Kids Health | Inhabitots

The Autism Puzzle: Is the Environment to Blame for Rising Autism Rates?

by Michelle Lloyd, 04/24/12

Earlier this year, the CDC released a new report stating that 1 in 88 children has diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The data was only from 14 states and the CDC only studies children who are 8 years and older, so these statistics are for children born in the early 2000′s. So what is exactly going on for there to be a 23% increase from the last report? Brita Belli, author of The Autism Puzzle believes environmental toxins are to blame.

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School Lunches Go Local and Fresh with Improved Farm to School Program

by Jennifer Chait, 04/23/12

In the past year alone we’ve seen some terrible news about school lunches. From insane pink slime, to bizarre food regulations to lackluster food changes way too long in the making, it sometimes seems like there’s no good school lunch news to be had. Until now that is. The USDA will be improving their farm to school lunch programs nationwide, which means it’s much more likely that your kids will be getting tastier and more nutritious school lunches. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced this week that USDA will be investing more funds in farm to school programs across the country in order to help improve the health and wellbeing of their students, as well as support connections with local agricultural producers. The Farm to School Grant Program is one of the USDA’s most innovative food programs and part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. Through grants and technical assistance, this program helps to implement farm to school food programs that improve access to local foods in eligible schools. The brand new investments will help schools find and purchase food from local producers, and some farm to school initiatives will also include agriculture and nutrition education efforts such as school gardens, field trips to local farms and cooking classes.
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Cases of Measles Hit All-time High in 2011 – Are Unvaccinated Kids to Blame?

by Jennifer Chait, 04/20/12

In 2000 measles was considered eradicated from the U.S. In fact, from 2001 to 2010 there were just 60 U.S. measles cases a year on average. However, last year, cases of measles reached an all-time high in the United States with a total of 222 reported cases. This is the most measles cases ever since 1996, according to the CDC. Among the 222 cases, reported across 31 states, there were 17 official measles outbreaks. An outbreak is when there are at least three cases linked by time and place. The average outbreak size last year included six cases per outbreak, but in one instance, a single person with measles infected 21 other people. This week, Anne Schuchat, director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, reported that most of these cases (90%) came into the country via citizens who had traveled outside the U.S., with many of the 2011 cases originating in Europe. That said, the CDC is placing new emphasis on the importance of the MMR vaccination, especially if you plan on traveling abroad. Schuchat says, “Unvaccinated people put themselves and others at risk for measles. There is a relationship between the decisions families make and disease rates.”

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Research Links Phthalates to Type 2 Diabetes

by Jennifer Chait, 04/19/12

Diabetic is doing a glucose – Image from Shutterstock

Phthalates are one of the common chemicals your government isn’t protecting your family from. Bad news for you, because phthalates have been linked to countless negative health issues. Now, new research shows that phthalate metabolites may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research, published in Diabetes Care has linked phthalate metabolites to diabetes prevalence and shows that this chemical results in distinct markers of insulin secretion and resistance. These findings support past research that focuses on how common chemicals may influence major factors that are regulating glucose metabolism in humans. During the study, researchers tested 1,016 elderly subjects, and a total of 114 subjects were shown to have diabetes. After making adjustment for gender, BMI, serum cholesterol and triglycerides, educational level, and smoking and exercise habits, the researchers looked at phthalate levels. High levels of the phthalate metabolites monomethyl phthalate (MMP), monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP), and monoethyl phthalate (MEP) were all associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes. Mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalates were not associated with diabetes in this study. Overall, MiBP was most usually related to poor insulin secretion, while MEP and MMP were linked to insulin resistance. So where are these phthalates lurking?

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Dirt and Germs Equal Happy and Healthy Kids

Next time your kids drags some dirt or mud into the house, don’t freak out. Instead give yourself a hearty pat on the back for raising such a happy, well-adjusted kiddo. According to a new report from the National Wildlife Federation, “The Dirt on Dirt: How Getting Dirty Outdoors Benefits Kids,” getting messy provides countless benefits for little ones. We live in a germ obsessed society, so much in fact, that those fears may expose us to harmful chemicals, such as those found in antibacterial products. This new NWF report may help drown some of those fears though and keep your kids healthier. The report points to a growing body of research that suggests dirt and germs may actually help build physical health and resilience to diseases. This is connected to the Hygiene Hypothesis, which you may have heard of, that says that when kids are too clean and their exposure to parasites, bacteria, and viruses is limited, they may face a greater chance of having allergies, asthma and other autoimmune diseases. Plus, as we’ve pointed out time and time again, being outside, getting down in the dirt and out into nature is extremely healthy for a child’s emotional and physical well-being. When kids spend more time playing outside than they do attached to indoor, high-tech gadgets, they’re less vulnerable to obesity, stress, ADHD, vitamin D deficiency and depression.

5 Ways the U.S. Government is Failing Your Family and the Planet

Although maybe they mean well, the U.S. government doesn't always have the best interest of the people or the planet in mind. Other countries aren't perfect either. Still, consider that we're one of the few countries hanging on to BPA and GMOs. Plus, when our government does decide to swing towards change, it takes a remarkably long time for them to get their act together. For example, it took 15 years for the government to institute healthier school lunches. From lackluster chemical reform to sneaky hazards in the food supply to gigantic super germs - keep reading to see which massive U.S. government fails may be putting your family at risk. Also, learn about how you can start to initiate positive change when the government clearly won't.

Mercury Dental Fillings are Poisoning the Fish You Eat

Child Patient at the Dentist – Image from Shutterstock

A new “Earth Day” report shows that the real cost of dental mercury fillings may be poisoning the food supply and fish in particular. According to this report, prepared by Brussels-based Concorde East/West Sprl, an international consulting firm that provides research to the UN and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), among others, dental mercury used widely in society results in additional pollution control costs, deterioration of public resources and negative health effects associated with mercury contamination. Currently, “Amalgam (mercury dental filling material) has been nearly phased out in many countries, including the Nordic countries, Germany, Italy, Japan and even Mongolia and Vietnam” according to Dr. Nestor Shapka of the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology. Yet, here in the USA, mercury fillings are still used (not to mention mercury is found in countless products), but as this report shows, maybe they shouldn’t be. The EPA reported on this issue way back in 2010, stating, “50% of mercury entering local waste treatment plants comes from dental amalgam waste. Once deposited, certain microorganisms can change elemental mercury into methylmercury, a highly toxic form that builds up in fish, shellfish and animals that eat fish” – of course people eat the fish too.

FDA Suggests Lackluster Voluntary Limits on Antibiotics in Animal Feed

Recently we got super excited because it finally seemed like the FDA might be doing something to curb massive antibiotic use in food. Of course it took a judge to kick the FDA into action, but we’ll take what we can get. Judge Theodore H. Katz of the Southern District of New York, acting on a lawsuit brought against the FDA by NRDC and partners, had ordered the FDA to initiate proceedings to withdraw approval for antibiotic use in animal feed, unless drug manufacturers prove in a hearing that said antibiotic use is safe for humans. However, judge order or not, the FDA managed to screw it up. Instead of setting any rules about antibiotics in livestock, the FDA issued a “Framework for the voluntary adoption of practices to ensure the appropriate or judicious use of medically important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals.” Basically the FDA has nicely suggested (pdf) that the food industry consider not using antibiotics so frequently in livestock, unless of course, they still want to.

4 Top Brands of Jarred Baby Food Have Extremely Low Nutrient Content

Jars of Baby Food – Image from Shutterstock

In recent years we’ve seen that jarred baby food isn’t always the most healthy choice. Some baby food has acid added to it, while others may contain GMOs and pesticides and if there’s rice in the mix, arsenic. Still, if you need another reason to skip jarred baby food add low nutrients to the list. New research from the University of Greenwich School of Science has found that many ready-made baby foods contain extremely low micro-nutrients and less than a fifth of the recommended daily supply of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and other minerals. Thus far, the research is small, with few baby foods tested, but overall the results aren’t great. The researchers tested sample jars of baby food made by four popular brands (though the researchers didn’t name which ones) and investigated the micro-nutrient content, using an instrument called an Inductivity Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer, which can analyze elements found in food. Samples included meat and veggie baby food varieties, as well as one with pasta. What the researchers concluded, after testing the baby food was that a baby given one meat jar and one vegetable jar on top of 600ml of formula would not be getting enough calcium, magnesium, copper and selenium. In the research report, the university’s food science and nutrition specialist, Dr. Nazanin Zand, noted that clearly, jarred complementary baby foods, even when added to the daily milk supply, failed to meet the recommended daily nutritional needs of babies.

Regularly Scheduled Dental X-rays Linked to Brain Tumors

Dental Exam – Image from Shutterstock

A new study in the US journal Cancer showed that people who report having a yearly bitewing exam, otherwise known as a typical dental X-ray are 1.4 times to 1.9 times as likely as a other people to develop a meningioma brain tumor. This isn’t the first time that ionizing radiation has been identified as a potentially modifiable risk factor for …

Why You Shouldn’t Swap Spit with Your Baby by Pre-Chewing His Food Like Alicia Silverstone

So, in case you missed it, there’s a video posted by Alicia Silverstone sweeping the YouTube scene right now. The video shows her feeding her baby, Bear, from her own mouth, much like a mama bird. With 1,532,937 views and counting, there’s no doubt that the video is popular, and in fact, most viewers at her own website, The Kind Life, were supportive and thought this was pretty darn cute, leaving comments like, “Alicia, I had never thought of this before but it’s the cutest way of feeding your baby! I have a 7 month old and I think I will try this method…she is always trying to lick my mouth anyways might as well give her a reward!” Some readers at Silverstone’s blog even commented that this was a “green” practice. But not everyone is on board with mama-to-baby food swapping, for example one YouTube viewer posts, “That is so gross I will never watch another movie with her in it.” Other viewers don’t like that she’s made vegans look odd, as one viewer writes, “Thanks a lot Alicia, for furthering the stereotype of vegan parents as being sick weirdos.” Silverstone, a vegan advocate, is helping to promote the vegan movement with her book and blog, but when it comes to oral hygiene, she may have missed the mark, because feeding your baby from your own mouth is a risky habit.

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Breaking News: FDA Rejects NRDC Petition to Ban BPA in Food Packaging

In a 100% unsurprising move, the FDA has decided to reject NRDC’s request for immediate regulatory action regarding bisphenol-A (BPA) in food packaging. We’ve been waiting to hear about the FDA’s decision since December, and now it’s official, the FDA is going to allow food manufacturers to keep on packaging food in materials containing BPA. In case you missed the back story, in October 2008, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) submitted a citizen petition to the FDA regarding BPA asking that the Commissioner of Food and Drugs issue a regulation prohibiting the use of BPA in human food and packaging, and to revoke regulations permitting the use of BPA as an additive in food products and packaging. Today, probably to the delight of the chemical industry, the FDA denied this request in accordance with 21 CFR 10.30(e)(3). Keep reading to see the FDA’s official response.

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Most SIDS Deaths Involve Multiple Risk Factors According to New Research

The Back to Sleep (BTS) campaign, which kicked off in 1994, was wildly successful for the first ten years, reducing SIDS deaths by 50%. Then, rates of decline slowed and SIDS deaths have remained stable for some time. Many wonder why. If BTS is so successful, how come SIDS deaths are still the leading cause of postneonatal infant mortality in the United States and why haven’t these deaths declined more? Researchers conducted a new study in an attempt to figure this puzzle out by examining both intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for SIDS. The researchers define an intrinsic risk factor for SIDS as a genetic or environmental factor – race, gender, prematurity or prenatal drug use for example – while extrinsic risks include physical stressors that may increase the risk of SIDS, such as co-sleeping, tummy sleeping, soft bedding, respiratory infections and smoking while co-sleeping. During the course of the study, researchers discovered that 99% of infants who died from SIDS had at least one intrinsic or extrinsic risk factor, 75% had at least one of each and a majority (57%) had at least two extrinsic risks and one intrinsic risk factor.

Canada Ready to Declare Antibacterial Soap Chemical Triclosan Toxic to the Environment

Canada’s federal government is getting ready to declare triclosan as toxic to the environment. The government’s draft risk assessment, set to be published on Friday, notes that triclosan is toxic to the environment, but also states that there’s not enough evidence to say it’s hazardous to human health. Still, this is good news. Once a chemical receives a toxic designation under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, a process is triggered that attempts to halt the use of the chemical and may result in a ban of the chemical in a range of personal-care products. This decision comes after much work from various Canadian organizations. In 2010 The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) wrote a letter (pdf) to the Health Minister outlining their concerns regarding household antibacterial products, including triclosan, due to the risk of increased bacterial resistance. CMA also asked the Health Minister to emphasize that soap and alcohol-based solutions are as effective in preventing household infection. At the same time, Environment Canada has been studying the impact of triclosan on the environment and the Canadian government has been reviewing the safety of triclosan under the government’s Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).

Can Your Baby Have Easter Eggs? Plus Other Egg Safety Tips

With Easter coming up quickly on April 8th, you may be wondering if it’s safe for your little one to have Easter eggs. Eggs are a healthy, protein-rich food and they’re generally thought to be safe for older babies to eat. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service notes that you should wait to introduce egg whites or whole eggs until your baby is older than one-year, as early introductions to eggs may cause food allergies. The USDA goes on to say that egg yolk may be introduced to infants at or after 8 months of age. Because eggs are such a common food allergy, if you give your tot an Easter egg to eat, you should watch carefully for signs of allergic reactions. Allergic reactions to eggs may include hives, eczema, flushing, swelling, belly pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, itching around the mouth, runny nose, wheezing, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure. Of course, if your little one has signs of a severe allergic reaction call 911 right away. For less serious allergic reactions, call your pediatrician for advice. If your tot does have an allergic reaction, don’t give him any more eggs until after speaking with your pediatrician. No worries, your little one can still join in the Easter fun with his own chew-friendly wooden Easter egg. Keep reading for more Easter egg safety tips for babies and bigger kids.

Take Action to Stop Disgusting Pink Slime Beef

As we recently pointed out, kids are still being forced to munch down yummy pink slime meat in their school lunches. However, as we also pointed out, this isn’t a new issue. Pink slime has been in our kids food for years, but no one, not the government nor parents, have taken any action steps to stop this. Isn’t it time we demanded better for our kids? Jamie Oliver was one of the first celebrities to bring the pink slime issue to light, in his awesome series Food Revolution. Now, in a more substantial effort to educate and activate people across the country as well as halt the use of gross pink slime meat, Jamie and his team have built a website dedicated to stopping pink slime use cold.

New Research Finds That Cheap Metal Jewelry Contains High Levels of Toxic Chemicals

HealthyStuff.org just released a shocking study based on low-cost jewelry for children and adults, and the results are pretty scary. Of the 99 low-cost jewelry products tested, over half (58) had high levels of concern with one or more hazardous chemicals detected. The chemicals tested were lead, cadmium, arsenic, chlorine, PVC, bromine, chromium, nickel and mercury – toxins which have been linked to cancer, liver toxicity, impaired learning, birth defects, allergies, delayed conception, and more. The study is another reminder of why we (especially children, pregnant women and those trying to conceive) need to avoid cheap jewelry at all costs. Keep reading to learn more about the products tested.

9 Better Ways to Fight Colds with Natural Cough Syrups and DIY Solutions

A healthy child can have an average of eight colds per year. Even though most over-the-counter cold and cough medicines don't help heal a child's body any faster, many parents go to them for symptom relief. Many OTC's mask new symptoms and common side effects may even cause new symptoms. OTC drugs can be very harmful for your child, especially if you use more than one because many cough and cold meds contain the same or very similar active ingredients, so it's easy to overdose. Some active ingredients have horrible side effects, especially dextromethorphan, otherwise known as DM or DXM. DM's side effects include SIDs, body rashes, hallucinations, vomiting, fever, gastrointestinal issues, and numerous other symptoms. Plus, since cough and cold medicines are liquid, preservatives are needed to keep mold and bacteria from growing. Unfortunately, the most common preservatives are in fact parabens which have been banned in other countries. Another concern with OTC cough and cold medicines are synthetic dyes and excess sugars, which may lead to hyperactivity. This can make a sick child feel like he is better, but leave him feeling over exhausted. Luckily there are several all natural, homeopathic, and DIY cough and cold solutions to help your kiddo feel a little bit better.