Kids' Health and Probiotics

Can "good bacteria" really be good medicine? Learn how probiotics can improve kids' health.

Probiotics

The next time your child has a stomach bug, a healthy dose of bacteria might be just what the doctor ordered. Probiotics, or “good germs,” can soothe troubled tummies and may also help with other kids’ health problems.


Probiotics are living microorganisms that are like the “friendly” ones that live in the intestines, help digest food, and regulate your immune system. Most often they are bacteria, but they may also be other organisms such as yeasts. The bacteria usually come from two groups, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Within each group, there are different species and strains. Probiotics are sold as foods or dietary supplements including capsules, pills, and powders that you can mix with food or drinks.


Probiotics for Children: Are They Safe and Effective ?


In healthy children and even babies, probiotics are generally safe, says Dan W. Thomas, MD, associate professor of clinical pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. However, probiotics could be dicey for children with compromised immune systems, those with implanted devices like dialysis catheters, or extremely premature infants, he says.

For kids’ health, probiotics are most commonly used to shorten the course of stomach bugs and prevent or treat the gastrointestinal distress that sometimes accompanies taking antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics kill the bad bacteria that are causing your child’s illness. However, they also can kill the good kind that keeps the digestive system running smoothly, resulting in diarrhea. Probiotics repopulate the gut with the good bugs, putting your child’s system back in balance.



Other Uses of Probiotics for Children

Probiotics have been studied for use in a variety of illnesses. Although more research is needed, probiotics could prevent or treat:

• Eczema and allergies in children
• Irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease
• Colds
• Vaginal infections
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (severe bowel damage in ill premature infants)

Whether probiotics are effective for all of these issues is a difficult question, says Michael Steiner, MD, medical director of Children’s Clinics at North Carolina Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill. “Because there is a wide variety of probiotics, making a statement about whether probiotics ‘work’ for all of these can be very confusing. Different probiotics work differently, and some are effective and some are not,” Dr. Steiner says.

Still, he personally recommends the use of Lactobacillus GG (LGG) when children are going to take powerful antibiotics or when they have viral diarrhea. “Other than those situations and some more serious medical conditions, I think the decision about whether to use probiotics should be left to individual children and parents after discussion with their doctors.”

One note about probiotic supplements: Be sure to check the labels for expiration dates and storage instructions. Probiotics are living organisms and some need to be refrigerated.

Probiotic Yogurt and Other Foods

You’ve probably seen television commercials touting the benefits of probiotic yogurt and other foods. Should you feed them to your children? Dr. Thomas says it makes sense if “the overall nutritional value of the food itself is good.” However, he notes that the “added benefit of foods that contain probiotics needs further research.”

Here are some probiotic foods that your kids might enjoy, though it’s always best to check with your doctor on whether the product is appropriate for the age of your child :

• Kashi “Vive” Probiotic Digestive Wellness Cereal in Toasted Graham and Vanilla
• Attune Bars (chocolate, peanut butter, and strawberry)
• Attune Granola Munch (maple nut, apple cinnamon, and chocolate)
• Dannon “Activia” Yogurt
• Yoplait “Yo-plus” Proactive Nutrition Yogurt
• Dannon’s Danimals, a drinkable smoothie that contains LGG

Look for the “Live and Active Cultures” seal to make sure you’re getting a probiotic yogurt.

The Future of Probiotics

Medical researchers are investigating new uses for probiotics. In fact, there’s some evidence the tiny organisms may even help reduce colic in infants — music to the ears of new parents. Steiner is enthusiastic about the future of probiotics, saying, “The use of probiotics in medicine is something that is definitely changing rapidly. There is a wide variety of conditions that may be helped by probiotics, and in the future they may become commonly prescribed by health care workers.”

By Regina Boyle Wheeler | Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

Article Source : http://www.everydayhealth.com/

Nutrition for kids - Guidelines for a healthy diet

You want your child to eat healthy foods, but do you know which nutrients are necessary and in what amounts ? Here's a quick overview of nutrition for kids.

Nutrition for kids is based on the same principles as nutrition for adults. Everyone needs the same types of nutrients — such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fat. Children, however, need different amounts of specific nutrients at different ages.

Nutrition for kids

So what's the best formula to fuel your child's growth and development? Check out these nutrition basics for girls and boys at various ages, based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Consider these nutrient-dense foods:

• Protein. Choose seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans, peas, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds.
• Fruits. Encourage your child to eat a variety of fresh, canned, frozen or dried fruits — rather than fruit juice. If your child drinks juice, make sure it's 100 percent juice and limit his or her servings.
• Vegetables. Serve a variety of fresh, canned or frozen vegetables — especially dark green, red and orange vegetables, beans and peas.
• Grains. Choose whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, or brown or wild rice.
• Dairy. Encourage your child to eat and drink fat-free or low-fat dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese or fortified soy beverages.

Aim to limit your child's calories from solid fats and added sugar, such as butter, cake and soda. Look for ways to replace solid fats with vegetable and nut oils, which provide essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Oils are naturally present in olives, nuts, avocados and seafood.

If you have questions about nutrition for kids or specific concerns about your child's diet, talk to your child's doctor or a registered dietitian.

Ages 2 to 3: Daily guidelines for girls and boys

• Calories 1,000-1,400, depending on growth and activity level
• Protein 2-4 ounces
• Fruits 1-1.5 cups
• Vegetables 1-1.5 cups
• Grains 3-5 ounces
• Dairy 2-2.5 cups

Ages 4 to 8: Daily guidelines for girls

• Calories 1,200-1,800, depending on growth and activity level
• Protein 3-5 ounces
• Fruits 1-1.5 cups
• Vegetables 1.5-2.5 cups
• Grains 4-6 ounces
• Dairy 2.5-3 cups

Ages 4 to 8: Daily guidelines for boys

• Calories 1,200-2,000, depending on growth and activity level
• Protein 3-5.5 ounces
• Fruits 1-2 cups
• Vegetables 1.5-2.5 cups
• Grains 4-6 ounces
• Dairy 2.5-3 cups

Ages 9 to 13: Daily guidelines for girls

• Calories 1,400-2,200, depending on growth and activity level
• Protein 4-6 ounces
• Fruits 1.5-2 cups
• Vegetables 1.5-3 cups
• Grains 5-7 ounces
• Dairy 2.5-3 cups

Ages 9 to 13: Daily guidelines for boys

• Calories 1,600-2,600, depending on growth and activity level
• Protein 5-6.5 ounces
• Fruits 1.5-2 cups
• Vegetables 2-3.5 cups
• Grains 5-9 ounces
• Dairy 3 cups

Ages 14 to 18: Daily guidelines for girls

• Calories 1,800-2,400, depending on growth and activity level
• Protein 5-6.5 ounces
• Fruits 1.5-2 cups
• Vegetables 2.5-3 cups
• Grains 6-8 ounces
• Dairy 3 cups

Ages 14 to 18: Daily guidelines for boys

• Calories 2,000-3,200, depending on growth and activity level
• Protein 5.5-7 ounces
• Fruits 2-2.5 cups
• Vegetables 2.5-4 cups
• Grains 6-10 ounces
• Dairy 3 cups

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Article Source : http://www.mayoclinic.org/

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Fun Healthy Kids Snacks

Fun Healthy Kids Snacks

It's a well known fact - growing children love to snack ! Making fun healthy kids snacks will provide your children with fillers between meal times that are healthy and nutritious. While it is very easy to hand a bag of potato chips to your child to munch on, it will not give the child any nutritional value. Too much fast food, oily foods and over eating have led to a huge problem of overweight children across the country. As parents we have to take control of our children's eating habits and steer them on the right path to eating foods that provide the nutrition the body needs to grow healthy and strong.

Children get hungry very quickly and if you have trained your child to eat right from a very young age you will not have any problem in getting them to eat the right kinds of snacks. Every growing child is going to need fillers between meals and it is better to train a child to eat smaller portioned meals more often. Healthy snacks are good fillers and can consist of fruits and other whole grain snacks that will add value to the growing body.

Supermarkets are inundated with kids snacks in exciting packages and oh so easy to just dump a few in the trolley and move on. Time savers indeed! These processed foods contain plenty of sugar that is not good for anybody. You can make eating fruit a lot more fun by blending it into yoghurt that makes for a very tasty snack. Alternatively you can also serve the child a fruit platter with a bowl of flavored yoghurt as a dip. Another alternative to getting your child to eat more fruit is to make fruit popsicles - goes down great on a summer day. Fruit smoothies are really very popular among children and can be made from low fat milk, yoghurt and fresh fruit. Your child gets the dual health benefits from fruit and low fat dairy products together. You can make up combinations of fresh vegetables and exciting dips or put low fat peanut butter on whole grain crackers. All of these ideas make for healthy snacks that are going to fill your child up in more ways than one with the goodness of nutrition.

When we are busy rushing around between work, the kids and home with barely a minute to breathe, it is very difficult to think nutritious when easy is all that comes to mind. However, every parent is urged to find the time to make up a list of fun healthy kids snacks based on the preferences of the child. Make a conscious effort to shop right; if you don't have it in the house the child is not tempted to eat it!

If you take the time to consider your options to provide fun healthy kids snacks you will be pleasantly surprised, there is quite a list of possibilities ranging from fruit, pretzels, crackers with peanut butter, muffins, yoghurt, granola and so much more. Make the time - your child's health depends on the food you feed him or her.




By Aldric Chang
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3588432

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Kids Health - Going to the Dentist

Kids Health - Going to the Dentist

It's true. Your teeth are an important part of your smile, and they also help you chew foods like crunchy apples or yummy pizza.

Brushing and flossing are important, but you also need to visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Let's learn more about what happens at the dentist's office.

What Does the Dentist Do ?

The dentist is a doctor who is specially trained to care for teeth. When you visit for a checkup, your dentist will look at your teeth and gums to check for any problems. The dentist also wants to make sure your teeth are developing properly as you grow.

It's important to visit your dentist every 6 months to make sure you're taking good care of your teeth and that your teeth and gums are healthy.

What Happens at the Dentist's Office ?

After your name is called in the waiting room, you'll go into an exam room and sit down in a big, comfortable chair that is like a huge recliner. The chair will have a place to rest your head and lots of room for you to stretch out your legs. Next to the chair may be a little sink with a cup that you can use to rinse out your mouth as your teeth are being cleaned.

During the exam, your teeth will be cleaned, flossed, and checked for cavities.

Cleaning and Flossing

One of the first people you'll meet at the dentist's office is the dental hygienist (say: hi-JEH-nist). A dental hygienist is a person who knows all about keeping teeth and gums clean and healthy.

The dental hygienist will look inside your mouth to make sure your teeth are growing properly and your gums are healthy. A bright, overhead light will shine down into your mouth like a giant flashlight so the dental hygienist can get a good look inside your mouth.

The dental hygienist will clean and polish your teeth, using tiny dental tools like a tooth scraper, mirror, and special toothbrush. The tooth scraper removes plaque (say: plak) from your teeth. Plaque is a thin, sticky layer that coats your teeth and contains bacteria (say: bak-TEER-ee-uh) that grow on your teeth over time. Plaque that isn't removed from your teeth can cause decay, or a cavity (say: KAH-vuh-tee).

Next comes brushing and flossing. The dental hygienist will brush your teeth with a special toothbrush and toothpaste. The toothbrush has a small, round tip that moves around and around to clean your teeth. The toothpaste might taste like your own toothpaste at home, but it will feel a little grittier — almost like sand.

Then the dental hygienist will floss your teeth and show you the proper way to brush and floss your teeth at home. Flossing involves using a piece of waxy string called dental floss to get in between your teeth and remove food particles that your brush can't reach.

Checking for Cavities

During your visit, the dental hygienist will take X-rays, or pictures, of your teeth. X-rays are like superhuman vision. They can show cavities hiding between your teeth and problems beneath your gums. A cavity is a decayed, or rotted, part of a tooth.

It does not hurt to get an X-ray and it takes only a few seconds. The dental hygienist will place a thick blanket over your chest (to protect your body from the high-energy waves) and put a piece of plastic (that holds the X-ray film) into your mouth. As you gently bite down on the plastic, you'll have to be very still for a few seconds while the dental hygienist snaps the picture.

Fluoride Treatments

Next it's time for your fluoride (say: FLOOR-ide) treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that makes your teeth strong and helps prevent cavities. At the dentist's office, a fluoride gel or foam will be applied to your teeth. Most dental offices offer fluoride treatments with flavoring, like bubble gum or grape.

The fluoride treatment will take about 1 to 4 minutes. The dental hygienist will probably tell you not to eat or drink anything (including water) for 30 minutes after the fluoride treatment.

Meeting the Dentist

The dentist will look at all of your teeth and check your gums to make sure they're strong and healthy. The dentist will also check the way your top and bottom teeth work together. This is called your bite. If there might be a problem with your bite, you may be referred to an orthodontist (say: or-tho-DON-tist). This is a doctor who specializes in correcting the shape or positions of all your teeth through orthodontia, or braces.

The dentist will study your X-rays (looking for cavities or other problems) and ask if you have any questions about your teeth. Your dentist may also prescribe fluoride drops or tablets for you to take every day at home.

Presents From the Dentist!

When your checkup is over, the dentist usually will have a present for you! The gift is often a free toothbrush or dental floss to use at home or some sugar-free gum.

What Happens If I Have a Cavity ?

If you have a cavity, you'll probably have to come back to the dentist's office for another visit. At that time, the dentist will remove the decayed part from your tooth with special dental tools. Then the decayed area will be filled with materials that will keep your tooth strong and healthy, like tooth-colored or silver fillings.

As soon as you sit down in the dental chair, the dentist will give you a tiny shot of an anesthetic (say: ah-nus-THEH-tik), a medicine that numbs the area around the tooth.

Your mouth may be numb for a little while after you leave the dentist's office, but the anesthetic will soon wear off and you'll be left with a beautiful smile!

Dental Words

Some words used at the dentist's office might be new to you. Here are a few and what they mean:

• bacteria — tiny organisms that live on your teeth and are found in plaque
• cavity — the decayed, or rotten, part of a tooth
• dental hygienist — a person with special training about the proper way to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy
• dental X-rays — pictures of your teeth and gums that will show a dentist whether there are any cavities
• flossing — involves using a piece of waxy string called dental floss to get in between your teeth and remove food particles that your toothbrush can't reach
• fluoride treatment — a gel or foam applied to teeth that makes them strong and helps prevent cavities
• orthodontist — a doctor who specializes in correcting the shape or positions of your teeth
• plaque — a thin, sticky layer containing bacteria that grow on your teeth

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD

Article Source : http://kidshealth.org/

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Tips A Mom's Secrets To Keeping Kids Healthy

Tips A Mom's Secrets To Keeping Kids Healthy

We all want healthy kids. But what can we do to help them stay healthy? The average child gets sick 10 times a year. That number is simply too high and there is no reason why it should be that high. Once or twice a year colds or other viruses are understandable, but 10 times a year? Think of all the missed school for them and missed work for you and the fun family times that have to be rescheduled or canceled completely. There are some simple things we can do as parents to turn sick kids into healthy kids.

The first step to a healthy kid is a healthy diet. Kids need lots of good nutrition. Foods that are full of sugar, fat, starch, and are highly processed are not nutritious. Good nutrition starts at home. There are many simple little changes you can make immediately to get the entire family eating healthier. Fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains need to be provided daily. It may seem easier and cheaper to buy the frozen, packaged and processed versions, but it's really not. You will find that buying healthy is actually cheaper than buying junk. Look up some healthy recipes, make a shopping list and go to the store thinking healthy. Stay away from potato chips, soda and candy. Instead buy whole grain crackers, pretzels, and fresh fruits. We all crave salty and sweet treats, so use these healthy substitutes instead. Kids eat what is available to them; it is your job to make sure they have healthy choices.

The next step to a healthy kid is to focus on the environment around our children. Harmful hazards can be found all over the home. The first thing you need to do is go clean out your cabinets. Any cleaning products that are not safe need to go. Many cleaning products contain harmful chemicals. If your children have asthma or allergies they are especially susceptible to the irritating upper respiratory effects of toxic chemicals. I use only safe, non-toxic cleaning products in my home and would have it no other way. You don't have to buy the expensive "all-natural" products, but buy from a brand you can trust. There are many safer products available, but not all are created equal. Look for products that are super-concentrated; they will give you the best bang for your buck and also help protect the environment.

Finally, healthy kids need adequate exercise. If they are home with you, get them up off the couch and moving with you. There are plenty of easy, kid-friendly exercise videos available to choose from or you can make up your own routine. My kids and I like to play tag, take walks, and go to the park. If the weather is bad, move the activity indoors. Jumping-jacks, jump rope, yoga for kids, and other fun activities can be done indoors at home. Or you can enroll them in karate, gymnastics, dance class, or after school sports activities. Be creative! The possibilities are endless. It doesn't matter what activity you choose, as long as the kids are active and having fun. The key to getting kids to exercise is to make it fun. Switch up the routine and don't be too pushy about exercising at home. The best way to get your kids active is to lead by example. If they see you making an effort to stay fit, chances are they will join in.

For more information on non-toxic cleaners contact me personally or visit my website. My contact information is below.

Emily Grundy is a REAL mom. She knows parents want what is best for their children but don't always know exactly what that is or how to give it to them. Emily is on a mission to empower other moms with knowledge. What you do with that knowledge is your choice. Emily resides in Colorado with her husband, 4 year-old daughter and 2 year-old son. She believes in helping other families achieve total wellness.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6879815

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10 Healthy Habits Parents Should Teach Their Kids

10 Healthy Habits Parents Should Teach Their Kids

Parental Pearls of Wisdom

As a parent, you pass more than genes down to your children. Kids pick up your habits too— both good and bad. Show your kids you care about them by sharing these nuggets of health advice that they’ll carry with them long after you can carry them.

Habit 1: Make Eating Colorful

Eating foods of different colors isn’t just fun—it has health benefits too. Help your kids understand the nutritional value of including a rainbow of colorful foods in their regular diet.

That doesn’t mean that every meal needs to be multicolored. But you should make an effort to incorporate a range of fruits and vegetables of different hues—from red, blue, and orange, to yellow, green, and white—into their diet.

Habit 2: Don’t Skip Breakfast

Instilling a routine of regular mealtimes in childhood can help make it more likely that your kids will continue this good habit when they’re older. Teach them that a low-fat breakfast not only kick-starts their brain and their energy, but helps with weight maintenance and keeps chronic diseases at bay.

Harvard Medical School confirms that going without breakfast correlates with four times the likelihood of obesity. And the high fiber in many breakfast cereals can help reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Habit 3: Pick Enjoyable Physical Activities

Not every child loves sports—some may dread gym class—but when kids find physical activities they enjoy, staying healthy and active becomes easy. And they just might carry their love of it into adulthood.

If your child hasn’t found their sports niche yet, encourage them to keep trying. Expose them to a range of physical activities like swimming, archery, and gymnastics. They’re bound to find something they enjoy.

Habit 4: Don’t Be a Couch Potato

Get kids off the sofa and out the door. The Mayo Clinic reports that kids who watch more than an hour or two of television a day are at greater risk for a number of health problems, including:

• impaired performance at school
• behavioral difficulties, including emotional and social problems and attention disorders
• obesity or being overweight
• irregular sleep, including trouble falling asleep and resisting bedtime
• less time to play

Habit 5: Read Every Day

Developing strong reading skills is an essential component of your child’s success in school now, and at work later in life. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), daily family reading routines help with children’s literacy development.

The AAP calls reading skills “the foundation for children’s academic success,” and suggests that daily reading to children should begin by six months of age. Choose books your kids like so that they view reading as a treat rather than a chore.

Habit 6: Drink Water, Not Soda

You can keep the message simple: water is healthy, soft drinks are unhealthy. Even if your kids don’t understand all of the reasons why too much sugar is bad for them, you can help them understand the basics.

For example, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), the sugar in colas provides no nutrients and adds calories that can lead to weight problems. Water, on the other hand, is a vital resource that humans can’t live without.

Habit 7: Look at Labels (Food Labels, Not Designer)

While your kids (especially pre-teens and teens) may care about the labels on their clothes, there’s another type of label that’s more important to their health: the food nutrition label.

Show kids how their favorite packaged foods contain labels with vital information about nutrition. Focus on a few key parts of the label (such as number of calories per serving, amount of saturated fats and trans fats, and grams of sugar) to avoid overwhelming them.

Habit 8: Enjoy a Family Dinner

With hectic family schedules, it’s hard to find time to sit down and enjoy a meal together,  but it’s worth it to try. According to the University of Florida, research has shown sharing a family meal means that:

• family bonds get stronger
• kids are more well-adjusted
• everyone eats more nutritious meals
• kids are less likely to be obese or overweight
• kids are less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol

Habit 9: Spend Time with Friends

Friendships are very important to the healthy development of school-age children, according to research conducted by the University of Florida. Playing with friends teaches kids valuable social skills such as communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. Having friends can also affect their performance in school.

Encourage your kids to develop a variety of friendships and to play with friends often. It will set them up with life skills they can draw on for years to come.

Habit 10: Stay Positive

It’s easy for kids to get discouraged when things don’t go their way. Help them learn resilience in setbacks by showing them the importance of staying positive. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, children as well as adults can benefit from positive thinking and good relationships.

Help your kids develop healthy self-esteem and a positive mindset by teaching them they are lovable, capable, and unique—no matter what challenges they encounter.

Written by Robin Madel

Article Source : http://www.healthline.com/

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What Kids Say About Weight

What Kids Say About Weight

These days, adults are concerned about the growing number of kids who are overweight, and guess what? Kids know it's a problem, too.

We conducted a KidsPoll and asked 1,168 boys and girls about the issue. More than half of them (52%) said too many kids are overweight. This is important because knowing there is a problem is the first step to getting answers to solve the problem.

What Does "Overweight" Mean ?

Most people who are overweight have too much body fat. The person who is overweight weighs more than is healthy, considering age, height, and whether the person is a boy or a girl (boys generally weigh more).

The number of overweight kids has increased a lot over the last 30 years. In the United States, about 17% of kids ages 2 to 19 are overweight. That's bad news because being overweight can lead to health problems, like diabetes and heart disease.

Overweight kids also may get teased by other kids or feel sad about the way they look. Most kids (60%) who took the KidsPoll said it was harder for overweight kids to make friends.

Why Are Some Kids Overweight ?

When asked why some kids were overweight, many of the KidsPoll participants (54%) said it was because overweight kids didn't exercise enough or eat right. Others said that kids were overweight because fast food restaurants serve the wrong foods or because being overweight runs in the kid's family.

The poll also asked the kids some questions about themselves. Most of the group (78%) said they were either the right weight or underweight. The rest of the group thought they were overweight, with 4% of kids saying they were very overweight.

The poll results don't prove that 4% of the kids were very overweight, but it shows that 4% of the kids believed they were overweight and answered that way. On top of that, 54% of kids said they worried or stressed out about their weight, with more girls feeling this way. Of those who said they never worry about their weight, 59% were boys and 33% were girls.

Losing Weight

Plenty of kids said they have tried to lose weight. Of those who had, here's how they said they tried to do it:

• went on a diet — 17%
• ate healthy and exercised — 64%
• ate out less — 14%
• took medicine — 5%

Eating healthy and exercising are usually the best ways to lose weight, and 73% of the kids knew that. If kids are worried about weight, experts suggest they think about where they should go for answers. The KidsPoll participants chose talking to a nurse or doctor as the best resource.

Here are the other ways kids said they could learn more about getting to a healthy weight:

• from lessons at school — 8%
• from demonstrations on healthy cooking — 16%
• from a parent or family member — 15%
• by joining a group, club, or team that teaches about physical activity — 27%

It's great that kids are thinking about weight problems and the best way to solve them. It's like putting together a difficult puzzle. Understanding that there's a problem is one piece. Understanding what causes kids to be overweight is another. And knowing that eating healthy and exercising are the best strategies to fix the problem is a very important piece.

Article Source : http://kidshealth.org/

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Healthy Kid Friendly Recipes

Healthy Kid Friendly Recipes

You can give your kids what they like to eat, yummy foods that are delicious and healthy. Teaching a child to eat healthy from the start will avoid a lot of problems later on as the child grows. Overweight children tend to have medical issues involving the heart and blood pressure and then there is the psychological factor as well, overweight children get bullied and mocked. You can prevent all of this as a parent by making sure your child eats the right kinds of nutritious food and leads an active life.

Parents can develop healthy eating patterns in children by being innovative and making use of some very healthy kid friendly recipes that use vegetables and proteins in combinations that provide for lower calorie, vitamin and mineral rich foods will teach a child to eat right and enjoy it. Whole grains are full of proteins but need to be served up as appealing fare to get children to eat the food and calcium rich foods are a must for the child's bone development.

Busy work schedules and microwavable food have seriously affected the growing child's overall growth and development, because bad eating habits make for nutrition less food. Parents tend to think that as the child grows these deficiencies can be made up for but that it is absolutely the wrong thinking. Right nutrition goes a very long way in making for a healthy child and the positive effects carry on into adulthood, helping defend against medical illnesses.

Children who are raised on nutritious foods adapt quickly to the food and don't have any problem with eating it, but it is important to start them off right from the word go. Potato crisps are yummy but not nutritious, while fruit is tasty and good for a child. While it is true that it is far easier to whiz through the market picking up snacks and other munchies, it is well worth the time invested in shopping for healthy fruits and vegetables. Buy more fish, which is full of omega 3 fatty acids that are excellent for the body. Always check the child's food pyramid for your food options and try as far as possible to stick to it.

Make sure your healthy kid friendly recipes include generous helpings of the daily recommended allowances of vitamins and minerals. You can get the vitamins and minerals chart to help you closely adhere to the necessary daily intake and make sure the food groups you buy cover all of them. Children who eat healthy, nutritious food seldom need vitamin supplements. Your pediatrician can help you make informed decisions about the food you give your child. Calcium, iron, zinc and fluoride, and vitamins A, C, D and K should be included in healthy does in the foods you feed your child.

There are several good books that you can buy, which provide healthy kid friendly recipes to help feed your child favorite foods that are healthy alternatives to high calorie diets.

By Aldric Chang

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3588415

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Taking Care of Your Teeth

Taking Care of Your Teeth

When you get your picture taken, everyone says, "Say cheese! Smile!" So you do — you open your mouth and show your teeth. When you see the picture, you see a happy person looking back at you. The healthier those teeth are, the happier you look. Why is that?

It's because your teeth are important in many ways. If you take care of them, they'll help take care of you. Strong, healthy teeth help you chew the right foods to help you grow. They help you speak clearly. And yes, they help you look your best.

Why Healthy Teeth Are Important

How does taking care of your teeth help with all those things? Taking care of your teeth helps prevent plaque (say: PLAK), which is a clear film of bacteria (say: bak-TEER-ee-uh) that sticks to your teeth.

After you eat, bacteria go crazy over the sugar on your teeth, like ants at a picnic. The bacteria break it down into acids that eat away tooth enamel, causing holes called cavities. Plaque also causes gingivitis (say: jin-juh-VY-tis), which is gum disease that can make your gums red, swollen, and sore. Your gums are those soft pink tissues in your mouth that hold your teeth in place.

If you don't take care of your teeth, cavities and unhealthy gums will make your mouth very, very sore. Eating meals will be difficult. And you won't feel like smiling so much.


Before Toothpaste Was Invented

We're lucky that we know so much now about taking care of our teeth. Long ago, as people got older, their teeth would rot away and be very painful. To get rid of a toothache, they had their teeth pulled out. Finally, people learned that cleaning their teeth was important, but they didn't have toothpaste right away.

While you're swishing that minty-fresh paste around your mouth, think about what people used long ago to clean teeth:

• ground-up chalk or charcoal
• lemon juice
• ashes (you know, the stuff that's left over after a fire)
• tobacco and honey mixed together

Yuck!

It was only about 100 years ago that someone finally created a minty cream to clean teeth. Not long after that, the toothpaste tube was invented, so people could squeeze the paste right onto the toothbrush! Tooth brushing became popular during World War II. The U.S. Army gave brushes and toothpaste to all soldiers, and they learned to brush twice a day. Back then, toothpaste tubes were made of metal; today they're made of soft plastic and are much easier to squeeze!

Today there are plenty of toothpaste choices: lots of colors and flavors to choose from, and some are made just for kids. People with great-looking teeth advertise toothpaste on TV commercials and in magazines. When you're choosing a toothpaste, make sure it contains fluoride. Fluoride makes your teeth strong and protects them from cavities.

When you brush, you don't need a lot of toothpaste: just squeeze out a bit the size of a pea. It's not a good idea to swallow the toothpaste, either, so be sure to spit after brushing.

How You Can Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Kids can take charge of their teeth by taking these steps :

• Brush at least twice a day — after breakfast and before bedtime. If you can, brush after lunch or after sweet snacks. Brushing properly breaks down plaque.
• Brush all of your teeth, not just the front ones. Spend some time on the teeth along the sides and in the back. Have your dentist show you the best way to brush to get your teeth clean without damaging your gums.
• Take your time while brushing. Spend at least 2 or 3 minutes each time you brush. If you have trouble keeping track of the time, use a timer or play a recording of a song you like to help pass the time.
• Be sure your toothbrush has soft bristles (the package will tell you if they're soft). Ask your parent to help you get a new toothbrush every 3 months. Some toothbrushes come with bristles that change color when it's time to change them.
• Ask your dentist if an antibacterial mouth rinse is right for you.
• Learn how to floss your teeth, which is a very important way to keep them healthy. It feels weird the first few times you do it, but pretty soon you'll be a pro. Slip the dental floss between each tooth and along the gumline gently once a day. The floss gets rid of food that's hidden where your toothbrush can't get it, no matter how well you brush.
• You can also brush your tongue to help keep your breath fresh !

It's also important to visit the dentist twice a year. Besides checking for signs of cavities or gum disease, the dentist will help keep your teeth extra clean and can help you learn the best way to brush and floss.

It's not just brushing and flossing that keep your teeth healthy — you also need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Remember, the plaque on your teeth is just waiting for that sugar to arrive. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink water instead of soda. And don't forget to smile!

Reviewed by: Kenneth H. Hirsch, DDS

Article Source: http://kidshealth.org/

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Be a Fit Kid

Be a Fit Kid

There's a lot of discussion these days about fit kids. People who care (parents, doctors, teachers, and others) want to know how to help kids be more fit.

Being fit is a way of saying a person eats well, gets a lot of physical activity (exercise), and has a healthy weight. If you're fit, your body works well, feels good, and can do all the things you want to do, like run around with your friends.

Some steps only parents can take — such as serving healthy meals or deciding to take the family on a nature hike. But kids can take charge, too, when it comes to health.

Here are five rules to live by, if you're a kid who wants to be fit. The trick is to follow these rules most of the time, knowing that some days (like your birthday) might call for cake and ice cream.

Eat a Variety of Foods

You may have a favorite food, but the best choice is to eat a variety. If you eat different foods, you're more likely to get the nutrients your body needs. Taste new foods and old ones you haven't tried for a while. Some foods, such as green veggies, are more pleasing the older you get. Shoot for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day — two fruits and three vegetables.

Here's one combination that might work for you:

• at breakfast: ½ cup (about 4 large) strawberries on your cereal
• with lunch: 6 baby carrots
• for a snack: an apple
• with dinner: ½ cup broccoli (about 2 big spears) and 1 cup of salad

Drink Water & Milk

When you're really thirsty, cold water is the best thirst-quencher. And there's a reason your school cafeteria offers cartons of milk. Kids need calcium to build strong bones, and milk is a great source of this mineral. How much do kids need? If you are younger than 9 years old, drink 2 cups of milk a day, or its equivalent. If you're older than 9 years old, aim for 3 cups of milk per day, or its equivalent. You can mix it up by having milk and some other calcium-rich dairy foods. Here's one combination :

• 2 cups (about half a liter) of low-fat or nonfat milk
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (small container) of yogurt

You probably will want something other than milk or water once in a while, so it's OK to have 100% juice, too. But try to limit sugary drinks, like sodas, juice cocktails, and fruit punches. They contain a lot of added sugar. Sugar just adds calories, not important nutrients.

Listen to Your Body

What does it feel like to be full? When you're eating, notice how your body feels and when your stomach feels comfortably full. Sometimes, people eat too much because they don't notice when they need to stop eating. Eating too much can make you feel uncomfortable and, over a period of time, can lead to unhealthy weight gain.

Limit Screen Time

What's screen time? It's the amount of time you spend watching TV or DVDs, playing video games (console systems or handheld games), and using the computer. The more time you spend on these sitting-down activities, the less time available for active stuff, like basketball, bike riding, and swimming. Try to spend no more than 2 hours a day on screen time, not counting computer use related to school.

Be Active

One job you have as a kid — and it's a fun one — is that you get to figure out which activities you like best. Not everyone loves baseball or soccer. Maybe your passion is karate, or kickball, or dancing. Ask your parents to help you do your favorite activities regularly. Find ways to be active every day. You might even write down a list of fun stuff to do, so you can refer to it when your mom or dad says it's time to stop watching TV or playing computer games !

Speaking of parents, they can be a big help if you want to be a fit kid. For instance, they can stock the house with healthy foods and plan physical activities for the family. Tell your parents about these five steps you want to take and maybe you can teach them a thing or two. If you're a fit kid, why shouldn't you have a fit mom and a fit dad ?

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

Article Source: http://kidshealth.org/

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