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A smile can go a long way. It can start a friendship, dissolve an argument and spread happiness. Scientific research has shown that smiling, or just seeing a smile, is contagious and can stimulate happy thoughts, even if you're not feeling particularly joyful at the time. So it seems our facial expressions have a greater impact on our lives than you might have thought Here, expert Susannah Schaefer, CEO of charity Smile Train, explains the physical benefits associated with smiling. 1. IT LOWERS STRESS When a person is smiling, it affects certain muscles within the body that make you feel happy. The movement of muscles in your face releases chemicals called endorphins which trigger a po...

TOOLS FOR ENCOURAGING GOOD BEHAVIOUR IN TODDLERS Toddler tantrums and other behavioral issues are common problems most parents face with their children. The good news is that with the help of an established daily routine, and some timely and positive attention, you can encourage good behavior in your toddler. At their age, toddlers start exhibiting independence and want things to be done their way. This may lead them to throw tantrums, or to behave inappropriately, which can be frustrating for parents. With the use of these simple tips, you can encourage good behavior in your children, and also help them boost their self-confidence. EXPRESS YOUR LOVEYour toddler is too young to understa...

Temperament: what is it? Temperament is the way children respond to the world. You can think about your child’s temperament in terms of how much or how little they show of these three qualities: Reactivity: this is how strongly children react to things like exciting events or not getting their own way. Reactive children tend to feel things strongly. Self-regulation: this is how much children can control their behavior, including the way they show their feelings. It’s also about how much children can control their attention and how persistent they are. Sociability: this is how comfortable children are when they meet new people or have new experiences. Adapting your parenting for you...

By Rachel Reiff Ellis A lack of sleep at night can make you cranky the next day. And over time, skimping on sleep can mess up more than just your morning mood. Studies show getting quality sleep on a regular basis can help improve all sorts of issues, from your blood sugar to your workouts. Here's why you should give your body the ZZZs it needs. SHARPER BRAIN When you're running low on sleep, you'll probably have trouble holding onto and recalling details. That's because sleep plays a big part in both learning and memory. Without enough sleep, it's tough to focus and take in new information. Your brain also doesn't have enough time to properly store memories so you can pull them up later...

by Priya Joi As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is well underway, some countries are starting to think about mixing vaccine products, where one vaccine is given as the first shot and a second vaccine of a different type and different manufacturer is given several weeks later. Mixing vaccine products could be a good idea for many reasons. Supply bottlenecks have led to shortages in several countries, so being able to mix vaccines from different manufacturers may reduce the pressure on vaccine supply. Moreover, it there is some preliminary evidence to suggest that it could also potentially lead to a stronger immune response compared to two doses of the same vaccine. Some countries are planning...

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Mental Health It’s as important as physical health Contributor: Psychiatrist Karen Jacobs, DO Ashamed. Embarrassed. Afraid. All too often, these emotions stop people from sharing their mental health concerns with a doctor. But living a full, productive life depends on more than just what you think of as “physical” health. Mental health matters just as much. Unfortunately, mental illness still comes with stigma in our society. Here’s my message to you: Tell your doctor if you are having any signs or symptoms of mental illness. Whether you face common issues such as anxiety or depression or more rare conditions such as schizophrenia, your doctor can hel...

Health experts and researchers have reiterated that getting enough vitamin D bolsters one’s immunity and keeps Covid-19 at bay With a UAE study confirming that vitamin D deficiency can put one at increased risk of severe Covid-19, doctors have highlighted the importance of getting enough of the sunshine vitamin. But how will you know if your vitamin D levels need a boost? Healthcare specialists said that a vitamin D test can be taken if one experiences pain in the joints, bones and muscles, and if he or she often gets sick or experiences fatigue. Dr. Rasha Alani, family medicine specialist at Medcare Medical Centre, said on average, it would be good to get vitamin D levels checked every...

The country recorded its hottest temperature yet over the weekend, with the mercury soaring to 51°C at Sweihan in Al Ain. And it’s only going to get hotter. So, we spoke to experts and doctors to keep you safe and cool amid scorching summer temperatures. STAY HYDRATED AND MAKE A SPLASH: - Keep a water bottle handy, even if you don’t feel thirsty. - It’s important that you’re aware of your body and hydration levels. Dr. Vrishali Rohankar, General Practitioner & Medical Director, Aster Clinic, listed out the signs to look out for to avoid heat strokes: - Dizziness or headaches - Dry mouth - Rapid heart rate - Difficulty walking - Fatigue - Muscle cramps - Shallow, rapid breath...

Medics warned that excessive alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, making one vulnerable to Covid-19 Doctors have reported an increase in alcohol-related hospitalization cases amid the pandemic. On World Liver Day, they reiterated how drinking liquor weakens the immune system and leads to critical diseases. Dr. Eswar Moparty, gastroenterologist at Medeor Hospital, Dubai, noted that alcohol consumption — especially drinking to cope with work-related stress — is on the rise. “There is an increase in the number of people consuming alcohol. Being off work, confined at home with depression due to lockdown or restrictions, some people tend to drink alcohol in greater quantities. There...

Everyone’s talking about how hot it is outside as if the person sweating next to them wasn’t already aware of it. But there’s no need to avoid the great outdoors—or your workout—just because it’s warm! Just make sure you’re well-hydrated in these types of temperatures. For the most part, it’s an easy task – keep a bottle of water nearby and drink it regularly. But there’s more to just drinking water to stay hydrated. It’s about recognizing the signs of dehydration, in yourself and especially among infants, children, and the elderly, who may not be as diligent about drinking water routinely. Signs of dehydration: · Dry mouth and throat · Fatigue · Little to no urine · Little to no tear...