Your Kids Health

One easy remedy for overweight kids -- water

2009-04-13T00:28:00.000-07:00

Want to help your kids keep the weight off? Just give them water instead of soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks, researchers advised on Monday.

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More U.S. Kids Taking Diabetes, Blood Pressure Drugs

2009-04-13T00:23:00.000-07:00

The number of American children and teens taking drugs to lower blood pressure and control diabetes has risen significantly since 2004, according to a new study.

"Children and adolescents are starting to show signs of chronic health conditions and cardiovascular risk factors that are typically reserved for adults," said Joshua N. Liberman, vice president of strategic research at the company and the study's lead researcher. "We need to be educating health-care providers about the opportunities for managing these patients."

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Study finds obesity is rampant in 4-year-olds

2009-04-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

A striking new study says that almost one in five American 4-year-olds are obese, and the rate is alarmingly higher among American Indian children, with nearly a third of them obese.

Researchers were surprised to see differences by race at so early an age.

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Health Tip: Managing the Teen Years

2009-04-06T03:31:00.000-07:00

The teen years can be difficult for parents and their children, who are undergoing countless physical and emotional changes.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions to help you and your child navigate the teen years a bit more smoothly:

* Do your homework on the challenges that your child is likely to face as a teen, and how they may change your relationship. Don't forget what that period of life was like for you.
* Talk with your teen early on about puberty and the changes that will occur. Be prepared to answer your child's questions about issues such as sex, drugs and alcohol.
* Put yourself in your child's shoes. Keep in mind the emotional and physical changes that about to occur in your teen. Be patient and sympathetic.
* Let your child develop his or her own personality, and don't fight over every little thing. But always be firm on serious topics such as sex, alcohol and drugs.
* Understand that your child may be resistant to the rules you impose. It's natural, but this doesn't necessarily mean that your child won't strive to meet your expectations.

SOURCE

Health Tip: Calming Chickenpox

2009-04-06T03:27:00.000-07:00

Chickenpox, and its trademark itchy, red spots, is a common disease in children.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions for relieving the itch and keeping your child more comfortable:

* Have your child soak in a warm oatmeal bath every few hours.
* Apply cool, damp rags across your child's body.
* Gently pat your child's body dry. Don't rub or scratch the itchy spots.
* Dab the pox with calamine lotion, everywhere but on the face.
* If your child's chickenpox are inside the mouth, feed the child soft, cold foods. Avoid anything acidic or salty.
* Have your child take acetaminophen to alleviate pain.
* Talk to your child's pediatrician about OTC medications that soothe itching, and creams that are safe to alleviate pain near the genitals.

SOURCE

Health Tip: Your Children Need Iron

2009-03-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

Young children are at great risk for iron deficiency because of rapid growth and increased iron requirements, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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A Child's Sweet Tooth May Be All in the Bones

2009-03-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder why your children will eat only a few bites of dinner but have no problem scarfing down a big bowl of ice cream?

Blame it on their growing bones.

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Childhood soy intake may cut breast cancer risk

2009-03-27T23:37:00.000-07:00

Soy has been touted as having anti-cancer effects for adults, but new research says women who ate soy as children may get the best protection.

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Health Tip: Have Your Child's Hearing Checked

2009-03-24T00:22:00.000-07:00

Children need regular hearing tests to help identify any hearing problems before they worsen.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has issued guidelines for when school-age children should have their hearing examined.

A hearing test should be performed:

* Before children start school, and each year beginning with kindergarten through the third grade. The test should be repeated when children are in the seventh and 11th grades.
* If concerns arise about a child's language, speech, learning or hearing capabilities.
* If a family history of hereditary hearing loss exists, particularly later in life.
* If there are persistent ear infections.
* If there are problems with the skull or face that may affect hearing, or an injury to the head that rendered the child unconscious.
* If there are other factors that could lead to hearing loss, such as being exposed repeatedly to very loud noise.

SOURCE

Using Music and Sports to Improve Kids' Asthma

2009-03-24T00:15:00.000-07:00

The singular appeal of music and sports can be successfully harnessed to deliver health information to young children and teens coping with asthma, while also encouraging them to stick more closely to the treatments prescribed for their condition, a pair of new studies suggests.

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Migraine in pregnancy tied to stroke, heart attack

2009-03-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

Women who suffer from migraines while they are pregnant are at increased risk of having a stroke, heart attack, or other vascular disorders, according to a recent report.

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Children with older fathers have lower IQs

2009-03-10T01:47:00.000-07:00

Children born to older men perform worse in intelligence tests than those with younger fathers, researchers have found.

A review of medical records of more than 30,000 children showed that those born to 20-year-old men scored on average three points higher in IQ tests than children whose fathers were 50-years-old when they were born.

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Contact Lenses Boost Kids' Self-Image

2009-03-06T22:24:00.000-08:00

Study finds they think they're better able to play sports, be accepted by peers

Compared to glasses, contact lenses improve how children feel about their appearance, their ability to play sports and their acceptance among friends, a study of 484 nearsighted children finds.

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Talk Therapy for Kids' Pain: Better than Pills?

2009-03-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

Some children, like some adults, have chronic, unexplainable pain. They have backaches every day or their legs and feet hurt every day or their necks throb constantly - and no one is sure why. Doctors call this pain idiopathic, a medical term for "we have no clue." Idiopathic pain arises spontaneously and without a known cause.

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Breastfeeding linked to reduced risk of SIDS

2009-03-04T20:34:00.000-08:00

Women who breastfeed evidently lower the chances that their baby might die of sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS, according to a German study.

Dr. M. M. Vennemann, from the University of Munster, and colleagues therefore recommend that public health messages aimed at SIDS risk-reduction should encourage women to breastfeed their infant through 6 months of age.

READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE

Health Tip: Coping With Juvenile Arthritis

2009-03-04T20:28:00.000-08:00

Arthritis isn't just a disease of the elderly. Children may be affected by a disease called juvenile arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation offers these suggestions to help families cope with the condition:

* Family members should openly discuss what each person is feeling, including concerns, anger and fears.
* The child with juvenile arthritis should not be allowed to shirk responsibilities, as long as he or she is physically able to fulfill them.
* Teach your child about the disease, including information about management and treatment, in an age-appropriate way.
* Don't be overbearing or overprotective. Encourage independence and responsibility.
* Spend time with each other -- as a family, and one-on-one with your child.

SOURCE

Too Much TV Linked With Asthma in Young Children

2009-03-03T01:48:00.001-08:00

A newly published study in the British medical journal Thorax says that children who watched more than two hours of television a day were “almost twice as likely to have been diagnosed with” asthma as those who didn’t.

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TV for Babies: Does It Help or Hurt?

2009-03-03T00:58:00.000-08:00

Early parenting choices are never clear-cut, and deciding whether or not to allow your infant to watch television or DVDs ranks as one of the more perplexing.

Thanks to marketing claims for TV shows and DVDs created for babies, many parents believe that watching educational programming will stimulate infants' brains and actually promote learning. It's a seductive line of reasoning - certainly, exposing a baby to brain-engaging DVDs will put him on an early path to becoming, well, a Baby Einstein, right? Maybe not.

READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE

Kids Prefer Veggies With Cool Names

2009-03-03T00:53:00.000-08:00

Kids won't eat their vegetables? Rename them, scientists say.

In a new study, 186 four-year-olds were given regular carrots and, on other lunch days, they were given the same vegetables renamed X-ray Vision Carrots. On the latter days, they ate nearly twice as many.

READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE

Health Tip: Prevent Your Children From Choking

2009-03-03T00:49:00.000-08:00

For small children, even the most seemingly harmless objects can pose a choking threat.

The U.S. National Safety Council offers these suggestions to reduce your youngsters' risk of choking:

* Never allow a baby or young child to play with a toy that has a cord or string attached.
* Don't feed your baby foods that could get stuck in the throat, such as bites of hot dogs, hard candy, uncooked vegetables, nuts, raisins, fruits or vegetables with pits, popcorn or grapes.
* Never allow your child to eat while lying down.
* Keep anything that can fit in your child's mouth out of reach, including coins, batteries, jewelry, nails or thumbtacks.

SOURCE

Health Tip: Dealing With Depression After Pregnancy

2009-03-03T00:46:00.000-08:00

As many as 13 percent of new mothers are depressed after giving birth.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers these suggestions to help ease postpartum depression:

* Don't worry about making sure you're doing everything perfectly. Do what you can, the best you can.
* Don't be afraid to ask for help from your spouse or partner, friends or family.
* Sleep as much as you can. Take advantage of your baby's nap time to catch up.
* Plan dates with your partner or outings with your friends to have some time to yourself.
* Talk about what you're feeling with friends and family, as well as other new moms going through the same thing.
* Join a support group for new mothers.
* Keep life as simple as possible after the baby is born. Now is not the time to make major decisions or life changes, unless you must.

SOURCE

Work May Not Be Best for Young Kids

2009-03-03T00:43:00.001-08:00

A new study suggests it's possible that too much work might turn a youngster into a juvenile delinquent.

Researchers found that fifth-graders who worked the most at jobs such as baby-sitting and newspaper routes were the most likely to smoke, drink and get into fights.

READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE

Health Tip: Is Your Child Getting Too Much Sugar?

2009-01-30T19:16:00.000-08:00

Too much sugar in a child's diet can contribute to weight and dental problems.

The Baylor College of Medicine offers these suggestions for limiting the amount of sugar your child gets:

* When baking, cut sugar down to two-thirds of what the recipe says.
* Sweeten cookies and other baked goods with dried fruits instead of candy or chocolate.
* Instead of offering your child a muffin or a doughnut for breakfast, serve a bagel.
* Serve natural, unsweetened fruit juice instead of sodas or other sugar-laden beverages.
* Save candy for a special treat. Only allow your child candy once or twice a week.

SOURCE

Kids Who Spend More Time Outdoors Have Better Vision

2009-01-30T19:11:00.000-08:00

Kids who spend more time outside -- and away from the television set -- are less likely to develop myopia, the inability to see things clearly at a distance.

READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE

Health Tip: Problems With a Picky Eater?

2009-01-27T00:33:00.000-08:00

If your child is a picky eater and refuses to eat or try new foods, the University of Maryland Medical Center offers these suggestions:

* Set an example by eating various healthy foods yourself.
* Fix foods that are attractive. Decorate your child's plate with bright, colorful foods with different consistencies.
* If your child isn't hungry, don't force the issue. When children are hungry enough, they will eat.
* Stay away from sugary treats. Instead, offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
* Make healthy eating a tradition. Start early by offering a variety of baby foods when the child is as young as 6 months.

SOURCE

Cell Phones, Traffic a Deadly Combo for Kids

2009-01-27T00:31:00.000-08:00

Talking on a cell phone while crossing a street can be disastrous for children,a University of Alabama at Birmingham study shows.

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U.S. school children need less work, more play: study

2009-01-27T00:29:00.001-08:00

All work and no play may be a hazard for some U.S. school children.

Researchers reported on Monday that a growing trend of curbing free time at school may lead to unruly classrooms and rob youngsters of needed exercise and an important chance to socialize.

READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE

Health Tip: Dizziness During Pregnancy

2009-01-27T00:24:00.000-08:00

Many women feel dizzy during pregnancy, a condition caused by hormones that help increase blood flow to the baby, but may restrict blood flow to you.

The American Pregnancy Association offers these suggestions to help relieve dizziness during pregnancy:

* Try not to stand up for long periods. When you do have to stand, move your feet frequently to help maintain your circulation.
* When you start to stand up, do so slowly.
* Keep a cool body temperature. Avoid very hot baths or showers.
* Don't go too long without eating.
* Make sure clothing is loose and not so tight that it can reduce blood circulation.
* Ask your doctor about other factors that could cause dizziness. In some women, lying on their back may impede blood flow as the weight of the fetus presses on certain blood vessels.

SOURCE

Scientists Develop Test for Melamine in Milk

2009-01-27T00:21:00.000-08:00

U.S. researchers have developed a quick way to test milk for the presence of melamine, an industrial chemical found last year in milk in China that killed at least six children and made thousands sick.

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Dairy Foods for Stronger Bones

2008-11-27T02:49:00.000-08:00

Eating plenty of dairy foods, meat, and other high-protein foods in childhood result in stronger and healthier bones in adolescence , a new study in the Journal of Pediatrics shows.

Read the complete article here

Health Tip: Signs That a Child May Be Autistic

2008-11-25T02:07:00.000-08:00

Autism is a childhood developmental disorder that has no cure. Autistic children have problems with social interaction, communication, and may engage in repetitive behaviors.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke lists these common symptoms of autism:

* Seeming withdrawn, unresponsive or indifferent to others in social settings.
* Not responding when the person's name is called.
* Not making eye contact with other people.
* Difficulty communicating with others.
* Repetitive movements or behaviors, such as rocking, twirling or self-abuse.
* Disinterest in or aversion to physical affection.
* Delayed speech and verbal development.
* Not knowing how to play with other children.

Source

Health Tip: What to Eat During Morning Sickness

2008-11-25T02:03:00.000-08:00

When you're pregnant and battling morning sickness, the last thing you may feel like doing is swallowing food. But it's important that you and your baby continue eating.

The American Pregnancy Association says these foods may help tame morning sickness:

* Foods that can be eaten cold, including cold sandwiches, raw vegetables and fruits such as lemon or ginger, or cold salad. Don't use dressings, seasonings or condiments.
* Foods that aren't too spicy or flavorful, such as plain soups and broths, or a plain baked potato.
* Crackers or pretzels.
* Jello or popsicles.
* Peppermint tea.

Source

Health Tip: Keep Bathroom Chemicals Locked Up

2008-11-25T02:00:00.000-08:00

The bathroom may be full of potential dangers and temptations for young children.

Here are suggestions to prevent little hands from getting into bathroom chemicals or medications, courtesy of the National Safety Council:

* Always keep drugs stored in a medicine cabinet that is secured with a lock or child-proof latch.
* All medications should have a child-proof cap, and make sure it is secure and tight.
* Mouthwash may contain alcohol, which even in small amounts can be dangerous for children. Keep mouthwash away from a child's reach.
* When throwing away expired or unused medications, make sure the containers are secure and cannot be opened by children.
* Store toilet cleaners -- which often contain toxic chemicals -- in a locked area that children cannot reach.

Source

Child-Care Relationships Tied to Kids' Stress Levels

2008-11-21T00:29:00.000-08:00

Bickering parents and poor caregiver relationships each increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol in children, new studies say.

The two studies, published in the November/December issue of Child Development, show the biological effects stress has on children in these common situations.

Read the complete article here

Is Your Child More Prone to Ear Infections?

2008-11-21T00:25:00.000-08:00

Ear infections are common in children, and may occur for a variety of reasons.

But certain factors -- both environmental and beyond anyone's control -- may increase your child's risk.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists these common risk factors for ear infections in children:

* Being around cigarette smoking.
* Having had ear infections before, frequent colds, or having a family history of ear infections.
* Going to a day-care center.
* Being born premature or at low birth weight.
* Going to bed with a bottle or using a pacifier.
* Being male.
* Having allergies that cause congestion.

Source

Greener Neighborhoods Mean Slimmer Children

2008-11-21T00:22:00.000-08:00

Greener neighborhoods, with lots of trees, help inner city kids keep excess pounds at bay, according to a U.S. study.

"Previous work, including our own, has provided snapshots in time, and shown that for children in densely population cities, the greener the neighborhood, the lower the risk of obesity. Our new study of over 3,800 inner-city children revealed that living in areas with green space has a long-term positive impact on children's weight and thus health," study senior author Gilbert C. Liu, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine, said in a school news release.

Read the complete article here

Health Tip: Protect Baby From Diaper Rash

2008-11-18T23:03:00.001-08:00

Your baby's bottom may be prone to a nasty rash if the diaper isn't changed frequently or if the skin isn't cleaned properly.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these preventive suggestions:

* Keep a watchful eye on your baby's diaper, and change it as soon as possible after it is soiled.
* When you change baby's diaper, clean the infant's bottom thoroughly with warm water and mild soap.
* Pat baby's skin dry after a bath or diaper change -- never scrub it.
* Make sure baby's skin is completely dry before you put on a clean diaper.
* Don't use scented baby wipes, or those that contain alcohol.
* Cover baby's skin with a zinc oxide ointment or petroleum jelly to protect it from wetness.
* Avoid diapers with plastic edges, or plastic pants.

Weight-loss surgery helps with pregnancy: study

2008-11-18T23:00:00.001-08:00

Women who get pregnant after weight-loss surgery tend to be healthier and less likely to deliver a baby born with complications compared to obese women, researchers said on Tuesday.

Read the complete article here

Canola Oil Consumed During Pregnancy Lowers Breast Cancer Risk for Offspring

2008-11-18T22:55:00.000-08:00

Women whose mothers consumed canola oil during pregnancy and breast-feeding may be less likely to develop breast cancer than those whose mothers consumed corn oil, a new study suggests.

Read the complete article here

Tips to Evaluate Kids' Vision Problems

2008-11-07T02:17:00.000-08:00

Vision problems in a young child may be difficult to identify, especially before the child starts school. But the earlier these problems are found and treated, the better off your child will be.

The Nemours Foundation offers these warning signs for vision problems in young children:

* Rubbing the eyes frequently.
* Sensitivity to light, or difficulty focusing.
* Problems following an object.
* Eyes that are frequently red.
* Frequent tearing.
* An eye pupil that is white instead of black.

Tips: Fluoride Use by Children

2008-10-23T01:10:00.000-07:00

Fluoride is a natural substance found in water, and is added to many municipal water supplies to help prevent cavities.

The Nemours Foundation offers these guidelines about the use of fluoride in children::

Children should only use fluoride supplements if they live in areas with non-fluoridated water, or if they drink only non-fluoridated bottled water.
Children under age 6 should never use a fluoride mouth rinse.
Children under 6 months don't need fluoride supplements and shouldn't been given them.
Fluoride toothpaste should not be used on children younger than 2 unless recommended by a doctor or dentist.
Children should use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Watch children up to age 6 when they brush their teeth to make sure that they spit out the toothpaste, and that not too much is swallowed.

Food Allergies Increasing Among US Kids

2008-10-23T01:04:00.000-07:00

Food allergies in American children seem to be on the rise, now affecting about 3 million kids, according to the first federal study of the problem.

Experts said that might be because parents are more aware and quicker to have their kids checked out by a doctor.

Read the complete article here

Tips to Protect Your Child at Day Care

2008-10-21T23:49:00.000-07:00

Bacteria, viruses and other germs are easily passed between children at day-care centers. Here are suggestions to reduce your child's risk of catching -- or spreading -- a nasty bug, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Make sure your child washes his or her hands before eating and after using the bathroom.
* Encourage the day-care center to regularly sanitize toys.
* When your child is sick, keep him or her home from school.
* For your infant in day care, try breast-feeding to boost the infant's immune system.
* Encourage the day-care center to implement procedures to reduce the spread of germs.
* Encourage the daycare center to change diapers away from food preparation and serving areas.
* Remind staff that they and children at day care should be current with all recommended immunizations.

Kids Need More Vitamin D

2008-10-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says it will double its recommended minimum intake of vitamin D for infants, children and teens, from 200 international units (IU) to 400 IU per day.

The move comes as doctors increasingly raise concerns that children, particularly breast-fed infants, do not get enough of the vitamin, which not only promotes calcium absorption and bone health but may also stave off diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. The easy fix, say doctors, is to take a daily supplement.

Read the complete article here

Not All Pets Save for Your Kids

2008-10-08T01:49:00.000-07:00

Exposing your children to the joys of pet ownership may, in some cases, also mean exposing them to infections and injuries.

Parents need to be aware of the dangers -- including salmonella infection and even monkey pox -- of owning such nontraditional pets as rodents, reptiles, monkeys and more, says a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published in the October issue of Pediatrics.

Read the complete article here

Don't Give Cold Meds for Kids Under 4!

2008-10-08T01:33:00.000-07:00

When your under 4-year-old kids are cold, don't give them over-the-counter cold remedies, said drug companies.
Instead, give them plenty of fluids and lots of tender, loving care, said the doctors.

Dr. Laura Herrera, a Baltimore family practitioner and mother of two, said, "The best thing a parent can do is comfort their children. Keeping them as comfortable as possible is certainly better than giving cough and cold medicines."

Read the complete article here

Early Daycare May Lower Asthma Risk

2008-09-23T02:28:00.000-07:00

A new study suggests that children who attend daycare may have a lower risk of developing asthma later on, particularly if they start daycare between the ages of 6 and 12 months.

The findings lend more support to the "hygiene hypothesis" -- the theory that the increasingly germ-free surroundings of modern life are actually contributing to an increase in allergies and asthma.

Read the complete article here

Breastfeeding for Faster Post-Baby Weight Loss

2008-09-23T02:20:00.000-07:00

New research suggests new moms to get their pre-pregnancy weight by exclusively breastfeeding their newborns.

Dr. Alex Kojo Anderson, of the University of Georgia in Athens, told Reuters Health, "The practice of exclusive breastfeeding helps mothers lose the weight accumulated during pregnancy and do that faster compared to those who don't practice exclusive breastfeeding."

Read the complete article here

School Bus Safety Tips

2008-09-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Do your kids go to school with school bus? The U.S. National Safety Council has these recommendations:

Wait until the bus stops and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.
Use the hand rail when boarding or leaving the bus.
Board the bus calmly and choose a seat quickly. Take a seat as soon as possible.
Children should always stay in their seats when the bus is moving.
There should be no loud talking, yelling or other distractions that may bother the bus driver.
Keep head, arms and hands inside the bus. Never stick them out the window.
Keep books, backpacks and other belongings stored on or below the seat, and keep the aisle of the bus clear.
Once the bus comes to a complete stop, children may stand and exit the bus quickly and safely through the front door.
If children must cross in front of the bus, they should walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until they can turn around and see the driver. The driver should also be able to see them.
Children must wait for a signal from the driver before crossing the street.

Ease Baby's Pain with Nursing Instead of Sugar Water

2008-09-08T01:02:00.000-07:00

New research shows that infants who breastfeed while doctors obtain a blood sample from a heel experience much less discomfort than newborns given sugar water during this routine newborn procedure.

Dr. Luigi Codipietro of Agnelli Hospital in Turin, Italy and colleagues conclude: "If our results are confirmed, breastfeeding during a minor pain procedure could be regarded as a noninvasive, natural, and feasible way of reducing pain in neonatal units."

Studies have shown that giving babies sucrose can reduce pain somewhat while breastfeeding also appears to have pain-relieving effects, thanks to as the skin-to-skin contact, the stimulation from breast milk, and the holding of the infant.

Kids Allergic to Vaccines Can Be Safely Vaccinated

2008-09-05T02:05:00.000-07:00

Study author Robert Wood, chief of pediatric allergy and immunology at Hopkins Children's Center, said in a hospital news release: "We cannot reiterate enough that the vaccines used today are extremely safe, but, in a handful of children, certain vaccine ingredients trigger serious allergic reactions."

"For the most part, even children with known allergies can be safely vaccinated."

Investigator Neal Halsey, an infectious disease specialist at Hopkins Children's and a professor of international health at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, said in the news release: "Most children who have had an allergic reaction after a vaccine can still be vaccinated against other diseases safely, and some can receive additional doses of vaccines they might have reacted to."

If a child is allergic to an allergen in a vaccine, we can use an alternative form of the vaccine that is free of the allergen. But if an allergen-free vaccine is unavailable, children can still be vaccinated under the supervision of a physician for several hours after the vaccination. Note that immunizations of children with known vaccine allergies should be administered at a clinic that is equipped to treat life-threatening reactions or in a hospital intensive care unit.

Giving Kids High Doses of Vitamin is Safe

2008-09-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

A new study shows that giving school children very high doses of vitamin D is safe because it may be necessary to bring their blood levels of the nutrient up to the amount necessary for optimum bone growth and health.

A previous study found that giving 10- to 17-year-olds relatively high doses of vitamin D3 increased the children's bone mass and bone area, as well as lean mass.

Current study, which uses the high dosage of 2,000 IU daily, 10 times the amount recommended by The Institute of Medicine, also reports both the short- and long-term safety of high-dose supplementation.

None of the children show signs of vitamin D intoxication while levels of the vitamin in children treated short-term rose from 44 to 54 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).

Help Kids Exercise by Playing Active Video Games

2008-09-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

University of Hong Kong researchers report that playing active video games may help children exercise and stop them from becoming obese.

According to this new study, children playing active video games have higher heart rates and burn four times as many calories a minute than children playing passive video games.

Lead researcher Alison M. McManus, from the university's Institute of Human Performance, said, "In the J-Mat game -- Jackie Chan Action Run -- the children raised their heart rate to 160 beats per minute, expending more than 5 kilocalories of energy per minute compared with only 1.3 kilocalories when seated."

"When using the XaviX Bowling game, which essentially is a standing game with light intensity movement, children expended 0.6 kilocalories per minute more than seated computer game play."

He added, "When playing on the XaviX J-Mat, the children played at an intensity equivalent to vigorous exercise. If they were to play regularly, they could more easily meet current activity recommendations, which are otherwise not being met."

Things to Do When Your Child Worries

2008-09-01T02:19:00.000-07:00

Parents can help put their child's worries to rest by doing these suggestions offered by The Nemours Foundation:

* Take time to talk about what's worrying your child.
* Listen carefully to what your child has to say, and explain that you understand and are concerned. Offer reassurance about what's bothering your child, and offer comfort.
* Help your child figure out a solution to the problem, but don't try to remedy the entire situation yourself.
* Help your child keep things in perspective, and explain that problems are often temporary.
* Show your child how to react to concerns by being a good role model.

When We Can Leave Our Kids Alone?

2008-08-31T22:19:00.000-07:00

Kids need to learn to be independent and care for themselves, but how do we know they are old or mature enough to be left alone?

Generally, you probably still need baby sitter or somebody older around if your kid is younger then 10 years old. But, according to the Nemours Foundation, parents can forgo babysitter if their kid:

* Feels comfortable with the prospect of staying alone.
* Shows a sense of responsibility with chores, doing homework, and following rules and directions.
* Stays calm in difficult or unexpected situations, and knows how to handle them.
* Clearly understands and regularly follows rules.
* Knows basic first aid.
* Knows and follows rules for staying away from strangers.

Pregnant Moms with Severe Stress May Affect Fetal Growth

2008-08-31T21:34:00.001-07:00

Are you pregnant and go through a traumatic event during or soon before pregnancy? Be careful, your condition may increased risk of having an underweight baby.

According to researchers, pregnant women who dealt with the death or serious illness of a loved one shortly before or during pregnancy were more likely to have a low-birthweight baby.

Although the findings do not prove that severe stress during pregnancy harms fetal growth, according to lead researcher Ali S. Khashan, of the University of Manchester in the UK, it is possible that this is the case as research indicates that high levels of stress hormones in the mother can hinder fetal growth, and severe stress may make it difficult for some pregnant women to follow a healthy lifestyle.

The researcher advice is: "Expectant mothers should follow standard medical advice and maintain a normal, healthy lifestyle pre-conception and in pregnancy."

Alcohol in Early Pregnancy May Cause Fetal Cell Death

2008-08-31T21:08:00.000-07:00

Moms, remember not to drink a few glasses of wine over a short period in early pregnancy, because it may cause these initial signs of fetal alcohol syndrome, facial malformations such as a flat and high upper lip, small eye openings, and a short nose.

Erhard Bieberich, a biochemist in the Medical College of Georgia Schools of Medicine and Graduate Studies, said in a Medical College of Georgia press release, "It's well known that when you drink, you get a buzz. But a couple of hours later, that initial impact, at least, is gone."

"But, your fetus may have experienced irreversible damage."

Smoking Pregnant Moms at Higher Risk of SIDS

2008-08-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

New research suggests that moms who smoked during their pregnancy and give birth premature infants may be at higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than premature babies born to nonsmoking moms.

Study author and neonatologist Dr. Shabih Hasan, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Calgary, said in an American Thoracic Society news release, "Our study shows that preterm infants make incomplete and/or delayed recovery from interruptions in breathing."

"This has clear implications for their risk of SIDS."

Hasan also noted that besides the risk of SIDS, "inability or delayed recovery from repeated low oxygen episodes can also be detrimental to brain development."

"There is increasing evidence that infants exposed to prenatal cigarette smoke are at high risk for developmental and behavioral disorders."