Category Archives: Health

Smiles Child Development Centre opened to address developmental disability, a neurological illness which is on the rise in children post covid

Hyderabad, November 08, 2023…..Smiles Child Development Center opened in the city at Road No. 14, Banjara Hills on Wednesday to address the growing incidences of children developing autism-like symptoms due to poor social contact they went through during the COVID

The unique centre was inaugurated by Renuka B, MD of Butta Group and Founder of Meridian Educational Society and Seema Sikri, Associate Director of Hyderabad City Security Council.

Autism symptoms such as lack of eye contact, attention span, doing things repetitively, inattentiveness, delayed speech, no response to calling out their name, poor social contact, and addiction to mobile phones are seen in a significant number of children in the age group of up to 14 years and their number is on the rise said Sangeeta Rajesh, ISB alumni, the lady behind Smiles Child Development Center.

These symptoms can be reversed to normal behaviour after therapy, said Sangeeta Rajesh, Smiles Child Development Center. But Hyderabad the city which is known for the best healthcare infrastructure lacks amenities and needs counselling and therapy services, facilities required for treating autistic children and Autism look-a-like children.

The only second of its kind and the biggest (5000 sq ft) centre with all under service is set up at an investment of little over rupees two crore

The centre is the need of the hour as a significant percentage of the child population in the city in the age group of up to 14 years is developing autism-like symptoms, Sangeeta added.

Schools are unable to keep students, parents are caught off guard not knowing what to do.

Smiles Child Development Center once opened is the biggest in the city, making children school ready.

Smiles added massive infrastructure/facilities such as Therapy Balls (Peanut Balls etc.), a Trampoline, a Multi-Sensory Gym, Kids Toilet Training, a Home Suite, Occupational Therapy Equipment, Balancing Exercise Equipment, Monkey Bar, Multi Swing System, Floating Bridge etc. required to address the problem, Sangeeta said.

Autism is the world’s third most common developmental disability, a neurological illness. In the city, it is now emerging as a big health issue. Low awareness, lack of minimum required facilities and poor diagnosis, lack of well-trained professionals is a challenge, Sangeeta said.

Sangeeta Rajesh is an academician with rich experience in remedial instruction.

She earlier associated Euro Kids, Meridian School, DRS Kids, Educom Solutions and others. She established Smiles School at Himayatnagar about 15 years back to make special children and children with learning disabilities and made hundreds school-ready and are leading a happy life.

Sangeeta was a curriculum designer, trainer and consultant. She worked on reviving long-forgotten Indian traditional childhood games. She has over eight lakh followers on Facebook.

Cardiovascular Exercises for Your Health

Exercise is a physical activity performed to improve or maintain physical fitness and overall health. Regular exercise offers numerous benefits, both for the body and the mind

“Cardio” is a term commonly used to refer to cardiovascular exercise, also known as aerobic exercise. Cardiovascular exercise is a type of physical activity that increases your heart rate and breathing, improving the efficiency and strength of your cardiovascular system, which includes your heart and blood vessels.

Cardiovascular exercises, often referred to as cardio exercises or aerobic exercises, are essential for maintaining good health. They help improve your cardiovascular system, strengthen your heart, and provide various other health benefits. Here are some popular cardio exercises for your health:

Running: Running is an excellent high-impact cardio exercise that can improve your cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, and strengthen your leg muscles.

Walking: Brisk walking is a low-impact alternative to running and is suitable for people of all fitness levels. It can help improve heart health and aid in weight management.

Cycling: Riding a bicycle, whether indoors on a stationary bike or outdoors, is a great way to get your heart rate up and strengthen your leg muscles.

Swimming: Swimming is a full-body workout that is gentle on the joints, making it an excellent option for individuals with joint problems. It improves cardiovascular fitness and tones muscles.

Jumping Rope: Jumping rope is an inexpensive and highly effective cardio exercise that also improves coordination and balance.

Dancing: Whether it’s Zumba, hip-hop, or ballroom dancing, dancing is a fun way to get your heart rate up and improve your cardiovascular health.

Rowing: Using a rowing machine provides a full-body workout, engaging both your upper and lower body while boosting cardiovascular endurance.

Aerobics: Aerobic classes or videos incorporate a variety of movements like stepping, kicking, and jumping, helping improve heart health and overall fitness.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by short rest periods. It’s a time-efficient way to improve cardiovascular fitness and burn calories.

Stair Climbing: Climbing stairs or using a stair climber machine is an effective way to work your lower body and increase your heart rate.

Hiking: Hiking in natural environments not only provides cardiovascular benefits but also connects you with nature, reducing stress.

CrossFit: CrossFit workouts incorporate a combination of strength and cardiovascular exercises to build overall fitness.

Kickboxing: This martial arts-based cardio workout combines punches and kicks with high-intensity intervals.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or fitness expert before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are new to exercise. It’s important to choose exercises that you enjoy, as this will help you stay motivated and make it easier to maintain a regular fitness routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, as recommended by health guidelines, to maintain good cardiovascular health.

Health Benefits of Sound Sleep

Sound sleep is a term often used to describe a state of deep and restful sleep. It refers to a sleep quality in which a person enjoys uninterrupted, undisturbed, and rejuvenating rest. Achieving sound sleep is essential for overall health and well-being because it allows the body and mind to recover, repair, and refresh

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. Here are some of the significant health benefits of sound sleep:

Improved cognitive function: Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining optimal cognitive function, including better memory, concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Enhanced mood and emotional well-being: Quality sleep is closely linked to emotional regulation. A lack of sleep can lead to irritability, mood swings, and an increased risk of developing mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

Physical health: Sound sleep is vital for physical health in numerous ways, including:

a. Immune system support: Adequate sleep helps your body’s immune system function optimally, making you less susceptible to infections.

b. Weight management: Lack of sleep can disrupt the balance of hunger-regulating hormones, leading to weight gain and obesity.

c. Cardiovascular health: Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

d. Diabetes risk: Poor sleep patterns can contribute to insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Pain management: Sleep is essential for the body’s natural healing and repair processes, and it can help reduce chronic pain and improve overall pain tolerance.

Hormonal balance: Sleep plays a critical role in regulating hormones like cortisol (stress hormone), growth hormone, and sex hormones, helping to maintain hormonal balance in the body.

Immune system support: Sound sleep helps your body’s immune system function optimally, making you less susceptible to infections.

Cellular repair and growth: During deep sleep, the body undergoes a process of tissue repair and growth, helping to maintain overall health and well-being.

Better cardiovascular health: A consistent sleep pattern is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Enhanced athletic performance: Athletes often see improvements in physical performance, reaction times, and endurance with proper sleep.

Improved skin health: Quality sleep can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, and other signs of aging, as it supports skin regeneration and repair.

Hormonal regulation: Adequate sleep helps maintain a healthy balance of hormones, contributing to overall well-being and a stable mood.

Longevity: Several studies have suggested that individuals who consistently get enough sleep tend to live longer and have a better quality of life.

To reap these health benefits, it’s recommended that adults aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, though individual sleep needs may vary. Creating a conducive sleep environment and adopting healthy sleep habits can help improve the quality of your sleep and promote better overall health.

Health Benefits of Daily Exercise

Exercise is a physical activity that is performed to maintain or improve physical fitness and overall health. It is an important component of a healthy lifestyle and has numerous benefits for the body and mind

Engaging in daily exercise can have numerous health benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the key advantages of incorporating regular exercise into your routine:

Weight management: Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight or lose excess body fat. It burns calories and boosts your metabolism, making it easier to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

Cardiovascular health: Exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation. It can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve cholesterol levels. Aerobic exercises, such as running, swimming, and cycling, are particularly effective for cardiovascular health.

Muscle and bone health: Exercise, especially resistance training, helps build and maintain muscle mass and bone density. This can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly as you age.

Mental well-being: Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. Regular exercise can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, and improve overall mental health.

Improved sleep: Regular physical activity can lead to better sleep quality, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep.

Enhanced flexibility and balance: Certain types of exercise, such as yoga and Pilates, can improve flexibility and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries, especially in older adults.

Increased energy levels: Regular exercise can boost your energy and endurance, making everyday activities easier to handle.

Immune system support: Exercise can help strengthen the immune system, reducing the risk of illness and enhancing your body’s ability to fight off infections.

Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and stroke.

Cognitive benefits: Exercise may improve cognitive function, memory, and concentration. It has been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Social engagement: Participating in group activities or team sports can promote social connections and boost your overall well-being.

Stress reduction: Physical activity can be an excellent way to relieve stress and manage daily pressures, helping you maintain better mental health.

Better self-esteem: Achieving fitness goals and feeling physically strong can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem.

It’s important to note that the benefits of exercise can vary depending on the type, duration, and intensity of the activity. The key is to find a form of exercise you enjoy and can sustain over time. It’s also essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or concerns.

Healthy Habits for a Healthy Life

“Health is wealth” is a well-known saying that emphasizes the importance of good health as a valuable asset. This phrase highlights the idea that having good health is one of the most precious and valuable things in life. Without good health, it can be challenging to enjoy life to its fullest or achieve one’s goals and aspirations. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, regular exercise, and other health-promoting habits is seen as an investment in one’s well-being and overall quality of life. In contrast, poor health can lead to various physical, emotional, and financial challenges. So, taking care of your health is often considered a wise and valuable investment.

Healthy habits are essential for maintaining a healthy life. They not only promote physical well-being but also contribute to mental and emotional health. Here are some key healthy habits to incorporate into your daily life:

Balanced Diet: Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Control portion sizes to prevent overeating.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
Incorporate strength training exercises for muscle health and bone density.
Find physical activities you enjoy to make exercise a sustainable habit.

Sufficient Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule to regulate your body’s internal clock.
Create a comfortable and relaxing sleep environment.

Stress Management: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness.
Set realistic goals and prioritize tasks to reduce stress.
Get support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed.

Regular Check-ups: Schedule routine health check-ups with your healthcare provider.
Follow recommended screenings and vaccinations for your age and risk factors.
Be proactive in addressing any health concerns or symptoms.

Hygiene and Sanitation: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs.
Maintain good personal hygiene, including oral care, regular bathing, and clean clothing.
Keep your living spaces clean and well-ventilated.

Stay Hydrated: Drink an adequate amount of water daily to maintain proper bodily functions.
Limit the consumption of sugary beverages and excessive caffeine.

Avoid Harmful Substances: Limit or eliminate the use of tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
Be cautious with prescription medications and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Aim for a healthy body weight and body mass index (BMI).
Focus on gradual, sustainable weight management through diet and exercise.

Social Connections: Build and maintain strong social relationships for emotional support.
Spend time with loved ones, engage in social activities, and seek community involvement.

Continuous Learning: Stimulate your mind through reading, learning new skills, or pursuing hobbies.
Challenge your brain with puzzles, games, and intellectual activities.

Positive Self-talk: Cultivate a positive self-image and practice self-compassion.
Challenge negative thoughts and focus on self-improvement.

Gratitude and Mindfulness: Practice gratitude by regularly reflecting on the things you’re thankful for.
Embrace mindfulness to stay present in the moment and reduce stress.

Environmental Responsibility: Contribute to a healthy planet by reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable practices.

Remember that adopting and maintaining healthy habits is a lifelong journey, and it’s essential to be patient with yourself. Make gradual changes, set realistic goals, and seek support from professionals or support networks when needed. The key is to create a balanced and sustainable lifestyle that promotes your overall well-being.