Bisphenol A otherwise known as BPA is a chemical that has been linked to the potential development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and ADHD. There are certain precautions that can be taken to protect children from the potential hazards of BPA. Avoid microwaving polycarbonate plastic food containers. Over time they may break down at high temperatures and release the chemical into your child’s food. The containers with bisphenol A usually have a #7 on the bottom. Always use baby bottles that are BPA free. Also use glass or ceramic containers for hot foods and liquids whenever possible.
Concussions: Cognitive Rest
If a student has recently received a concussion, it is important to practice “cognitive rest”. This is avoiding mentally taxing activities. It is also critical to take a break from sports and other activities that could lead to another concussion.
Concussions: Treatment
For many kids with a concussion, the only treatment needed is rest. A concussion disrupts the normally slow traffic of salts in and out of brain cells. During the injury, salts pour into cells, and it takes the body time to restore the balance back to normal.
Concussions
Kids can get a concussion in all kinds of sports including soccer, lacrosse, football and cheerleading. They can also happen in recreational activities such as bicycle riding and sailing. A concussion can be a serious medical condition so all safety precautions should be taken when performing these activities.
Cold and Flu Prevention: Remote Controls
To prevent colds and flu, clean all remote controls often. They end up containing as much bacteria as a toilet flush handle.
Teens and Drugs
Teens are up to 50% less likely to use drugs if they learn about the risks of drug use from their parents.
Importance of Recess: Exercise and Test Scores
Children that have 20 minutes per day of unstructured exercise (recess) show improved test scores. Don’t let your school cut out recess periods. Recess is more important than one might think think.
Possible Cause of ADHD: Bisphenol-A
Kids toys and bottles containing bisphenol-A may be linked to health problems. According to some studies, bisphenol-A exposure even at low doses may be connected with ADHD, brain damage, altered immune system, obesity, breast cancer and prostate cancer. Bisphenol-A in children’s items is enough of a concern that legislation has been filed in Massachusetts to ban the manufacture or sale childcare articles with this chemical.
Scoliosis
Have your children checked yearly for scoliosis. If caught young, it can be very treatable. If caught too late, it can be devastating.
Eyes and Focus
Kids eyes should be checked yearly. Eye problems like nearsightedness can cause headaches, lack of comprehension, fatigue and loss of focus.