Ask the Expert: Don't Force the Child to Eat - Essential Health Guidance for Families
Dear readers, please send your general health and wellness queries to healthandwellness@tribunemail.com. This Health Panel Tribune update was published at 02:55 AM on March 19, 2026 IST. A healthy appetite is a positive indicator of growth, as highlighted by experts.
Managing a 4-Year-Old's Appetite for Healthy Growth
Bharat Bajaj from Chandigarh asks: "My 4-year-old loves food and has a good appetite. She is active, but we want to ensure her eating habits support healthy growth without increasing obesity risks. Please guide on appropriate portion sizes, balanced meal planning, healthy snacks, and encouraging good long-term eating habits at this age."
Dr. Rajat Grover, a Neonatologist at Cloudnine Hospital in East Delhi, responds: At age 4, a healthy appetite is a positive sign of growth. Focus on balanced meals that include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, protein sources like dal, eggs, paneer, and beans, along with dairy products. Offer small, age-appropriate portions—typically about three main meals and two healthy snacks daily. Encourage mindful eating by serving food at regular intervals and limiting sugary or packaged snacks. Allow the child to stop eating when full rather than forcing extra bites. Staying physically active and involving children in simple food choices also helps build healthy lifelong eating habits.
Essential Health Screenings for Men After 40
Kamal Sharma (43) from Jalandhar inquires: "What are the most important health screenings men should undergo after 40?"
Dr. Shanujeet Kaur, a gynaecologist from Chandigarh, advises: After age 40, men should prioritize preventive health screenings to detect potential issues early. Key screenings include regular checks for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and body weight or BMI assessment. Heart health assessments and prostate screening via a blood test called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are crucial. Regular screenings for liver, kidney, and thyroid function tests, along with routine eye and dental check-ups, are also recommended. For those planning a family, fertility evaluations such as semen analysis can help assess sperm health.
Understanding Newborn Crying: Normal vs. Colic vs. Illness
Taranpreet (28) from Abohar asks: "My newborn cries frequently even after feeding and diaper changes. How do I differentiate between normal crying, colic, and signs of discomfort or illness?"
Dr. Ashish Agarwal, a Pediatrician from Panchkula, explains: Frequent crying is usually normal—newborns cry for 2-3 hours daily to express hunger, sleepiness, or the need for comfort. Colic typically involves intense, inconsolable crying for over 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, often in the evening. Infants' faces may turn red, and they might draw up their legs despite feeding and diaper changes. Seek medical attention if crying is high-pitched, weak, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, refusal to feed, lethargy, breathing difficulties, abdominal swelling, or reduced urine output. If the baby feeds well between crying episodes and is not lethargic while passing urine and stools, it is usually nothing concerning.
This expert advice underscores the importance of tailored health strategies for different life stages, promoting wellness through informed choices and preventive care.
