Wednesday, October 28, 2020

MASK ( MOUTH)

 






Any scientific theory is evidence based. So it is accepted, whether or not it proves right in every situation or circumstances. In the beginning of the outburst of the Covid pandemic all over the world, every person was told to wear face masks to fight the virus. The mandate holds good even today. 

Evidence suggests that wearing face masks can help fight against COVID-19, along with social distancing and proper handwashing. 

Mask skeptics then began their cry over the side effects of wearing face mask, like a petulant child.


In many occasions, use of masks have been related to parachutes. Its quite an interesting comparison by the mask advocates, which really makes sense!



Here's how👉Parachutes are used to prevent deaths while jumping off a plane. There are no qualitative evidences that has proved this right! Yet it will be a foolish decision to not deploy it, if under such a situation.
....in dilemma? Whether parachutes may function well or not, it is used extensively, even today!!

Training and learning the right way to use, be it parachute or face mask, it would seriously outweigh the negatives.

Scientists have already acknowledged the side effects of face masks:
  • creating a false sense of security of the person wearing it; there is a reduction in compliance with other important measures like social distancing and handwashing.( read here)
  • inappropriate use of face mask like touching the mask frequently while wearing it, incorrect ways of disposing them etc..
Skepticism has reached heights where the negative effects are weighed more than the positives.
Like difficulty in breathing, skin irritations, rashes, exhaled air going into the eyes and so forth.




THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS WITHOUT SOLUTIONS 💯

It should be understood that we should sometimes act without definitive evidences. 



Those who have to wear masks for long hours may start to experience challenges like the above mentioned side effects. 

What could be done to protect ourselves from these effects. 


Let's check here👇

  1.  Drink lot of water- even if taking off mask for that one time is necessary. Do it, to avoid dehydration.
  2.  Eat fruits/vegetables in plenty as part of balanced diet.
  3.  If you have persisting rashes on skin, avoid using chemical face packs on them.
  4.  For oily skin, wash face at regular intervals.
  5.  Massage face with replenishing moisturiser at bedtime.
  6.  Use moisturising body soaps/ face washes.
  7.  To avoid fungal infections in sweaty moist regions, use anti-fungal dusting powders.
  8.  Use a correctly fitted mask.
  9.  Do not touch face/mask frequently.
  10.  For dry mouth( mask mouth) use mouth washes and keep good oral hygiene.
👍Always follow social distancing and handwashing regime along with use of mask.

Whether masks will reduce transmission of 
Covid-19 or not but it will definitely prevent some transmission of the virus and thus save lives. 


We are battling with such a serious threat, that wearing mask in public is a must. (👈see here)


Let's tell them all that...

WEARING MASK IS THE NEW NORMAL



 


Wednesday, October 21, 2020

THE DIRTY DOZEN AND THE CLEAN 15 - 2020 EDITION





    The 12 dirty crops fed with pesticides and the 15 clean ones with least amount of pesticides. This was brought out by the Environmental Working Group, an american NGO, pointing out at the levels of contamination in the foods we eat and to protect ourselves from the exposure to harmful chemicals in daily life.

Each year, they publish a new list of fruits and vegetables, accordingly.

 Here, the list shows, foods available in India, released by specialists who has finalised this data after a lot of research and communication with farmers. Also visit here.

Jaivik Bharat is a good initiative from the Indian government. 

The dirty 12 are those which gets plenty of chemical pesticide spraying and dipping, that makes them ineligible to be consumed in a day or may be even for 28 days!!

Do not go by their looks...because looks can be deceiving indeed.

For instance, a dull and dim cabbage is recommended over a shiny green one. And that describes it all!

The clean ones does not mean that they are free of chemicals. Its just that, very little quantity are used compared to the dirty group. For some like pineapples, they have very thick skin that blocks the penetration of pesticides to an extent.

THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION?

The list put up here is only to keep us alert while picking up a vegetable or fruit. It becomes mandatory, that we are well informed about these aspects, so that many ailments could be avoided as a result of consuming these harmful chemicals.

Nowadays, organic farming industry has become very popular. We may as well buy organic foods in place of the dirty 12! But for some, the prices are questionable. For those who do not want to spend too much on organic options...do not worry.

Just follow this👇

  1.  Buying inorganic food from the clean 15 lists are always better while comparing with the dirty 12. Thereby money can be saved.
  2. Try to buy seasonal foods.
  3. Wash fruits/vegetables, thoroughly before consuming.
  4.  Avoid eating the dirty 12.
  5. Home gardening of micro greens are always a good option.


DIRTY 12
  1. Mangoes
  2. Strawberries
  3. Apples
  4. Grapes
  5. Cherries
  6. Papaya
  7. Bananas
  8. Spinach
  9. Cabbage
  10. Brinjal
  11. Cauliflower
  12. Tomatoes
CLEAN 15
  1. Pumpkin
  2. Watermelon
  3. Pineapple
  4. Orange
  5. Jackfruit
  6. Pomegranate
  7. Radish
  8. Carrot
  9. Beetroot
  10. Sweet Potato
  11. All gourds
  12. Okra
  13. Potato
  14. Mint
  15. Coriander
THINGS TO REMEMBER👍

We cannot completely avoid pesticides and nor can we blame anyone in particular , because as the population increases, demands increase. To meet the needs of the growing population, the farm yields also need to be increased. Thereby farmers are forced to use these chemicals. Hence, by keeping ourselves updated with the useful informations regarding seasonal and regional foods, and by following the above mentioned tips, we could protect ourselves as well as our family from the effects of pesticides.

In another edition, let's discuss everything about micro greens.



Friday, October 16, 2020

MASK THE RIGHT WAY

 





Wearing a face mask is as essential as maintaining social distancing and handwashing. Let's not forget the fact that COVID-19 caused by the corona virus causes respiratory illnesses, that leads to a lasting lung damage. Check what the experts at John Hopkins Medicine has to say.

Though handwashing is celebrated globally, we must also not forget to protect ourselves by using face masks in the right way. This in turn protects everyone around us. 

There is always a confusion amongst us as to which is the best mask to use against corona and how. 

Let's find out what the CDC has to tell us.

  1. Choose masks with two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric.
  2. It should completely cover the nose and mouth.
  3. Should fit snugly against the sides of face, with no gaps.
  4.  Fabric chosen should not make it hard to breathe.
  5.  Masks used should not have exhalation vents or valves which allow virus particles to escape.
  6.  Do not use masks intended for healthcare workers like N95 respirators or surgical masks
  7.  If children are using masks, be sure to choose a perfect fit for their size. And do not use mask for children below 2 years of age.
  8.  When wearing glasses, make sure to wear masks with nose wire to limit fogging.
Today even masks have become the trend setter. Dress matching masks with prints, designs and colour are the style statements.

Above all, be safe and follow everday health habits. Wear a mask without fail especially in public, so that people around you are also protected.

PROTECT YOURSELF TO PROTECT OTHERS



Thursday, October 15, 2020

GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY


 With the Corona Virus on the loose, the only important measure to keep us all safe from this deadly virus is washing our hands. According to health experts, hands are the connecting piece and we can't necessarily control what we touch and who touched it..Hence handwashing is the only solution to get us through this pandemic until a vaccine comes into being.

TODAY WE CELEBRATE GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY.

    The COVID-19 is encased in a layer of fat. Soaps act by burying into the fat layer of the virus, tearing it apart and makes it soluble in water, disintegrating it. Soaps also make our skin slippery, so that with enough rubbing, the germs pry off.



    For this we need to get the technique of handwashing right. Let's keep it simple.

    Liquid/Gel soaps are preferred over foam pump soaps. Many studies have proved this. The Centres for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) recommends 20 seconds as handwashing time. So let's all sing the Happy Birthday to you song till the end and twice!! Do this while washing hands. That's exactly the time required for a safe germ free handwash




    We must also pay attention to places on hands where we usually don't pay attention, like the back of hands, lower palm, fingernails, nail bed area. To teach proper handwashing we have products that glow in black light showing areas we missed while washing hands like the Glo-germ


According to CDC, we must wash hands:


  • Before, during, and after food prep
  • Before eating
  • Before and after tending to someone who’s sick
  • Before and after treating a cut or other wound
  • After going to the bathroom
  • After changing diapers or helping a child in the bathroom
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching an animal, or touching pet food or pet waste
  • After handling pet food or pet treats
  • After touching garbage

If hand washing using a soap is not possible at times use of hand sanitizers may be helpful. A good sanitizer with 75% alcohol content as recommended by WHO, is a must carry while outdoors or at work.

In short follow this regime and be safe from germs...

      • Wet your hands with water
      • Apply enough soap to cover both hands
      • Scrub all sides of the hands with soap lather for 20 seconds. Make sure you scrub the back of the hand, palms, nails, each finger properly.
      • Rinse thoroughly with water
      • Use a clean towel or cloth to dry your hands


  1. NEVER LET THE GERMS HARM YOU

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