Family meals ease anxiety — and asthma as well.

Family mealtime is great for many things… including better outcomes for children with asthma. U.S. researchers found children’s asthma symptoms decrease if their families have regular mealtimes together.

Barbara H. Fiese, director of the University of Illinois Family Resiliency Center, said family members play an important role in helping children emotionally manage their asthma symptoms.

Experts tell us, a supportive, organized environment during mealtime puts a child at ease whereas a chaotic, unresponsive atmosphere fosters worry and anxiety. What many don’t know is that stress and anxiety are major asthma triggers.

“It makes sense that children who have difficulty breathing might be anxious and prefer to keep their parents, who can help them in an emergency, close by,” Fiese said in a statement. 

”Supportive interaction during family mealtimes helps increase a child’s sense of security and eases separation anxiety symptoms. The reason is, when children are less anxious, their lung function improves.”

During the six-week study, 63 children ages 9-12 with persistent asthma completed questionnaires and were interviewed about their physical and mental health, including an assessment for separation anxiety.

“Children need regularity and predictability,” Fiese said. “When families are overwhelmed or lack the skills to keep routines in place, there are often physical and psychological costs to their children. Left untreated, separation anxiety can lead to adult panic disorder.”

Fiese’s study is published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Because a well-rested child is a happy, healthy child.

A good night’s sleep is crucial for anyone — especially babies, toddlers and preschoolers. If your child sleeps well, he will have better immune function and healthy growth. Did you know that growth hormones are only produced during sleep? That’s what our pediatrician tells us. Sleep affects behavior too. Kids who are sleep-deprived are cranky, impatient, distractible and do poorly in school.

Sticking to a good bedtime routine is key to developing healthy sleep habits. Start them young and be consistent. We’ll tell you how.

Set a bedtime. Wether it’s 7, 8 or 9 PM make sure you stick to it. Children’s body clocks are set by a consistent nightly schedule. Both my children are in bed and sound asleep between 8:30 to 9 PM. We have been on this schedule since they were babies and have made very few exceptions.

It also makes it so much easier for mom and dad in the long run. Since their body clocks are set to this schedule already, they’re automatically on their way to getting their zzz’s at a predictable time. They are also up at a predictable time in the morning — on their own, with no struggle  for us to rouse them up. Definitely helps if you need them on a schedule to get ready for school!

Establish a bedtime ritual. On the run-up to bedtime, a ritual or routine is also key. Children find comfort and security in a pattern of events they’re familiar with — particularly one that sets the tone for a good night’s rest. What elements you put into your family ritual is up to you, just as long as you’re consistent and it’s not too stimulating it will get your kids wired. Daddy, save the rough-housing for earlier! Here are some rituals that help with my kids:

• A Warm Bath — Warming up body temperature slightly is relaxing and great for inducing sleep.
• A Light Snack — For some reason my kids just have to have something to nibble on before their bedtime bath. Apparently, a light snack that has some protein and carbohydrates — for example, a small piece of cheese and one half slice of whole-wheat bread — can induce sleep and helps children stay asleep through the night. The carbohydrates make them sleepy, and the protein keeps blood sugar levels even until breakfast. Be sure to brush their teeth after eating.
• A Good Story — This is a particularly comforting routine for toddlers, especially if it’s a favorite story that’s associated with bedtime, such as Goodnight Moon. As your child grows, he’ll want more stories and more variety.

Don’t forget some bedtime love. Most importantly, kids could use some cuddle-time to end their day. Nothing like the comfort and assurance of mom and dad before going off to dream land. Bedtime bonding is especially important if you’re out the whole day at work. If your child has a lovey or teddy that gives him comfort, let him take it with him to bed. And don’t forget the all-important good night kiss!

Better food choices from schools to movie theaters.

Good news for us parents who want to raise healthy eaters. The U.S. school lunch program is getting a budget increase to improve nutritional quality of food served in public schools.

Senator Blanche Lincoln, chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, unveiled the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which provides $4.5 billion in new child nutrition program funding over 10 years.

“The bill invests heavily to automatically enroll more eligible low-income children with our National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs and includes a major expansion of after-school feeding programs,” Lincoln said at a news conference in Washington.

This is what the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 will do:

• Expand the at-risk after-school program from a snack to a meal.
• Allow schools in high-poverty areas to offer free meals to all students without collecting paper applications to reduce administrative burdens on schools.
• Add a 6-cent-per-meal increase to help schools meet healthier standards.
• Gives the secretary of agriculture the authority to establish national nutrition standards for all foods sold on school campus throughout the school day.
• Facilitates planting school gardens and using local foods in school cafeterias.

“When Congress passes the child nutrition reauthorization bill, it will help get all junk food out of every school once and for all,” Margo G. Wootan, nutrition policy director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington, said in a statement.

We hope the health-consciousness also extends to movie theater fare. In related news, it’s been reported that the head of a major Hollywood studio is asking for healthier snacks at concession stands in addition to candy, popcorn and soda.

In a speech at ShoWest, the nation’s largest convention for the movie theater industry, Michael Lynton, the chief executive officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment, said “adding healthier options to your existing menu is the right thing to do for our industry, for audiences and for our country.”

Lynton said he was not asking theaters to stop selling popcorn, soda and candy. 

”Audiences love them,” he said. “I’m just talking about adding some healthier items to what you already sell.” 
Some healthier snack options could include fresh fruit, fruit cups, apples with dip; veggies with dip; yogurt; granola bars and trail mix; baked chips, apple chips and unbuttered, air-popped popcorn.

My kids have their little share of sweet treats once in awhile, but they should get used to eating more substantial foods for most of their snacks and meals. It can’t become a habit if they are not offered healthy options. I really think kids can learn to love yogurt over ice cream or wheat bread over white. I’m glad that more of the powers-that-be are doing something to make this an easier effort for us parents.

Healthy baby teeth is crucial to healthy permanent teeth

Maybe your baby’s teeth are on their way in? Well, it’s time to start taking care of them. Even though this set will only be around for a short time, their health is essential to your baby’s gums and those future permanent teeth. Make sure your baby’s new teeth get the best care. Here are some practical tips.

Start with baby gums. Clean your baby’s mouth regularly even before her teeth come in. Wipe the gums after each feeding with a warm, wet washcloth or a dampened piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. You can also buy thimble-like, soft rubbery devices (they fit over your index finger) to use for rubbing off excess food. If you can’t do this after every feed, clean the gums at least two times a day, morning and evening.

Take care of them as soon as they’re out. Some parents think baby teeth aren’t important because they’re eventually replaced by permanent ones. But these first teeth preserve the spacing for the permanent ones and help your child chew and talk. If they’re not cared for properly they can decay, leading to a gum infection called gingivitis, which can affect the spacing of permanent teeth.

Check for cavities. The first signs of cavities in baby teeth are discoloration and minor pitting. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. That’s like soaking their teeth in sugar and acids! The result? Cavities. Don’t leave your infant with a bottle for long periods, especially if you notice he’s done feeding and is just using the bottle for comfort. If you spot a cavity, take your baby to the dentist even before the standard first year check up.

Develop the water habit. After every meal, including every bottle of milk, make sure your baby drinks water. The water washes off baby food or milk that was left coating the teeth. This is just as essential as tooth or gum brushing.

Visit the dentist. The American Dental Association advices that children get their first dental exam at age 1. Some pediatricians say, if you are conscientious with daily teeth and gum care — and follow our tips above — that first visit can wait until your child is 3.

A US Court asserts vaccination does not lead to autism.

A special U.S. “vaccine court” recently ruled that there is no evidence supporting a causal link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism. Doctors and researchers have been telling us about this for years, but this ruling makes the no vaccine-and-autism link official according to the American justice system.

The Vaccine Injury Compensation Act of 1986 set up the special court to hear cases and compensate people who suffer adverse reactions to vaccines. 

Special masters appointed to hear three vaccine cases in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims denied the claims of the parents of children with autism that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines caused their children’s autism.

In one case, special master Patricia Campbell-Smith said the parents of a boy with autism failed to provide “a sound medical theory causally connecting” the child’s condition with vaccination and that the petitioners’ theory of vaccine-related causation is scientifically unsupportable. 
These three cases, along with three cases that failed last year, are being considered by some as test cases for thousands of other pending cases.

The Coalition for SafeMinds, an autism and mercury advocacy organization, said in a statement that it regrets the ruling against three families who argued that vaccines that contained the mercury-based preservative thimerosal contributed to their children’s autism. 

”The denial of reasonable compensation to families was based on inadequate vaccine safety science and poorly designed and highly controversial epidemiology studies supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” the statement said.

Earlier this year, the medical journal The Lancet retracted a 1998 report that suggested a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. A noted Polish study also debunked the autism-MMR vaccine connection, releasing their report last month.

The new mom’s fever FAQs answered.

The first time my firstborn had his fever, I was flustered. You worry how such a tiny baby can handle such a high temperature! Well, babies are bound to get fevers at one point but don’t worry… they will survive. In fact, fevers indicate that their tiny bodies are working to fight an infection. What’s important is to figure out what’s causing the fever.

What’s the best way to take a baby’s temperature?

For babies, the most accurate temperature reading would come from a rectal thermometer. In a baby older than 3 months, taking the temperature orally is fine. Use a digital thermometer for oral readings. Avoid mercury thermometers as there’s a chance your child can end up getting mercury in her mouth — mercury is poisonous. Another option is the ear thermometer, it’s the easiest to use but may be off by about a degree.

What indicates a fever?

A normal temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C) when taken orally (in your child’s mouth) and 99.6°F (37.5°C) when taken rectally (in your child’s bottom). Many doctors define a fever as an oral temperature above 99.5°F (37.5°C) or a rectal temperature above 100.4°F (38°C).

Should I try to lower my baby’s temperature?

Fevers indicate that the body is fighting infection. If your child is between 3 months of age and 3 years of age, you may want to avoid giving him or her medicine if he or she is running a low-grade fever (up to 100.2°F [37.8°C]). If your child is achy and fussy, and his or her temperature is above 100.2°F [37.8°C], contact your pediatrician for which medicine to use.

If you have a baby who is younger than 3 months of age and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, call the doctor or go to the emergency room right away. A fever that high can be a sign of a serious infection in young babies.

What’s the best fever medication?

Do not give fever medicine to babies younger than 2 months. Talk to your pediatrician first before giving any medication, even if it’s available over-the-counter.

Acetaminophen (like Infants’ Tylenol) relieves pain and lowers fever. Check the package label or ask your doctor about the correct dosage for your child. The correct dosage depends on your child’s weight and age.

Ibuprofen is another medicine that can be used to lower a fever in children over 6 months of age. Talk to your doctor before giving ibuprofen (like Children’s Advil, Children’s Motrin) to your child. Your doctor will tell you the correct dose for your child.

The FDA warns food companies to be honest with their marketing claims.

Don’t take that food label as truth. U.S. health regulators have warned units of Nestle and more than a dozen other foodmakers over nutritional claims made for baby food, nuts and other products on food labels and product websites, according to letters made public last week. The warnings came as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is set to push for new package labeling geared toward making it easier for consumers to understand the nutritional content of the foods they eat.

The FDA plans to soon issue draft guidelines for nutritional labeling, but also plans to work with the food industry to design a new labeling system. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said last week that the examples cited in the warnings were not indicative of labeling practices in the food industry as a whole.

In one of the warning letters, issued February this year to baby food maker Gerber, a unit of Nestle, the FDA cited issues with Gerber 2nd Foods Carrot and Graduates Fruit Puffs products saying their “labeling includes unauthorized nutrient content claims.”

The foods make claims that they are “Healthy as Fresh,” an “Excellent Source … of Vitamin A” and “No Added Sugar,” according to the FDA letter. “These regulations do not allow the claim for products specifically intended for children under two years of age,” the FDA wrote.

The FDA issued a similar warning to Beech-Nut, a unit of Swiss company Hero Group, the same day. The agency also warned Nestle, Gerber and other companies about similar nutritional claims made on company websites.

Others receiving warning letters include snack food company Diamond Foods Inc – relating to the health claims for the omega-3 fatty acids in the company’s walnuts – and Spectrum Organic Products Inc., a unit of Hain Celestial Group, over labeling for its vegetable shortening.

Nestle’s Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream unit was warned over labeling of certain products. A Nestle spokesman said the company was cooperating with the FDA but does not comment on pending regulatory inquiries.

Hain, Beech-Nut and Diamond have yet to release statements regarding the FDA letters. The letters call for the companies to immediately correct the products’ labeling and respond to the agency within 15 days from the day of the letter.

Take care of yourself so you can take good care of your baby.

Having a new baby is a joyous life-changing event, true. But life changes often come with difficult transitions as well — childbirth in particular. Becoming a new mother can be overwhelming. Suddenly you have a demanding little person to take care of, you’re exhausted, your body has been battered by delivery, you’re struggling with breast feeding — add to that a few other life matters that need your attention.

Hormones are also still in flux so all these factors contribute to the baby blues that many new mothers experience. What’s the best way to ride it out? How do you know if it’s already post-partum depression?

If you just gave birth your emotional state can vary widely. One minute you feel overwhelmed and anxious, then weepy with happiness, and then, out of nowhere, resentful your partner is at work and you’re stuck at home.

These mood swings are expected. However, many women report being overwhelmingly sad. Some even feel a sense of disconnect with the baby or fear of what lies ahead. These feelings are also normal, but should be watched closely in case a more serious depression develops.

Kicking The Baby Blues

Your body is still recovering from the sudden drop in hormones, and there are still lifestyle upheavals to get a grasp on. Maybe motherhood is not the romanticized image in your head or perhaps you still don’t feel a connection with your baby. Maybe you can’t stand looking at your body in the mirror. Whatever it is, try these tips to lift your spirits:

Get some fresh air. Even if it’s just to run to the store or take a walk, taking in fresh air and taking a break from the mundane routine of diapers and feedings will help you clear your head.

Get dressed. Ah, the things you once took for granted! It will get easier, but yes, the long, hot shower will be more of a luxury during the first few of weeks. But you must find a way to clean up, even – gasp! – put on some makeup and fresh clothes that aren’t stained with spit up. This can help make you feel human once again.

Get help. Have your mother, mother-in-law, sister – someone! – come over, if not to help, then to just keep you company. Being isolated mothering a newborn can get you down. Just having someone to talk to and laugh with can do wonders for your mood.

Most moms shed the blues in a couple of weeks, but if your sadness persists, call your doctor. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects about 15 percent of women. Sometimes it sets in right after delivery, but it can take months or even a year to occur for other women. Due to fluctuating hormones and lifestyle stress, anyone is susceptible to PPD, but you’re at risk if you:

• Suffered from depression in the past
• Have severe PMS
• Have a family history of depression
• Felt sad and depressed during the pregnancy
• Had a complicated labor and/or delivery
• Have a sick baby

If you feel you’re at risk, talk to your doctor about taking preventative measures. Signs it could be postpartum depression, not just baby blues, include:

• Loss of appetite
• Long crying spells
• Feeling hopeless or out of control
• Fear of touching the baby
• Little or no concern about your appearance
• Inability to sleep or excessive sleep
• Disturbing thoughts that scare you

If your symptoms last for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor about your options. There is hope for you. PPD has treatments that are safe for breastfed infants.

What should I expect when my baby starts teething?

The eruption of your baby’s first tooth is an major milestone. From the early appearance of the first tiny tooth to caring for the new set, learn what to expect from your baby’s new arrivals so you can prepare yourself. Learn how to deal with your teething baby’s discomfort.

The Facts

1. Most infants have their first tooth erupt between 6 and 8 months of age.
2. Teeth usually come up in pairs.
3. Bottom front teeth (central incisors) typically emerge first, followed by the top ones. Then the molars and the canine teeth (the pointy ones) appear. Last come the back molars.
4. Although teething usually come with a few days of discomfort and swelling before and after a tooth erupts, tooth development actually begins in the womb. Primary or “baby” teeth begin to form under the gums during the fifth month of pregnancy and slowly emerge as your baby grows. But it’s not until the teeth start breaking through the gums that things get uncomfortable for baby.
5. Baby should have her full set of 20 primary teeth by age 3. Her permanent teeth won’t begin to replace them until she’s 4 to 6 years old.

Dealing With Discomfort

The worst part of teething is seeing a child in pain. Not to mention dealing with all the fussiness. Techniques for teething discomfort include:

• A teething ring: Soft plastic or liquid-filled rings are the best kinds; some can be frozen for extra numbing comfort. But avoid the type with baubles floating inside, since a determined infant might be able to gnaw through it and swallow the little objects.
• A safe, firm, nontoxic object: Even something as simple as a wet washcloth that your baby can chew on will provide relief.
• Teething gel: In some cases, your child may need an over-the-counter infant teething gel, which will temporarily numb her gums.
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen: An age-appropriate dose of an infants’ liquid pain reducer can provide temporary relief. Ask your pediatrician for guidelines for teething use.

Don’t buy these common baby myths!

If you just had a baby, you’re bound to have a lot of advice thrown your way. But keep in mind, common wisdom isn’t always wise. We know better these days. Holding a baby often or picking him up when he cries won’t spoil him. Keeping your baby from taking an afternoon nap is not going to make him sleep faster at night — it’s just going to make him overtired and cranky. If you’re breast feeding, spicy or citrus food won’t make your baby reject your milk. And the list of baby myths goes on and on….

When in doubt about advice thrown your way, double check with a trusted source — like your pediatrician. Meanwhile, we have four common baby myths we’ll debunk for you right now.

A good book to set baby myths straight is Babyfacts by Dr. Andrew Adesman. Dr. Adesman is Chief of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Schneider Children’s Hospital in New York and an associate professor in the Pediatrics Department at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Here are some of the baby myths — among 200 others — he debunks in his book:

Myth: Babies need over-the-counter medication for coughs and colds.

Truth: Over-the-counter doesn’t mean safe. In fact, cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children under four years old. Children just need extra rest and fluids while letting a bout of cough or cold virus run its course. Dr. Adesman explains, “Over-the-counter baby medications have increasingly gotten ‘blacklisted’ from a pediatric standpoint. Parents feel better about doing something rather than nothing, but in reality, the medications don’t work that well and are not necessary. Accidental overdose is another serious risk.”

Myth: Herbal remedies are a safer alternative to over-the-counter medications.

Truth: Though some herbal remedies (such as echinacea) are usually safe, it is still best to consult with a doctor or homeopath before administering. Dr. Adesman says, “Data on most natural cold and flu remedies is limited at best. In some cases, you may be giving your child a substance that could cause harm. On the other hand, some natural remedies are helpful.”

Myth: All ear infections need to be treated with antibiotics.

Truth: Most babies are bound to suffer from an ear infection, but it is treatable — and not always with antibiotics. Dr. Adesman explains, “This is a big change in America because for decades, pediatricians have been very aggressive in treating ear infections. In Scandinavia, on the other hand, childhood ear infections have, for many years, been generally left untreated. The change in treatment recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics is based on the fact that 80% of all children with ear infections (acute otitis media or AOM) get better on their own, without antibiotics.”

Myth: Don’t vaccinate your child because vaccines can lead to autism.

Truth: No scientific investigation has successfully proven vaccines cause autism. Dr. Adesman says, “With respect to the autism ‘epidemic,’ it’s important that families recognize that in recent years, there has been a marked shift in the definition of autism, which makes it seem like rates have increased. Autism is now recognized as a ’spectrum disorder’ — with many more mild cases that were previously never classified as “autism.” In addition, children with other developmental disorders, such as mental retardation or language disorders, are also now being classified as having autism. This diagnostic substitution has led to a further increase in the reported number of children with autism. In reality, there may be some rise in the number of children with autism spectrum disorders, but experts are not certain there has been any increase in the frequency of what had originally been defined as autism. The benefits of immunizations to your child and the overall community far outweigh any risks.”