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Health News UAE News

Ministry of Health takes part in G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting

UAE flag

The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), has taken part in the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting, which witnessed the participation of several ministers and officials of the health sector…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE’s delegation was led by His Excellency AbdulRahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, HE Dr. Youssef Mohammed Al Serkal, Director-General, Emirates Health Services, and H.E. Nasser Al Bdour, Assistant Undersecretary and Office Manager of the Minister, also took part in the meeting along with members from G20 member states, representatives from the concerned international organizations, and the states invited to participate in the event.

The meeting concluded that the G20 countries are determined to surmount the Covid-19 pandemic no matter what, accelerate progress in the health-related sustainable development goals, and ensure that the world is prepared to confront, detect and respond to any future health emergencies.

His Excellency AbdulRahman bin Mohamed Al Owais

The participants agreed to spare no effort to enhance global health security and share the G20 experiences as widely as possible, to ensure the adoption of an approach that strengthens the health systems capabilities in order to recover from the pandemic effects.

Pandemic management

The participating delegations stressed the need to invest in healthcare sector in order to achieve and sustain universal health coverage, and promote a strong, comprehensive and accessible primary health care system for all, highlighting the importance of mental health services, especially in times of health emergency.

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They also affirmed their willingness to work hand in hand to ensure full implementation, monitoring, compliance and better support of the International Health Regulations, in addition to investing in developing and improving early warning of potential outbreaks, intensifying research initiatives and strengthening risk assessment approaches.

Mental health principles and recommendations

On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, a session on mental health was also held, which dealt with the implications of Covid-19 for the mental health of individuals worldwide, as well as its impact on sustainable development goals (SDG).

The principles and recommendations emphasized the importance of adopting a whole-of-society approach to mental health in time of Covid-19, protecting the mental health of frontline workers in the health and social care field, and adopting mental health approach based on innovative solutions and digital environments.

Backing international efforts

ABDULRAHMAN BIN MOHAMED AL OWAIS, HEALTH MINISTER: “The UAE’s participation in G20 Health Ministers’ meeting comes as part of the wise leadership’s vision to support global efforts, strengthen joint cooperation, coordination and exchange experiences between the participating countries to confront the Covid-19 pandemic. It also aims to empower and support health systems worldwide to deal with health emergencies efficiently and achieve sustainable development goals (SDG) in the health care area. 

Al Owais pointed out the UAE has participated in all meetings held and has put forward a number of initiatives and views, which contribute to strengthening international cooperation to take coordinated measures to overcome the repercussions of the pandemic.

This stems from the UAE’s firm belief in the importance of combining efforts and embracing a multilateral approach to address global issues, an approach that the UAE is keen to consolidate now more than ever, Al Owais said.

Al Owais hailed the fruitful results of the discussions of the reports submitted by the participating countries and the recommendations made according to them, which contribute to strengthening joint international action to contain the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Al Owais said that the UAE has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in managing and governing the pandemic as an exemplary model. All credit goes to the efficiency of the state’s preventive health system, its proactiveness in taking wise measures, the implementation of the national resilience in all sectors, and the leadership in providing vaccines.

All these elements have contributed to preserving the national gains and enhancing confidence and optimism for the end of the pandemic and entering the recovery stage.

Pioneering experience

The minister of health indicated that the high-level meetings that brought together the G20 members reflect the seriousness and commitment to intensifying joint and effective frameworks to counter the repercussions of the pandemic on the comprehensive development.

He stressed that the UAE is moving steadily and confidently towards the recovery from the pandemic, thanks to guidance and support of the wise leadership, the efficiency of the country’s health system, and the effective and integrated strategy in preserving the state’s gains at all levels, within a participatory national framework among various state institutions.

The UAE has so far vaccinated more than 87 percent of the total eligible population free of charge, which reflects the efforts exerted to protect community members, he added.

Al Owais stressed that The UAE is eager to continue its humanitarian journey which knows no boundaries in support of peoples all over the world, noting that the country leads the Hope Consortium with the aim to oversee the safe distribution of billions of doses of the “Covid-19” vaccine worldwide.

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Health Lite Blogs

‘Yoga Of Rehab: The Twelve Sutras For Transcending Addiction’

Yoga and meditation showed me the doorway to Self. Once in touch with Self, inner contentment results — there is no longer a need to intoxicate yourself with external substances… Anjali Talcherkar interacts with Siddhi Jain.

The level of yoga has grown very faster in the modern era of unhealthy lifestyle and habits. Is the power of yoga, meditation and conscious shift towards spirituality enough to pull someone back from the deepest pits of drug addiction and alcoholism? The powerful and intense real-life story of Anjali Talcherkar, told vividly in her new book “Yoga of Rehab: The Twelve Sutras for Transcending Addiction” is a testimony to the life-changing potential of the yogic way of life.

Talcherkar, born to Eastern Indian parents and raised in a rural farm town near Illinois, US, turned to alcohol and drugs in late teenage years, falling deeper into the nexus of pills, drinks and denial about her addiction. In the book, the author explains how she was doing the rounds between relapse and self-discipline, supported by peers, parents and mental healthcare practitioners. During rehabilitation, she met and married her husband, who she eventually lost to a drug overdose. Having hit rock bottom, Talcherkar finally found her ‘blessing’, and began her arduous journey from the dark to the light.

“Yoga of Rehab” is the brave story of Talcherkar climbing out from the dark abyss of addiction. The path of yoga, meditation and SKY (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga) helped her recover. Today, she is out of addiction, is a certified yoga teacher and has obtained a Doctorate in Integrative Medicine. The book also details specific asanas (having specific mantras and mottos), besides some practical tasks for the readers. Excerpts from the interview:


In the book, you detail the profound impact yoga and meditation had in your life, especially in deaddiction. When were you first introduced to it? What about it moved you to quit and start afresh?

I was first introduced to yoga meditation in my early 20’s. I followed predecessors like Deepak Chopra and others until I was introduced to the Art of Living foundation in 2005 through my mother, who was a devotee. It was a time in my life when I was really struggling with addiction and traditional methods like therapy and medication could only go so far. I feel yoga and meditation reached deeper levels, helping me release trauma and underlying emotional issues causing the addictive pattern. Once I started to feel healthy mentally, physically, and emotionally, this was a new level of freedom I hadn’t experienced before. Yoga and meditation showed me the doorway to Self. Once in touch with Self, inner contentment results — there is no longer a need to intoxicate yourself with external substances. This is the freedom I experience today in my life.

You also mentioned that the nomenclature of an ‘addict’, or a ‘hardcore addict’ can be stigmatizing. Across borders, where do you think we could strengthen institutional support for people struggling with drug addiction?

Yes, absolutely. Labels do no justice in describing or identifying who you really are at your core. No words or labels can. I think people form an identity around the label and then have a hard time letting it go, even years after being free from the addiction. We can see humans as more than a label and level the playing field. All humans experience struggles in life, but to marry them to a label permanently is simply pathologizing and counterproductive. Of course, this is how the Western medical paradigm operates for many reasons, including profitability. There’s more money in treating addiction vs curing it. So, let’s start by taking the hype out of addiction (i.e., normalise it). Because lets’ face it, the world has a propensity toward addictions (food, drugs, relationships, the internet, etc.) the list could go on ad infinitum. In short, there is a need to shift the current medical paradigm and disease ideology.

Both yoga and meditation are considered alternate therapies. Being a yoga coach and CAM expert, do you feel the need to mainstream access to such treatments, both in the US and in India?

Yes, I do because these modalities work. Point blank. I’ve worked in several different rehabs over the years, and I have seen CAM treatments slowly finding their way into treatment centers, which is very positive. The main issue is the lack of insurance coverage for such treatments. Generally, unless CAM interventions are offered within the treatment program itself, people pay out of pocket. So, basically, there is a need to mainstream CAM modalities, make them accessible to underserved populations, and affordable to the masses.

Finally, after every relapse, what kept you going and striving towards health and de-addiction?

I will preface my response by stating upfront that I do not see relapse as a failure. Sometimes people need to take a few steps back to move ahead, and that is fine: it’s a personal journey. In my coaching work, I refer to a harm-reduction model, meaning abstinence could be one goal but not necessarily uniform for everyone. Some people want to cut back for a while and that works for them. While conducting my doctoral research, I re-introduced alcohol back into my life in a moderate and responsible manner. I was abstinent for 6 years until I made that decision; my view on addiction changed through my academic research. Sobriety does not necessarily mean abstinence and vice versa. If you look up the definition of sobriety, it reads, “of sound and reason mind.” I don’t consider myself an addict in recovery anymore because I have healed myself.

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Health India News Kerala

Dental Care At Its Best

“We feel humbled that we are one amongst the only three dental clinics in Kerala with NABH accreditation. We feel privileged to be able to bring this Internationally accredited treatment facility for the first time in Central Kerala.” says Dr. Jijo Paul…reports Asian Lite News

This doctor is on a mission. He wants to bring the world class dental care to the common-man. Dr. Jijo Paul established Mazhuvenchery Speciality Dental Clinic in 2001 with a noble vision to provide world class treatment at affordable cost by using state of the art technologies like Kavo Germany, Dental Surgery System.

Dr Paul is the Managing Director of the clinic. He is also as an associate consultant at Aster Medcity, Kochi. He serves as the doctor for emergency services at Cochin International Airport (CIAL) and panel doctor for Air India.

“At MDC, we believe in social commitment and work relentlessly to improve the oral health of our community and as a part of which we provide free treatment along with oral rehabilitation to patients of oral cancer,” Dr Paul to Asian Lite International. “We also enable Social Awareness Campaigns for dental care in the society.”

The motto is “Spreading smiles beyond boundaries.”

MDC is located near the pristine banks of River Periyar and is well connected by Kochi International Airport, Railways and Road. It is located approx. 200 mts from the Aluva Metro Station and National Highway, 2kms from Alwaye Railway Station and 8 kms from the Cochin International Airport.

Dr. Jijo Paul received his B.D.S and M.D.S degree from Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, and he was awarded a fellowship in Implantology (FIDEA) from MAHER Deemed University, Chennai under the able guidance of Prof. Dr. Munirathnam Naidu. He is also certified in Advanced Education in implant dentistry from the Harvard school of Dental Medicine, Boston USA.

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He has been an active researcher and presented a number of scientific papers in national and international conferences. A learned speaker, well known for his dexterity. He was awarded the Dr. Barucha Award in1999 and the Dr. F.D. Mirza award in 1998 at the National levels for the best scientific papers in IDA and IPS national conferences, respectively. He also had the privilege to represent India as a “Young prosthodontist award nominee” for the 8th biennial conference of the international college of prosthodontics (ICP) in Stockholm, Sweden and attended the Asia Pacific Dental Conference, Singapore.

“As an Organization, we have always strived to maintain international treatment and hygiene standards for our patients,” Dr Paul added. “Due to this perseverance, MDC has been certified with ISO 9001: 2000 from BSI in 2008 (British Standard Institution) and ISO 9001:2008 from quality Austria in 2011. We also hold the Universal Record Forum’s “World Record 2019” for “Successful Dental Implantation” in the oldest patient alive (94 years old) on 18th Jan 2012.

“After the fierce floods of Aug. 2018 and the process of revival of the organization, Mazhuvenchery Speciality Dental Clinic started its journey for National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). With two years of meticulous planning and dedicated service of the team, in April 2021, MDC was accredited by NABH from Quality Council of India and ISQua (International Society for Quality in Health Care). State of the art treatment technologies, patient care, sterilization standards and waste management were some of the most important criteria for this certification.

“Along with that, Patient safety and quality delivered with high standards are the primary goals of NABH Accreditation. We feel humbled that we are one amongst the only three dental clinics in Kerala with NABH accreditation. We feel privileged to be able to bring this Internationally accredited treatment facility for the first time in Central Kerala.”

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MDC has two functional floors. The clinic uses state of the art technology, equipped with six dental chair units, minor operating theatre equipped with medical oxygen and emergency cart, World Class OPG X-Ray Facility, Centralized Sterilization Unit and an aesthetically designed Patient Observation Room. The clinic’s interior has been done with great care to provide a calming and relaxing atmosphere with both outdoor and indoor waiting lounges for patients visiting us. The clinic has a team of multidisciplinary specialists and compassionate nursing staff to treat patients with utmost respect, care and love. The growth strength of this clinic is the large number of satisfied National and International patients for the past 20 years.

Dr. Jijo Paul Developed Mouth Stick Appliance for paralyzed patients (first reported case in India and fifth in the world). He also developed Indigenous closed field magnetic systems for implant supported dentures and Cranio-facial prosthesis, for the first time in India

He served as the consultant Maxillo-facial prosthodontist in the department of head and neck surgery at AIMS (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences), Kochi and the Professor of Prosthodontics and Implantology in MES Dental College, Perinthalmanna. He is a former professional consultant for Zhermack-Itlay.

Dr. Jijo Paul holds the Universal Record Forum’s World Record (URF) for successful dental implantation in the oldest patient alive (94 years old) on 18th Jan 2013. He also received the Deepika excellence awards 2018 for excellence in High quality dental care, conferred by Rashtra Deepika Group.

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Bollywood Lite Blogs

Meera realizes the need to ‘be and feel healthy’

Yoga has worked wonders for me, hence I would recommend everyone to include yoga in their daily routine.”…Meera speaks with Siddhi Jain.

Bollywood celebrity Mira Kapoor says she turned to yoga because she realised that yoga helps her listen to her body and makes her feel connected and in tune with herself.

“My yoga journey picked up after I became a mom. It helped me in ways that made me realise that yoga is more than just weight loss. It helped me strengthen myself, become flexible and be more mindful. My go-to yoga routine involves hip mobility and flexibility flow that includes asanas like Halasana and Sarvangasana,” Kapoor, who is also a partner at SARVA and a yoga enthusiast told.

Kapoor is part of the yoga-based wellness brand’s ‘Achieve’, a collaborative platform where various celebrity yoga enthusiasts join hands with the brand to create goal-based workshops aimed at achieving sustainable fitness outcomes in an engaging, encouraging and interactive way.

“Collaborating with SARVA on ‘Achieve’, sharing the tips and tricks that worked for me with a larger audience is an opportunity I want to make the most of. We have solutions for people like you and me. Real bodies with real problems and real solutions.”

Asked why she recommends post-partum yoga, Kapoor shares: “Post-pregnancy, my back pain (that everyone said would go after my deliveries), never really left me. I tried all sorts of remedies and routines. I realised what I needed was to ‘be healthy, feel healthy’ from within, this was more than just weight loss for me, and I decided to turn to yoga.

“Yoga cured me of my chronic back pain, sorted my gut issues and even helped with regularising my hormones. Yoga has worked wonders for me, hence I would recommend everyone to include yoga in their daily routine.”

Does she involve her husband Shahid Kapoor and their two children in it, too? “Well, I try to as much as I can, over the weekends, but we all have different schedules and goals!”

She had recently posted glimpses from a yoga session with her mother and grandmother. Asked about her takeaways from their yoga practices, she says: “I think my first takeaway is that women of all ages must continue to practice yoga. Intensities can vary but the important thing to do is be consistent. That’s my biggest takeaway.”

Sarvesh Shashi, Founder, SARVA, says, “There is a renewed interest in people wanting to live healthy and fit. The opportunity to train with celebrities with their own tried and tested methods of fitness is a particularly unique motivation for those who want that extra push to start back on their fitness journeys or even to motivate themselves to do more for their health. This is where we are aiming to make a positive impact through ‘Achieve’. We have collaborated with celebrities who have used the power of yoga to transform and manage their own health and fitness. They will now share their personal yoga journeys. favourite routines, and techniques with the audience. Anything that will get people off their arduous work schedules and dedicate some time for themselves”.

ALSO READ-Sneak-peek into Sameera’s parenting world

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-Top News Health UAE News

UAE Health Ministry wins two Arab Smart Govt Shield Award

MoHAP won in “Social Media and Community Responsibility categories”, in recognition of its effective media role and excellence…reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has been awarded the Arab Smart Government Shield in its 16th session sponsored by the Pan Arab Excellence Awards Academy, which is the administrative and organisational arm of the Smart Government Awards.

MoHAP won in “Social Media and Community Responsibility categories”, in recognition of its effective media role and excellence in creating influence at the highest levels of leadership and competitiveness.

MoHAP received the award during a ceremony held at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk Hotel, under the patronage of Dr. Hamad Saeed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Egypt, in the presence of the Representative of the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia , and Eng. Adel Al-Adwan, representative of the International Excellence Foundation, Florida, United States.

Dr. Mohamed Salim Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and Head of Board of Directors of the Emirates Health Services (EHS), highlighted the importance of the award and lauded the outstanding results achieved by MoHAP in regional and international fora at the government communication level, which played a key role in making the difference and spreading awareness among community members.

The ministry has embraced full-fledged strategies to enhance the governmental presence on social media platforms and has distinctively and effectively capitalised on all its digital and media platforms, something that reflects the considerable development of its capabilities to face different challenges and turn them into success opportunities, he added.

Wedad Bu Hamid, Director of the Government Communication Department, said this honour was a culmination of the efforts of the staff and represents at the same time an impetus to step up their efforts and improve their experience and capacities.

She pointed out that the communication campaigns organised by the ministry highlighted government efforts, enhanced awareness and social responsibility, deepened national values and community cohesion, and shed light on the efforts and sacrifices of the first line of defence, noting that the campaigns banked on a clear business strategy featuring proactive and effective communication tools and innovative methods and effective media messages.

This was coupled with a continuous evaluation of the results, measurement of community feedback, in addition to conducting surveys and opinion polls, and updating work methodologies and media materials that proved its feasibility and have been widely spread on social medial platforms

ALSO READ: UK removes UAE from red list, upgrades to amber

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Food Health Lite Blogs

Eat better and live healthier

People now have started adapting to the higher standard of quality of life where there is a certain prefixed standard of living that all of us are trying to accommodate and change…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

People have plenty of choices and choosing the best is not an easy task. Right and good nutrition plays a vital role in every individual’s life. Nutrition at the right time, with a hint of knowledge, is also important. We all know that nutrition plays an immensely active role in maintaining a healthy immune system for a longer period and it’s really considerate to follow the certain specification, looking at the current times.

Given the schedule of today’s generation, the entire lot has been busy and caught up in various activities, as compared to the ancient times. People now have started adapting to the higher standard of quality of life where there is a certain prefixed standard of living that all of us are trying to accommodate and change. The lifestyle most of us adapt to is unrealistic in terms of schedules, and work. There is a common issue regarding the people who work at offices for a stretch time of around 12hrs, in which they skip the proper amount of nutrients hence they consume junk & external food in their daily lifestyle. Unhealthy food does satisfy your hunger but the effects are not as expected in a long run.

The body needs good amount of nutrients which contains vitamins, minerals to work at its best. The food we consume does not have the ability to proportionate the right nutrients for our body, and that’s the whole reason why we started feeling hungry after some time even after consuming the food.

Constant is the only change they say, hence a certain amount of change in your diet can improvise your health and will keep you healthy for a longer period of time. That’s we think at Smart greens (Plant-Based Nutrition Brand) people should start consuming plant-based nutrition in their daily lifestyle. Because Plant-Based Food will be derived from a natural source without any harmful chemicals.

Plant-Based nutrition has its benefits, it naturally helps you to maintain your weight, it protects you from diseases and boosts immunity, it also contains no sugar and many other benefits.

The world has seen a drastic change in terms of diets and lifestyles! India has adapted to the Vegan culture quite well in advance.

Smart Greens as well is a Plant-Based Nutrition Brand and we are committed to helping every single person who wants to adopt a healthy lifestyle and live a good and healthy life ahead. We care for you and our planet that’s why we use only plant-based ingredients in our products because It focuses on minimally processed foods, specifically plants, and is effective at stimulating weight loss and improving health. Plant-based foods are full of fibre, rich in vitamins and minerals, free of cholesterol, and low in calories and saturated fat. That’s why we adopt Plant-Based Ingredients in our Products so that you can your best without any chemical intakes.

Commenting on the Plant-Based Ingredients the Manager of Smart Greens Jay Oza Commented “Smart Greens is not only about being vegan, But staying closer to nature while you transform yourself into healthy lifestyle. At Smart Greens We Ensure that you are getting passion, dedication and the highest quality ingredients in each and every Product”.

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Lite Blogs Parenting

Great health! The best gift for your father

It is easy to forget to drink enough water in the rush to do things. But this can be detrimental to your father’s efficiency, may lead to brain fog and may even lower their immunity…writes Siddhi Jain.

Parenting is a serious topic in our society and taking care of parents is also very important topic to be discussed and practiced. The pandemic has caused many of us to reimagine our lifestyle and take cognizance of the potential health risks. Give your father the gift of great health by getting him to adopt a wise sodium-intake diet and a little bit of exercise. Ensure he makes small lifestyle changes for positive impact, starting with these four tips.

Check his BP

The connection between excess sodium intake and high blood pressure (hypertension) is an open secret. World Hypertension Day that went by in May also reminded us of the importance of keeping this silent killer in check. In fact, it has been found that regulating one’s salt intake in the diet can prove very effective in getting one’s BP under control. So, help your father rein in his salt intake by using iodized salt with low sodium, for example — Salt with at least 15 per cent less sodium from a trusted brand. Another effective strategy is to help them switch to alternative flavourings: wedges of cut lemon, chili flakes and black pepper powder, onion powder, and garlic powder are good options. Herbs like coriander, parsley, mint, oregano, thyme, and basil work well too.

Try this: Mix 5 parts roasted and powdered sesame seeds with 1 part salt (high quality iodized salt), and use as a flavouring. The fact is that although the total requirement of iodine for an adult adds up to less than a spoonful as there is no storage organ for iodine in the body, it is necessary for iodine to be included in our daily diet. Salt works as a very effective medium for this purpose and will help them meet their iodine requirement too.

Colour therapy

Ensure that they eat a plate full of palatable colour. A colourful diet that is the easiest and most effective way to ensure well-being and to keep myriad diseases at bay. And what better time than during Father’s Day to reiterate the importance of this simple rule of rainbow eating to our fathers. This simple step will pay rich dividends in terms of better health and longevity for them.

Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.

It is easy to forget to drink enough water in the rush to do things. But this can be detrimental to your father’s efficiency, may lead to brain fog and may even lower their immunity. To prevent dehydration, share with them this simple plan: Begin the day with 2 glasses of water. Finish 1 litre of water by lunchtime and then another by dinner time. Also have an additional glass of warm water after every meal. This will take care of their daily water needs.

Don’t miss out on exercise

Lockdown and the virus has interfered with everyone’s exercise regime: accessing gyms are tough and stepping out for walks is not easy. But this is no reason to stop movement completely. After all, they need to burn off those extra calories (and also need some extra help from endorphins to keep the moody blues away) now more than ever. So ask your father to get creative. Take short walks after dinner by walking around the house or in the balcony /garden (however small or big it might be), or enroll them in an online yoga class.

With health being front and centre in these times, ensure your father has the best shot at a healthy life ahead. (Tips by Kavita Devgan, Nutritionist, Tata Salt)

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-Top News Health UK News

COVID-19: Pregnancy, fertility and women’s health

Pregnant women are encouraged to get vaccinated, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has advised on what steps to take to avoid COVID-19 during Pregnancy

The Covid-19 vaccines are now being offered to everyone aged 18 and over, including pregnant women. Whatever stage you’re at in your pregnancy, if you’re breastfeeding or plan to have children in the future, you can get vaccinated and help protect yourself from serious illness.

It’s a particularly important time to consider getting the vaccine as observing some of the strictest Covid-19 safety measures – such as wearing a mask and social distancing – are no longer legally enforced and people will be able to choose whether or not to continue taking these precautions.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has advised that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated pregnant women should take steps to avoid COVID-19 infection by continuing to practice social distancing, particularly in their third trimester.

If you haven’t got your jab yet, you may have some questions about if the vaccine could affect your pregnancy or your baby.

Here, six medical experts answer some of the most common questions about Covid vaccination, pregnancy, fertility and women’s health.

Is it safe to have the Covid vaccine while breastfeeding?

Yes, it is safe to have the vaccine if you’re breastfeeding. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have recommended the Covid vaccines can be taken while breastfeeding. Like everyone aged 18 or over, breastfeeding women can now book their Covid vaccination.

Dr Kiran Rahim

Dr Kiran Rahim

When during my pregnancy should I have the Covid vaccine?

You can have your vaccine at any stage of your pregnancy. There’s no reason to delay getting the jab because you’re pregnant.

Dr Kiran Rahim

What are the benefits of getting the Covid vaccine during pregnancy?

The vaccine will help to protect you and your baby from Covid-19 infection. While it’s very rare for pregnant women to become seriously ill if they get Covid-19, it may be more likely later in pregnancy. If this happens, there’s a small chance your baby may be born prematurely, which can affect their long-term health.

Dr Henna Anwar

Dr Henna Anwar

Why did the advice change on whether pregnant women should have the Covid vaccines?

Robust real-world data from the United States shows that around 120,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated mainly with mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and no safety concerns have been raised. As a result, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has updated its guidance.

Dr Chintal Patel

Dr Chintal Patel

Which Covid vaccine should I get if I’m pregnant?

If you’re pregnant, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised it’s preferable for you to be offered a choice of two vaccines – Pfizer and Moderna. This guidance is based on the data from the United States that shows around 120,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated mainly with mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and no safety concerns have been raised.

Dr Koyes Ahmed

Dr Koyes Ahmed

How long should I wait in between getting the Covid vaccine and other vaccinations during pregnancy e.g. the flu vaccine

To protect you and your baby, it is important you receive all of the vaccines you need during pregnancy, which includes whooping cough and, in winter, the flu vaccine. These vaccines can safely be given alongside COVID-19 vaccines, but you may wish to separate the jabs by at least 7 days to avoid confusion over any of the common side effects.

Dr Nighat Arif

Dr Nighat Arif

Could the Covid vaccine side effects impact my baby’s development or health?

The Covid vaccines do not contain any ingredients known to be harmful to pregnant women or babies. None of the Covid vaccines being administered in the UK are live vaccines so they cannot infect you or your baby with the virus and are considered safe to receive during pregnancy.

Dr Koyes Ahmed

Could the Covid vaccine affect my fertility?

Claims that Covid vaccination could affect fertility are not supported by any data. During the clinical trials a number of women became pregnant by accident – a similar number in the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. 

There is evidence from other vaccines – such as the flu vaccine, which is a non-live vaccine like the COVID vaccine – that they are perfectly safe and do not affect fertility. The theory that immunity to the spike protein could lead to fertility problems is not supported by evidence. Most people who contract COVID-19 will develop antibody to the spike and there is no evidence of fertility problems after Covid-19 disease.

Dr Nighat Arif

Can I have the Covid vaccine if I’m undergoing IVF treatment?

Yes, you can. The British Fertility Society says that as some people may experience minor side effects in the few days after vaccination, you may want to leave a few days between your Covid vaccination and some fertility treatment procedures (e.g. egg collection and embryo transfer in IVF) so that any symptoms may be attributed correctly to the vaccine or the treatment procedure.

You can speak to your medical team for tailored advice.

Dr Pavan Minhas

If you have more questions about Covid-19 vaccination, speak to your GP, midwife or health worker.

For more information and to book your vaccination, visit nhs.uk/covidvaccine

  • Dr Nighat Arif
  • Dr Pavan Minhas
  • Dr Koyes Ahmed
  • Dr Kiran Rahim
  • Dr Henna Anwar
  • Dr Chintal Patel
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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Simple workouts for busy WFH life

Replace screen time while you take your in-between breaks with some quick stretches. They are beneficial for both the mind and the body…Siddhi Jain.

Duties are non-excludable in our daily life. One of the most common changes post-pandemic is the global adoption of the ‘work-from-home (WFH) culture. As professionals set up their indoor workstations, their overall physical activity has reduced.

The shutdown of public spaces like gyms, beaches and parks, coupled with restrictions on other outdoor activities such as walking, jogging or cycling, has further added to the problem, says Dhara Tanna, Senior Vice President of Fitternity. Advocating for inclusion of varying forms of exercise in one’s daily routine, Tanna believes individuals can achieve their fitness goals right from the safety of their homes.

Here are some workouts that she suggests you can easily include in your WFH regime to seamlessly achieve the balance between work and well-being.

Before starting your work day

It is essential to start your day with a calm and relaxed approach. Engaging in some breathing exercises like pranayama or anulom vilom will help you stay focused and stress-free. Further, practicing these will ensure lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and risks of depression. These exercises are also known to better the symptoms of diabetes and effectively lower chronic pain. They help in keeping the body adequately oxygenated, which is very necessary during the present times.

Walk and talk

With most office meetings turning into conference calls, you end up staying seated for longer time periods. You can start taking your calls while walking around your workspace to stay active. Apart from improving your blood circulation, it will also help you benefit from the much-needed break from screen time. Additionally, walking induces the release of healthy endorphins or happy hormones in the body as well as helps in loosening muscles. You can even increase your steps by going to the kitchen for water; instead of sitting with a bottle. You can also keep yourselves motivated by having a healthy competition with a friend or family member on who achieves the most steps.

Well-being breaks

Replace screen time while you take your in-between breaks with some quick stretches. They are beneficial for both the mind and the body. It will provide muscles and joints with the required movement while simultaneously breaking the monotony of sitting in one position for far too long. It even reduces soreness and stiffness. Some of these exercises like neck rolls, side stretch, back and upper back stretch, seated hip stretch, spinal twist are a few stretches that can be performed right at your desk. Just like our body, our eyes also need some rest.

Eyes need rest too

Eyes have muscles which also require proper exercising in order to stay strong and healthy. One such easy exercise to reduce eye strain while working from home is the 20-20-20 rule exercise. One should practice to look away from the screen after every 20 minutes and focus on any object that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will surely work as a strain relief to your eyes.

Post-work workout

To stay fit, people need to include at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week; or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly. You can pick from a wide range of workout regimes that can be easily done at home. Some of these workouts include Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, Functional Training, and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) among others. To stay on track and enjoy the best results, you can even join online classes. Most such digital platforms even offer the option of one-on-one training with instructors.

With fitness being the top priority of many, these are just a few things that one can include in their daily lives. Professionals can make adjustments in this plan depending on their specific work routines, says the Fitternity expert.

However, to regularly engage in some form of physical activity is something you can’t afford to compromise. Consistency is the primary ingredient in the recipe for a healthy life. Exercise not only improves a person’s physical health but also works wonders for their mental well-being.

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Steps to comfort kids in summer

Probably the most important summer tip — more so for Indians baking under the tropical sun. Apply sunscreen early, and often, especially if the children spend time outdoors…writes Siddhi Jain.

Proper caring for kids is a tough task for parents in all seasons. It’s Summertime and temperatures are already soaring close to 40 degrees Celsius. The sun is scorching and humidity is hitting us in the face like a sauna.

Schools are off and while in addition to lockdowns, many children are home because of summer vacations and online classes, but parents still need to ensure protection of little ones from ill effects of the season. Follow these simple tips by Manoj Jain, Director, Scram.in to navigate through these sticky weeks like a pro and keep your children safe and comfortable this summer.

Stick to shade for the tiny tots

Keep newborns, especially those under six months, out of direct and indirect sunlight. Young infants have not developed sweat glands, meaning they have no natural way off cooling off. Add in the fact children’s body temperatures can rise up to five times faster than adults, and babies have no way to tell you they’re uncomfortable! The perfect way to prevent heatstroke is by keeping them in the shade – under a tree or an umbrella – even when outdoors.

Make hats mandatory

A lightweight wide brimmed hat is perfect to keep your little ones cooler when they’re playing outdoors. It not only blocks out the brightness, they protect otherwise exposed hair, eyes, face, ears and neck from sun damage and harmful UV rays.

Cover up in comfort clothing

Stick to natural cotton outfits for your precocious tots this season. They’ll likely be sweating buckets while running around causing mayhem, and loose, light clothing not only allows their skin to breathe, but also absorbs moisture from the skin, preventing pesky itchy heat rashes.

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

Keep their water bottles filled and handy at all times. Not only does drinking water often replenish lost fluids due to excessive sweating, taking a few gulps every now and then makes them feel instantly cooler even from the inside.

Slather on the SPF

Probably the most important summer tip — more so for Indians baking under the tropical sun. Apply sunscreen early, and often, especially if the children spend time outdoors. Sunscreen protects your little ones’ delicate skin from the harmful (and sometimes cancer-causing) ultra-violet rays of the sun. Go for a brand that offers a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30, contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, has broad-spectrum coverage (against UVA and UVB rays), and is water-resistant. Make sure to lotion them up at least 30 minutes before sun exposure, and don’t forget to top it up every few hours, as a sunscreen’s SPF is only fully effective for up to two hours after you put it on.

Keep a close eye

Lastly, remember to always lookout for signs of heat illness. No matter our best efforts, sometimes life and kids can get the better of us. So pay attention to these tell-tale warnings that can signal an oncoming problem. Signs of heat exhaustion in children may include elevated body temperature; cool, clammy skin; goosebumps; fainting, dizziness or weakness; headache; increased sweating; increased thirst; irritability; muscle cramps; and nausea and/or vomiting.

If your notice any of the above, it’s best to immediately bring your child into the shade, cool them off with wet towels or sponges, and encourage them to drink fluids with electrolytes. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor when in doubt!

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