Category: Healthcare

Building Immunity with Food During COVID-19

Posted on by amelioadmin

It’s important to ensure that your little ones eat a balanced diet filled with essential nutrients in order for them to build up their immunity and help their bodies fight off infection. We know that it’s not easy, especially since the festival season is just kicking in! When possible, limit access to highly processed foods that are high in calories but low in nutrition and try to introduce nutrient rich foods. There are a number of healthy but tasty recipes that you can try out at home!

Here are some key immune-boosting nutrients:

  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin D
  • Selenium
  • Beta Carotene
  • Protein

Getting these essential nutrients in doesn’t have to be a tough task!

Vegetable Pulao is a simple meal that you probably make at home already, which has a variety of ingredients with a high level of nutrients:

Green peas are rich in heart healthy nutrients like Vitamins A, B1, B6 and C. They are also rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids which help in improving immunity. Besides, they are also an excellent source of protein, with 8gms in one cup of peas.

Green beans are low in sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol, and is a great source of protein and Vitamins A, B6, C and K. They may also support heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation.

Carrots are a particularly good source of beta carotene, fibre, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants, are weight-loss-friendly food and have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved eye health.

Paneer is a great source of protein, Selenium, Vitamin B6, B12, Calcium and Zinc. Studies have linked calcium and other components of dairy to reduced weight and easier weight maintenance, especially when combined with exercise.

Preparing meals with ginger, garlic and turmeric have had a long history of boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

Pre and post-playtime snacks can be a nutrition bar or a fruit smoothie or yoghurt with berries that can provide daily requirements of immunity boosting nutrients. A handful of mixed nuts are the easiest to snack on too.

Stay safe, stay healthy!

Amelio Shares-a-book at The Hindu Lit for Life 2017

Posted on by amelioadmin

Amelio is a proud partner of The Hindu Lit for Life Children’s Festival 2017. On 15th January, Amelio will create and host a “Free Book Exchange corner” where kids can drop a book and pick up a book. All free!

Amelio hopes to encourage children to get into the habit of sharing and caring for books through this initiatives. Books at the Book Exchange corner will be categorized into Book Lovers (Upto 2 years), Beginners (2-3 years), Early Readers (3-6 years) and Reading Champs (6+ years).

So bring a book and take a book at The Hindu Children’s Lit Fest 2017.

Call 90030 88331 for more information!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Posted on by sridevi

 

Summer Hacks to Ensure Your Children Stay Healthy and Safe

Posted on by sridevi

 

When all you see around you are watermelon vendors, mangoes swaying temptingly from the mango trees and roads lined with tiny white neem flowers, it can only mean one thing. It’s summer again! For a while, there will be no frenetic mornings getting kids ready for school and no need to constantly shout reminders about homework.

But summer also brings its own share of worries – about the extreme heat and associated risks for children. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your children stay cool and healthy this summer.

 

  1. Two glasses of water, every hour

Children tend to get dehydrated much faster than adults because a child’s body surface area makes up a much larger proportion of their overall weight than adults. If your child feels thirsty, he might already be mildly dehydrated because thirst kicks in when a child has lost about 2% of his body weight through sweat.

So don’t wait for him to feel thirsty, and ensure that he drinks a little water on the hour every hour. If your kids are heading out to play, make sure they drink some water before they bolt out the door. A good thumb rule for children is to drink about 10 gulps of water for every half hour of play.

  1. Juice up, on the right stuff

Give your children tender coconut water, buttermilk or home-made sweet lime or orange juices. Avoid carbonated or pre-packaged juices as they contain high levels of sugar. Even fruits are good for hydration because they contain high levels of fluids.

  1. The right clothing

When your children are outdoors during the day in summer, make sure they have a cap on. Apply sunscreen liberally. Dress them up in light and airy summer clothing, and avoid synthetic materials at any cost. Synthetic materials tend to trap in the heat and make it much warmer for the child. As a rule, dress them in whites or light colours and avoid darker colours during the day, especially when children are outdoors.

  1. Get them out of the car!

Did you know that the temperature inside a car can increase by 19 degrees in just 10 minutes? Even if you think you will be out only for a few minutes, never leave children inside the car, alone. Not even for a minute, not even when the windows are opened a bit.

  1. Get the shots

Visit the pediatrician and ensure the children’s vaccinations are up to date. In the high heat, several infections such as chicken pox or measles tend to spread. Make sure your child is immunized against them.

  1. Create a summer survival kit

Whenever you step out with your kids, carry a bag with sunscreen, a bottle of water, some ORS sachets, a towel and a cap. It comes in handy much more than you think.

  1. Stay indoors during the day

It is best to keep children indoors during the day, especially between 10am and 4pm. Try to avoid traveling with them on two wheelers during this period as well, and if you must travel, ensure that they gulp some water before they get on the road, and put on caps and sunscreen for them.

With a little care and precaution, summer can be a lot of fun with children. Stay cool, beat the heat and the only thing you will need to worry about is how to keep them occupied. We will give you some tips for that soon – keep checking our blogs!

 

7 Nutritious Snacks That You Can Prepare In Less Than 10 Minutes!

Posted on by amelioadmin

Packing a snack for your Li’l one could be one of the first challenges you face every morning. We understand your predicament!

You can’t pack the same thing every day.  But, you still have to choose from those ingredients that your toddler likes.  Just be creative!

Make sure

  • You pack the right quantity. Toddlers have tiny tummies!
  • You make small pieces of whatever you pack.
  • You surprise your child – Garnish a Smile! Presentation matters.

You must be asking, “Where is the time to pay attention to details?” Not every detail requires time. A little thinking can make your job easier in the kitchen.

A little instigation will help you don the creative hat. And, we will do just that with the ideas below.

Banana with honey and nuts

Slice banana into circles, pour a dash of honey and sprinkle some nuts and dates! It is the perfect snack. It provides the much needed nutrition for your child – carbohydrates, protein and unsaturated fat.

2. Grated carrots with a dash of lime

Grate carrots, squeeze lime and garnish with coriander. A yummy snack which is rich in Vitamin A. You could also add sprouts/boiled beans to the grated carrots.

3. Ragi Idli

The traditional Idli with a twist, mix Ragi batter to the urad dal batter instead of rice. Chop carrots, beans, and other veggies that your child likes and add it to the fermented batter. Visually appealing Ragi Idli is ready!

4. Eggs

We can’t refute the nutritional value of an egg. It is rich in folate, lutein besides protein. Scramble eggs and add boiled veggies (colorful) to it. It would make a lip smacking, healthy breakfast.

5. Simple Sandwich

Spread butter on one side; sprinkle diced cucumber, tomato and cheese. Toast the sandwich and make small chunks so it is easy for your toddler to gobble them quickly.

6. Mushroom Sauté  with lettuce

Mushrooms are good source of iron and Vitamin D. Sauté mushrooms in butter with salt and pepper. Chop lettuce finely and mix the mushrooms for a healthy salad.

7. Fruit Shakes

A thick shake can definitely replace a light, solid snack! A cup of milk, one banana and a few berries make a delicious shake. You could also add yoghurt to the shake.

Do try them out and let us know which one won your toddler’s tummy! If you have any easy recipe to share with us, feel free to leave a comment.