Do you wear ear pads for prolonged duration of time, please be very careful!! These days, there are many who use ear pads frequently in the trains, buses etc. By means of ear pads, we could listen to the music without disturbing others etc. Not many of us know that prolonged wearing of ear pads could be dangerous for ear health. What happens when we wear ear pads for a long time? Bitter fact is that whether we wear ear pads accidently for longer duration or out of habit, it can impact our ears to a huge extent. This was revealed by a famous ENT specialist belonging to Bangalore based hospital.  He spoke about how by wearing ear pads continuously moisture as well as heat would get trapped inside our ear canal resulting in irritations or higher chances of ear infections etc. Moreover, the pressure of ear pads can also result in pain, soreness etc in the outer ear. By hearing loud music sound regularly using ear pads, there are high possibilities of noise induced hearing loss. This is especially in the teenaged persons and kids etc. It must be taken into account that listening to loud music for a long time could damage the small hearing cells present inside the inner ear. This might lead to tinnitus etc also. There are also more chances of building up ear wax inside as the natural cleaning process of ears gets blocked. In such a scenario, it is necessary to take breaks and keep the volume low for the sake of ears. How long is it safe to wear ear pads? It is worthy to note here that using ear pads safely would depend on both volume as well as time. According to some experts, the 60/60 rule is important. This means listening at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for not more than 60 minutes at a stretch. It is essential to give ears a break to avoid damage to the ears. It is safe and okay to use ear pads for 3 to 4 hours a day at moderate volume. This was mentioned by the ENT doctor. What about using noise cancellation ear pads? If used properly, noise cancellation ear pads would be superb as they block the outside noise. As a result, there would be any need to increase the volume. By this, our inner ear would get protected from loud sounds and risk of long term hearing damage would get lowered. There are also some disadvantages in using noise cancellation ear pads. Truth is that the users might not hear traffic sounds, alarms, or someone calling etc and this can result in safety issues outdoors. The noise cancellation ear pads are safer for hearing but must be used carefully. Ear hygieiene tips that we must follow compulsorily: We can lower the risks of using ear pads through good ear hygiene. In this regard, it is important to clean the ear pads regularly with a soft dry cloth and this would prevent dirt and bacteria from entering the ears. Please do not share ear pads with others to prevent spreading of germs etc. It is essential to give ears a break in between for airflow and to prevent building up of moisture. It`s your ears, please take care.  

Living with high blood sugar levels or diabetes is not easy. Fact is that those with diabetes must pay lots of attention not only to the foods (with less sugar) they eat but also pay attention to those foods that would help their bodies to function well. Many people are unaware about the importance of mineral chromium here. It is superb to mention that chromium is a trace mineral that would help in managing high blood sugar levels or diabetes in us. What makes chromium important is that it has the ability to make insulin function effectively. In those persons with diabetes, chromium would help in better glucose control plus fewer spikes in the blood sugar levels and provide steadier energy throughout the day.  It is not necessary to opt for supplements and intake of chromium rich foods would be superb in controlling diabetes. Various easily available foods that are rich in chromium for diabetes control are Broccoli consumption: Being one of the richest natural sources of chromium, intake of broccoli would help in managing blood sugar levels or diabetes levels in us with superb effect. Not only diabetes control, intake of broccoli would also provide us many other benefits like better digestion, improved immunity, improved bone health etc. Whole grains consumption: Those with diabetes can eat whole grains rich in chromium. Their blood sugar levels would get managed well. Since it is full of fibres, eating whole grains would also improve digestion well. The presence of nutrients like minerals, vitamins etc in whole grains would provide us with superb benefits like lowering cholesterol, improved heart health, lowering the risk of colo-rectal cancers etc. Lean meats consumption: Non vegetarian food eaters would get good amounts of chromium by eating lean meats etc. Other important benefits of consuming lean meats are it lowers bad cholesterol, improves heart health, helps in weight loss etc. Eggs consumption: Many of us would not know the fact that eggs contain chromium. It is superb to note here that boiled eggs for breakfast would provide us with super energy throughout the day without raising the blood sugar levels in us. It is well known that eggs are important sources of proteins. Green beans consumption: It is true that green beans are low in calories, high in fibres and chromium. Various health bebenefits of eating green beans are weight loss, improved digestion, improved skin health etc. Nuts & seeds consumption: We can get healthy fats by consuming almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds etc. In addition, these have chromium and consuming them would help us to manage our blood sugar levels. Nuts and seeds intake would lower inflammation, boost heart health, aid in weight loss etc. Sea foods consumption: It would be possible to manage our high blood sugar levels by consuming sea foods like shellfishes etc rich in chromium. The presence of omega 3 fatty acids in these sea foods would be superb for our health. Other health benefits of consuming sea foods are improved heart health, improved brain health etc. 

If you are of the view that constipation could only occur in adults, then this article would surprise you!! Truth is that constipation can also occur in the babies. When there is a hard and dry bowel movement, this issue is termed as constipation. It is a common digestive issue. Many parents are not aware of the fact that certain foods could cause constipation in their babies and they keep feeding their babies with such kinds of foods. These foods would slow down the digestion in the babies. It is worthy to note that when the babies move from breast milk to solid foods or formula foods etc, then the babies could get constipation issues in them. Signs of constipation: Babies with constipation issue would show several signs such as difficulty in passing stools, bloating, stomach pain and loss of appetite etc. There are many foods that can lead to constipation in babies. Hence, it is the duty of the parents to know these foods and avoid giving them to their babies. Foods that can lead to constipation in babies are Bananas in raw or unripe form: It must be noted that unripe bananas could exacerbate constipation in the babies. So, parents must avoid giving them to their babies. Milk proteins:  It is worthy to mention here that most babies are allergic to milk proteins present in the formula milk and breast milk etc. Parents must be careful regarding this. Steamed carrots: The stools of the babies would get hardened when they consume steamed carrots. It must be taken into account that the constipation issue does not occur if the babies are given raw carrot or carrot juice etc. Cheese: Parents must be careful and not give cheese to their babies. The reason for that is though cheese is packed with nutrients it has low fibre content. This would lead to constipation in the babies. White bread: It is known that white bread is made from processed all purpose flour and white bread lack n nutrients for the baby. This food can lead to constipation in the babies. Steamed apples: The babies could get constipation problems if parents give them steamed apples. It is important to mention that applesauce having stool hardening component pectin could also lead to constipation in the babies. Yoghurt: Yoghurt is rich in probiotics but its binding properties on certain foods would cause constipation in the babies. Parents must be careful. Tubers: Many parents do not know the fact that except sweet potatoes all other tubers are low in fibres. Fact is that the presence of starch in the tubers would lead to constipation in the babies. White rice: Low in fibre content, rice is a popular baby food is known. Parents must refrain from providing rice to their babies as it could lead to hardening of stools. Oatmeal or barley meal could be good for the babies. Packages or processed foods: There are certain foods that have low fibre content and the examples are crackers, sweet puris, baby snack foods etc. These foods can lead to constipation issues in the babies. Note for the parents: It is important for the parents to consult a doctor or paediatrician before giving solid foods to the babies. Parents must always keep the babies` meals simple and fresh.

Many of us would feel surprised if we come to know the truth that our gut health could also be a factor in weight loss. Yes it`s true!! Mostly, weight loss is associated with exercise, diet etc only and gut health is a hidden factor. According to a famous gastroenterologist from Hyderabad based hospital it was clear that a healthy gut would support better metabolism and would help our body to burn more calories. There are trillions of bacteria present in our digestive system known as gut microbiome and these bacteria not only help in the food digestion but also play a role in metabolism, fat storage, energy use etc. It is worthy to note here that when our gut health goes out of balance then it would slow down weight loss and we might never realise it also. Gut health affecting fat loss: The bacteria present in our gut would break down the food and assist our body in absorbing nutrients. Metabolism would be kept efficient if these bacteria are balanced. Point is that our body would be able to burn more calories effectively and this could be possible even when we don`t exercise also. Not many would know that an unhealthy gut could lead to slowdown in metabolism, increased sugar cravings and this could lead to fat storage around the belly portion. So, please take care. Research study in 2021: It was brought to light by a research study in the year 2021 that in the105 persons in a lifestyle programme diet and blood markers did not create any impact but certain gut microbiome traits predicted weight loss in certain persons. The research study was published in the American Society for Microbiology. From the above study it was found out that persons whose gut bacteria had genes linked to breaking down complex foods, managing stress and growing faster were more likely to lose their weight. Various signs that would show that the digestive system is not functioning well are getting digestive issues like bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhoea etc often, getting skin issues like acne etc, anxiety issue/poor mood, having bad breath, sudden weight gain or loss etc. How can poor gut health slow down our weight loss? It is true that poor gut health can lead to slowing down in the weight loss process. It must be taken into note that gut bacteria would affect everything from hormonal balance to appetite control etc. There are more chances of chronic inflammation if bad gut bacteria outnumber the good bacteria in the gut. By this, f fat burning or weight reducing capacity would also be reduced. Finally, losing weight would become difficult. Final note: Please do not ignore the role of your gut if your weight loss journey feels struck up despite your huge efforts. Certain signs like digestive issues, fatigue etc would reveal that gut health would need attention. Simple dietary and lifestyle changes could restore gut balance and would provide the metabolism the boost it requires.

Have you ever experienced dizziness or head spinning and found it very difficult?  Once in a while feeling dizzy is normal for women and children. If this happens frequently, then it is a serious issue and must be treated without fail as it can be due to an underlying health condition also. Please take care. Why do children experience frequent dizzy spells? It was mentioned by a paediatrician that dizziness in the kids is always not a sign of serious issues in them. Point is that children could feel dizzy if they have issues like dehydration, low sugar levels, anaemia, ear infections etc in them. He spoke about how even fatigue could trigger dizziness in the kids. Dizzy feeling from dehydration versus inner ear issues: It must be taken into account that parents often confuse light headedness due to lack of fluids with dizziness due to inner ear issues. It is worthy to note that dizziness that could occur due to dehydration (or lack of adequate intake of fluids etc) could be corrected by drinking lots of fluids. Dizziness can also be due to inner ear vertigo and is associated with nausea and vomiting etc. Truth is that vertigo doesn`t resolve after drinking fluids and the issue would need to be evaluated by a doctor. Dizzy feeling from low blood pressure of low BP: Especially when the children suddenly change positions, they could get low BP and this can result in dizziness. It was brought to light by a medical professional that dizziness in the kids is associated with postural or orthostatic hypotension. Dizzy feeling in the kids due to low BP is usually identified by the relief a child from the feel gets after sitting or lying down. Point to be noted is that the doctors would confirm this by checking the BP of the child in several positions. First aid tips to overcome sudden dizziness in children: When a child gets dizzy then he or she must stop all movements, steady their bodies and take deep breaths. The possibility of falling down can be avoided either by sitting or lying down. It would be good to drink water also. Routine activities of the kid can be continued once the dizziness gets resolved. It was explained that skipping foods, iron deficiency and low vitamin B12 etc can also cause dizziness in the kids. Reasons why women get dizziness more than men: According to a gynaecologist it was clear that in most women dizziness could be due to the hormonal changes related to m menstrual cycle or menopause etc. A woman can get dizziness if she has ear issues, low BP and dehydration etc. Bitter fact is that stress and sleep deprivation could worsen dizziness in women. Identifying dizziness from dehydration & dizziness from inner ear issues in women? If the light headed feeling gets better after drinking fluids, then the dizziness is due to dehydration. If a woman experiences dizziness due to inner ear issues then the dizzy feel wouldn`t stop and she could get the feel even while resting or lying down. Steps to be taken by women during dizziness: Women must sit down or lie down immediately if she gets dizzy or head spinning. She must focus on a stationary object and breathe slowly. It would be good to eat some snacks or drink water if dizziness is due to low sugar levels. Sudden movements must be avoided without fail. If needed, it is necessary for women to hold on to some support also. Please take care.