Supplement News Blog Even Babies Learn From Mom and Dad A University of Washington study on early child development found that children, even those as young as 18 months old, can learn from their parents behavior. Researchers at UW studied the reaction of nearly 100 toddlers, 18 months old, in response to someone playing with a toy while either being emotionally or non-emotionally addressed by a second adult. The researchers wanted to determine if the actions of the toddler could be influenced by the emotional... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on April 5, 2007 04:19 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Exclusive Breastfeeding Best, Even For Babies With HIV+ Mothers In the US and most of the world breastmilk is known to be the optimal form of nutrition for infants thru the age of 6 months. But if the mother has a communicable disease, such as Hepatitis or HIV, the recommendation changes and many experts would caution against exclusive breastfeeding, especially in HIV+ women because of the risk of tranferring the virus to their chilld. A new study, published in the Lancet, found conflicting evidence.... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on April 5, 2007 03:33 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Autism Tied to Older Parents A new study out of California found that older parents are more likely to have an autistic child compared to younger parents. The results were published in the April issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Researchers followed more than 130,000 children born to parents in the Kaiser Permanente system between 1995 and 1999. A total of 593 children were diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ASD, which includes autism. Then both maternal... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on April 4, 2007 04:13 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Zinc Reduces Childhood Risk Of Death Zinc is a mineral essential for immune function and wound healing. Zinc stimulates production of the body's antioxidants and decreases inflammation. Previous studies suggest that zinc supplementation may help prevent disease and death in children. However, results were inconsistent in populations with malaria. Now research reports that zinc supplementation lowered the risk of death in young children from malarious areas. The randomized, double-blind study, published in The Lancet, investigated the effectiveness of zinc in preventing... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on March 27, 2007 02:29 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Choline May Help Decrease Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Women who consume alcohol during pregnancy place their infants at risk for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). The primary characteristics of FAS include distinctive facial features, heart defects, limb and joint abnormalities, growth deficiencies, poor vision, and slow brain development and behavioral abnormalities. There is no distinct amount of alcohol described to cause FAS, so women are advised not to consume alcohol while pregnant. Many of the effects are long term, and some may be life... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on March 23, 2007 03:56 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) CDC Labels New Rotavirus Vaccine Safe This year the FDA and CDC approved a new vaccine, RotaTeq manufactured by Merck, for the prevention of rotavirus in infants. Rotavirus is the number one cause of diarrhea in the US and the world. In the US more than 400,000 cases of diarrhea are attributed to the virus. More than 50,000 cases will need hospitalization due to the severe dehydration that can occur. The RotaTeq vaccine is approved for infants age 2, 4, and... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on March 19, 2007 05:17 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Another study has found that the health of the mother significantly impacts birthweight in newborns. Previous studies have shown that very high birthweights, greater than 10 pounds, are associated with increased risk for obesity and diabetes in adulthood. A British study was published last month in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism investigating the relationship between a mothers fitness level and body composition with her infants birth weight. A total of 448 women were... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on March 16, 2007 02:24 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Folic Acid During Pregnancy Prevents Infant Cleft Lip Deficiency of the B-complex vitamin folic acid (also called folate) is linked to birth defects (such as spina bifida), poor hearing, poor cognitive performance, atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. Studies suggest that folic acid supplementation can help prevent neural tube birth defects, lower levels of homocysteine (a metabolite that damages blood vessels) and improve blood flow. Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth defects. Now research reports that folic acid supplementation during pregnancy can also help... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on March 11, 2007 04:19 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Fish Oil During Pregnancy Improves Children's Hand-Eye Coordination Omega 3 essential fatty acids are found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines. Previous studies suggest that fish oils with omega 3 fatty acids can help decrease the risk of heart disease and certain cancers, reduce inflammation and improve attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Now research reports that women who consume fish oil supplements during pregnancy can benefit their child's hand-eye coordination. The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, published in Archives of Disease in... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on February 27, 2007 03:35 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Fortified Milk Benefits Children's Health Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common among children in developing countries. Micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of many serious diseases. Research suggests that daily vitamin supplementation is essential to overall health and may help prevent disease in children and adults. Now research reports that fortifying milk with vitamins and minerals may lower the risk of severe illness including diarrhea and lower respiratory disease among children in developing countries. The study, published in the British Medical... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on February 11, 2007 03:43 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Pediatric Vaccine Update This January the American Academy of Pediatrics updated in recommended vaccine schedule and some of the changes may affect your children. The recommendations were published in the January issue of Pediatrics but can also be found online at their website, www.aap.org. Several of the updates involve changing recommendations for vaccines already in use by certain pediatric populations while other are new vaccines. The new recommendation for the Varicella vaccine is additon of a booster between... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on January 22, 2007 05:11 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Calcium Intake Not Linked to Fat Mass Some earlier studies found evidence of a possible relationship between calcium intake and body fat percentage in children. The study had suggested that low calcium intake may cause an increase in body fat. To test this possible relationship researchers at South Dakota State University enrolled 173 children age 3 to 5 years old into a clinical trial. Children were randomized to receive a daily calcium supplement or placebo for one year. Body fat percentage, weight,... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on December 29, 2006 03:06 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Low Maternal Vitamin E Increases Children's Asthma Risk Approximately 5 percent of Americans have asthma, with half of these cases developing during early childhood. Asthma is a respiratory disease caused by inflammation of the airways. Previous studies have suggested that vitamin E may improve lung function and airway inflammation. Now research reports that low levels of vitamin E in mothers during pregnancy can increase the risk of their children developing asthma. The study results suggest that vitamin E supplementation during pregnancy may reduce... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on December 24, 2006 12:48 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Exercise Reduces Snoring in Children About 2 percent of all children snore in their sleep. Snoring can be benign, but can also be a sign of a more serious condition. In general children who snore are receiving less restful sleep, and some cases can be so severe it borders or sleep apnea. A study published recently in the journal Obesity found that moderate exercise alone is enough to reduce snoring in children. Snoring is associated with obesity, but it is... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on December 4, 2006 02:02 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Should Preschoolers Take Ritalin? About one in 100 preschoolers are being treated with stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin, for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, Ritalin is not approved for 3- to 5-year-old children and few studies have been conducted with this age group. Ritalin has been shown to have serious side effects such as stunting physical development, heart problems, insomnia, changes in personality, cardiotoxicity and sudden death. Despite these side effects, some experts believe that Ritalin use is necessary... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on November 29, 2006 02:51 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Teething Help Teething, the surfacing of baby teeth, begins between the ages of 4 and 7 months. Most children will have all their baby teeth by the age of three. Teething can be an uncomfortable time for children and parents. The Nemours Organization gives the following tips to ease teething: 1. Teething aids- Rubber teething rings or a clean, wet washcloth are useful for baby to chew on to relieve tender and swollen gums. Place the wet... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on November 25, 2006 03:52 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) A Vaccine For Ear Infections? Otitis media (middle ear infection) is a common childhood infection caused by the bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. These disease-causing bacteria also cause lower respiratory tract infections. Otitis media accounts for over 20 million pediatrician visits yearly. Now research reports that an experimental vaccine may help prevent middle ear infection in children under two years of age. The study, published in The Lancet, investigated the effectiveness of an experimental vaccine containing proteins derived from... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on November 24, 2006 02:56 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Babies Like Massage Too! According to a recent review in the Cochrane Library babies may benefit from massage as much as adults. The review involved 23 studies that looked into the effects of infant massage on a variety of factors including colic, sleep, well being, growth and development. A total of 9 studies were deemed acceptable for inclusion based on design and methodology. Based on the data compiled from these nine studies infant massage was effective at reducing symptoms... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on November 20, 2006 04:44 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Atherosclerosis May Start During Childhood Atherosclerosis is the dangerous condition of hardened, narrowed arteries that is to blame for heart attacks and strokes. There are several key risk factors for developing atherosclerosis including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Usually individuals are at increased risk in their adult years, but a new report to be presented at this coming American Heart Association meeting states that today children are showing signs of atherosclerosis. How is it that children, even those... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on November 14, 2006 09:20 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Mothers Antioxidant Intake Affects Respiratory Health of Child A mother's antioxidant intake while she is pregnant can have a significant impact on her child's respiratory health according to a study in the latest issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study looked at 1290 mother/child pairs in the Boston area. Maternal dietary intake and supplement use was assessed using standardized questionaires. Then presence of wheezing or ezcema in the child at one or two years of age was determined. The researchers... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on November 13, 2006 04:27 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Reducing Salt Intake Lowers Blood Pressure High blood pressure contributes to a variety of conditions including heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, and diabetes. It can also increase the likelihood that one may die from a stroke or heart attack. Today more and more children are being diagnosed with high blood pressure. The primary causes being diet and weight issues. Alarmingly more than a third of todays adolescents are overweight or obese. These weight issues are causing children to be diagnosed with... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on November 10, 2006 03:57 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Celiac Disease and Diabetes in Children According to a new study released this November in Diabetes Care children who are diagnosed with Celiac Disease have more than double the risk of developing Type I diabetes by the age of 20. This study out of Sweden is the first to look at children who have a primary diagnosis of Celiac disease and provide followup looking at diabetes risk. Previous studies had shown that children with Type I diabetes are more likely to... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on November 10, 2006 02:31 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Swaddling and Routine Help Ease Crying Infants New parents are often overwhelmed with all the new responsibility of taking care of their little bundle of joy. To add fuel to the fire some newborns can cry excessively, have colic, or be difficult to put to sleep. Desperate and tired parents will consult every parenting and baby book available and spend endless hours surfing the web when they should be sleeping to find a cure. There are many suggestions out there when it... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on November 9, 2006 05:11 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Iron Deficiency Anemia Has Long-term Effects on Intelligence Iron deficiency and its associated anemia are two of the most common conditions affecting young children in the world. It is less common in developed countries because of wide reaching food enrichment programs. A new study found evidence that iron deficiency in infancy causes poor cognitive development even into teenage years. The results of the study were published in the November issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. A total of 185 children were... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on November 9, 2006 04:47 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) How Fruit Juice Affects Children's Weight Many parents consider fruit juice to be a healthy alternative to the sugary sodas on the market today. In fact some parents think that drinking fruit juice is as good as eating a piece of fruit. Well, sorry to break the news, but it just is not so. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under the age of 6 limit their juice intake to just 4-6 ounces per day. This is the... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on November 8, 2006 04:46 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Linked to Brain Anomaly Sudden infant death sydnrome, or SIDS, is the number one cause of death in infants. There is no true understanding about the cause or mechanism behind SIDS, but a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found new evidence that an abnormality of the brainstem may partly be to blame. Researchers at Children's Hospital in Boston and Harvard University performed autopsies on 41 infants, 31 of whom died from a... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on November 8, 2006 04:10 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Teenage Girls Pressured Into Sex Previous research suggests that unwanted sex can lead to serious consequences including depression, anxiety and stress. Now research reports that many teenage girls feel pressured into having sex. The study found that unwanted sex was linked to a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy. The study, published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, investigated the prevalence of unwanted sex and its relationship to health-risk behaviors. Researchers at the Indiana University School... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on November 8, 2006 02:50 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Low Birth Weight Linked to Adult Obesity Body mass index (BMI) uses height and weight measures to calculate overweight and obesity. A high BMI is a risk factor for a long list of chronic and potentially deadly diseases. However, BMI does not distinguish body fat composition. South Asians have a high-fat body type but low average BMI. Their high-fat body type may explain why they have high rates of obesity-related disease including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Now research conducted on... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on November 7, 2006 03:25 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Omega 3s Help ADHD Omega 3 essential fatty acids are found in flax seeds, green leafy vegetables, walnuts, and fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines. Omega 3s help decrease the risk of heart disease and certain cancers and reduce inflammation. Now research reports that omega 3 supplementation can improve attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). About 5 to 10 percent of children in the U.S. are diagnosed with ADHD. Over 2 million children with ADHD are being treated with... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on November 6, 2006 01:36 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) ADHD Behavioral Management Strategies Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral condition characterized by a poor attention span and may be accompanied by hyperactivity. About 5 to 10 percent of children in the U.S. are diagnosed with ADHD. A child with ADHD often has learning problems in school and may be considered "difficult to control". ADHD symptoms are associated with motor problems, attention problems, and mood disorders. To help parents manage their child's ADHD, experts recommend the following... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on November 6, 2006 01:31 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Factors That Affect Tooth Alignment in Children The use of pacifiers along with thumb sucking has always been regarded as a risk for poor development of the jaw and misalignment of teeth in children. A recent study from Mexico also found that allergies in children can contribute to misalignment of the jaw and teeth. The study, published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, looked at data from more than 1,000 children between the ages of 4 and 5 years old. Questionaires... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on November 2, 2006 01:10 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Having a Household Pet Reduces Risk For Allergies There has been a long running debate about childhood allergies and asthma risk and having a pet in the home. On one side is the arguement that having pets in the home increases the risk for allergies because of high exposure to dander, etc. The other side of the arguement poses that having pets when young tames the immune system from reacting to dander and those individuals have less allergies and asthma as adults. It... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 30, 2006 01:32 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Should Your Child Be On A Diet? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), obesity in children has more than tripled since 1980. Many parents are wondering whether they should put their overweight child on a diet. Most experts agree that children can achieve and maintain their healthiest weight by eating appropriate amounts of high-quality, fresh food and participating in daily play activities. To help parents raise a normal weight child, experts recommend the following guidelines: 1. Intermittent healthy snacks-... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on October 29, 2006 03:21 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Parenting Guide 101 Parenting can be difficult work, especially when the child misbehaves. Being aware of the pitfalls of parenting can help make it easier to raise a well-behaved child. Good parenting requires endurance, planning, and authoritative communication. To help parents raise a well-behaved child, experts recommend the following guidelines: 1. Work toward a goal- Your child may see toys or food on TV and beg and nag you until you get them exactly what they want. Or... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on October 28, 2006 01:43 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Prenatal Vitamins and Brain Tumor Risk Healthcare providers have recommended that women who are pregnant or could become pregnant take a multi-vitamin with folic acid for decades. Now that most of these women have had children epidemiological studies can look at the effects of vitamin supplemenation on a variety of factors. In a new report researchers found offspring born to women who regularly took a prenatal vitamin are less likely to develop a brain tumor. The study, published in the September... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 27, 2006 02:51 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Study Links Kids' Obesity To Bullying The growing children's obesity epidemic has become one of the nation's top public-health concerns. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), obesity in children has more than tripled since 1980. Now research reports that childhood obesity is linked to bullying at school. Kids who are bullied are more likely to avoid exercise at school, which increases the chance of becoming further overweight or obese. The study, published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology, examined... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on October 26, 2006 02:44 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Head Growth Tied to Intelligence A study published in Pediatrics found that head growth from birth to age 1 is tied to intelligence. The study looked at information from more than 600 children whose head circumference was measured regularly from birth to 8 years of age. Intelligence was assessed at both 4 and 8 years of age using standard IQ testing. They found that children who had the greatest growth in head circumference from birth to one year had... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 15, 2006 01:03 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Supplement Use In Infants and Toddlers Might Be Overdoing It According to a new study published in the January issue of the Journal of American Dietetic Association the use of supplements in infants and toddlers might be overdoing it. The study looked at more than 3000 children at 4 months to 2 years. Dietary intake of key nutrients was assessed via 24 hour recall and supplement use was attained by the parents of each child. A total of 430 infants were taking some supplement, most... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 9, 2006 01:53 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) SIDS Deaths May Be Due To Genetic Mutation Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) can occur at anytime during the first year of life. The true etiology, or cause of SIDS is not fully understood, though research is getting closer at identifying risk factors. Scientists at the University of Manchester have identified two gene mutations that occur in greater frequencies in babies who died of SIDS. These genetic mutations may represent important information about SIDS and possibly help to identify those at risk. Genetic... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 9, 2006 01:32 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) More Negative Effects of Smoking During Pregnancy Women are encouraged to quit smoking once they become pregnant for the health of developing baby. Smoking during pregancy has been proven to negatively effect the function of the placenta and can result in risks for both mother and baby. Women who smoke are more likely to have preterm labor, low birth weigh babies, and more medical intervention. Babies born to mothers are more likely to have breathing difficulties at birth and suffer from respiratory... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 6, 2006 04:33 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Breastfeeding May Not Affect IQ Previous studies showed that babies who were breastfed for the first 6 months of life had a higher IQ than equally healthy non-breastfed babies. This fact coupled with the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding helped to keep mom's nursing through 6 months. But a new study from Great Britain says otherwise. The study, which looked at breastfeeding and IQ in more than 5,000 children, found no difference in intelligence between breastfed and non-breastfed infants. The... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 6, 2006 03:36 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Early Puberty May Cause Anxiety And Eating Disorders Puberty is not only a time when boys and girls become physiologically capable of sexual reproduction, it is also an important stage in the development of the brain. During puberty the still-developing brain adapts to the increased hormones, creating neural pathways for behavioral and cognitive functions. Now research reports that early puberty may be linked with anxiety and eating disorders in young adults. The study, presented at the June 19-22, 2006 meeting of the International... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on October 5, 2006 02:57 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Vitamin A Supplementation Improves Iron Deficiency Anemia In Children Iron metabolism is dependent on many nutrients, including Vitamin A. Studies in animal models have shown that Vitamin A stimulates the release of erythropoietin (EPO), the primary stimulant of red blood cell production. A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that supplementation with Vitamin A in children improves both Vitamin A status and anemia. Eighty-one children were enrolled in the study and given single doses of Vitamin A (200,000 IU)... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on September 29, 2006 02:45 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Long Term Intervention in Obese Children Improves Cardiovascular Health Children who are obese place themselves at increased risk for early cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even an early death. Many obese children who present with cardiovascular disease risk factors are placed on long term interventional treatment aimed at reducing weight and therefore risk of death due to heart attack or stroke. Very little information has been gathered about the long term effects of weight loss interventions in this population. A new study published this September... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on September 28, 2006 03:39 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Otitis Media: To Treat Or Not To Treat Over the last few years a strong debate over the use of antiobiotics as a first line of treatment for acute otitis media, or ear infections, in children has developed. Many opponents argue that ear infections would resolve on their own if left untreated for 48-72 hours and that antibiotics do not provide any significantly more rapid recovery. As well the overwhelming use of antibiotics in children with recurrent otitis media has bred strains of... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on September 28, 2006 03:01 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Weight Gain During Pregnancy Affects Newborn New evidence published in the September issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that the amount of weight a woman gains during pregnancy affects the health of her newborn. In the study information about weight gain and birth outcome of more than 20,000 single live births was analyzed. Researchers at the University of California San Francisco were interested in the relationship between maternal weight gain and neonatal health. In 2005 the American College of Obstetricians and... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on September 27, 2006 02:04 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) UV Treatment Helps Kids' Asthma Asthma is a respiratory disease often caused by allergies, with symptoms including coughing, difficulty in breathing, and a tight feeling in the chest. Asthma in children is often triggered by an allergy to mold. Now research reports that ultraviolet (UV) irradiation units in the homes of asthmatic children allergic to mold helped their asthma symptoms. Previous studies have suggested that UV light may eliminate microbes that can trigger asthma in an office environment. The study,... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on September 25, 2006 01:46 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Calcium Supplementation In Children Calcium supplementation is often recommended in children to help build strong bones to aid in the prevention of fractures and osteoporosis, a condition of weak bones that can develop in late life. A study published in the British Medical Journal found little use of calcium supplementation in children in terms of building bone density. The results combine information from more than 19 studies that assesed calcium supplementation and bone mineral density in nearly 3,000 children... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on September 23, 2006 01:57 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy Many factors affect the person we become as adults. Genetics and environment play the largest role in shaping our adult selves. These two factors affect everything from the way we look to our personalities. A large share of research has been focused on understanding how genetics and environment shape personality including mood disorders and addictions. When thinking about alcohol addiction it is understood that certain genetic factors can increase one risk for alcoholism later in... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on September 23, 2006 01:06 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Childhood Asthma Linked to Mother's Vitamin E Level More and more we are learning through solid scientific research that the mother's nutrient status during pregnancy can positively and negatively affect the newborn. We are seeing effects as late as adolescence and as early as the first minutes of life. A recent study found that the level of Vitamin E in the mother may have dramatic effects on the respiratory system in their offspring. The study was published in the September issue of American... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on September 23, 2006 10:19 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Fish Oil Effectively Treats ADHD About 5 to 10 percent of children in the U.S. are diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Over 2 million children with ADHD are being treated with stimulant drugs, including Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta. ADHD drugs have serious side effects, including heart problems, insomnia, changes in personality, cardiotoxicity and sudden death. Nine children in the U.K. have died after taking ADHD drugs. Now research reports that fish oil improves ADHD more effectively than stimulant drugs,... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on September 22, 2006 03:04 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Doctors Monitor Kids' Activity Childhood obesity has been rising in the U.S. The growing obesity epidemic has become one of the nation's top public-health concerns. Health experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that more than one-third of children are now overweight and about 17 percent are obese. Common causes of childhood obesity include a sedentary lifestyle, too many calories devoid of nutritional value, overeating, and genetics. Childhood obesity is more than an aesthetic issue;... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on September 19, 2006 02:18 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Kids' Migraines Linked To Emotional And Behavioral Problems Migraine headaches affect about 10 percent of children and 25 percent of teenagers. According to the UK Migraine Action Association, migraine headaches can affect not only children, but also very young children and babies. Now research reports that headaches have a significant negative effect on children's quality of life. Children who experience migraine headaches have more emotional and behavioral problems than children with other chronic, serious medical conditions, such as cancer. The study, published in... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on September 12, 2006 02:21 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Underage Drinking Predicts Alcoholism Underage drinking is a leading public health problem in America. According to the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), about 5,000 Americans under the age of 21 die each year as a result of underage drinking. In addition, nearly 1 million adolescents are frequent binge drinkers and are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that harm themselves and others. Now research reports that underage drinking is a strong predictor of alcoholism.... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on September 11, 2006 02:43 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Free Play Games Banned at Recess Obesity in children is likely the number one health crisis in America. Poor diet and lack of physical activity are the two culprits, both of which need to be addressed not only at home but also in schools. Many public schools have already cut physical education classes from the curricula and reduced the length of time for recess and lunch, leaving fewer opportunities for kids to move around and stay active. Now a new trend... More» Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on September 1, 2006 01:51 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Dramatic Changes to the Women's, Infants and Children (WIC) Food Program For the first time since its inception, the WIC food program has made some sweeping changes in the items it agrees to cover. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food program was started in 1974 and provided assistance to low income women with children. It is a federally funded program that works similar to food stamps, but covers a smaller list of foods. Traditionally the WIC program covered dairy products, eggs, and some beverages. Other... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 31, 2006 11:22 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Bioavailability of Soy Isoflavones in Infants Researchers in Hawaii wanted to determine the bioavailability of isoflavones from soy in infants by indirect or direct exposure. A small study was conducted that measured isoflavone excretion in urine and plasma in 18 mother/infant couples. The results were published in the August issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The researchers looked at the soy isoflavone content in the urine of mothers after consuming a known amount of soy milk for 2-4 days. Then... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 29, 2006 04:24 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Baby's Know Best: Allowing Children to Dictate Eating Habits As parents one of the greatest worries is about food. We worry if the child is getting enough, too much, the right types, etc. But results of a study published in Pediatrics this August are saying we should not concern ourselves too much with the eating habits of our babies, and that too much control may cause problems later in life. The study examined the weight gain of nearly 70 children during their first year... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 25, 2006 03:49 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Good Grandparenting Guide A grandparent's loving support is an invaluable contribution to their grandchildren's future. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 1.3 million children are entrusted to their grandparents every day and 2.4 million children live in a household headed by a grandparent. Research shows that a grandparent's influence is vitally important in shaping a grandchild's life. However, a grandparents' role in the modern family is not clearly defined, but based on the grandparent's abilities and the... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on August 23, 2006 02:35 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Messages for Optimal Health in Children Raising children is the most important responsibility of any parent. There are numerous books on raising healthy children, both physically, mentally and emotionally. Author, Carol Tuttle, takes a newer age approach not found in most parenting texts. This accomplished author is also a Master Energy Therapist. She suggests that kids pass through six emotional stages in their lives, for which there are specific messages that will enhance their emotional well-being. She states, "As a parent... More» Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on August 20, 2006 06:10 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Teen Tobacco Use Common Worldwide According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 5 million people worldwide die from tobacco use. Tobacco is a major preventable cause of premature death and disease. The use of cigarettes and other tobacco products by teens is a growing health problem worldwide. Now the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) reports that about one in five students worldwide use tobacco products. The survey suggests that smoking-control programs should include all forms of tobacco... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on August 18, 2006 02:19 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Breastfeeding Still Faces Barriers Research suggests that breast milk is the best nutrition for infants. Breastfed children have a lower risk of respiratory infections, ear infections and obesity. Breastfeeding is also linked to higher IQ scores. Furthermore, mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of depression and breast and ovarian cancer. However, some parts of the U.S. continue to discriminate against breastfeeding. Now a study reports on the barriers for breastfeeding in public and the workplace. The study, published... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on August 16, 2006 01:55 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Teen Virginity Pledgers Deny Sexual Past Previous research suggests that some study participants answer questions consistent with their beliefs rather than their actual behavior. This often occurs if the participant's current beliefs are different from their past behaviors. Some participants may believe that the true answer does not accurately represent their identities or beliefs. As a result, some survey participants may provide unreliable data. Now research reports that teens who pledge virginity until marriage are likely to deny their sexual past.... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on August 11, 2006 12:53 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Exercise Benefits Bones For Life A new study found that exercise when men are younger can improve bone mineral density and decrease risk for fractures later in life. The study was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. In the study more than 60 athletes and about 20 non-athletes (controls) were enrolled at an average age of 17 years. They were followed for 8 years and during that time athletic training and exercise activities were recorded along with... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 9, 2006 03:11 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Low Vitamin D Status in Healthy Adolescent Girls Recenty the US government has considered increasing the recommended daily intake of Vitamin D. Current recommendations are 400 IU per day, but this amount may be too low because many individuals are deficient in the fat soluble vitamin. A recent study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that more than 70 percent of girls age 14-16 had lower than normal levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 9, 2006 02:40 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Do Exclusively Breastfed Infants Need Vitamin D? Breastmilk does not contain high amounts of Vitamin D. Because of that fact, a new report in Pediatrics recommends that infants who are exclusively breastfed be given supplemental Vitamin D in the amount of 200 IU per day. The report stresses that not all infants may need Vitamin D supplemenation, though the current recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics applies to all exclusively breastfed infants. Vitamin D is one of a few essential fat... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 8, 2006 03:43 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Reducing Food Allergies in Children: Tips From the Experts The prevalence of food allergies in adults and children in the US has been steadily increasing over the last decades. Many diffferent variables contribute to food allergies including timing of food introduction, types of foods introduced, family history, pesticide and insecticide use, and use of hormones and antibiotics in the foods as well as some foods that are genetically modified. According to the latest report published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology there... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 8, 2006 03:00 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Autism Tied to Different Genes in Girls and Boys Autism is one of several syndromes classified into the group Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The Center's for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that nearly 1 in 175 schoolage children in the US have autism, a number that has been rising over the last decades. There is no clear cause for autism, it is thought to be a combination of genetic and non-genetic factors. A new study from the University of Washington found increasing evidence for genetic... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 7, 2006 02:55 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Paternal Factors Increase Brain Cancer Risk It is understood by most that the actions and activities of a women who is pregnant can significantly affect the outcome of the unborn child. Women are told to quit taking harmful medications, stop using alcohol and cigarettes, and even to limit exposure to saunas and spas to protect the delicate development of the child. But a new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that fatherly activities prior to conception may also... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 7, 2006 02:33 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Children Who Are Breastfed May Handle Stress Better Breastfeeding offers so many advantages, both in terms of health and lifestyle. Studies have proven that breastfeeding offers increased immunity, lowers risk of diabetes, and lowers risk of obesity, to name a few. Now a new study finds that breastfeeding may also help children cope better with stressful life situations. The study was released this month in the Archives of Diseases in Childhood. In the study researchers followed more than 9,000 children from birth to... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 7, 2006 02:02 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Fewer Teens Indulge In Risky Behavior The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 2005 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) reports that fewer U.S. teens indulge in risky behavior. The national survey found that there was an overall decrease in health risk behaviors among high school students, as compared to their counterparts from 15 years ago. However, there were racial and ethnic differences in risk behaviors among white, Hispanic and black teens. The CDC survey examined 14,000 U.S. high school... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on August 7, 2006 01:03 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Humidified Air For Croup Any parent who has experienced a bout of croup in one of their small children knows the drill. Get them up out of bed and into the bathroom. Once in the bathroom turn the shower on and fill the room with steam. Have the child take deep breaths and the coughing fit will end. This is the first explanation a parent may receive from a nurse or doctor at 3 am in the morning. But... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on July 31, 2006 04:51 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Smoking During Pregnancy Increases Behavioral Problems in Children Women who smoke cigarettes are encourage to quit when they become pregnant. Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight, premature delivery, and poor oxygen perfusion during labor that can complicate delivery. New research now states that smoking during pregnancy is associated with behavioral problems in preschool age children. The study was published in the July issue of Child Development. More than 90 children were enrolled who were between the ages of 12... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on July 31, 2006 01:59 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Runny Nose May Not Need Treatment Many parents of toddlers and young children are quite aware of the ever present runny nose. We are taught that if it is clear or light yellow, not to worry. But if it turns green and persist for more than 3 days a doctors visit is called for. Couple green discharge with a fever or a little one who won't eat or is less active and you have a prescription for parental anxiety. The usual... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on July 31, 2006 01:46 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Fingerstick Monitoring Effective for Blood Sugar Control in Children Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is an autoimmune disorder that results in destruction of specialized cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. In children with Type 1 DM, blood sugar control was best thought to be accomplished by a implanted continuous monitor that could secrete insulin as needed to maintain blood glucose levels below a certain point. However, it has been shown that constant monitoring can increase a child's susceptibility to become hypoglycemic, or have... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on July 31, 2006 11:44 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Migraines Remain Untreated in Teens Migraines are a class of headaches which are more common in women, and can result is debilitating pain that often leaves patients laying in the dark for hours, not moving for fear of making the headache worse. Migraines often present first in the teenage years, when many parents think their kids are lying about having a headache. However, research presented at the 58th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology indicates that migraines are... More» Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on July 30, 2006 04:45 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Asthma Linked to Indoor Swimming Pools Asthma is one of the fasting growing conditions in childhood. The risk for development of the condition is increased by exposure to dust mites, family history, and exposure to second hand cigarette smoke. The World Health Organization estimates that somewhere between 100 and 150 million people have asthma worldwide, and many die each year from this condition. Asthma is a progressive disorder of the respiratory system that results in a decreased ability to inhale air,... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on July 28, 2006 02:49 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Breastfeeding May Help Prevent Adolescent Obesity A new ad campaign appearing in the form of television commercials is urging mothers to breastfeed their babies, using the message that not doing so is risky. While some find this approach controversial, it may actually have an impact that prior ads have not managed to make. The benefits of breastfeeding are far reaching on the health of both the mother and baby. Notably, mom's can benefit from reduced incidence of certain cancers. The list... More» Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on July 16, 2006 05:43 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Schools Influence Children's Eating Habits The growing obesity epidemic among children has been attributed to a low level of physical activity and poor dietary choices, especially soft drinks. A report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies indicated that the solution is a multi-pronged approach involving schools, families, communities, government and industry. The report called for schools to implement nutritional standards for all foods and beverages served on school grounds, especially from vending machines. The committee also recommended... More» Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on July 16, 2006 05:23 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) How Physicians Immunize Their Own Children Controversy over childhood immunizations continues, especially with the advent of newer vaccines like Hep B recommended at birth for infants, adding to the ever growing list of shots required by children. Parents who are making the decision to vaccinate often are using information from their pediatrician and perhaps some of their own research using the internet. However, what most parents do not have is years of medical education so they can effectively review and evaluate... More» Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on July 16, 2006 09:26 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Teens Drink More Soda Than Milk The soda debate is in the forefront of local news programs, with many public schools now banning the presence of soda machines on their properties. The evidence is pretty clear that soda consumption is linked to obesity in children and adults. Controlling obesity is a top priority for the Department of Health and Human Services, as it will soon overtake smoking as the leading cause of death. A report published by the Center for Science... More» Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on July 16, 2006 07:21 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Can Breastfeeding Help Prevent Bedwetting? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants until 6 months of age. Breastmilk is the number one recommended form of nutrition for infants for a multitude of reasons. Breastmilk contains the proper balance of protein, carbohydrate, and fat that a growing baby needs. The percentage of each of these key nutrients actually changes with age to adjust to the infants needs. Breastmilk also contains countless other nutrients that the growing... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on July 13, 2006 11:42 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Improve Kids Mood With Omega-3 Fatty Acids Children suffering from depression show significant improvement after treatment with omega 3 fatty acids for 16 weeks. The results from a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry this June support evidence from previous studies that showed clinical benefit in adults with depression. More children are being diagnosed with depression than ever before. Current treatment includes counseling and antidepressant medications. But recent discoveries show that antidepressants can increase the risk of suicide in children.... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 30, 2006 09:54 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) High Fever in Children The risk for a serious bacterial infection in children with a high fever should not be overlooked according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics. A high fever is defined as a rectal temperature at or above 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Many parents will take their children to the emergency room with a high fever, especially if their is not an established cause or known health condition predisposing. Once in the emergency room, doctors must... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 30, 2006 07:55 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Vitamin D Important For Baby's Birth Weight Proper nutrition during pregnancy is vital to the health of the baby. Avoidance of toxins, like cigarette smoke, is also critical in the prevention of both low birth weigh babies and birth defects like missing fingers and toes. A recent study suggests a specific nutrient is tightly linked to birth weight. Research from the University of Calgary in Canada shows that for each additional microgram of vitamin D consumed by the mother, results in an... More» Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on June 30, 2006 05:30 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Children's Headaches and Weight Issues Could Be Related Children and adolescents who have migraine type headaches are more likely to be overweight according to a report presented this June at the American Headache Society's annual meeting. The original study was conceived after research that showed a strong connection between obesity in adults and the incidence of migraine headaches. For children with migraines, life can be quite miserable. And because the cause of migraine headaches is not well understood, some children may be facing... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 30, 2006 03:59 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Does Baby Fat Influence Childhood Obesity? A recent report in the online British Medical Journal looked at obesity in children and compared it to obesity in adulthood. The goal of the study was to determine when children were more likely to carry the weight over to their adult life. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on June 30, 2006 02:23 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Alarming Childhood Diabetes Cases The latest report on diabetes incidence in children was just released in the journal Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine; the findings will shock you. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on June 30, 2006 02:19 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Cow's Milk Allergies May Increase Rickett's Risk In children with a cow's milk allergy, the risk of developing Rickett's may be increased. Rickett's is a condition that develops due to inadequate Vitamin D intake. It is characterized by soft bones that lack proper mineralization. In an infant Vitamin D deficiency can result in life long consequences such as stunted growth. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on June 29, 2006 11:38 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Does Less TV = Less Obesity? Research shows that a sedentary lifestyle has contributed to the obesity epidemic in the U.S. Now, two new studies report that limiting television time helps prevent obesity in adults and children. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on June 29, 2006 11:01 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Soda: Becoming Banned in Schools This month brought some much needed news. Working together with the foundation of former president Bill Clinton, the major beverage companies and schools agreed to ban the sale of high calorie low nutrient beverages in elementary and middle schools. Beverage machines in high schools will be able to carry diet sodas. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on June 26, 2006 12:59 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) New Chickenpox Vaccine May Need Booster In 2000 the CDC and US goverment introduced a vaccine for chickenpox. The vaccine was recommended for all children after the age of 12 months. It was introduced as a single vaccine, not requiring a booster, based on preliminary trials. But a new report published this month in Pediatrics states that outbreaks of chickenpox among vaccinated children is still high. The authors are suggesting that a booster may be needed. Varicella zoster, the virus that... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 23, 2006 01:40 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Introducing Wheat in the Infant In today's world parents are very concerned about food allergies. Perhaps we have become a more allergic society because of all the refinement and processing that goes into making a food product or perhaps it is because many foods are genetically modified and contain high levels of pesticides. What ever the reason, to reduce allergies many parents will introduce foods slowly to their infants, often one at a time to observe for any possible allergy... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 22, 2006 12:47 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Food Allergies in Infants A new study published in the May issue of Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology stated that food allergies in infants may be less common than parents suspect. It is one of many studies that are coming out this year attempting to find some truth and meaning between food allergies and infants. As any new parent knows, the depth of information that is available today can be quite overwhelming. And when it comes to a... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 21, 2006 04:15 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Parenting Style May Dictate Childhood Weight Our relationship with food begins to grow from the moment we are born. Evidence that nature and nuture work together to decide our health status and long term weight is prevalent in today's research society. Yet a new study published in the June issue of Pediatrics stated parenting style may shape a child's weight and relationship with food more than previously thought. A child raised by disciplinarian parents may be at an increased risk for... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 20, 2006 02:50 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Breathing Technique Reduces Asthma Medication Use For individuals with severe asthma symtpoms, having an inhaler or two in close proximity can be a matter of life and death. However, the use of common asthma medications such asAlbuterol (an inhaled beta-2 agonist) and inhaled corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) can have annoying side effects when used daily for long periods of time. Alternative medicine has several treatments that effectively reduce the need for inhalers on a daily basis. A new study published in... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 19, 2006 12:49 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Experts Warn About ADHD Drugs Recent data shows that over 2 million children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are being treated with stimulant drugs. Furthermore, stimulant prescriptions for adults with ADHD have almost doubled in the past four years. Some experts are concerned that ADHD drugs are being over prescribed. Now an advisory panel has recommended that the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should include medication guides and place black box warnings on all ADHD stimulant drugs due... More» Posted by Elaine Gavalas on June 13, 2006 03:29 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Study Questions Use of Iron in Pregnancy Iron deficiency anemia is common in pregnancy. It occurs due to two separate mechanisms. First is the process of hemodilution and second due to sequestration of iron by developing fetus. In order to treat iron deficiency anemia most doctors recommend that women take a daily iron supplement and increase iron containing foods in their diet. Most pre-natal vitamins also contain some iron. However, not all women will become anemic and not all women need to... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 13, 2006 02:46 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Is there a link between postpartum depression and infant colic? A new study published in the Archives of Diseases in Childhood this May found a possible link between infant colic and postpartum mood disorders in women. The study did not address causal relationships, but more so focused on the incidence of postpartum depression, infant colic, and attachment disorders. Researchers in Turkey did not determine which came first, which may not even be important. Postpartum depression is more common than one would think. It is often... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 13, 2006 10:58 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) High Likelihood Teens with High Blood Pressure Will Become Hypertensive High blood pressure can increase the risk that an individual will develop other health conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, and ocular (eye) conditions. Most physicians will begin treatment in adults at the pre-hypertension stage, or a blood pressure greater than 130/80. Now a new report from the American Society of Hypertension states that teens with pre-hypertension on one occasion are more likely to develop persistent high blood pressure in two years time. For... More» Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 13, 2006 10:14 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Breastfeeding Reduces Risk of Diabetes in Children Breastmilk is the best choice of nutrition for infants and young children, but an alarming number of mothers still choose to raise their babies on formula. Research has shown that the benefits for both mother and baby are vast, and now a new article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association 2005;294 (20):2601-2610) indicates yet another plus for nursing mothers - a lower incidence of developing type 2 diabetes. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on May 14, 2006 07:06 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Obesity, Blood Pressure On the Rise In Children The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has been significantly increasing since 1988. Now research reports that the growing rates of obesity in children are contributing to a significant increase in blood pressure. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on May 12, 2006 11:07 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Magnesium For Diabetes Prevention in Obese Children Low magnesium levels have been associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and increased risk of type-2 diabetes in adults. Now, for the first time, research reports that magnesium supplementation may help prevent type-2 diabetes in obese children. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on May 12, 2006 10:58 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Dietary Approach to Seizures in Children Now a new study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University indicates that a dietary approach can be effective in reducing the number of seizures in children who did not respond to medication. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on May 9, 2006 03:20 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Iron Status of Infants in "WIC" Programs Researchers in California set out to determine exact incidence of iron deficiency, anemia, and iron deficiency anemia in infant's age 12-36 months. Participants were enrolled in the WIC program in two different California clinics. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on May 9, 2006 02:52 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) H.Pylori Infection in Children Many children will have asymptomatic H. pylori infections. The presence of H. pylori may inhibit absorption of key nutrients and affect needed therapy. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on April 30, 2006 08:01 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Snoring and Children The Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study aimed to determine factors that make a child more at risk for obstructive sleep disorder or snoring. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on April 30, 2006 03:46 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Today's Teens are Sleep-Deprived The National Sleep Foundation's "2006 Sleep in America Poll" shows that most US teens are sleep-deprived. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on April 30, 2006 12:59 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Yoga: Helps Teens Lose Weight According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), obesity in children has more than tripled since 1980. Now research reports that practicing yoga helped overweight teens lose six pounds in three months. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on April 19, 2006 07:43 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Calcium May Lower Body Fat in Kids The prevalence of overweight among children and adolescents has been significantly increasing in the U.S. and around the world. Previous studies suggest that calcium intake may be associated with the regulation of body weight and obesity. Now research reports that high calcium intake is associated with lower body fat in children. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on April 19, 2006 07:38 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Pesticide Causes Illness in Schools An article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2005;294(4):455-465) examined acute illnesses in students and school employees caused by pesticides being used on the school property. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on April 19, 2006 07:32 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Treating Sore Throat in Children Harvard medical school analyzed data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 1995-2003 to determine the statistics concerning sore throat, Strep throat, Step testing, and antibiotic prescribing. What they found was interesting. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on April 4, 2006 09:56 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Vitamin A as Adjunct Treatment for Pneumonia A study published this month in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition documented the effects of a moderate dose of Vitamin A as an adjunct treatment in children with pneumonia. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on April 4, 2006 09:46 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Physicians Are Still Overprescribing Antibiotics The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children with sore throats should be tested for Group A Streptococcus before prescribing a set of recommended antibiotics (penicillin first, while amoxicillin, erythromycin for penicillin-allergic patients, and first-generation cephalosporins are acceptable alternatives). More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 22, 2006 10:51 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) When Should You Take Dietary Supplements? Your supplement program will be most effective if you follow these simple guidelines. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 16, 2006 11:39 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Fruits and Vegetables For Bone Density The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(3):700-706) published an article examining intake of dairy products, fruits and vegetables, in relation to bone mineral content in adolescents. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 16, 2006 11:20 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Alternative to the Fasting Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy Treatment A study from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia tested the efficacy of a gradual initiation of the ketogenic diet compared to the customary fasting initiation. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 14, 2006 09:25 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Vitamin D Supplementation for Infants? Vitamin D deficiency in infanthood results in poor bone formation, soft bones, and stunted growth. It can often result in malformation that can not be corrected. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that infants receive at least 200 IU per day of Vitamin D to avoid a deficiency. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 13, 2006 11:39 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Nicotinamide Improves Glucose Control A recent study examined the benefits of concurrent use of nicotinamide in newly diagnosed Type I diabetes. Previous research had shown a possibility that glucose control could be improved by using nicotinamide and insulin at onset of treatment. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 9, 2006 03:22 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Methods for Iron Status Testing in Children The University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, Canada, recently published the results of a study comparing the efficacy of several different methods for evaluating iron intake in children. The primary goal of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Food Frequency Questionnaire in regards to iron intake and overall iron status in children. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 9, 2006 03:19 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Yogurt: Beneficial for Growth and Development The Chinese Center for Disease Control published results on a study examining the effects of supplementation with yogurt in a child population at risk for nutrient deficiencies and poor growth and development. The study was aimed at finding an easy, efficient, low cost method for improving growth and development. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 9, 2006 03:08 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Cranberry Use High In Pediatric Populous Little is known about the use of cranberry in children. Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina hypothesized that children with rUTI or any renal disease may be high users of cranberry for their conditions due to parent administration. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 9, 2006 02:25 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Cerebral Palsy Changes Bone Mineral Density of Adolescents The Journal of Pediatrics published a study in June that examined the factors involved in bone mineral density status in adolescents with CP in cases with no known interventions in place. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 8, 2006 03:31 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Pesticides Exposure and Ilness in Children In August 2005 the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study that examined the magnitude of acute illness in relation to pesticide exposure in a school setting. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 7, 2006 08:53 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Maternal Smoking Increases Attention Deficit Disorders An investigative case-controlled study was published in Pediatrics in August 2005 that examined the effect that maternal smoking has on behavioral development and the incidence of hyperkinetic disorders. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 6, 2006 11:04 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Dyslipidemia and Overweight Children Pediatrics published a study in August that examined the differences in lipid status among adolescent children attending a weight management clinic that were normotensive or hypertensive. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 6, 2006 10:57 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Donor Milk vs. Formula for Preterm Infants A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics in August compared the outcomes of preterm infants given mothers milk to those given donor milk or preterm formula. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 6, 2006 10:47 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Crohn's Disease Abnormal Growth Patterns in Children and Young Adults Many studies have documented the effects of Crohn's disease on growth, development, and nutritional status. The effects of Crohn's disease on lean mass and fat mass in children had not been studied until a recent publication in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 6, 2006 10:40 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Children with Milk Allergies Found to Have Normal Growth A study published in the July issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the growth of infants with cow's milk allergy compared to infants without the allergy. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 1, 2006 10:48 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) High Fructose Corn Syrup Linked to Obesity A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004;79(4):537-543) discusses the "evidence that a marked increase in the use of HFCS, and therefore in total fructose consumption, preceded the obesity epidemic and may be an important contributor to this epidemic in the United States." More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 27, 2006 11:00 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Zinc Improves Overall Growth and Development Zinc deficiency in children may result in poor development, including hand-eye coordination, hearing and speech development as well as growth. Children who are undernourished are at increased risk of zinc deficiency and have developmental delays that can benefit from social stimulation. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 27, 2006 10:29 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Folate Deficiency in Pregnancy May Lead to Defects A preliminary study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(1):188-195) demonstrates that folic acid deficiency and/or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency (a key enzyme in folic acid metabolism) increases the incidence of fetal loss, intrauterine growth retardation, and heart defects in animals. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 27, 2006 10:14 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Physician Recommended Vitamins for the Entire Family In a recent issue of Canadian Family Physician (July 2005), an article was published answering a physician's question regarding which vitamins (and dosage) could be recommended to patients in light of the most recent research. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 24, 2006 10:13 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Zinc: Beneficial for Respiratory Infection in Children? Numerous research studies have shown that zinc can improve immune function. Now another clinical trial in children shows that zinc may be useful in treating severe lower respiratory infection. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 23, 2006 03:02 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Yoga Improves Birth Outcome A recent study published in the Journal of the Indian Medical Association investigated the effects of yoga on birth outcome in women who had abnormal findings on Doppler ultrasound of the umbilical vessels. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 21, 2006 01:18 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Zinc and Psychomotor Development in Infants Researchers conducted a randomized double-blind trial to investigate their hypothesis and check the effect of zinc supplementation on growth and morbidity. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 21, 2006 12:55 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Vitamin A: A Useful Treatment for Anemia in Children A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(2):406-412) examines the effect of Vitamin A (which is often deficient in young African children) in the treatment of anemia in young children with malaria. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 20, 2006 06:38 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Zinc Improves Immunity in Diarrheal Disease A clinical study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004;79(3):444-450) demonstrated that giving additional zinc to children with shigellosis (a type of infectious diarrhea) increased levels of a particular type of immune cell associated with fighting the infection. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 17, 2006 01:59 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Zinc Helps ADHD Patients Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an early-onset behavioral condition that is characterized by a poor attention span and may be accompanied by hyperactivity. For the first time, research reports that zinc supplementation may improve methylphenidate (Ritalin) treatment in children with ADHD. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 17, 2006 01:33 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) EFAs Assist With Behavioral Problems in Children Previous research suggests that low fatty acid levels may be associated with certain neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Now a study reports that Essential Fatty Acid (EFAs) supplementation may be an effective treatment for behavioral and educational problems among ADHD children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 17, 2006 12:29 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Iodine Supplementation and Childhood IQ The study, published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2004, vol. 89, no. 8), investigated the association between iodine intake and intelligence quotient (IQ) in children. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 16, 2006 07:57 PM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Folate, Not Only Nutrient Needed for Spina Bifida Prevention An article published in the Journal of Nutrition (2004;134:1516-1522) showed that low intakes of plant proteins, iron, magnesium, and niacin before conception are associated with increased risk of spina bifida in newborns. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 14, 2006 11:30 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Is Iron Dose Packaging Still Dangerous for Children? A study published in the June issue of the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine documented the results of the FDA mandated on incidence of poisoning and deaths. More» Posted by Kristopher Foster on February 13, 2006 11:22 AM Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) Specific Bacteria Exert Immune Modulating Effects in Allergic Rhinitis A study published in the April issue of Allergy and Immunology examined the effect of Bacillus clausii on the immune response in adults with allergic rhinitis.