The Chicago Daily Herald – Dr. Dennis Thain
The holidays are upon us. Along with all of the joys this time of year brings comes some not so joyous realities such as tempting foods, holiday stress, and abnormally hectic schedules that make keeping up our nutrition and fitness routines challenging. And these realities don’t just apply to us adults, but apply to our kids, too. (more)
The Plymouth Herald – Miles O’Leary
Parents like to treat their children every now and again to a naughty snack. But sometimes we don’t realise the shocking consequences of buying up treats secretly loaded with alarmingly high levels of sugar, chemicals and trans fats. (more)
Medical X-Press – Staff Writer
Poor nutrition and lack of exercise lead to the increasing prevalence of obesity which, in turn, is the major predictor of diabetes and future risk of cardiovascular disease in western societies. Excess weight is also closely associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the increasingly common and potentially serious sleep disorder that is often marked by loud snoring. OSA affects about 5 to 10 percent of children 8 to 11 years old. While evidence suggests that OSA appears to exacerbate obesity and its comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, its effects on children have not yet been studied in detail. (more)
Mind Body Green – Isabel Smith, R.D., CDN
I’ve been on both sides of this conundrum and remember it well. I could feel someone watching me at mealtimes, peering over my shoulder, wondering what I was eating and seemingly taking notes, too. I turned around, and it was my friendly adviser. It wasn’t the first time. I was a freshman at boarding school, and my mother was concerned that I wasn’t eating enough, so she sent an adviser to spy on me at every meal. Though my mother’s intention was good, and she did it out of love and concern, it felt invasive and distrusting. (more)
The Miami Herald – Sarah E. Messiah Ph.D. MPH
When children and adolescents participate in the recommended level of physical activity — at least 60 minutes daily — multiple health benefits occur. Most youths, however, do not engage in recommended levels of physical activity. Regular physical activity builds healthy bones and muscles, improves muscular strength and endurance, reduces the risk for developing chronic disease risk factors, improves self-esteem, and reduces stress and anxiety. Beyond these known health effects, physical activity may also have beneficial influences on academic performance. (more)