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Deficiency of Nutrition and Vitamins

Deficiency of Nutrition and Vitamins

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Deficiency of Nutrition and Vitamins cause dangerous diseases. Vitamins are organic compounds that are required in small amounts in our diet but their deficiency causes specific diseases. Most of the vitamins cannot be synthesized in our body but plants can synthesize almost all of them, so they are considered as essential food factors. Few of them are listed below:

Nutrient Diseases due to Deficiency
Vitamin A Weak eyesight, fatigue, dry skin and frequent falling sick can occur due to Vitamin A deficiency.
Vitamin C Deficiency of Vitamin C can cause muscle weakness, pain in joints and muscles, gum bleeding etc.
Vitamin D Helpful for regulating calcium and phosphate in the body. Its deficiency can cause fatigue and bone weakness.
Vitamin E Useful antioxidant and helpful in stability of cell membrane. Its deficiency can cause skin problems and hair fall.
Vitamin K Vitamin K is beneficial for blood circulation.  Its deficiency causes low bone density.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Vitamin B1 converts food to energy. Its deficiency can cause dementia, alzheimer’s, cancer and metabolism related problems.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Vitamin B2 is important to increase immunity. Its deficiency can cause nerve diseases, anemia and problems related to the heart.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can effect the brain, nervous system and blood pressure. It helps in building red blood cells in the body.
Masks for Curbing – SARS-CoV2 Coronavirus

Masks for Curbing – SARS-CoV2 Coronavirus

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COVID-19 virus spreads easily from person to person contact. Virus carrying droplets dry fast enough to form droplet nuclei and remain airborne eventually landing on different surfaces.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been detected in aerosols for up to three hours and on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to three days. (N.Engl J.Med. 2020).

Why Wear a Mask?

Masks lower the chances of coronavirus entering the respiratory system through droplets still in the air from an infected person. Reducing the chances of inhaling the virus by wearing a protective mask that is cleaned thoroughly using a combination of approaches that use Heat, UV light, water, soap and alcohol, will be vital to stopping its spread.

World Health Oragnization (WHO)  – Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

Types of Masks

  • Surgical Masks: These are the ones which are slightly loose-fitted around the mouth and protect a person against large splashes of droplets, water, sprays and are used at medical facilities.
  • N95 Masks: These respiratory masks are widely being used right now to lessen the spread of coronavirus.  These are slightly more tight-fitted.
  • Activated Carbon Masks: These contain an activated carbon filter, which helps collect and filter out pollutants and germs and breathe in purer air.
  • Cloth and Sponge Masks: Faced with mask shortage, many are turning to homemade masks made of different fabrics.
    • DISPOSABLE MASK – Bought from store – can be used only once.
    • HOME MADE –  make at Home re-usable mask.

Key Differences between Disposable and Homemade Cotton Masks

Properties Disposable (Surgical Mask) Homemade (Cotton) Mask
Use Single Use Multiple use
Effectiveness against virus Particles ~97% ~70%
Washing and Cleaning Should NEVER be washed as it damages filtration and protection ability Can be reused easily after washing
Availability Medical store stocks of such masks are likely to be depleted Can be easily made at home with available cotton materials.
Disposal Must be disposed after one use in a closed bag with household waste to prevent virus from travel Can be easily cleaned after use with ingredients available at home.

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS:

Before using the handmade mask remember:

  1. Thoroughly was and clean the mask before wearing it.
  2. Wash your hands thoroughly before wearing the mask.
  3. As soon as the mask becomes damp or humid, switch to another mask and clean the used mask.
  4. Never reuse a mask after single use without cleaning it.
  5. Do not touch the front or any other surface of the mask, remove it only with strings behind.
  6. For string mask, always untie the string below and then the string above.
  7. After removal, immediately clean your hands with 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer or with soap and water for 40 seconds.
  8. Drop it directly into a soap solution or boiling water to which salt has been added.

CAUTION:

  • Homemade reusable mask only reduce the chances of inhaling droplets still in the air from in infected person.  They do not give full protection.
  • Homemade reusable masks must be washed and heated each day.  Reuse without washing should NOT be done.
  • Disposable masks should not be washed and re-used. They must be disposed according to instructions.
  • Remember to wash your hands frequently with soap for 20 seconds.

 

 

 

COVID19 – Novel Coronavirus (NCoV)

COVID19 – Novel Coronavirus (NCoV)

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Protect Yourself & Take Preventive Measures

A new virus “Corona Virus” has been found in Wuhan City of China, which is spreading to various countries. The travelers who are coming from virus affected Wuhan City of China since 1st January 2020 and person who are in contact with Corona Virus patient have possibility of having this disease.

Common Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Difficult in breathing/Respiratory discomfort

Prevention

  • If any person, who has traveled from China in last 30 days (from 1st January 2020 onwards) and gets the above mentioned symptoms, he/she should immediately contact the call center number of nearest health institution for consultation/treatment.
  • Frequently clean hands with soap & water or alcohol based hand sanitizer.
  • Use mask and maintain distance from other persons & avoid visiting crowded places.
  • No self medication to be taken and consult medical specialist for treatment.
  • While coughing and sneezing use tissue/handkerchief and maintain respiratory/sneezing etiquettes.
  • Avoid unprotected contacts with wild life or farm animals.
  • In case of above symptoms, isolate the patient and report to nearest health authorities.

Steps Taken by Punjab Government

  • International Airport Amritsar and International Airport Mohali have been alerted to display advisory for the passengers for self declaration regarding travel to China.
  • Thermal sensors have been installed at International Airport Amritsar and International Airport Mohali for screening of passengers.
  • Adequate quantity of logistics available with Department of Health & Family Welfare to tackle any situation.
  • Isolation wards and ventilators available in all district hospitals of Punjab.

Please don’t delay if symptoms appear and immediate contact nearest health facility or call following:

  • Indian NATIONAL CALL CENTER NO.: +91 11 2397 8046
  • Indian Punjab STATE CONTROL ROOM NO.:  +91 88720 90029, +91 172 292 0074
  • Indian Toll Free: 104
Heat-Wave – Dos & Don’ts

Heat-Wave – Dos & Don’ts

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Heat Wave conditions can result in physiological strain, which could even result in death.  To minimize the impact during the heat wave and to prevent serious ailment or death because of heat stroke, the following measures are useful:

Dos

  • Listen to Radio, watch TV, read Newspaper for local weather forecasts to know if a heat wave is on the way.
  • Drink sufficient water and as often as possible, even if not thirsty.
  • Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose fitting and porous cotton clothes.  Use protective goggles, umbrella, pagdi / dupatta / hat, shoes or chappals while going out if sun.
  • While travelling, carry water with you.
  • If you work outside, use a hat or an umbrella and also use a damp cloth on your head, neck, face & limbs.
  • Use ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), homemade drinks like lassi, lemon water, buttermilk etc. which help to rehydrate the body.
  • Keep animals in shade and give them plenty of water to drink.
  • Recognise the signs of heat stroke, heat rash or heat cramps, such as weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating and seizures.  If you feel faint or ill, see a doctor immediately.
  • Keep your home cool. Use curtains, shutters or sunshades during day. Open windows at night.
  • Use fans, damp clothing and take bath in cold water frequently.
  • Provide cool drinking water near work place.
  • Caution workers to avoid direct sunlight.
  • Schedule strenuous jobs to cooler times of the day.
  • Increase the frequency and length of rest breaks for outdoor activities.
  • Pregnant workers and workers with a medical condition should be given additional attention.

Don’ts

  • Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
  • Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m.
  • Avoid wearing dark, heavy or tight clothing.
  • Avoid high-protein food and do not eat stale food.
  • Avoid strenuous activities when the outside temperature is high.
  • Avoid cooking during peak hours. Open doors and windows to ventilate cooking area adequately.
  • Avoid alcohol, team coffee and carbonated soft drinks, which dehydrate the body.
Tips to Preserve your Jewellery

Tips to Preserve your Jewellery

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By following some simple tips, your jewellery can be preserved for generations.

  • Remove your jewellery before bathing. Accumulated soap diminishes gold’s colour and lusture.
  • After wearing an ornament, wipe it gently with a cotton cloth dabbed with lukewarm water.
  • Avoid washing your jewellery in a wash basin. You might wash away small, loosely-set stones or parts of your ornament.
  • Gently use a toothbrush or any other soft object to remove visible dirt accumulations.
  • Chlorine can damage your ornaments. So remember to remove all your ornaments before going for a swim.
  • Makeup, hair spray and perfumes cause dullness and loss of colour. So always wear your ornaments last.
  • Keep your jewellery away from sharp objects. Also, remove them while doing physical activities or any other household chore.
  • Grease is harmful to jewellery. Remove it by gently rubbing the surface with alcohol.
  • Get your jewellery polished every six months. When you do, approach a jeweler you can trust.