Could Your Genes Make You Look Fat?

Could Your Genes Make You Look Fat?

There are 100 genetic markers linked to obesity but it only seems to contribute to 3% of the difference in body mass index between people. To help us understand the difference between genetics (nature) and habits (nurture), scientists in England compared the weight of...
Don’t Leave a Child Trapped in a Car!

Don’t Leave a Child Trapped in a Car!

With summer in the northern hemisphere arriving soon it is important to recognize the dangers of leaving a child, elderly adult, or pet in an overheated parked car. According to researchers, if the car is parked in the sun, the interior temperature can reach 116...
Exercise Lowers Depression in School Age Children

Exercise Lowers Depression in School Age Children

Almost 800 children in Norway were assessed for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at ages 6, 8, and 10 years old. Researchers found those with higher levels of MVPA at 6 and 8 years old experienced fewer symptoms of depression 2 years later. Each hour of...
By Beholding We are Changed

By Beholding We are Changed

Children frequently mimic what they see in real life! Researchers randomized 52 pairs of children 8-12 years of age to watch a 20-minute PG-rated movie clip with or without scenes involving gun use. The pairs then played for 20 minutes in a room with toys and games....
No Fruit Juice for Infants

No Fruit Juice for Infants

The American Academy of Pediatrics has extended its recommendation against offering juice to all infants from 6 months and younger to 12 months and under. Toddlers should be given no more that 4 oz (120 ml) of 100% juice; children 4-6 years old no more than 6 oz (180...
Kids Cycle Their Way to Better Behavior

Kids Cycle Their Way to Better Behavior

Harvard researchers found in a randomized control trial of 103 students at a therapeutic day school that aerobic exercises yielded significant behavioral improvements. Those who engaged in cybercycling (stationary bike exercise enhanced by virtual reality) experienced...
Syringes Better than Cups for Kid’s Med Dosing

Syringes Better than Cups for Kid’s Med Dosing

In a large randomized trial of over 2000 parents, researchers found dosing errors were 4.6 times more common when using dosing cups than when using syringes. When the dose was listed in teaspoons on the medication label more errors were made. More than 20% measured...
Non-pharmacologic Options to Reduce Kid’s Pain

Non-pharmacologic Options to Reduce Kid’s Pain

What can be done when a child is in pain—and medications are not the best solution? Presenters at the Pain Week conference suggested that physical  interventions, distraction, and relaxation may be very useful techniques. For an infant, a pacifier dipped in sucrose,...
Poor Kids More Likely to be Obese

Poor Kids More Likely to be Obese

A large British cohort study has found children living in poverty were two to three times more likely to be obese than the wealthiest. A poor diet, insufficient exercise, irregular bedtimes resulting in loss of sleep, the introduction of solid foods before 4 months...

Lifelong Cancer Prevention

You know healthy habits can reduce the risk of cancer and other health issues. Did you know the sooner those habits start, the greater the impact they will have? The American Institute for Cancer Research has many practical activities and tips to help you adopt a...

Set Down That Salt Shaker

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says about 90% of U.S. school children consume too much sodium each day. It may come as a surprise that only 10 common foods contribute 40% of the sodium eaten by children. Check out the great resources...

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