Tanya Dutt

Cursing Around Kids: Does It Cause Harm?

While the f-word becoming more normal than a 'hi', casual swearing has become somewhat normalized, the issue of whether parents should curse in front of their children has now become more relevant than ever. This has caused quite a debate among parents, educators, and psychologists regarding the effects of this behavior on children.

Some say it does not matter, and others are worried about its impact on children's behavior and social skills in the long run. So, what is the verdict? Let's understand the issue and explore whether or not cursing in front of kids is really as problematic as it might seem.

<h2>Social Implications of Parents Swearing</h2>

Parents often find themselves in situations where frustration or stress leads them to use colorful language. From a burnt dinner to a traffic jam, expletives sometimes slip out, and many wonder whether their kids are paying attention. Indeed, children are like sponges—absorbing everything they hear, see, and experience. So, when they overhear their parents swearing, what does it mean for them?

Some parents worry that exposure to bad language from their children will lead down a slippery slope of further inappropriate behavior, like "gateway drugs" to serious problems. Others worry their children will learn to throw around swear words without good judgment, and then there'll be social consequences, including embarrassing moments in school or conflicts with teachers. It's easy to see how this could become an anxiety point for parents.

A 2011 paper on <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">Pediatrics assessed the nature</a> and scope of children's perceptions of swearing in games and videos to television programming by establishing whether exposure to more profanity leads kids into engaging in more aggression than children not exposed. Indeed, moderate positive relationship occurred; that is to say that casual use of cursing may actually affect language as perceived, behavior as perceived and perception on social norms.

However, it is important to understand that the effect of listening to curse words is quite situation-specific and depends more upon the context in which those words are used as well as the frequency by which children are exposed to these words. For instance, when children are exposed occasionally with stressful or private moments, that isn't as harmful as a habitual use of abusive or degrading words.

<h2>Language of Swearing: Does It Harm or Help?</h2>

For a moment now, research has shown otherwise-indeed, that people generally believe to be the converse-swearing does not have dire effects as most people view it. In fact, within controlled contexts, profanities have been associated with positives in language development. 

Experts have demonstrated that those capable of fluently using what society will have termed curse words are significantly able to give appropriate expression of complex emotions thereby suggesting that swearing, although careful should be reflective of linguistic and emotionality creativity.

On the other hand, though, some research suggests swearing can also be a way of having a cathartic release. Swearing to relieve a moment of suffering or annoyance has been established to be a pain enhancer. This may suggest swearing in the presence of kids, within reasonable limits, can represent a harmless emotional release for their parents.

However, it would be vital to consider the language being employed. Though slurs used for emphasis or moments of frustration may not do any harm, the intention behind some words can go a long way. Using derogatory terms or slurs in the presence of children is a way of reinforcing harmful societal beliefs and negative stereotypes. 

This was illustrated in a 2007 study published in <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/home/jea" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">The Journal of Early Adolescence</a>, which discovered that being exposed to homophobic slurs was associated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression in children. Therefore, although casual swearing is not by itself damaging, hate-filled language is.

One of the primary reasons parents worry is whether their kids will adopt the bad language they hear. Children, especially those under 5 years old, are very prone to mimicking everything they hear. If the young child hears their parents uttering these words most of the time, then they are likely to say them as well, without fully understanding their meanings or appropriateness for use. Such situations often lead to embarrassment or awkwardness, especially in places such as school or social events.

However, as children grow older and acquire a better understanding of the language, they start grasping the subtlety of social norms. This is when parents often observe that children who are frequently exposed to occasional swearing are not imitating the behavior themselves. Some children, even those who hear swearing from their parents, do not use it, especially if it is not taboo anymore. The concept is that when the language is not considered a "forbidden fruit," it loses its allure.

Basically, when the swearing gets out of proportion or done towards children, then there is a risk of resultant damage. Experts say that only occasional use of curse words by oneself in private won't do much harm. The actual problem is present when the habit becomes part of regular communication or if it is used in a hostile or to belittle others' manner. Using swelling as the punitive measure or lowering the prestige of children is highly not acceptable in any case.

It's about balance, like most things in parenting. Parents who use the word in a non-abusive manner and in proper context are unlikely to find anything wrong with their children's development. In fact, some research suggests that children who hear their parents swear have a better understanding of language and emotional expression.

So, is cursing in front of kids a bad idea? Not necessarily, if done thoughtfully and in moderation. The real problem is not the words themselves, but the context in which those words are used and the intentions behind them. Swearing is a natural part of language, but when used indiscriminately or abusively, it can be offensive. 

Parents should aim to model respectful communication, and always be mindful of how and when they use language in front of their children. Ultimately, the key lies in teaching children about appropriate language and the importance of using words thoughtfully and responsibly.

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While the f-word becoming more normal than a 'hi', casual swearing has become somewhat normalized, the issue of whether parents should curse in front of their children has now become more relevant than ever. This has caused quite a debate among parents, educators, and psychologists regarding the effects of this behavior on children.Some say it does not matter, and others are worried about its impact on children's behavior and social skills in the long run. So, what is the verdict? Let's understand the issue and explore whether or not cursing in front of kids is really as problematic as it might seem.Social Implications of Parents SwearingParents often find themselves in situations where frustration or stress leads them to use colorful language. From a burnt dinner to a traffic jam, expletives sometimes slip out, and many wonder whether their kids are paying attention. Indeed, children are like sponges—absorbing everything they hear, see, and experience. So, when they overhear their parents swearing, what does it mean for them?Some parents worry that exposure to bad language from their children will lead down a slippery slope of further inappropriate behavior, like "gateway drugs" to serious problems. Others worry their children will learn to throw around swear words without good judgment, and then there'll be social consequences, including embarrassing moments in school or conflicts with teachers. It's easy to see how this could become an anxiety point for parents.A 2011 paper on Pediatrics assessed the nature and scope of children's perceptions of swearing in games and videos to television programming by establishing whether exposure to more profanity leads kids into engaging in more aggression than children not exposed. Indeed, moderate positive relationship occurred; that is to say that casual use of cursing may actually affect language as perceived, behavior as perceived and perception on social norms.However, it is important to understand that the effect of listening to curse words is quite situation-specific and depends more upon the context in which those words are used as well as the frequency by which children are exposed to these words. For instance, when children are exposed occasionally with stressful or private moments, that isn't as harmful as a habitual use of abusive or degrading words.Language of Swearing: Does It Harm or Help?For a moment now, research has shown otherwise-indeed, that people generally believe to be the converse-swearing does not have dire effects as most people view it. In fact, within controlled contexts, profanities have been associated with positives in language development. Experts have demonstrated that those capable of fluently using what society will have termed curse words are significantly able to give appropriate expression of complex emotions thereby suggesting that swearing, although careful should be reflective of linguistic and emotionality creativity.On the other hand, though, some research suggests swearing can also be a way of having a cathartic release. Swearing to relieve a moment of suffering or annoyance has been established to be a pain enhancer. This may suggest swearing in the presence of kids, within reasonable limits, can represent a harmless emotional release for their parents.However, it would be vital to consider the language being employed. Though slurs used for emphasis or moments of frustration may not do any harm, the intention behind some words can go a long way. Using derogatory terms or slurs in the presence of children is a way of reinforcing harmful societal beliefs and negative stereotypes. This was illustrated in a 2007 study published in The Journal of Early Adolescence, which discovered that being exposed to homophobic slurs was associated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression in children. Therefore, although casual swearing is not by itself damaging, hate-filled language is.What About the Kids?One of the primary reasons parents worry is whether their kids will adopt the bad language they hear. Children, especially those under 5 years old, are very prone to mimicking everything they hear. If the young child hears their parents uttering these words most of the time, then they are likely to say them as well, without fully understanding their meanings or appropriateness for use. Such situations often lead to embarrassment or awkwardness, especially in places such as school or social events.However, as children grow older and acquire a better understanding of the language, they start grasping the subtlety of social norms. This is when parents often observe that children who are frequently exposed to occasional swearing are not imitating the behavior themselves. Some children, even those who hear swearing from their parents, do not use it, especially if it is not taboo anymore. The concept is that when the language is not considered a "forbidden fruit," it loses its allure.Basically, when the swearing gets out of proportion or done towards children, then there is a risk of resultant damage. Experts say that only occasional use of curse words by oneself in private won't do much harm. The actual problem is present when the habit becomes part of regular communication or if it is used in a hostile or to belittle others' manner. Using swelling as the punitive measure or lowering the prestige of children is highly not acceptable in any case.It's about balance, like most things in parenting. Parents who use the word in a non-abusive manner and in proper context are unlikely to find anything wrong with their children's development. In fact, some research suggests that children who hear their parents swear have a better understanding of language and emotional expression.So, is cursing in front of kids a bad idea? Not necessarily, if done thoughtfully and in moderation. The real problem is not the words themselves, but the context in which those words are used and the intentions behind them. Swearing is a natural part of language, but when used indiscriminately or abusively, it can be offensive. Parents should aim to model respectful communication, and always be mindful of how and when they use language in front of their children. Ultimately, the key lies in teaching children about appropriate language and the importance of using words thoughtfully and responsibly.

cursing around kids: does it cause harm?

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Why Has Kennedy Ordered A Review Of Baby Formula? What Every Parent Must Know About Safety

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting a comprehensive review of infant formula ingredients. It was initiated under the guidance of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as part of his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, pledging to overhaul the U.S. food supply.

Behind this action is a mounting concern: although infant formula is still a staple for scores of American families, the science and nutritional criteria used to produce it have not materially changed since 1998. With changing worldwide research on infant nutrition and increasingly anxious parents worrying about contaminants, additives, and ingredient disclosure, this review could not be more timely.

Roughly 75% of U.S. infants are dependent on formula for the first six months, and for nearly 40%, it is the exclusive source of nutrition, as the CDC reports. In spite of world campaigns promoting exclusive breastfeeding, infant formula has emerged as a lifeline for parents who are unable—or unwilling—to breastfeed because of medical concerns, work schedules, or personal preference.

Formula is made to imitate breast milk of human women and usually comes from cow milk or soy. According to present FDA guidelines, every infant formula product is required to have 30 nutrients essential for infants in specific proportions. Yet, the technology of infants' digestion and nutrition requirements has progressed immensely, leading experts to wonder if the standards are yet sufficient.

<h2>Why Is The Government's Pushing for Nutritional Transparency?</h2>

Secretary Kennedy's call to action comes as part of a comprehensive national effort to enhance the U.S. food supply chain. The review is happening in the face of increasing parental distrust and industry trends which indicate that existing rules might not be completely in accordance with recent worldwide research on infant feeding. This effort will take into consideration an array of factors, including:

<ul><li>Nutrient content and bioavailability</li><li>Incidence of contaminants such as heavy metals</li><li>Variations in international nutritional standards</li><li>Possible threats from added sugars and seed oils</li></ul>

There is a planned roundtable discussion where scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers will engage in a debate on infant formula in the U.S. The FDA currently invites public and expert comment until the September 11 deadline.

<h2>What Are The Ingredients in Infant Formula?</h2>

Although the current formula is deemed safe, scientists insist that modern science highlights new nutritional findings not necessarily captured by existing rules. The FDA's 30-list of essential nutrients has not changed much since the 90s—even though studies on breast milk composition have dramatically changed.

Some of the main issues under consideration are:

Iron Content: American formulas generally have more iron content than European ones. Iron is crucial but, like too much of anything, could have unexpected side effects, so a rethinking may be in order.

DHA and HMOs: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are recent additions designed to make formula as much like human milk as possible. Yet these are not necessary in every product.

Added Sugars: Corn syrup solids and glucose are common in certain formulas and can be responsible for early weight gain. Lactose, the natural sugar found in breast milk, is a better option.

Seed Oils: Widely maligned by health activists, seed oils are nevertheless essential to matching the fatty acid profile of breast milk, according to experts.

Bridget Young, an infant nutritionist at the University of Rochester, pressed the point to examine beyond ingredient labels to consider bioavailability—how well the body can absorb and utilize these foods.

Kennedy's bill also seems to be in response to lessons gleaned from the 2022 formula shortage, when contamination of an Abbott plant caused a national shortage. Parents frantically sought to get safe food into their babies, demonstrating how weak and undiversified the U.S. formula supply chain really is.

More compatibility with global standards, analysts contend, would have alleviated the shortage by facilitating faster importation of safe foreign-made brands. Kennedy's proposal seeks to avoid such disruptions by increasing regulatory leeway and strengthening safety protocols.

Some parents have in the last few years opted for European infant formulas, deeming them to be more healthy because of variations in ingredient listings and the degree of labeling transparency. 

Though European and American recipes vary in iron levels or forms of sugar, neither is inherently superior. Each is constructed within a distinct regulatory and cultural context.

Rather than advocating for one over the other, Kennedy's report aims to take the best from both worlds merging U.S. regulation with evidence-driven international nutritional research.

<h2>What Parents Need to Know Before Buying Baby Formula</h2>

While no short-term changes are being implemented to the amount or type of infant formula available on retail shelves, the review is a significant departure from the manner in which the federal government plans to regulate the nutrition of babies.

The review will take a minimum of one year and will require coordination among government, industry, pediatric nutritionists, and consumers. Abrams cautions that this cannot be a cosmetic effort: "No shortcuts are possible. No one white paper or committee report will suffice."

For the moment, health professionals are assuring parents that infant formulas available today are still safe and nutritionally adequate. But the future could bring formulas that are not only safe but even more biologically relevant and designed to the most recent science regarding infant development.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting a comprehensive review of infant formula ingredients. It was initiated under the guidance of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as part of his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, pledging to overhaul the U.S. food supply.Behind this action is a mounting concern: although infant formula is still a staple for scores of American families, the science and nutritional criteria used to produce it have not materially changed since 1998. With changing worldwide research on infant nutrition and increasingly anxious parents worrying about contaminants, additives, and ingredient disclosure, this review could not be more timely.Roughly 75% of U.S. infants are dependent on formula for the first six months, and for nearly 40%, it is the exclusive source of nutrition, as the CDC reports. In spite of world campaigns promoting exclusive breastfeeding, infant formula has emerged as a lifeline for parents who are unable—or unwilling—to breastfeed because of medical concerns, work schedules, or personal preference.Formula is made to imitate breast milk of human women and usually comes from cow milk or soy. According to present FDA guidelines, every infant formula product is required to have 30 nutrients essential for infants in specific proportions. Yet, the technology of infants' digestion and nutrition requirements has progressed immensely, leading experts to wonder if the standards are yet sufficient.Why Is The Government's Pushing for Nutritional Transparency?Secretary Kennedy's call to action comes as part of a comprehensive national effort to enhance the U.S. food supply chain. The review is happening in the face of increasing parental distrust and industry trends which indicate that existing rules might not be completely in accordance with recent worldwide research on infant feeding. This effort will take into consideration an array of factors, including:Nutrient content and bioavailabilityIncidence of contaminants such as heavy metalsVariations in international nutritional standardsPossible threats from added sugars and seed oilsThere is a planned roundtable discussion where scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers will engage in a debate on infant formula in the U.S. The FDA currently invites public and expert comment until the September 11 deadline.What Are The Ingredients in Infant Formula?Although the current formula is deemed safe, scientists insist that modern science highlights new nutritional findings not necessarily captured by existing rules. The FDA's 30-list of essential nutrients has not changed much since the 90s—even though studies on breast milk composition have dramatically changed.Some of the main issues under consideration are:Iron Content: American formulas generally have more iron content than European ones. Iron is crucial but, like too much of anything, could have unexpected side effects, so a rethinking may be in order.DHA and HMOs: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are recent additions designed to make formula as much like human milk as possible. Yet these are not necessary in every product.Added Sugars: Corn syrup solids and glucose are common in certain formulas and can be responsible for early weight gain. Lactose, the natural sugar found in breast milk, is a better option.Seed Oils: Widely maligned by health activists, seed oils are nevertheless essential to matching the fatty acid profile of breast milk, according to experts.Bridget Young, an infant nutritionist at the University of Rochester, pressed the point to examine beyond ingredient labels to consider bioavailability—how well the body can absorb and utilize these foods.Kennedy's bill also seems to be in response to lessons gleaned from the 2022 formula shortage, when contamination of an Abbott plant caused a national shortage. Parents frantically sought to get safe food into their babies, demonstrating how weak and undiversified the U.S. formula supply chain really is.More compatibility with global standards, analysts contend, would have alleviated the shortage by facilitating faster importation of safe foreign-made brands. Kennedy's proposal seeks to avoid such disruptions by increasing regulatory leeway and strengthening safety protocols.Should Parents Be Worried?Some parents have in the last few years opted for European infant formulas, deeming them to be more healthy because of variations in ingredient listings and the degree of labeling transparency. Though European and American recipes vary in iron levels or forms of sugar, neither is inherently superior. Each is constructed within a distinct regulatory and cultural context.Rather than advocating for one over the other, Kennedy's report aims to take the best from both worlds merging U.S. regulation with evidence-driven international nutritional research.What Parents Need to Know Before Buying Baby FormulaWhile no short-term changes are being implemented to the amount or type of infant formula available on retail shelves, the review is a significant departure from the manner in which the federal government plans to regulate the nutrition of babies.The review will take a minimum of one year and will require coordination among government, industry, pediatric nutritionists, and consumers. Abrams cautions that this cannot be a cosmetic effort: "No shortcuts are possible. No one white paper or committee report will suffice."For the moment, health professionals are assuring parents that infant formulas available today are still safe and nutritionally adequate. But the future could bring formulas that are not only safe but even more biologically relevant and designed to the most recent science regarding infant development.

why has kennedy ordered a review of baby formula? what every parent must know about safety

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Parents Have A Huge Impact On Their Children's Eating Habits: Study

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Kids love copying their parents, whether it is because they wish to act like grown-up or just wish to feel connected to them. However, what we may not have realized is that the eating habits of our parents can unknowingly seep into our own lifestyle, especially our parents’. 

A father's eating habits can have a big effect on what their children eat, even before those children are born, according to a new study. Men who ate healthy as teenagers were more likely to show good eating habits to their own kids and keep a close eye on what their children consumed. Habits like eating healthy, exercising and other healthy lifestyle choices are something one should teach their child. These findings were shared at a meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida. 

Researchers explained that fathers who ate healthier as teenagers were more likely to encourage positive food habits in their children. She noted that these fathers were better at modeling healthy eating—showing good dietary habits themselves—and monitoring how many unhealthy foods, like certain sweets and snacks, their children ate. 

For this study, researchers looked at information from 669 men. These men had filled out questionnaires about their eating habits when they were teenagers. Years later, in 2021 and 2022, when they had children aged 1 to 6, researchers asked them about their kids' diets. The men in the study were initially part of a larger study in the 1990s and 2000s and had completed at least two diet surveys during their teen years. 

The researchers used a common tool called the Healthy Eating Index to score how well the men ate. A higher score meant eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean proteins. It also meant eating less refined grains, salt, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. This tool helped them clearly see the quality of the men's diets. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Teen Diet Quality Varied</span>, with Clear Outcomes </h2>

<ul><li>About 44% of the men had a poor diet.</li><li>Around 40% had their diet quality get worse over time.</li><li>Only 16% had a diet that improved and became healthier as they grew up.</li></ul>

The results showed that men whose diets improved during their teenage years were 90% more likely to show healthy eating habits to their kids as fathers. They were also 60% more likely to keep an eye on what their children ate. 

Because these fathers had healthier habits, their children were much more likely to eat the daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. This difference was especially clear when compared to kids whose dads had unhealthy diets as teenagers. 

The research highlighted that healthy eating habits developed during the teen years don't just help individuals, but also influence how they parent in the future, leading to better nutrition for the next generation. This finding is particularly important given the rising concerns about childhood obesity and poor diets. Investing in good nutrition for teenagers, including boys, can create long-lasting benefits that extend across many generations. 

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eating habits and health

Kids love copying their parents, whether it is because they wish to act like grown-up or just wish to feel connected to them. However, what we may not have realized is that the eating habits of our parents can unknowingly seep into our own lifestyle, especially our parents’. A father's eating habits can have a big effect on what their children eat, even before those children are born, according to a new study. Men who ate healthy as teenagers were more likely to show good eating habits to their own kids and keep a close eye on what their children consumed. Habits like eating healthy, exercising and other healthy lifestyle choices are something one should teach their child. These findings were shared at a meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida. Teen Habits Shape Future Dads Researchers explained that fathers who ate healthier as teenagers were more likely to encourage positive food habits in their children. She noted that these fathers were better at modeling healthy eating—showing good dietary habits themselves—and monitoring how many unhealthy foods, like certain sweets and snacks, their children ate. For this study, researchers looked at information from 669 men. These men had filled out questionnaires about their eating habits when they were teenagers. Years later, in 2021 and 2022, when they had children aged 1 to 6, researchers asked them about their kids' diets. The men in the study were initially part of a larger study in the 1990s and 2000s and had completed at least two diet surveys during their teen years. The researchers used a common tool called the Healthy Eating Index to score how well the men ate. A higher score meant eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean proteins. It also meant eating less refined grains, salt, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. This tool helped them clearly see the quality of the men's diets. Teen Diet Quality Varied, with Clear Outcomes The study found that as teenagers: About 44% of the men had a poor diet.Around 40% had their diet quality get worse over time.Only 16% had a diet that improved and became healthier as they grew up.The results showed that men whose diets improved during their teenage years were 90% more likely to show healthy eating habits to their kids as fathers. They were also 60% more likely to keep an eye on what their children ate. Healthier Next Generation Because these fathers had healthier habits, their children were much more likely to eat the daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. This difference was especially clear when compared to kids whose dads had unhealthy diets as teenagers. The research highlighted that healthy eating habits developed during the teen years don't just help individuals, but also influence how they parent in the future, leading to better nutrition for the next generation. This finding is particularly important given the rising concerns about childhood obesity and poor diets. Investing in good nutrition for teenagers, including boys, can create long-lasting benefits that extend across many generations. 

parents have a huge impact on their children's eating habits: study

Ishita Roy

Why Generic Medicines Could Be the Game-Changer in Maternal Care In India

Maternal Care In India

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India has made commendable progress in maternal health over the past few years. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) dropped from 130 deaths per 100,000 live births (2014–16) to 97 in 2018–19. Yet, experts argue that now is the time to move beyond just reducing deaths—towards strengthening maternal well-being, long-term recovery, and dignity.

Girish Agarwal, co-founder and COO of Zeno Health, a generic medicine delivery brand, shares, as reported in India Today, how improving access to essential medicines can be the next big step in this journey.

<h4>The Hidden Cost of Nutritional Deficiencies</h4>

Maternal nutrition is often reduced to calorie intake—but that’s only part of the picture. True maternal health depends on access to key micronutrients that support foetal growth, improve maternal immunity, and speed up postpartum recovery.

However, deficiencies remain a significant problem. As per the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), 52.2% of pregnant women in India are anaemic. This is more than a health statistic; it signals a gap in equitable access to vital care—particularly among low-income and rural households.

These deficiencies are linked to complications such as low birth weight, premature delivery, and chronic fatigue after childbirth. Fortunately, many of these issues can be prevented with consistent access to supplements and timely medical care.

<h4>Moving from Crisis to Continuity</h4>

While antenatal care in India has improved, postnatal care remains uneven—especially in underserved areas. According to a 2023 NITI Aayog report, women in rural regions are almost twice as likely to face complications post-childbirth compared to those in urban settings.

This disparity points to more than just inadequate infrastructure. It highlights the need for sustained and affordable healthcare models that work in real-world conditions—beyond just big cities and well-funded hospitals.

<h4>Generics: A Scalable, Affordable Solution</h4>

One of the most practical ways to close this gap is through high-quality <span>generic medicines</span> and supplements. These can drastically cut costs for families without compromising on efficacy.

However, affordability alone is not enough. Generic medicines must be embedded in a system of trust and accessibility. That means empowering pharmacists, making generics part of regular health conversations, and ensuring last-mile delivery systems that work consistently across geographies.

<h4>Building Trust in What’s Affordable</h4>

There’s a persistent myth that affordable means inferior. To shift this perception, public confidence in generic medicines must be reinforced through transparent communication, pharmacist training, and quality assurance.

Generic medicines shouldn’t be seen as second-best. They can help transform maternal healthcare from a series of emergency interventions to a continuous, proactive care system. With the right support, they offer not just cost savings—but a path to health equity and long-term maternal well-being.

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mother health

womens health

India has made commendable progress in maternal health over the past few years. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) dropped from 130 deaths per 100,000 live births (2014–16) to 97 in 2018–19. Yet, experts argue that now is the time to move beyond just reducing deaths—towards strengthening maternal well-being, long-term recovery, and dignity.Girish Agarwal, co-founder and COO of Zeno Health, a generic medicine delivery brand, shares, as reported in India Today, how improving access to essential medicines can be the next big step in this journey.The Hidden Cost of Nutritional DeficienciesMaternal nutrition is often reduced to calorie intake—but that’s only part of the picture. True maternal health depends on access to key micronutrients that support foetal growth, improve maternal immunity, and speed up postpartum recovery.However, deficiencies remain a significant problem. As per the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), 52.2% of pregnant women in India are anaemic. This is more than a health statistic; it signals a gap in equitable access to vital care—particularly among low-income and rural households.These deficiencies are linked to complications such as low birth weight, premature delivery, and chronic fatigue after childbirth. Fortunately, many of these issues can be prevented with consistent access to supplements and timely medical care.Moving from Crisis to ContinuityWhile antenatal care in India has improved, postnatal care remains uneven—especially in underserved areas. According to a 2023 NITI Aayog report, women in rural regions are almost twice as likely to face complications post-childbirth compared to those in urban settings.This disparity points to more than just inadequate infrastructure. It highlights the need for sustained and affordable healthcare models that work in real-world conditions—beyond just big cities and well-funded hospitals.Generics: A Scalable, Affordable SolutionOne of the most practical ways to close this gap is through high-quality generic medicines and supplements. These can drastically cut costs for families without compromising on efficacy.However, affordability alone is not enough. Generic medicines must be embedded in a system of trust and accessibility. That means empowering pharmacists, making generics part of regular health conversations, and ensuring last-mile delivery systems that work consistently across geographies.Building Trust in What’s AffordableThere’s a persistent myth that affordable means inferior. To shift this perception, public confidence in generic medicines must be reinforced through transparent communication, pharmacist training, and quality assurance.Generic medicines shouldn’t be seen as second-best. They can help transform maternal healthcare from a series of emergency interventions to a continuous, proactive care system. With the right support, they offer not just cost savings—but a path to health equity and long-term maternal well-being.

why generic medicines could be the game-changer in maternal care in india

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