Kids love going around places, playing, and exploring new things. While all of this is fun, it can expose them to diseases. When they come from school, they are exposed to various germs through air and transmission or direct contact. They also touch surfaces a lot, then their face, then their mouths. This makes it easy for illness to spread. While it is impossible to prevent illness completely, there could be several measures that can reduce the risk and support recovery.

Vaccination

Vaccination is a critical step in preventing severe illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend following an established vaccine schedule. Vaccines protect against life-threatening infections, including those that disproportionately affect infants and young children.

Good Hygiene

While no vaccine can prevent one from common cold, good hygiene practices can significantly reduce germ transmission. Parents must therefore encourage their children to wash their hands after touching toys, hard surfaces, and other people. What is more important is proper hand hygiene, as handwashing with soap and water is the most effective way to eliminate germs.

ALSO READ: This Spring, Make Hand Hygiene A Priority, Says Expert

The Hygiene Hypothesis: Does Exposure to Germs Strengthen Immunity?

There are several research that suggests that early exposure to germs may help develop a child’s immune system, a concept known as the "hygiene hypothesis." However, many immunologists argue against this theory, noting that children naturally encounter enough germs to build immunity without unnecessary exposure to unsanitary conditions. A balanced approach ensures children develop a strong immune response without increased risk of illness.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Children’s Belongings

Regular cleaning of toys, school supplies, and frequently touched objects is essential. Understanding the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting can help:

• Cleaning removes visible dirt and debris.
• Sanitizing reduces germs to safer levels.
• Disinfecting kills germs completely, offering the highest level of protection.

It is important to read product labels carefully, use child-safe cleaning products, and rinse toys thoroughly after disinfection, especially those that go into a child’s mouth.

Choosing Effective Sanitizing Products

To minimize germ exposure, parents should clean objects with soap and water first and then use a sanitizer for everyday items. Disinfectants, which are stronger, should be used on objects that a sick person has touched. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a list of approved sanitizers and disinfectants that effectively kill germs.

Encouraging Good Hygiene Without Causing Anxiety

Teaching children proper hygiene without creating fear is essential. Make handwashing engaging by incorporating songs or counting games. Explaining the benefits of hygiene in a positive way helps children understand that washing hands protects them and others. Parents can reinforce these habits by leading by example.

Boosting Immunity Through Nutrition

A strong immune system helps children fight infections more effectively. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in immune support. A balanced diet should include:

• Proteins
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Healthy fats
• Carbohydrates
• Adequate hydration

Multivitamins are generally unnecessary for well-nourished children, but if supplements are used, they should be free of added sugars and taken under supervision to prevent choking hazards.

Teaching Respiratory Etiquette

Proper respiratory hygiene reduces the spread of illness. Parents should model behaviors such as covering their mouths with an elbow when coughing or sneezing. Using tissues and disposing of them immediately is also a good practice. Reinforcing these habits through positive encouragement makes children more likely to adopt them.

“My child is a picky eater; he hardly eats anything, so should I start giving him a protein shake?” As a pediatric dietitian, I hear this question most often from parents. Be it on the attractive shelves of a supermarket or a post on social media, you will find products that promise your child will be taller, stronger, sharper, and no wonder why parents might feel the fear of missing out!!

But here’s the reassuring truth: No, most healthy children don’t need protein powders/ protein biscuits.

Before talking about this “trendy” supplement, it is important to understand why protein is important and what its functions are.

Why Is Protein Important?

Protein is called the building blocks, and rightly so cause it helps build muscles, stronger bones, good skin, hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Meaning, for good immune function, for growth and development, or be it for tissue repair, we all need protein.

However, protein is just a block of this big puzzle; we equally need good carbs and good fats along with it. In fact, good carbs, if included in balanced quantities, help protein do its job; we dietitians call it the “protein-sparing action”.

So The Question Arises: Are Children Getting Enough Protein?

Interestingly, Yes. Many of the parents assume that their child is getting less protein cause they are skipping/ refusing or eating small portions, but in reality including small portions even plays a big impact, as child requires less protein than adults and some of the rich protein sources like curd, milk, paneer, eggs, dals, lentils, soya products, lean meat, fatty fishes, nuts & dry fruits do provide good amount of protein.

Let’s take a 5-year-old for an example; A glass of milk along with nuts in the morning, a bowl of thick dal in lunch, and a serving of paneer/ curd in a regular dinner easily meet their daily requirements without any supplements.

Do Protein Powders Make The Children Taller?

No, the child drinking protein powder will not decide the baby’s height. It is influenced by several factors like genetics, overall nutrition, good sleep, regular physical activity, etc. So no direct evidence is found that suggests drinking protein powder only will help children gain height.

So What About The Child Who’s Into Sports?

Most of the time, they also DON’T need the protein powder.

Physically active children usually need more energy overall—not just more protein. A balanced diet with nutritious high-protein meals and snacks is enough for the majority of young athletes. Milk after practice, peanut butter on whole-grain bread, boiled eggs, yogurt with fruit and seeds, or homemade sprouts chaat are all excellent recovery foods.

Then Who Needs Protein Powders?

Children who have been clinically diagnosed with vitamin and mineral deficiencies, or have had some chronic illnesses or surgeries, or have some inborn errors of metabolism will need protein powder.

Are There Any Downsides To Protein Powders?

Many commercial products marketed for children contain added sugars, flavourings, or ingredients that may not be necessary. Some provide far more protein than a child actually needs, along with high sodium and trans fats. Perhaps the biggest concern is that supplements can create a false sense of security. Parents may feel they've "covered nutrition" with a scoop of powder while the child continues to miss out on the benefits of a balanced diet.

Whole foods offer much more than protein. A bowl of dal provides fiber and minerals. Eggs contain choline, which produces acetylcholine- a neurotransmitter necessary for brain development. Dairy products contribute calcium and vitamin B12. Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats like omega-3 and antioxidants. These nutrients work together in ways that a supplement simply cannot mimic.

What Can The Parents Do Instead?

• Include protein in all three major meals: include curd, paneer, 1 bowl of thick dal, a piece of chicken or egg, add flaxseed chutney as a side.
• Do not panic if the child is eating less on some days; it's okay for the appetite to fluctuate according to their moods.
• Make protein familiar and fun- make besan cheelas with different chutneys, make roti pizzas with paneer and cheese on top, make paneer paratha.
• Involve them in cooking; this reduces the chances of picky eating as they feel included in the process.
• Eat together as a family.

In conclusion, always remember that more isn’t always better; as far as the children’s requirements are concerned, they can definitely be fulfilled by adding good, mindful protein options in day-to-day meals. As parents, it's natural to want the very best for your child. The good news is that the best nutrition doesn't usually come from a jar—it comes from a colourful plate, shared family meals, and healthy eating habits built over time.

But remember the simple rule: natural food first, supplements only when they are medically needed.

(By Payoshini Kulkarni, Nutritionist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Pune)

On Wednesday, the Integrated Health & Wellbeing (IHW) Council on Wednesday released a national white paper urging significant policy reforms to tackle one of India's most overlooked public health challenges: infertility.

The policy includes insurance coverage for fertility treatment, public financing through government health schemes, and fertility benefits at the workplace.

The recommendations were disclosed at the 7th India IVF Summit & Awards 2026, held on World IVF Day, where the IHW Council also launched Mission Fertility 2.1, a national initiative aimed at making fertility care more affordable, accessible and equitable.

The white paper, 'Beyond the Burden of Infertility in India: Towards Reproductive Equity through Mission Fertility 2.1', argues that infertility should be recognised as a core reproductive health issue.

Developed in partnership with IIHMR Delhi, the report draws on evidence from the World Health Organization (WHO), National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and other published research.

The proposal comes at a time when India's total fertility rate has fallen below the replacement level of 2.1. This has renewed conversations around reproductive health, declining birth rates and support for couples who wish to conceive but are battling infertility.

Five Key Reforms Proposed To Tackle Infertility

The white paper outlines five recommendations to improve access to fertility care:

1. Recognise infertility as an essential reproductive health condition.
2. Expand public awareness through ASHA workers, schools and workplaces, while giving greater attention to male infertility.
3. Reform private insurance by reducing waiting periods and improving coverage for fertility treatment.
4. Modernise reimbursement under government health programmes like CGHS and ESIC, and strengthen public financing through public-private partnerships.
5. Encourage employers to include fertility benefits within workplace wellness programmes.

The report also recommends creating a Fertility Benefit Package under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) for economically vulnerable families.

It cites public financing initiatives in Goa, Sikkim and West Bengal as examples of how government-supported fertility care can improve access.

Also read: Delhi HC Allows HPV Vaccine Drive To Continue Due To No 'Immediate Safety Risk'

'Fertility Care Should Not Be A Privilege'

Releasing the white paper, Smt. Baby Rani Maurya, Cabinet Minister for Women Welfare, Child Development and Nutrition, Government of Uttar Pradesh, joined fertility specialists, policymakers, researchers and industry representatives at the summit.

Experts at the summit said advances in clinical fertility technology have not been matched by public awareness, leading many couples to seek medical help only after delays.

Dr Sunita Tandulwadkar, President of the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), said, "Today is much more than a celebration of a scientific achievement. It is a celebration of hope. India is no longer merely following global advances in IVF. India is helping create them. IVF is not about laboratories or incubators. It is about families waiting to hear a heartbeat, and every patient deserves compassion and the very best science we can offer."

Shivani Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV), said stigma continues to delay diagnosis and treatment.

She said, "The gap between what medical science can offer and what many couples can actually access remains one of the biggest challenges before us. Awareness has not progressed at the same pace as science. Fertility conversations remain surrounded by silence and stigma, and by the time couples seek help, valuable time has often been lost."

Meanwhile, Dr Hrishikesh Pai, Founder and Managing Director of Bloom IVF Group and Immediate Past President of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), stressed that expanding access should be the next priority for India's fertility sector.

He said, "India has grown from ten IVF centres in the early days to nearly five thousand today, and the next phase of this journey has to be about access, which rests on four pillars: awareness, availability, affordability and assurance of ethical, quality outcomes."

For decades, fertility has largely been viewed as a woman's responsibility. From tracking menstrual cycles and undergoing repeated tests to managing treatments, much of the focus has traditionally fallen on women.

However, medical science tells a different story. Male factors contribute to nearly 40–50% of infertility cases, making it clear that fertility is a shared journey that deserves equal participation from both partners.

Despite this, many men hesitate to discuss fertility or undergo evaluation due to stigma, misconceptions, or the belief that infertility is a woman's problem. This delay can postpone diagnosis and treatment, adding unnecessary emotional stress to couples who are already navigating a difficult path.

Reasons Behind Male Infertility

Environmental exposures and certain medical conditions may also affect sperm health. The encouraging news is that many of these causes are treatable or manageable when identified early.

A fertility assessment is not only straightforward but also essential. A simple semen analysis often provides valuable information about male reproductive health and can help guide the next steps in treatment.

When both partners are evaluated together from the beginning, the process becomes more efficient, avoiding unnecessary investigations and ensuring that the right treatment plan is developed sooner.

Also read: From Hope To Parenthood: How IVF And Embryology Are Changing The Fertility Journey For Couples

Importance Of Fertility Treatment

Equally important is the emotional role men play throughout fertility treatment. IVF can be physically demanding for women, but the emotional burden is shared by both partners. Feelings of anxiety, disappointment, hope, and uncertainty are common. Open conversations, shared decision-making, and emotional support can strengthen relationships and help couples cope better with the ups and downs of treatment.

World IVF Day serves as an important reminder that infertility is not about assigning blame—it is a medical condition that affects couples together. Breaking the silence around male fertility is essential to reducing stigma and encouraging earlier intervention.

When men become active participants rather than silent spectators, they help create a more supportive, compassionate, and successful fertility journey. Fertility care is most effective when both partners stand side by side, facing the challenge together with understanding, empathy, and shared responsibility.

By Dr Tejas Gundewar, Fertility Consultant, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune