jokes that Will make You Laugh Out Loud
A family that laughs together stays together. Humour heals a bad day at work or home, and lets you concentrate on the light and funny side of everything. However, do ensure that funny family jokes don't go overboard and are age-appropriate for everyone from granny to baby!
Every family should set aside time to bond and share a few laughs. A funny story about an uncle or your two-year old son's antics will leave everyone rollicking and refreshed. The best family jokes are witty, clean and ideal for easing your day's tension and workload.There is only one rule in this family-cheer game: keep the humour clean and don't land yourself or anyone else in an awkward spot. Why not crack some of these family friendly jokes at the next get-together?
Clean Jokes That'll Keep The Family in Splits
1. How were People Born?
A little boy once asked his Dad – “How were people born?” His Dad, not quite ready to answer such a question, told him: “Adam and Eve were the first to have babies, then their babies grew up and had babies, and so on.” The child, not quite satisfied with the answer, decided to ask his mom the same question. She replied: "We were monkeys and then became who we are now." The child, quite perplexed, ran back to his Dad and said, "You lied!" His father replies, "No, your mom was telling you about her side of the family."
Crack this one while you eat your dessert after dinner and watch your entire family laugh loud. If you're looking for family friendly jokes, this'll be your safest bet.
2. Boy Humour
A 4-year-old boy sits near a pregnant woman on a bus.
Boy: Why are you so fat?
Pregnant woman: I am carrying a baby.
Boy: Is the baby good?
Pregnant woman: Yes, it is a very good baby.
Boy: Then is there a reason why you ate it?!
This joke isn't only funny, but it is sure to make your entire family go "aww."
3. Trust Thy Child
A young boy asks his Dad at the dinner table: "Dad, do bugs taste good to eat?"
The Dad, quite offended, says: "That's disgusting. Don't talk about such things at the dinner table”. After dinner, the Dad brings up the question again:
"Son, you wanted to ask me something earlier?" "Nothing much, Dad." the boy says. "There was a bug in your soup, but it’s gone now."
This one will make you hold your tummy till it hurts. It might also want to make you double check your soup bowl!
4. No Love for Mom-in-Law
A married couple are shopping one morning when the wife proclaims: "Darling, it’s my mom’s birthday tomorrow. What do we get for her? She said she wanted something electric."
The husband replies: "What about a chair?"
This leg-puller of a joke is ideal for close, non-judgmental family meets and will make you squint at your husband with a smile. What's life without the occasional teasing?
5. Finding The Expiry Date
Wife: Why have you been reading our marriage certificate all through dinner?
Husband: Was just trying to find out if there was an expiry date!
This is a smart joke for a couples gathering and is sure to make everyone giggle. After all, marriage can be a rollercoaster ride and laughter is a great help along the way.
These clean family jokes will have everyone laughing for sure and might also leave you a little red-faced, which is really all right. What's best is this practice will set the mood for a light evening of jokes and laughter. Try rolling out a joke sharing session after dinner and watch the night end on a super note. Read more
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My Experience in a Delivery Room
It was not just any other visit to the hospital for regular check up. It was an emergency; a sinking feeling of suffering alone. My contractions began at 4 in the morning and I thought that this pain would kill me. Those 2 hours of excruciating labour made me revisit my 9 months' journey with my yet-to- be-born child and encouraged me to live for the fruit of my efforts. From the day I thought to plan for a family to the day I got a positive pregnancy test result; from proudly completing first 3 months without much trouble to suddenly getting chickenpox at its edge; from safely carrying my baby in my womb post that disease to falling from stairs during the 8th month - it was a roller coaster ride for the two of us.I had to push harder to bring a new life into this world and to be born to myself. I wanted to be pampered just like other pregnant ladies were; I wanted someone to satisfy my cravings just like a queen's order is obeyed immediately. However, nobody pampered me. I rather felt unwanted. I cried, regretted, and toiled. "Why did I plan to conceive?" I rebuked myself.
"Will I be a good mother?""What if anything goes wrong?""Was this decision too abrupt?"All these doubts constantly haunted me as ghosts of my past.
One day, I told myself to learn to live for my child and pamper him/her instead of trying to be an attention seeker. Time went by and I took the charge. I was in my parents' house. I drove alone to the hospital for routine check-ups and battled in that labour room. I was weak and scared. I begged for a c-section. All of a sudden, I decided to put all my strength and push the baby out. As I tried to save my life and relieve my pain, something catastrophic happened. The moment I went into labour and thought my baby's sufferings in the womb would come to an end, the ordeal ended in the blink of an eye. It was all about my decision at the right time.With that, my old poor self died, and I was born again as a mother - to live for my child.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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How to set a Monthly Household Budget
Managing household expenses is one of the biggest challenges most face these days. The constant price rise has made planning somewhat tricky but very doable. Learn how to do it all by preparing a simple monthly household budget that you and everyone can follow.
Want to prepare a monthly budget to keep a tab on your expenses but don't know where to begin? The task isn't as difficult as it seems. You need to start by finding out the average expense of all family members before you sit down to begin planning.
How to Make a Budget for your Home without Being Miserly
1. Write Down your Expenses
While you may have an approximate idea of how much you need to spend in a month, you may miss out on something or the other. It's always better to jot down all expenses on a day-to-day basis. When the month starts, write down fixed expenses such as house rent, car EMI and so on. Once you're done with those, you can start logging daily expenses.
2. Compare Income and Expenses
If you and your husband have fixed salaries, home budget planning becomes much easier. However, if you're a freelancer or a businesswoman and your net income varies from month to month, take the average of the last five-six months. You can also consider last month's earnings as your income. Now, subtract your expenses from your income to know how much you're likely to save and keep that amount aside.
3. Prioritise your Expenses
If you aren't satisfied with the amount you'd be saving and want to save more, prioritise your expenses. Strike off those that aren't really important and focus on those you and your family actually need. You'd be surprised by how much money's spent on frivolous stuff like dining out frequently and manis and pedis.
4. Plan for Leisure
All work and no play can certainly make one dull. So don't be too harsh on yourself and set some money aside to plan a leisurely trip or a fun activity every month. You work hard your whole life, even one or two days of fun every month will leave you refreshed and ready to face life's hectic demands. This is also an important tool to teach your children the importance of working hard.
5. Do a Reality Check
Just preparing a monthly household budget is of no use if you don't follow it. Keep a tab on your expenses throughout the month and at the end, you'll see if you're treading in the right track. Finally, compare your actual expenses with the budget you had planned. This family budget planning tip is an easy way to see where to cut corners and where you can loosen the purse strings.
With these home budgeting tips, preparing a monthly expense plan shouldn't be difficult. Newly-married couples can follow it as can moms, dads and everyone in between. The best part of setting a budget is that you don't need to forego all luxuries; you just need to pick and choose between them wisely. Read more
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Pasta and Bean Soup
This dish has its origins from the Mediterranean realm. It is a type of pot meal dish that can become the perfect go-to option on a chilly winter evening. This wholesome soup goes well with simple bread or garlic bread and a little bit of cheese. It is also ideal for people who are on the lookout for low fat recipes that are quick to conjure. Also, its as kid-approved as it can get.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
6 People
10-15 Minutes
20-25 Minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups onions, chopped
2/3 cup carrot, chopped
2/3 cup celery, chopped
4 cups water
2 cups white beans, cooked (3/4 cup cooking liquid should be reserved)
1 large tomato, seeded, finely chopped
1 cup small pasta (such as farfalline or macaroni)
1/3 cup spring onions, chopped
Method
Step 1
Add about 2 tbsps of olive oil in heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Step 2
Add the chopped onions, carrot, and celery and sauté for 10-12 minutes or until all vegetables are soft.
Step 3
Add 4 of cups water, cooked beans with the reserved cooking liquid and tomato. Bring to a simmer over low heat.
Step 4
Reduce flame to low and let the soup simmer for 20 - 25 mins to let the flavours blend. Keep stirring occasionally.
Step 5
Mix in pasta and bring it to a boil. Cook until pasta becomes just tender but still firm to bite.
Step 6
Add more water to the soup, if you feel that the soup turns out to be a little thick. Ideally, this soup should have a runny consistency.
Step 7
Keep the soup for about 10 - 15 min and lastly season with salt and pepper.
Step 8
Pour soup into bowls and sprinkle chopped onion greens.
Step 9
Serve hot with toasted bread pieces.
Nutritional Information
Calories
330 Kcal
Proteins
18.1 g
Fat
5.6 g
Carbohydrates
54.4 g
Cholesterol
10 mg
Sodium
37 mg
Potassium
1432 mg
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Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
11 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
10 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
9 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
6 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
23 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
6 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
1 hour ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
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