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Malnutrition in children

Does your child’s malnutrition worry you all the time? Do you the causes of under nutrition in children? Let’s get acquainted with some of the major reasons. Its usually recommended that children should be given more of fruits than juices as juices contain more of sugar and less of vitamins.
Parents who worry about their children becoming obese and give them a low fat diet when they are under 2 years of age also risk their children becoming skinny. Fats are an important constituent of every diet for storing energy, protecting or insulating the body and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. So, adequate fat products should be given to every child but in limits.
Make sure your child does not skip breakfast. It can directly affect the calorie count in their body. If your child is physically very active, give him more energizing foods like carbohydrates.

Grains supply carbohydrates, the chief source of energy at least 6-11 servings per day. Fruit and vegetables supply vitamins and minerals, a good source of fiber which helps reduce cholesterol for healthy skin, hair and vision. Milk provides calcium for bone growth and maintenance. Make your child consume a cup of milk or 2 ounces of cheese around 2 3 times a day. Cook them meat and for vegetarians, make them have peanut butter. Do not limit fat foods and sweets as they supply extra calories.
Eating patterns usually change during childhood. Include only healthy foods in your child’s diet. Being thin or slim is different from being underweight and it is alright to have a slight built. Just maintain a balanced diet according to your child’s activity and growth. However, malnourished may be a symbol of nutritional, health, or emotional problems. So, deal with it with a fun diet and let your kid grow up well.

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Common cold in children

Common cold as the name suggests is common among children. They are absolutely normal and can be dealt with. If it’s a mild cold, home remedies are more than enough to cure them.

Always remember that cold is most contagious from the 2nd to the 4th day once the symptoms start appearing. It is important to explain to your children the benefits of using a tissue paper every time the sneeze. Also, encourage them to wash their hands and face frequently to avoid spreading the germs. Keep their towels and clothes separate so that others in the family remain unaffected.

Some ways you can help relieve cold uneasiness consist of:

· Put saltwater drops in the nostrils to reduce nasal blocking. Saline drops are also available at any medical store or pharmacy.
· A cool-mist humidifier to boost air humidity.
· Apply petroleum jelly below the nose on the skin ease rawness.
· Give them hard candy or cough drops to ease aching throat (for kids older than 3 years).
· Give them a shower with warm water or a heating pad to relieve aches and pains.
· Make them take steam from a hot shower for easy breathing.

Don’t panic about your child’s diet, just ensure he eats when hungry and drinks ample of fluids like water or juice to help restore the fluids lost during fever or mucus production. Stay away from giving them caffeinated beverages which can cause repeated urination and add to the danger of dehydration.

If you think your child is suffering from more than a cold or is getting worse then consult a doctor. Cold will take it’s time to cure, just make sure your child gets plenty of rest, avoids any kind of forceful activity and intakes a lot of fluids which may help them feel better.

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