Children who are suffering from influenza or the "flu" have symptoms that come on suddenly. In addition, while children with influenza can and do suffer from stomach problems and diarrhea, they are far more likely to present with other symptoms, according to WebMD. These symptoms can range from mild to serious. Children with extreme symptoms, such as a high fever or symptoms that last for more than three days, should be seen by a doctor.
Relay games are one choice when you are looking for an activity to get kids moving, encourage teamwork, or just to entertain a large group of children. They are a popular activity in family reunions, physical education classes and school celebrations. Relays can easily be customized for almost any age group and level of competitiveness, and they can even be tweaked to fit a special occasion, such as a holiday.
Sleep apnea in children is classified as either obstructive (caused by an obstruction), central or mixed. Central sleep apnea has a neurological cause, while mixed means that the apnea is caused by an obstruction and by a problem in the brain. Obstructive sleep apnea is by far the most common, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association, affecting up to 3 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 6.
Occasional vomiting isn't much to get worked up over, but when your child starts vomiting with a fever, you're likely to take note. You want to do your best to take care of your child, but you aren't sure whether you need to visit the doctor. Pay attention to her symptoms and the way she is acting to determine the cause of the problem.
Influenza, or the flu, makes the rounds every year. It is highly contagious and can last a week or longer. Many parents choose to immunize their children against the flu, but because the disease mutates, it isn't always possible to avoid it. Flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds, but are much more severe.
Remember when we gave our kids granola bars as a healthy snack? Well, all of a sudden, without anyone noticing, they have been re-packaged and come with a sales pitch. They're now called energy bars. They come beautifully wrapped and packed full of goodies; some with chocolate chips and some with caramel. I am afraid soon we will see them sandwiched between whipped cream. Sure, they give energy, but it's just all that sugar! That's why kids love 'em. These bars often make big promises. Some promise increased energy and others offer up extra nutrition. Once you cut through all the hype and the flashy packaging, turns out all you may be really getting is a stiff dose of sugar.
It’s in a child’s nature to be curious and explore the world. One of the easiest ways to learn and explore, of course, is to touch things in their environment " and sometimes, dirty things. But, are you being overprotective when you rub anti-bacterial on your child’s hands after every time he or she discovers a new object or picks up dropped food off the floor? Are your hyper-hygienic habits unnecessary, and possibly harmful to your kid? Are germs actually good for your kids? Research answers yes to all of the above!
Yoga encourages deep breathing and relaxation. It is also helpful for little ones who are still learning to control their emotional and physical well being. Children have active imaginations and open minds, ready to try new things without hesitation. Implement yoga games in your home, classroom or daycare center to get everyone moving and stretching.
Concerns over obesity and the increase in childhood diabetes have many parents focusing much more on their child's diet and daily calorie intake. As children grow, they do need to increase how many calories they eat each day. Sometimes, it can be more than what an adult needs. A child's calorie needs varies by her activity level and growth rate. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends feeding children a minimum of five times a day to meet their needs. This includes three meals and two snacks; breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner.
Childhood obesity starts young and I am starting to understand why.
I was shocked as a first time mother and nutritionist to see the lunch menu options for the two year olds at my son’s daycare. The hot lunch program as it is promoted in most daycare centers consists of corn dogs, fries, pizza, cheese burgers, taquito’s and some other fried food options. Nutrient VOID foods. I actually thought I would not be dealing with “the school fast food challenge” till my son was in high school! What a shocker.
