Aug
24
When you hear the word sports, chances are that you might think football, baseball and other traditionally “male” sports. The truth is that girls are very active in sports, including male-dominated sports. In this day and age, there is no reason to differentiate between the sexes when it comes to sports. Girls and boys can both benefit from playing sports. To instill a love of sports in your daughter, you have to start young. There are many reasons why girls should play sports at school beyond just the physical aspect.
Health – It is a fact that sports keep kids active and active kids are usually healthier. To help keep your little girl’s health at its best, enroll her in one or two sports at school. You can also encourage her to participate in daily Physical Education (P.E.) classes to get her daily dose of exercise. Read more
Jul
20
Fifty percent of children will suffer from a middle ear infection before their first birthday. Sixty-six percent will have at least one middle ear infection by the time they are three. For many of these children, this ear infection is the beginning of a painful and repetitive cycle with potential long term hearing effects.
For the occasional ear infection, many doctors will prescribe an antibiotic. Unfortunately, this treatment is only effective if the cause of the infection is bacterial rather than viral. Children who suffer from chronic ear infections may face even more invasive treatments involving surgery and general anesthesia. Read more
Apr
1
Parents are constantly reminded about the importance of talking with their children about drug use, alcohol, and unprotected intercourse. But in the midst of all these uncomfortable conversations, one important topic is often forgotten: steroid use. Many parents don’t realize the pressure kids may feel to use steroids (or at least try them) for a physical advantage. Unmonitored steroid use can cause serious and potentially permanent changes in an individual’s body. So, how do you start that conversation, warning your kids about yet another dangerous element of the growing up world?
1. Get educated - Find out what steroids really do. Take some time to research the affects and side affects. Be sure to also study up on the long term negative results caused by unmonitored steroid use. Knowledge is power and you want to equip both yourself and your child as much as possible. Read more
Mar
7
Bisphenol-A, also known as BPA, has been the subject of many discussions and scientific studies. BPA is a chemical used in the lining of cans and in the production of many types of plastics, including some baby bottles and sippy cups.
People that are exposed to BPA at an early age are statistically more susceptible to developing health problems, such as an increased risk of prostate and breast cancer. BPA has also been linked to birth defects, ADHD, obesity, and early puberty. It is important for parents to know the risks and take the necessary precautions to protect their children. Until the federal government steps in and incorporates stringent regulations on the use of chemicals, parents must educate and protect themselves and their kids.
Although other countries have taken the initiative and banned the use of BPA from being used in the production of baby bottles, the United States has yet to make that move. As a parent, there are still ways you can protect your baby from the harmful effects of BPA. Read more
Dec
21
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Chronic Ear infections
Filed Under Children's Health | Leave a Comment
Statistics claim 35% of Pediatric visits in the United States are a result of children’s ear pain. Additionally, almost 50% of children will have a middle ear infection by the age of 1 and 66% will have an ear infection by the age of 3. Furthermore, frequent ear infections are the second greatest cause of surgery in children under the age of two.
With ear infections such a prevalent issue for young children, many parents are seeking another way to address the problem. One viable alternative for chronic ear infections is chiropractic care.
Many chiropractors believe there is a link between the birthing process and chronic ear infections. A misalignment of the spine can impact the nervous system, which in turn affects the eustachian tube, the tube that links the pharynx and the middle ear. This could lead to a build up of fluid in the middle ear causing an ear infection. Read more
Sep
29
Flu shots are recommended every year for high risk individuals including the elderly, children and caregivers. However, there is a serious concern by some researchers and patient advocacy groups about the potential serious effects of the flu shot for children. In particular, some parents and healthcare providers are concerned about the mercury content of the flu shot and the possible link of autism. Because of these concerns it leaves a lot of parents with the question of whether they and their children really need a flu shot this season.
The Risk
Thimerosal is a form of mercury that is a preservative in flu shots. Initially, it was used not only in flu shots but also in vaccinations for children. Because of the growing numbers of autism and the concern of the possible link of this preservative with autism the U.S. Public Health Service and the American Academy of Pediatrics agreed that vaccines for children should be thimerosal-free. Dr. Stephanie Cave, a family physician in Louisiana who successfully treats children with autism and is an advocate for removing mercury from the flu shot, states that autism is mercury and aluminum toxicity. Although officials removed mercury from vaccinations, because they did not have enough information at the time as to whether there was a risk for children, they still state that thimerosal is safe and there is no link between autism and the use of it in vaccinations. It is concerning that although they removed it from vaccinations, mercury has not been removed from the flu shot. It leaves the question that if there is indeed no risk, why remove it from vaccinations? Read more
Sep
16
Finding ways to soothe a colicky baby is a frustrating experience for both new and seasoned parents. A baby is diagnosed with colic when they have fits of uncontrollable crying for a specified amount of time. The timeframe is usually three hours a day, three times a week, for three weeks. Many parents are turning to chiropractic care to find relief for their colicky infants.
Although chiropractic care is not generally the first treatment for colic, or something parents automatically think of when faced with a colicky baby, it has been shown to drastically improve the symptoms. Colic may result from spinal misalignments that are a direct result of the birthing process. A few simple adjustments to a colicky baby’s spine can correct the misalignments caused by birth. Other chiropractic care treatments involve lengthening the body to help relieve intestinal kinks. Both of these treatments are not painful or harmful to the baby and both treatments have proven to be beneficial to colicky infants. Read more
Sep
10
ADHD and Ritalin – Is Chiropractic a Better Solution
Filed Under Children's Health | Leave a Comment
School is back in full swing, and all across America students are being diagnosed with ADHD, and being introduced to the drug Ritalin.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, an estimated 5 to 10 percent of all school age children currently suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD has a variety of symptoms, including:
- Failing to give close attention to details
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
- Has trouble listening even when spoken to directly
- Has difficulty organizing tasks
- Is easily distracted
- Fidgets and has a hard time remaining in one place
While a medical diagnosis is needed to determine if a child has ADHD before administering psycho-stimulants, many pediatricians surveyed responded they had spent less than one hour with a child before writing a prescription.
What does this mean for our children? Are psycho-stimulants the best solution for our kids?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Ritalin users may face a number of side effects including stunted growth, insomnia, nervousness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, depression, anorexia, blood pressure changes, and Tourette’s Syndrome. Ritalin is also highly addictive, and has even made it into the mainstream drug scene, with teens going as far as crushing and snorting Ritalin to remain focused in school.
Instead of pumping medication into our kids at an early age, isn’t it a better solution to teach them about good health?
With all of the changes in our current health care system, one thing remains constant: the need to take control over your family’s heath and wellness. It starts with eating right, exercise, and full night’s sleep, and investing in programs that help promote wellness.
Chiropractic care is a part of many families wellness routines. Is it the right choice for you?
Jul
15
School is starting all across Colorado here in the next few weeks. And one of the coveted traditions of many children is picking out a special backpack to take to school. Some start as early as first grade, and as they grow and weigh down their backpacks with sports and school supplies, it can quickly become a serious health issue.
Here are good rules of thumb to follow when buying and packing a child’s backpack.
1. Selection. Choosing the right size backpack is the most important step to safe backpack use. Choose the right size for your child, and make sure straps can be adjusted to fit your child.
2. Pack Right. The maximum weight of the loaded backpack should not exceed 15 % of the child’s body weight. Teach your child the importance of packing a backpack, what they should carry in it, and what they can leave at home or at school. Tip: If the backpack forces the wearer to move forward to carry, it’s overloaded.
3. Lift Right. Face the pack, bend at the knees and use both hands to check the weight of the pack. Lift with the legs. Apply one shoulder strap and then the other. Tip: Don’t sling the backpack onto one shoulder. Distribute the weight evenly across your back.
4. Wear it Right. Use both shoulder straps – snug, but not too tight. Tip: When the backpack has a waist strap – use it.
Backpacks are a popular and practical way for children and teenagers to carry school books and supplies. When used correctly, backpacks can be a good way to carry the necessities of the school day. Be sure your child’s school allows students to stop at their lockers throughout the day.
Backpacks are designed to distribute the weight of the load among some of the body’s strongest muscles. However, backpacks that are too heavy or are worn incorrectly can cause problems. Improperly used backpacks may injure muscles and joints. This can lead to severe back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as long term posture problems. Share these guidelines to help your kids select backpacks and use them safely.
Do not ignore any back pain in a child or teenager. It’s never too young to begin seeing a chiropractor. A chiropractor can adjust a child and keep them on track for avoiding back pain later in life. .
Apr
13
Why Antidepressants Aren’t The Best Choice For Our Children
Filed Under Children's Health | Leave a Comment
While it is common knowledge that people suffering from depression are more likely to attempt suicide, did you know that many antidepressant drugs, which are intended to alleviate depression, have been linked to increased suicide rates? According to an article in the May 15th, 2000 issue of the Boston Globe, internal documents from Eli Lilly and Co. showed that the firm had been aware for years that their antidepressant drug, Prozac, could cause suicidal reactions in a small, but significant, number of patients. Dr. David Healy of the University of Wales estimates that, “Probably 50,000 people have committed suicide on Prozac since its launch, over and above the number who would have done so if left untreated.”
Furthermore, did you know that doctors may prescribe drugs to children even if the medications have not been shown to be beneficial or safe for children? There is an increasing trend among physicians and psychologists to do just that since nearly all pharmaceutical company research on antidepressant drugs has been limited to adults. Only Prozac has been tested on children and found to have benefits by Eli Lilly. However, the side effects may be detrimental to a child’s healthy growth and development and include suicidal feelings, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss and headaches.
Many are now questioning the practice of prescribing antidepressant drugs to children. In October 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a health advisory alerting physicians to a possible link between antidepressant drugs and suicidal feelings in the young. An article from the British Medical Journal contained a clinical review that found “significant shortcomings” in using antidepressants such as Effexor, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft in those under 18 years old. These researchers concluded that, “Antidepressant drugs cannot confidently be recommended as a treatment option for childhood depression,” and that due to biased reporting by drug manufacturers, “many [doctors, patients and families] will undervalue non-drug treatments that are probably both safer and more effective.”
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