Nov 12, 2017
Reader’s Digest – Lisa Milbrand
Why adults get it is fairly clear—here are the causes of high blood pressure. But the number of kids who now struggle with the problem is alarming: A new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that 3.5 percent of all kids and teens have abnormally high blood pressure—though many of those remain undiagnosed. “There has been an increase in the prevalence of childhood high blood pressure, including both hypertension and elevated blood pressure,” according to the report. (more)
Nov 11, 2017
The Washington Post – Staff Writer
The ready availability of technology may make the children of today faster at configuring a new smartphone, but does all of that screen time affect the development of their eyes? While conventional wisdom dictates that children should do less up-close viewing, sit farther from the television and perhaps even wear their eyeglasses less, we have found in recent studies that another factor may be at play: Kids need to go outside and, if not play, at least get some general exposure to outdoor light. (more)
Nov 11, 2017
The Daily Mail – Stephen Matthews
Children who are glued to the screen are more likely to avoid fruit and vegetables, scientists have concluded. Two thirds of youngsters surveyed reported not eating enough of their greens and spending more than two hours viewing TV. Loughborough University researchers also found a third combined both of the bad habits alongside a desire to snack regularly. It comes as childhood obesity continues to spiral out of control, with one in three youngsters now believed to have bulging waistlines. (more)
Nov 10, 2017
IOL – Sacha van Niekerk
When it is simply easier to allow your child to veg out in front of the television, it can be difficult to find the balance between keeping your kids active and giving in to the grasp of technology. Biokineticist in a private practice in Glenwood and Morningside, Beverley Peters said, “The challenge facing most parents is striking that balance between both worlds. Whatever the reason, it can be tough to motivate a child when they are lost to technology and ‘angry birds’ or ‘subway surfer’ is preferred to playing outdoors.” (more)
Nov 10, 2017
London News Online – Calum Frasier
South London has some of the fattest kids in the country. Southwark has the fourth highest percentage of overweight or obese children in the country, according to statistics in a new study. Using data from the National Child Measurement Programme, more than 13 per cent of children in the borough, between the age of four and five, are considered overweight or obese – up one per cent from last year. Experts blame the epidemic on an abundance of unhealthy food and a progressive lack of exercise. (more)
