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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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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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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Bridging the gap for young adult cancer patients

Bridging the gap for young adult cancer patients

Any time a child is diagnosed with cancer, it’s difficult on a family.

Many people think it must be more difficult the younger the patient. However, one segment of patients is often overlooked. Adolescent and young adult cancer patients, ages 16-29, are stuck at a crossroads between pediatric and adult treatments.

In many cases, adolescent and young adult patients are in the process of finishing high school, beginning college, entering the workforce or starting a family. They face enormous challenges that come from the abrupt change in the trajectory of their life after a cancer diagnosis.

Often, patients who were becoming independent of their parents become dependent once again.

Feelings of invincibility are replaced by a new and frightening awareness of their own mortality. They often experience profound loss of self-image, self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth. The comprehensive care of these patients requires being able to address and respond to all of these issues.

Adolescent and young adult patients have not enjoyed the same improvements in survival over the last 20-30 years as other cancer patients, for a variety of reasons. These include:

• Lack of access to clinical trials. Cancer in this age group, in some cases, biologically different than similar cancers in older or younger individuals. Medicine, in general, has not advanced care of adolescent and young adult cancers because they simply haven’t been studied as much.

• Location of care. Several studies have shown that, at least for some types of cancer, survival rates are significantly better when patients in this age group are treated by pediatric oncologists rather than medical oncologists. This probably relates to the increased comfort level that pediatric oncologists have in delivering intensive chemotherapy to otherwise healthy patients. Despite the evidence supporting this, the majority of patients in the U.S. ages 16-21 with cancer are still treated by medical oncologists at adult oncology centers.

• Delays in diagnosis. Studies have consistently demonstrated the time from onset of symptoms due to cancer and the ultimate diagnosis and initiation of treatment for that cancer are significantly longer (by several months) in adolescent and young adult patients compared to younger children and older adults. This is partly due to a lack of recognition or consideration of a serious diagnosis in patients in this age range. It’s also the result of delay by the patient in seeking medical care, which can be due to denial of the potential for a serious illness, a lack of health insurance or the lack of a primary health care provider.

• Lack of compliance with therapy. For many reasons, adolescent and young adult patients are less likely to be compliant with cancer treatments. While unproven, it’s our hope that care specifically for this age group will improve compliance and therefore increase survival.

Recognizing that these patients have a variety of emotional, psychological, educational, vocational and financial needs that are truly unique, a variety of support services needs to be available as well. These include social networking groups, therapists, counselors, social workers, educational specialists and a treatment staff that is committed to bringing hope to every cancer patient.

By Dr. Robin Hanson
Article Source: http://www.stltoday.com/

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Healthy Kids Recipe with Vitamin C

Healthy Kids Recipe with Vitamin C

Healthy Kids recipes should always include foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Vitamin C is especially important for children. The good thing about Vitamin C is that it is present in a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Children need a daily intake of Vitamin C because it is important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Among the many benefits of Vitamin C for children is that it acts as a powerful anti-oxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory agent that prevents oxygen-based damage to the cells.

Children can get their daily dose of Vitamin C by consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fruit is a delicious food with wonderful colors and textures that appeal to children. Fruit is one of the easiest healthy foods to get kids to eat.

Fruits as well as vegetables are vital for the health and well being of children. Raw fruits are preferred because of their high fiber and water content. But frozen fruits and vegetables are still a viable source of Vitamin C that can be an alternative to fresh vegetables.

Vitamin C has to be consumed daily because the body does not store Vitamin C. Pediatricians recommend that children should consume at least 30 - 45 mg. of vitamin C per day. This is the minimum requirement. Parents should check with their own Pediatrician to confirm the requirement or special needs for their children. Children with asthma or other health problems may require a higher consumption of Vitamin C.

Some nutritionist recommends a daily intake of up to 200 mg./day of Vitamin C. If a child consumes the recommended daily allowance of five servings of fresh fruit or vegetables per day, they would be in this recommended target range.

The bad news is that less than 20% of children or adults consume the recommended daily allowance of fruits or vegetables. Meeting the minimum RDA can be as simple as increasing the kinds of fruits and vegetables consumed each day.

Citrus fruits like strawberries, lemons and oranges are delicious sources of Vitamin C. Fresh squeezed orange juice, or a homemade strawberry milkshake are favorites with kids. Fresh squeezed lemonade on a hot summer day will provide a healthy thirst quencher.

Try this Strawberry Fluff Recipe

Ingredients:

*16 oz. strawberries fresh or frozen

*1 pkg. colored marshmallows

*1 large tub of Cool Whip

*1/4-cup sugar

Instructions:

1. Cut up the strawberries

2. Mix with Cool Whip

3. Add sugar

4. Mix well

5. Stir in 1/2 to 3/4 package marshmallows

6. Refrigerate

There are other vegetables and fruits that contain high volumes of Vitamin C. An unlikely source of Vitamin C is broccoli and cauliflower. These nutrient rich vegetables provide over 45 mg. of Vitamin C in a ½ cup serving. Exotic but delicious fruits like papaya, mango or kiwi have high Vitamin C content. A slice of tomato provides 25 mg. of vitamin C.

The RDA recommendation provides the basic amount of Vitamin C that is needed to avoid a deficiency disease. But children have unique requirements for Vitamin C as they develop. A diet rich in Vitamin C offers a lot of health benefits for both children and adults.

By Christine Steendahl 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/510365

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Healthy Kids' Snack Ideas for Vitamin C

Home Edition - Healthy Kid Friendly Snacks

Home Edition - Healthy Kid Friendly Snacks 

Your kids will love these nutritious cracker melts, parfaits and pinwheels.

Like most kids, mine come home from school ravenous. Their little hands will grab whatever they see – and I take full advantage. I have healthy snacks clearly visible on the kitchen table when they walk through the door. I make each snack enticing, and I make sure it provides important nutrients my kiddos need for proper growth and development.

Why Snack ?

Snacks are mini-meals that should provide nutrients your child needs, such as calcium, fiber, vitamin D, protein and iron. These important nutrients tend to be a little tougher in terms of getting the recommended amounts. Snacks are an opportunity to get your child to eat foods containing these important nutrients – which is why when you schedule snacks, and what you serve, matters so much.

Snacks should provide about 150 calories each. Your child may need up to three snacks per day, but it really depends on the child. If you find your little one goes five or more hours without a snack, then schedule one during that time frame. If you find your kiddo is very hungry during a certain time of day (like when he or she returns home from school), that's another perfect time to schedule a snack.

Make Your Own

You have more freedom and flexibility when snacks are served at home verses what you pack for school. Here are five snack ideas, along with two of my kids' favorite recipes for you to try:

No. 1: Crudite

Create a colorful platter of cut-up vegetables such as carrots, celery, broccoli and bell peppers. Serve with a hummus or ranch dressing. Pack leftovers for lunch the next day.

Nutrient checklist : vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber 

No. 2: Cracker Melts

Top whole-grain crackers with mozzarella cheese, and place under the broiler for one to two minutes until cheese melts. Top with cherry tomato halves or sliced olives.

Nutrient checklist : calcium, fiber, vitamin C

No. 3: Parfaits

Layer your child’s favorite ingredients like nonfat honey Greek yogurt with fruit – such as berries or pineapple – and top with granola or crushed whole-grain cereal.  

Nutrient checklist : calcium, protein, vitamin C, fiber

No. 4: Pinwheels

Roll your favorite low-sodium deli meat with part-skim mozzarella cheese and lettuce on a whole-wheat tortilla. Spread your child’s favorite condiment – such as whipped cream cheese, ketchup or hummus – onto a whole-wheat tortilla. Add low-sodium deli meat and part-skim mozzarella cheese. Roll, slice and enjoy.

Nutrient checklist : calcium, protein, fiber

No. 5: Frozen Grapes

Skewer seedless grapes and freeze. For an extra zing, drizzle melted chocolate before freezing.

Nutrient checklist: vitamin C, vitamin K

Recipes to Try

I asked my kids to share their favorite two snacks. These are both quick and easy to prepare, and I hope your kids will enjoy them as much as mine do. 

Mama’s Berry Smoothie :

Prep time: 5 minutes 

Ingredients

1 and 1/2 medium bananas, peeled and frozen

1/2 cup frozen raspberries

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1 cup fresh whole strawberries

1/2 cup nonfat milk

1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons honey 

Place ingredients in blender; blend until smooth. 

Serves: 4

Serving size: 6 fluid ounces 

Nutrition information per serving

Calories: 116; Total Fat: 0 grams; Saturated Fat: 0 grams; Protein: 3 grams; Carbohydrates: 27 grams; Fiber: 3 grams; Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; Sodium: 23 milligrams.

Mango Guacamole :

Prep time: 20 minutes 

2 Haas avocados

Juice of 1 lime

1 serrano chile

1 clove garlic

1/2 medium red onion

1/2 medium red bell pepper

1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro

1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1 mango, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice 

Slice the avocados in half lengthwise and remove pits. Scoop out the flesh and place it in a medium bowl. Add the lime juice.

Halve the serrano chile lengthwise. Discard the seeds and cut the chile into 1/8-inch dice. Mince the garlic. Peel and finely dice the red onion. Slide the red bell pepper in half, dicard the seeds, and cut into 1/4-inch dice. Add the chile, garlic, red onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, yogurt, salt and black pepper to the avocado in the bowl, and stir to combine. Using a sharp knife, cut the avocado into a small dice. Gently stir in the mango, and serve.

Serves: 8

Serving size: 1/2 cup 

Nutrition information per serving

Calories: 116; Total Fat: 8 grams; Saturated Fat: 1 gram; Protein: 3 grams; Carbohydrates: 12 grams; Sugars: 6 grams; Fiber: 4 grams; Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; Sodium: 154 milligrams. 

By Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN

Article Source: http://health.usnews.com/

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