Living And Dealing With Costochondritis

Dealing with pain from an inflammation is something which I have been experiencing for the very first time. 

More than the pain the reason of my concern was the condition which isn't much known even in the medical world.

A not so recent visit to my Gynaecologist made me familiar to a condition called "Costochondritis," an inflammation in the joints between the cartilage that joins the sternum (breastbone) and the ribs, causing tenderness to the ribs.

A condition that can last for few weeks or months and keeps coming and going all by itself.

Generally it is believed that costochondritis affects young people of any age group however females are more prone to it than men.

But after I have experienced it, I think it will be incorrect to say that only young adults suffer from costochondritis.

So how do one identify that he/she is suffering from costochondritis?

Know The Signs and Symptoms

It is very difficult to identify the symptoms of costochondritis. In my case, I ignored my condition thinking to be some temporary pain in the left side of my chest.

It was only after the pain started increasing I felt the need to visit the expert.

The symptoms which are considered to be of costochondritis includes:

• Pain on the left side of the breastbone.
• Tenderness of your ribs (if pressed can cause severe pain, this has happened to me).
• One experiences a sharp, pressure-like and aching pain.
• It might worsen if you are coughing or breathing deeply.
• Movement and some kind of physical activities can aggravate the pain.
• Severe chest pain when lying on bed.
• Lower and upper back pain.
• Neck pain.

For me as a freelance writer, the very thought of putting my work to a halt as per the expert's advise was something I could never do.

Hence I have been extra careful about the movement of my left arm.

Therefore, whenever you experience pain in your chest please seek expert attention in order to rule-out any life threatening ailment.

What Can Cause Costochondritis?

It is very difficult to figure out the causes of costochondritis. The pain comes suddenly and goes by itself.

So bit scary, except that I am taking precaution of my own self to reduce the pain.

Since little is known about this condition I did a bit of my research on its causes after it was confirmed. It is almost  seven to eight months that I have been suffering from costochondritis.

The above mentioned symptoms are being experienced by me. The probabilities for this condition can be any of the following:

• Heavy lifting
• A chest surgery or repeated trauma to the chest
• Stress
• Wearing a bra
• Heavy exercise
• A viral chest infection

Several MRIs and X-ray and visits to an expert had gotten me the confirmation.

However that didn't deter me from seeking alternative ways to deal with my condition of costochondritis.

Positive Approach To Ease Costochondritis Pain

After getting the final node, my next thought was how to get rid of it. Medically there isn't any cure for it except to pop up few pain killers to ease the pain or follow some light exercises advised by a health expert.

AS such the most crucial part of my healing process was to follow the experts golden word, "Rest your left arm as much as you can."

Other than that the following were some alternate remedies recommended to me:

• Pain killer in case of severe pain.
• Hot water bath.
• Warm compress when experiencing pain.
• Gentle stretches.
• Maintaining a good posture.
• Walking.
• Application of pain relief cream (I am using a herbal one, with Arnica).

Remember without self-care you cannot follow a normal and healthy lifestyle. Having a positive approach towards the healing process is vital for dealing with any ailment.

Apart from that maintain a healthy lifestyle, follow the experts advices. These are the only way to dealing with costochondritis.

Have you or any loved one of yours ever experienced the pain of costochondritis? Why not share some pain management tips with everyone here.

Image Courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

5 Benefits of Garbh Sanskar or Fetal Education

A post after a long time. Took a break from my healthcare tips blog and got a little busy with my new food blog www.pushpitascorner.blogspot.com You got me right. I love cooking.

I shall continue writing and posting here too for you all. To start with, I have this post on Garbh Sanskar or Fetal Education and 5 of its benefits.

In Indian culture especially in Hinduism a child's education begins from the time a fetus is formed in the womb. This foetal education is called as Garbh (fetus in womb) Sanskar (educating the mind) in Sanskrit.

Conception is the first step in a woman's life towards Motherhood. The 9 months journey from the initial stage of conception starts the mother-child bonding which is very crucial. 

Since ancient times it has been known that an unborn child in the womb adopts to external as well as internal stimuli and the behaviour of its mother and starts learning. 

One of the well-known story is the story of Abhimanyu from the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian Sanskrit epic, which tells how he learnt the art of entering a Chakravyuha (a special war technique) while he was still in his mother Subhadra's womb as she was listening to Lord Krishna about the technique of the war formation.

However, we Indians aren't the only ones who believe in "foetal education", there are other cultures too that believes in the concept of Garbh Sanskar or Fetal education.

In the West it's believed that listening to certain genre of music such as Mozart has a positive effect on the unborn child. The Koreans too believe that fetal education starts from within the mother's womb.

Thus it is very essential to transfer positive thoughts and energies to the child through a pregnant woman. Positive thoughts and attitude promote well-being of both mother and the baby throughout the phase of pregnancy.

Garbh Sanskar or Fetal Education has various benefits. Today through this article I am going to share 5 benefits of Garbh Sanskar with you all. I am sure it will be a helpful piece of information for those of you who are experiencing the journey towards Motherhood.

1. Strong Mother-Child Bonding: Garbh Sanskar isn't only about educating a baby in its mother's womb, it also develops a strong bond between the mother and the baby. This has a major impact on the mother's physical well being through positive thinking and attitude.

2. An Active, Alert and Confident Child: Experts suggest practice of Garbh Sanskar through, listening to music, talking to a baby inside the womb, reading educative books to help make a baby active at birth, to be more alert and confident, for better sleeping habits, better at breastfeeding and bond better with parents.

3. Minimizes Complications During Child Birth: Garbh Sanskar gives importance to physical checkup, blood checkup, sonography and medicines. A pregnant woman should be careful during the 1st Trimester (Formative Stage) and 3rd Trimester (Last Stage) of her pregnancy.

4. Increases the Confidence of the Mother During Pregnancy: A first time expecting mother should be well versed with Garbh Sanskar and should know everything related to obstetrics, anatomy, embryology, fetal development, maternal-fetal physiology and factors associated with it. This will enable her to deal with any fear dwelling in her mind and make her a confident woman ready for labor.

5. Hereditary Disorder Free baby: Meditation, yoga, pranayam, relaxation and stress relieving methods, diet, spiritual techniques for the benefit of fetal development to ensure a hereditary disorder free baby through Garbh Sanskar. 

So, now you must have known that Garbh Sanskar is a holistic way of pregnancy care. Scientific researches have found its relevance and importance in the development of  an unborn child.

Some experts believes that fetal education is not accurate. Ultimately what should matter is the mental and physical development of the baby, good health of the mother before and post delivery as well.

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

11 Best Home Remedies and Tips for Treating Flu in Children

The new year has so far brought a number of diseases along with it this time. And you must be wadding through solutions and remedies known to you to fight them. A major part of the healing process for your loved ones, especially for your little ones are more home based treatment along with your lifestyle.

Like me, you too must be someone leaning towards a greener life right from the food you eat to the products you buy, even the way you take care of your own and your loved ones' health.
My son recently got infected by the seasonal flu. The ongoing swine flu got me more concerned as most of the symptoms were similar to it like a sore throat, cold, fever upto 102, nausea, headache. Instead of panicking and wasting time, I started with some known home remedies and tips so that the condition didn't get severe, before visiting the Pediatrician.

Having sick kid at home isn't easy.There is no magical wand that can make them feel better immediately. I am sure these remedies and tips will be helpful for you to get your little one out of that nasty flu.  

1. Lemon, Honey Juice: Lemon and honey have anti-bacterial properties. Start giving them at the very onset of cold and flu. I started immediately when my son started complaining of sore throat and cold.

1 tsp of fresh lemon juice with honey in a cup of warm water 2-3 times a day regularly will help your child fight with flu. (Honey is not recommended for children below 1 year)

2. Soup: Home made chicken soup is considered as the best home remedy which can beat nasal congestion caused by a flu due to its anti-bacterial properties. You can mix vegetables of your choice in your chicken soup like carrots, celery, garlic, onions. Give this to your child hot or warm.

However due to the ongoing swine flu I gave split red lentil (masoor dal) soup to my son instead. A handful of washed split red lentils along with vegetables of your choice, a pinch of turmeric powder and salt to taste is all you need to prepare the soup. Boil or pressure cook the ingredients with 2 cup of water. 3-4 whistles are enough to make the lentil soup ready to be enjoyed by your child. Give the soup to your child preferably hot or warm daily 2-3 times.

Note: Infant and toddler who have been introduced to solid food can have these soups. Not recommended for infants who have breast milk.

3. Rest: The most important tip for your ailing child is to make them rest. Get them catch plenty of sleep but undisturbed. The body-ache, cold, headache which accompanies the flu will drain their energy, and make your child tired. So lots and lots of sleep is needed by your little one.

4. Hydrate: It is very important to keep your child hydrated when down with a flu and fever as your child loses more water fighting with the fever. Give your child warm and hot liquid to stay hydrated. For infants breast-milk is the best. 

5. Hygiene:Infections such as flu, cold and other contagious diseases are spread through touch, ask your child to wash their hands properly. When they go out give them alcohol based hand wipes or sanitizers. Ask your child to cover their mouth with a handkerchief or tissue when they sneeze. Flu is airborne.

If your child is small have the other family members and friends wash their hands before touching or holding your baby.

Keep your child away from other sick people. You can request them to postpone their visit until they are fine.

Keep your child away from cigarette smokers. Your child will be at a risk for upper respiratory problem due to second-hand smoke.

6. Keep the House Clean: It is better to be extra careful if a person in the family catches a flu so that others don't get the infection. Use disinfectants to clean frequently touched objects such as your TV remote, doorknobs, the refrigerator door handles, utensils, your child's toys and areas such as kitchen, bathroom since flu virus survives upto 2 hours. Make your child use his or her own set of towels, utensils etc when down with flu until they are fine, to avoid spreading the flu to other family members.

7. Nose Blowing: Another important tip which will help your child with nasal congestion. If your child is 4 years and above teach them and ask them to blow their nose gently using a disposable tissues to clear the mucus which will help them breathe properly and make them feel comfortable. You can teach your child how to do it and ask your child imitate your action. Ask them not to touch or rub their eyes after blowing their nose in order to avoid an eye infection. Teach them to discard the used tissues in a trashcan and wash their hands properly whenever they touch their nose. If your child's nose becomes dry and sore, you can rub some child safe ointment or petroleum jelly around the nostrils.

8. Salt Water Gargle (4 years and above): Another best and simple tip to soothe your child's sore throat. It helps clear the mucus from your little one's throat. It is effective. I always wonder how it works but it does a miracle. The Pediatrician suggested this remedy for my son too, although I made him gargle at the very onset of his flu when he complained of a sore throat 3-4 times a day till his sore throat got cured completely. A glass of warm water and 1/2 tsp of salt is required each time you make your child gargle. If your child is a first timer then you can demonstrate and teach him/her to gargle. Ask them to spit the water out and not to swallow.

9. Lukewarm Water Sponge: A luke warm water sponge is another great tip for discomfort caused by a flu fever. You can sponge your child with luke warm water. However stop if your child starts feeling cold.

10. Steam Therapy: Another remedy for nasal congestion caused by flu is a steam therapy by inhaling steam or a steam shower. You can teach your child (4 years and above) to inhale steam to clear nasal congestion using a steam inhaler (you can put few drops of Eucalyptus oil or Peppermint oil if you want) or else give steam shower to your child, for that turn on your bathroom shower to the highest temp with the doors closed. Make your baby sit on your lap and let him/her inhale the steam in the bathroom for about 10-15 minutes until your baby feels better and get relief from the nasal and chest congestion. During the session you can sing a lullaby or gently massage your child to make him/her feel comfortable. Then with open hands clap on your child's chest and back (the part where the lungs are situated) firmer than when you make your small baby burp. Steam clean your child in the morning and before going to bed at night regularly. It works wonder to clear the nasal inflammation and blockage.

11. Vitamin D: The best and natural source of Vitamin D is sunlight. Sunlight helps the body increase the WBCs ( white blood cells) or lymphocytes which plays an important role in defending your body against infections. Your doctor might prescribe a Vitamin D supplement or advice a Vitamin D rich food in case of Vitamin D deficiency in your child. My son was advised small doses of sunlight by his Pediatrician (5 mins) during early morn hours or late day time just before sunset 2-3 times a week along with medication, as those are the times when the sun rays are filtered and harmless.

Apart from the above mentioned home remedies and tips the most important thing required by your child when down with flu and fever is your undivided attention and loving care. If you are a working mother stay back at home for some days or request for work from home until your child feels better. Or if Grandmas are there at home to nurse your sick child make sure old caregivers have received their annual flu shot.

However consult the Pediatrician if the fever still persists for a prolonged period and is over 102, your child experience difficulty in breathing,vomiting or nausea, chest pain, congested cough with yellow or green colored mucus, feels extremely lethargic unlike a normal sick child, diarrhea, decreased tendency to urinate.

Have more home remedies and tips for flu? Please do share them below in the comment box. Until then may you and your loved ones stay well!

7 Best Home Remedies for Abdominal Bloating (Distention) in Children

Worried about your child's abdominal bloating? Abdominal bloating is a common health problem experienced by children of all ages when stomach gas doesn't pass properly through flatulence or belching due to indigestion, stomach infection, lactose intolerance or food allergies. It is a difficult problem for your child as well as you as a mother.
My son had experienced stomach cramp for the first time as a 3 month old infant due to lactose intolerance ( he was bottle fed as a 3 month old infant, since he stopped breast feeding even after endless efforts to breast feed him). 
The thought of those sleepless nights I have had experienced along with him as he cried due to the stomach cramps is scary and painful (it is painful and very disturbing to see your playful child going through pain and discomfort). Frequent visits to the Pediatrician were made for sometime to help him get out of this problem.
Children especially infants and toddlers are sensitive to their environment, overstimulation can lead to distress which may further lead to stomach problems. There are several treatment for abdominal bloating in children which depends upon the causes. Get to know the symptoms of abdominal bloating in your child:

1. Tightness or distended stomach
2. Stomach Cramp
3. Loss of Appetite
4. Inability to eat
5. Difficulty to Pass Stool
6. Curling up and pulling their leg into the stomach due to stomach pain

You can make use of any of the following commonly found items in your kitchen as home remedies and help your child get relief from abdominal bloating.

1. Fennel (Saunf) Tea

In India, it is a tradition to chew few fennel seeds after a heavy meal. Dried organic fennel seeds help relax the gastrointestinal tracts and relieve abdominal bloating. This is due to the compound anethole present in fennel seeds which can cure inflammation of the intestinal lining and give relief from stomach pain. You can give your child some fennel seeds to chew or else give fennel tea as a home remedy for abdominal bloating.

Ingredients:

1 tsp of organic dried fennel seeds

1 cup hot boiling water

Method to Prepare Fennel Tea:

Put the fennel seeds into a cup and pour hot boiling water over them. Cover and leave aside for about 5 minutes. Strain it and ask your child to sip it hot if your child is adapted to sipping hot liquid or else ask to sip when warm. It will relief the abdominal bloating in some time.

My son who is 7  year old now, prefer chewing the fennel seeds to sipping the fennel tea after a heavy meal.

2. Ginger Root Tea

Ginger root is another herb that can help ease nausea, troubled stomach caused by indigestion and abdominal bloating. 2 components gingerol and shogaols does this wonder by relaxing the intestinal tract and ease distention or abdominal bloating.Ginger root acts as a carminative (agent relieving stomach pain) by preventing gas formation or help expel gas. Ginger root tea is another wonderful home remedy for abdominal bloating in children.
Ingredients:
A quarter tsp of grated raw ginger root
1/2 cup hot boiling water
Fresh Lemon juice or honey
Method for Ginger Root Tea:
Put the grated ginger root in a cup. Add some fresh lemon juice or honey if you want. Pour the boiling water into the cup. Cover and keep it aside for 4-5 minutes. Strain the ginger root tea and give it to your child before or after a meal for gas relief caused by abdominal bloating.
Note: Ginger root tea is not advisable for children under 2 years of age. Honey should not be given to infants below 1 year of age.

3. Peppermint (Pudina)

Peppermint tea made with peppermint tea bags or fresh leaves is another home remedy that can give your toddler or young child quick relief from a stomach cramp and abdominal bloating.

Ingredients:

1 peppermint tea bag or few fresh peppermint leaves

1 cup of hot boiling water

Method to Prepare Peppermint Tea:

Put the tea bag or the peppermint leaves in a cup. Pour hot boiling water into the cup. Keep aside for 4-5 minutes. Strain it and give it to your child. If your child doesn't like peppermint tea you can give peppermint candy as a substitute.

Note: Under 6 months old toddlers should not be given peppermint tea. Consult the Pediatrician for the right age to give peppermint tea.

4. Warm Water and Lime Juice

Ingredients:
1 tsp of fresh lime juice
1/2 glass of warm water
A pick of black salt
Method to Prepare Warm Water and Lime Juice:
Mix the lime juice with warm water and add black salt to it. Give this juice to your child at least 3 times a day for relief from abdominal bloating and stomach cramp.

My son loves his fresh lime juice. An easy home remedy since you always have fresh lime in your vegetable basket.

5. Chamomile (Babune ka Phool) Tea

The anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile help do away with gas, abdominal bloating and stomach ache. Cure your child's problem of abdominal bloating with this simple home remedy.

Ingredient

1 chamomile tea bag

1 small cup of hot boiled water

Honey or lemon juice

Method to Prepare Chamomile Tea

Put the tea bag in a cup and pour the hot boiled water over it. Keep it aside and let it steep for 4-5 minutes. Squeeze the tea bag properly. Add honey or squeeze some fresh lime juice into it. Let your child sip it when luke warm or hot (bearable). This will cure your child's abdominal bloating.

Note: Children below 6 months of age who are being breast fed, should not be given any of these herbal teas instead, lactating mothers can sip any of them 2-3 times a day. Also chamomile tea is not recommended, if your child is allergic to ragweed or similar plants.

6. Asafoetida (Hing)

Asafoetida or Hing in Indian Ayurveda is useful to ease digestion, cure colic and stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract due to abdominal bloating too.

Ingredient:

A piece of asafoetida

1 cup of water

A piece of cloth

Method to Prepare Asafoetida Fomentation:

Dissolve the asafoetida (hing) in the water. Soak the cloth in the solution and use it as a fomentation on your child's stomach to soothe the stomach cramp and abdominal bloating. I make use of this home remedy personally whenever my son experiences a severe stomach cramp. The distention or bloating gets cured after some time.

7. Hot or Warm Water

This is the simplest among all home remedies for abdominal bloating in children. Let your child sip hot (as hot as they can) or luke warm water. I give warm water to my son to drink, when he experience a stomach ache or abdominal bloating before I start with other treatment. Half a cup is more than enough.

Note: Children under 6 months of age don't require consumption of any supplemental water or juice apart from breast milk or formula.

These are the best home remedies which can ease abdominal bloating experienced by your children. Apart from these home remedies avoid giving unhealthy food such as:
processed food
spicy food
fried food
junk food to your children
Avoid:
Beans
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Apples
Potatoes
Brussels Sprouts
Corn
Cabbage
Most dairy products
Pears
Refined sugar
These foods causes abdominal bloating and gas in infants, toddlers and young children.
Note: Avoid intake of such food if you are a lactating mother.

If your child is under medication, consult his/her Pediatrician before trying and giving any of these home remedies. Like drugs, herbal remedies too can be toxic and react when given with other medications.

Did I miss out with any other home remedies for abdominal bloating in children?Then do share them in the comments below. Until the next post stay well!

6 Food That Can Be Harmful for Your Skin With Excessive Intake

Ever heard the saying “You are what you eat”? Are you among those who prefer wearing anti-aging creams, skin nourishment creams, applying face pack rather than including a healthy diet? Remember! What goes inside your body plays an important role in keeping your skin healthy apart from your topical skin care regime. Eating the right food has a positive impact on your skin and including the wrong ones in your diet can have a negative impact on your skin.

Apart from alcohol, coffee, junk food, aerated drinks and artificially sweetened juices there are other food whose excessive intake or consumption can be harmful for your skin and can cause damage to your skin. Eager to know their names?. Then check out the list of 6 such food and the reason why too much of these food are harmful for your skin.

1. Salt: Too much of salt is bad and harmful to your heart, this is a well known fact. Are you aware of the fact that excessive salt can cause puffiness of eyes and facial bloating as well? If no, then it is time to reduce the salt intake.

2. Agave: Considered as a good alternative to sugar, this sweet syrup extracted from several types of agave plants has more fructose than fructose level in corn syrup. Fructose metabolized by your liver not only turns into fat but also breaks down collagen more efficiently than your regular table sugar. Thus avoid its excessive intake or consumption. Also experts said that switching to agave from regular sugar might make crow’s feet more prominent (image for crow's feet below).

3. Dairy: Another food which is harmful for your skin is dairy product. Not willing to accept this fact? Then get to know this piece of information. Over consumption or excessive intake of dairy products may increase acne and also cause increase in sebum (a substance that can cause clogged pore in many people). Dairy product can also form mucus in the body, which can cause inflammation of your skin and attract bacteria.

4. Margarine: Fats are essential for maintaining a healthy skin. But do you know this? Not all fats are good for your skin. Trans fats found in margarine very often may block hydration. According to a study in the” Journal of the American College of Nutrition”, higher intake of margarine causes more of skin wrinkling. This makes margarine a harmful food for your skin with its excessive intake.

5. Shellfish: Excessive intake of iodine rich food such as crab, shrimp, and lobster can also lead to the problem of acne. However, consumption of such food in normal level may not be a problem and will do no harm to your skin. Eating shellfish frequently and excessively is bad and harmful.

6. Rice Cakes: Once considered as the best way to reduce excessive body fat by health conscious women, it is now known that rice cakes can cause an increase to the blood sugar level in your body, which can also speed up wrinkle formation. Your body converts the simple carbohydrates present in the rice cakes to glucose like it does to sugar. Once metabolized, they stick to wrinkle-fighting protein like collagen and damage them, thus excessive intake of rice cakes too are harmful and bad for your skin.

After reading this post you might conclude that eating anything is harmful and more than that excessive intake of anything is bad for your skin, but the secret to a healthy and beautiful skin is to eat fresh and healthy food, and follow a balanced diet. Please feel free to share information on other unhealthy food that are harmful to your skin and over consumption of which should be avoided apart from the 6 food listed above. You can share your knowledge in the comment section below. Until my next post. Keep well!