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Pregnancy is a biological process that has been medically recorded across a wide spectrum of ages, with the oldest pregnancy on record being credited to a British woman, at 59 years of age (1). With an increasing number of celebrities and public figures also experimenting with having babies in the later stages of their lives, a discussion on the benefits and risks of getting pregnant at various ages seems warranted.

As far as teenage pregnancies are concerned, there don’t appear to be any significant benefits associated that would make them a preferable alternative over a pregnancy at any other age. However, there is a whole assortment of risks, negative health issues,and other problems that come bundled with the incidences of teenage pregnancies. Pregnancy at this age is not a good sign by any means.

Research indicates that pregnancies in mothers aged 16-19 or younger can carry major health risks for both the mother (incidence of preeclampsia) as well as the child (low birth weight, perinatal death) (2). It is therefore completely unadvisable for young women to pursue pregnancy and motherhood at such an age, both for the sake of their health and of the health of their unborn children.

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Not only does teenage pregnancy come with a host of health complications, but the social and economic downsides to such a predicament are also aplenty. Teenage pregnancies can severely affect the mother’s education, social activity, professional prospects, etc. (3)

Similarly, studies show that pregnancies in women beyond the age of 40 are more prone to result in obstetric complications as compared to their younger counterparts (4). Issues such as low birth weight, pre-term labor, fetal distress, etc. are also common at this age. Such medical problems become even more pronounced when women cross the age of 50, and pregnancy at such ages is not advisable (5).

Pregnancy at an advanced age can be distressful and complicated for both the mother and the child. This is due to a wide range of health issues and factors that are typical for women in that age. While pregnancy is not advised, strict medical supervision throughout the pregnancy is needed at this age, should a woman in this age range get pregnant.

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This brings us to the discussion about the “ideal age” for pregnancy, which just so happens to be the 20-35 age range (6). Often proclaimed and endorsed as the safest time for a woman to get pregnant and have children, the occurrence of health complications surrounding pregnancies and childbirth between the ages of 20-35 is also much lower as compared to other age ranges (7).

Despite these discussions, there appears to be a statistical inclination in recent times indicating that women now have children later in their lives than they did before.

According to data reported by Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA, birth rates for women under the age of 30 actually declined in 2016, while birth rates for women over the age of 30 increased (8).

The reasons for this can be several – prevalence and usage of contraception, societal shifts, focus on their own careers and professions taking precedence over having children, etc. However, the biological window for a safe pregnancy should still be taken into consideration.

Regardless of the age that a person chooses to opt for the beautiful journey to motherhood, the importance of getting appropriate prenatal care cannot be stressed enough. Health complications related to pregnancies and childbearing can happen regardless of age, and the mother should therefore always be aptly prepared with preventive measures to avoid the same (9). We wish you the best of luck!

The post The Benefits And Risks Of Getting Pregnant At Different Ages appeared first on MomJunction.

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Breastfeeding is probably one of the most special experiences of motherhood. Having an intimate connection with your baby, being responsible for his/her nutritional nourishment, feeling the rush of love and adoration while your little one feeds, etc. are all a part of breastfeeding, making it a rewarding and beautiful experience.

However, there is also the troublesome side of being a breastfeeding mother, which has to do with the aspect of the physical discomfort and pain that you, as a mother, might end up facing when you’re breastfeeding your baby.

The levels of discomfort can range from being a slight tingle/itch in your breasts to the nipples getting painfully cracked and chafed. In some instances, the cracking of the nipples could even go on from simply being painful to causing medical conditions such as nipple thrush, which can affect both you and your child.

All that trouble is certainly not going to be on any breastfeeding mom’s radar, which is why we’re going to today talk about nipple and breast care. It’s important to make sure that while taking care of your baby, you don’t forget to take care of yourself as well.

Here are some things to consider:

1. Latch Positioning

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One of the most common culprits of breast/nipple pain is the positioning for the breastfeeding latch. A lot of mothers tend to position the baby in an incorrect manner, where the baby’s head is incorrectly aligned with the breast, resulting in a painful experience during breastfeeding.

Change your baby’s positioning during breastfeeding. Aim the nipple towards his/her nose and make sure that the feeding position is comfortable for both you and your child. Improvement in the latch position, according to a study, managed to fix breast/nipple pain problems in 65% of the women, so it’s definitely worth giving it a try (1)!

2. Blocked Milk Ducts/Mastitis

When a milk duct in the breast gets blocked, it could cause a lot of pain to the breastfeeding mother and can also affect the flow and supply of the milk, causing problems for the baby. It is important to address a blocked milk duct soon, and you can do this by applying a warm, wet washcloth to the affected area in an attempt to drain out the breast.

If the blocked milk duct doesn’t clear itself out after a few days, it could lead to a condition known as mastitis, which can then become a cause for the development of an abscess, thrush or other infections. The treatment of mastitis usually involves changing the mother’s breastfeeding technique, which often involves taking counsel from a lactation expert. Depending on your condition antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor. If the mastitis is left to go untreated, it could result in the formation of an abscess, which would require surgical intervention (2).

3. Treating Cracked Nipples

Getting cracked nipples during breastfeeding is relatively common, but it’s necessary to ensure that the problem doesn’t escalate beyond that point. Treating cracked nipples does not have to be difficult, as there are some very effective products that you can use for the same.

Before you pick the product of your choice to treat your nipple cracks, make sure that it’s safe for both you and your baby. Particles of the product might end up going inside your baby’s mouth, and any toxins or harmful chemicals can end up causing even more problems as a result.

One of the best products to treat cracked nipples is “The Moms Co. Natural Nipple Butter”, a toxin-free, lanolin-free, baby-safe, natural product that helps treat cracked nipples, reduces the possibility of further infections and alleviates pain. With ingredients like Calendula Oil known for its healing and protective ability, Kokum Butter to reduce degeneration of skin cell and restore elasticity, Natural Vitamin E known to prevent skin damage and Wheat Germ Oil to nourish and heal skin, it is a ,  true lifesaver for breastfeeding mothers! The company also houses an entire range of Australian certified toxin-free products  for pregnancy and baby care. You can check out the products here.

4. Thrush Infection

If you and/or your baby have contracted a thrush infection due to breastfeeding, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. Thrush can be seen as “un-wipe-able” white spots on your baby’s mouth and similar white patches on your nipple (3).

The pain caused by thrush is a lot more severe and extreme than regular let-down pain post-breastfeeding and should, therefore, be treated on a top priority basis.

5. Low breastmilk supply

Mother’s milk is nature’s health plan which is not only essential for the baby; but also strengthens the bond between the mother and the child. However, a breastfeeding mom is always concerned whether the milk is sufficient for her baby’s growing needs.

One of the age old remedies for this is consuming fennel seeds in water,  The Moms Co. Tea for Breastfeeding Moms is enriched with the goodness  of traditional herbs like Fennel seeds and Aniseeds known to increase the supply of milk.

Besides these tips, do make sure that you wipe your baby’s mouth, as well as your breasts, properly after a feeding session, as this reduces the chances of infections and other medical issues.

Breastfeeding does not have to be painful. Use the right products to avoid cracked nipples, make sure that your latch position is correct, address any medical problems as early as possible, and you’ll continue to experience the joys of breastfeeding the way they’re meant to be.

The post If You Are A Breastfeeding Mother, This Could Save You A Lot Of Trouble appeared first on MomJunction.

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Pregnancy is a beautiful journey for the expecting mother, right from the beginning to the time of  delivery. An even more important journey begins after that with the start of motherhood. Out of the many things that change post-partum, some are not so pleasing,, and a surge in hair loss is one of them.

According to studies, most women tend to experience post-partum hair loss (1). Losing hair after delivery is a very real and common phenomenon that could leave you worried and clueless!

The added stress and sleepless nights can, of course, cause the loss of even more hair fall.

All hope is not lost, however, as there are certain things that you can do to combat post-delivery hair fall. There are also certain products that you can use to stop your hair loss and to get back that shine and bounce in your hair that you loved so much, in all its’ glory!

So let’s take a look at some of the things that you can do if you’re losing hair after delivery:

1. Use A Natural, Toxin-Free Shampoo

Shampoos that have an abundance of chemicals and harmful toxins can be harsh on your scalp and actually accelerate hair loss after pregnancy. To avoid such a scenario, it’s best to use a shampoo that’s natural and free of toxic chemicals.

The Moms’ Co. Natural Protein Shampoo is one highly recommended product that comes to mind. With its’ hydrolyzed silk and wheat proteins, the voluminous shampoo ensures hair strength and shine. This Australia-certified toxin free shampoo is free completely free of all Sulphates, Parabens, PEGs and other harmful toxins as well.

With all natural ingredients, The Moms’ Co. Natural Protein Shampoo strengthens and adds shine to your hair and  is a product that clearly stands out and does wonders for your post-partum hair woes!

2. Improve Your Diet

Using good products on your hair and scalp is important, but it’s also essential to take care of your dietary choices after delivery. To avoid hair fall, consume foods that have an abundance of vitamin C, such as leafy green vegetables.

Omega-3s are also highly recommended for adequate haircare, so make sure you include them via supplementation (fish Oil, flaxseed oil, etc.) or through the consumption of seafood.

3. Apply A Protein Conditioner

Using a protein shampoo like the Moms’ Co. Natural Protein Shampoo might be enough haircare for some people, but if you want to go the whole nine-yards and leave no stone unturned to ensure volume, strength and shine for your beautiful locks, make sure you use a protein conditioner as well!

Fortunately, The Moms. Co also manufactures an incredible product tailor-made for the requirements of mothers. The Moms. Co Natural Protein Conditioner, which is Australia certified allergy-safe and toxin-free, contains the goodness of  Argan Oil. The healing properties of Argan oil on hair are well-researched and documented.  It is proven to make hair softer, silkier and shinier and treat split ends and tame frizzy hair. It has also been known to curb hair loss.

But the list of highly beneficial natural ingredients in this product doesn’t stop there, the conditioner also has hydrolyzed silk and wheat proteins just like its’ shampoo counterpart, for moisture retention and hair strengthening. The Argan oil, murumuru seed butter and beetroot extract also provide nourishment and prevent hair fall. You simply can’t pass on such an incredible product!

4. Avoid Styling

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Excessively styling your hair when you’re experiencing post-partum hair loss can be incredibly counterproductive. The effect that styling products and procedures have on the scalp and hair can cause hair fall to accelerate and for hair to become weaker in the process.

It is thus necessary to keep styling at a minimum until hair fall returns to normal levels. Avoid using hair products, blow dryers, and any other products that you’d normally use to shape your hair. It’s only for the best!

5. Use Certified And Reputed Products

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A lot of times, mothers don’t realize that their bodies and bodily requirements become very different right at the onset of pregnancy, and that products that are not specifically catered for their needs might not succeed in providing any benefits at all.

Your usual shampoo and conditioner aren’t exactly supposed to understand the requirements of your motherhood, so don’t blame your hair loss on them!

It is therefore important to understand that the assortment of products that you use on your hair needs to be created keeping YOUR needs and requirements in mind! The erstwhile recommended products in this article manufactured by The Moms’ Co. provide exactly that.

The Moms Co. Natural Protein Shampoo & Conditioner are both products that are Clinically  tested and Australia certified  for allergies and are free of all harmful toxins. Full of natural ingredients and made specifically for mothers, these are the products that you should be using.

Taking care of your locks post-partum is your responsibility, and it’s essential that you remain attentive towards it.

We certainly hope that you’ll find a good use for the tips and advice that we’ve provided herein and that your hair fall woes will be a thing of the past. Here’s wishing you and your hair a happy motherhood!

The post Losing Hair After Delivery? Here’s What You Need To Do To Get That Shine & Bounce Back appeared first on MomJunction.

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There’s always a lot of excitement and happiness surrounding the birth of a newborn baby. Parents, grandparents, friends, and relatives are all ecstatic at the induction of a new little member into the family. However, even before the initial excitement can wear off, childcare responsibilities start to take over, in a big way.

Babies are tiny human beings, and their little bodies carry out many of the same functions and processes that adult bodies do, an important one that parents often tend to prepare themselves early for, are the processes of urination and defecation.

Since newborn babies are still a long way from being anywhere close to potty-trained, it’s imperative for parents to come up with preventive measures to ensure that things remain clean, and under control. While some parents use cloth diapers for this purpose, others prefer to use disposable diapers. But which option is better and how? Let’s find out.

1. Skin Benefits

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Fungal infections resulting in diaper rashes can happen in babies whose skin is exposed for a long time to wetness, dampness, etc. caused by wet diapers (1). Cloth is an ineffective device for controlling this wetness. However, a good-quality diaper, such as the ones by Pampers, comes with special gels that allow for fast, effective and complete dryness for the baby. Due to being dry, the baby’s skin is therefore less prone to developing diaper rashes.

Disturbed pH levels in the baby’s skin caused by wetness can also be the cause behind diaper rashes (2). Pampers diapers come with a unique moisturizing lotion that helps neutralize the pH levels of the baby’s skin by providing it with just enough moisture after the diaper dries things out. The protection from rashes that this product provides is incredible!

2. Sleep Benefits

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Disposable diapers tend to absorb any wetness a lot quicker and better than cloth does. While cloth can remain wet and damp for quite some time after a discharge, diapers dry out fast for a much more comfortable and hygienic experience. In fact, studies have shown that disposable diapers actually decrease the incidence of infections in newborns as compared to cloth diapers (3).

Pampers diapers have special gels embedded in them that allow the quickest absorption times, which also avoids leakage onto other clothes – quite a nifty feature! These diapers ensure that even if the baby isn’t changed for some time, they won’t experience any unnecessary discomfort at all.

Also, it has been scientifically proven that lack of proper sleep can lead to diminished learning as well as long-term negative implications on behavior in babies (4). It is therefore important to use a disposable diapers of good quality, such as Pampers, to keep your baby not only comfortable, but also to ensure that he/she gets uninterrupted sleep and develops properly.

3. Technology

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When it comes to technological advancement, it’s a bit silly to expect much from cloth. Disposable diapers, on the other hand, have made strides in terms of technology over the years.

Pampers diapers, for instance, come with the ‘Three-Channel’ technology. The three layers not just allow for faster and better absorption, but the wetness is also distributed evenly and equally between the channels, which prevents leakage! The three-layer technology also makes these diapers incredibly comfortable and soft on the skin of newborn babies.

The amount of variety and choices when it comes to choosing diapers, along with their near universal availability, is certainly a big plus compared to cloth. Not only is cloth not readily available in the kinds of shapes and sizes required for babies of all sizes, one can never really be assured of being able to readily procure the quantities that they require either.

A quick search online on Marketplaces for Pampers diapers shows up hundreds of different results! Different pack quantities, sizes, design variants, etc. are all available as per the exact requirement of the baby. Remarkable!

Based on all the information that we’ve discussed above, it’s not much of a stretch to conclude that Disposable diapers are a lot better than cloth for newborn babies.

Ease of use, comfort, avoiding hygiene issues, preventing skin problems, etc. are more than enough reasons for any responsible parent to opt for the use of proper diapers over cloth. So, use disposable diapers for your baby, get a good brand like Pampers, and your little one will be happier than ever!

The post Cloth vs. Diaper For Newborn Babies appeared first on MomJunction.

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The Japanese encephalitis virus comes from the Flavivirus genus, which also includes viruses such as those that cause dengue, yellow fever, and zika. The Japanese encephalitis virus causes the dreadful Japanese encephalitis infection in humans, which is defined as a brain infection.

Although the Japanese encephalitis infection generally shows mild symptoms and can even be asymptomatic, around one out of every 250 infections can cause serious illness, requiring specialized care and treatment (1).

The two ways in which the Japanese encephalitis virus is spread are as follows:

1. Transmission Via Mosquitoes

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Mosquitoes, particularly those belonging to the ‘Culex’ variant, carry and transmit the Japanese encephalitis virus in humans (2). Most transmissions of the virus happen in this manner.

Humans suffering from Japanese encephalitis don’t have enough viral load for the mosquitoes to get infected from and the mosquitoes, therefore, transmit the virus by feeding on pigs or water birds instead, resulting in what’s known as an ‘enzootic’ cycle (3).

Epidemics and breakouts of Japanese encephalitis transmissions occur commonly during summers and monsoons.

2. Fetal Transmission

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Transmission of the virus from the mother to the child can also happen (4).

The instances of Japanese encephalitis in children can have up to a 25% death rate, while 40% of the survivors go on to develop physical and mental disabilities (5).

Some of the symptoms of Japanese encephalitis can include fever, nausea, vomiting, headaches, etc. The development of brain swelling can also happen, which may result in a coma. Japanese encephalitis is a serious medical problem that can even result in death.

People traveling to tropical regions, or to places with a high instance of Japanese encephalitis infections need to ensure that they take the appropriate preventive measures to avoid the onset of the disease altogether. Once infected, there is no known cure for the disease and with the fatality rates being as high as they are, suffering from Japanese encephalitis is not a situation one would want to find themselves into (6).

Here are some ways through which you can prevent getting infected by the Japanese encephalitis virus:

1. Get Vaccinated

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Vaccination for the Japanese encephalitis virus is safe and effective. Available globally, the vaccination process can be carried out under the supervision of any general practitioner.

The preventive vaccine known as IXIARO is one of the solutions available for protection against Japanese encephalitis virus and is administered in two doses with 28 days between them (7). It is recommended for travelers who are traveling to areas where instances of Japanese encephalitis exist.

2. Use A Mosquito Repellent

The best way of protecting yourself from Japanese encephalitis virus, besides the vaccination, is to protect yourself from the carrier of the virus, the mosquitoes themselves. When indoors use a high-quality, high-performance mosquito repellent such as the Goodknight Activ+ System to keep mosquitoes away altogether.

Goodknight Activ+ System comes with Normal and Activ modes. and one can choose the mode, depending on the number of mosquitoes in the room. Normal mode is used for fewer mosquitoes and the Activ mode is used when there are many mosquitoes.

3. Cover Exposed Skin

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When in an area with a Japanese encephalitis outbreak, try your best to cover as much of your exposed skin as possible. Wear long-sleeved shirts, full trousers, sweatshirts, etc. to reduce the risk of getting bitten by a carrier mosquito to a minimum.

Reducing the exposure of your skin to mosquitoes can be greatly helpful in reducing the instances of mosquito bites, which consequently would also reduce the chances of you getting the virus. Even if you’re vaccinated for the virus, make sure that you still take care of this point.

4. Be protected outdoors

Adding to the previous point, while it is effective to cover up your exposed skin with clothing, it’s even more effective to go one step ahead by using a mosquito repellent on clothes for the absolute maximum protection possible.

A child-safe, natural product by the name of Goodknight Fabric Roll-On does well to serve this exact purpose. Just apply 4 dots on your clothes to keep away the mosquitoes and avoid instances of an infection.

The Goodknight Fabric Roll-On is available in two fragrances and protects for up to eight hours at a stretch. Keep it on you at all times, as you might need to replenish the protection once that time is up!

Japanese encephalitis is a dreadful disease and one must take absolutely every precaution possible to avoid getting infected by it. The points and advice that we’ve mentioned above should have you covered when it comes to preventing the instance of Japanese Encephalitis.

We hope you find the information useful to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy!

The post How Does Japanese Encephalitis Virus Spread & Ways To Prevent It appeared first on MomJunction.

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A preschool is the first actual introduction of a child to the outside world. It’s a place where the child, leaving the comfortable shell of their cozy home behind, takes his/her first steps towards socializing and learning.

The preschool serves a very important role in establishing the foundation of your child’s personality, and it is thus of paramount importance that you ensure that the preschool is perfect for your baby. But, this does beg the question – how does one go about picking a preschool?

There is no single answer to what the perfect preschool for a child might be like because it’s not a single question in the first place. What constitutes a “perfect preschool” might differ from child to child, depending on what their developmental needs and requirements are. Then, of course, are the parental factors such as convenience, accessibility, and affordability, among others.

While these factors could vary, there are still some things that are essential in terms of determining the “perfect” preschool for your little one. And today, we’re going to take a look at six of them!

1. The Preschool’s Reputation

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Before making a shortlist of preschools that you would be interested in getting your baby enrolled in, it’s important to screen them for their reputation. Facebook and Google reviews, as well as third-party endorsements, are a good way of figuring out what other parents are saying about the preschools that you’re looking at!

Online reviews might not be the greatest indicators of the preschool’s actual functioning and curriculum, but they’re still something to keep in mind and give you plenty of perspectives.

2. Ensuring A Wholesome Environment

Since the preschool is your child’s first introduction to the world outside, it’s important to make sure that the preschool’s curriculum, activities, staff atmosphere, etc. present a wholesome, comfortable, and uplifting environment for the child.

For instance, EuroKids, which is a chain of preschools in India, talks about providing a “holistic nurturing environment” for their pupils. This is something that you should certainly take into consideration, as the concept of leaving home and finding a “second home” is an important transition for children.

Children should feel a sense of comfort in the new surroundings of their preschool, and should also feel intrigued and compelled by them, to the point that they embrace it without missing home too much! Friendly staff, hygienic surroundings, quality of care, etc. are all factors to keep in mind.

3. Educational Philosophy

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Quite a few parents seem to look at the glitz and glam of a preschool from the outside and don’t exactly make an effort to understand the underlying educational philosophy of the institution. This can be a big mistake.

The primary purpose of inducting your child into a preschool is to have them learn and grow. The early development of a child’s cognitive skills, social skills, emotional aptitude, linguistic abilities, fine motor skills, etc. depend heavily on your choice of preschool. The educational philosophy plays a big role here.

Through a cursory Google search, we figured that over 90% of preschools didn’t seem to address any of the above factors. There were a few exceptions, however, such as EuroKids, which is a preschool that speaks about having the development of your child’s “executive function skills” at the core of their curriculum.

Such an approach points towards the existence of a progressive and effective educational philosophy of the preschool, so make sure you keep that in mind before you pick the perfect preschool!

4. The Use Of Technology

We’re living in a world where technology is increasingly taking over our lives. It is therefore essential, even for our children, to gain appropriate exposure to technology as early on as possible, so that their cognitive development could be streamlined with all the necessary tech skills that they need to progress and succeed as individuals!

Now, we’re not saying that we’d like the perfect preschool to turn our babies into high-functioning computer engineers overnight, but there should certainly be an adequate introductory exposure to technology.

Look for innovative and creative ways that the preschool is incorporating technology into their learning mediums. The EuroKids  preschool, for instance, has a “motion-based learning” program in their curriculum, where digital media is used for educational purposes.

If your child can take his/her first “baby steps” to interacting with technology through such programs, the foundations of their technological knowledge would certainly be formidable!

5. Supervision

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Letting your child out of the secure confines of his/her familial home is an unnerving experience not only for the child but for you, the parent, as well. It is therefore important that you, as a parent, are provided with some level of access to supervisory facilities by the preschool.

While some may deem the exercise as excessive and a construct of overly-attached parents, the concerns are legitimate. There have been some efforts to address this by preschools. For instance, a mobile application called the “Buddy App” has been developed by the EuroKids preschool, which allows parents to keep an eye on the classroom topics, activities, academic progress, and event calendar of their children at the touch of a button!

So, when you’re picking the perfect preschool for your child, make sure that you can have at least some degree of supervision over what they’re doing. Your parental responsibilities don’t end when you drop your child off at the preschool; following-up is equally important.

6. The Litmus Test!

Once you’re down to your final list of preschools that you think would be great for your child, it’s time for the litmus test! There’s a very wise, all-knowing individual in your family, who will be able to make the most important decision on whether the “perfect playschool” that you’ve picked is indeed perfect or not.

That individual is, of course, your child!

Take your child to the preschools that you’ve picked out, and allow him/her to spend some time there. Observe how the child interacts with the staff, fellow preschoolers, and the facilities in general, and make your decision on that basis. A child’s perspective is very different from a parent’s, and it’s not until the child is put in a preschool that you can figure out whether or not they’d TRULY be comfortable there.

With that, we’ve come to the end of this list. The perfect preschool, as mentioned earlier, could depend on a lot of factors that vary from child to child, but if you follow all the advice mentioned herein, your search would probably get a lot easier.

So, as parents with preschool-age toddlers, how have your experiences of searching for a preschool in India fared so far? What attributes do you feel determine the “perfect” preschool? Share your views with us and other parents in the comments section below!

The post Picking The Perfect Preschool For Your Child: 6 Things To Keep In Mind appeared first on MomJunction.

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A preschool is a child’s first introduction to a systemic process of getting educated. Since it is the first time that the child enters an educational institution, there can be many different factors that can shape how the experience is going to end up.

One of the important ways in which preschools can educate their pupils better is by making learning fun. In fact, one might even go as far as to say that a preschool experience for children should ideally be all about having fun and learning new things simultaneously!

According to studies, making learning fun can be one of the most effective ways to ensure that children not only take a greater interest in studies but also end up learning and retaining more of the knowledge that is given to them (1).

The importance of children having fun in their preschools is further substantiated by several other experiments as well, with almost universally encouraging results (2).

When you decide to pick a best preschool for your child to start his/her educational journey with, it should be a priority to ensure that the preschool has an ideology and educational methods that make learning fun for the children.
A preschool that makes learning fun could make your child want to go there by choice, and as often as possible! Conversely, if learning isn’t fun for the child, then his/her willingness to attend preschool might get affected. The results of the education on the child’s acquisition of knowledge will also be directly correlated with the amount of happiness and satisfaction they derive from the environment at their preschool.

Let’s take a look at a few factors now, which can help determine whether or not a preschool is making learning fun!

1. Educational Philosophy

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To make sure that learning is actually fun at the preschool, take a look at the preschool’s educational philosophy through their prospectus. Does the preschool have a fun-based learning approach? Is the emphasis on making learning more appealing and comfortable for children?

For instance, EuroKids, which is one of the most reputed preschool chains in India, mentions having a “fun-based learning environment” at the very core of their educational philosophy. As long as the approach is in the right direction, that’s one point for the preschool right there!

2. Teaching Methods

Simply having a curricular philosophy towards making education fun is not enough by itself, it’s also important to assess whether the teaching methods at the preschool reflect the ideology.

The usage of games, toys, colorful mascots, etc. to facilitate a comfortable, fun learning environment for children are things you can look out for. Teaching methods themselves could include stories, rhymes, and music, all of which enable the child to have a lot of fun while learning!

A top preschool like EuroKids, to give an example, incorporates all these methods into the day-to-day activities of their pupils (with a mascot to boot!). That’s the kind of approach that helps kids learn much more effectively and is therefore certainly something that you should keep in mind.

3. The Staff

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Regardless of what the teaching methods are like, or what the ideology of the preschool is, if the staff at the institution are not well-trained and qualified enough for the task, it can all go to waste.

A good way to ensure that your child’s preschool has a great staff is to meet them personally. Any good preschool will encourage such interactions between staff and parents before a decision to enroll the child in the preschool is made. You can also check for reviews and feedback about the preschool’s staff online.

It’s also important to know the efforts that the preschool takes to train their children. The EuroKids preschool, for instance, has an online tool called ETAT to train teachers and keep their skills updated. Such an effort does quite a bit to elevate the standards of the preschool, and consequently ensures the best learning experiences for all children!

4. The Interiors And Ambience

The interior design and decorative elements at your child’s preschool can make a big difference in how much fun the child is going to have while learning new things there.

It is scientifically proven that children tend to have positive reactions to bright colors and shapes (3). With that in mind, make sure that the preschool you’re looking to get your child enrolled at has bright, welcoming interiors with cozy and comfortable settings so that your little one would want to keep coming back!

The aspect of having fun while learning in preschools is talked about a lot, but hardly ever given the attention and importance that it truly deserves.

We are confident, however, that after having gone through all these tips and information, you will make the right choice when you choose the best preschool for your child. To ensure the best results, their academic beginnings should not only be solid and comprehensive but also a lot of fun!

Well, that was from an educators perspective! But as parents, there is a lot we can understand and learn from you too. What are your thoughts (or concerns) regarding a perfect preschool? How do you think a preschool adds to the child’s overall development? Let us know in comments below.

The post How A Preschool Experience Is All About Making Learning Fun appeared first on MomJunction.

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When it comes to entrepreneurship, few ways are more reliable than the ever tried-and-tested franchise model. Going by a franchise model for your business not only provides a safety net for your financial investment, but it also has a high rate of assured success compared to other forms of business.

A franchise model of business works marginally better than other business models due to ease of doing business, brand recall value, easier/quicker setup times, able mentorship, etc. being some of the many reasons.

Today, we’re going to discuss specifically why a preschool franchise is a great entrepreneurial venture for anyone looking to start with one.

When you think of a preschool franchise, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? A large space, big financial investments, lots of employees, stress, and screaming babies?

Fortunately, neither of these things will really be a concern if you get your hands on a preschool franchise. On the contrary, there are several positives. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why a preschool franchise can be an incredible entrepreneurial venture for you!

1. Owning A Preschool Franchise Is An Enriching Experience

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Let’s start off with the most obvious pointer, the ever-enriching experience that is owning a preschool franchise.

Think about the last time you met a happy child. The innocent smiles, the gleeful giggles, the rays of happiness radiating from their tiny selves, the list goes on! Now think of that wholesome experience and multiply it by a few dozen times, and you’ve got the experience of having your own preschool!

Being in charge of a preschool franchise, you’re going to be spending a lot of your time with children, where you’ll be actively contributing towards providing them with an environment that helps them learn and grow in the happiest and healthiest way possible. If the sight of a whole array of glowing, happy, tiny faces isn’t rewarding and enriching, we don’t know what is.

2. Low Investment With Amazing Returns!

On the financial side of things, owning and operating a preschool franchise doesn’t cost anywhere close to the amount that a brand in a different sector would. Some of the most reputed pan-Indian preschool franchise chains, such as EuroKids, provide franchises at rates that are affordable and highly profitable!

Picking a highly reputed franchise option for preschools, such as the aforementioned EuroKids, is incredibly important for the aspect of returns. The whole concept of running a franchise can be made or broken simply by the reputation of the organization that you choose to go with. If your neighborhood doesn’t have a great preschool franchise, get one going, and your returns will continue to blossom and grow!

3. Community Credentials

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The importance of owning a Preschool cannot be stressed enough when it comes to the kind of community credentials that it brings for the owner of the franchise. The children that pass through your institution every year will forever think of your preschool as their first alma mater and associate some of their most innocent, early memories with it.

Not only that, if you do a good job at running your preschool, with a franchise that’s worth its mettle, you’re going to develop strong, harmonious relationships with the parents of the said children.

Taking care of another person’s children, helping the kids learn and grow into incredible young people… there are not enough words in the world that will ever express the gratitude that these parents will have for you. There aren’t many ways to amass that kind of community-cred!

4. You Don’t Require A Big Space To Operate

Contrary to what visual representations of preschools might make you believe, you don’t really require a massive space to qualify for a reputable preschool franchise successfully. Some of the best preschool franchises, EuroKids, for instance, are perfectly operable even in mid-sized spaces and don’t necessarily require huge complexes to function.

Preschool students are young, curious children, who don’t require a lot of space. Consequently, the amount of staff and teachers that you’ll have to employ will also be significantly lesser than what you’d have required to run a full-fledged school or even another educational institution.

5. Learn As You Go

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EuroKids, along with some other preschool franchise brands, have compulsory training programs for franchise owners that help them learn and understand the finer nuances of running a preschool. You get to learn a lot of things that wouldn’t ever have crossed your mind!

It’s safe to say that having a comprehensive training program for running a preschool franchise by an organization like EuroKids, with the experience of actually utilizing those skills, will surely serve you incredibly well even outside your preschool duties. Talk about value addition!

6. A Noble Cause

Education is one of the noblest, most humanitarian causes that a person can invest their time and energies into. Helping young students in a preschool environment use their intelligence to learn and grow is not only a wholesome experience but also a very honorable one.

If you start a preschool franchise, you can be rest assured that you’ll be depositing a lot of plus points into the Karma bank! The gratitude from those happy little souls (and their parents!) will certainly serve you well for the years to come.

Owning a preschool franchise comes with a lot of responsibilities, but the positives outweigh those by a lot.

There are very few entrepreneurial ventures that are guaranteed to give you the kind of wholesome happiness that running a preschool franchise can, so if you’re considering getting into this line of work for your next/first entrepreneurial venture, you have the green signal from us!

The post Why A Preschool Franchise Is A Great Entrepreneurial Venture appeared first on MomJunction.

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The Zika virus, which is the cause of an ongoing epidemic in Brazil and parts of other American continents, is a virus of the genus ‘Flavivirus,’ which also includes other viruses such as the dengue virus, the West Nile virus, etc.

Transmission of the Zika virus is primarily carried out by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are active during the day and are known to be carriers of the dengue and yellow fever viruses as well. Other sources of transmission include blood transfusions, unprotected sexual relations and through pregnancy.

Pregnant women affected by the Zika virus can transmit it to their unborn children, who could then consequently suffer from conditions such as microcephaly and brain damage upon birth. A Zika outbreak is a legitimate cause for concern for any country in the world and India is not exactly safe from it either.

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According to the WHO, India has had very few cases, three to be specific, of people being diagnosed as being positive for the Zika virus (1). All three cases happened in 2016 and 2017 and were limited to the state of Gujarat. While this fact by itself may not sound very alarming, other factors need to be taken into consideration with regards to the history of the Zika virus in India.

The Indian population, in general, has long suffered from mosquito-borne diseases. Reports suggest that over 75% of malaria cases from South East Asia originate in India (2). The instances of chikungunya, dengue, etc. also remain high. Can the new disease Zika also join the fray?

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is commonly found in India’s rural and urban population centers. It thrives in the warm Indian climate and can be distinguished due to its white markings and striped legs. The mosquito bites during the day and, as mentioned previously, carries diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, which are already prevalent in the country.

According to a study in 1954, instances of antibodies against the Zika virus were detected among certain residents of Bharuch, Gujarat and Nagpur, Maharashtra (3). Antibodies against the virus were also detected in residents of Pune (Poona) in 1952, which pointed towards the ‘confirmation’ of the presence of Zika. As per a WHO bulletin, the Zika virus has also been detected in Indian mosquitoes between 1969 and 1983.

While the exact reasons behind why these specific antibodies against the Zika virus existed in the subjects of this study and how the virus continued to exist in mosquitoes is unclear, the presence of an older, dormant strain of Zika cannot be ruled out, putting India, most certainly, at risk.

There is no specific cure or vaccine for the Zika virus, and if it affects a pregnant woman, the chances of it spreading to the baby and causing congenital disabilities are fairly high. It is therefore important to ensure that preventive measures are undertaken to keep the disease and the mosquitoes that cause it at bay.

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself against Zika:

• Get A Mosquito Repellent Machine and KEEP IT ON!

The best prevention against the Zika virus is to keep the mosquitoes that cause it far away from your home. One of the best ways of repelling mosquitoes is by using a good quality mosquito repellent system such as the Goodknight Activ+ System. The machine, which comes with the choice of switching between a ‘Normal mode’ and an ‘Activ mode,’ works well against the Aedes aegypti mosquito, as well as other mosquitoes, and provides complete protection for your family.

It is highly important, however, to keep the machine on throughout, even during the daytime. The Aedes aegypti mosquito feeds during daytime and it is thus essential to stay protected against it during that time. This is particularly relevant for houses where there are pregnant women or very young children, as those are at the highest risk of health complications arising from the Zika virus.

• Be Vigilant About Mosquito Breeding Grounds

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The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries the Zika virus is a very ‘urban’ mosquito, in the sense that it thrives in artificial surroundings. The mosquito prefers to lay its eggs in containers, boxes, bins, pots, etc. where there’s adequate moisture (4). It is therefore important to be vigilant about potential breeding grounds for mosquito larvae.

Any plastic drums, old tires, pots, buckets, polythene sheets and other containers holding even the slightest quantities of water need to be dealt with and disposed of, as the mosquito might very well be breeding there.

• Apply An Adequate Mosquito Repellent When Going Out

Avoid exposure to mosquitoes as much as possible to reduce your chances of contracting the Zika virus. Before you go out, make sure that you apply 4 dots of the Goodknight Fabric Roll-On on your clothes to keep mosquitoes away.

It made using 100% natural ingredients and is certified safe to be applied on the clothes of babies as well as adults and provides an 8-hour window of protection at a stretch. Make sure you keep the Roll-On with you when you go out even when you’ve applied it, in case you end up staying out for longer than 8 hours!

Prevention is the best method of avoiding the Zika virus altogether, and if you follow the advice given above, it will surely help to keep the disease at bay!

The post The History Of the Zika Virus In India & How One Should Prevent It appeared first on MomJunction.

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Chikungunya is an infection caused due to the instance of the chikungunya virus, which is spread via mosquitoes. The disease can end up causing fever, rashes, debilitating joint pain, etc. It is rarely fatal, however, the absence of adequate medical attention in rare cases can cause severe complications (1).

Mosquitoes responsible for the spread of the chikungunya virus are classified under the Aedes genus and include the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species, both are characterized by their distinct black-and-white striped markings. These mosquitoes are generally urban, as they survive and thrive in the warm climates and artificial breeding grounds, which are a by-product of human civilization (2).

Chikungunya neither has a vaccination nor a treatment (3). Therefore, prevention of the infection, is recommended as the best way to avoid its occurrence.

Chikungunya is rarely an asymptomatic disease and symptoms can be seen in most people, indicating the presence of the infection. Some of the major symptoms of chikungunya are as follows:

1. High Fever

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One of the most common symptoms of chikungunya is the instance of high fever. A temperature reading above 102 degrees Fahrenheit could signal towards the possibility of chikungunya (4). The fever can stay for about a week and most patients feel better afterwards.

2. Severe Joint Pain

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A defining characteristic of the chikungunya infection is the joint pain that follows. The joints most affected by the infection are in the hands and feet. The pain is usually debilitating, and the patient’s mobility is greatly affected.

The instance of severe joint pain in those affected by chikungunya can remain for several weeks. Depending on the severity of the infection, the age of the patient, and other physical factors, the joint pain might even linger on for several months or years (5). Besides the feeling of pain, swelling of the joints may also be observed.

3. Maculopapular Rashes

The term ‘maculopapular rash’ signifies a rash that is flat, reddened and has several small bumps all over it. The instance of such a rash occurs in about half of the patients suffering from a chikungunya infection and can be seen on the trunk, neck, earlobes, etc. (6)

There can be some itching experienced by the patient, depending on the instance and severity of the rash.

4. Muscle Pain and Headaches

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Similar to joint pain, chikungunya sufferers may also experience muscle pain and headaches (7). While these might not be as debilitating as the joint pain, they tend to be constant symptoms and can disrupt your daily life quite significantly.

5. Nausea and Vomiting

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In some rare cases of a chikungunya infection, the sufferer could experience nausea and vomiting. The vomiting is generally for brief periods and isn’t a lingering, on-going issue with the disease.

As mentioned previously, there is no decisive vaccination, cure or treatment for chikungunya. Patients are usually asked to take rest and consume plenty of fluids, and while most eventually recover from the fever within a week or two, severe joint pain could continue for much longer, which is why chikungunya is such a terrible disease and needs to be prevented at all costs.

Living with the joint pain caused by chikungunya can disrupt professions, family life, academic endeavors, athletic activities, and more. It affects not only the patient’s physical well-being but also their mental health due to the debilitating effects (8).

Here are some ways that chikungunya can be prevented:

• Protection Against Mosquitoes

It is of paramount importance, to use a quality solution for keeping these mosquitoes out of your home. Using a high-performing product such as the Goodknight Activ+ System can aid greatly in protecting yourself and your family indoors from such mosquitoes and, by extension, chikungunya itself. It is recommended that the product be used during both day and night times for maximum protection.

• Hygiene and Cleanliness

Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness of your house and its surroundings is one of the best preventive measures for keeping chikungunya and its perpetrators, the mosquitoes, at bay. The Aedes variant of mosquitoes finds breeding grounds in shallow waters, tires, plastic sheets, plastic drums, old containers, flower pots and any other place that could be holding even a small amount of water.

Therefore, keep an eye out for any such spots or items where water could be getting collected and deal with it accordingly. Preventing the mosquitoes from breeding goes a long way in disease prevention for chikungunya, Zika, dengue, malaria and other such diseases.

• Outdoor Protection

Staying inside the house and protecting yourself from mosquitoes by using a product such as Goodknight Activ+ System is one thing, but it’s a different story altogether when you’re out and about.

It is equally important to stay protected even when you’re not within the secure confines of your house, as mosquitoes spreading diseases like chikungunya can be found quite commonly. For such purposes, the Goodknight Fabric Roll-On is a highly recommended product that can help immensely.

This mosquito repellent is made using natural ingredients and therefore can be applied safely over the garments of both adults and children. Just 4 dots of the product can protect against mosquitoes for up to 8 hours!

Remaining vigilant and preventive against the instances of chikungunya are the best ways of dealing with the disease. However, if you think you’re affected by it already, seek the advice of a medical professional and take sufficient rest.

We hope that the tips and information we’ve provided you today will be of good use!

The post Symptoms Of Chikungunya And Its Prevention appeared first on MomJunction.