Snoring In Children

Is snoring hereditary? If both mom and dad snore, does that make you a snorer too? Children waking up from the noisy snoring of their parents are common in a lot of households. But how about if the parents are the one awakened by their children’s snoring?

Some people may find it cute to hear their children make sleep sounds. While some of them are drifting off to a deep slumber and are perfectly healthy, some may not be as lucky. Snoring in children, as with those in adults, can be a health issue as well.

Whether we like it or not, there are children who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. So how do we know if they’re healthy snorers or if they have sleep apnea? It is not difficult to assess snoring in children. Those suffering from sleep apnea may have interrupted sleep, may gasp and have short stops in breathing.

Snoring in children has been associated with other behavioral problems as well. Those who have sleep apnea are said to have shorter attention span and are the ones who encounter problems in school. Other symptoms would include: enlarged tonsils with nasal speech, overweight/obesity, and high blood pressure.

There are many reasons for snoring in children. One of the culprits is the seasonal allergies. Make sure you know what triggers your child’s allergies as these make their nose clogged up causing them to snore while sleeping.

A blocked airway or nasal passage often due to cold or sinusitis can also cause snoring in children. Deviatedseptum, or that tissue and the cartilage dividing the two nostrils, may be curved. If not fixed or straightened out, snoring in children with this condition will persist because this does not allow them to breathe as easily.

Enlarged tonsils as well as adenoids can also result to snoring in children. The adenoid is a gland that can be found near the insides of the nasal passage. Together with the tonsils, they catch bacteria, making them swollen for most of the time. Because of this, snoring in children occurs.

Obesity and too much weight cause the air passages to narrow. That is why snoring in children as well as in adults happen to those with weight problems. Snoring in children is a big health concern because it has been said to cause hyperactivity. Aside from the diseases that coexist with snoring, attention issues are linked with snoring in children.

So even if sometimes it is cute to see and hear our kids snore, this doesn’t always mean they are having a good night’s sleep. Before long, those sounds won’t be as cute as it was the first time we heard it.

Dental Insurance for Children

We all know that dental health is important to the overall health of a child. Serious dental problems in children can also affect them emotionally and make them less likely to participate in normal children's group play. Research has shown that tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. That is why it is so important for children to be covered by some type of dental insurance. For low-income families, there are programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that will provide children's dental care for little or no expense. This has helped greatly in assuring that low-income families can give their children the proper dental attention that is needed for healthy teeth.

For those families who can afford dental insurance, a small monthly fee goes a long way in protecting your child's teeth. Because dental insurance encourages and generally pays for regular dental check-ups, many parents with more than one child can afford to start benefits. Without insurance, the price of keeping your child's mouth healthy in his formative years can cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Should you ever need costly care for your child, be it anything from filings and crowns to periodontics and orthodontics, your child's dental insurance will provide the benefits as and when needed.

These days, a lot of schools are offering dental insurance plans for children, and this makes things easier for parents, as they can pay for the dental plan along with the school fees. Some schools require the child to go to a dentist that they are affiliated to, while others allow parents to take children to their family dentist.

Help For Children Who Are Depressed

Are you the parent of a child who is often depressed? Are you a child who often feels down in the dumps and depressed? This article offers advice for both parents, other family members and children about how to deal with, reduce and even eradicate this depression.

I remember from my own childhood having many periods when I was very unhappy and sad. I was the type of person who would let aspects from my life get on top of me which would at times affect my sleep patterns. I found growing up through childhood, into a teenager and ultimately into my adulthood as one big choir and struggle. I was forever comparing my own life to that of my brother, sister and friends. Their lives seemed so much easier than what mine was and this made me feel quite jealous of them.

Looking back one of my faults was that I was not willing to discuss my worries and fears with my parents and basically kept them bottled up inside of me. This meant of course that I had to deal with each and every issue (problem) on my own without any outside help or advice. I wish that I had been more open with my family as I think my life would have been that much happier if I had.

I am now a parent of two children myself and am always looking out for them. I try and gage how they are coping with life and if I feel that they are in an unhappy period or mood, I then attempt to find out what is causing this by trying to talk to them. They are not always happy to discuss these issues but I then make sure that they understand that I will be here for them when they are ready to open up. I talk to them about my own childhood and about the mistakes I feel that I made by keeping my own worries to myself.

I want my children to realise that they can talk to me about any aspect of their life and that I will be here to help and not judge them. Life in general, with school as an example, can at times be quite tough, with things such as bullying affecting a lot of children. There is the added pressure of examinations and also trying to establish ones self within a group of friends. Moving schools and going through all of the bodily changes can also be quite uncomfortable for many children.

As a family we try to make our childrens home life as enjoyable and relaxed as possible. This includes many family days out and where financially possible, a family holiday abroad in the summer.

My advice to any parent who has an unhappy or often depressed child would be to be very patient with them through these periods. I, as I have already stated would try and get them to talk about what is making them feel in this way and if they do not want to talk, would let them know that I am there for them if they do ever want a chat etc.

My advice for a child who is feeling depressed would be to talk to your family, a friend or a teacher. They say that a problem shared is a problem halved and I really believe in this statement. You do not have to be alone in this world and the advice that you are given could be of huge benefit to you. Despite what you might think all children have problems and worry about many different aspects of their own life. Your parents were of course children many moons ago and may have experience in the issues which you are not happy about. Do not make the same mistakes that I did by keeping these problems to yourself as it does not help to reduce your fears or depression.

Diet and Weight Control for Children

Overweight children need love, support, and encouragement from their parents. An overweight child probably knows better than anyone else that he or she has a weight problem.

Focus on the positive qualities of your child. NEVER focus on the weight of your child.

Try not to treat your child differently if he or she is overweight. Instead, focus on gradually changing the physical activities and eating habits of your family.

Be a good role model for your child. If your child sees you enjoying healthy foods and regular physical activities, he or she is more likely to do the same now and for the rest of his or her life.

Realize that an appropriate goal for many overweight children is to maintain their current weight while growing normally in height. They do not necessarily need to lose weight.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT:

*Decreasing calories-in: meaning eat fewer calories, or

*Increasing calories-out: meaning burn more calories, or

*Ideally, a combination of both.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT GOALS:

The first goal of weight management in children and teenagers should be to stop weight gain and maintain normal growth in height. This way they can GROW INTO their weight. To start, have your child eat healthier and begin a program of regular exercise and physical activity.

Once your child has stopped gaining weight and is on a regular program of dieting and exercising, you can set further goals of slow weight loss, if necessary. However, do so cautiously.

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION:

It is important to modify the behaviors that have caused your child to become overweight and prevent weight loss. Listed below are some helpful tips:

TELEVISION/VIDEO GAMES, ETC: You should limit television viewing to about one or two hours each day. Remember, this includes playing video games and using the computer. These pastimes encourage lack of exercise.

SNACKS: You should limit snacks to two healthy snacks each day such as raw fruits or vegetables. Avoid using high calorie or high fat foods for snacks, especially chips, cookies, etc.

DRINKS: You should encourage your child to drink four to six glasses of water each day, especially before meals. Water has no calories and it will help you to feel full. Other drinks can include diet sodas and lowfat milk. Avoid letting your child drink regular soft drinks or bottled fruit juices, as they are high in calories (150-170 calories per serving).

JOURNAL: If you think it helps your child to improve his eating habits, (sometimes it does not) encourage him to keep a weekly journal of food and beverage intake. You should definitely encourage a teenager to keep track of the amount of time he spends watching television, playing video games and exercising. You might also record your child's weight once a week.

FOOD LABELS: It is not necessary to count calories but you and your child should become more educated about the foods you eat and how many calories they contain. You should get into the habit of checking the nutrition label of the foods your family is eating. You want to try and eat foods low in calories and also low in fat. Be careful of many low fat or so-called diet foods as they can be high in calories even though they are low in fat.

FOOD SERVING SIZES: Begin checking the serving size of prepared meals and snacks. A bag of chips might only have 200 calories, but the serving size may only be 10 chips.

EATING HABITS:

HEALTHY MEALS: Your child should eat three well-balanced meals of average size each day. Serve fewer fatty foods. It is best to prepare foods that are baked, broiled or steamed, rather than fried. In addition to a small serving of lean protein, provide large servings of vegetables.

SINGLE SERVINGS: Avoid serving seconds of the main course or dessert. You can eat more salad or other vegetables if still hungry.

DESSERTS: Serve fresh fruit as a dessert. Avoid frequent eating of ice cream or cake or other high calorie foods.

GROCERY SHOPPING: Buy low-calorie and low-fat meals, snacks and deserts, and buy low fat or skim milk and diet drinks. Avoid buying high calorie desserts or snacks such as chips, regular soft drinks or regular ice cream.

EAT AT THE TABLE: Avoid letting your child eat meals or snacks outside of the kitchen or dining room. Discourage eating while watching TV.

REDUCE FAST FOOD: You should limit how often you allow your children to eat fast food, as it is usually high in fat and calories.

EXERCISE SUGGESTIONS:

Be physically active. Adults should have at least 30 minutes of exercise most days. Children or teens should have at least 60 minutes each day.

Even greater amounts of physical activity may be necessary for the prevention of weight gain, for weight loss, or for sustaining weight loss. Plan family activities that provide everyone with exercise and enjoyment.

Provide a safe environment for your children and their friends to play actively. Encourage swimming, biking, skating, ball sports, and other fun activities.

HEALTHY EATING SUGGESTIONS:

*Follow the dietary guidelines for healthy eating.

*Guide the choices for your family rather than dictate foods.

*Encourage your child to eat when hungry and to eat slowly.

*Eat meals together as a family as often as possible.

*Carefully cut down on the amount of fat and calories in the eating plan your family follows.

*Do not place your child on a restrictive diet.

*Avoid the use of food as a reward.

*Avoid withholding food as punishment.

*Plan for healthy snacks. Stock the refrigerator with fat-free or low-fat milk, fresh fruit, and vegetables instead of soft drinks or snacks that are high in fat, calories, or added sugars and low in essential nutrients.

*Aim to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

*Eating a healthy breakfast is a good way to start the day and may be important in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

IF YOUR CHILD OR TEENAGER IS OVERWEIGHT:

The diet for you child should be safe and nutritious. It should include all of the Recommended Dietary Allowances for vitamins, minerals, and protein and contain the foods from the major Food Guide Pyramid groups. Any weight-loss diet should be low in calories ONLY, not in essential nutrients.

Even with extremely overweight children, weight loss should be gradual. Crash diets and diet pills can compromise growth and are not recommended by health care professionals. Your child's physician should supervise any diet program.

Weight lost during a diet is frequently regained unless children are motivated to change their eating habits and activity levels for a lifetime. Weight control must be considered a lifelong effort. As a parent, you must work with your children to help them achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Vitamins Children's and Multivitamins

Most parents' think their children are eating a fairly healthy and if not they throw their hands up in the air and give up. They then ply their children with multivitamins. No it's not a bad thing however, many children think that vitamins are candies, especially now that they come in gummi candy, gumballs, and cute animal and cartoon character shapes. - This poses a serious issue because if they are in children's reach they could be “sneaking” extra tablets without you knowing it. Since many children's multivitamins are fortified with iron it could cause an overdose. If you even suspect that your child has ingested too many call your local poison control center immediately and get your child to an emergency room immediately. An overdose of multivitamins with iron could cause your child to become seriously ill or even die. It's imperative vitamins and all manner of medication be kept out of the reach of children.

Generic multivitamins are fine if you think your child needs it but for the most part, children get most of their vitamins from their diets. If you child has special needs such not being able to drink milk or eat dairy products or not liking them s/he will still need to get the calcium from other sources. Consult with your child's pediatrician for advice.

If your child's diet is bad one week, do not give him more than one vitamin a day. Too much of any one vitamin could prevent others from being absorbed by the body. For example, if your child gets to much calcium it could prevent the absorption of other vitamins such as iron. You can expect to give your child vitamins well into the teen years because children are not always going to make healthy food choices.

Before you buy vitamins know that there are opposing opinions regarding iron in vitamins for children. One school of though is that you in fact should be given vitamins with iron. Another school of thought says under no circumstances should vitamins with iron be given to children. In my own experience my child showed signs of low iron in infancy. At the advice of his doctor we put him on iron fortified vitamins and he is healthy now. Always check with your doctor on this.

Too much iron in the blood can cause a disease called Hemochromatosis. The body becomes unable to utilize the iron and it is not washed out of the body easily. It is a nearly always-fatal disease and can cause serious health issues and even death.

Calcium is a very important part of your child's diet to help them build strong bones and muscles. Calcium is a mineral. Children who eat ice cream, yogurt, and cheese or who drink milk usually get enough calcium from their diets. There are those who do not like dairy products or they don't like them. It is easy to help these children get what they need by giving them calcium-fortified juices, cereals and vitamins.

Most children get enough fluoride from drinking fluoride treated water or fluoride bottled water, and/or toothpaste. Do not give your child fluoride supplements without checking with your child's doctor. Too much fluoride could permanently stain your child's teeth. This totally defeats the purpose of the treatment of water and the use of tooth paste with fluoride that are meant to protect your child's teeth.

Infant multivitamins are usually available in liquid form and given with an eyedropper. These drops usually contain vitamins A, C, and D. They may also have added iron. They may also contain other vitamins and minerals such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B-12.

Children's multivitamins also commonly come in chewable forms and the shapes of cartoon characters or animals. They also come now in gummi candy form and gumballs. If it is difficult to get your child to take a vitamin try getting one that is like his favorite character or in gumball form. Monitor your child while he's taking his vitamin. I personally, give my child the vitamin rather than allowing him to do it on his own. He may not take it or he may take too many. Vitamins for children can be a very good thing however too much of a good thing can be fatal. Keep them out of reach of children.

Your child may not always eat what is right and giving him vitamins may offset some of that, however, it is better to err on the side of caution and check with the pediatrician before making any adjustments to your child's diet. Fun shapes are fine but your child could believe they are 'candy' and so they should be out of his reach or locked away in a cabinet.

Multivitamins For Your Child

The belief of most parents is that children are eating a fairly healthy diet and if not they give up and throw their hand up in the air. Parents then provide multivitamins. Now that they come in gumballs, gummi candies, cute animals, and cartoon character shapes, children think they are candy and giving vitamins is not a bad thing.

If they are within a child’s reach it is a serious problem because they could be taking them without your knowledge. At any suspicion that your child has taken too many call Poison Control immediately and get them to an emergency facility. Your child could become seriously ill or die from an overdose of a multivitamin with iron in it.

It is vital to keep all manner of medication out of the reach of your children. For the most part children get their vitamins from their diet but if you think they need them generic multivitamins are fine. If your child’s special needs are an allergy to dairy products or that they won’t eat them, the calcium must come from other sources.

Consulting with your child’s pediatrician will benefit your child. Even though your child’s diet may not have been great this week all that is needed is one vitamin a day. If you get too much of one vitamin it could prevent others from being absorbed by the body.

If your child for example gets an excess of calcium it could prevent the absorption of iron and other vitamins. Children’s food choices are not always healthy so you can expect to be giving your child vitamins well into their teens. Before you consider buying vitamins know that opinions vary regarding vitamins with iron for children.

One premise is that, in fact, you be giving vitamins with iron. Vitamins with iron says another school of thought, under no circumstances should be given vitamins with iron. As an infant, it was my experience, that my child was iron deficient.

My child’s doctor put him on iron fortified vitamins and he’s now healthy but always check with your doctor on this. Hemochromatosis is a disease caused by too much iron in the blood. The body can no longer utilize the iron and it is not washed out of the body easily. It may cause very serious health issues and even death.

An important part of your child’s diet is calcium that helps to build strong bones and muscles. Calcium is a mineral. Eating ice cream, cheese, and yogurt as well as drinking milk will usually provide all the calcium your child needs from their diet. There are people who don’t like dairy products and some who are allergic to them.

Helping children get what they need is easy when you give them calcium fortified juices, cereals, and vitamins. Many children get sufficient fluoride from treated tap water and bottled war or using tooth paste. Do not administer fluoride supplements to your child without first checking with his doctor.

Too much fluoride might permanently stain your child’s teeth. This will defeat totally the purpose of treating water and using fluoridated toothpaste. An eyedropper is used to administer liquid infant multivitamins. These drops usually have vitamins A, C, and D as well as added iron in them.

They might contain other vitamins and minerals such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B-12. Vitamins for children are available in chewable forms such as cartoon characters and animals. They now come in gummi candy and gumballs forms.

If your child gives you difficulty with taking his vitamins, try getting him the gumballs or the gummi candy vitamins. Never leave your child unsupervised when s/he is taking his vitamins. My own child is given his vitamins rather than allow him to take them on his own. He might take it or not or he could take way too many.

Although vitamins for children can be a good thing, too much of a good thing could be fatal. It is vital that they are kept out of the reach of children. Giving your child vitamins may offset some of the effects of not always eating right.

Your child’s diet should not be adjusted without discussing it with his pediatrician, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Vitamins with fun shapes are fine but because your child could think they are ‘candy’, they should be in a locked cabinet or kept well out of reach.

Baby Car Seats Safety Tips

Baby car seats can prevent serious injury to your child in the event of an accident. It is the law that all children under the age of twelve should be seated in the back seat. This is especially true if you have airbags in the front.

From the time you bring your baby home from the hospital, s/he should be placed in an appropriate car safety seat. Infants must be in a rear facing infant only seat or an appropriate convertible seat until s/he weighs twenty pounds or reach the age of one. After twenty pounds and after the first birthday, toddlers can use a forward facing seat until they reach approximately forty pounds or their ears reach the top of the car seat. Over forty pounds, a child must be in a seatbelt positioned booster seat.

Your car seat belts should not be used by a child under the age of eight unless they are four feet nine inches tall. A booster seat should be used until then. There are many different types of booster seats are available.

Your child should be appropriately restrained at all times. Your child will not be ready to use regular seatbelts until the shoulder trap fits across the shoulder not the neck. The lap belt must fit across the hips and not his stomach.

When installing car seats the manufacturer’s directions must be followed exactly. if you don’t have them call the company for a replacement. The car seat will have a label which will have the manufacturer, the address, and the phone number. It will also show the name of the car seat. You must have this information to get a replacement. If there is no label on the seat do not purchase it. It could be a seat that was damaged in a car accident.

If you are purchasing the car seat second hand, inspect it thoroughly. Check all the belts for fraying, all fasteners for cracks, and the padding of the seat to be sure it is not ripped or torn. Always check to see if there is a label on the seat, it will have the information you need if there is no manual available. Ask questions such as has this seat been in a crash? If so, do not purchase it. It may look fine but its safety may have been compromised. There could be a misalignment of the frame resulting in your child’s safety being compromised.

No matter what type of seat you purchase, and there are many, consider how much you can spend. If expense is a concern a convertible travel system maybe in order. A rear-facing car seat can be used as a front facing car seat until the appropriate age. There is a base that remains in the car. The infant/toddler car seat then can be attached to a stroller frame and later it can reattach to the base that’s in the car. Check out your options and consider what will be best as far as expenses are concerned. Do your research and determine what will be best for you and your child. Always, the first concern should be the safety of your baby from day one.

It is important to know what type of seat your vehicle will accommodate. Your car owner’s manual or a dealer will be able to tell you what is compatible with the vehicle you own. It is an overwhelming choice to make but begin looking for a car seat when you find out you are expecting. A well informed choice will keep your baby safe.

Children Multivitamins Is It a Bad Thing

That children are eating a healthy diet is most parents’ belief and if not they throw their hand up in the air and give up. They then tend to give their children multivitamins. This is not a bad thing however, many children think vitamins are candy, especially now that they come in gum balls, gummi shapes, and cute animal and cartoon characters.

This is a very serious issue because if they are within children’s reach they could be ‘sneaking’ them without you knowing it. Call Poison Control immediately and get your child to an emergency room immediately, if you even think your child may have taken too many. The result of an overdose of multivitamins with iron could make your child very seriously ill or worse.

It is absolutely crucial that any and all manner of medications be kept out of the reach of children. Children get most of their vitamins from their diets but if you think they need them, generic multivitamins are fine. Calcium must be gotten from other sources which benefits your child if they have special needs such as allergies to dairy foods or a strong dislike for them.

Get advice from your child’s pediatrician. Do not give your child more than one vitamin daily even is your child’s diet has been bad one week. An excess of any one vitamin could block the absorption of others in the body. If your child gets too much calcium for example, it could prevent vitamins such as iron from being absorbed.

Because many children will not make great choices you can expect to be giving your child vitamins well into their teens. Know before buying vitamins that there are varying opinions about vitamins with iron for children. You should be giving vitamins with iron which is one school of thought.

Under no circumstance says another school of thought, should vitamins with iron be given to children. My own child, in infancy showed signs of low iron in infancy. Always check with your doctor but my child’s doctor put him on iron fortified vitamins and he is very healthy now.

Hemochromatosis is a disease that is caused by too much iron in the blood. The iron is not washed out of the body easily and the body is unable to use the iron. It can cause serious health problems and is almost always a fatal disease. A very important part of your child’s diet is calcium which helps them to build strong bones and muscles. Calcium is a mineral. Children can get enough calcium from their diets if they eat yogurt, cheese, and ice cream or if they drink milk. There are some who are allergic to dairy products or who don’t like them. Some do not like dairy products, still others are allergic to them. You can help these children get their needs met by giving them calcium fortified juices, cereals and vitamins.

Children for the most part get enough fluoride from drinking fluoride treated water or bottled water with fluoride, and/or toothpaste. Check with your doctor before giving any fluoride supplement to your child. Fluoride in excess could permanently stain your child’s teeth.

The purpose of treating water and using toothpaste with fluoride to protect your child’s teeth, is defeated. Multivitamins meant for infants are typically available in liquid form and given with an eyedropper. These drops contain vitamins A, C, and D and my have added iron. Other vitamins and minerals may be in the drops such as riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B-12.

Children’s vitamins also come in chewable forms and in the shapes of cartoon characters or animals. Gumball and gummi candy vitamins are now available. If you child gives you difficulty in taking vitamins, try giving them his favorite character or in gumball form. Always supervise your child when he takes vitamins.

Personally, I myself give my son his vitamins rather than allowing him to do it on his own. He either might not take it or he might take too many. Too much of a good thing can be fatal but vitamins for children can be good thing. They should be kept out of children’s reach. Like a lot of children yours might not always eat what is right and giving him vitamins might offset some of that.

Check with your pediatrician before making adjustments to your child’s diet, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Fun vitamin shapes are fine but your child could think they are ‘candy’; they should be kept out of the reach or locked away in a cabinet.

Backpack Dos and Donts

You need to buy a backpack for your son, but you are unsure which one to buy and don’t know how to choose the right one. After all there are those reports about how backpacks are damaging our children’s backs. What are you as a parent supposed to do?

Here are a few do’s and don’ts about buying and using backpacks. Hopefully you will at least some of them helpful.

Don’t buy the first backpack you see no matter how much your son whines. Do shop around. Check the department stores and sporting goods stores, do a web search.Try to find out what is available and how much you can expect to pay. Some schools require the children to have a backpack, and others do not. Also, some schools insist on see through backpacks, to cut down on he chances of kids bringing contraband, such as drugs or weapons to school.

If your child’s school has this policy, then you have few choices to make. Some do not allow wheeled packs, they are seen as a tripping hazard. Do check to see if the product has a warranty. What is the store’s return/refund policy? Some of the well-known makers of backpacks give lifetime warrantees.

We had a backpack for almost 10 years and the zipper broke and tore away from the fabric. We sent it back, and since that particular pack had been discontinued so they sent us a brand new one a brand new one.

Don’t buy a backpack simply because it may be a few dollars cheaper than one with a warranty. The if you need to replace it, you may well have paid more for 2 packs than if you had gotten the one with the warranty originally.

Do buy the best backpack that you can afford preferably one that has wide padded shoulder straps and at the very least, a waist belt. IF you can afford it get one that has a padded back and a chest strap.

Don’t cave in and get a trendy backpack that your daughter wants if it doesn’t have at least some of the safety features. Do use an internet search to check the rating and testing results of the backpack you are considering buying. Consumer protection organizations routinely run this testing for durability, comfort, and safety.

Don’t buy a backpack just because of a low price or because you recognize the brand name, or because all of your son’s friends have one like it. Or because he thinks it is “cool” Do check out the backpack. Make sure it is made of durable material. Look to see if the seams are strong. and if the zippers open and close smoothly. Check that the straps and belts work properly. Don’t go for cute.

Just because your daughter loves a particular character, doesn’t mean you have to get her that pack especially if it isn’t back friendly Get her an umbrella with her character on it. Do decide ahead of time what features you want in a backpack, such as extra padding or a sternum strap.

Don’t buy a backpack for you or your child just because it is the newest trend,the pack that everyone has to have.

Do insist your child wear her backpack properly, using both shoulder straps, and the waist belt. Don’t allow her to wear it slung over one shoulder, or to take unnecessary items like radios, CD players or hand held games to school, they not only add extra weight, but are not allowed in most schools.

Healthy Diet For Your Child

It is the belief of most parents that children are eating a relatively healthy diet, but if not, they throw up their hands and give up. Children are then plied with multivitamins. Though this is not a bad thing to do, many children think they are candy especially now that they come in gummi candy, gumballs, and cute animal and cartoon characters.

This is extremely serious because if they are with a kids reach, they could be taking more than you know about. If there is the remotest chance your child has ingested too many, immediately call Poison Control and get them to the emergency room.

If your child overdoses with multivitamins with iron your child could become seriously ill or die. All manner of medications must absolutely be kept out of the reach children. If you think your child needs them generic multivitamins are fine but for the most part, children get a lot of their vitamins in their diets.

If your child is either allergic to dairy products or won’t eat them, calcium will need to come from other sources. A consultation with your child’s pediatrician is important. One vitamin daily is all a child needs even if his diet has been questionable for that week.

The absorption of other vitamins could be blocked if there is too much of any one vitamin. For example, too much calcium can prevent the absorption of other vitamins such as iron. Healthy food choices are not a child’s priority you can expect to be giving your child vitamins well into their teens.

Before buying vitamins you should know that opinions about vitamins with iron for children vary greatly. One belief is that you should, in fact, be giving vitamins with iron. Another philosophy is that never should a child be given vitamins with iron in them.

In infancy my own child showed signs of iron deficiency as an infant. Always check with your child’s doctor; my child’s doctor put him on iron fortified vitamins and he is healthy now. A disease called Hemochromatosis is caused by too much iron in the blood.

The iron becomes unusable by the body and it is not washed out of the body easily. It is almost always a fatal disease and can cause serious health issues. Calcium helps build strong bones and muscles and is a very important part of your child’s diet.

Calcium is a mineral. Kids who eat ice cream, yogurt, and cheese or who drink milk usually get enough calcium from their diets. Some do not like dairy products, still others are allergic to them. Children can be assisted in getting what they need by consuming calcium fortified juices, cereals and vitamins.

Drinking fluoride treated tap water and bottled water and/or using fluoridated toothpaste is enough for most children. Your child should not be given fluoride supplements without checking with your pediatrician. Your child’s teeth could be permanently stained if they get too much fluoride.

This defeats entirely, the purpose of the treatment of water and the use of toothpaste meant to protect your child’s teeth. Infant multivitamins in liquid form is available and usually administered with an eye dropper.

The drops contain vitamins A, C, and D and may have added iron. Also they may have other vitamins and minerals such as thiamin, niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B-12. Chewable children’s vitamins are available in the forms of cartoon characters and/or animals. Now vitamins are available in gummi candy and gumballs.

Try buying gum ball vitamins or cartoon characters if your child is difficult about taking vitamins. Your child should always be supervised while he’s taking his vitamins. My son never gets to take his vitamins on his own, I give them to him.

He may or may not take it or he could take too many. Children’s vitamins could be a very good thing but too much of a good thing could be fatal. They should not be left in the reach of children. Eating what is right is not your child’s top priority so giving him vitamins may offset some of that.

Adjustments to child’s diet should always be discussed with your child’s pediatrician, it’s better to err on the side of caution. It’s fine to have fun shapes but your child could think they are candy and they should be kept out of reach of children or locked in a cabinet.

Prevention of Child Obesity

Childhood obesity refers to children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age who are extremely overweight based on standard growth charts. Currently, statistics show that twelve percent of American parents consider their child obese. This is a rather startling fact that should be given more interest and notice by the public. Parents should be a lot more concerned about their child’s weight and their eating habits. Early detection and intervention would greatly help on battling with obesity.

Obesity among children and adolescents is a very serious issue that has a lot of medical and social effects that could probably persist into adulthood. Instigating prevention programs and an improved perception of treatments available for youngsters is crucial in the prevention for child obesity.

Several health professionals and educators are involved in developing prevention for child obesity programs. Although critical measures should be done in the treatment of obesity among children, it should not dictate the overall picture of the child’s health plan. There are many vital aspects of child health, including immunity, brain function, social support, emotional development and growth. Maintaining the child’s ideal weight is only one of the aspects of his/her well being.

Prevention for child obesity programs and centers for obesity prevention are specifically designed to address weight issues among children. However, it should be handled with a certain degree of sensitivity and proper planning. Often, prevention for child obesity programs yield potentially dangerous results. Most adults have a wrong attitude towards dieting, which they could unintentionally pass on to their children. Before embarking on any prevention for child obesity programs, parents need expert medical guidance. Inadvertent transfer of information, wrong advice and misconception could possibly stigmatize overweight children. This would mean a much bigger problem to deal with in the long run.

Child obesity is a multi-faceted problem that requires the commitment of both parents and the child. When left untreated, is a very real health menace that could cause the development of some diseases. This includes cardiovascular complications, hypertension, and some types of cancer. This is why it is highly important for parents to create a healthy eating environment for their children. Cultivating the proper eating attitude and providing health information that your child can easily understand would greatly help in the rehabilitation of his/her eating habits. The guidance of a nutritionists or a health expert should also be seek out to ensure that proper health guidelines are followed at all times. Afterall, the most important action for the treatment of child obesity is prevention.

Prevalence of Child Obesity

Statistics show an alarming increase in the prevalence of child obesity in America today. The rate of obesity in children over the past 30 years has tripled, a very disturbing figure that should be given more serious attention. According to recent information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17% of children between ages 2 to 19 were suffering from severe overweight problems. But we can still expect a much higher actual figure since most people in America tend to provide incorrect information regarding their weight and height in surveys conducted on a regular basis. Hence, the Harvard School of Public Health concluded that we are grossly underestimating the prevalence of child obesity in the United States. This health menace has reached to a very startling proportion and rapidly spins out of control.

The prevalence of child obesity can be due a several factors, including the child’s eating habits, physical activity, hormones, genetics and the environment. Children who are battling with weight issues are badly affected both physically and emotionally. They at not only at high risk for medical complications, but also suffer from very low self-esteem and often choose to isolate themselves from their peers.

The prevalence of child obesity is more than a food issue, because this becomes a vital life issue. The lifestyle, emotions and family dilemmas play a big role. A cohesive effort from every member of the family is needed in dealing with an overweight child. Unfortunately, a lot of parents are oblivious or unaware of the real risks of obesity and usually just shrug it off as cute baby fats. They have unwittingly perpetrated killing their children in a very deliberate fashion. A child health advocate have adamantly stated that child obesity should be considered a grave child abuse since adults are mainly responsible for their child’s diet.

Children with weight issues should be encouraged to engaged more in physical activities and cut down television viewing which only promotes a sedentary behavior. Parents should also rid their kitchens from junk foods and acts as role models by also faithfully monitoring their eating habits. Enrolling children in summer camps would also help them gain more confidence and participate in various exercises.

In any way you look at it, the well being of children solely relies on the parents. If you notice your child in danger of obesity, take some preventive and rehabilitative measures. Ignoring the problem and pretending it’s perfectly ok will only further aggravate it and put your child’s life in grave danger.

Incidence of Child Obesity Going Going Up

The incidence of child obesity is rising fiercely. There are approximately 30.3% of American children ages 6 to 11 years is overweight. While 15.3 % is already obese. It is also apparent that a child with at least one overweight or obese parent is likely to become the same.

Should you map the source of child obesity, it would originate from home and the immediate environment. Children pick up habits and inherit traits from those around them. Some kids grow obese due to a genetic predisposition inherited from one or both parents. Some grow obese due to an entirely different cause: the couch potato lifestyle. Adding to the mayhem of the incidence of obesity is the reduction of physical activity. Because kids nowadays have technology as entertainment and hopefully a source of learning, they become subject to less physical exertion whether they intend to or not. Back then kids played out in the sun running climbing trees. Now they destroy armies of zombies or accomplish missions assigned by a CIA handler or hack other computers. Although parents do not intend for their kids to sit all day watching the television or playing a computer game until their eyes pop-out, parents sometimes have no control being unable to be with their child 24/7. The prevalence of this lifestyle has a generation factor wherein kids grow addicted to such hobbies while trying to keep up with their peers. The incidence of child obesity is also brought by the most obvious causes: the fast-food, high-calorie and high-fat diet that the west is so fond of. Perhaps if kids were born into a fad for vegetables and fruits, obesity would not have been a growing health threat to the world. At this point, the incidence of child obesity has raised so due to the change in lifestyle brought about by technology and food sources. Notice that the incidence of child obesity is worse in developed countries where food is abundant and technology is within a child’s grasp. However, the incidence of child obesity among developing countries is likely to follow suit if prevention of the same events is not undertaken.

Among the causes of obesity, there are the unfortunate underlying factors contributed by genetic disorders, illnesses, medications, specific diets due to certain illnesses. These cases vary among subjects whose obesity condition may or may not depend on the immediate environment but solely according to an existing medical condition.

Kids are also subject to unhealthy mental conditions and eating disorders. The two are packaged together that there is no definitive answer as to whether which caused the other.

Child Obesity and Depression

Child obesity and depression are not alien with each other. In fact the two, more often than not, always go to together. When there is child obesity there is a possible presence of depression. When depression is prevalent, most likely obesity is expected to be present too. Child obesity and depression are two of the most debilitating health problems that have affected more children than before.

The number of children suffering from the ill effects of obesity is increasing which is conversely proportional to the rising number of children suffering from depression. Though it has not been established that the main cause of depression is obesity likewise the sole contributing factor of obesity is depression is yet to be proven, but the link between child obesity and depression is so clear that its needs immediate attention.

Obesity among children can be traumatic. It causes social stigma, which makes children withdrew from socializing with their peers. Children may develop a poor self-image of them and continue to harbor thoughts of not being liked at all. Because society views obesity as something negative and unwanted, obese children are incapacitated to interact with children their age. They tend to shy away from children’s group activities. Their ability to think creatively is hampered, thus they become too dependent. They prefer staying at home than spending time with their friends. These scenarios may already be early signs of depression. Any indication of depression among children is alarming, which must be corrected right away.

Depression regardless of its cause can also be a cause of obesity. Children suffering from depression stay at home more often. Since they have difficulty relating with other children they prefer to stay at home and watch television instead. They become couch potato. They have the tendency to eat more than what is being required of them. If this continues these children will gain weight above the ideal weight for their age. Overtime, these children become obese. They have less time engaging in physical activities too, which could aggravate their weight problem.

Child obesity and depression seemed to be inseparable. Regardless of which comes first obesity and depression should not be taken for granted. Statistics from health organizations show that today more children are suffering from depression and obesity or both.

Programs that are geared towards improving the lives of children should be implemented. Quality living should not be deprived from them because it is their right too. Child obesity and depression has to be stopped.

Proper Child Nutrition and Obesity Aiding the Fight Against Obesity

Obesity incidences among American children have dangerously climbed from 5% in the 1980’s to 15.3% in 2000. Studies reveal that childhood obesity is likely to continue on to adulthood which translates into higher risks of obesity related diseases.

While many diet programs, exercises and drug therapy combat obesity with much needed fierce commitment, some fight child obesity at beginning with prevention. There is a marked connection with child nutrition and obesity.

If the factors concerning the prevalence of obesity are to be studied separately, the primary concern would be food and nutrition. Obesity partially relies on the nutritive factor of a subject’s food intake. A child requires a chunk load of nutrition as it grows but are we truly giving them what they need? Again it must be made aware that child nutrition and obesity are related in such a way that poor nutrition leads to obesity.

The concern of child nutrition and obesity originates from excessive eating and no or minimum exercise. Most of the excess food eaten by kids or even adults are the famed high- calorie and high-fat foods that no matter how dangerous they are to our health, they’re still there. To begin a good fight against child obesity, we must be armed with the right nutrition for children. Remember that growing kid require a good amount of energy from a well balanced diet. The basics of the food groups now prevails. Child nutrition must consist of fiber, vitamins and mineral content, carbohydrates and protein. High fiber is best sourced from whole wheat and other grains. This is also very important to an overweight or obese child. This type requires a good bulk of fiber in his/her system to help lose the excess weight. A child’s nutrition is never complete without the 5-times-a-day serving of fruit and a similar serving of vegetables accompanied by dairy products, fish and the occasional red meat. If you now recall your old health class lectures, this is the basic nutrition required to maintain a healthy body. we are simply returning to a tweaked version of the basic nutrition requirements. an overweight or obese child’s nutrition also require a low-carbohydrate and low-fat intake. Remember that the excess calories and fat are major contributors to obesity. Also increase the amount of antioxidants that help flush out what needs to come out.

You should be able to determine what lacked in the child’s nutrition before the diet. Once you know them and realize the impact of child nutrition and obesity, you’ll be able to provide a child’s proper nutrition. Lessen what isn’t necessary and increase what is needed. This may be a small piece of the puzzle but it generates significant changes in the battle between child nutrition and obesity.

Assessment and Diagnosis of Childhood Obesity

There has been much discussion and considerable public interest on the health complications attributed to adult obesity in recent years. However, equal attention should also be given on issues regarding obesity in children and adolescents. There is a common perception that obesity in children is merely cosmetic problem, with very little or no medical effects. This is a huge misconception largely based on lack of information and guidelines on childhood obesity.

Early assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity is critically important in order to introduce some preventive measures. Medical approach for obesity in children and in adults are treated differently. This is mainly because children and adolescents are still in the growing stage and a lot of factors should be considered. Aggressive weight management programs are simply not advisable since it is important not to compromise the child’s normal development and growth. Intensive deiting may very well prove to be quite disastrous.

Clinical nutrition assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity generally revolves around the energy balance minus energy intake minus energy output. Unlike adults where energy balance is zero, children require a continuing positive supply and balance of energy to sustain normal growth. Subjective assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity have proven to be inadequate. This would only result to the possibility of mislabelling non-obese childrenas obese and vice versa.

It is also highly critical to perform an accurate assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity to decrease the cardiovascular risks in their early stage. Other health complications such as hyperlipidaemia, high blood pressure, hyperinsulinaemia, and prevalence of Type II Diabetes can prove to be deadly when left untreated. There is also a higher probability that childhood obesity can persist into adulthood that can also affect the child emotionally and socially. Obese children will predictably have very low self-esteem and have the tendency to isolate themselves from other people. Aside from that, obese people are often subjected to discrimation in our society. This is the harsh reality that obese people have to live with every single day. This could trigger a person to undergo a deep depression and result to ill-health both physically and emotionally. The growing number of obese people have made this a societal issue, and not merely the burden of the afflicted individual. We are all expected to contribute in hopefully minimizing the incidents of obesity both among children and adults. Early assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity is still the major key in trimming down the figures. Employing some preventive measures is undoubtedly a more effective treatment.

Incidence of Childhood Obesity

Obesity affects all age groups, color and gender including children. The incidence of childhood obesity is rising. In the US alone, the population of obese kids has risen to 100 percent in the last twenty to thirty years. In fact one child out of five is considered overweight.

Today, more children are now diagnosed with type 2 diabetes that supposedly occurs only among adults. Obese children are more likely to become obese when they grow up. Not only that, obese children also will likely develop cardiovascular diseases and will suffer from sleep apnea, a condition wherein children will have an many disrupted sleep while having difficulty breathing.

Genetics is just one of the causes of obesity. But most of the common reasons of obesity especially among children are, consuming too much food rich in animal-based saturated fats, foods that are rich in sugar, and less physical activities. Children nowadays are seldom seen in community playgrounds enjoying children games with their peers. More often than not, they are glued to the boob tube watching cartoon shows, or to their computer monitors playing online games.

Mothers encouraged their kids to eat more than what they can consume. They want their kids to gain more weight than what is ideal for their age. They want their children to look chubby, because mothers have a preconceived notion that being plump “looks healthy” and cute. Little did they know that their children might have already reached obesity stage. They forgot to consider the adverse effects of obesity especially among children. This reason might be a contributing factor to the incidence of childhood obesity.

Incidence of childhood obesity can lead to depression among young kids. At an early age, children will have difficulty in relating with other kids their age. They become aloof and timid. The tendency to develop a poor self-image is high. They can no longer perform task in schools or at home. The more they grow in size the harder it will be for them to cope the psychosocial effects of obesity.

Parents of those obese children can help them manage their weight at an early age. At an early age parents, can encourage their kids to eat healthy foods by serving them meals that are less in saturated fats. They can minimize the television viewing of their kids by having enough time reading with books. Perhaps they can spend time doing recreational activities at home or at the park. Most of all, parent should be role models to their children to help create in the young minds a mental model of a good health.

Incidence of childhood obesity can be minimized if parents take the appropriate action to put a stop to their kids’ weight problem.

Combat Obesity in Children with Martial Arts

Childhood obesity is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed as urgently as possible. Overweight children not only suffer from all kinds of health problems, they are invariably the targets of bullying in school and generally occupy the lowest rung of the social ladder among their peers. Telling an obese child to control his/her food intake or to substitute high calorie snacks with healthier ones is a pointless task - all it does is hammer home the point to the child that you think he/she is lacks self control.

Exercise is a great way to lose weight, but it does tends to get boring. However, there is a way to get overweight kids to exercise while empowering them with self confidence and a definite sense of achievement - through training in the Martial Arts. Learning martial arts is an excellent way to lose weight, build stamina, learn self discipline and develop a positive sense of self and the advantages of this type of training cannot be overstated .

The child is taught by a trained expert. There are many forms of martial arts and each one of them has a different approach and philosophy. The cornerstone of any form of martial arts training is the relationship between the master and student. Strict adherence to the rules of the training school and obedience to the master are vital aspects of the training process. In return, the child as a student of the martial arts school gets the teacher's guidance in all matters relating to the particular form of combat he/she has decided to master. Since the sanctity of the teacher- student relationship is paramount to the the philosophy of martial arts, the overweight child finds in his trainer a mentor that he can respect and whose advice he is willing to follow.

Self defence is the most important aspect of martial arts. This means that the student is taught to protect himself from any form of physical assault. Since overweight children are often regularly bullied in and out of school, the ability to confront their tormentors with the knowledge that at last they do not have to be at the receiving end, can be a powerful tool in gaining self assurance. Moreover, the traditional forms of Oriental self-defense or combat (aikido, judo, jujitsu, karate kendo kick boxing kung fu sumo wrestling, tae kwon do) utilize physical skill and coordination and concentration without the use of weapons, so there is little chance of inflicting lasting damage.

Self discipline is pivotal for those who would like to master the skills needed to become a good exponent of the martial arts. This means that the child, once considered too weak willed to control his/her appetite, is taught by a master to curb his desires, learn restraint and conduct his/her life with perfect self control.

Building stamina, learning the correct method of breathing, flexibility of the body and strengthening of muscles through repetitive exercises are the inevitable results of learning any of the different self defence techniques. The student can sense the changes in his/her body within a month or two and the effect only increases as the higher levels of technical difficulty are scaled.

With little or no external pressure to be the best other than that which the students place on themselves, the out of shape child can take as long as he/she wants to master each level of skill before going on to the next. Since older and more experienced students are encouraged to lend a hand in coaching the newer ones, a feeling of belonging and camaraderie is fostered. This in turn gives the obese child the safe environment he needs to master his chosen discipline knowing that he /she will never be mocked or made to feel worthless.

Although learning and mastering any of the various forms of self defence requires a long term commitment; the positive results that manifest themselves within a short period of time indicate that perhaps this is an avenue worth exploring, along with diet restrictions and plain exercise, as a means of reducing the number of overweight children in our society.

Churning Childhood Obesity

The prevalence of obesity in minors is increasing in the United States. Childhood obesity is rounded at a critical stage as approximately 15.3% of children ages 6–11 and 15.5% of adolescents ages 12–19 are overweight, and an additional 15% children and 14.9% adolescents are at risk for overweight.

Childhood obesity is on the rise and the victims are all at risk to developing Type II Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and other obesity-related diseases at a very young age. So early in their development stage and their life expectancy already becomes predetermined limited. And at their short lifespan their memories are crammed with insults, bullying, and destruction of self-esteem. What could be the reason for their mishap?

The reason for this is two-fold. First is the genetic-factor adding to the vulnerability for childhood obesity and second and most notably, the passing-down of poor lifestyle and eating habits.

Sorry to say but the current age is made up of digital generation kids spellbound by inactive indoor entertainment and fast food convenience. Surrounded by computers, video games, and the television, children are hard to pull from the couch to have a healthy and worthwhile physical activity outdoors. And even when they eat it’s difficult to keep them from sweet and fat-saturated snacks impossible for them to burn-off. Finally when they go to school the bad custom is enforced ever more as virtually all kids do the same. – The result, widespread childhood obesity. So what should the parent do?

Not to be obese themselves is one. Yet childhood obesity is such a serious condition that efforts of providing a good example through proper nutrition and efficient exercise at home still requires established guidelines that’ll help parents and school-systems make significant changes against the problem.

These weight-health guidelines are crucial to educate all children about the perils and reality of childhood obesity and encourage them to participate in all efforts dealing with the issue. Encouragement of children to eating healthy foods and getting plenty of exercise shall produce results rather than futile if the health measures are imposed. Parents need to ensure their children about the importance of choosing healthy habits. Yet, they also need to make the assurance that such healthy alternatives are available.

Concerned individuals should keep with the USDA ‘Prescription for Change’ and ‘Healthy School Nutrition Environments’. School canteen meals should comply with nutritional standards and guidelines, while providing plenty of food choices and introducing new foods to keep the menu healthy and interesting; additional vending machines and packaged ‘snacks’ should represent the 5-major food groups in the Food Guide Pyramid; students should have designated mid-day lunch periods at a healthy environment; and all decisions made by the school-system regarding student consumption should be based on nutritional goals and guidelines, and not on profit.

Efforts should also include education and information on healthy eating habits as well as active school activity programs for students from Kindergarten through Grade12.

As you track your kid’s success – so also track his health.

Child Nutrition and Obesity

Nutrition is essential in achieving and maintaining good health. Obesity on the other hand has cased million of children around the globe to live unhealthy lives. Child nutrition and obesity stand from two opposing corners. Child nutrition is essential in keeping the kid healthy, while obesity threatens the health condition of a child. Child nutrition and obesity are two concerns that parents should not take for granted. Child nutrition should take top priorities among households to keep obesity at bay.

Parents view on nutrition is lacking and sometimes distorted. The inability of parents to put nutritious food on the table has aggravated the vulnerability of their children to becoming obese. Media is also a competing factor in providing the right information on nutrition. Television advertisements show conflicting messages. While some may reinforce the value of nutritious food, others have done the opposite.

Nutritionist and medical scientists have been digging all possible answers to shed light on issues regarding child nutrition and obesity. Milk that is enriched with vitamin supplement has flooded the grocery racks. Food snacks have become vitaminized to compensate the needed nutrient intake of children. Junk foods are no longer called as such. In the same manner, cold cuts sold in different supermarkets now contain vitamins. All these and more were made to respond to the growing inadequacy of the nutrient intake of kids.

Diet programs are now a commonplace. More parents are now becoming conscious of their child’s health and the ill effects of obesity. They watch the food that their kids ingest. They also see to it that their kids eat a balanced diet and the appropriate time. Parents are now more aware that eating too much food high in calories is not helpful and healthy at all.

Nutrition cannot stand alone in achieving the ideal weight vis-à-vis height and age of a child. Frequent physical activities also help in preventing obesity from occurring. Time spent on watching television shows show be minimized so the child can enjoy more the benefit of recreational activities.

More than anything else family support is still the key to the child’s optimum nutrition. Parents can help their children by acting as positive role models in having a healthy life. The road to eradicating obesity is long and tedious, but with the support of significant others, it can be done. Child nutrition and obesity information will continue to fill books, the internet and health talk shows to provide better information that the people should know.