Vaccination, Optional Or Necessity? Read To Make Up Your Mind

The imperative question isn’t what to expect when you are expecting but what to expect when the baby arrives. My personal experience has been a roller coaster ride; for with my daughter I had an easy-breezy pregnancy and a very difficult first year; but with my son, the pregnancy was very tough and the first year
has been a easygoing. While taking care of myself and getting back to my pre-pregnancy health, my utmost priority then and now has been keeping my babies healthy and safe. 

However, I’ve noticed that a new parent often keeps a close eye on the development milestones of the baby but put 'Vaccines' on the back burner, not realising that it is one of the most effective and simple ways to help a newborn’s immune system recognise and fight pathogens, keep itself safe and prevent diseases they cause; to grow and develop well. 

Even the World Health Organisation has been pushing vaccination programs since the early ’70s and finally, in 2019 it estimated that around 116 million infants worldwide received vaccines against more than 25 debilitating and life-threatening diseases; such as measles, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, meningitis, influenza, tetanus and typhoid. However, even today nearly 20 million infants worldwide miss out on vaccinations putting them and others at risk of serious diseases, death, disability and ill-health.

The numbers sure are staggering, but honestly, at one point in time, I was a parent who was on the fence about vaccinations. So I asked far too many questions; all to the relevant people… and it all collectively helped me decide to follow the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommended Immunization Schedule 
for children aged 0 through 18 years and I have been on-point with my paediatrician’s recommendations. 

However, I am sure there will be many who are in a similar catch-22 situation and hence I’m sharing a few crucial important points that stirred me in the right direction. 

⟡ Protection ⟡

Infant immunization is one of the most crucial steps to protect and safeguard a baby’s health as vaccines offer protection from infection that lowers the risk of disease as the immune system is already acclimatised against the pathogens, protection to community as immunizing your child not only protects her but also prevents widespread outbreaks and protection for future as vaccines help eradicate the infection. 

⟡ Safety ⟡

Vaccines go through vigorous research and trial periods before being locally available. Pharmaceutical companies invest time and effort in the process, and various industry bodies approve these vaccinations only after thorough due diligence, as the safety of a child is paramount. However, to be assured lookout for the WHO pre-qualification of the vaccine, as the world body approves immunization vaccines after they are proven on efficacy, potency and thermo-stability.

⟡ Effect ⟡

It is indeed incorrect to assume that vaccines shots are painless, but the pain is only momentary. However, the aftereffect of vaccines such as fever, soreness, etc can be quite taxing especially for an infant. But advanced technology has made it possible for vaccines to be pain-less which contain fewer antigens and thus very few painful after-effects. That means these injections are not pain-free, but the pain & discomfort are much lower. 

⟡ Multi-Vaccine ⟡

The list of recommended vaccines in the first 12 months of a baby’s life is long and thus paediatricians opt for combination or multi-vaccines. Studies show that vaccines when given together offer the same protection with lesser pricks and lower hospital visits. The most commonly used multi-vaccine globally is the DTP that protects against 6 major childhood diseases such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus Influenza B, and Hepatitis B.

For both my children I wasn’t shy of asking questions about the brand, the product, the pros and cons and more. But I learnt that the enormous protection vaccines provide certainly outweigh the minor side-effects. Be an informed parent, up #YourCareQuotient for your baby’s long-lasting good health. 

Until next time,

~ Heena

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Disclaimer:

This article is written in partnership with Sanofi Pasteur India to create awareness about Vaccinations. The views expressed are independent and unbiased observations made by the blogger and Sanofi Pasteur India bears no responsibility for the same. 

Any decision regarding your health and child's health should be done after consultation with your doctor. While all efforts are made to keep articles updated, the speed of research in these fields will mean that the information often may change when more research knowledge is available. iCynosure Lifestyles or the authors should be in no way held responsible in that case.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read More

Movies That Awaken A Gambler In You

People love gambling and are willing to experiment with ideas and tricks to succeed in the fantastic world of gambling. Some learn the art of gambling by reading books, others research on the internet while some watch movies with content based on gambling, casinos and poker. Whatever they do to master the art, they try their luck to gamble for real money on live Indian sports events I believe movies are the best and most convenient option for this purpose, especially in the current world where it is possible to watch movies online anywhere and anytime. 

Here is a checklist of my 10 favourite movies about gambling, casinos and poker:

Casino

Released in 1995 directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, and James Woods; the film is based on a casino executive who is asked to run casinos in Las Vegas and then rises to power significantly against a mafia enforcer. The film narrates a tale of greed, deception, money, power, murder and more.

Rounder’s

Released in 1998, directed by John Dahi, starring Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Gretchen Mol and John Malkovich; the film is about a reformed gambler who returns to his old ways to help a friend pay off loan sharks. The film talks about friendship, commitment and how a man goes beyond the call of duty to help a friend. 

The Sting

Released in 1973, directed by George Roy Hill, starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Robert Shaw; the film is about a small grifter, who unknowingly steals a big-time crime boss. The drifter then schemes to get his revenge by destroying the boss's gambling world and ultimately murdering him. 

Ocean's Eleven 

Released in 2001, directed by Steven Soderbergh, with a stellar cast of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Mart Damon; the film is about how a group of eleven people devise an elaborate plan to steal from three popular casinos in Las Vegas. The film is a step-by-step scheme of an extensive con and rob job. 

High Roller - The Stu Ungar Story

Released in 2003, directed by A. W. Vidmer; starring Al Bernstein, Andrew Glazer, Michael Imperioli and Brian Kaplan; the film is based on a true story of the rise and fall of a teenage card prodigy. The film traces how the boy's obsessive habits put him in debt, addiction and excess of a legendary poker player. 

21

Released in 2008, directed by Robert Luketic, starring Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey and Aaron Yoo; the film about six MIT students trained to become experts in card counting and playing. The film follows their winning streak as they take millions in winnings in numerous Las Vegas casinos. 

Owning Mahowny

Released in 2003, directed by Richard Kwientniwsky, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Minnie Driver and John Hurt; the film is based on the largest bank fraud accomplished by a single man of Canadian history, a bank manager with a gambling problem. The film is a thriller drama that shows how a man fed his gambling obsession. 

Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels

Released in 1998, directed by Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran and Jason Statham; the film revolves around four friends who collide with each other in a series of unexpected events. The crazy ride through the film is for nothing more than some weed, cash and two antique shotguns. 

Revolver

Released in 2005, directed by Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, André Benjamin and Vincent Pastore; the film revolves around a man who is recently released from prison and amasses a lot of money by gambling to revenge. The film is high on schemes, unknown dangers and redemption. 

Bugsy

Release in 1991, directed by Barry Levinson, starring Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Harvey Keitel and Ben Kingsley; the film is the true story of Benjamin Bugsy's journey to the Las Vegas gambling world from being a foul New York gangster. The film highlights how he doesn't hesitate to kill or maim anyone who dares to cross him. 

So which of these gambling content-based movies is going to be your pick? Turn on that television set, that smartphone and enjoy these thrilling mind games.

Until next time, 

~ Heena

Read More

Top 5 Fitness Accounts To Follow On Helo

Fitness has different definitions for every individual. It is a form of lifestyle, which is more of a commitment to oneself and not a fad. Infact, fitness is all about maintaining a proper balance between mind, body and soul and for somebody like me fitness has become a huge part of my life in every way. Some want to lose flab to look fab, some desire to attain that chiseled look with that perfect jawline and desirable abs, while there are some who consider fitness as nothing less than a religion. For the people belonging to the last category, their life revolves around fitness exercise and diet as they are very particular about each and everything that’s a part of their regime. Though, fitness and everything related to it plays a pivotal role in the lives of everyone, irrespective of their idea or ideology behind fitness. And for everyone who is into fitness, a certain amount of motivation is required to keep going. 

Helo, a revolutionary social networking app, which is specially designed for the Indian audience, has a lot to offer to people who are looking for the right kind of motivation for to kick start & pursue their fitness interests.  There are some amazing fitness creators who have been tirelessly creating and post some really interesting  content on Helo to motivate everyone towards leading a fitter and better life. Whenever you feel like you are stuck at a dead-end and there is no escape from the clenching claws of junk food, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy habits, then wait no more and turn to these impressive fitness creators who not only motivate you but also help you with tips and tricks to exercise a  healthy schedule. And guess what’s the best part is that? They not only create and share their content in English, but in various  Indian regional languages available on Helo.  F or example if a certain fitness creator is from Punjab, he or she can easily share the content in the Punjabi language to appeal to all the people familiar with the language. 

Here are the 5 accounts on Helo social app that will completely blow your mind off with their sheer determination and fitness goals achieved and aiming towards:

Avinash Jha
He is one of the most popular fitness creators on Helo. With his 84.4K followers, he shares workout plans for men and women, diet tips, fitness challenges and much more to keep a person motivated. Not only that, he also shares entertaining videos to keep his followers engaged. 

Fitness Guru Dinesh
With 251.9K followers, Dinesh has a huge fan following amongst various communities and is recognized as one of the  of the most popular fitness creators. He lives by the motto, “Aim is Fitness” and directs all his content towards it. He shares his fitness journey on daily basis, right from his body workout plans to fitness challenges. 

Cali Boy
He is a renowned fitness creator on  Helo, with 157.5K followers. He classifies himself as a Calisthenics Athlete from New Delhi, India. With his posts, he shows that how the right kind of workout can make or keep you fit and energetic all the time. 

Smita Yadav
This wonder woman is one of the most trending creators on the platform.  She is into fitness, fashion and yoga – making her the fittest in the lot. Smita has 129.4K followers with whom she shares yoga postures and techniques along with the benefits of practising it. Her speciality lies in getting to minute details of the content she puts in for the others to consume; she ensures to include steps, techniques and precautions to perform any Yoga postures, supported by pictures.

Daily Fit With Nishant
He is a fitness expert, coach and athlete, with around 265.6K followers, which in itself is a humongous fan following. The content that he shares is motivational and educative at the same time. Seeing his dedication, his followers have started to follow his footsteps by taking up cycling, going for intense workouts, running, etc. to become fit like him.  

These fitness creators also make use of appropriate hashtags to make their content easily accessible and searchable. Some of the common hashtags used by these fitness creators are #HeloFitnessTips, #HeloFitnessChallenge, #Helo, #HeloFitnessKing, #HeloStar, #ShowYourFitBody, etc. 

The above-mentioned fitness accounts are not the only fitness related accounts on the Helo social app, but some of the most famous ones. You can follow the ones who are in the above-mentioned list and also explore the ones who are not in here. Your criteria to follow certain accounts must include the relatability, practicality and the overall appeal of the content; rest it depends on subjective opinion. 
Note: The followers’ count of the mentioned accounts is as on 19 Nov 2019. 

Related Articles:
Top 5 trending accounts to follow on Helo
Helo App Shields Indians from Misleading Content

Read More