Lifestyle

Preschooler with vision problem in India:Secrets no one told you

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on February 6, 2018 5

Preschoolers with vision problems in India is heartbreakingly common.

The problem is a bigger one than adult myopia because they are unable to tell us.

The symptoms of childhood nearsightedness: When will you suspect?

Sitting close to the television is classic
A frequent headache.
Head tilting to a side.
Performance not up to the mark in school.
Silly mistakes in the classroom.
The child is inattentive in class.
Rubs eyes a lot.
Appears to daydream.
Behavioral issues as a secondary result

Now, what is nearsightedness or Myopia?

When the image of the object occurs in front of the retina and not on the retina, the object appears fuzzy

Suspected reasons for myopia or nearsightedness

Nutrition, growth spurts, heredity, childhood diabetes all may be responsible for myopia.Excessive computer use, total screen time lack of outdoor activity all can be responsible for childhood eye problem.

The child may need her vision assessed every 3 months as growth is associated with changes in power.

Your child has no idea about how things should look.so this condition often goes undetected.After a complete checkup by a doctor get eyeglasses .This is perfect for children to correct myopia.Myopia correction is classically undercorrected and not overcorrected.

Things you should remember if you suspect your child has a vision problem

Do not delay
Believe the child
Go to a qualified specialist
Always review refraction periodically.
Don’t scold the child.
Don’t make him/ her feel self-conscious.
If you do wear glasses do not forget to wear them always or the child will not adjust well.
Do not blame yourself.
Blood work may be needed to rule out any underlying condition like diabetes.In adults, obesity and diabetes are major reasons for fluctuating myopia.

When do children need urgent review by an eye specialist

One or both eyes are abnormal in size.Small or large
One or both eyes appear to stick out

There is a red mark on the eyelid

One or both eyes are obviously abnormal, white in all parts

How to assess vision preliminarily in young child 0 to 1 year?

How does the baby see the things around him /her?
Does she /he make eye contact?
Does your baby follow mother with eyes?
Does baby respond to raised eyebrows?

You must remember

As much as 80 percent of childhood learning is vision based.
Reading difficulties and learning disabilities may have an undiagnosed eye problem as the underlying reason.
It is difficult to diagnose vision problem in young children.
Studies show a higher prevelance of refractive error in school children in urban areas as compared to rural areas.

A correlation has been found with outdoor activity and myopiaIt is said even as little as one hour per day outdoor playtime can decrease the chance of developing myopia.But whether it has any role in progrssion is yet to be determined.

Myopia is a serious problem and by 2050 half of the worlds population are projected to face this problem.If you don’t take care of good eye health now how will you help the next generation?

Take care of your diet, exercise and spend more time with nature, decrease screen time, blink frequently and you have a good chance of beating the odds.

Disclaimer: This is meant for awareness and is not meant as professional medical advice.Kindly consult your doctor for a personalized opinion.Read my full disclaimer.

Noise Cancelling Headphones #BoseQC35‬

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on February 4, 2018 27

It’s in December 2018. The temperature has dipped quite a bit. Fans and Airconditioners are switched off. But the noise level outside doesn’t disturb me anymore.(I am writing a letter to my past self in February 2018 to let her know the reason behind my happiness.I am taking part in a contest and this will be fun !)

Dear Amrita,

I want you to look forward to the Bose QC35 II wireless headphones.

They are perfect.No really if you know what superpowers these beauties pack you will agree. No more of those drilling noise disturbing you when you meditate.

You don’t have to spend sleepless hours when the neighbor next door decides to renovate their home. You don’t have to shift to a new home because the teenager next door loves hard rock.

No more will cars honking and tire screeching will disturb you when you write a blog post.I know how much the brain needs silence and solitude to reflect. Excessive sound levels affect the Nervous system and make life miserable. The noise-induced hearing loss is, unfortunately, a reality people are waking up to rather late. Just like air pollution, sound pollution does threaten your health.

Your Bose connect app will help you set your preferred levels of noise cancellation. Since Bose use Active noise cancellation the effect is like magic!

You love the song of the birds chirping and the ocean noise. You love listening to your favorite soothing sound while you walk. The volume optimized EQ gives a balanced audio performance at any volume, plus you will not miss those important calls anymore.

Bose will let you receive a call even in noisy places. You will find the noise rejecting dual microphone system very useful.

The best part when you are working on your articles and want to know something quickly just press and hold action button and talk. The Bose integrates this super cool Google virtual private assistant into these headphones. Life will not be the same again.

You will control music, send an receive text and get all your answers by talking! That’s just what a busy mommy needs.

With the QC 35 headphone, you will be free from wires and tangles. The very things which make you spill coffee.

It will connect easily to your devices with Bluetooth and NFC pairing.

No more will you have to tolerate those loudspeakers blaring at you. You can protect your hearing because Bose uses Active noise cancellation.

Just be careful that you never listen to music at more than 60% of recommended sound levels. Lower the better. Also, take care not to use them at a stretch for more than an hour at a time. Keep them clean and you are set.

You will soon be gifted these beauties. Just wait!

Environment, Health, Lifestyle

Presbyopia:Can you slow it down?

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on February 4, 2018 101

Presbyopia , can you slow it down?

You don’t want it to happen.I don’t want it to happen, but age will creep up and one day the newspaper will look fuzzy!When you can’t seem to read anything without holding them at an arm’s length you know you need reading glasses.This is called Presbyopia and most commonly happens around mid-forties.

The truth behind Presbyopia: Can you slow it down?

I will tell you about the following in the sections below.

Aging lens
Symptoms
Causes
When should you visit doctor urgently
Treatment
How to pick your eyeglasses
How to take care of your eyeglasses
Eye health tips

With age, the lens in Your eyes become less flexible.The accommodation reflex which helps the lens to focus the images on the retina gets deranged

Ageing lens and cataract: The physiology and pathology

Your lens grows throughout life It is exposed to oxidative stress and strain for a long period.The risk of oxidation-related damage increases after the fourth decade.This accumulation of fluorescent chromophores and complex crystallin aggregates, causes the lens to have decreased the ability to clean its own house. This prevents transport of Glutathione around the lens nucleus.As the lens ages its transparency falls, becomes more rigid and accommodation becomes difficult.

This is the basis of Presbyopia.

The steady accumulation of deposits in lens nucleus can also cause nuclear cataract.

What symptoms will you have if you have Presbyopia?

Headache
Burning sensation in eye
Blurring of vision while reading, sewing, using a mobile phone or while doing anything which needs near vision.

Most common causes of Presbyopia

Age
Diseases conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease or multiple sclerosis may develop presbyopia at a younger age.
Certain drugs can cause premature presbyopia:antidepressants, antihistamines and diuretics.

There is no known prevention for aging.

The internet is full of exercises to improve your vision naturally.You and I have little idea about the efficacy of it.Unfortunately, no amount of eye exercises can prevent the hardening of the lens what they may do is make the ciliary muscles controlling accommodation reflex stronger.

But don’t forget to get those stylish reading glasses even if you decide to start exercising your eyes.

When should you visit a doctor urgently?

Seek immediate medical care if you:
If you have a sudden loss of vision in one eye with or without pain in the eye.
When you experience sudden blurred vision
If you see flashes of light, black spots or halos around lights
If you have double vision

Treatment:

Ready reader eyeglasses are the easiest, quick, trouble-free and most cost-effective way of correcting your vision.Branded ready reading glasses in India is now easily available.While buying them you will be spoilt for choice with respect to style, price point, and comfort.

My top tips for picking your glasses:

Something which is lightweight.This is a must as something resting on your nose if it’s too heavy can give you a headache.
Low maintenance.Even though glasses are easy to use you don’t want a delicate pair if you are a busy person who is forgetful.Delicate glasses will be pretty but also high maintenance.Go for an option which fits the bill according to your lifestyle.
Goes with your facial shape.Online and offline nowadays the options and tips for this are limitless.
According to your reading need and profession.
Moderate price range.This is optional.But to be kept in mind as you may need several changes to the reading glasses over the years and don’t want to overspend on it.It is not always possible to change the lens in an old frame or vice versa.

Do you have other options for correcting vision in people with Presbyopia?

Yes, you do.Nowadays you have contact lenses and various surgical options.But eyeglasses are still the easiest and quickest with the least risk.

How to take the best care of your eyeglasses?

Don’t use anything other than the microfiber cloth given with the spectacle.
If it is greasy you will need to wash it with a mild lens care solution and not dry
Never put your eyeglasses down face first.
Store them properly.Take them off with both hands
Remember glasses don’t last forever.

Top tips to take care of eye health

Regular eye checkups
Healthy diet
Exercise
Prevention of chronic diseases
Sun protection
Prevention of eye injury
Good light during reading
Right eyeglasses
Lower digital screen time
Reduce stress

Takeaway:

Presbyopia is one way of your body telling you that you need to slow down.While you cannot stop time, what you can do is lower the onslaught of free radicals on your body and your lens by following a long-term goal of health, eating right, exercising and cutting out stressors from your life.Make it a habit of including fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants as well as the occasional antioxidant supplements.While age brings wisdom it does have its share of baggage.A wonderful way of slowing down the bad part of age is to reduce oxidative damage.This part is partly in your hand.

Do you take care of your eyes?Do you wear specs?

Tell me in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This is meant for awareness and not as professional consultation.All medical decision should be taken after a consultation with a specialist.Read my disclosure.

#Cryptocurrency :Black white or grey ?#Healthwealthbridge

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on February 2, 2018 1

#Budget2018crypto is trending.Not because the honorable FM loves it(in fact the opposite)it’s trending for an entirely different reason.

A disclaimer is needed at the very beginning.I am not a financial analyst, economist, banker or anyone with qualifications in banking.I am not advocating any financial product or cryptocurrency.This post is an opinion piece and is not be taken as advice under any circumstances.

I got that over with now onto the fun part.

Facebook updated advertising terms said it is barring ads for “financial products and services that are frequently associated with misleading or deceptive promotional practices, such as binary options, initial coin offerings, and cryptocurrency”.

But I am a citizen of a country which underwent demonetization 14 months back.Then the entire nation was asked to use digital currency and avoid cash.This was a way of ensuring transparency.

Fast forward to 2018 Feb: We are told once again that bitcoins and all other cryptocurrency are not recognized as legal tenders (that makes it illegal right?).

My answer: it’s still complicated.

The Government is ready to explore the opportunities underlying the technology.That’s Blockchain!

We like Bitcoin’s mom, but not the baby!

The government also wants to make sure wi-fi in villages make AI and technology learning tools.I love this face of our Government.We want to progress, empower and be inclusive, but keep in mind that too much too soon and with the wrong people can cause a financial condition like AIDS.

In a country like India literacy and education have two different meanings. We need ways of ensuring legalities, KYC checking, source identification and complete transparency(still shaky grounds).Till then black market and terror funding will be the fallout of this amazing, groundbreaking and exciting technology.

Our Honourable finance minister Mr.Arun Jaitley has a way with words.He says things which make perfect sense with layers of underlying meaning.

I like the Budget2018.It shows socialist India.The inclusive nature that we want to preserve..The feeling of helping people stand up when they are down.That’s why the National Health Protection scheme can be a game changer.

Now the mystery of cryptocurrency, the blockchain, bitcoin, is almost like the Da Vinci code.It makes some sense and some parts do not.

Whats interesting is Honorable FM Mr. Jaitley did two very clear things.Read slowly what he said:

The government does not consider cryptocurrencies as legal tender or coin and (will) take all measures to eliminate the use crypto assets.There is legitimate concern that cryptocurrencies are being used for illegal activities – money laundering, black money and, even worse, to fund drugs and terrorism.

He reaffirmed the Government and RBI’s stand on cryptocurrency Then the FM said something which made me sit up

…it will explore Blockchain, to add muscle to the digital economy”.

That’s pretty cool, right?Japan, UK, Mauritius, Japan, Canada, Estonia, Dubai are exploring a way to block chaining their way to governance.There are crores of leakage every year from allocated assets in sectors like medical benefits Educational allotments

Land-related records and transactions, food chains and practically all sections of the Government.

With planning each of these leaks can be plugged and made transparent using blockchain.

The Government frowns heavily on cash to crypto transactions and has already sent tax notices to people dealing that way.

Cryptocurrency can make traditional middlemen/institutions less important.But will it make them redundant?I don’t think so.At least not now and definitely not in India.With a large percentage of the population lacking the necessary education and awareness to make informed choices, we need to be wary.

Just like the ebooks, will not wipe out physical books.We love them both.Just like YouTube did not wipe out TV, cryptocurrency is not going to make all other currency redundant.What it has the potential to do?

Streamline, decentralize, avoid leaks and make every transaction with a value more transparent.Really ?

So should we be excited?

Yes!

Should we be cautious?

Definitely and for a variety of reasons.

If you are not married treat it like your new girlfriend/boyfriend.Get to know before proposing marriage.

If you are married, treat it like your inlaws.Better to be at an arm’s length before you know them well.You get my drift right?

According to Harvard Business Review Blockchain is a foundational technology.It can set up new economic and social systems for a better future.But before that many barriers need to be broken including technological, organizational, government and societal.It is s slow steady change and not a sudden storm which leads to nothing.

We need checks, balances and a better understanding of the blockchain mechanism before we dive headfirst.Let’s learn to swim.Check whether we can tread water.Check how deep the pool is.Are we swimming with sharks?Or that’s just our imagination?

Only time will tell.

Till then read more, learn more and subscribe to my blog to be updated for the #Budget2018Crypto reveal!

Have an opinion about blockchain, cryptocurrency, and #Budget2018, #Budget2018crypto and #cybersecurity?

Write your post, mention Utpal, Dr.Amrita Dr.Bushra, Neha, Geethica, Hiral in it and link to us.

Share on Twitter tagging @misra_amrita @foodietweeter @nehatambe @gleefulblogger and we will always respond.

References :
Check out this cool video , but don’t get too excited!

What is Blockchain?

The truth about Blockchain: Harvard Business Review

Budget 2018: Arun Jaitley outlaws cryptocurrency

Home Workout Vs. Gym Workout( please don’t get shocked) #Gympik #Fitathon

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on January 14, 2018 24

Home Workout Vs. Gym Workout- Which One Do You Think Is Taking The World By Storm?

What’s better gym or home workout?

Does working out at home really work?
Why workout at home works out best for me:

I can do at any time of the day.One stretch or multiple times.In shifts and when the baby sleeps while keeping an eye on her.
I can take a shower before after, in-between.
I can wear anything I want!I can sweat without feeling awkward.
I can do as many repetitions without feeling self-conscious about anything!
I try different stuff and break it up with mindfulness meditation, yoga or dance moves.No one’s watching!
I am able to do pre-party and post-party workouts, whenever I want.I can binge watch on Big Bang theory or Mentalist on Netflix and not feel guilty.
I am building health into my lifestyle.By making it a habit, it’s effortless and as easy as brushing.
By cutting out the chance of excuse I am totally rocking my health goals.

The best part I can work out at home without equipment!

Why do you think it’s important for me to workout every day?

I feel better.My mind hums.I feel all is well with the world.Exercise is even more powerful than chocolate with this feel-good factor.Exercise releases truckloads of endorphins and is the best way to put a smile on my face.

I sleep better Í am more relaxed.
I am healthier and stronger and that extra shopping bag doesn’t cause back pain!
I am making a positive habit.
I am helping my child form a good habit.
I write better and more.
I can concentrate more.
I live healthier one day at a time.

Home or gym?What do you vote for?

If you had asked me five years before I would have said gym in a heartbeat.But now?It’s complicated!I have only one goal now.Be healthy, every day and every moment.

Health cannot be a to do in the lower part of your daily list.

It needs to be there on top.But what happens in real life?

Morning madness and evening rush.Schooltime and children’s bedtime comes like clockwork and you are stuck with that gnawing guilt of missing the gym.

Nowadays many of the apartment complexes have excellently equipped gyms.

But how many busy moms can make time to spend 40 minutes let alone hours at the gym.You need to work out for at least 20 minutes before your workout has an effect on your BMR.

My favorite home work out is simple and fits my routine.

Brisk walking
Lifting Weights
Hula hoop
Skipping rope
Gardening
Yoga and dance practice with my little one.

I live in a rented place so installing training bars are not possible.My plan for my home is to have a rock wall to climb and a few training bars.That I think will help me cut out boredom from my workout!

This year I want to try some martial art form to give the work out another dimension.

My workout should be fun.That’s why I try changing my workout plans.That’s the only way it works for me.

Top 10 supersaver items I use for my home workout

Yoga Mat
Skipping rope
Weights
Weighted hula hoop
Treadmill

My favorite exercise which I can do anywhere:

Plank.I can do it any way I like and increase the time and the repetition. The best part is it really works and one day it will define your post-baby middle part into something called abs!

Top Tip

I reward myself.I buy a new book every month of sticking to my fitness routine.Isn’t that awesome.Motivation and relaxation for the mind!

My home workout has also made me more thankful for my life and my home.

Tell me about how you keep fit in the comments below?Daily or once in a blue moon.Home or gym?

This article is written as a part of Gympik Fit-A-Thon contest and should not be repurposed, republished or used otherwise. The content herein is owned by the blogger. Gympik is not responsible for any kind of infringement caused.

Thankful for this Failure which gave Me Wings

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on January 13, 2018 0

Blogchatter prompts and Pandora’s box!A failure that changed me?

This is a loaded question.I strictly believe all experiences good or bad are stepping stones to success.

That’s why the failure that changed my life is a blessing in disguise.But believe me, it didn’t feel that way then!

The sob story

I wanted to work in Kolkata.So after doing my postgraduate in Delhi, I convinced my hubby to shift back to Kolkata.I proclaimed there were hospitals and Government jobs waiting to fall into our laps!

Reality check!

While it’s easier for a man to get a job, an equally qualified woman faces so many hurdles, which absolutely no one talks about.

The horrible thing came to a standstill when I faced strange questions about my family planning plans at not one but several of my job interviews.

This gave me a shock like nothing ever did.I was a married woman agreed.But I was a fully qualified doctor willing to work.People were already counting the hours they would have to pay me for while I had a baby.

From a business standpoint, it makes a twisted, shortsighted kind of sense. But as a woman growing up in modern India, this was a twist to the fairytale which didn’t seem to have a knight in a shining armor.

My hubby was a strong, silent supporter through this.He wiped my tears.Reminded me to keep optimistic and study harder, keep teaching.

I freelanced, taught and made a pretty good turnover, even though none of it was definitive.I still wanted the job but I also wanted more.

In the meantime, I had a baby joined work after 2 weeks of delivering.No paid maternity leave at all.All leaves were unpaid.

This was my biggest failure as a fully qualified professional.No control over my career, financial independence, and little choice.I felt and that’s when I knew I will do whatever it takes to be a mompreneur.Online or offline I will always be a doctor, but I will build my own online empire.Maybe it will be one pixel at a time.But one day I wish to show another way for all those fully qualified women who are ignored, passed over because they decide to be moms!

That’s my journey to find how to make money online.

I am learning and doing it.

But it’s not a business yet, it’s a baby bird just learning to fly.But I will one day fly high.That’s a promise I made to myself .

Written as a part of #ChatterPrompts’

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Preschooler with vision problem in India:Secrets no one told you

Preschoolers with vision problems in India is heartbreakingly common.

The symptoms of childhood nearsightedness: When will you suspect?