SAFE PERIOD

 Many female patients ask this question of knowing the safe period when pregnancy can’t occur when they have unprotected sex with their partner. The safe period is certainly a period when a couple or two partners can have sex without necessarily fearing of pregnancy occurring.

Mostly pregnancy occurs halfway through periods i.e when ovulation (release of the female egg) takes place. However, it becomes difficult and a sort of a challenge to know when exactly the egg is released from the ovary and what’s more girls can be fertile for a couple of days around the time ovulation occurs. So having unprotected sex during the “safe period days” can’t guarantee of pregnancy not taking place which means you are required not to take chance by using contraceptive. However if you still want to take chance and want to have sex during the safe periods, this is how you can determine when it is;

How to calculate safe period to avoid pregnancy
To calculate and know the safe period for having sex and not getting pregnant, you need to know thoroughly about the menstrual cycle and how it takes place.

The menstrual cycle and how it takes place.
The menstrual cycle varies from 26 to 31 days from woman to woman and the safe period to avoid pregnancy should be calculated as below;
The longest cycle days subtracted by ten days gives the last day of the fertile period. i.e 31 days- 10days= 21 day
The shortest cycle days subtracted by 18 days gives the first day of fertile period. i.e 26 days- 18 days= 8^th day.
From the calculation above the unsafe period (the fertile period) to have sex and get pregnant is 8^th to 21^st day of each menstrual cycle. That time period is when you can get pregnant. However the effectiveness of this method all depends on if you have made your calculations the right way.

To identify the shortest and longest period cycles you are required to make an observation and draw a conclusion from it. For example you can observe your periods for 6 months and determine the number of days between starting date and the next period after which you will be in a good position to identify or know the shortest and longest period cycles which will in turn help you in knowing the safe and unsafe periods to have sex.

 

Although these methods were developed to prevent pregnancy, they can equally well be used by a couple to increase fertility and promote conception.

Are you thinking of starting a family?

 

There is a lot to do to prepare! Read on for info about your pre-pregnancy must do’s and don’ts to increase your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby.

Planning for a family can be one of the most stressful life events. As we all probably know by now, life doesn’t always happen according to our plans. Sometimes an “oops” pregnancy occurs, and we miss the chance for everything that comes with planning ahead. But, for couples planning to get pregnant soon, there are many things to think about, and to start (and STOP!) doing now – before you conceive.

First things first – see a doctor!
The first step to getting your body ready for pregnancy is to schedule a preconception checkup with a doctor or midwife. It is always a good idea to make sure your general and reproductive health are in good standing, so you can have the best chances for fertility. Also, you’ll want to lose weight if you are overweight, or put on some pounds if you are underweight. These factors can affect your ability to become pregnant. Lastly, your doctor should tell you that taking a folic acid supplement about a month before trying to conceive is a good idea. Studies show that taking folic acid (400 micrograms) before, and during early pregnancy reduce your chances of neural tube defects by up to 70%. He or she will also tell you to stop smoking and to limit your drinking! …Which brings us to our next to-do:

STOP smoking & drinking!!
It is never a good idea to smoke while pregnant. It lowers the amount of oxygen available to you and your growing baby, increases your baby’s heart rate, increases the chances of miscarriage and stillbirth, increases the risk of premature labor and low birth rate, and finally, it increases your baby’s risk of developing respiratory problems. If your health wasn’t a good enough reason to quit smoking, your baby’s health should be. Drinking should also be avoided while pregnant, so if it is a big habit of yours, cut back now. Lastly, and hopefully obviously, any recreational drugs you may use need to also be put to a halt before you start trying to have a baby.

Coming off birth control...
Most women have been using some type of birth control before they decide to start trying for a baby. Some women have even been on birth control for years. If you have been taking hormonal forms of birth control that is the pill, patch, or vaginal ring, keep in mind that it may take some time for your body to begin ovulating on its own again. Every woman is different, but it can take some women a few months for their fertility to return. Once you’re getting regular periods, you’ll know your ovulation is back.

The fun part. Doing the ‘deed’…..
Now you’re ready to actually start trying to make a baby. This is the fun part! Remember that. Some couples can turn trying to conceive into a chore and it often times involves a lot of pressure and anxiety. Don’t let this be you. Remember to have fun with it, and remember why you’re doing this in the first place! You and your husband love each other and want to create a family. Making a baby is about love – don’t make it a ‘duty.’ Remember that stress and emotional health can also play a big part in your chances of conceiving.
Most couples get pregnant within three months. Timelines can be longer due to age, bad habits (like smoking!), or conditions that can impair fertility. If you have not gotten pregnant in a year’s worth of trying, contact a fertility specialist.
Stick to “fertility-friendly” positions that will keep sperm inside you longer. The missionary position is usually best. Stay away from positions with the woman on top – sperm can leak out this way. Try putting a pillow under your hips in the missionary position, and don’t get up right away afterwards. Relax and allow the sperm to be in you as long as possible.

The scoop on Ovulation
Start keeping an ovulation calendar, so you know when your chances are highest. Ovulation calculator can be helpful, too. Remember that you can only get pregnant when you ovulate, and studies show that couples who have sex before and during ovulation get pregnant the fastest. The absolute best time to have sex is two to three days before ovulation, through the day you actually ovulate. Don’t rely just on ovulation, though. It is a good practice to have sex generally three times a week, but focusing heavily on the ovulation days.
The easiest way to estimate when you’ll ovulate is to count back. First, figure out what day your next period will most likely start. This only works for “clock-work” menstrual cycles. From that day, count back 12 days and then another 4. You will most likely ovulate during this five-day timeframe.
How will I know when I’m ovulating beyond the calendar? Here are some subtle symptoms of ovulation:
· Breast tenderness
· Slight feelings of discomfort in your middle abdomen
· Increased vaginal discharge – the appearance will be thinner, wetter, like egg-whites almost
· A small increase in basal body temperature. You can detect this by taking your temperature each morning before you get out of bed, two days after you ovulate.

What should I eat/take?
Start prepping your body for your baby by beginning to eat healthy now. Generally a low fat, high nutrients diet is best. Some dietary specialists advise even a whole year for dietary changes to take root. But if that’s not you, don’t worry - it’s never too late to start now.

LOTS OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES: Make sure you are eating your recommended daily serving of fruits and veggies. This will put your body at its optimal nutrition when you conceive. Fruits and vegetables are packed with crucial vitamins and minerals, and free-radical fighting antioxidants. Brightly colored fruits and veggies like blueberries, red peppers, kale, and tomatoes are the best. The more vivid the hue, the more nutrients the food has to offer you.

IRON: Make sure you’re getting enough iron before you get pregnant, especially if you have heavy periods. Too little iron at the start of your pregnancy can put you at risk for postpartum anemia, which causes your red blood cells to fall below normal and will deplete your energy. Taking a multivitamin enriched with iron is best.

VITAMINS: It can be difficult to get all the nutrients you need for optimal fertility just by food alone, so taking a prenatal vitamin or regular multivitamin is advised. If taking a multivitamin instead of a prenatal vitamin, make sure it contains folic acid, doesn’t contain more than the recommended daily dose of vitamin A, and has a good dose of vitamin B12.
What to avoid?
Besides avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs, there are some other things to avoid for optimal fertility.

LARGE AMOUNTS OF CAFFEINE: There is still inconclusive evidence that caffeine effects fertility, but experts do agree staying on a low to moderate consumption pattern. It might be a good idea to curb this now, however, since drinking caffeine while pregnant should be avoided.

FISH: Mercury in fish is toxic to a developing fetus, and can linger in a woman’s bloodstream for more than a year. So it is best to avoid it in high doses, now. However, your body needs omega-3 fatty acids for optimal fertility, so opt for supplements instead of the real deal. If you must have fish, the FDA says that women can safely eat up to 12 ounces a week (roughly two entres) of low-mercury fish, such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, or catfish. The FDA advises avoiding canned white tuna, swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, tuna steaks, shark, orange roughy, Spanish mackerel, marlin, and grouper.

LISTERIA: This is a harmful bacteria found in deli meats, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized dairy products. Pregnant women are twenty times more likely to get sick from food that contains it. Use caution even while trying to conceive. The infection Listeria causes can cause miscarriages early on. To reduce the risk of contracting the bacteria, don’t eat any food that’s been at room temperature for more than two hours, heat high-risk foods in the microwave until they’re steaming hot, and avoid raw sushi, smoked seafood, and unpasteurized dairy products.

CERTAIN MEDICATIONS: It is always best to consult a doctor regarding medications you may be taking, and trying to get pregnant. There are a lot of medicines that should not be taken while pregnant, and some of them should be avoided even while trying to conceive, as they can stay in your system for awhile after discontinuing.

STRESS: As mentioned previously, stress can definitely affect conception. Stress can affect your hypothalamus – the glad in the brain that regulates appetite, emotions, and the release of the eggs by your ovaries. Typically the body is pretty good at adapting to every day stress, but extreme stress, or a life-altering even (death of a loved one, divorce, etc) can definitely throw off your cycle and interfere with ovulation and conception. Again, every woman is different.

HOT TUBS: This one is considered ok before you conceive, but not during pregnancy. Although, as we’ll discuss later, the guys may want to stay clear of hot tubs and sauna’s due to interference with sperm growth. Some studies have shown that raising your body temperature too much during early pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects, and can cause miscarriage.

So much to remember for me, but what about him?!
Men always seem to get off so easy when it comes to pregnancy! But not so fast! There are some things for them to stay away from, and do as well. The sperm your partner ejaculates today was actually created 90 days ago making it important to plan ahead. Some ob-gyn’s recommend that fathers-to-be take a daily multivitamin that contains zinc and selenium for at least three months before conception. Studies suggest these minerals aid in healthy sperm development. Studies also show that poor eating habits can affect the quality and quantity of sperm, so start getting him to eat better now. The best practice is to have him eat just as healthy as you. Your child to be does come from half of him, doesn’t it? Also, have him cut back on his alcohol consumption, too. Studies have shown that daily consumption of alcohol can reduce testosterone levels and sperm counts, and can raise the number of abnormal sperm in his ejaculate.

What about my financial health?
Being financially stable and healthy is one of the biggest reasons couples wait to have a baby. Make sure you’re set up with good medical insurance (you’ll be soon needing it!), life insurance, a will, and a good savings. Children are not cheap! Make sure you have a plan for what to do when you’re baby arrives, too. Do you plan to go back to work? Does your employer have maternity leave coverage? If not, can your partner’s income support you both, plus baby? If not, you’ll definitely want to start to accumulate a good amount of savings! And don’t forget about the medical costs not covered by insurance, everything you’ll need to buy for your new one, room décor, diapers, food, etc. Time will fly, so it’s never too late to start saving for college as well.

Finally, how will I know when I’m pregnant?
Besides taking the at home pregnancy test, or a blood test administered by your doctor, there are other ways your body can hint at you that it is carrying. The following are some signs that you may be pregnant.
· A missed period – the most reliable sign!
· Tender, swollen, or enlarged breasts – this can be experienced before your period, as well as after a few missed birth control pills, but is also a sign you may be expecting.
· Nausea or vomiting – For some women, morning sickness doesn’t appear until a month or more, but some can experience the fun symptom as quick as a few weeks after conception.
· Heightened sensitivity to odors – You may all of a sudden realize that certain smells repulse you – your usual morning cup of coffee, cigarette smoke, perfumes, etc. Certain foods you used to love may not seem so appetizing anymore. This may be a side effect of rapidly increasing levels of estrogen in your body.
· Frequent urination – getting up more than once a night to pee? Going more than usual during the day? This could be a sign you are plus one. Hormonal changes affect the amount of blood that flows through your kidneys, and can cause you to urinate more often than usual.
· Extreme fatigue – this is a common one. Do you feel way more run down than usual? Do you catch yourself falling asleep on the couch, or needing an afternoon nap? Extreme exhaustion is often the very first sign of conception.
· Implantation bleeding – no one knows exactly why this happens, and it doesn’t happen to all women. It is said that some women experience a day or two of spotting right after the egg is fertilized, and sometimes the blood isn’t the typical red, but can be more of a dark brown.
If you are experiencing some of these signs, and have missed a period, it is recommended to take an at home pregnancy test. Keep in mind, they are not always 100% accurate, and timing of conception, your period, and the administration of the test can all play a part in false-negative results. If you are experiencing some of the signs of pregnancy, and have missed a period, it is always best to visit a doctor to confirm pregnancy.
This is all great advice to follow if you are hoping to conceive. Remember that this is a very exciting time for you, and that your life will change dramatically as soon as your baby arrives. The more planning you can do to prepare for the changes, and to prepare for your new little one, the healthier and happier you and your baby will be once he or she arrives.

TACKLING SIBLING RIVALRY

What is sibling rivalry?

Sibling rivalry is the jealousy, competition and fighting between brothers and sisters. It is a concern for almost all parents of two or more kids. Problems often start right after the birth of the second child. Sibling rivalry usually continues throughout childhood and can be very frustrating and stressful to parents. There are lots of things parents can do to help their kids get along better and work through conflicts in positive ways. Read on for tips and resources to help you keep the peace at your house.

What’s the up-side of having more than one child?
Most likely your kids’ relationship will eventually develop into a close one. Working things out with siblings gives your children a chance to develop important skills like cooperating and being able to see another person’s point of view.

What causes sibling rivalry?
There are many factors that contribute to sibling rivalry:
o Each child is competing to define who they are as an individual. As they discover who they are, they try to find their own talents, activities, and interests. They want to show that they are separate from their siblings.
o Children feel they are getting unequal amounts of your attention, discipline, and responsiveness.
o Children may feel their relationship with their parents is threatened by the arrival of a new baby.
o Your children’s developmental stages will affect how mature they are and how well they can share your attention and get along with one another.
o Children who are hungry, bored or tired are more likely to become frustrated and start fights.
o Children may not know positive ways to get attention from or start playful activities with a brother or sister, so they pick fights instead.
o Family dynamics play a role. For example, one child may remind a parent of a relative who was particularly difficult, and this may subconsciously influence how the parent treats that child.
o Children often fight more in families where parents think aggression and fighting between siblings is normal and an acceptable way to resolve conflicts.
o Not having time to share regular, enjoyable family time together (like family meals) can increase the chances of children engaging in conflict.
o Stress in the parents' lives can decrease the amount of time and attention parents can give the children and increase sibling rivalry.
o Stress in your children’s lives can shorten their fuses, and decrease their ability to tolerate frustration, leading to more conflict.
o How parents treat their kids and react to conflict can make a big difference in how well siblings get along.

How can you help your kids get along better?

The basics:
o Don’t play favorites. This one is a “biggie”.
o Try not to compare your children to one another. For example, don't say things like, "Your brother gets good grades in math—why can't you?"
o Let each child be who they are. Don’t try to pigeonhole or label them.
o Enjoy each of your children’s individual talents and successes.
o Set your kids up to cooperate rather than compete. For example, have them race the clock to pick up toys, instead of racing each other.
o Pay attention to the time of day or other patterns in when conflicts usually occur. Are conflicts more likely right before naps or bedtime or maybe when children are hungry before meals? Perhaps a change in the routine, an earlier meal or snack, or a well-planned quiet activity when the kids are at loose ends could help avert your kids’ conflicts.
o Teach your kids positive ways to get attention from each other. Show them how to approach another child and ask them to play, and to share their belongings and toys.
o Being fair is very important, but it is not the same as being equal. Older and younger children may have different privileges due to their age, but if children understand that this inequality is because one child is older or has more responsibilities, they will see this as fair. Even if you did try to treat your children equally, there will still be times when they feel as if they’re not getting a fair share of attention, discipline, or responsiveness from you. Expect this and be prepared to explain the decisions you have made. Reassure your kids that you do your best to meet each of their unique needs.
o Plan family activities that are fun for everyone. If your kids have good experiences together, it acts as a buffer when they come into conflict. It’s easier to work it out with someone you share warm memories with.
o Make sure each child has enough time and space of their own. Kids need chances to do their own thing, play with their own friends without their sibling, and to have their space and property protected.
Be there for each child:
o Set aside “alone time” for each child, if possible. Each parent should try to spend some one-on-one with each kid on a regular basis. Try to get in at least a few minutes each day. It’s amazing how much even 10 minutes of uninterrupted one-on-one time can mean to your child.
o When you are alone with each child, you may want to ask them once in a while what are some of the positive things their brother or sister does that they really like and what are some of the things they do that might bother them or make them mad. This will help you keep tabs on their relationships, and also remind you that they probably do have some positive feelings for each other!
o Listen—really listen—to how your children feel about what’s going on in the family. They may not be so demanding if they know you at least care how they feel.
o Celebrate your children’s differences.
o Let each child know they are special in their own way.
Resolving conflicts:
o Research shows that you should pay attention to your kids’ conflicts (so that no one gets hurt, and you can notice abuse if it occurs). Try to see if your children can work out their own conflicts, but remember that younger children will probably need you to intervene and help structure the problem-solving. Try not to take sides and favor one child over the other. Get them settled and calm first, then ask questions about what happened before dispensing discipline.
o Help your kids develop the skills to work out their conflicts on their own. Teach them how to compromise, respect one another, divide things fairly, etc. If you give them the tools, eventually they will have the confidence that they can work it out themselves.
o Don’t yell or lecture. It won’t help.
o It doesn’t matter “who started it,” because it takes two to make a quarrel. Hold children equally responsible when ground rules get broken.
o In a conflict, give your kids a chance to express their feelings about each other. Don’t try to talk them out of their feelings. Help your kids find words for their feelings. Show them how to talk about their feelings, without yelling, name-calling, or violence.
o Encourage win-win negotiations, where each side gains something.
o Give your kids reminders and advance warnings (for example, counting to three). When they start picking on each other, help them remember to state their feelings to each other. Help them solve the problem themselves. You can offer suggestions, but let them decide what are the best options.
o If you are constantly angry at your kids, no wonder they are angry at each other! Anger feeds on itself. Learn to manage your anger, so you can teach your children how to manage theirs.
o Teach conflict resolution skills during calm times.
o Model good conflict resolution skills for your kids when interacting with them and with other family members.
When to intervene:
o Dangerous fights need to be stopped immediately. Separate the children. When they have calmed down, talk about what happened and make it very clear that no violence is ever allowed.
o If your children are physically violent with each other on a regular basis, and/or one child is always the victim, is frightened of the brother/sister, and doesn’t fight back, you are dealing withsibling abuse. You should seek immediate professional help and guidance.
Involve your children in setting ground rules. Ground rules, with clear and consistent consequences for breaking them, can help prevent many squabbles. Here are a few ideas:
o In a conflict, no hurting (hitting, kicking, pinching, etc.) is ever allowed.
o No name-calling, yelling, or tattling is allowed.
o If the kids fight over a toy, the toy goes into time-out.
o Any child who demands to be first, will go last.
o No making fun of a child who is being punished, or you will also be punished.
o No fighting in the car, or you will pull over and stop until all is calm again.
o If arguing over who gets first choice of bedtime stories or favorite seats in the car is a problem, assign your kids certain days of the week to be the one to make these choices
o If borrowing is a problem, have the child who borrows something from a brother or sister put up collateral—a possession that will be returned only when the borrowed item is returned.

What are family meetings, and how can they help with sibling rivalry?

If you have older children, call a family meeting every once in a while. A family meeting is a meeting for all family members to work together to make family decisions. . Parents, children, and any others who live in the home and have a stake in decisions affecting the daily life of the family should take part. Choose a time that works for everyone. Establish a set of rules (for example., no yelling or name-calling, everyone gets a turn) and allow everyone to have a say, even if members don’t agree.

The purpose of the family meeting is to recognize that everyone's opinion makes a difference. The meeting allows the family to share their opinions, seek understanding, and find resolutions to problems. Family meetings help to build cooperation and responsibility, and make anger and rebellion less likely. Also, it is a time to share love, develop unity, and to build trust and self-esteem. The social skills and attitudes that children develop within the family circle are the skills and attitudes they will carry with them the rest of their lives

Sample Agenda for Family Meetings: (1)
o Discuss family issues, concerns, interests, and positive events of past week.
o Determine priority issue(s).
o Clarify the issue to be discussed.
o Generate possible solutions.
o Determine the most effective solutions.
o Make plans to implement the solution.
o Plan one fun activity for the coming week.

Ground Rules for Family Meetings: (2)
o Everyone gets a chance to talk
o One person talks at a time and does not get interrupted
o Okay to say what you feel
o No one has to talk
o Everyone has to listen
o No one puts anyone else down

Depression in old age.

“You don’t count your age, you make your age count” – Unknown.

The above saying is quite true, but rarely seen put into practice. Most old people instead of enjoying their present prefer spending it worrying and fretting over their past and future! Couple this with the deaths of near and dear ones, loss of an active social life, a feeling of isolation as near and dear ones get busy with their own lives and old age depression is imminent.

Is depression natural in old age?
Depression is not natural in old age even though it is common in adults above 65 years of age. Most often, environmental factors such as the death of near ones and isolation, along with physical factors such as a chronic illness or certain painful conditions tend to induce depression in old people.

Depression during old age is more likely to affect women than men. People above 65, who have a medical history of heart problems, stroke, joint ailments and chronically painful medical conditions, face a higher risk of suffering from depression during their old age. Even those who have a history of drug and alcohol abuse are more prone to depression than other non- addicts.
But can depression be harmful in old age?
Depression can be harmful during any age, but more so during the old age, as it is coupled with isolation and lack of social activity. More over depression can also lead to various mental and physical problems if ignored in old people, which in most cases goes unnoticed as dementia. And since depression has a direct link to suicide it is a major concern, be it in old people or teenagers.

How can one identify the symptoms of depression in old people?

Symptoms of depression in old people, as mentioned earlier can be easily missed due to doctors and family members confusing them with other age related problems, however following is a list of symptoms that you should keep your eye out for, if your parent or any other old person in your house has been behaving a little differently than their regular selves.

• Gloominess
• Loss of interest in social interaction and hobbies, if any
• Loss of appetite and resultant weight loss
• Alcohol or prescription drugs abuse
• Disturbances in sleep patterns, like sleeping through the day and staying awake at night, sleeping for unusually long hours, staying awake for long hours at a stretch
• Lack of interest in various other things such as personal hygiene and self-medication
• Forgetfulness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Often feeling anxious and nervous

How to prevent depression and ensure a happy senior citizen?

Depression is a treatable condition, and can be treated with the help of medications and therapy. However some prescription medications to tend to cause depression, so be sure to consult your doctor before administering the medicines.

Following are a few ways in which you can help prevent or get an old person out of depression:
Schedule regular social activities for them: The first thing that depression does to any person is that, it robs them of their self worth and esteem. This directly results in a reduction in that individual’s social interaction, and as man is a social animal, a reduction in social interaction leads to isolation and depression.

To counter this, you need to schedule social activities for them, mostly with people belonging to their age group. Activities such as attending Prayer meets, laughter groups, daily morning walks, family functions etc can ensure that their social interactions stay intact and they don’t feel unwanted or useless.

A proper Diet is a must: Having a proper diet can help in preventing depression. Most times depression is caused in old age due to chronic illnesses and medicines taken to counter these diseases and conditions. Having a well-balanced and nutritional diet will ensure that they get their required nutrition, their body’s immune system will be strengthened and they will have fewer ailments and lesser medications too.

Ensure that they complete their treatment: Depression in the elderly which is being treated with the help of medicines needs to be followed up i.e. you need to ensure that medicines are being taken on time and the doctor’s orders are being followed by them to ensure a speedy and healthy recovery.

Get them a furry friend: Pets are good way to combat depression, as has been proven in many studies on the same. A pet will not only give them constant company but will also take their mind off their negative thoughts, furthering a positive feeling in them, thereby reducing their depression considerably!

Get them to Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle not only promotes an unhealthy body but also an unhealthy mind. As one ages the body becomes more and more stiff and due to the weakening of the immune system, it falls prey to various diseases. An hour of light exercises in old age is enough to take care of niggles such as stiff joints and mobility, plus it also promotes a sense of well-being and helps them to socialize in the process, if they are going to a gym.

And as Maurice Chevalier says, “Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative”. Don’t let the elderly lose their golden years to depression; help them enjoy their old age.

Ways to reduce exam stress in children?

When exam season comes children get busy preparing for their subjects, stress and anxiety levels are at their peak points. Exam stress in children is usually caused by certain imaginary fears and often the lack of confidence. A child who is not well prepared has all the reasons to get stressed. However, exams are a cause of stress even for the best prepared ones. Now a day’s parents too feel exam stress along with their children. Here are some ways which will help you in coping exam stress in your child.

Causes of Exam Stress in Children

• Worry: Most of the children always get stressed because they worry about their subjects. "How to prepare for all subjects in such less time?", this thought bother them always.

• Performance anxiety: It’s a reason for stress for almost all children, as parents pressurize them to get full marks every time and write good paper without leaving any questions.

• To Prove Themselves: Some children are constantly forced to get the top grade. Another reason for children to be stressed is when parents expect young one to be like their elder sibling if he is a good scorer.

• Negative Thoughts: Before exams approaches, most of children's minds are filled with all negative thoughts. They often feel that they won’t be able to give their best even if they are prepared.

Examination stress is a universal phenomenon which is not only common in students but their parents too. Parents today want their children to have successful careers and comfortable lives. They tend to put so much pressure on their children that he/she cannot give their best even if they try hard to.

Parents Pressurize Kids For

• Parents tend to compare their child with others and always nag them to be like them.

• Children study hard under pressure to get things like games, computer etc.

• To maintain reputation in social circle, there are some parents who fall in the social trap of making their kids achievement a showcase.

• Intense competition: Every parent wants their child to be the best. Increasing competition drives parents to pressurize their children to always do the best.

For well being of their child’s future, parents become very passionate about their exam. Most of the parents struggled hard to reach where they are and hence they always want their children to be best in putting efforts during exams. They forget to realize that every person is born with some special skills and talent; they make whole examination as big issue.
Ways to Coping with Exam Stress in Children
Coping with exam stress is very important for child’s mental health. Once they understand the way to handle it they won’t be stressed and worried about it. Down are the ways to cope up with exam stress in your child.

• Start Early
Children often get more stressed when there preparation are not done properly. Make sure your child doesn’t start studying all subjects at the last moment. This is surely not going to help but confuse him and make him less confident. Explain them how studying before hand is going to help them to gain confidence and perform better in exams. Cultivate the habit to study everyday apart from doing the regular homework.

• Help to Schedule

Help your child to schedule his studies. You can prepare a time table chart and put it up in his room or near the study table. This will make him feel relaxed and not overloaded. He can study each subject according to chart.

• Don’t pressurize
Try and avoid pressurizing your child. Putting more pressure is going to hamper his efforts of studying. All the efforts which your child is taking can go in vain if you force him unnecessarily. He will study for the sake of studying but may not be able to answer all questions in the paper during writing exam. Also, don’t threaten him to get full marks, as it is going to scare him more.

• Sit With Them
Sit next to him and enquire about his studies. Ask them if they he/she any doubts or difficulties which you can help him to understand. Make him feel that everything is going to be fine and he doesn't have to worry about examinations. Some children are weak in certain subject who needs attention; make sure you dedicate time for it and solve their difficulties.

• Be Supportive and Encouraging
Exam period can be stressful for your child. If your child is a poor scorer, don’t shout and get frustrated by the way he is studying. Being supportive and encouraging is very necessary on behalf of parents. Shouting, getting angry is only going to make situation worse, he might not be able to concentrate and lose confidence. Some children fall sick during examination period. Such children need to be treated with good care. If he doesn’t overcome exam fear, you can take him to child counselor.

• Motivation
Explain your child benefits of having good marks and also how they can be useful in their future. Explain him its alright if they score badly but instill the confidence in them that they can always work hard to achieve the best. Motivation is the best tool for handling exam stress.

• Create a Healthy Environment
The environment in which your child studies makes a lot of difference. Make sure you maintain the sound of television while he/she is studying. Don’t allow siblings to go near the child, as they can create distraction. Make sure that his room has enough bright light. You can keep a bottle of water in his room as this will save his time and will help to maintain his concentration.

• Breaks
Make sure your child takes enough breaks in middle. Studying at stretch can be really boring and strenuous. Taking breaks will make him fresh and be focused when he starts studying again.

• Good Food
Give them energy boosting food during exams period. Include eggs, vegetables and lot of fruits and dry fruits.

• Relax
Teach your child to relax and stay calm. You can allow him to go out for half an hour or allow him to watch his favorite serial. You can also teach them to mediate for few minutes as it helps in improving concentration.

• Sleep
Make sure your child gets good sleep. Remember that it is their stressful time, if they don’t get enough sleep they might be cranky and moody. A child must at least for 8 to 10 hours so that he will feel fresh and relaxed.

Exam stress can be handled efficiently by parents with positive attitude. Not all children are the same and hence everyone cannot be at the top. Every parent has to understand their own child, by being supportive and encouraging you can make children feel that examinations are not dreadful. Remember if your child is not good at academics, he may be good at sports, music, arts etc. Encourage them in things which interests them, Sachin Tendulkar, AR Rahman were not good at studies and look where they are today!!

Thank you for your wishes on Doctors Day.

My dear patients.
All your good wishes for the Doctors Day are acknowledged.
Thank you so very much for all your love and faith in my treatment.
I will strive more harder in future and do my best to take care of you and your loved ones in illness.

Dr. Shashank Dhuri
Medical Director
Sapna Maternity and General Hospital
(Service to Mankind is our Religion)

HIV Awareness 1: What Is HIV?

What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

Your immune system is your body's defense system. While many viruses can be controlled by the immune system, HIV targets and infects the same immune system cells that are supposed to protect us from illnesses. These are a type of white blood cell called CD4 cells (sometimes called T-cells).

HIV takes over CD4 cells and turns them into factories that produce thousands of copies of the virus. As the virus makes copies, it damages or kills the CD4 cells, weakening the immune system.

What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

HIV causes AIDS by attacking CD4 cells, which the immune system uses to protect the body from disease. When the immune system loses too many CD4 cells, you are less able to fight off infection and can develop serious, often deadly, infections. These are called opportunistic infections (OIs).

When someone dies of AIDS, it is usually OIs or other long-term effects of HIV that cause death. AIDS refers to the weakened state of the body’s immune system that can no longer stop OIs from developing and becoming so deadly.

What is the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?
You don't have AIDS as soon as you are infected with HIV. You can be HIV+ for many years with no signs of disease, or only mild-to-moderate symptoms. But without treatment, HIV will eventually wear down the immune system in most people to the point that they have low numbers of CD4 cells and develop more serious OIs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies someone as having AIDS if he or she is HIV+ and has one or both of these conditions:
At least one AIDS-defining opportunistic infection (see list of OIs in our info sheet called AIDS Defining Conditions)
A CD4 cell count of 200 cells or less (a normal CD4 count is about 600 to 1,500)

How Do I Know if I Have HIV?
Most people cannot tell that they have been exposed or infected. Symptoms of HIV infection may show up within two to four weeks of exposure to HIV, and can include fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, or rash. Some people do not notice the symptoms because the symptoms are mild, or people think they have a cold or the flu. The only way to know for sure if you are infected is to take an HIV test.


Do I Need to Get Tested for HIV?
The CDC estimates that about 21% of HIV+ people do not know their HIV status. Many of these people look and feel healthy and do not think they are at risk. But the truth is that anyone of any age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or social or economic class can become infected. It is your actions (or the actions taken against you), that put you at risk.
Answer the following questions:
Have you ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom?
Have you ever shared needles or syringes to inject drugs (including steroids or hormones)?
Are you uncertain of your partner’s status or is your partner HIV+?
Are you pregnant or considering becoming pregnant?
Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
Do you have hepatitis C (HCV)?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should definitely get an HIV test.

Why Should I Get Tested?
If you test HIV+ there are effective medications to help you stay well. But you cannot get the health care and treatment you need if you do not know your HIV status. Being unaware of your status also means that you could pass HIV to others without knowing it.

For women who plan to become pregnant, testing is especially important. If a woman is infected with HIV, medical care and certain drugs given during pregnancy can lower the chance of passing HIV to her baby.

If you test HIV-negative you can take steps to stay that way. You can also avoid unnecessary worrying.

What Tests are Available?
If you have been infected, your immune system will make antibodies against HIV. The most common HIV tests look for these antibodies. The HIV antibody test (called ELISA or EIA) is one of the most reliable medical tests. It can be done on blood, mouth swab, or urine.

Before a positive antibody test result is reported, it is confirmed by another test called a Western Blot. According to the CDC, the combined accuracy of the antibody test plus the Western Blot is greater than 99 percent.

Some antibody tests take a few days for results, but rapid tests are also available that can give results in about 20 minutes. All positive rapid tests must be followed by the Western Blot to confirm the results. Results of this confirmatory test can take a few days to a few weeks.

A negative antibody test result means your body has not developed antibodies and you are probably not infected. To get truly accurate results, it's necessary to wait three to six months after your last possible exposure to the virus before being tested. That is because the immune system can take anywhere from two to eight weeks to make antibodies. If you are tested in this "window period," you may get an unclear result or a false negative.

There is another type of test called the RNA test, which detects the virus directly. The RNA test can give results very early in HIV infection, but is more costly and used less often than antibody tests.

Where Can I Get Tested?
You can get tested at your health care provider’s office, a clinic, the local health department facilities, or at a hospital.

It is a good idea to get tested at a place that provides counseling. Counselors can answer questions about high-risk behavior and suggest ways you can protect yourself and others in the future. People who test HIV+ can receive support and referrals to health care and other services. The counselor can help you through the whole testing process – from start to finish.

Is There a Vaccine to Prevent HIV Infection?
There is currently no vaccine available. The best way to prevent HIV is to use sterile needles and practice safer sex .


Information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only. It is designed to support, not replace, personal medical care and should never be used as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis, or hands-on treatment. I recommend all medical decisions be made in consultation with your personal health care provider.