Tuesday, August 31, 2010

A Considerate caregiver





The following suggestions can help make you a better and more considerate caregiver:
  • Encourage independence: If it takes your father 10 minutes to button his shirt, so be it. The 'I'll-do-it-for-you' attitude leads to work overload (for you) as well as increasing dependence and low self-esteem on the older person's part.
  • Set limits: A highly dependent parent can be demanding. You should know your limits and learn how to refuse requests politely but firmly. You could say: 'No, I'm too tired to go to the store today. We'll go tomorrow.' A failure on this count can lead to resentment and a feeling of being ill-treated on the part of the caregiver.
  • Make time for fun: Break the routine occasionally by inviting friends and other family members over to watch a funny movie or play cards. A little laughter and a bit of socialising can lift everyone's spirits.
  • Encourage your parents to remain active: Also, motivate them to take part in community activities so that they have additional sources of support, and are not totally dependent on you.
  • Share the care: When your friends or relatives offer to help, accept it gladly and gratefully.
  • Take a break: This aspect is critical. You could risk your own health if you persevere for long periods without a break. Get someone to fill in for you as often and as long as needed.
  • Cancel guilt trips: You're bound to experience anger and frustration, but don't let these feelings make you feel guilty, they are normal. Your parents most probably felt the same way about you when you used to give them a hard time as a child !
  • Stay active: Even though you may feel limited as far as time and freedom are concerned, do your best to keep your interests in a club or hobby alive. These activities will continue to enrich your life when your caregiving responsibilities are over.

Caring for an older adult is very different from caring for a child



Caring for an older adult is very different from caring for a child. With the passage of time older persons become more dependent on others, not less. On some days, the experience may feel like an emotional roller-coaster ride: you quickly move from pity and guilt to love and on to anger and frustration.

HELP TALKS - Dr.Avanti Kadam(Back Rx) on 'Prevent Backache by Learning to Sit Right - All about Ergonomics'

This video is a talk conducted by Dr.Avanti Kadam(Back Rx) at HELP on 28th Aug' 10: topic - "Prevent Backache by Learning to Sit Right - All about Ergonomics"

Dr.Avanti Kadam can be contacted at 99300 42776.





Monday, August 30, 2010

HELP TALKS - Mr.Uttam Dave on 'Root Causes of Sexual Problems'

This video is a talk conducted by Mr. Uttam Dave at HELP on 27th Aug' 10: Topic - "Root Causes of Sexual Problems"

Mr Uttam Dave(MPhil in Counseling & Guidance) conducts workshops on mental health,relationships, marriage skills,parenting skills, business skills and human sexuality.He also conducts Pre-marital counseling and advanced sex counseling at Pragat Vidya Mandir , Andheri(w)

Mr Dave also holds talks at HELP library on subjects of human interest and those which enhance the quality of our lives. Mr Dave can be contacted on 9920655464 / daveuttam7@gmail.com





Make your caregiving relationship as positive as possible



Try to make your caregiving relationship as positive as possible, while, at the same time, being realistic. The relationship you had with your parent as a child doesn't disappear, and if you had a friendly, easygoing rapport with your mother or father when you were younger, it's likely to continue. However, if the relationship was subject to stresses, they may re-emerge. Also remember that prominent personality traits tend to become exaggerated as both of you grow older.

HELP TALKS - Dr.S.Srinivasan on 'Failure is as Important as Success'

This video is a talk conducted by Dr.S.Srinivasan at HELP on 26th Aug' 10: topic - "Failure is as Important as Success"

Dr.S.Srinivasan is a Life Coach & can be contacted at balanceistheessence@gmail.com.His Website is www.thebalance.in









Saturday, August 28, 2010

HELP TALKS - Dr.Abhijit Redij on 'Stress Management with Yoga-Part 4'

This video is a Workshop conducted by Dr.Abhijit Redij at HELP on 25th Aug '10 : Topic - 'Stress Management with Yoga-Part 4'

Dr.Abhijit Redij can be contacted at 98694 36203







Beautiful and Better Smile, Without Teeth Whitener

BEAUTIFUL AND BETTER SMILE, WITHOUT TEETH WHITENER

by Dr. Leo Rebello

www.healthwisdom.org

Beautiful smile, with all 32 teeth showing, as depicted in Colgate toothpaste

advertisements seduce many to buy that toothpaste with fluoride, which,

in fact, does more harm than doing good in the long run.

Likewise all those teeth whitening products consisting of strips, gels, trays

and lights, available with your dentist, pharmacy or the grocery shops

are not advisable in the long run.

The ingredients of the teeth whiteners to remove stains from your teeth do

more harm to the teeth, gums and buccal cavity. They wear off the natural

enamel from your teeth (this is called demineralisation) due to hydrogen peroxide,

and other abrasive chemicals in them. This leads to Tooth decay which causes pain,

tooth loss, infection, chewing problems, bleeding gums and serious infection

that can travel to other parts of your body and make you very ill.

It is important to note that these bleaching products are fairly recent and their

long term side effects are not known.

If you wish to have a really dazzling smile and strong teeth, without gingivitis

and bad breath, do the following : -

(a) Take finely powdered salt, mix it with powdered charcoal and clean

your teeth with your fingers. Even tobacco stains go with that. As against

tooth brush which damage the gums, your finger strengthens the gums with

massaging.

(b) Eat lots of crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, celery,

and fresh seasonal fruits and drink citric fruit juices. They contain natural

cleansers and help scrub away the stains without leeching on the calcium

in your teeth and the bones.

(c) Use natural toothpastes like Mesvak, Vicco Vajradanti, Babul (Neem),

Homeodent (which contains sweet fennel - good as a digestive and

safe for children who eat the toothpaste), or

(d) The good old Datun stick.

In Homeopathy, for example, we have following effective remedies

Tartar formation - Fragaria (wood strawberry).

Toothache and receding gums - Ammonium Carb.

Swollen and bleeding gums - Argentum Nitricum (good also for canker sores).

Loss of enamel and gum boils - Calcarea Fluorica (good for osteoporosis, too).

To strengthen the jaws and difficult teething - Hekla Lava (good for gum abscess as well).

Keep smiling naturally; smile is contagious, why not spread a contagion?

Handle caregiving successfully




To sidestep an unpleasant situation and to ensure that you handle caregiving as successfully as possible, you should go in for a little thought, education and preplanning. To start with, hold a family session when your parents are well. Talk about the future, and what they would like you to do for them in case they fall stick. Involve your brothers and sisters in the discussion and hold it in a positive atmosphere. Although talking about old age and impending debility can be uncomfortable, and disconcerting, this could be the most positive approach in the long run. Consider covering the following areas:
  • Division of labour: Decide who will do what - in an unambiguous manner - when your parents need help. If one relative lives close by and decides to be the primary caregiver, it's crucial that the other siblings play a supportive role. One should also find answers to the following important queries: Who will give the primary caregiver a break when he or she needs it? Who will help financially? Who will lend a sympathetic ear when the primary caregiver feels overwhelmed?
  • Money: To plan for the years ahead, you should know your parents' financial resources. Such information helps you avoid the pitfalls of arranging for your parents to live beyond or below their means. If you're the main caregiver, decide well ahead of time if you want financial compensation for your efforts. This attitude might seem very commercial , but may actually help in the long run!
  • Insurance: Make sure your parents have taken adequate medical insurance to cover their medical expenses.
  • Living will: This document puts into writing what medical measures your family member does and doesn't want to be taken in the event of a terminal illness or condition.
  • Power of attorney: This legal document allows a designated person to make specified legal and financial decisions if your parent or elderly relative becomes unable to manage his or her affairs.

Friday, August 27, 2010

HELP TALKS - Dr.Sonal Motta on 'The Magic of Dowsing in Vaastu - Health and Harmony'

This video is a workshop conducted by Dr.Sonal Motta at HELP on 24th Aug' 10 : Topic - "The Magic of Dowsing in Vaastu - Health and Harmony"

Dr.Sonal Motta can be contacted at 9930099110







Caregiving: Taking Care of Elders




Thanks to the rapid advances in the field of medicine, more and more people live to a ripe old age, it is increasingly likely that you will be taking care of older relatives at home. While this has always been a traditional practice in the joint Indian family, caregiving can prove to be quite a burden in the modern Indian city. Caregiving refers to a wide range of involvement - everything, from checking in on your relatives every day at their places of residence to providing round-the-clock care for your parents in your own home.
Entering into a caregiving relationship offers a valuable chance to reconnect with someone for whom you care deeply. But as this person ages and becomes more infirm and demanding with each passing day the relationship can become increasingly stressful and, at times, acrimonious. Also, ambivalent or unhappy feelings from the past can re-emerge and cause pain and bitterness, unless you work through them positively. If you're trying to shoulder the burden all alone, the frustrations may overwhelm you. An amicable situation can turn sour and, in some cases, mistreatment or abuse of the older person could be the tragic result. As testimony to this disquieting but indisputable reality, the media is reporting more and more cases of abuse and neglect of the elderly in India. Many parents have even been forced to commit suicide when they have got fed up of the ill-treatment they have received.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Old age and active sex life




Contrary to popular opinion, most senior citizens want to enjoy active, and satisfying sex lives. The natural process of aging does entail physical changes that can sometimes adversely affect sexual intimacy and your capabilities during intercourse. Women may experience discomfort during sex because their vagina becomes drier and more fragile. As they get older, men often notice differences in their erection patterns, and it may take them longer to achieve an erection and to sustain it. Also, the erection may not be as firm or as large as during their younger years. Anxiety and depression, which often accompany a chronic illness can also interfere with your libido.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

HELP TALKS - Ms.Rukmini Iyer on Lost Time Gone Forever - Busting the Myths of Time

This video is a talk by Ms.Rukmini Iyer at HELP on 23rdAug,10. Topic "Lost Time Gone Forever - Busting the Myths of Time". Ms.Rukmini Iyer can be contacted at 98190 74099. This is part of the HELP Talk series at HELP, Health Education Library for People, the worlds largest free patient education library www.healthlibrary.com









Tuesday, August 24, 2010

HELP TALKS - Mr.Niranjan Gogia on Yoga for Cervical Spondylosis

This video is a workshop conducted by Mr.Niranjan Gogia at HELP on 21st Aug '10 : topic - "Yoga for Cervical Spondylosis"

Mr.Niranjan Gogia can be contacted at 9820093514









TIPS FOR HEALTHY AGING




The following points should be borne in mind:
  • Ensure a balanced diet, including five helpings of fruits and vegetables a day.
  • Exercise regularly. However, check with your doctor before starting an exercise programme.
  • Go in for regular health check-ups.
  • Don't ever smoke. If you have picked up the habit, it's never too late to stop.
  • Practice safety habits at home to prevent falls and fractures. Always wear your seatbelt while driving a vehicle.
  • Stay in touch with family and friends. Remain active through work and play and interact regularly with other members of the community.
  • If you drink alcohol, moderation is the keyword. Let someone else drive the vehicle after each of your drinking bouts!
  • Adopt and maintain a positive attitude towards life. Do things that make you happy.

Since it's extremely difficult to change the habits of a lifetime overnight, it would be highly beneficial to develop good habits right from childhood. Such habits are likely to pay you rich dividends in the future, so that you can be playing golf while your contemporaries are ailing in hospital beds!
Fortunately, aging doesn't have to be a downhill slides and gaining adequate knowledge about changing body patterns over time can help you age the healthy way. Older people have the reputation of being more mature, experienced and thoughtful. Whether or not you become wiser as you grow older, you are likely to become farsighted for sure ! Farsightedness ( presbyopia ) is a change in vision that's a normal part of aging. Presbyopia is caused by a gradual hardening of the eye's lens, which impairs your ability to see up close. Your optometrist may recommend a pair of non-prescription reading glasses or prescribe bifocals for you. Staying active is a terrific way to stave off the negative effects of aging because it helps your body maintain, improve and even repair itself. Physical activity increases flexibility, lowers blood pressure, strengthens bones, slows down the process of osteoporosis, and promotes weight loss. The remarkable aspect about getting fit is that it's never too late to start. Fifteen to 30 minutes of exercise, with a warm-up and a cool-down, three or four times a week, would be ideal. Remember to start out slowly, exercising for about five to ten minutes twice a week, and gradually build up to a higher level of activity. choose an activity that you'll enjoy, and try to get a friend to accompany you. Brisk walking, swimming and yoga are just a few of the options. Before starting your regular exercise regimen, please check with your doctor about possible complications or risks.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Increase the chances of your growing old healthily!




Despite the advertised claims to the contrary, there is no fountain of youth or magic potion that can prevent the process of aging. And no one has still answered the key question: why do we grow old? According to a popular theory, free radicals damage cells, tissues and organs progressively and as we age the body's ability to neutralize such damages wanes. Presently, research is being conducted to test the anti-aging effects of human growth hormones, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), and other hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. However, it's too early to ascertain whether or not any of these hormones will be effective. The fact remains that there is still no known drug, pill, or treatment that has been proven to reverse the aging process or to extend life. However, the good news is that there is solid evidence to prove that adopting a healthy lifestyle can both lengthen and improve the quality of an individual's later years.

Growing Old






Growing old is a bad habit which a busy man has no time to form. - - Andre Maurois.
The best way to live to a ripe old age entails possessing the right genes. In other words, if your parents and grandparents have led long lives, you are likely to do so too! However, the fact remains that while you cannot choose your parents, you can, nevertheless, increase the chances of your growing old healthily!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Report your child’s symptoms accurately






Remember that you can help doctors and nurses do their job more competently by observing and reporting your child's symptoms accurately. It helps to prepare in advance by writing down your questions and observations.
A child in hospital can feel comforted if you bring along a few treasures such as favourite dolls, stuffed animals, security blankets or family pictures. These items provide a connection to home. School homework may not be a 'treasure,' but if your child is able to work on class assignments at the hospital, the process can ease the transition back to school. Although a hospital stay can be frightening, well-prepared children often show remarkable courage. Remember that children are very resilient, and can bounce back to health rapidly!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

HELP TALKS - Mr. Rashid Merchant on The Magic of Now-Live in the Present

This video is a Talk conducted by Mr. Rashid Merchant at HELP on 20th Aug '10 : topic - "The Magic of Now-Live in the Present"

Mr. Rashid Merchant is a motivation/personality development teacher. He can be contacted at 98701 99082





When your child needs to be admitted to a hospital….




Admission to the hospital early in the morning, immediately before the planned procedure or surgery, is common, but this step affords little time for a child to adjust to the new environment. Ask the authorities if your child can visit the hospital a day or two before scheduled surgery to help him understand what will happen. All children should be told ahead of time what to expect, but very young children may not possess a clear concept of time, such as tomorrow or next week, so that a review of what is going to happen, just before it occurs, can help children overcome their fears.
Children often demonstrate their understanding of the world through the medium of play. You may get an opportunity to reassure your child if you observe misconceptions about the hospital in his play. Many progressive hospitals offer children a playroom, so that they can relax, even when they are in hospital. Some hospitals even allow them to tour a 'mock' operation theatre; and wear nurses' uniforms and doctors' masks, so that they are more comfortable in a hospital setting. After hospitalization, play can be a very beneficial way for young children to make sense of their experiences. Reading aloud children's stories about hospitals before and after your child's stay also can be helpful. Most hospitals encourage parents or close relatives to stay overnight with their child. A parent or family member can provide security in the unfamiliar and somewhat disorienting world of the hospital. Stay with younger children, especially, as much as possible. If you need to leave, it is best to be factual with your child about where you will be, why you need to go, and when you plan to return.

Friday, August 20, 2010

7 major ingredients in a plan for good health!




It’s simple to live healthily — and it’s not expensive either ! There are only seven major ingredients in a plan for good health:
  • Exercise: Work up to a regular aerobic (endurance) exercise program.
  • Diet and nutrition: Everything in moderation – and cut down on the fat.
  • Weight Control: Maintain a healthy weight, avoid gaining and losing it.
  • No smoking: Consider smoking as enemy number one.
  • Alcohol moderation: Abstinence would be ideal.
  • Avoiding injury: Use your common sense (for example, by using seat belts, or opting only for safe sex).
  • Disease prevention: This can be achieved through periodic check-ups, immunization and health risk appraisals.

HELP TALKS - Mr.Arya Guruji on Philosophy of Three Minds

This video is a talk conducted by Mr.Arya Guruji at HELP on 19 Aug' 10 on 'Philosophy of Three Minds'

Mr.Arya Guruji can be contacted at 022 25322759







Thursday, August 19, 2010

HELP TALKS - Ms.Rajni Agarwal on Nurturing Relationships-Developing Healthy Attitude to Achieve Better Relationship

This video is a talk conducted by Ms.Rajni Agarwal at HELP on 18th Aug' 10 on 'Nurturing Relationships-Developing Healthy Attitude to Achieve Better Relationship'

She can be contacted at rajni.n.agarwal@gmail.com







Taking your child to a doctor




You can find out what it is that makes your child most relaxed by simply asking. For example, if he says he needs his favorite stuffed toy to make him feel brave, then bringing it to the doctor's office would be an enormous help. Remember that in the long run, your child's positive attitude toward his health can start with happy experiences at the doctor's.
Sometimes, your child may be sick enough to need hospitalization. Remember that hospitalization can be a scary experience even for adults, so that it's likely to be even worse for children. If you think about it from a child's perspective, a stay at a hospital can be scary and confusing! "Is the stretcher going to stretch me?" "Is the IV like the plant that covers up buildings? "Some of your child's misunderstandings might seem humorous, but they probably indicate serious anxiety about entering the hospital. Children commonly wonder: Will it hurt? Will mom or dad be with me? Will I get better? Is it my fault? When can I go home? Why don't my friends have to go to the hospital? For many children, a hospital stay often represents their first night in an unfamiliar setting, away from the comfortable surroundings of home. Before arriving at the hospital, talk with your child about what to expect and why hospitalization is necessary. Be confident, honest and serene. Accurate information - given in a way that child a can understand - is the best way to reassure and calm your child. If you tell him that a procedure will not hurt and then it does, you stand to lose credibility and he may not trust you again. It is unfortunately a fact of life that medical procedures can be painful. However, they are often necessary in order to help your child recover, and if your child can be reassured so that he cooperates in his care (rather than fights it), this can help to improve the care he receives, that would lead to optimum benefit as a result of for their medical care.


Parents who remain calm help their children feel calm. If you don't know what is happening with regard your child's care, ask a doctor or nurse to explain the details to you. Remember that families are members of the health-care team, and that you, as a parent, are the expert on your child!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

HELP TALKS - Mr.Anand Ghuyre on The Art of Palm Reading – To Reveal Your Health

This video is a Talk conducted by Mr.Anand Ghurye at HELP on 17th Aug' 10 Topic-"The Art of Palm Reading – To Reveal Your Health"

Mr.Anand Ghurye can be contacted at 98204 89416.





HELP TALKS - Mr. Kishore Kuvavala on Laughter Yoga - Laugh Your Way To Good Health

This video is a workshop conducted by Mr. Kishore Kuvavala at HELP on 16th Aug' 10: topic - "Laughter Yoga - Laugh Your Way To Good Health"

Mr.Kishore Kuvavala is the President of the Priyadarshini Laughter Club & can be contacted at 9323273127. His Website address is www.essenceoflaughter.com









Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy



The following pointers would prove useful during your pregnancy.
  • Learn as much as possible about the wonderful ways in which your body is changing and about how your baby is growing. Talk to your mother, your friends, and other women about pregnancy, labour and birth. Attend pregnancy-related classes, read the relevant books, and watch videos about normal pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet and drink lots of water.
  • Avoid substances that may be dangerous for you and your baby such as cigarettes, alcohol and street drugs.
    Do not take any medications, even over-the-counter varieties, unless you have discussed them with your doctor and taken his approval.
  • Remain active! Continue with the exercise programmes that you were following before you became pregnant, modified, if needed, according to the recommendations of your doctor. If you were not exercising at all before becoming pregnant, consider going in for walking or swimming. Start with short periods of exercise, and gradually increase the amount of time.
  • Get plenty of rest. Listen to your body to determine if you need short breaks during the day as well as to determine how many hours of sleep you need at night.
  • Talk to your baby and enjoy your growing bond with him. Research now shows that babies can react to the sense of touch as early as ten weeks of pregnancy! A little later, they can react to light, your voice, music, and other sounds.
  • Try to minimize the stress in your life by practising stress management techniques such as slow and deep breathing, yoga and relaxing various muscle groups when you feel stressed.
  • Plan your baby's birth. For most women, the process is normal, natural, and healthy. nd healthy.
  • Enjoy this special time in your life! Your husband and, your family and friends can help you make the most of this wonderful transition. Have confidence in your body's ability to grow, nourish, and give birth to this baby just as women have done for centuries. centuries.
  • During pregnancy, many women are highly motivated to remain as healthy as possible, so that they can give their baby the best start in life. Pregnancy is an excellent opportunity to develop good health habits; you can use these habits to keep yourself healthy for the rest of your life!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Are you a Smart Patient?



One factor which galvanizes many people to get serious about living healthily is confronting a serious illness, either afflicting them, or a friend or a relative. This realization usually acts like a kick in the pants, and makes them reform quickly! Many patients, after having been through the rigors of a heart attack, for example, are so thankful to be alive that they’re very willing to make serious changes in lifestyle. However, a smart person learns from others, and you don’t have to wait for an agonizing incident to jumpstart a change in your life!

To read more on Putting Patients First:
http://patients1st.blogspot.com/2010/07/are-you-smart-patient.html

HELP TALKS - Ms.Dimple Shah on Using play to enhance bonding with your child

This video is a talk conducted by Ms.Dimple Shah at HELP on 14th Aug' 10: topic - "Using play to enhance bonding with your child"

Ms.Dimple Shah can be contacted at 9960900363









HELP TALKS - Dr.Muneerah Kuraishi on Tummy Tuck and Hip Reduction by Yoga

This video is a workshop conducted by Dr. Muneerah Kuraishi at HELP on 12th Aug '10 : topic - "Tummy Tuck and Hip Reduction by Yoga"

Dr.Muneerah Kuraishi can be contacted at 9322263489/ 9224531106













Monday, August 16, 2010

HELP TALKS - Dr.Pradip Butale on General outlook on Anemia

This video is a talk conducted by Dr.Pradip Butale at HELP on 13th Aug' 10: topic - "General outlook on Anemia"

Dr.Pradip Butale can be contacted at 98705 69400









Saturday, August 14, 2010

ABCD Approach to Malaria.


Free Community Service from HELP. Click here to Subscribe to FREE Smses on your mobile and protect yourself from the deadly disease which has made a comeback ! Prevent and Fight Malaria.





Download your brochure from http://www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/InfectiousDiseases/TravelHealth/Malariainformationfortravellerleaflet/

Malaria is a serious illness that is common in many tropical countries.

Symptoms can develop rapidly and it can kill you, but if you take the
correct precautions you can greatly reduce your risk of catching it. The
disease is spread by mosquitoes that bite at night (dusk to dawn).
You can protect yourself against malaria, and you must do so every time
you visit a country with malaria. This is very important, even if you grew
up or lived there and are now returning to visit your friends or family.
No one has full immunity to malaria. Any partial protection you may have
from being brought up in a malarious country is quickly lost when you live
in countries with no malaria, so everyone needs to take precautions to
avoid getting malaria.
Your family are at risk as well. Babies and children, especially those born
outside the tropics, can get very sick with malaria very quickly. It is also
particularly dangerous for pregnant women, who should avoid visits to
malarious areas. Use the ABCD approach to protect yourself.


ABCD approach (be Aware of the risks; use Bite prevention; take Chemoprophylaxis;
seek early Diagnosis).

A – be Aware of the risks

Malaria is common in many parts of Africa, Asia, the Indian subcontinent,
South America and some areas in the Far and Middle East. The risk is
A5 malaria leaflet 3 Augustparticularly high in sub-Saharan Africa.
See your doctor, nurse or pharmacist providing travel health services or
go to a travel clinic to check if there is malaria in the country you are
visiting. They can give you malaria prevention advice. Seek their advice
6-8 weeks before your trip, if possible, but remember it is never too late
to seek advice. Even last-minute travellers can get useful protection.

B – Use Bite Prevention

• Use an insect repellent containing DEET. Other effective repellents are
picaridin (icaridin) and lemon eucalyptus. These are readily available in
pharmacies or camping and travel shops. Remember to reapply insect
repellent frequently and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations,
particularly when applying repellents to young children.
• Cover up with trousers and long-sleeved clothes after sunset.
• Treat clothing with insecticides.
• Use knockdown sprays or coils to kill any mosquitoes before you go to
bed. These products are readily available in pharmacies or travel and
camping shops.
• Sleep in a properly screened, air conditioned room or under a
mosquito net that has been treated with insecticide.
Homoeopathic or herbal remedies, electronic buzzers, garlic and
vitamins do not protect against mosquito bites.

C – Take Chemoprophylaxis (malaria tablets)
Tablets to prevent malaria play a very important role in protecting you.
There are a number of different types. Ask your doctor, nurse or
pharmacist providing travel health services which type of tablets you
and your family need.
Make sure you understand how and when to take your tablets. You need
to start taking them before you go, continue all the time you are away
and also for a period of time when you return. Remember – it is vital that
you finish the course of tablets when you get back to make sure you are
properly protected. Homoeopathic or herbal remedies do not protect
against malaria and must not be used in place of antimalarial tablets.

D – seek early Diagnosis if you become unwell
Although modern prevention methods are highly effective and can
greatly reduce your risk of dying from this dangerous disease, they do
not give 100% protection.
If you or any of your family has a fever or flu-like illness after being in a
country with malaria you must see your doctor urgently. Tell them where
you have been and mention malaria. Remember you could still have
malaria, even a year after a trip to a malaria-risk region.