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Skipping breakfast = Weight problems laterOver the past 2 decades, obesity rates have doubled in children and nearly tripled in teens, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In fact, 57% of adolescent girls and 33% of adolescent boys frequently use unhealthy weight-control behaviors, such as skipping breakfast.According to a recent study, daily breakfast-eaters consume a healthier overall diet than breakfast-skippers, are more physically active, gain less excess weight and have lower body-mass-index levels – an indicator of obesity risk. The bottom line? Breakfast doesn’t have to be a big event. A slice of whole-wheat toast with peanut butter, a banana and some skim milk will do the trick. fam Head size could help predict autismChildren with autism have normal-size heads at birth, but sometimes develop accelerated head growth between 6 and 9 months of age. This period precedes the onset of many behaviors that help diagnose autism, says new research from the University of Washington's Autism Center.This growth in head circumference is present in kids who have early-onset autism and those later diagnosed with regression-type autism, says lead researcher Sara Webb. Infant head measurements are typically done by pediatricians through the first 18 months of life, but often aren’t done again. “Some kids in our study started with a small head size and, later, their growth accelerated,” says Webb. “What we’re looking for is disproportionate growth in kids compared to the rest of their body.” She said this information can be used to screen children and refer them earlier, rather than later, for evaluation and intervention before other symptoms develop. fam Baby at home? butt out!Breathing second-hand tobacco smoke as a baby boosts the risk of a child developing allergies, suggests new research published in the medical journal Thorax.The findings are based on survey responses from more than 4,000 families. One in 12 (8%) moms surveyed smoked throughout pregnancy and 1 in 8 (12%) smoked during part of their pregnancy. Other serious health risks aside, there was no evidence that smoking while pregnant affected a child’s risk of becoming sensitized to certain allergens. But after they were born, children exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke in early infancy were almost twice as likely to become allergic to inhaled allergens, such as pet dander, as those who hadn’t been so exposed. They were almost 50% more likely to be allergic to some foods. fam Heartburn medicine approvedThe FDA recently approved Nexium, formerly used by adults ages 12 and up, for children ages 1 to 11 years old. Nexium is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which attacks the digestive tract and oftencauses heartburn. Children sometimes experience heartburn, but more often suffer vomiting and coughing. In a recent study, doctors prescribed the drug to 109 children between the ages of 1 and 11. Success rates were phenomenal. Within 8 weeks, most of the patients’ esophagi began to heal, and children showed signs of overall physical improvement. The dosage for 1 to 11 years is about half of what is prescribed for people 12 years and older; children receive 10 to 20 milligrams per day; adults receive 20 to 40 milligrams. Before giving any meds to your kids, consult with a pediatrician, first. fam Source: Food and Drug Administration Toxic baby productsA new study says some everyday baby products contain threatening chemicals known as phthalates, synthetic compounds that may interfere with the development of a child’s endocrine and reproductive systems.Researchers studied 163 babies, and all of them tested positive with at least 1 phthalate in their urine. Researchers say phthalates change hormone levels in breastfed babies and affect the reproductive development of animals. California has banned them in softeners used to make toys and childcare products. Manufacturers aren’t required to disclose phthalate content in their products. But here’s how you can prevent exposure: > Limit lotion and powder use, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. > Use phthalate-free products > Avoid scented products > Don’t bathe your baby every day; 2-3 times a week will suffice. > Avoid plastic containers; instead, use glass and stainless steel. fam |
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Children’s dental injuries are often associated with football or hockey, but other sports, such as baseball and soccer, can present just as big a risk. In fact, soccer players are approximately 8 times more likely to suffer dental injuries compared with football players, and nearly 20% of baseball players will experience a dental injury, says the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). 
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