February 2010
Posted February 23, 2010
Kids Health Study
by Lianne Castelino www.whereparentstalk.com
We’ve all heard it time and time again, children are being consumed by technology, poor eating habits and stress. Well according to a new study conducted by the Journal of American Medical Association more than half of American children will develop a chronic health condition.
This study unlike others before demonstrates that overall our kids are sicker than before. The study finds: - 51 percent of kids will suffer from a condition like a learning disability, obsesity or asthma. - the majority of these problems will persist for more than a year and could affect them their entire lives - boys in the study were more likely then girls to be sick - race also played a factor with African American children having a 46 percent chance, Latino 42 percent and Caucasian a 36 percent chance.
One of the authors of the study Dr. Jeanne Van Cleave told AOL News “Children are less active, plugged into computers, and they’re eating poorly,” she said “Not to mention air quality, family lifestyle, increased stress compared to a decade ago, and other environmental factors that can influence the health of children and adults.” Check out our website for tips on healthy eating habits for your kids.
Posted February 23, 2010
Food Packaging Regulations
by Andrea Howick www.whereparentstalk.com
Food like gum and candy can be your child’s worst enemy according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Choking kills more than 100 U.S children a year and even more then that are treated in hospital.
The organization is calling for big changes in the way food is packaged. They are calling for clear labels which would indicate the choking hazards and hopefully result in less choking incidents. The report lists some high risk foods like raw carrots, grapes, apples and hot dogs. These items should be cut into pea-sized pieces for children.
Other foods in the high risk category are candies, popcorn, marshmallows and peanuts which shouldn’t be given to small children at all. There are laws in place that require choking labels on toys but this group is calling for those same labels to be placed on food. What do you think? Should food have labels on it?
Leave a comment!
Posted February 23, 2010
Obama Battling Childhood Obesity
by Lianne Castelino www.whereparentstalk.com
Michelle Obama is telling parents and kids everywhere “Let’s Move!” Obama, launched her “Let’s Move” campaign this month to deal with the growing problem of childhood obesity.
In a meeting with both American and Canadian officials Obama urged the governments to take charge to battle this condition which is effecting one in every three children.
The four solutions she offered to combat the issue are:
1) Educating parents
2) Providing healthier food in schools
3) Promoting physical fitness
4) Making good, affordable meals available in a world where fast food has become the easiest and cheapest choice. Is this a step in the right direction? What else should be done?
Leave us a comment!
Posted February 23, 2010
Homework 101
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your child’s homework or like your re-learning your childhood education all over again? Not to worry, you are not alone studies show a child’s homework can create stress for both the parents and the child. So, how do parents begin to find the balance between helping your kid out and fighting the urge to just give them the answers? It can be a difficult task and with busy lives and juggling extra curricular activities making time for homework can often seem like a dreadful task for the parent as well. We have compiled a few helpful tips for you: Scheduling a certain time and place for homework will help you and your child establish a daily routine. Make sure they are removed from distractions such as TV. Use this time to ask your child questions, show interest and be supportive and positive without being overbearing. Talking with your child’s teacher and knowing the school’s homework policy could also help to relieve your own stress because you will know the expectations. Help you and your child get organized with a schedule that would outline when certain projects are due as this will help to prioritize the homework. For more homework helping tips visit: http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/studytips.shtml http://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/hyc.html http://www.thebeehive.org/Templates/School/Level3Image.aspx