Power of Vaccines

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Medical science has succeeded in curing many diseases and also eradicating more than 20 life-threatening diseases through vaccines. Yet, there is a whole set of people who do not believe in the power of vaccines and hoard reservations towards it. Children are at greater risk of diseases because their immune systems are not yet fully developed, and their bodies are less able to fight off infection. They should be vaccinated at the recommended time.

Vaccines are biological substances that reduce the risks of getting a disease by working with your body’s natural defenses to build protection. Immunization currently prevents almost 3 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles.

What are vaccines?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) ‘Vaccines train your immune system to create antibodies, just as it does when it’s exposed to a disease. However, because vaccines contain only killed or weakened forms of germs like viruses or bacteria, they do not cause the disease or put you at risk of its complications’. Vaccines produce an immune response in the body, without causing illness. Receiving one or more doses of a vaccine can protect against a disease for years and sometimes for life. Vaccines prevent us from getting sick in the first place.

Why should we get vaccinated and for how long can they be delayed?

doctor-sharadha-srinivas-pediatrician-chennai — Dr. Sharadha Srinivas, Pediatrician

“Diseases like Diptheria, whooping cough, measles, meningitis, pneumonia, tetanus and polio still exist and pose life-threatening risks to us”, says Dr. Sharadha Srinivas, a pediatrician from Chennai. “These can be prevented by vaccination.”

“The birth vaccines and primary vaccines that are given at 6, 10 and 14 weeks should not be delayed and must be administered on time. But booster doses, cervical cancer vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine can be postponed”.

WHO estimates that vaccines save up to 3 million lives every year. Vaccines not only protect us but also the people around us especially babies, ill people, and immuno-compromised who are unable to receive vaccines in their body and hence depend on the immunity of others to catch and transmit vaccine-preventable diseases to them.

Why is it important for children to be vaccinated, especially during an outbreak of disease?

“During an outbreak like this, flu and influenza vaccines are very important. You must discuss with your pediatrician and immunize the child on a priority basis against these”, advises Sharadha.

Young children are exposed to diseases every day from different places and people, and this can put them at serious risk. The WHO-recommended vaccination schedule is designed to protect infants and young children as early as possible. The vaccination cards given at most health centers during a baby’s birth show the list of vaccines for the child during different periods of its growth. It also mentions when the next vaccines or booster doses are due. It is important to make sure that all these vaccines are administered on time.

Why are some people against vaccination?

“Some people believe that vaccines are not natural. But these dreaded diseases can kill your child and if we have a choice then we should take it. Side effects of vaccines are very less and the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore it is imperative to get children vaccinated against all vaccine-preventable diseases.”

“Vaccine failure does exist in all cases but it is very less. One should look at the success rate as it does protect most of the population while the others develop immunity via herd immunity.”

WHO says that delaying vaccination, increases the risk of getting seriously sick and during a disease outbreak – there may not be enough time for the vaccine to work and to receive all the recommended doses. At present, there may not be a vaccine for COVID 19, but being vaccinated against other diseases and infections means lessening the chance of catching. It also helps in maintaining health and immunity which further helps in resistance towards other infectious health hazards.

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If you want to use something natural and chemical-free on your skin to make it glow and healthy, then there is nothing better than a lemon! Its juice has some brilliant benefits that not only does wonder when you drink it but, also when you use it externally on your skin.

Lemon is blessed with an abundance of Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Phosphorus, and Carbohydrate that makes it perfect for the skin, and of course, the fact that it is easily available in the market makes it an all-rounder.

The natural elements present in lemon helps in removing dead cells, reduces age-related wrinkles, unwanted spots, and reduces pimple and acne breakouts. It contains citric acid that absorbs oil and closes open pores that do not allow dirt and germs to enter.

Below you will find the benefits of Lemon

Get rid of dark spots and pigmentation: If you are looking for ways to remove black marks from your face, then lemon is a better option for you. The citrus juice in lemon also helps in reducing age spots. All you have to do is apply lemon juice on your face every day, and soon you will find the black spots disappearing.

Destroys pimples: To let lemon work on your pimples, extract the juice from fresh lemon, and add water in it. Gently apply it evenly to your affected area. Now, let it rest on your face for 15 minutes. Once the time is over, wash your face with clean and cold water. To see the best result, practice this regimen regularly to get rid of the pimples.

Makes your skin clearer: The citrus juice present in lemon helps in making your skin clearer. All you have to do is take 2 teaspoons of lemon juice in water and mix it well. Use a cotton ball to apply it evenly on your face, and don’t forget your neck! Leave it on your skin for 30 minutes, and then wash it with cold water. You will be surprised to see your clear, glowing skin in first wash. You can add a teaspoon of honey to get soft and supple skin.

Reduces acne: Be it pimples or acne, lemon has the potential to fix anything. If you have acne-prone skin, the best way to use lemon would be using lemon peel to rub on your skin. Once you are done rubbing the lemon peel on your face and neck, wait for 10 minutes before washing it with cold water.

Reduces blackheads:To get rid of those blackheads, apply lemon juice directly on the affected area. The citrus juice immediately helps in removing black masons.

Lightens elbow darkness: Take a fresh lemon and slice it into two. Take one teaspoon of rock salt, and rub it along with the sliced lemon on your affected area. Leave it for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off. You will be surprised to see the result.

More beauty benefits of lemon

Take a lemon and squeeze it properly to its juice out. Now, add a few drops of coconut water in it. Use this combination to apply it on your body, as it is the best moisture supplement. It helps in keeping your skin moisturized.

It also helps in removing black moles that are there on the face. You not only can use lemon on your skin but can also, use it to whiten your teeth. Take lemon juice and add baking soda in it. Take the mixture and apply it on your teeth with the help of a toothbrush.

If you have oily skin, you can use lemon to remove oil from the surface. Not only that, if you struggle with crack and rough lips, using lemon will help in removing the dead skin. There is no way one can imagine the umpteen benefits of lemons. In a world where pollution, chemicals, and lifestyle are taking a toll on everyone, depending on home remedies to take care of yourself is a smart thing to do. What do you think?