By Karen Nielsen, MSOM, L.Ac.
In these turbulent times one thing we can count on is the arrival of the cold and flu season! Some pediatricians have ... Read more
Surviving Cold Season
By Michael Castleman
Last year Jane McGee swore by Airborne®, the cold remedy "created by a teacher." All winter long, the New York-based jewelry mak... Read more
CDC: Measles Outbreaks May Be Tied to Parents' Choice Not to Vaccinate
When it comes to immunizations, rumors and worried whispers are a mainstay in some parenting circles -- from concerned conversations on soccer field sidelines to poin... Read more
With so much media attention and information flying around, it's hard to find one coherent source for H1N1 flu information. The Children's Physician Network has put together a comprehensive guide to H1N1 influenza including information on prevention, the vaccine, symptoms and much more. You can find A Parent's Guide to H1N1 Influenza on the CPN website.
The rate of cavities in baby teeth is on the rise, according to the most recent report on the topic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, a whopping 28 percent of children 2 to 5 years old have cavities.
Dentists point to several factors contributing to the rise, including increased consumption of juices and soda.
And while baby teeth will eventually wind up with the Tooth Fairy, it's still important to care for them as though they are permanent teeth, with one major difference.
"Parents of young children should steer clear of fluoride toothpastes for their kids until their child has the ability to spit out the toothpaste," said Dr. Theodorou of Glen Ridge Family Dental.
Fluoride is an effective tool in the prevention of cavities, but in young children who do not have the ability to spit out the toothpaste, the consumption of too much fluoride can have a negative side effect known as fluorosis. This can result in unsightly spotting of the permanent teeth.
"It is estimated that kids under 4 swallow between one-third and two-thirds of the toothpaste they use when brushing their teeth," said Dr. Theodorou.
It is therefore recommended that youngsters brush their teeth using a non-fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride-free products such as Baby Orajel Tooth & Gum Cleanser (recommended for babies 4 months and older) and Orajel Toddler Training Toothpaste (recommended for toddlers and children up to age 4) are safe if swallowed when used as directed.
"Using a non-fluoride toothpaste still allows a caregiver to remove the plaque that builds up on teeth, as well as helping to establish a pattern for life of good oral care habits," said Dr. Theodorou.
Other tips for encouraging good oral care health at a young age:
* Select a toothbrush with soft bristles
* Encourage your toddler to engage in brushing his teeth twice a day
* Bring along a "friend" to the bathroom sink - such as a favorite stuffed animal or doll - so the "friend" can also have her teeth brushed
* Encourage toddlers to drink plenty of water after meals. This is especially important with toddlers who won't allow parents to brush their teeth as often as recommended.
It's that time of year again when many of us take stock of our lives and try to make things better. Fresh out of ideas? If anyone knows the best ways to get healthy and stay that way, it's the country's top doctors. To get the 411 on what they do to stay healthy, we asked four leading physicians to share the best health advice they ever received. Here's what they told us:
1. Carry your own pen wherever you go.
Where it came from "I actually got the idea from my father, who was an old-fashioned family doctor in the South Bronx in the 1940s," says Neil Schachter, M.D., professor of medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and author of The Good Doctor's Guide to Colds & Flu (HarperTorch 2006).
Why it works By carrying your own pen, you avoid the germ-laden ones in doctors' offices, shops, restaurants and other places where you use a credit card or sign in for an appointment. "Nearly every time you're given your charge receipt, you're offered a pen. During the flu season, this pen is passed to dozens of people each day -- and it's a superb carrier of cold and flu viruses," says Dr. Schachter. "By simply using your own pen and not lending it out, you can significantly cut down on your exposure to the cold virus." More germ-fighting tips: Avoid public phones, use a paper towel (or your sleeve) to open restroom and other public doors, wash your hands frequently, carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (for those times when a sink isn't available) and avoid shaking hands with someone who is obviously sick.
Feed the Immune System for the Cold and Flu Season
Our immune systems are smart. The immune system, when exposed to new flu and cold viruses, learns to recognized and react to seasonal strains of the invaders. The system also remembers bugs it has seen before. But we're a mobile society -- each year, world travel brings new strains of germs and virus home, forcing the immune system to deal with new invaders it has never seen. This is why the Center for Disease Control makes yearly changes to the flu vaccine, hoping to predict which bugs will arrive in the U.S. on a seasonal basis.
A flu vaccine may help during cold and flu season, but there's no guarantee for full protection. Extra efforts are needed to avoid seasonal germs -- including a healthy diet, exercise and nutritional supplements. Here are some suggestions for extra immune support during the 2008-09 flu season:
Diet can make a difference. Prevention Magazine recently published a list of immunity-boosting foods, including: lean beef in moderation for its zinc content; orange vegetables including sweet potatoes and carrots (for vitamins A and D); mushrooms such as shitakes, which may help white blood cells act more aggressively against foreign invaders and a cup of black or green tea daily which provides powerful anti-oxidant activity. Also included in the list was yogurt containing active probiotic cultures, which help balance the immune system in the digestive tract.
According to ABC news, turmeric, a rich, flavorful spice, "has been used for centuries as part of Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines, in addition to being used for cooking. Turmeric is found in every yellow curry, and its golden color is the result of curcumin, a polyphenol with strong cold and flu-fighting properties. Although the mechanism is unclear, a 2008 study published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications found that curcumin prevents some immune cells from responding to stimulants and so has modulating and anti-inflammatory effects. Other studies have also shown the immune-boosting properties of curcumin in turmeric, however these have not been confirmed in humans."
Turmeric is found naturally as the rhizome part of the turmeric plant and it looks very similar to ginger. The powdered spice is made by boiling, drying and grinding the root. The powder has antiseptic qualities when applied topically and often is used on cuts, burns and bruises. This spice is available as an encapsulated supplement at health food stores.
In addition to a healthy diet, a supplement brought to the U.S. from Russia is a favorite of many doctors. Del-Immune V (www.delimmune.com) has been clinically tested to show a significant increase in immune activity, and may provide significant support to avoid colds and flu. The muramyl peptides in Del-Immune V act as switches in the immune system, and are responsible for dramatically elevating immune activity our bodies. "I have used this in several hundred patients and have found it to be safe, reliable and very effective," says Dr. Roger Mazlen, of Rosslyn, N.Y.
Is your son or daughter still sucking his or her thumb at age 3, 4 or even 5? Studies have shown that chronic thumb sucking can alter the development of a child's teeth and jaws and parents should aim to stop this habit by age two. What can parents do? Some orthodontic offices have motivational programs where kids keep charts and win prizes if they can achieve their goal. Habits like thumb sucking, nail biting, and tongue thrusting can lead to crooked teeth. Also, crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. A bad bite can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing or speaking, and excess strain on supporting bone and gum tissue. Without treatment, many problems become worse and can require additional dental care later in life.
Some parents say they never needed braces and they ask why their child does. Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Your son or daughter may get the size of his or her teeth from one side of the family and the size of his or her jaws from the other side, and they often times do not match up. Approximately 75% of all kids need some form of orthodontic correction. Examples of these genetic problems are crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth and some jaw growth problems.
When is the best time to bring your child to an orthodontic specialist? The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child get an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. By this age, orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. That's important because some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they're found early. Most orthodontic patients begin active treatment between ages 9 and 14. Why take your child to a specialist? An orthodontist has 2 or 3 years of additional training past general dentists. A small percentage of orthodontic specialists are Diplomates, or Board Certified Orthodontists. This means that he or she has gone a step beyond and taken an arduous set of exams to achieve this status.
You might even wonder if you can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at almost any age. In fact, about one in every five orthodontic patients today is over age 18. Thanks to today's smaller, less visible, more comfortable braces, and the new INVISALIGN braces, adults are finding treatment more appealing.
INVISALIGN is a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually moves your teeth just like regular braces. Children age 12 and up are candidates for INVISALIGN and the beauty is, the clear aligners can be removed for eating and brushing. There are no restrictions on what you can eat and cleaning and flossing is simple. A new product called INVISALIGN TEEN is designed for children that still have adult teeth erupting, and has become extremely popular.
Your smile is your greeting to the world. It's also a window to your dental health. Not everyone is born with beautiful teeth. Crooked teeth or spaces between teeth may be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness. Improperly aligned teeth and jaws - called a "malocclusion" - also can lead to other, sometimes painful, dental disorders. The good news is that orthodontic treatment can correct these problems...and help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age that will last a lifetime!
Dr. Angela Ross
Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics
Family Orthodontics, P.A.
952-922-7117
What's in your daughter's glass? If it's not a calcium-rich beverage like milk, fortified orange juice or soymilk, she may not be building the strong bones she'll need for life.
Many girls don't drink milk because they worry about weight gain. Others steer clear of dairy products because they are lactose intolerant. Avoiding calcium-rich foods, combined with a lack of exercise, puts girls at risk for osteoporosis later in life. Help your daughter build strong bones by learning the facts about bone health.
Girls ages nine to 18 need three cups per day of low-fat or fat-free milk plus another serving of a calcium-rich food such as yogurt and cheese. Girls also need 60 minutes of physical activity each day, including activities that are best for bones like running, jumping rope, walking, basketball, volleyball or cheerleading.
Below are some of the most common myths and misconceptions regarding bone health. Surprised? You're not the only one!
Myth: Dairy products cause weight gain. Fact: Dairy products don't have to be fattening. Choose low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, and cheese. Low-fat and fat-free milk and soy drinks contain the same amount of calcium as whole milk-without the added fat.
Myth: People with lactose intolerance can't drink milk. Fact: Many people with lactose intolerance can still enjoy small amounts of milk and other dairy products like yogurt and cheese. You can also try lactose-reduced milk or a soy drink.
Myth: You don't have to worry about osteoporosis until you're older. Fact: Girls between the ages of nine and 18 are in their critical bone-building years. By age 18, girls will have built close to 90 percent of their bone mass. That means right now is the best time to build strong bones to prevent osteoporosis.
Myth: My daughter gets enough exercise at school. Fact: Very few schools require physical education every year. Your daughter needs 60 minutes of physical activity every day for good health. Make sure she gets enough by encouraging after-school activities such as soccer, tennis, dance, gymnastics, or playing outside with her friends. Get active as a family by taking a walk after dinner or a long hike on the weekend.
Myth: Dairy products are the only way to get calcium. Fact: Milk is still the best source for calcium, as it also contains vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, and other nutrients like potassium. However, your daughter can get the calcium she needs from many other foods, such as spinach, tofu, almonds, and calcium-fortified bread, tortillas and cereals.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health leads a national bone health campaign for girls ages nine to 14 to encourage bone-healthy habits, including getting enough calcium-rich foods, vitamin D, and bone-strengthening activities like running and jumping. For tips on building strong bones, visit the Web site for girls at www.girlshealth.gov/bones or for parents at www.girlshealth.gov/parents/bones.
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
Source: National Bone Health Campaign
Only 18 percent of children are eating the recommended three or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day, according to a Produce for Kids study released by the Perishables Group. Forty-three percent of parents say their children eat one or fewer servings daily.
"At a time when approximately 25 million kids in the US are overweight, healthy snacking is more important than ever," says Connie Evers, nutritionist and author of "How to Teach Nutrition to Kids." "Eating more fruits and vegetables can contribute to a healthy weight and improve overall health. Offering kids a naturally sweet alternative they love, like Cuties, instead of unhealthy, sugary snacks, is a great way to get more fresh produce into their diets."
Cuties are mandarin oranges. With only 80 calories per serving (2 Cuties), they are exceptionally sweet and provide important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. They are the perfect size for small hands, easy to peel and seedless, which means even the smallest children can "do it themselves."
Evers has come up with these ten ways to encourage children to choose healthy snacks.
1. Plan a snack adventure - Involve children in snack planning, shopping for ingredients and simple food preparation. Together, devise a healthy snack list that includes foods from all five food groups. Keep it posted on the refrigerator as a reminder. 2. Keep snacks at eye level - When your child walks into the kitchen, what catches her eye? Make sure to have a bowl of appetizing fruit on the kitchen counter. 3. Pack their bags - Make sure your child has plenty of healthy grab-n-go snacks in his/her backpack. 4. Make faces - Encourage your child to "make faces" with his food by arranging cutup fruit and vegetable strips on open faced peanut butter sandwiches, whole grain waffles, burritos or mini-pizzas. 5. Eat a rainbow - When shopping with your child, make it a game to find produce that is red, green, blue/purple, orange, brown and white. When you get home, use those foods to prepare a colorful snack together. 6. Homework Helper - In the late afternoon (when kids are super hungry), set out fruit and veggies near them as they do their homework. Include foods such as fruit, mini sandwiches, and string cheese.
7. Cure those pre-dinner hungries - Loaded with nutrition yet low in calories, fruits and veggies are an appetizer that won't spoil a child's appetite for dinner. 8. Dip right in - Surveys show that kids will eat more fruits and veggies if presented alongside a dip. Flavored yogurt is a natural dip for fresh fruit sections and chunks. 9. Auto-snacking - Hungry kids and traffic jams don't mix! Make sure to keep water bottles and trail mix stashed in your car for those times you can't get home right away. 10. Food as Fuel - For an active child, emphasize that food is the fuel for sports, dance, active play or any kind of movement. Hungry muscles need healthy fuel to work at their best.
