Contraception has been in practice since ancient times. It birthed out of the necessity to avoid unintended and/or unplanned pregnancy. Though newer technologies have changed the way birth control methods are practiced, yet the underlying principles have remained the same. The need for contraception has also remained consistent- to enjoy sex without getting pregnant. Contraception can be planned or can be taken as an emergency measure. It can be reversible or irreversible, long-term or short term. The widely used barrier method of contraception acts by preventing the sperms from meeting the egg. There also are hormonal preparations that act on the female reproductive system hindering the release of the ovum from the ovaries. Intrauterine Devices (IUD) prevent fertilization while the long-term irreversible solution is offered by sterilization. But what method to use depends on various factors like age, marital status, education of the beneficiaries, socioeconomic status, hormonal status, etc. Having a number of options to choose from, it is more of a cafeteria approach where you are given the options to choose from a menu card. In this article, we shall see what the various methods of contraception are and what would be the most suitable profile to use them.

Teenage years are a tough time to navigate for both the parent and the teenager, There is a lot of emotional and physical turmoil. Put this against the backdrop of the world where the media normalizes and sensationalizes drug use, and it’s a disaster waiting to happen. The menace of drugs has always been breathing down on parents worldwide for decades now. Despite the activism and awareness, national surveys (2016) in the USA show that 14.3% of 12th graders use drugs while the numbers are a tad lower at 5.4 % in 8th grade and 9.8% in 10th grade. Television, news media and movies, all glorify the drug culture in their own manner. With the ever-growing debate over the Marijuana as an illicit drug, teenagers have conflicting sources of information on drugs. Teenage Drug Abuse Teenagers doing drugs is not uncommon. However, parents are always sure that it won’t happen to their teenager. This is the reason why most parents don’t know how to deal with teenage drug use. The most important thing to understand is why teenagers use drugs at all. Most people don’t start off using drugs wanting to get addicted to them. It starts off with the intention to just try, or simply to get high.

Pregnancy is one of the most important phases of a woman’s life. Physically, emotionally and cognitively different from a normal way of life, pregnancy places unique demands on the woman. Strategies are required in order to ensure a favorable outcome. This warrant tests to assure a healthy and positive outcome in pregnancy for both the mother and the fetus. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. Each trimester asks for different types of tests: First-Trimester Tests The first trimester has its own challenges. This is the phase when the fertilized egg develops into a fetus and organogenesis is active and fast paced. Any negative event may lead to birth defects in the fetus, directly impacting the outcome of pregnancy. In order to investigate how the fetus is developing, expecting mothers undergo a fetal ultrasound and a blood test. These are also called prenatal screening tests and are very effective when mixed with other tests, like Nuchal Translucency test (NT). The first trimester has its own challenges. This is the phase when the fertilized egg develops into a fetus and organogenesis is active and fast paced. Any negative event may lead to birth defects in the fetus, directly impacting the outcome of pregnancy.

Parents today often recall their childhood memories of spending time outdoors. Running around the backyard, cycling with friends, and climbing up their tree houses! Nowadays, children are immersed in their gadgets and rarely have the opportunity to play in playgrounds. With childhood obesity turning into an epidemic, it has become important that children are introduced to an active lifestyle. Exercise is great for all ages. At least 60 minutes of physical activity is recommended for children. Adults make time for their fitness at a gym but exercising with children is a whole different ball game! Exercise ideas for kids need to incorporate fun elements as well as take into account the physical limitations of their young growing bodies. The best way to get children to exercise is to exercise with them! You will become a great role model for them and get fit yourself. Here are some ideas on how to workout with kids: Pick up a sport – One of the best ways to get physically active is to play sports. If you have older children, you can play sports like badminton, tennis and squash. Sports like football are also a great way to get some running done, and these sports are enjoyed by young kids too.

Young children from the age of 4 and upwards love to assert their independence. They start eating on their own, dressing up by themselves, and like to show their choice and consent about everything. But some kids unfortunately still have a problem with bedwetting, which causes a huge dent on their confidence and self-esteem. They often are embarrassed about their body and step back from enjoying social events, like camping trips and sleepovers with friends. What causes kids to wet the bed? Bedwetting at night is called as Nocturnal Enuresis. It affects about 20% of 5-year-olds, 12% of 6-year-olds, 10% of 7-year-olds and decreases to less than 5% for 10-year-olds. Bedwetting is not as uncommon as you think, although it’s not something that parents like to discuss with their peer groups. It often becomes a home secret, further leading the child to believe that he/she is the only one with the problem! The reason behind bedwetting is neurological. The brain sends signals to the child’s bladder to hold urine during sleep. However, with Nocturnal Enuresis, these signals are not transmitted effectively. There are also some other reasons behind bedwetting like: Family history – It may be that the child would have a parent or relative who had an issue with bedwetting as well.