The Telegraph and Argus – Staff Writer
More than a third of parents lack the basic knowledge to make their children a healthy packed lunch for school, a survey suggests. The survey adds fuel to the row over school lunches sparked by a Bradford primary school’s policy of confiscating items deemed too high in fat or sugar. (more)
Today Online – Diana Ser
We saw the toddler take a swig from his bottle of soft drink, little droplets of sugared water dripping down his tiny chin. He looked no older than four. My eldest child, eyes widening as if he had just witnessed the kid down a vodka, shouted: “Mummy, that baby just had a soft drink!” Busted. My kids were brought up to believe that soft drinks, like alcohol, were anathema to very young children. (more)
CBC – Staff Writer
Most children and teens shouldn’t consume sports and energy drinks, and the products should no longer be marketed to them, the Canadian Paediatric Society says. In a new position statement released Tuesday, the society said sports drinks are high in sugar, which contributes to the obesity epidemic as well as dental cavities. (more)
The Oakland Press – Staff Writer
For parents of children with asthma, getting ready for school requires additional steps. Asthma accounts for more than 10 million lost school days every school year. If you know a child with asthma, you may be concerned about his or her activity in sports and at recess, especially if the child’s asthma is exercise-induced. With better management, children are able to stay safe and active. For a full toolkit and free resources, visit Lung.org/asthma-in-schools. (more)
The Sacramento Bee – Teresa Welsh
It’s no secret that kids today get way too much screen time — whether that be in front of a tablet, smartphone, laptop or good old fashioned television. Access to technology determines how much they use it, and more use can lead to worse outcomes in education and health. (more)