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News18
17 hours ago
- Health
- News18
COVID Is Back: What Parents Need to Know About Protecting Young Children
Last Updated: With COVID cases rising again, here's how parents can protect young children with calm, practical steps. After a quiet spell, COVID is back in the news and understandably, many parents are starting to worry again. Whether you're planning an international trip, living in a busy metro city, or raising your kids in a smaller town, one thing's clear: we all want to keep our children safe. Dr. Kushal Agrawal, HOD, Department of Neonatology and Paediatrics, KVR Hospital, Kashipur, says, 'As a pediatrician and a parent myself, I know how confusing and overwhelming it can get. So here's a clear, no-panic guide to help you protect your young ones with simple, practical steps no medical jargon, just useful advice." Dr Agrawal shares all you need to know: What's Going on Right Now? The current COVID wave is mostly driven by a newer variant (like JN.1). It spreads fast, but for most kids, the symptoms are mild — think: Fever Cough or sore throat Runny nose Upset tummy in some cases That said, babies, toddlers, and children with conditions like asthma can get sicker, so it's best to stay cautious. Wipe down airplane or train seats before use Keep sanitizer and tissues handy Avoid unnecessary touching of shared surfaces or toys At airports or hotels: Choose less crowded flight times when possible Use room service instead of eating in busy restaurants Check if the hotel follows proper cleaning practices Don't forget to pack: Digital thermometer Paracetamol syrup ORS Oximeter Your child's vaccine card A list of pediatricians or hospitals at your destination Traveling Without Kids? Keep Them Safe at Home If you're traveling solo, you might bring something home unknowingly. To be safe: Monitor yourself for symptoms like fever, body aches, or cough If you feel even slightly unwell, maintain distance from your kids Avoid close contact like hugging or kissing until you're symptom-free Clean your luggage, clothes, phone, and other items before interacting with family Living in a Metro City? Stay Extra Cautious If you're in a metro like Delhi or Mumbai, your child likely interacts with many people at school, on the bus, or in the park. Here's how to reduce the risk: Help kids practice wearing masks correctly (especially indoors) Encourage regular handwashing, especially after school Wipe down their water bottles and lunch boxes daily Keep a check on who they interact with — especially if someone has recently traveled Ask your child's school how they're handling cleanliness and ventilation In Smaller Towns or Villages? Don't Let Your Guard Down Even if you're in a quieter area, COVID can still spread through: Festivals or family gatherings Visitors from cities or abroad Kids returning to school after holidays Tips: Teach your child not to share food, bottles, or towels Ensure your nearest clinic or hospital has pediatric care If your child feels unwell, don't delay seeing a doctor What Should You Keep Ready at Home? Create a simple COVID care box: Thermometer Kids' masks Oximeter Paracetamol (right dose for your child's age) Hand soap and sanitizer Surface disinfectant wipes or spray Also, have a plan ready: If your child gets sick, give them a separate room if possible Use separate plates, cups, and towels Keep windows open for fresh air When Should You Call a Doctor Right Away? Keep an eye out for: Breathing trouble Fever above 102°F for more than 3 days Signs of dehydration (dry lips, no tears, reduced urination) Rashes or extreme tiredness Any symptoms in babies under 3 months Also, check airline and embassy websites before flying — rules can change quickly. top videos View all Don't Panic, Just Be Prepared It's natural to feel anxious, we've all been through a lot in the past few years. But remember: your awareness and small daily actions can make a big difference. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 More The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 09, 2025, 08:19 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness COVID Is Back: What Parents Need to Know About Protecting Young Children
India Today
28-04-2025
- Health
- India Today
Is your paneer fake? 5 ways to spot it at home before it's too late
Paneer is a favorite in Indian kitchens, not just because of our predominantly vegetarian diet but also due to its rich source of protein and calcium, essential for growing children. However, greed has started to compromise this nutritious food. Fake or analogue paneer is now quietly entering many households, often unnoticed by families. Dr. Kushal Agrawal, HOD of Neonatology and Paediatrics at KVR Hospital, Kashipur, emphasised in a conversation with India Today that recognising and avoiding fake paneer is vital for your child's health and wellbeing. Understanding how to spot adulterated paneer and why it's harmful can make a significant difference in safeguarding your family's TESTS YOU CAN DO AT HOME1. Boil Test:Drop a piece of paneer in hot water and let it simmer for a few minutes. If it stays soft, it's likely pure. If it turns rubbery or breaks apart, it could be fake. 2. Touch Test:Rub a small piece between your fingers. Natural paneer feels slightly crumbly. Fake versions feel slippery or plasticky.3. Smell and Taste:Genuine paneer smells fresh and tastes milky. Fake paneer often lacks any smell or tastes oddly greasy.4. Iodine Solution Test:Put a drop of iodine on a small paneer sample. A blue-black colour means starch is present — a clear warning sign of IS INSIDE FAKE PANEER?Instead of milk, fake paneer is often made from cheap fillers like:Palm oil or vanaspati (hydrogenated fats)Starch powdersEven chemicals like washing soda or detergentsadvertisementThese shortcuts are used to mimic the look and feel of real paneer, but they come at a FAKE PANEER CAN HARM CHILDREN 'S HEALTH1. Palm Oil: Regular intake of palm oil, especially the hydrogenated kind, is linked to childhood obesity, cholesterol problems, and early signs of heart trouble.2. Starch: Eating starch-heavy fake paneer can upset digestion, reduce protein intake, and weaken overall nutrition.3. Washing Soda and Detergents: These are meant for cleaning floors, not for eating. They can seriously damage a child's gut lining, liver, and kidneys over fake paneer at home is essential to ensure you're consuming a healthy, safe product. Simple tests like checking texture, smell, and doing the water test can help you detect adulteration. With increasing concerns over food safety, being vigilant about the quality of paneer you consume is crucial. By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself and your family from harmful additives often found in fake paneer. Stay informed and make sure your paneer is pure and safe!Trending Reel
