A recent report by the CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health showed that schools are making good progress when it comes to offering kids healthier food choices. Of the 34 states surveyed, 63% now refrain from selling soda or fruit drinks that are not 100% juice.
While that's great news what's even better is that this number is up 38% in just one year!
And the schools are going after candy as well as salty, fatty snacks. In 2008, 64% of the secondary schools weren't selling those items compared to 46% in 2006.
These are absolutely necessary steps since about 1/3 of our young children ( in 30 states) are considered either overweight or obese.
Showing posts with label Children's Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Children's Health. Show all posts
Friday, October 09, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Carcinogens in Kids' Bath Products
A group called the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested 48 top-selling children's products for 1,4-dioxane and 28 of them for formaldehyde. The 1,4-dioxane chemical is used as a foaming agent.
The resutls were not pretty. 23 had formaldehyde and 17 had both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane.
Among those were the highly popular Johnson's Baby Shampoo, L'Oreal Kids Extra Gentle 2-in-1 shampoo and Pampers Kandoo foaming hand soap, which contained enough formaldehyde to trigger a skin reaction in sensitive people, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics said in its report.
And I'm sure by now all of us know the adverse effects of formaldehyde, but just in case you don't the US National Cancer Institute has reported that studies of workers exposed to formaldehyde have linked the chemical to cancers of the nasal sinuses, nasopharynx, brain and possibly leukemia.
And 1,4-dioxane has been deemed as a "probable human carcinogen" by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Studies have shown that the chemical does cause cancer in animals and as a "probable human carcinogen."
Stacy Malkan of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics makes the point that while the levels might be low in individual products it all add up and "children are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of chemicals."
For the full report click here
Luckily there are many natural bath products available.
A group called the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested 48 top-selling children's products for 1,4-dioxane and 28 of them for formaldehyde. The 1,4-dioxane chemical is used as a foaming agent.
The resutls were not pretty. 23 had formaldehyde and 17 had both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane.
Among those were the highly popular Johnson's Baby Shampoo, L'Oreal Kids Extra Gentle 2-in-1 shampoo and Pampers Kandoo foaming hand soap, which contained enough formaldehyde to trigger a skin reaction in sensitive people, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics said in its report.
And I'm sure by now all of us know the adverse effects of formaldehyde, but just in case you don't the US National Cancer Institute has reported that studies of workers exposed to formaldehyde have linked the chemical to cancers of the nasal sinuses, nasopharynx, brain and possibly leukemia.
And 1,4-dioxane has been deemed as a "probable human carcinogen" by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Studies have shown that the chemical does cause cancer in animals and as a "probable human carcinogen."
Stacy Malkan of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics makes the point that while the levels might be low in individual products it all add up and "children are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of chemicals."
For the full report click here
Luckily there are many natural bath products available.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Kids Under 18 Using Natural Methods for Health
In a recent study by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 4% of children under 18 were taking supplements like echinacea, fish oil, flaxseed oil, herb pills, prebiotics or probiotics.
And 1 in 9 children used some form of natural health, as reported by the New York Times.
Almost 3% of children see a chiropractor or an osteopath for manipulation, 2.2% do deep breathing exercises and 2.1% do yoga.
Interestingly, the article said that some experts feels these number might be way too low based on how people identify alternative therapy. The figure could go to 40% usage for healthy children and 50% usages for children with chronic health conditions.
Smart kids!!
In a recent study by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 4% of children under 18 were taking supplements like echinacea, fish oil, flaxseed oil, herb pills, prebiotics or probiotics.
And 1 in 9 children used some form of natural health, as reported by the New York Times.
Almost 3% of children see a chiropractor or an osteopath for manipulation, 2.2% do deep breathing exercises and 2.1% do yoga.
Interestingly, the article said that some experts feels these number might be way too low based on how people identify alternative therapy. The figure could go to 40% usage for healthy children and 50% usages for children with chronic health conditions.
Smart kids!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Obese Kids Have Middle-Aged Arteries
In a study presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meeting , and reported by MSNBC, , more than half of the 70 youngsters ages 10 to 18 enrolled in the Children’s Mercy Hospital study had a “vascular age” about 30 years older than their actual age, putting them at risk for early heart attacks, stroke — and death.
According the study the kids who are most at risk had a body mass index or BMI at or above the 95th percentile, and had abnormally high cholesterol levels, including either too much of the so-called “bad” LDL cholesterol, or too little of the “good” HDL cholesterol.
Recommendations are for the children to change their diet and increasing exercise in order to slow and perhaps stop deterioration.
In a study presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meeting , and reported by MSNBC, , more than half of the 70 youngsters ages 10 to 18 enrolled in the Children’s Mercy Hospital study had a “vascular age” about 30 years older than their actual age, putting them at risk for early heart attacks, stroke — and death.
According the study the kids who are most at risk had a body mass index or BMI at or above the 95th percentile, and had abnormally high cholesterol levels, including either too much of the so-called “bad” LDL cholesterol, or too little of the “good” HDL cholesterol.
Recommendations are for the children to change their diet and increasing exercise in order to slow and perhaps stop deterioration.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Study Says Children Need to Take Vitamin D Supplements
A new study out by the American Academy of Pediatrics says that to meet the new recommendation of 400 units daily of Vitamin D, children will need to take daily supplements.
In an article on CNN.com, Dr. Frank Greer, author of the study said that while milk is fortified with Vitamin D, most children and teens don't drink the four cups daily that would be needed to meet the new requirement.
A new study out by the American Academy of Pediatrics says that to meet the new recommendation of 400 units daily of Vitamin D, children will need to take daily supplements.
In an article on CNN.com, Dr. Frank Greer, author of the study said that while milk is fortified with Vitamin D, most children and teens don't drink the four cups daily that would be needed to meet the new requirement.
Potential benefits from vitamin D besides keeping bones strong, includes reducing risks for cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Magnesium Cuts Risk of Infant Cerebral Palsy
A study, published on August 28 in the New England Journal of Medicine, discovered that if magnesium is given to women prior to premature delivery, the chances of those babies developing cerebral palsy is greatly reduced.
Previously magnesium sulfate had been given only to prevent pre-term birth or preeclampsia, but the study showed that giving magnesium before that time is beneficial.
Each year about 8,000 infants are diagnosed with cerebral palsy, according to the article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
One part of the article that I found very interesting was that the doctors said they still don't know how it works. This is true of much of natural medicine that works but hasn't been studied in a lab. But good for the authors of the study who released this information to the public so people can begin using it now instead of waiting to find out exactly how it works.
There is precedent for this since my culture has been using chicken soup to ease many ailments for over 5000 years and only within the last 50 years did scientists test it and find out it worked!
A study, published on August 28 in the New England Journal of Medicine, discovered that if magnesium is given to women prior to premature delivery, the chances of those babies developing cerebral palsy is greatly reduced.
Previously magnesium sulfate had been given only to prevent pre-term birth or preeclampsia, but the study showed that giving magnesium before that time is beneficial.
Each year about 8,000 infants are diagnosed with cerebral palsy, according to the article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
One part of the article that I found very interesting was that the doctors said they still don't know how it works. This is true of much of natural medicine that works but hasn't been studied in a lab. But good for the authors of the study who released this information to the public so people can begin using it now instead of waiting to find out exactly how it works.
There is precedent for this since my culture has been using chicken soup to ease many ailments for over 5000 years and only within the last 50 years did scientists test it and find out it worked!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
More Bad News About Cold Medicine for Children
Almost 7,000 children ended up at hospital emergency rooms each year, due to adverse reactions to cold and cough medicines, according to a report out on Jan. 28.
As reported on Aol.com, almost 2/3 of the kids were unsupervised at the time, but that still leaves 1/3 of kids who were given proper doses by their parents. More than three-quarters of the cases involved kids ages 2 to 5, according to the CDC.
This comes on top of recent warnings not to give children ages 2 and under any type of cold or cough medicine. This study looked at children from 2- 11.
Almost 7,000 children ended up at hospital emergency rooms each year, due to adverse reactions to cold and cough medicines, according to a report out on Jan. 28.
As reported on Aol.com, almost 2/3 of the kids were unsupervised at the time, but that still leaves 1/3 of kids who were given proper doses by their parents. More than three-quarters of the cases involved kids ages 2 to 5, according to the CDC.
This comes on top of recent warnings not to give children ages 2 and under any type of cold or cough medicine. This study looked at children from 2- 11.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Children Under 12 Should Not Take Cold/Cough Medicine
About four months ago the FDA warned that the risks for children 2 and under of taking cold and cough medicine were high. In the past two years 1500 children have been hospitalized with adverse reactions to these drugs. Well today, Jan. 16, the FDA made it official that kids under age 2 should not take theses drugs at all.
In a report on CNN this morning,, Dr. Sanjay Gupta pointed out not a single study exists to prove that these medications can help kids 2 and under. He also said that kids 2-6 are the next group that the FDA is looking at. Following that he says the warning will probably be extended to kids up to 11. He seems to think that soon the FDA will say kids under 11 should not take these drugs at all.
When asked what parents can do, guess what made the list? CHICKEN SOUP!! Ok, I'm gloating.
I have written more than one blog on the benefits of chicken soup and I have been serving my children chicken soup on a daily basis during cold season. ( Don't forget to put lots of garlic in as it is a natural anti-biotic.)
Other alternatives he mentioned were a room humidifier, saline drops in the nose and a rubber nose bulb.
About four months ago the FDA warned that the risks for children 2 and under of taking cold and cough medicine were high. In the past two years 1500 children have been hospitalized with adverse reactions to these drugs. Well today, Jan. 16, the FDA made it official that kids under age 2 should not take theses drugs at all.
In a report on CNN this morning,, Dr. Sanjay Gupta pointed out not a single study exists to prove that these medications can help kids 2 and under. He also said that kids 2-6 are the next group that the FDA is looking at. Following that he says the warning will probably be extended to kids up to 11. He seems to think that soon the FDA will say kids under 11 should not take these drugs at all.
When asked what parents can do, guess what made the list? CHICKEN SOUP!! Ok, I'm gloating.
I have written more than one blog on the benefits of chicken soup and I have been serving my children chicken soup on a daily basis during cold season. ( Don't forget to put lots of garlic in as it is a natural anti-biotic.)
Other alternatives he mentioned were a room humidifier, saline drops in the nose and a rubber nose bulb.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
2008 Is The Year To Go Natural!
While that sounds a little racy, what I mean is that this the year that people will be looking at natural ways to improve their healthy and lifestyle.
All of us want to incorporate Mother Nature's healing ways into our lives but sometimes find it hard to organize it into a way that makes sense and is easy-to-use. What has worked for me over the past 15 years is what I call the Selko Method which is a 5 step approach:
1) Nutrition
2) Exercise
3) Stress Reduction
4) Home Remedies
5) Outlook on Life.
For ideas on how to incorporate these five steps into your daily life visit my plan.
I wish everyone a year filled with good health and joy!
Adrienne
While that sounds a little racy, what I mean is that this the year that people will be looking at natural ways to improve their healthy and lifestyle.
All of us want to incorporate Mother Nature's healing ways into our lives but sometimes find it hard to organize it into a way that makes sense and is easy-to-use. What has worked for me over the past 15 years is what I call the Selko Method which is a 5 step approach:
1) Nutrition
2) Exercise
3) Stress Reduction
4) Home Remedies
5) Outlook on Life.
For ideas on how to incorporate these five steps into your daily life visit my plan.
I wish everyone a year filled with good health and joy!
Adrienne
Monday, December 17, 2007
Children Are Choosing To Eat Healthy
And we thought they weren't listening to us! Turns out that a recent University of Minnesota study has found that school lunch sales don't decline when healthier meals are served. And to further the cause it t urns out that these nutritious lunches don't necessarily cost schools more to produce.
The study, reported on CNN, was done over a five-year period.
In my own family where I greatly limit junk food, my children are used to eating potatoes for snacks when they come home from school and are likely to eat humus and pita. They grew up with these choices and seem to stick with them. Not to say they don't eat junk food on occasion but it the exception rather than the rule.
And we thought they weren't listening to us! Turns out that a recent University of Minnesota study has found that school lunch sales don't decline when healthier meals are served. And to further the cause it t urns out that these nutritious lunches don't necessarily cost schools more to produce.
The study, reported on CNN, was done over a five-year period.
In my own family where I greatly limit junk food, my children are used to eating potatoes for snacks when they come home from school and are likely to eat humus and pita. They grew up with these choices and seem to stick with them. Not to say they don't eat junk food on occasion but it the exception rather than the rule.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Canada Bans Plastic Water Bottles
The largest outdoor-goods chain retailer in Canada, Mountain Equipment Co-op, pulled water bottles and food containers made of polycarbonate plastic from its shelves over worries about the chemical bisphenol A. The chemical has been linked to cancer and reproductive problems in animals, according to an article on MSNBC.
While the US FDA says there is no problem, Japanese manufacturers decided voluntarily to stop making products using polycarbonate plastic five to six years ago. Norway and the European Union are also reviewing the chemical.
The largest outdoor-goods chain retailer in Canada, Mountain Equipment Co-op, pulled water bottles and food containers made of polycarbonate plastic from its shelves over worries about the chemical bisphenol A. The chemical has been linked to cancer and reproductive problems in animals, according to an article on MSNBC.
Some research in North American has shown the chemical can cause several types of cancer as well as developmental, neural, behavioral and reproductive harm in animals. This is because the chemical can mimic the effects of the hormone estrogen in cells.
This chemical might sound familiar since it was in the news this past week as being used in baby bottles and the lining of some food cans including most major brands of infant formula. That came from a study co-released last week by Environmental Defence Canada and the Washington-based Environmental Working Group.While the US FDA says there is no problem, Japanese manufacturers decided voluntarily to stop making products using polycarbonate plastic five to six years ago. Norway and the European Union are also reviewing the chemical.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Food Additives Can Increase Hyperactive Behavior in Children
Many parents will tell you that this is not news, however when the New York Times reports this based on research published in the British medical journal The Lancet, we are all glad to have some evidence so everyone can choose to buy food that doesn't have food additives and colorings.
The study showed that "some artificial additives increase hyperactivity and decrease attention span in a wide range of children, not just those for whom overactivity has been diagnosed as a learning problem", according to the article.
Many parents will tell you that this is not news, however when the New York Times reports this based on research published in the British medical journal The Lancet, we are all glad to have some evidence so everyone can choose to buy food that doesn't have food additives and colorings.
The study showed that "some artificial additives increase hyperactivity and decrease attention span in a wide range of children, not just those for whom overactivity has been diagnosed as a learning problem", according to the article.
The article reports that the Food Standards Agency advised parents to monitor their children’s activity and, if they noted a marked change with food containing additives, to adjust their diets accordingly, eliminating artificial colors and preservatives.
And with all of the many products now available in that don't have artificial coloring and ingredients, parents have many choices. ( And the foods still taste good.)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Using Food To Prevent Heart Attacks
My holistic physician, Dr. David Brownstein is always saying that food is the key to good health. What you put into your body determines how well it functions and how well it is able to fight illness.
A recent article in Bottom Line Personal by Bonnie T. Jortberg, RD, CDE, spelled out 5 specific foods that can help prevent heart attacks.
1) Spinach - key ingredient here is folate, one of the B vitamins. Folate can help prevent the buildup of homoscysteine, an amino acid in the blood that is a risk factor for heart disease.
2) Salmon - we all know about Omega 3, but in case you forgot, it can reduce inflammation and make the blood less sticky which prevents fatty deposits from clogging up the arteries.
3) Tomatoes - this has been common knowledge for its ingredient lycopene which reduces cholesterol in the body.
4) Oatmeal -- as a source of soluble fiber it can absorb excess cholesterol from your body.
5) Pomegranates - this one is making a lot of lists lately. With regard to heart health this fruit can reduce the bad cholesterol as it contains more polyphenols, an antioxidants, than red wine.
My holistic physician, Dr. David Brownstein is always saying that food is the key to good health. What you put into your body determines how well it functions and how well it is able to fight illness.
A recent article in Bottom Line Personal by Bonnie T. Jortberg, RD, CDE, spelled out 5 specific foods that can help prevent heart attacks.
1) Spinach - key ingredient here is folate, one of the B vitamins. Folate can help prevent the buildup of homoscysteine, an amino acid in the blood that is a risk factor for heart disease.
2) Salmon - we all know about Omega 3, but in case you forgot, it can reduce inflammation and make the blood less sticky which prevents fatty deposits from clogging up the arteries.
3) Tomatoes - this has been common knowledge for its ingredient lycopene which reduces cholesterol in the body.
4) Oatmeal -- as a source of soluble fiber it can absorb excess cholesterol from your body.
5) Pomegranates - this one is making a lot of lists lately. With regard to heart health this fruit can reduce the bad cholesterol as it contains more polyphenols, an antioxidants, than red wine.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Another Warning For Teenagers On Antidepressant Drugs
Generally, I hate to focus on bad news, but when it comes to kids and teenagers I feel I have to include it. Last week again the FDA came out with another warning about the effects on teens/young adults of taking antidepressants.
There is an increased risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts in kids when they take these drugs. If the FDA is issuing another warning we have to know how serious it is. They do not issue these warnings lightly or often.
To jump on my soapbox for a minute, I can't tell you how many young adults I know personally who are taking some type of antidepressant drugs. These kids are given these drugs way too easily and for a variety of issues.
While there are cases, I'm sure, of kids who need these drugs; I doubt that many have tried holistic or natural medicine to treat these conditions.
They are natural alternatives including herbs and exercise. The exercise study is from none other than the Mayo Clinic!
So, please, please tell every parent you know that they should seek every other method of treatment before turning to these drugs.
Generally, I hate to focus on bad news, but when it comes to kids and teenagers I feel I have to include it. Last week again the FDA came out with another warning about the effects on teens/young adults of taking antidepressants.
There is an increased risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts in kids when they take these drugs. If the FDA is issuing another warning we have to know how serious it is. They do not issue these warnings lightly or often.
To jump on my soapbox for a minute, I can't tell you how many young adults I know personally who are taking some type of antidepressant drugs. These kids are given these drugs way too easily and for a variety of issues.
While there are cases, I'm sure, of kids who need these drugs; I doubt that many have tried holistic or natural medicine to treat these conditions.
They are natural alternatives including herbs and exercise. The exercise study is from none other than the Mayo Clinic!
So, please, please tell every parent you know that they should seek every other method of treatment before turning to these drugs.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Very Serious Health Warning
Although I have made it a policy not to write about drugs in this column, given today's news I have to make an exception. Today the New York Times report that a recent FDA panel analysis of antidepressants reveals a strong suicide risk associated with taking these drugs.
And the group most affected? People under 25!
Here's what one panel member had to say.
"I really feel we have an obligation to warn the public when we have new information, and we do," said Jean Bronstein, a consumer representative and panel member from Sunnyvale, Calif., referring to a recent F.D.A. analysis that found a link between suicidal behavior and antidepressants in young adults.
From the article:
The recommendation followed hours of emotional public testimony on both sides of the issue, and comes amid a long-running debate about the safety of the drugs, which include medications like Prozac, from Eli Lilly, Paxil, from GlaxoSmithKline, and Effexor, from Wyeth.
Without jumping on a soapbox, can I tell you how many kids, aged 15 and younger, are on these types of medication in my own state? I bet everyone knows of at least a few kids on antidepressants.
What are we doing to our kids?
We have got to find better, safer alternative.
Although I have made it a policy not to write about drugs in this column, given today's news I have to make an exception. Today the New York Times report that a recent FDA panel analysis of antidepressants reveals a strong suicide risk associated with taking these drugs.
And the group most affected? People under 25!
Here's what one panel member had to say.
"I really feel we have an obligation to warn the public when we have new information, and we do," said Jean Bronstein, a consumer representative and panel member from Sunnyvale, Calif., referring to a recent F.D.A. analysis that found a link between suicidal behavior and antidepressants in young adults.
From the article:
The recommendation followed hours of emotional public testimony on both sides of the issue, and comes amid a long-running debate about the safety of the drugs, which include medications like Prozac, from Eli Lilly, Paxil, from GlaxoSmithKline, and Effexor, from Wyeth.
Without jumping on a soapbox, can I tell you how many kids, aged 15 and younger, are on these types of medication in my own state? I bet everyone knows of at least a few kids on antidepressants.
What are we doing to our kids?
We have got to find better, safer alternative.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Now I Have To Respect Disney?
I have never been a fan of the Walt Disney Company as I feel they have treated women less than fairly in their movies -- until Mulan. But with yesterday's announced that are going to cut fat and sugar from their food outlets, I'll have to rethink my position.
In addition to putting a cap on calories and sugar they will have their licensed characters only endorse foods that meet these guidelines.
Now, I know they are not the first do to this as other fast food chains are serving healthier foods, but Disney is such a mainstay for young children that I think it will have a large impact.
Finally, Disney is sending the right message to our children and I do believe it is at these young ages that kids develop healthy eating habits and attitudes that can prevent future illness.
Does this mean I now have to see a Disney production on Broadway?
I have never been a fan of the Walt Disney Company as I feel they have treated women less than fairly in their movies -- until Mulan. But with yesterday's announced that are going to cut fat and sugar from their food outlets, I'll have to rethink my position.
In addition to putting a cap on calories and sugar they will have their licensed characters only endorse foods that meet these guidelines.
Now, I know they are not the first do to this as other fast food chains are serving healthier foods, but Disney is such a mainstay for young children that I think it will have a large impact.
Finally, Disney is sending the right message to our children and I do believe it is at these young ages that kids develop healthy eating habits and attitudes that can prevent future illness.
Does this mean I now have to see a Disney production on Broadway?
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Smoking, Lead Linked to Attention Deficit
A study published last week in the journal, Environmental Health Perspectives, reports that 1/3 of attention-deficit cases among U.S. children may be linked with either tobacco smoke or lead. The smoke effected the child while the mother was pregnant. And the effect of lead was after the child was born.
Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy were 2 1/2 times more likely to have ADHD than others. And children with blood lead levels of more than two micrograms per deciliter were 4 timers as likely to have ADHD than others.
The data analyzed 4,000 U.S. children ages 4 -15 during a government study conducted from 1999-2002.
I found this story in the Wall Street Journal and don't remember seeing it elsewhere. It should be everywhere since so many children are on heavy, unproved medication to treat this condition. In another column I'll offer natural methods to treat this condition but for now wanted to make sure the word was out there -- smoking and lead exposure are preventable.
A study published last week in the journal, Environmental Health Perspectives, reports that 1/3 of attention-deficit cases among U.S. children may be linked with either tobacco smoke or lead. The smoke effected the child while the mother was pregnant. And the effect of lead was after the child was born.
Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy were 2 1/2 times more likely to have ADHD than others. And children with blood lead levels of more than two micrograms per deciliter were 4 timers as likely to have ADHD than others.
The data analyzed 4,000 U.S. children ages 4 -15 during a government study conducted from 1999-2002.
I found this story in the Wall Street Journal and don't remember seeing it elsewhere. It should be everywhere since so many children are on heavy, unproved medication to treat this condition. In another column I'll offer natural methods to treat this condition but for now wanted to make sure the word was out there -- smoking and lead exposure are preventable.
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