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ChildObesity

Childhood Obesity

Feb 20th, 2014

Archive for February, 2014

Childhood Obesity

Thursday, February 20th, 2014

Childhood obesity is on the rise. Childhood obesity is not just a cosmetic problem anymore as these children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders at a younger age.

Causes

  • Increased intake of junk and processed food products that are high in fat and sugars but low in vitamins, minerals and other healthy micronutrients
  • Decreased physical activity levels with the growing use of computers, increased time watching television and decreased physical education in schools
  • Heredity and family history of obesity
  • Social and economic development and policies in the areas of agriculture, transport, urban planning, food processing, distribution and marketing
Consequences

A higher chance of premature death or disability in adulthood Obesity into adulthood associated with many short-term and long-term health problems Developing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders at a younger age

Prevention
  • By including more fruits and vegetables as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts in your diet
  • By limiting energy intake of total fats, and shifting fat consumption from saturated fats to unsaturated fats
  • By restricting the intake of sugars and salt rich foods
  • By increasing physically activity, i.e., at least 60 minutes of regular, moderate to vigorous-intensity activity everyday
Just Remember

  • Always start a meal with salads
  • Minimise the use of high-calorie dressings, cheese, butter, mayo and sauces
  • Choose grilled rather than fried foods, thus avoiding items like French fries, fried snacks and deep-fried chicken
  • Select low-fat milk or orange juice rather than high-fat milk shakes
  • Avoid purchasing salt-rich foods like
  • processed cheese, fast foods, ready-to-eat food products, salad dressings, pickles and potato chips
  • Limit the intake of beverages, such as
  • carbonated soft drinks and carton juices
  • Practice balance, variety and moderation in your as well as your family’s diet, and your children are likely to follow suit

Health Bite

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

Serves: 4 Dosas

Cooking Time: 30 min

Ingredients:
  • Nachni (Ragi) Flour – 80 gm
  • Rice Flour – 40 gm
  • Sour Curd – 4 tsp
  • Onion (Finely Chopped) – 3 tbsp
  • Ginger -1 tsp
  • Green Chillies (Finely Chopped) – 2
  • Coriander Leaves (Finely Chopped)
  • Oil – 4 tsp
  • Salt to taste
Method:
  1. Mix the nachni flour, rice flour, curd, salt, coriander leaves, green chillies and onions. Add sufficient water to form a thin consistency batter. Set aside this preparation for 2 hours.
  2. Heat a non-stick pan and grease it lightly with oil. When hot, pour the batter, spread it in a circular motion to make a thin dosa. Cook on one side.
  3. Pour a little oil along the edges while cooking. When crispy, fold over and cook the other side till done.
  4. Serve hot with sambhar or chutney.
Nutritive Value Per Serving:

Energy: 150 kcal

Protein: 2.5 g

Carbohydrate: 21.5 g

Fat: 5.5 g

Calcium: 278 mg

“Nachni is a rich source of calcium that helps in building strong bones. Nachni Dosa is good for people suffering from bone disease like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. It will also benefit pregnant & lactating women by supplementing their calcium requirement.” – Pooja Gupta, Dietitian, Kokilaben Hospital

A Growing Problem

Monday, February 3rd, 2014

Osteoporosis, a common yet neglected condition, affects one in three women and one in five men over the age of fifty. However, this bone disorder can strike a person at any age. A quick glance on this global problem and its consequences…

Osteoporosis, which literally means ‘porous bone’, is a disease in which the bone mass and bone strength are reduced. As we get older, we are no longer able to replace bone tissue as quickly as we lose it. Osteoporosis occurs when new bone formation does not match the bone loss. If not prevented or left untreated, the loss of bone occurs ‘silently’ and progressively. This reduces the density of bone, making them weak and easy to break, resulting in fractures.

As the loss is gradual and painless, often there are no symptoms until the first fracture occurs. The most common fractures associated with osteoporosis occur at the hip, spine and wrist. Spinal fractures can result in serious consequences, including loss of height, intense back pain and deformity. A hip fracture often requires surgery and may result in loss of independent living. But in some cases, a stooped back and loss in height may be the only visible signs that a person has osteoporosis.

However, osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable condition. A combination of lifestyle changes and appropriate medical treatment can prevent fractures. Recent advances in treatment of osteoporosis not only prevent further bone loss but can also lead to the formation of new bone.

Therefore, if you are more than 50 years or have any of the risk factors, or have had a fracture at wrist, spine or hip, then it is highly recommended that you seek advice from an expert to assess your bone health status and take the necessary treatment to prevent further complications.

Risk Factors
  • Aging
  • Gender – Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men
  • A family history of osteoporosis or broken bones
  • Having a thin, small-framed body
  • Lack of exercise, especially weight bearing ones, such as walking
  • Long-term bed rest
  • Low calcium and vitamin D intake or absorption
  • Smoking
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Long term use of some medicines like steroids
  • Certain other diseases like asthma, thyroid disorders and arthritis

In women, the rate of bone loss increases significantly after menopause when oestrogen hormone production stops and bones no longer benefit from its protective effect. Men also suffer from loss of bone tissue, but the rate of loss is much slower.

Osteoporosis Facts

  • Osteoporosis is common in India, and high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Indians is one of the major reasons for this condition
  • Osteoporosis is a silent disease. You might not know you have it until you fracture a bone
  • Osteoporosis weakens bones and causes fractures that can result in severe disability
  • It is important to encourage children to drink milk and play in the sun so as to ensure adequate calcium intake and vitamin D synthesis
  • Peak bone density is reached at approximately 25 years of age. Therefore, it is important to build strong bones by this age so that the bones will remain strong later in life
  • A bone mineral density test is the best way to check your bone health
IF You…
  • Are post menopause and have constant pain in your neck or lower back, then you should consult your doctor for further evaluation
  • Feel severe pain in your muscles or bones that limits your ability to function, then check with your doctor immediately
  • Have sustained trauma or suspect fractures in the spine, hip or wrist, do an entire health check up after consulting your doctor and take the necessary treatment

Foot Care For Diabetics

Monday, February 3rd, 2014

People with diabetes can develop many complications including several foot problems. Even ordinary complaints can rapidly worsen and lead to serious complications. If this happens to the feet, it may result in deformity, disability or even amputation. However, the good news is that with regular visits to the doctor and proper foot care, most of these problems can be prevented.

What Happens To The Feet In Diabetes?

Usually in diabetics the nerves get numb, so one often fails to notice injury as there is no pain felt. The sense of temperature is also lost, therefore, one might not feel hot water or hot tiles while walking bare feet. Feet may get deformed, altering the mechanics of weight bearing, thus, exposing the areas of the feet to abnormally high pressures which results in breakdown of the skin.

Furthermore, the wound healing mechanisms are also affected, leading to prolonged time in healing of the wounds. Adding to the problem is the fact that 20% of diabetics with foot problems have narrowed or blocked blood vessels in their feet. This further impairs the healing process as adequate blood flow is required for healing any wound.

What Should I Do If I Am A Diabetic With Foot Problem?

  • Clean the wound with dilute Savlon or Dettol
  • Cover the wound with sterile gauze
  • Check your blood sugar levels
  • Make sure your affected foot does not get wet. Use plastic bag to cover the foot
  • Contact your doctor or immediately and/or seek an appointment with the Diabetic Foot Clinic