The imperative question isn’t what to expect when you are expecting but more so what to expect when the baby arrives. My personal experience has been a roller coaster ride; for with my daughter I had an easy-breezy pregnancy and a very difficult first year; but with my son, the pregnancy was very tough and the first year has been a easygoing. While taking care of myself and getting back to my pre-pregnancy health, my utmost priority then and now has been keeping my babies healthy and safe. 

However, I’ve noticed that a new parent often keeps a close eye on the development milestones of the baby but put 'Vaccines' on the back burner, not realising that it is one of the most effective and simple ways to help a newborn’s immune system recognise and fight pathogens, keep safe and prevent diseases they cause; to grow and develop well. 

Even the World Health Organisation has been pushing vaccination programs since the early ’70s and finally, in 2019 it estimated that around 116 million infants worldwide received vaccines against more than 25 debilitating, life-threatening diseases; such as measles, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, meningitis, influenza, tetanus and typhoid. However, even today nearly 20 million infants worldwide miss out on vaccinations putting them and others at risk of serious diseases, death, disability and ill-health.

The numbers sure are staggering, but honestly, at one point in time, I was a parent never on the fence about vaccinations, because I asked far too many questions; all to the relevant people… and it all collectively helped me decide to follow the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommended Immunization Schedule for children aged 0 through 18 years and I have been on-point with my paediatrician’s recommendations. 

However, I am sure there will be many who are in a similar catch-22 situation and hence I’m sharing a few crucial and important points that stirred me in the right direction. 

Protection

Infant immunization is one of the most crucial steps to protect and safeguard a baby’s health as vaccines offer protection from infection that lowers the risk of disease as the immune system is already acclimatised against the pathogens, protection to community as immunizing your child not only protects her but also prevents widespread outbreaks and protection for future as vaccines help eradicate the infection. 

Safety

Vaccines go through vigorous research and trial periods before being locally available.Pharmaceutical companies invest time and effort in the process, and various industry bodies approve these vaccinations only after thorough due diligence, as the safety of a child is paramount. However, to be assured lookout for the WHO pre-qualification of the vaccine, as the world body approves immunization vaccines after they are proven on efficacy, potency and thermo-stability.

Effect

It is indeed incorrect to assume that vaccines shots are painless, but the pain is only momentary. However, the aftereffect of vaccines such as fever, soreness, etc can be quite taxing especially for an infant. But advanced technology has made it possible for vaccines to be pain-less which contain fewer antigens and thus very few painful after-effects. That means these injections are not pain-free, but the pain & discomfort are much lower. 

Multi-Vaccine

The list of recommended vaccines in the first 12 months of a baby’s life is long and thus doctors and paediatricians opt for combination or multi-vaccines. Studies show that vaccines when given together offer the same protection with lesser pricks and lower hospital visits. The most commonly used multi-vaccine globally is the DTP that protects against 6 major childhood diseases such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus Influenza B, and Hepatitis B.

For both my children I wasn’t shy of asking questions about the brand, the product, the pros and cons and more. But I learnt that the enormous protection vaccines provide certainly outweigh the minor side-effects. Be an informed parent, up #YourCareQuotient for your baby’s long-lasting good health. 

Until next time,

~ Heena

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Disclaimer:

This article is written in partnership with Sanofi Pasteur India to create awareness about Vaccinations. The views expressed are independent and unbiased observations made and Sanofi Pasteur India bears no responsibility for the same. For a detailed disclaimer please Click Here. 

People love gambling and are willing to experiment with ideas and tricks to succeed in the fantastic world of gambling. Some learn the art of gambling by reading books, others research on the internet while some watch movies with content based on gambling, casinos and poker. Whatever they do to master the art, they try their luck to gamble for real money on live Indian sports events I believe movies are the best and most convenient option for this purpose, especially in the current world where it is possible to watch movies online anywhere and anytime. 

Here is a checklist of my 10 favourite films about gambling, casinos and poker:

Casino

Released in 1995 directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, and James Woods; the film is based on a casino executive who is asked to run casinos in Las Vegas and then rises to power significantly against a mafia enforcer. The film narrates a tale of greed, deception, money, power, murder and more.

Rounder’s

Released in 1998, directed by John Dahi, starring Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Gretchen Mol and John Malkovich; the film is about a reformed gambler who returns to his old ways to help a friend pay off loan sharks. The film talks about friendship, commitment and how a man goes beyond the call of duty to help a friend. 

The Sting

Released in 1973, directed by George Roy Hill, starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Robert Shaw; the film is about a small grifter, who unknowingly steals a big-time crime boss. The drifter then schemes to get his revenge by destroying the boss's gambling world and ultimately murdering him. 

Ocean's Eleven 

Released in 2001, directed by Steven Soderbergh, with a stellar cast of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Mart Damon; the film is about how a group of eleven people devise an elaborate plan to steal from three popular casinos in Las Vegas. The film is a step-by-step scheme of an extensive con and rob job. 

High Roller - The Stu Ungar Story

Released in 2003, directed by A. W. Vidmer; starring Al Bernstein, Andrew Glazer, Michael Imperioli and Brian Kaplan; the film is based on a true story of the rise and fall of a teenage card prodigy. The film traces how the boy's obsessive habits put him in debt, addiction and excess of a legendary poker player. 

21

Released in 2008, directed by Robert Luketic, starring Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey and Aaron Yoo; the film about six MIT students trained to become experts in card counting and playing. The film follows their winning streak as they take millions in winnings in numerous Las Vegas casinos. 

Owning Mahowny

Released in 2003, directed by Richard Kwientniwsky, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Minnie Driver and John Hurt; the film is based on the largest bank fraud accomplished by a single man of Canadian history, a bank manager with a gambling problem. The film is a thriller drama that shows how a man fed his gambling obsession. 

Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels

Released in 1998, directed by Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran and Jason Statham; the film revolves around four friends who collide with each other in a series of unexpected events. The crazy ride through the film is for nothing more than some weed, cash and two antique shotguns. 

Revolver

Released in 2005, directed by Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, André Benjamin and Vincent Pastore; the film revolves around a man who is recently released from prison and amasses a lot of money by gambling to revenge. The film is high on schemes, unknown dangers and redemption. 

Bugsy

Release in 1991, directed by Barry Levinson, starring Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Harvey Keitel and Ben Kingsley; the film is the true story of Benjamin Bugsy's journey to the Las Vegas gambling world from being a foul New York gangster. The film highlights how he doesn't hesitate to kill or maim anyone who dares to cross him. 

So which of these gambling content-based movies is going to be your pick? Turn on that television set, that smartphone and enjoy these thrilling mind games.

Until next time, 

~ Heena