I am a new person today...I delivered a beautiful baby girl on Dec 28th,2009 and she has awakened feelings in me that I never knew existed before! Her smile, her cry,her fingers and her eyes evoke such strong and powerful emotions in me that its hard to comprehend what is going on within me!!
I am not a person who'll say that you easily forget the birth pain when you see your baby...The pain that you undergo during delivery belongs to a different dimension. The pain scale is something that cannot be comprehended or understood by the traditional pain scale..I had the fortune of experiencing the pain of a normal labour partly and the pain of a C-Section. I must say that the pain of a C-Section is definitely bearable when compared to that of a normal delivery. Hats off to millions of women who go thru the excruciating pain of childbirth to deliver babies across the world.
I was induced with pain at 6am on Dec 28th and I experienced high intensity contractions immediately that lasted for 6 hrs with no effect!! I was dialated by just 1 cm...At 12pm they put me on pitocin drops, which increased the pain and frequency further..Two hours later I was exhausted and had no strength left in me to go thru a Pelvic examination forget about a normal delivery!! Doc decided to put me thru an emergency C-Sec...As I was being wheeled away to the operation theatre for the first time in my life, I was terrified...Would anything happen to me...I would be a mother soon!!
Anyways gross details apart..I emerged out of the theatre with a beautiful baby girl that I will love for the rest of my life!!
Motherhood is such a different phase of life..Why just motherhood..I would not leave fathers out either....Parenthood is amazing in the sense that suddenly your priorities change. A new life becomes the center of discussion and concern..Nothing else matters anymore - just her life and her happiness matters..My hubby and I have been staunch advocates of carefree lives and our friends and family know how much we have been against starting a family so early..The pregnancy discomforts and the labour pain apart, its a proud feeling that must be experienced...
Sleepless nights,endless diapers, walking in your sleep to the kitchen to prepare a bottle of lactogen to hush a screaming bundle suddenly seems just fine!!
I will be back to post more about my angel growing..I love her fingers the most..She has taken after me mostly...my sweaty palms, my snort, my snore,my anger and my impatience(gross....she even farts like me!! LOL!!) Hubby is alarmed that he has to manage a replica of me which is no easy task!! LOL!! After all, who said that parenting is easy!!???;)
Friday, January 8, 2010
Friday, July 24, 2009
A Healthy Heart!!
Yesterday a very close friend of mine and hubby's, had a major heart attack. It was shocking because she was just 35 and had two kids aged 2 and 6 months. Yesterday was one of those days where I just couldn't believe that something this bad could have happened and reminiscing on how this could be avoided..
I went across Google searching on why heart attack hits women and how we can avoid it. Frankly I have never heard of a heart attack in women of such a young age. My family has seen 2 major heart attack deaths and 1 disabling major attack on a close relative. Believe it or not, heart attack is the major killer across the world..DO NOT take this lightly.
I downloaded a Heart Health Handbook from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website(http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/hhw/index.htm) and I am quoting a few passages from this book that I felt were very important:
One reason some women aren’t too concerned about heart disease is that they think it can be "cured" with surgery. This is a myth. Heart disease is a lifelong condition—once you get it,you’ll always have it. True, procedures such as bypass surgery and angioplasty can help blood and oxygen flow to the heart more easily. But the arteries remain damaged, which means you are more likely to have a heart attack.What’s more, the condition of your blood vessels will steadily worsen unless you make changes in your daily habits. Many women die of complications from heart disease or become permanently disabled. That’s why it is so vital to take action to prevent and control this disease
Tests That Can Help Protect Your Heart Health
1) Lipoprotein Profile
2) Blood Pressure
3) Fasting Plasma Glucose
4) Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference
5) Stresstest, an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
The book says that it best to do the tests, once in 2 years..But you never know when a disaster can hit. Most companies have a tie up with hospitals for complete health checkup packages. Check with your HR if they have something in place and do an Annual checkup with your family. Listen to your body and your gut feeling.. Do not ignore any symptom that your body is giving you. Better to be safe than sorry. The doctor might think you are paranoid..So what?? Your family will be thankful to you for being paranoid.
Indian Women take a step back when it comes to their health...You have a family to take care of. Do NOT ignore your health. Find the time to be physically active.
Making Opportunities
Getting regular physical activity can be easy—especially if you take advantage of everyday opportunities to move around. For example:
■If you live in an apartment or your office is on the second or third floor, use the stairs—both up and down—instead of elevators. Start with one flight of stairs and gradually build up to more. That is equivalent to training on the elliptical trainer in a gym!!
■Park a few blocks away from the office or store and walk the rest ofthe way. If you take public transportation, get off a stop or two early and walk a few blocks. Instead of depending on the man in the house to do the shopping, go out and do the shopping yourself. Get the grocery bags home yourself instead of making someone else deliver it for you. You will be unconciously doing some weight lifting exercises that way! Your family will be proud of you as well!
■Instead of eating that gulab jamun or that chat, take a brisk stroll around the neighborhood and have a fruit instead! Socialize with people! Talk to everyone (rich or poor, ugly or beautiful)...That is good for your heart! People will know you..When disaster hits, these people you socialized with, will be around to help you!!
■Do housework or garden work at a more vigorous pace.Get rid of that house maid and do the house work yourself!!I am pregnant now and I still do the house work. It flexes your muscles and burns that extra calories without pinching your pocket ;)!!
■Keep moving while you watch TV. Lift hand weights, do some gentle yoga stretches, or pedal an exercise bike.
■Spend less time watching TV and using the computer.
■Take a movement break in the middle of the day. Get up and stretch, walk around, and give your muscles and mind a chance to relax.
When a woman takes care of her health, she teaches her whole family to take care of their health.
Set a good example for other members:
I went across Google searching on why heart attack hits women and how we can avoid it. Frankly I have never heard of a heart attack in women of such a young age. My family has seen 2 major heart attack deaths and 1 disabling major attack on a close relative. Believe it or not, heart attack is the major killer across the world..DO NOT take this lightly.
I downloaded a Heart Health Handbook from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website(http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/hhw/index.htm) and I am quoting a few passages from this book that I felt were very important:
One reason some women aren’t too concerned about heart disease is that they think it can be "cured" with surgery. This is a myth. Heart disease is a lifelong condition—once you get it,you’ll always have it. True, procedures such as bypass surgery and angioplasty can help blood and oxygen flow to the heart more easily. But the arteries remain damaged, which means you are more likely to have a heart attack.What’s more, the condition of your blood vessels will steadily worsen unless you make changes in your daily habits. Many women die of complications from heart disease or become permanently disabled. That’s why it is so vital to take action to prevent and control this disease
Tests That Can Help Protect Your Heart Health
1) Lipoprotein Profile
2) Blood Pressure
3) Fasting Plasma Glucose
4) Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference
5) Stresstest, an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
The book says that it best to do the tests, once in 2 years..But you never know when a disaster can hit. Most companies have a tie up with hospitals for complete health checkup packages. Check with your HR if they have something in place and do an Annual checkup with your family. Listen to your body and your gut feeling.. Do not ignore any symptom that your body is giving you. Better to be safe than sorry. The doctor might think you are paranoid..So what?? Your family will be thankful to you for being paranoid.
Indian Women take a step back when it comes to their health...You have a family to take care of. Do NOT ignore your health. Find the time to be physically active.
Making Opportunities
Getting regular physical activity can be easy—especially if you take advantage of everyday opportunities to move around. For example:
■If you live in an apartment or your office is on the second or third floor, use the stairs—both up and down—instead of elevators. Start with one flight of stairs and gradually build up to more. That is equivalent to training on the elliptical trainer in a gym!!
■Park a few blocks away from the office or store and walk the rest ofthe way. If you take public transportation, get off a stop or two early and walk a few blocks. Instead of depending on the man in the house to do the shopping, go out and do the shopping yourself. Get the grocery bags home yourself instead of making someone else deliver it for you. You will be unconciously doing some weight lifting exercises that way! Your family will be proud of you as well!
■Instead of eating that gulab jamun or that chat, take a brisk stroll around the neighborhood and have a fruit instead! Socialize with people! Talk to everyone (rich or poor, ugly or beautiful)...That is good for your heart! People will know you..When disaster hits, these people you socialized with, will be around to help you!!
■Do housework or garden work at a more vigorous pace.Get rid of that house maid and do the house work yourself!!I am pregnant now and I still do the house work. It flexes your muscles and burns that extra calories without pinching your pocket ;)!!
■Keep moving while you watch TV. Lift hand weights, do some gentle yoga stretches, or pedal an exercise bike.
■Spend less time watching TV and using the computer.
■Take a movement break in the middle of the day. Get up and stretch, walk around, and give your muscles and mind a chance to relax.
When a woman takes care of her health, she teaches her whole family to take care of their health.
Set a good example for other members:
- Adults have a big influence on children’s and teens’ behavior—even though kids may not want to admit it! If you follow a healthy lifestyle, younger family members will be more likely to do the same. Let them see you eating nutritious snacks and enjoying outdoor activities. Invite them to join you.
- Raise "kitchen kids." Show young children how to clean fruits and veggies and combine them into salads. When they are old enough, teach them to use the cooktop, oven,microwave, and toaster safely. Show teens how to make simple,healthy dishes. Children who have basic cooking skills appreciate food more and are more likely to try new dishes.
- Get them moving. Encourage your kids or grandkids to get some exercise throughout the day and especially on weekends.Go on outings with them that involve activities such as hiking. Walk or jog with them to places close by. Use your backyard or local park for basketball,baseball, football, badminton, or volleyball.
Diet wise.
A special eating plan called "DASH" can help you lower your blood pressure. DASH stands for "Dietary Approachesto Stop Hypertension."
Eat healthy. Have fruits, vegetables, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, whole-grain products, fish, poultry,beans, seeds, and nuts. The DASH eating plan also contains less salt/sodium, sweets, added sugars, sugar containing beverages,fats, and red meats.
This heart healthy way of eating is lower in saturated fat, and cholesterol, and is rich in nutrients that are associated with lowering blood pressure—mainly potassium, magnesium, calcium, protein, and fiber. If you follow the DASH eating plan and also consume less sodium,you are likely to reduce your blood pressure even more. Sodium is a substance that affects blood pressure and is the main ingredient in salt.
Step up for yourself and take care of your body! If you fall sick, the whole family suffers!Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Save up!
I keep wondering why we Indians have such rigid mentalities where we choose to sacrifice our desires and save up our hard earned money for our kids and yet do nothing to save something for the public or for the good of mankind...
I used to think that this is an issue with just my workplace until my hubby tells me that its a problem in his place as well. This is not a problem with an group or organization or any institution, the problem is with each one of us..We are all brought up to save up and be selfish and protective about our nuclear families and not bother a damn about anyone else around..I remember my own mom scolding me when I was a kid when I told her during my Summer vacation that I want to clean the garbage dump in front of our colony...
Mom: "Are you crazy?? That is what the government has appointed workers for." (Horrified look on her face)
Innocent me: "Then why dont they come and clean it mummy??" (All pissed off!!)
Mom: "Aaaa...Why are you so bothered about that? You mind your business and go and study or come and help me in the kitchen or help Daddy clean the garden"
Me: "But I want to do something good"
Mom: "Helping your mom and Dad is all you have to do..And Study well and become a doctor or an engineer"
Me: "I will study well and you know that..That's not the question"
Mom is horrified and finally decides to pass the ball into my Dad's court..She knows very well how we three girls are terrified of Dad!
Mom:"Ketto....." (Translated: Listen Daddy).....ee kochinu aa road-ile poye waste vaari kalayanam ennu...Onnu vazhakku paranje....(This kid wants to clean the garbage on the road..Please scold her!)
Me: 'Damn..Okay fine..I am going to read my book'
Dad: Jinu,come here
Me....running away..."Daddy...I am going to read my book..."
Whew, that was my family picture...I can imagine millions of other kids experiencing the same Indian protective, yet callous, attitude.
I remember parents coming to my school and scolding my teachers for not teaching kids how to talk smartly and to be generous because "they spend most of their time here..They spend most of their productive time here and you need to teach them"...Isn't the same applicable after we grow up and start working??Forget about 8 hrs, we spend over 15 hours in office, then why is it that our companies dont take up the responsibilities to educate their employees on ways to behave in public?
We are going through times of recession and we change nothing in our lifestyle to save money for us or our country..At the most we personally cut down on eating out..Do you realise what all can be done to cut costs??
1) Ask your company to reduce the AC's. Most work places, have the AC's on at full strength through out the day..I understand if that is done in a Server Room or places that need lower temperatures for equipments to work properly. Rest of the times, AC's can be switched off at regular intervals to save electricity.
2) Wastage of Tissues. The modern IT company pampers us with free tissues, free coffee vending machines, free water, free phone facilities, free stationary, free print outs, free AC's...
Dont forget that this is all money..
Every document that you decide not to print, is saved money for a company..
Every tissue that you save, is money saved for you and the company... A tree that is not cut down somewhere....
Every time electricity consumption is reduced, is money saved for a better purpose(You never know, it might turn out to be our next month's salary)
If you see lights turned on unneccesarily, don't be ashamed to turn it off. I have felt ashamed many times but I have pushed myself to go forward and turn off that light. People have looked at me in surprise when I have done that..But I have felt a surge of pride when I explain 'Why waste electricity'!! ...I have felt good about it for the rest of the day.... Though no other Indian understands it!
The problem is that not many people even realise that a light is turned on unneccesarily..That is because they are not tuned to look out for something that can be turned off or saved.
We are responsible citizens. The country we live in doesn't matter anymore..We are facing a global crisis now..Save water, save electricity, save trees...Or else our kids will have nothing left and they will have to suffer..Let's not be selfish...Tune yourselves to be more sensitive..There is nothing to be ashamed about in that...Be proud that you think differently. You are contributing to a huge society when you do this...If educated people can't reach out and make a difference who else can?????
I used to think that this is an issue with just my workplace until my hubby tells me that its a problem in his place as well. This is not a problem with an group or organization or any institution, the problem is with each one of us..We are all brought up to save up and be selfish and protective about our nuclear families and not bother a damn about anyone else around..I remember my own mom scolding me when I was a kid when I told her during my Summer vacation that I want to clean the garbage dump in front of our colony...
Mom: "Are you crazy?? That is what the government has appointed workers for." (Horrified look on her face)
Innocent me: "Then why dont they come and clean it mummy??" (All pissed off!!)
Mom: "Aaaa...Why are you so bothered about that? You mind your business and go and study or come and help me in the kitchen or help Daddy clean the garden"
Me: "But I want to do something good"
Mom: "Helping your mom and Dad is all you have to do..And Study well and become a doctor or an engineer"
Me: "I will study well and you know that..That's not the question"
Mom is horrified and finally decides to pass the ball into my Dad's court..She knows very well how we three girls are terrified of Dad!
Mom:"Ketto....." (Translated: Listen Daddy).....ee kochinu aa road-ile poye waste vaari kalayanam ennu...Onnu vazhakku paranje....(This kid wants to clean the garbage on the road..Please scold her!)
Me: 'Damn..Okay fine..I am going to read my book'
Dad: Jinu,come here
Me....running away..."Daddy...I am going to read my book..."
Whew, that was my family picture...I can imagine millions of other kids experiencing the same Indian protective, yet callous, attitude.
I remember parents coming to my school and scolding my teachers for not teaching kids how to talk smartly and to be generous because "they spend most of their time here..They spend most of their productive time here and you need to teach them"...Isn't the same applicable after we grow up and start working??Forget about 8 hrs, we spend over 15 hours in office, then why is it that our companies dont take up the responsibilities to educate their employees on ways to behave in public?
We are going through times of recession and we change nothing in our lifestyle to save money for us or our country..At the most we personally cut down on eating out..Do you realise what all can be done to cut costs??
1) Ask your company to reduce the AC's. Most work places, have the AC's on at full strength through out the day..I understand if that is done in a Server Room or places that need lower temperatures for equipments to work properly. Rest of the times, AC's can be switched off at regular intervals to save electricity.
2) Wastage of Tissues. The modern IT company pampers us with free tissues, free coffee vending machines, free water, free phone facilities, free stationary, free print outs, free AC's...
Dont forget that this is all money..
Every document that you decide not to print, is saved money for a company..
Every tissue that you save, is money saved for you and the company... A tree that is not cut down somewhere....
Every time electricity consumption is reduced, is money saved for a better purpose(You never know, it might turn out to be our next month's salary)
If you see lights turned on unneccesarily, don't be ashamed to turn it off. I have felt ashamed many times but I have pushed myself to go forward and turn off that light. People have looked at me in surprise when I have done that..But I have felt a surge of pride when I explain 'Why waste electricity'!! ...I have felt good about it for the rest of the day.... Though no other Indian understands it!
The problem is that not many people even realise that a light is turned on unneccesarily..That is because they are not tuned to look out for something that can be turned off or saved.
We are responsible citizens. The country we live in doesn't matter anymore..We are facing a global crisis now..Save water, save electricity, save trees...Or else our kids will have nothing left and they will have to suffer..Let's not be selfish...Tune yourselves to be more sensitive..There is nothing to be ashamed about in that...Be proud that you think differently. You are contributing to a huge society when you do this...If educated people can't reach out and make a difference who else can?????
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