MELANOMA RATES DROPPING AMONG CHILDREN AND TEENS

Melanoma, characterized by mole-like cancerous growths, is on the rise in the U.S. The most serious form of skin cancer, it’s particularly rising among women and seniors. But what about kids?

While melanoma is significantly less common among children, five to six kids in every million develop melanoma in their youth. It takes just a few blistering sunburns to double the chance a child will develop skin cancer in her lifetime.

But while studies in years past suggested the rate of melanoma in children was also rising, the newest research says the opposite. Last summer, researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and its affiliated medical center reported in the Journal of Pediatrics that the rate of melanoma diagnoses in children and adolescents is actually declining.

Researchers analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry of the National Cancer Institute on more than 1,100 people under 20 years old who were diagnosed with melanoma between 2000 and 2010. Melanoma rates dropped by nearly 12 percent from 2004 to 2010, with the largest decline among teens and boys.

The researchers can’t pinpoint one particular cause of this trend, but growing awareness about sun safety may be responsible. Research indicates that teenagers are taking more steps, such as applying sunscreen, to protect themselves from damaging sun exposure. The authors also suggest that parents are becoming more proactive in safeguarding their young children.

They speculate that a negative trend may contribute to the decline as well: children, particularly boys, are spending more time playing video games and watching TV. That’s nothing to celebrate, as playing indoors may mean less harmful sun exposure, but also less exercise and other physical activity.

Whatever the cause, we hope the rates of pediatric melanoma keep dropping. The National Cancer Institute estimates more than 75,000 cases of adult melanoma in the U.S. this year. A lower risk of pediatric melanoma could mean fewer diagnoses when these children reach adulthood.

We encourage parents to continue to take healthy steps to protect their children from harmful sun exposure. Here are some helpful tips for the whole family:

Cover up

Wear protective clothing such as hats, visors, dark sunglasses, long sleeves and pants to block harmful UV rays.

Stay in the shade

While outdoors, seek shelter under overhangs, canopies, trees and awnings. Stroller hoods and umbrellas offer extra protection for little ones. Keep infants under six months out of direct sun.

Wear sunscreen

Look for sunscreen lotions – not spray or sticks – with zinc or titanium as the active ingredients (avoid oxybenzone or retinyl A). Apply liberally and reapply frequently, especially when swimming, sweating or playing in water.

Watch the clock

Harmful UV rays peak midday, so schedule errands and playtime during morning or late afternoon.

Be safe on the go

Pack diaper bags, purses and backpacks with sun safety essentials such as hats and sunscreen. Keep extra at your school, office or in the car.

STRAWBERRIES TOP THE LIST OF WORST FRUITS AND VEGGIES FOR PESTICIDE RESIDUES

One of your kid’s favorite fruits is hiding a dirty secret.

Of all the fresh fruits and vegetables available for sale in the United States, sweet, sun-kissed strawberries are the most likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues, according to EWG’s 2016 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.

This year, for the first time strawberries top EWG’s Dirty Dozen list of produce with the highest amount of pesticide, even after you’ve washed them. Other dirty produce includes peaches, nectarines and apples – previously No. 1 for five years running. Click here to see the full list.

EWG analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, whose tests found nearly 150 different pesticides on thousands of produce samples from 2014, the most recent year available. Nearly three in four fruit and vegetable samples contained residue from at least one pesticide.

But the results aren’t all bad. EWG’s Clean Fifteen list names the produce with the lowest amount of pesticide residues. Avocados lead the pack, with less than one percent showing any traces. Sweet corn, pineapples, cabbage, frozen sweet peas and onions rank among the clean fruits and veggies as well. Click here to see the full list.

EWG’s 2016 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce aims to help parents make healthy shopping choices. Here are our top tips for putting this information into action:

Eat plenty of fruits and veggies, regardless of where they fall on these lists. The nutritional payoff is worth it.
To limit pesticide exposure, buy organic produce whenever you can. But if your options or budget are limited, focus on choosing organic versions of the Dirty Dozen to get the biggest benefit for your family.
Always wash fruits and veggies before eating, whether they’re “clean” or “dirty,” organic or conventional. Rubbing produce under running water removes not only pesticide residue, but also dirt and germs from handling.

EWG RANKS CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR BABIES

Every parent knows that caring for a new baby requires lots and lots of cleaning. But can washing up the milk and spit-up introduce your baby to potentially harmful chemicals?

For its spring 2016 update, EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning analyzed more than 400 new cleaning products and formulations, including ones marketed for new parents and their babies’ needs.

The guide looks closely at product ingredients, labels and online transparency, then ranks products with a letter grade from A (best) to F (worst). Of course, some of the products are better than others. Click here to view the list of cleaning products for babies.

Products that score poorly contain such hazardous ingredients as the allergenic preservative methylisothiazolinone (MIT) or sodium borate (borax), which can disrupt hormones and harm the reproductive system.

Poorly rated products use sparse or vague terminology – such as “biodegradable surfactants,” “fragrance” and “fabric brighteners” (also known as optical brighteners) – but do not disclose specific ingredients on the label. Visit the guide’s Label Decoder to learn more about what these terms mean.

Almost half of the products EWG analyzed failed to display a complete list of specific ingredients anywhere. Manufacturers can get away with this legally, since virtually no federal or state laws require manufacturers to disclose their cleaning products ingredients.

Products with better scores contain ingredients with fewer health hazards and make more ingredient disclosure on the package and on the company website.

The cleaning products for babies are among 406 new products from 85 brands just added to EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning. The new products were available in stores from October 2015 to February 2016 or were submitted directly to EWG by manufacturers. EWG evaluated and rated the products according to the Guide to Healthy Cleaning methodology.

For more information on the cleaning products for babies – as well as those for your whole household – visit EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.

HOW TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AT YOUR CHILDREN’S SCHOOL

A healthy, resting adult takes 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

Children, from school-age to preschoolers and younger, take many more. It’s normal for a toddler to take twice as many breaths as an adult, and an infant may take a full three times more.

Every breath matters, especially for their developing lungs, and approximately 75 million Americans live in communities with unhealthy air. In addition, the EPA reports that half of the 115,000 schools in the United States have problems linked to indoor air quality. So it’s not too surprising that 6.8 million American children have asthma, and the number is climbing.

How can parents and teachers help children breathe easier? Here’s what you need to know about air quality in and around schools and what you can do to improve it.

Indoors

Almost 55 million students and 7 million staff members spend their days in school facilities across the country. If you and your loved ones are among them, you might be inhaling a host of indoor pollutants including building materials (such as asbestos), cleaning products, radon and even mold. In addition to triggering health problems such as headaches and asthma, indoor air quality can affect children’s academic performance and increase absenteeism.

The good news: Administrators, teachers and families have tools to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools. Many are similar to those you may use in your own home.

EPA offers an IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit that provides guidelines, best practices, sample policies and a sample management plan. Areas to focus on include improving HVAC systems, maintaining filters and carbon monoxide detectors, controlling moisture and mold, managing pests and carefully selecting cleaning and building materials.

EPA does not require schools to monitor their air quality, submit information about it or use these voluntary tools, so it’s important for parents to speak up. Share the action kit with your school and talk to decision makers about what they’re doing to improve indoor air quality. Here are additional recommendations for parents, particularly those whose children suffer from asthma.

Some states and school districts have specific policies or regulations to improve indoor air quality. To learn about your area, visit the Environmental Law Institute’s database of state indoor air quality laws or contact your state’s IAQ or IAQ Tools for Schools coordinator.

Outdoors

When students step outside school buildings for fresh air, that air might not be so fresh. Pollutants such as smoke, road dust, car exhaust and factory emissions can all add up to poor quality air. And some days are better than others.

How can you tell the difference? Check your local Air Quality Index. The daily index reports how polluted your air is and what it means for your health. Among other pollutants, the index tests for ground-level ozone (smog) and airborne particles, the two most hazardous types of air pollution.

Children are particularly sensitive to air pollution, so when air quality is rated orange – “unhealthy for sensitive groups” – it might be wise to limit prolonged periods outdoors and avoid heavy exertion, including outdoor sports.

Some school districts adjust recess and outdoor play based on air quality. Ask your children’s school about its air quality policies and share the EPA’s Air Quality Index Toolkit for Teachers. To find your Air Quality Index, search by zip code on AirNow.com, sign up for email alerts on EnviroFlash.info or check local weather reports on television or in the newspaper.

Do you see buses idling outside your children’s school? Diesel exhaust can damage lungs, irritate eyes and throats and trigger asthma or allergies, so check out these tips and tools for reducing bus idling. These resources are designed not just for schools, but for students, parents and community members as well. Talk to your kids about why air quality matters and encourage them to get involved, too.

Author,

Megan Boyle

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR EAR INFECTIONS?

Fever, headache, tugging at the ear, crying more than usual and trouble sleeping – most parents recognize that these dreaded symptoms mean an ear infection.

More than 80 percent of children will get at least one ear infection by age three, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates. That makes them the most common reason parents take young kids to see a doctor.

These days, however, pediatricians are intervening less in the healing process and prescribing far fewer antibiotics. Globally, taking antibiotics when they aren’t strictly necessary is contributing to the buildup of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a problem that threatens the health of both children and adults.

If your child has an ear infection, pediatricians may suggest medicated eardrops, nasal spray or over-the-counter pain relievers to ease your child’s discomfort. Tylenol and Motrin are often recommended for fever pain.

Consult a health care professional first if you suspect your child has an ear infection or if your child experiences new or escalating symptoms, especially a rising fever or fluid seeping from the ear. For more natural steps you can take, here are some options to consider. Note that these approaches have varying degrees of effectiveness.

Things that work

Time

In most cases, time is the best cure. Symptoms often clear within 72 hours. Warm compresses and steam inhalation may alleviate pain as you wait it out.

Prevention

These steps can lower the odds that your child will develop an ear infection in the first place:

Avoid secondhand smoke. Studies show that children exposed to cigarette smoke develop more ear infections.

Practice good hygiene. Encourage kids to wash their hands frequently. Avoid playtime with sick children. Thoroughly clean bottles, which harbor more bacteria than sippy cups.
Breastfeed if possible. Breastfed babies are less likely to contract viral or bacterial infections, including ear infections. For bottle-fed babies, sitting or being held upright while eating has been shown to decrease infection rates.
Limit pacifier sucking by babies over six months old. Evidence suggests that it increases the risk of recurrent ear infections.
Vaccinations are also protective. Studies show that kids who are up to date with their shots – especially for pneumonia, meningitis and flu – get fewer ear infections.

Things that might work

Researchers have explored a variety of alternative measures to prevent ear infections. Although clinical data shows mixed results, these are generally safe to try.

Vitamin D

Studies suggest that children with recurrent ear infections are more likely to have low vitamin D levels. When researchers gave vitamin D supplements to kids with recurrent infections in two separate studies (here’s one), they got fewer new infections during the study period.

Researchers still lack evidence to show cause and effect, but many kids are low in vitamin D, so a supplement will likely offer other health benefits. Babies need 400 IU (10 mcg) per day, and daily supplements are especially important for breastfed babies. Everyone else needs 600 IU (15 mcg) per day, which generally requires taking a daily supplement during the winter months.

Probiotics

Researchers have also studied oral probiotics and nasal sprays for preventing ear infections. More research is necessary to determine which strains of bacteria might be most helpful, whether it’s best to administer them as a spray versus oral supplements, and the best dose. But probiotics are generally low-risk and offer other health benefits, such as aiding digestion.

Vitamins and Nutrients

Some studies suggest that common vitamins and nutrients such as zinc, vitamin A and omega-3 fish oils may help kids stay healthy and prevent ear infections, but the evidence is mixed. Be sure to read bottle labels carefully for the appropriate dose for children.

Xylitol

Surprisingly, several studies have shown that this natural fruit sugar, common in sugar-free foods, can also help prevent ear infections. Xylitol inhibits bacterial growth, which is one reason why toothpastes and gums made with xylitol are good for teeth.

Several studies found that giving kids xylitol – as gum, syrup or nasal spray – prevented recurrent ear infections, but mainstream doctors caution that they need more data before they’ll routinely recommend it.

To produce a preventive benefit, most of the studies to date have found that it is necessary to give xylitol to kids five times a day (approximately 10 grams per day total). At this dose, kids generally had a 30 percent decrease in recurrent ear infections. Gum and lozenges appear to be more effective than syrup, although syrup may be the only realistic option for young children.

Physicians and parents know that such frequent treatments can be a challenge for busy families, and lower doses may not be helpful. A recent study that gave kids xylitol three times a day (15 grams total) did not show any preventive benefit.

Be aware that some kids may develop digestive problems when given xylitol, particularly in higher doses.

Not enough evidence

Other herbs and alternative treatments

Most herbal supplements have not been rigorously tested for preventing or treating ear infections. The NIH Center for Complementary and Integrative Health offers these tips for parents considering herbal supplements for children.

Osteopathy, chiropractic and traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine all suggest alternative approaches for ear infections. These options have been little studied and may vary from one provider to the next. High cost or low availability may make them impractical for some families.

Don’t go there

You may see resources that recommend trying ear candling or herbal preparations that include mercury, goldenseal or colloidal silver to prevent ear infection. These are not safe for children. Don’t try them.

Author,

Megan Boyle

These are not the top child health problems

Childhood obesity, bullying, and drug abuse are the top child health problems, according to respondents to a national survey for Mott’s Children’s Hospital in Michigan.The survey participants got it wrong on two of those priorities.  Their responses are more a reflection of what’s been getting media attention, rather than the real problems affecting America’s youth.

I was glad to see that childhood obesity, listed by 60 percent of the participants, achieved the number one ranking.  It’s hard to overemphasize the serious medical and mental health implications of this epidemic.However, those who listed bullying (58 percent) and drug abuse (53 percent) as the most serious child health problems got it wrong.Bullying is an important issue, but the prevalence is not increasing, and may in fact be declining. Schools are taking this problem very seriously, and many states have laws that help insure that our kids can go to school in an emotionally safe environment.

While drug abuse is a serious issue, it’s more of a symptom of underlying problems.If I was completing the survey, I’d list child abuse and neglect as the second most serious health problem for our kids. The overall rates of neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse remain alarmingly high.  This is a safety issue that demands our focused attention.

I’d rate stress as the third most significant health issue, one that is related to so many other problems identified in the survey.Childhood stress is difficult to comprehend. Most of our kids are privileged, entitled and raised in financially secure environments. They have economic advantages unknown to any other generation. With so many benefits, why is stress such a serious health issue?

I’d list stress as one of my top priorities because we are raising a generation of entitled and overprotected kids who are horrible at dealing with life’s problems. When confronted with difficulties, they respond by abusing drugs, smoking, bullying or developing mental health issues.

These problems are symptoms. We don’t need more education to teach kids that bullying, taking drugs, and smoking are bad. Instead, we need to teach our children better ways to deal with unpleasant feelings, difficult people, failure and frustration.

What kids are calling “stress” today was once viewed as just a normal part of living that kids figured out how to manage.

The solution is for parents to stop solving problems for their kids, and start teaching them how to deal with difficulties on their own. Your job is to do more coaching and less controlling, helping our kids to be strong and independent, not victims of life’s normal pressures.

Importance of Child Health Care

With their youth and vitality, most children are relatively healthy. Issues, however, can arise that impact a youngster's wellbeing. To ensure that you discover any problems quickly, schedule regular child health care appointments with a practitioner. An active relationship with a physician will enable you to quickly address concerns.

Importance of a Healthy Childhood

Kids are vital to the overall future of society. For humankind to continue to prosper and grow, kids must be alive and well to carry on the race. Youngsters will play a vital role in the ongoing creation of families, filling positions in the workforce, and participating in democracy. To achieve these lifetime goals, kids need to have good health. Wellbeing during childhood often carries over into adulthood, resulting in healthier adults.

Keeping Kids Healthy

Parents play a vital role in child health care. To maintain wellbeing, offer a variety of whole foods containing vitamins and minerals. Ensure that offspring get sufficient sleep every night. A lack of sleep can lead to both physical and emotional problems. Everyone needs regular exercise every day to maintain a strong cardiovascular system and to burn calories. A lack of exercise could lead to the development of diseases and obesity. Children also need ongoing supervision to ensure safety. Parents must oversee activities to keep kids from injuries.

Importance of Care

Because of their dependence on adult caregivers, youngsters need parents or other responsible adults to seek appropriate services to maintain wellbeing. Kids cannot make their own decisions about care, they cannot purchase it independently, and they cannot evaluate services to judge necessity. The rapid growth and development of bones and muscles may place young bodies at an elevated risk level for some illnesses and injuries. Without ongoing evaluations, problems may not be identified and treated in a timely fashion. Kids may experience marked physical, cognitive, and emotional issues if an undiagnosed condition continues. Some of these issues could impact long-term development and growth, even having a permanent effect on a youngster.

Wellness Exams

Wellness exams are examinations that occur at regular intervals to assess physical development and growth. Youngsters are generally well when they receive these examinations. During infancy, babies often receive wellness exams at increased intervals due to rapid growth. As growing slows into childhood, the frequency lengthens to once each year or longer. During these examinations, a physician will evaluate growth, administer immunizations, assess or identify conditions, answer questions, and give recommendations for care. Follow physician recommendations for the frequency of these wellness exams.

Reasons to Seek Additional Care

Kids of school age should see a physician if unusual symptoms occur. These symptoms include a significant change in weight, disturbances in sleep or behavior, a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, skin rashes, recurring sore throat, and issues with breathing.

By seeking child health care on an ongoing basis, you ensure that any underlying issues are discovered and addressed. Your youngster's overall wellbeing can be impacted by the level and frequency of physical examinations.


Author,
Andrea Avery

Projectile Vomiting in Infants

Infant vomiting is very common, as babies usually spit up a small amount of the ingested food. But, projectile vomiting in babies could be dangerous, if it is persistent or severe. Read on...

Most of us are familiar with the fact that infants vomit or spit up after feedings. This is very common in babies and parents do not worry about it, though it is inconvenient and annoying for them. 

 

However, in some infants, vomiting could be a cause of worry. For example, projectile vomiting in infants could be dangerous, as it may indicate some serious medical condition. Parents must have a basic idea about the different types of vomiting in infants, in order to differentiate between them and identify projectile vomiting.

Vomiting in Infants

As mentioned earlier, vomiting can be of three types, as far as infants are concerned. They include reflux, posseting and projectile vomiting. The first type called reflux, occurs when the valve that controls the entry of the food from the esophagus to the stomach opens up in between and allows the contents in the stomach to enter the esophagus and come out through the mouth. This reflux is common in infants and most of them outgrow this condition as they become toddlers. Posseting is another common type of vomiting in infants, wherein babies vomit small amounts of ingested food, right after feeding. The most severe among the three types is projectile vomiting, which is the forceful expulsion of food consumed by the baby.

What is Projectile Vomiting

This type of vomiting is characterized by forceful expulsion of food, that too in considerable amounts. The vomit is expelled with much force, that it forms an arc shape. It is more common in infants, but can be seen in adults too. Occasional projectile vomiting is considered normal, but when it happens regularly, it could be an indication of some serious medical condition. Both breast-fed and bottle-fed babies are prone to this type of vomiting. If your baby is showing the following symptoms along with persistent projectile vomiting, you have to consult a pediatrician at the earliest:

Weight loss and irritability

Presence of bile or blood in the vomit

Dehydration symptoms like dry mouth and weakness

The baby looks unwell or seems to be in pain

Coughing or choking spells

Hunger after vomiting

Belching and bloated stomach

Causes

Even though, gastroesophageal reflex is said to be one of the common causes of vomiting in infants, it is uncommon for a baby with this condition to develop projectile vomiting. Breastfeeding is recommended for such infants. Usually, treatment is not given as the babies outgrow this condition with age. In some infants, milk allergy could be a reason for this problem.

More serious causes of projectile vomiting in infants include stomach flu or gastroenteritis, which is an intestinal infection caused by a virus. Another serious medical condition associated with this type of vomiting in infants is pyloric stenosis, which is characterized by thickening of the muscle (pylorus muscle) that is located at the lower section of the stomach, where it opens to the small intestine. In such cases, the enlarged pylorus muscle prevents the food in the stomach to enter the small intestine.

 

 This causes projectile vomiting right after feeding or after several hours of feeding. The symptoms of this condition include constant crying, refusal to eat food, wheezing, slow weight gain, dehydration due to vomiting, etc. Studies show that three out of every 1000 infants develop this condition, which is more prevalent in males. Usually, this condition develops after four to six weeks of birth. It is treated with pyloromyotomy, a surgery performed to relieve the obstruction. In some infants, projectile vomiting is caused by congenital abnormalities of the intestinal tract.

Preventive Measures

While occasional projectile vomiting is not a cause of worry, if it is persistent, it can cause dehydration, fever, injury to the esophagus and stomach, slow growth rate, and sometimes, pneumonia as well. Hence, it is necessary to take your baby to the pediatrician at the earliest. If the doctor rules out the possibility of any serious underlying cause, you can try the following measures to prevent such vomiting.

Feed the baby with small amounts of food, but increase the frequency of feeding.

The baby should be in an upright position while feeding and for at least twenty minutes after feeding.

Gently pat on the baby's back frequently while feeding, so that he burps. This reduces the gastric pressure in the stomach, which can cause vomiting.

Minimize vigorous movements of the baby after feeding and elevate the head of the baby's bed at 30 degrees.

Projectile vomiting in infants should be monitored carefully and should not be left untreated. In case your baby develops this condition, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician immediately.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.

Author,

Sonia Nair