Children are not little adults (though they do know the score). That is why we have pediatricians like Dr. Craig Canapari and sites like kidshealth.org.
Good parenting affects lifelong health of progeny.
Be a good example for your kids – their life may depend on it – at least their quality of life.
This, and the right information, may be the only way to influence adolescents.
The surest way to corrupt a youth is to tell them to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently. – Friedrich Nietzsche
abuse and neglect causes cancer, stroke, anxiety disorder, social difficulties, behavior problems, poverty, psychosis (especially with sex abuse), obesity, and heart disease, and becomes a cycle
The effects of poverty show up as early as five.
Toxoplasma gondii (from cats) causes maternal violence
Child abuse is akin to bullying (see below),
air freshener caution and gas cooking → asthma
air pollution kills lots of kids. Wild fire smoke is particularly harmful to kids’ respiratory health.
early alcohol consumption, and smoking, can damage and stiffen teen’s arteries
early antibiotic use causes gut flora disruption and adult diseases
question doctor’s antibiotic recommendation
antibiotic advice – probiotics might help
asthma information (see also asthma elsewhere in this blog)
fast food begets childhood asthma, more, get them to bed on time
antioxidant foods (a plant-based diet) (and spices) may prevent asthma development
acetaminophen (Tylenol) may trigger asthma
own a dog
vitamin B1 (thiamine) for motor function and balance
a sad story about a metal BBQ bristle stuck in a boy’s throat
beware of bribes
on self-regulation – a consistent routine helps
on oppositional defiant disorder
offer of rewards beats threats of punishment
Make sure the child knows why the other person feels bad before forcing an apology.
blueberries for a short-term cognitive boost, vs. juvenile arthritis
beta-cryptozanthin – from citrus and persimmons, for growth
maternal gut biome can increase offspring immunity – see the gut biome stuff in the longevity post
bisphenol A damages childrens teeth, and causes early puberty → future obesity
see Cancer Causative Stuff section for more information
do future generations a favor and avoid this stuff
BPA-free plastics may not be much better.
It can be hard to avoid significant BPA exposure.
window blind cords are a hazard for toddlers
body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) can, and should, be treated
good nutrition now to avoid hypertension later
A quality breakfast: There is not much of a connection between the positive claims and the nutritional content of the breakfast cereals. In fact, the actual correlation was almost zero. Here is how to choose a healthy breakfast cereal.
breastfeed!, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more
Despite dubious marketing claims, expert recommendations are that toddler milks are not necessary for toddlers and that breastmilk is superior to infant formula for infants up to 12 months.
Breast feed for six months minimum. Avoid sugary beverages while breast feeding – it can affect the child’s cognitive development.
supports cognitive development:
Works via oligosaccharide 2’FL.
Supported by a population-based birth cohort in the city of Sabadell (Catalonia, Spain).
Supported by a study of 391 healthy infants.
Supported by a study of 1312 Project Viva mothers and children.
Supported by a study of 846 first born singletons.
Breast feeding supports higher IQ.
Breast feeding is especially important for pre-term infants.
Breast feeding supplies Bifidobacterium longum.
anti-asthma, or maybe not
anti-celiac disease
better oral health
may help prevent type 1 diabetes
may help prevent type 2 diabetes in mom and kid
better infant gut biome, more, more
better emotion perception
less chance of conduct disorder
anti-heart disease, even for mom.
lets the baby benefit from mom’s immune system
less inflammation into adulthood
longer telomeres
taylor-made according to the baby’s gender
avoid bone loss during lactation: get adequate calcium – but not from milk
resistance to candida and celiac via beneficial gut bacteria
improved gut biota
fenugreek tea may help
bromelain vs. breast enlargement
may help prevent multiple sclerosis in mom
might prevent some cases of autism by establishing gut microbial diversity
see the longevity post for gut microbial diversity information
the best baby formula vs. cows milk (see below) or plant milks
Long-chain Ω-3 fats in formula do not substitute for breast milk.
lower risk of arsenic, lead, and mercury toxicity
especially important for preterm babies
dietary fructose may be excreted in breast milk – maybe not a good thing
sucralose (Splenda) is excreted in breast milk – maybe not a good thing
Maternal obesity lowers breast milk fatty acid quality.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, eating 8 to 12 ounces per week of fish and other seafood may improve your baby’s health. However, it is important to choose fish that are higher in EPA and DHA and lower in mercury. Examples are salmon, herring, sardines, and trout.
beware of online-purchased human breast milk
being bullied can be deadly and can cause chronic disease and psychiatric disorders
The anxiety and depression from being bullied may decline over time.
exercise may help
caffeinated and artificially sweetened drinks → early puberty → future obesity
early cannabis use may cause later sleep disturbances
and may be a risk for both cardio-respiratory disease and testicular cancer
it is, or is not, associated with both psychiatric illness and negative social outcomes
cannabis (marijuana) is not a gateway drug like tobacco and alcohol
but if it is started too early, may be a prelude to other drug problems
such as tobacco use
cannabis versus children’s epileptic seizures
breakfast cereals can be too fortified
telling kids they are special may foster narcissism
chamomile vs. colic
chlorinated swimming pools → abnormally low testosterone
Light therapy to strengthen the circadian oscillation can help teens sleep more.
Cuddle infants: it affects epigenetic expression. Babies know when you imitate them, and like it. Be like a hyena.
e-cigarette use → old fashioned cigarettes later
Juul e-cigarettes have addiction potential
on circumcision, more, more, more, more, vs. urinary tract infections, vs. AIDs
circumcision does not appear to reduce sexual pleasure
circumcision reduces the risk of AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases which can cause cancer
Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 vs infant colic
co-sleeping is not safe, a rebuttal?
coconut oil massage for infants delivers nutrients through skin, and, rarely, epilepsy
cold showers for better immunity
constipation in babies
teach your child to cook, cook with your kid
coughing not eased by antibiotics, but by honey and bromelain
Honey beats dextromethorphan, then there is honey + coffee.
Cough and cold meds (usually) don’t work for children.
cow’s milk → future obesity, SIDS, constipation, and, rarely, epilepsy
also milk consumption is strongly linked to type 1 diabetes:
see the Avoiding Diabetes blog post
The hormones in milk are worrisome: early menarche?
avoid cramming for tests: Learning by Thinking: How Reflection Aids Performance
or just nap before the exam, or practise testing, or tell a friend what you learned
exposure to culture → stay in school
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) vs. cannabis and alcohol addiction
wheat bran and probiotics (or not)vs. childhood diarrhea
vitamin D vs colds and influenza in the severely deficient, and versus critical illness
to prevent myopia
vitamin D and pathogens vs. type 1 diabetes (more, more, more)
especially when given in infancy
see also in this blog about cow’s milk being causative of type 1 diabetes
vitamin D vs. type 2 diabetes
dairy → crib death, infant apnea, constipation, and gonadotropin suppression
cow’s milk → constipation and later prostate cancer
→ depleted iron → cognitive impairment
any animal foods → premature sexual maturation
→ a risk factor for a number of diseases in adulthood and reduced life expectancy
maternal dairy-free diet vs. infant colic
dance/bounce with your baby – it’s part of affection
deception and other social awareness start early – expect it
it can be a sign of good memory
encourage good dental hygiene to avoid dental anesthetic
deception and other social awareness start early – expect it
straitening teeth is of little value beyond cosmetic
Cloth diapers are better, and not much extra work.
Let them play in the dirt and mud, and play with a dog to establish intestinal microbiota, or in the mud which also benefits by reducing invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells.
Dogs and dirt support a robust immune system and lower inflammation.
Having a dog or cat will lower a child’s risk of asthma, and it need not be hypoallergenic.
New parents shouldn’t be afraid of a little dirt — or fur: a dog might be a baby’s best friend when it comes to avoiding respiratory disorders.
Here is a dissenting opinion.
One caution: pit bulls and mixed breed dogs are most likely to bite children.
disaster preparedness
disruptive behavior does not appear to be contagious among siblings
A child’s dreams are to be encouraged, no matter how impractical. When a child shows you something you have to act amazed. Even if it is the most mundane thing in the world, you must show excitement.
drug testing does more harm than good
drugs for relief of cold symptoms are not proven for young children
household dust is hazardous
ADHD drug abuse can start early
early childhood programs prevent chronic diseases
eggs, while not recommended for adults (see the Cancer Causative post), may help kids who have stunted growth
electronic devices in the bedroom versus sleep
too much screen time and a poor diet may cause poor sleep
chronic late bedtimes have future health implications
the common teen habit of sleeping in on the weekends is bad news
exercise may help with sleep
Cultivating emotional maturity.
It may be best not to hide negative emotions from them.
Tea Time is a requirement. I do not care how manly you are. You will sit down in a chair that’s WAY too small and will enjoy some fake tea.
support from family and friends vs. depression
depression + video games → suicide
energy drinks can cause more adverse effects that plain old coffee
exercise: only 3% get enough. It is a vital sign for overall health. Start at age 3. At age 7 kids get sedentary.
to be slim
to avoid cancer
to avoid type 2 diabetes which is skyrocketing among kids
for future bone health
for future immunity to disease
to promote a healthy adult lifestyle
for better, longer sleep
exercise can reverse the effects of paternal obesity and fast-food diet
resistance training for kids
but maybe not too much on artificial turf
fitbit caution
inflammation in children should be minimized due to some worrisome concerns
This study of 229 of pubertal obese children from Mexico City showed that magnesium-deficient diets are determinants of inflammation, while high intake of refined carbohydrates is a risk factor for insulin resistance, independently of central adiposity.
check out the two posts here on inflammation
internet use → mental health caution for adolescents
simply limiting screen time is not the answer
but it may promote well-being, and reduce suicide risk
fathers are important for happiness and avoiding teen pregnancy
stressed fathers negatively affect children’s development
see the stress post
toddler feeding advice
dietary (not supplemental) fiber for less breast cancer risk later on
soluble fiber for better calcium absorption
fire retardant exposure → more anger
fish, dairy, and meat → endocrine disrupting carcinogenic pollutants and estrogens
contaminated fish oil supplements
also affect developing sex organs
Fish oil (toxin caution) for:
less chance of autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes
less chance of nerve problems like demyelination
better eyesight
better sleep
just a bit of fluoride toothpaste – fluoride is not bad
a fluoride mouthrinse (available commercially) may work better at preventing cavities
Too much food in infancy → obesity and diabetes later.
forest bathing while exercising → lower blood pressure
kids need nature, especially girls
no fruit juice for the first year (or ever, ideally)
gardening → psychological well being
hearing damage can start early, due to “risky listening habits”
heart disease can start early, more
a heart–healthy lifestyle should begin in childhood
saturated fat caution
sugar/fructose is a culprit, and children are vulnerable
sets the stage for impaired cognition later in life
herbs for colic?
animal protein causes early puberty – which is bad news → future obesity
glyphosate (Roundup herbicide) found in breast milk!
glyphosate and adjuvants are endocrine disruptors
Grudges come naturally to kids – gratitude must be taught.
gummy prenatal vitamins are deficient
hormone disrupting chemicals vs. later generations
phthalates in household dust is an example
no access to guns to prevent tragedy
brightly colored laundry pods are a hazard to young children
high IGF-1 → cancer
the HPV vaccine prevents cancer – see the cancer causative post
infant formula iron caution
lavender aromatherapy vs. cholic
early lead exposure affects gene expression into adulthood
head lice may yeild to a coconut and anise spray – it might be better than permethrin
light at night (like mobile phones) → increased risk of cancer
being told to act like a man is toxic – boys are just as delicate as girls, even more so
but avoid over-parenting, more, more
some (explained) restrictions are helpful to create a wise consumer
how to grow up – look forward to it!
maternal meat consumption during breast feeding → type 1 diabetes in offspring
meat bacteria exposure via shopping carts
A midday nap, even at 10-12, is beneficial.
ineffective at preventing febrile seizures
nutrition information
start feeding nuts early to avoid nut allergies
time spent outdoors in bright light versus myopia
recess (time spent outdoors) is important to prevent nearsightedness
from non-stick cookware, microwave popcorn bags
pesticides disproportionately affect children – especially rugrats
pets for social skills and emotional well-being
A plant-based diet to avoid early puberty and breast cancer and type 2 diabetes.
A plant-based diet minimizes exposure to environmental toxins.
Set a good example of healthy diet: kids can be a nutrition detective.
When a plant-based diet is combined with fried food, sweets, refined grains, red meat and processed meat, benefits are diminished.
Poor diet → obesity → liver disease in children as young as 8.
→ adolescent drinking,
interactive play is important
playground equipment is frequently filthy
probiotics (or not) versus eczema and atopic sensitization (becoming hyperallergic)
Prebiotics may help prevent infectious diseases.
processed food (fast food, or anything in a can or package) may contain BPP
protein is important during bone growth
potty training Vietnamese style
Expect behavior problems at puberty.
kid’s safety, but don’t overdo it, such as in helicopter or snowplow parenting, more
A helpful site on preparing out kids for the future.
Police and schools don’t mix.
the Santa myth may not be entirely benign
toddlers as young as 2-1/2 can when others hold false beliefs
School lunches are, um, less than ideal. Brown bag it?
Excessive screen time + snacking → diabetes.
Excessive screen time → impulsive behavior.
self esteem, including not believing one is ugly, is incredibly important
sensory-based learning is the most effective
adolescents should be warned about the oral sex – cancer connection
teens should be warned about the sexting-violence connection
help for sextortion
LGBQ youth are especially vulnerable to suicide
a suicide prevention hotline
children without siblings displayed NO differences in terms of IQ, BUT HIGHER levels of flexibility—one measure of creativity—and LOWER levels of agreeableness
sing to baby or hold him this way to keep him calm
about infant sleep, and childhood sleep
sleeping on belly, loose bedding, swaddling, other factors → SIDS
obesity → poor sleep
good childhood sleep habits → healthier teen years
sleep vs. childhood type 2 diabetes, impulsivity, and risk taking
such sleep patterns in adolescents may be delayed sleep phase disorder
circadian clock information is in the longevity post
cell phone use at night caution
teen sleep improves with better parent bonding, less risky behavior
encourage social activity
fermented foods may help
less sugar overall, according to the American Heart Association
sugar withdrawal, not sugar, results in hyperactivity, maybe even substance abuse
The baby food industry is culpable.
solid foods too early → asthma
see the asthma post
a standing or stand-biased desk improves attention and fights obesity
sugary soda → asthma
soy formula and food excess may cause future infertility and hormonal imbalance
but some soy in adolescence may prevent breast cancer later
do not smoke tobacco around kids (see long-term cognition for help on quitting)
tobacco smoke → SIDS
Smoking around a toddler is bad news: Set a good example.
It may predispose them to COPD in adult life.
Youthful smoking → substance abuse via epigenetics.
secondhand smoke
→ serious respiratory infections
→ aggressive behavior
→ bladder problems
→ asthma short-term and into teenage years
Infants and toddlers are especially at risk from second and third-hand smoke.
Even third-hand smoke is hazardous, and lingers for a long time.
Vaping tobacco compounds is not much better, will not deter smoking.
do not spank! more, more: may impair social development, cause antisocial behavior.
The American Academy of Pediatrics in on-board with this.
Physical punishment such as spanking is harmful to children’s development and well-being. Parents hit their children because they think doing so will improve their behavior. There is clear and compelling evidence that physical punishment does not improve children’s behavior and instead makes it worse.
Marijuana or alcohol use may make discipline quicker/more likely.
Just 10 days of sugar restriction will improve kid’s metabolic health.
sun exposure is a bigger threat to children than to adults
stress in kids has long-term impact → digestive problems, and deviant behavior
social media can be a potent stressor
public swimming pool caution
on tantrums
running a temperature does not mean kids should be kept from school
live theater → literary knowledge, tolerance, and empathy
thumb sucking → less allergies
tick bites may be the cause of chronic urticaria/hives
tonsils are important
do vaccinate!, more, more, more, more, more, more, more, more
Vaccines are a way of training the immune system for a big fight, so that when it comes up against the same opponent in the future, it knows exactly how to defeat it. The anti-vaccine movement is based on suspicion of authority, beginning with medical authority. It’s no small irony the movement is based on fraudulent data, published by the now disgraced Andrew Wakefield, an English gastroenterologist, claiming that all subsequent reports, which show no connection between vaccinations and autism, are cover-ups. The anti-vaccine movement imitates science. In the end they offer nothing but suspicion. That’s paranoia, not science. Vaccines are a risk/benefit tradeoff where the benefit far outweighs the risk. The association between neurological disorders and vaccinations is an urban myth.
Have a look at the dreadful diseases prevented by vaccines.
Immunization represents one of the greatest public health achievements.
Vaccines prevent antimicrobial resistance.
Vaccines are not an autism risk or an allergy risk
Vaccines are not even risky for those who are genetically at risk for autism.
Vaccines do not cause autism when administered during pregnancy.
Vaccines contain only a tiny amount of mercury in the form of ethyl mercury that the body flushes out easily. Mercury was removed from most vaccines in 2001. Also, the aluminum adjuvant should also not be cause for concern.
Vaccines were proven by an Australian study of one million children
Vaccines were proven by a meta analysis of 1.26 million children
Shown by a cohort of 657,461 children born in 1999–2010.
Autism Speaks is on board: no vaccine-autism link
WHO is on board: no vaccine-autism link.
Vaccine hesitancy is one of the top ten global health threats.
The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies: no vaccine-autism link
Pediatrics journal: no vaccine-autism link
The efficacy of vaccinees was shown by a study on 79 monkeys
Kids who get all of their shots on time are not at risk for autism.
Vaccination rarely causes febrile seizures, which are not serious, and are not epilepsy.
Vaccines work, even prenatally! Consider vaccination to be a social contract.
Vaccines prevent deaths and medical impoverishment.
Here are vaccination photos.
The entire vaccine schedule is evidence-based. Includes the HPV vaccine.
cannabis may treat any HPV vaccine side effects
The CDC has excellent vaccine information here.
This site suggests that the original studies vindicating vaccines were tainted. Studies since then, though, have shown that vaccines are safe, side-effects are rare.
Think for yourself, and don’t delay! Don’t risk your kid’s future!
Russian trolls and bots have spread misinformation about this.
Vaccination is less risky than measles.
Measles can weaken the immune system for the following three years.
Chicken pox vaccination reduces the chance of later shingles.
Anti-vaccine points refuted a thousand times
The greatest story never told. Busting vaccine myths.
Don’t let conspiratorial ideation threaten your kid’s health
Avoid the anti-vax echo chamber. Maybe visit the hospital to see the sick?
Kids on the spectrum are actually less likely to be vaccinated.
Count yourself lucky to have vaccine access.
Vaccination is a social contract.
Andrew Wakefield is a fraud.
Twitter bots and russian trolls amplify the vaccine debate
8 of history’s most misguided anti-vaxxers.
The fascinating history of vaccination and anti-vaccination.
How the antivaccination movement took root in America.
Why vaccine manufacturers are granted immunity from prosecution.
vacuum cleaner dust → infant botulism → SIDS
video games → behavior problems – a little is good, a lot is bad
good for children with poor vision
but unlikely to lead to violent behavior
beware of wild claims made for vision therapy
xylitol gum vs. ear infections
Food
Good nutrition takes some effort.
Have healthy snacks around the house to encourage good choices at school.
A good diet is key to kid’s health and happiness.
Food advertisements are not helpful.
blood pressure problems can start early, so limit salt early
old-fashioned glass bottles will minimize exposure to industrial toxins
limit breakfast cereal, more → sugar overdosing→ cavities: the box is more nutritious
children especially vulnerable to food-borne toxins
Eat together for better nutrition. No mush!, Here are tricks to get kids to eat healthier, even at school. Be French about food. Avoid foods marketed toward children, Family meals can boost vocabulary.
cow’s milk and whey protein messes with hormones, causes acne (more, more, more)
gluten (wheat) too soon may trigger celiac disease
a case report of glute-triggered psychosis in the absence of celiac
including oatmeal in the diet encourages healthy eating
introduce peanuts early to avoid peanut allergy
PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) for mitochondria development – see the energy post
raisins versus junk food
solid food too soon may cause allergies
but if the baby reaches for solid food, it is probably safe
choice in veggies is best, cut into small pieces
a vegan diet vs. asthma, cancer, and learning disabilities, but get adequate B12 and calcium
but get adequate iron, fat, B12, calcium and zinc
fruits and veggies → muscles!
children are disproportionately affected by toxins in food
why kids resist veggies (ways to overcome this) why this is important
