Category health

Babies interact with a lot of day to day elements via their hands and the mouth, thus making their surrounding environment’s hygiene a prerequisite for parents and guardians alike. Baby’s immunity is not strong at birth. It develops gradually as baby grows. Therefore, it is very important that everything that goes into baby’s mouth is properly cleaned and disinfected. Baby feeding bottles, teats, soothers, toys, fruits and vegetables, if left uncleansed even for some time can result in growth of commonly found bacteria and fungi. Hence, you need a specialized product that not only cleans but also disinfects. While there are numerous cleaning products available in the market, liquid cleansers stand out for their effectiveness and versatility.

In this article, we’ll put some light on the top three baby products that can benefit from cleaning with Chicco liquid cleanser — a messiah for your baby when it comes to upholding the environmental hygiene around them.

1. Feeding Bottles:
Liquid cleansers for feeding bottles offer a convenient and effective solution for maintaining a hygienic environment for infants. These cleansers are specially formulated to be gentle on bottle materials while effectively removing milk residue and eliminating harmful bacteria. Their ease of use makes them a practical choice for busy parents, providing a quick and efficient cleaning solution for baby bottles, ensuring a safe and sanitary feeding experience for their little ones.

2. Breast Pumps:
Improper cleaning of breast pumps can lead to bacterial growth and contamination of expressed milk. Chicco Liquid cleansers offer a convenient and effective way to clean breast pumps, ensuring that they are thoroughly sanitized after each use. Simply disassemble the breast pump components, soak them in a solution of liquid cleanser and water, and then rinse them thoroughly with water.

3. Baby Toys:
Baby toys are an integral part of your little one’s development and entertainment that are also prone to accumulating dirt, saliva, and other residues, making regular cleaning essential. Liquid cleansers offer a gentle yet effective solution for cleaning baby toys. One can simply dilute the cleanser in water, soak the toys, and scrub gently to remove dirt and bacteria and make it a safe playtime.

4. Fruits and Vegetables:
To maintain food safety and hygiene, the cleansers are formulated to effectively remove pesticides, dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants that may be present on the surface of fresh produce. The cleansers are easy to use, requiring a simple soaking or rinsing process to thoroughly clean fruits and vegetables. This practice not only promotes health and safety but also contributes to the overall well-being of babies.

To conclude, liquid cleansers are indispensable for cleaning a variety of baby products. By incorporating liquid cleansers into your baby care routine, one can ensure that baby’s essentials remain clean, hygienic, and safe for their use. It should always stand out with its exceptional features. Chicco liquid cleansers are crafted from 100% food-grade and natural ingredients, thus prioritizing safety for your baby. With a remarkable ability to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and fungi, the thorough disinfection of feeding items. The cleanser’s effectiveness extends to removing stubborn milk residue and banishing unpleasant odors, providing a clean and inviting feeding experience. The right ones out there are usually dermatologically tested, offering peace of mind, and guaranteeing gentle care for your baby’s delicate skin.

Bengaluru, February 29, 2023: CoinDCX, one of India’s most valued VDA exchanges, marked the commencement of their flagship event – UNFOLD 2023, a premier Web3 event.The annual event is designed to support the innovative spirit of Web3 startups, and took place in the heart of India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru.The event is the perfect platform for aspiring Web3 founders to connect with potential investors, partners, and customers, propelling their entrepreneurial journey to new heights.

The inaugural day of UNFOLD 2023 kicked off with an opening address by Shri Priyank Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister for IT/BTKarnataka. He said,”The Government of Karnataka is willing to Listen, Learn and Adapt new technology and we are here to support the industry.In the burgeoning realm of Web3, our government is committed to not only observe and absorb but also to evolve with this digital frontier. We eagerly anticipate the establishment of a regulatory sandbox. We firmly believe that a thriving startup ecosystem, especially in disruptive technologies like blockchain and Web3, will forge numerous job opportunities. For in the progress of Karnataka lies the progress of our entire nation.”

He went on to explain that as there is already The Karnataka Innovation Authority that has been set up during his previous tenure could be now utilized for the developers to thrive in the same sandbox environment until they come out with legit regulatory policy.

While addressing the audience, Mr.Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder, CoinDCX said, “the Web3 industry is expected to grow to ~$7T market cap by 2030. Web3 applications are poised to impact the lives of more than 1 billion users globally. Traditional assets, with a total value locked surpassing $10 trillion, will be seamlessly integrated onto blockchain networks.A remarkable 50% of internet users will possess on-chain identities, ushering in a new era of digital sovereignty. Furthermore, major web2 industry leaders will make the leap onto blockchain technology. India is set to foster and nurture over 100 unicorn companies, firmly establishing its prominence within the web3 domain.”

One of the key highlights of the event was the launch of a report titled ‘The Web3 Landscape in India: Unlocking its Potential and Prowess’ by the Bharat Web3 Association.’

The report highlights several key insights on the Indian Web3 Landscape:

• india is home to over 900 Web3 startups, with five achieving unicorn status as of 2023.
• Web3 is projected to contribute $1.1 trillion to India’s GDP by 2032.
• India is a global leader in grassroots crypto adoption and ranks in the top five across various categories.
• As of 2022, 11% of the global Web3 developer pool is in India.
• India’s talent pool in the blockchain industry is expected to grow by over 120% in the next 1-2 years.
• The retail sector (37%) and the financial services sector (15%) are expected to drive Web3 and metaverse adoption.

During the report launch, Mr. Dilip Chenoy, Chairman, Bharat Web3 Association, emphasized that the global Web3 market is poised for explosive growth, with a projected CAGR of 44% until 2031, reaching a valuation exceeding USD 44 billion. India, boasting over 900 startups in the Web3 sector, is ideally positioned to seize this opportunity, with Indian employees contributing 11% of the global Web3 talent. By as early as 2030, Web3 could potentially contribute over USD 1 trillion to the Indian economy in alignment with the Digital India Mission.

Many eminent global Web3 leaders and entrepreneurs like Jesse Pollak, Founder, Base, Emin Gün Sire, Founder Ava Labs, Raj Gokal, Cofounder, Solana Labs, Balaji Srinivasan, Ola Doudin, Co-Founder and CEO, BitOasis, Mo Shaikh, Aptos participated in various panel discussion and fireside organized during the event. A 3-day multichain hackathon with over 800 developers was launched who will be solving complex challenges in the multichain ecosystem. The event will also has a Demo Day where 15 shortlisted startups from over 100 registrations will pitch front of marquee investors like CoinDCX Venture, Pi Ventures, Mumbai Angels, Global Coin Research, Alphawave Global, Dorahacks Ventures, Hashed EM, Draper Dragon, and IOSG Venture for an impressive pool of $1 million in potential funding.

“India stands on the cusp of Web3 leadership, driven by its thriving startup community, technological expertise, and a rising enthusiasm for decentralized technologies. This situation offers India the chance to transition from being a provider of skilled professionals to an innovation hub. To tap into this potential to the fullest extent, India must place a strong emphasis on education, innovation, and a well-balanced regulatory framework,” concluded Mr. Gupta.

Introduction:
In moments of intense emotions, such as fear, excitement, or anger, our bodies often undergo significant physiological changes. One of the key players in this process is adrenaline, also known as epinephrine. While adrenaline is commonly associated with the “fight or flight” response, its connection to increased anger is less understood but equally significant. In this article, we’ll delve into the relationship between adrenaline hormone and heightened anger, exploring its impact on the body’s internal mechanisms.

Adrenaline and Anger:
Adrenaline is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys. It plays a crucial role in preparing the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to muscles. While traditionally linked to responses to perceived threats, such as fleeing from danger or confronting it head-on, adrenaline also plays a role in emotional responses, including anger.

When a person experiences anger, whether due to frustration, perceived injustice, or other triggers, the brain’s hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to release adrenaline into the bloodstream. This surge of adrenaline triggers a cascade of physiological changes designed to prepare the body for action. Heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and muscles tense, priming the individual to respond aggressively if necessary.

Impact on Internal Mechanisms:

 The interplay between adrenaline and increased anger can have profound effects on the body’s internal mechanisms, both in the short and long term.

Immediate Physical Response:

In the short term, the release of adrenaline heightens the body’s state of arousal, amplifying the intensity of the anger response. This can lead to symptoms such as flushed skin, rapid breathing, and trembling hands as the body prepares for potential conflict.

Altered Cognitive Function:

Adrenaline can also affect cognitive function, influencing decision-making and judgment during moments of anger. The surge of adrenaline may impair rational thinking, leading to impulsive or aggressive behavior without careful consideration of consequences.

Chronic Stress:

 Prolonged exposure to heightened levels of adrenaline due to chronic anger can have detrimental effects on overall health. Chronic stress resulting from sustained anger can contribute to a range of health issues, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Disruption of Hormonal Balance:

 Adrenaline’s influence on the body’s hormonal balance can further exacerbate the impact of increased anger. Chronic anger and stress can disrupt the balance of other hormones, such as cortisol, leading to dysregulation of the body’s stress response system.

Impact on Relationships:

 Beyond the physiological effects, chronic anger fueled by adrenaline can strain interpersonal relationships. Uncontrolled anger may lead to conflicts with family members, friends, or colleagues, causing emotional distress and undermining social connections.

Managing Anger and Adrenaline:

 Given the significant impact of adrenaline on increased anger and its consequences for overall health and well-being, it’s essential to adopt strategies for managing anger effectively.

Awareness and Mindfulness:

 Recognizing triggers for anger and developing self-awareness can help individuals identify and address underlying emotions before they escalate.

Stress Management Techniques:

 Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and hobbies can help mitigate the effects of chronic anger and reduce adrenaline levels.

Healthy Communication:

Learning effective communication skills, including assertiveness and conflict resolution techniques, can help individuals express emotions constructively and prevent escalation into anger-fueled confrontations.

Seeking Support:
Seeking support from trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals can provide valuable assistance in coping with anger and developing healthier ways of managing emotions.

Conclusion:

 The relationship between adrenaline hormone and increased anger underscores the intricate connection between mind and body. While adrenaline serves a vital function in preparing the body for action in response to threats, its role in amplifying anger highlights the importance of understanding and managing emotions effectively. By adopting strategies for anger management and stress reduction, individuals can mitigate the adverse effects of adrenaline-fueled anger and promote overall health and well-being.

National, February 26, 2024: Prega News, the leading pregnancy test kit brand from Mankind Pharma, released a new video campaign titled #SheCanCarryBoth leading up to International Women’s Day on March 8th. The uplifting video highlights and celebrates women who gracefully balance their professional and personal responsibilities.

The video features acclaimed actress Pooja Gor as Meenal, a dedicated teacher in the final weeks of her pregnancy. Despite her condition, Meenal is committed to the education of her students. She selflessly provides extra classes and support to the weaker 12th grade students to help them pass their upcoming board exams. While the rest of the school staff might have written off the children who fail their exams, with some even suggesting Meenal focus on her own unborn child, she carries on because after all, these are her children too.

“With #SheCanCarryBoth, we wanted to showcase an inspiring woman who embodies strength, compassion and purpose in playing her dual roles as an educator and mother-to-be,” said Joy Chatterjee, Associate Vice President, Sales and Marketing Head of Mankind’s Consumer Business Unit. “Meenal’s story reflected the quiet struggles of women everywhere who balance professional expectations and personal duties with grace.”

According to a Quint report, ‘Approximately 50% of working women continue to work through their pregnancy with an unwavering commitment.’ Aligning with this sentiment, the affirmative message of #SheCanCarryBoth is a reinforcement of Prega News’ commitment to celebrating and empowering women across India. This also particularly resonates with Mankind Pharma, which has a sizeable number of women employees in its workforce.

“We are proud to have honoured women like Meenal who uplift their communities through small daily acts of courage and kindness,” Chatterjee continued. “Mankind Pharma is dedicated to creating positive social change and progressive values. The #SheCanCarryBoth video champions gender equality by showing an inspirational woman thriving in both her career and family life.”

With its mix of humour, emotion and insight, the #SheCanCarryBoth video aims to entertain and inspire viewers while highlighting important social issues. As India’s #1 pregnancy test kit, with an 85% market share, Prega News is well-positioned to raise awareness on women’s empowerment and equal access to opportunities. As the brand moves into the complete neonatal and maternity care market, the #SheCanCarryBoth video is the latest initiative aligned with Prega News’ commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion and women’s advancement across India.

By Dr. Kumaresan A, HOD, Department of Community, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care Physiotherapy, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common and often debilitating condition that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. As healthcare professionals, it is imperative that we stay abreast of the latest advancements in physiotherapy treatments for dysphagia to better serve our patients and improve their outcomes.

Understanding Dysphagia:

Dysphagia can arise from various causes, including neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or traumatic brain injury, as well as structural abnormalities or muscular dysfunction in the throat or esophagus. It can lead to complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and decreased socialization due to difficulty eating and drinking.

Recent Advances in Physiotherapy Treatments:

In recent years, there have been significant advancements in physiotherapy interventions aimed at addressing dysphagia and improving swallowing function. These treatments are tailored to the underlying cause of dysphagia and may include:

1. Swallowing Rehabilitation Exercises: Physiotherapists employ a variety of exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing, improve coordination, and increase the range of motion of the swallowing mechanism. These exercises may include tongue exercises, lip exercises, and swallowing maneuvers tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
2. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES): NMES is a non-invasive treatment modality that uses electrical stimulation to target the muscles involved in swallowing. By applying electrical impulses to the muscles, NMES can help improve muscle strength, coordination, and swallowing function in individuals with dysphagia.
3. VitalStim Therapy: VitalStim Therapy is a specialized form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation that is specifically designed for the treatment of dysphagia. It involves the placement of electrodes on the neck to deliver targeted stimulation to the muscles involved in swallowing, helping to improve muscle strength and coordination.
4. Modified Diet and Feeding Techniques: Physiotherapists work closely with dieticians and speech-language pathologists to develop modified diet plans and feeding techniques that are safe and appropriate for individuals with dysphagia. This may include modifying the texture of foods and liquids, using adaptive feeding utensils, and implementing specific feeding strategies to facilitate swallowing.

Conclusion:

As healthcare professionals, it is essential that we remain informed about the latest advancements in physiotherapy treatments for dysphagia to provide the best possible care for our patients. By incorporating these recent advances into our clinical practice, we can help improve swallowing function, enhance quality of life, and promote optimal health outcomes for individuals living with dysphagia.

24th February, Bengaluru: Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospitals, a pioneering institution in eye care, performed a high-risk paediatric cataract surgery for an 8-month-old baby in Bangalore. The phacoemulsification surgery was led by renowned eye surgeon – Dr Sri Ganesh, who is also the Chairman and Managing Director of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospitals. The surgery was completed successfully on both eyes within 30 minutes.

The 8-month old female baby patient, was born with a case of congenital cataracts on both her eyes. This is a condition where the lens of the eyes is cloudy instead of being clear after birth, making them blind. The surgery was conducted at Nethradhama’s Centre of Excellence in Jayanagar. The 8-month old patient has regained full vision, and is reported to be recovering well as updated by the team of doctors, since the surgery. The baby’s mother also had the same condition, and the same doctor had successfully done the surgery to restore her vision 22 years back.

Speaking on the success of the rare surgery, Dr. Sri Ganesh added, “We are delighted to provide a new lease of life to this baby, by restoring her vision. For the first time in eight months, the baby was able to see her mother, and this gives us immense joy and satisfaction. At Nethradhama, our emphasis always lies on patient-centricity, quality and care. Keeping in mind our motto to provide vision care par excellence, we will continue making inroads in our surgical practice and expertise to stay at the forefront of technological advancements that enhance patient satisfaction.”

Explaining the medical condition, Dr Sri Ganesh said that the baby had bilateral posterior polar congenital cataract, which is a complex condition. The technique for operating on babies and IOL power calculation is different from adults. The cataract was aspirated with a micro-incision followed by a posterior capsulorehxis and anterior vitrectomy. The IOL power was calculated after performing scans under anaesthesia during the surgery and a foldable IOL was implanted.

The anaesthesia team is very important in managing such cases and the team headed by Dr Suman Shree was able to smoothly anaesthetise the child and monitor all the vital parameters, controlling the intraocular pressure during surgery, which was very important.

Expressing her gratitude, the mother of the 8-month old baby said, “I am immensely thankful to Dr. Sri Ganesh and his team for their unwavering support throughout this journey. We were apprehensive at first, however, the medical team’s expertise and compassionate care reassured us every step of the way. Today, I am extremely happy that my baby can see the world. We truly feel fortunate to have received such remarkable care and hospitality.”

Nethradhama specialises in latest laser cataract surgical techniques and advanced paediatric eye care methods, has been ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients. Dr Sri Ganesh with his impeccable track record in high-risk surgeries, he has earned the trust of fellow ophthalmologists globally. He has performed over 100,000 Phaco surgeries and 50,000 Refractive surgeries till now.

Hyderabad,24th February 2024: The last date for the University of Hyderabad and Fernandez Foundation-led Birth Care Practitioner (Birth Doula) online certificate course is fast approaching. This online certificate course is offered through the Centre for Digital Training and Learning Resources platform of the University. This course will teach skills and knowledge to support families through pregnancy, birth, and the immediate postpartum period. Candidates who have passed their 10+2 qualification, with good communication skills in English, and have a passion for helping pregnant couples can apply for this course. The last day for submitting applications is 29 February 2024.

The faculty of this course includes Pooja Shenoy (Head, Doula Support Services at Fernandez Hospital) and Celestina Cavinder (Certified Labour Doula with 30+ years of experience). After registering for the course, a candidate has two years to complete the course, including 6 months training + birth support for 6 births. The training includes self-paced e-learning modules, birth support, in-depth discussions, and exposure to 4 childbirth classes. The course structure will be 45 hours of recommended reading and 15 hours of discussions with mentors.

Dr Evita Fernandez, Chairperson and Managing Director of Fernandez Foundation, speaking about the upcoming course said, “We are delighted to offer this certificate course. It will enable a candidate to learn about the role of a Birth Doula, provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to couples before, during and shortly after childbirth and help them achieve a positive and empowering birth experience.”

Candidates who complete the course have very good career opportunities. On average, a Doula can earn anywhere between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 35,000 or higher per birth. Birth centres are generally doula friendly. Hospitals too are beginning to value birth support offered by well-trained, professional doulas. In addition to offering doula support, the candidate can also get trained and certified to offer additional support services to pregnant couples including prenatal yoga, childbirth education, lactation counselling, hypnobirthing, among others. These services help the candidate to serve a pregnant couple through pregnancy, labour, childbirth and postpartum.

Last year in January, Fernandez Foundation and UoH signed a three-year MoU for undertaking academic exchange, research, and translational research initiatives.

Hyderabad, 23February 2024: As the academic year comes to an end, millions of students are preparing for their final exams. This is a period of high expectations, anxiety, and long hours of studying. However, in the midst of all this exam preparation, one crucial aspect is often overlooked: the health of their eyes, which are their most valuable asset.

With the ever-increasing demands of digital learning and screen time, coupled with the strain of prolonged study sessions, students experience unprecedented levels of eye fatigue and discomfort. Symptoms such as dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, and migraine have become a common concern among both students and parents. These issues can make it more difficult for children to perform well in school and can increase their stress levels. Additionally, students with vision impairment may need to spend even longer studying. It is important for everyone involved – students, parents, teachers, and doctors – to work together to prioritize good eye health for students.

To combat eye strain and enhance efficiency during demanding study hours, students can adopt various safety measures to ensure a healthier and smoother studying experience.

Get a comprehensive eye examination: Before diving into the study break, it’s advisable for students to undergo an eye examination by an ophthalmologist. This helps rule out any changes in glasses prescription and identifies any potential eye issues that may arise during prolonged study sessions.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Taking regular breaks during study sessions is essential to prevent discomfort from prolonged near activity. Adhering to the 20-20-20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—helps relax the eye muscles and shift focus from near to far distances.

Frequent blinking: Encourage students to blink frequently to prevent dryness, itching, and eye fatigue, which can occur during extended study sessions.

Maintain correct posture: Maintaining a proper posture and reading distance helps prevent neck and back problems. Students should sit upright with their backs straight to avoid excessive strain on their necks and backs.

Limit digital gadget use: While it may be unavoidable at times, students should restrict their use of digital gadgets. When using screens, opt for larger screens positioned at eye level and use screen protectors to reduce glare and adjust brightness levels for comfortable viewing.

Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning: Sitting directly in front of air conditioners, coolers, or fans can dry out the eyes. Students should sit in well-illuminated, ventilated rooms to reduce eye strain and discomfort.

Prioritize physical activity and sleep: Encourage students to engage in at least an hour of physical activity daily and maintain a healthy sleep schedule to promote overall well-being and relaxation.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration during the scorching summer months can exacerbate restlessness and migraine. Ensure students remain hydrated and consume a healthy diet to support their overall health and well-being.

Let’s create a supportive environment and offer emotional support to students during these stressful exam periods. Prioritizing eye care and adopting healthy habits can help students navigate exams with greater ease and efficiency.

Bengaluru 23rd February 2024: Turtle Wax, Inc., an award-winning Chicago-based car care company, today announced the completion of 5 successful years of its operations in India. With a rich global history of over 75 years of excellence in providing car enthusiasts with formulas to meet their ever-changing needs, on this day in 2019, Turtle Wax started its India innings.

To celebrate the occasion, Turtle Wax also announced the launch of its Smart Shield™ – Paint Protection Film, exclusively across all of its co-branded Car Care Studios® in India. The PPF comes with a revolutionary self-healing topcoat, exceptional resistance to UV rays, and superior protection to OEM-painted surfaces. This is to offer unmatched scratch resistance, protection from stains, and weathering all while ensuring that a high gloss finish and optical clarity are delivered. The service comes in two variants – 5 years of warranty and 3 years of warranty.

Apart from this, Turtle Wax also inaugurated its first-ever Experience Centre in Bengaluru, India. The Centre features a 1500-sq.-ft. area dedicated to showcasing the innovation and excellence in car detailing. The Centre, the first of its type in the country, encourages existing detailers to dive into the basics to advanced skills of detailing in an easy-to-learn environment and gain an in-depth understanding of not only Turtle Wax’s journey but also its products and philosophy.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Sajan Murali Puravangara, Managing Director of Turtle Wax Car Care India Pvt. Ltd., said, “This fifth anniversary of Turtle Wax in India is a testament to our strength and the brand’s presence and commitment toward the growing Indian car care culture. It’s great to revisit the journey of these past 5 years and commemorate the strong synergies that have led to incredible success stories while capturing the hearts of auto enthusiasts and car owners. The growth across channels has been incredible, and we will focus on growing exponentially each year going forward with a focus not only on Tier I but Tier II and Tier III towns of the country. On this occasion, we also want to thank all our channel partners, customers, industry partners, and every single person who believes in the excellence of our brand.”

Mr. Denis John Healy III, Global Executive Chairman and CEO, added, “We are thrilled to be celebrating this milestone of five successful years in India. Throughout that time, India has been setting new benchmarks in the category with its expansion, footprints, distribution, and OEM approvals. India continues to be an important market for Turtle Wax globally, and it has become an integral part of our rich history. In these past five years, we have witnessed the evolving customer preferences and acceptance toward car care, which gives us the confidence to invest more in the people, infrastructure, innovative products, and world-class services to standardize the highly unorganized yet high-potential sector. We take pride in our India business and will continue to strengthen it in the coming years.”

The brand made its debut in India with three Car Care Studios® and four distributors. Since then, Turtle Wax has expanded its footprint across the country and currently has 60 Car Care Studios® and 64+ distributors spread across the country. In these past five years, Turtle Wax has reached more than people through retail, modern trade, and e-commerce channels to provide its entire global line-up of DIY (do-it-yourself) products, coupled with India-made products customized for Indian driving and weather conditions, plus DIFM (do-it-for-me) exclusive services at Car Care Studios®.

Dr. Divya Natarajan Consultant Ophthalmologist, Child Sight Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad.

Hyderabad, 22nd February 2024: As the academic year comes to an end, millions of students are preparing for their final exams. This is a period of high expectations, anxiety, and long hours of studying. However, in the midst of all this exam preparation, one crucial aspect is often overlooked: the health of their eyes, which are their most valuable asset.

With the ever-increasing demands of digital learning and screen time, coupled with the strain of prolonged study sessions, students experience unprecedented levels of eye fatigue and discomfort. Symptoms such as dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, and migraine have become a common concern among both students and parents. These issues can make it more difficult for children to perform well in school and can increase their stress levels. Additionally, students with vision impairment may need to spend even longer studying. It is important for everyone involved – students, parents, teachers, and doctors – to work together to prioritize good eye health for students.

To combat eye strain and enhance efficiency during demanding study hours, students can adopt various safety measures to ensure a healthier and smoother studying experience.

Get a comprehensive eye examination: Before diving into the study break, it’s advisable for students to undergo an eye examination by an ophthalmologist. This helps rule out any changes in glasses prescription and identifies any potential eye issues that may arise during prolonged study sessions.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Taking regular breaks during study sessions is essential to prevent discomfort from prolonged near activity. Adhering to the 20-20-20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—helps relax the eye muscles and shift focus from near to far distances.

Frequent blinking: Encourage students to blink frequently to prevent dryness, itching, and eye fatigue, which can occur during extended study sessions.

Maintain correct posture: Maintaining a proper posture and reading distance helps prevent neck and back problems. Students should sit upright with their backs straight to avoid excessive strain on their necks and backs.

Limit digital gadget use: While it may be unavoidable at times, students should restrict their use of digital gadgets. When using screens, opt for larger screens positioned at eye level and use screen protectors to reduce glare and adjust brightness levels for comfortable viewing.

Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning: Sitting directly in front of air conditioners, coolers, or fans can dry out the eyes. Students should sit in well-illuminated, ventilated rooms to reduce eye strain and discomfort.

Prioritize physical activity and sleep: Encourage students to engage in at least an hour of physical activity daily and maintain a healthy sleep schedule to promote overall well-being and relaxation.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration during the scorching summer months can exacerbate restlessness and migraine. Ensure students remain hydrated and consume a healthy diet to support their overall health and well-being.

Let’s create a supportive environment and offer emotional support to students during these stressful exam periods. Prioritizing eye care and adopting healthy habits can help students navigate exams with greater ease and efficiency.