tag:www.naturalawakenings.com,2005:/categories/healthy-kids?page=7Healthy Kids Healthy Kids | Natural Awakenings Magazine Page 7Healthy Living Healthy Planet2020-08-31T07:27:05-04:00urn:uuid:309fe410-115b-4975-be57-c88b9fc29df32019-08-16T00:06:15-04:002020-08-31T07:27:05-04:00Loving Nature: Outdoor Adventures for Kids2019-03-29 12:12:44 -0400Ronica A. O’Hara<p><span class="dropcap">G</span>etting kids off the couch and into the great outdoors can be a challenge when they tend to be better acquainted with the popular Angry Birds video game characters than with the real warbling ones. Unfortunately, studies show that digital devices, parental work overload and media-stoked fears of the outside world are currently making our kids nature-deprived.</p>
<p>Yet, they have an instinctive love of the outdoors, experts agree. “When given free access to nature, children’s play follows the same patterns all around the world,” says prominent environmental educator David Sobel, author of <em>Wild Play: Parenting Adventures in the Great Outdoors</em>. “All kids like creating special places, going on adventures, befriending animals, following maps and paths, and so on.”</p>
<p>The more we encourage them, the more likely they’ll discover the thrills of the natural world—and numerous studies show that they’ll then be calmer and less stressed, better able to concentrate and less likely to be obese. Kids also are more “responsive and connected” when they are talking outdoors with adults than talking indoors, according to a recent study published in the <em>Journal of Environmental Psychology</em>.</p>
<p>Here are some simple ideas to get started:</p>
<p><strong>Build fairy houses.</strong> In a park, forest or backyard, ask the child to find a quiet spot, like the base of a tree or under a bush, and build a tiny house using only their imagination and natural materials such as sticks, bark, grass, pebbles, feathers and pinecones. “The fun is ageless and connects you to nature in magical and memorable ways,” says Tracy Kane of Maine, whose website, <a href="https://www.fairyhouses.com/">FairyHouses.com</a>, offers ideas and books.</p>
<p><strong>Befriend a bug.</strong> Help them look for bugs and crawling things in the dirt and on leaves, then ask them to draw them. Back home or at the library, kids can search in guidebooks or online to learn the critters’ names and traits.</p>
<p class="pullquote">All kids like creating specialplaces, going on adventures, befriending animals, following maps and paths, and so on.<br>
~David Sobel</p>
<p><strong>Engage in real-life tweets.</strong> Show them how to listen carefully for bird songs and count how many different ones they hear. See if they can imitate the tweets or find words that describe them. Check out a <a href="https://www.audubon.org/news/a-beginners-guide-common-bird-sounds-and-what-they-mean">bird-song beginner’s guide</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Create mud art.</strong> “Make a batch of mud and use it to create sculptures, paint a masterpiece or just use it to jump in and get messy with,” suggests MaryEllen Mateleska, director of education and conservation at the Mystic Aquarium, in Connecticut.</p>
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<img alt="Dmitry Naumov/Shutterstock.com" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/574013/native-plant-resources.jpg"><div class="small">Dmitry Naumov/Shutterstock.com</div>
</div><strong>Make dolls and critters.</strong> Kids can use hibiscus or hollyhock flowers and toothpicks to make dolls with flowing skirts. Or they can collect leaves of different shapes and sizes and glue them together to create leafy creatures. “You can take it an extra step by inventing a story and creating a one-of-a-kind storybook,” says Mateleska.
<p><strong>Grow a garden.</strong> Using a kid-sized plot of land—it can even be a big pot of dirt—give them a trowel, a watering can and easy-to-grow seeds such as radishes and carrots. Not only will they get exercise, a Texas A&M University study shows gardening makes kids more likely to choose veggies for snacks.</p>
<p><strong>Invent a cozy hideaway.</strong> Under the limbs of a big tree, old blankets and pillows can be used by a child to build a “secret” hiding place, stocked with lemonade, apples and fun books.</p>
<p><strong>Incorporate digital delights.</strong> Rather than competing with digital devices, integrate them into the nature experience. “A phone app like iNaturalist lets kids take a picture and will identify the creature or plant for them,” says science teacher Jemma Smith, of The Education Hotel, a UK-based tutoring service. “Or have them take three artistic pictures of nature.”</p>
<p class="pullquote">
<strong>EVEN MORE IDEAS</strong><br>
• <em>Maker Lab Outdoors: 25 Super Cool Projects</em>, by Jack Challoner<br>
• <em>Nature in a Nutshell for Kids: Over 100 Activities You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less</em>, by Jean Potter<br>
• <em>Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder</em>, by Richard Louv<br>
• <a href="https://www.lifewire.com/geocaching-with-kids-1683671">Introduce Kids to the Geocaching Adventure Game</a>
</p>
<p><strong>Try geocaching.</strong> This game for older kids requires them to use their phones as a GPS to find tiny treasure boxes that have already been hidden all over the countryside. “Most boxes have small trinkets to swap and a tiny book to sign their name,” says Smith.</p>
<p><strong>Time It.</strong> Simply set the timer for an hour, open the door into the back yard and let the kids “go at it,” as does writer Attiyya Atkins, a mother of four in Pompano Beach, Florida. “Mostly it’s self-play, but I come out sometimes and teach them about nature, or we do art projects with leaves, rocks or dirt. It’s always naturally fun, and they’re pretty tired afterwards!”</p>
<p><br>
<em>Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based natural health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.</em></p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the April 2019 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:fbac5d78-1497-4012-b35b-22835e1104ad2019-08-16T00:06:18-04:002019-08-16T00:06:18-04:00Household Cleaning Products Affect Babies’ Guts and Weight: Disinfectants Linked to Health Concerns2019-03-29 11:54:40 -0400Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>he heavy use of household cleaning disinfectants may contribute to changes in infant gut bacteria and weight gain, reports a new study in the <em>Canadian Medical Association Journal</em>. University of Alberta researchers collected fecal samples and studied the gut health of 757 babies between the ages of 3 and 4 months; then restudied the children at 1 and 3 years old. They found that children in households that used disinfectants at least once a week had higher body mass index (BMI) scores and elevated levels of Lachnospiraceae, gut microbes linked in other studies to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders. Babies in households that used vinegar or other eco-friendly cleaners had lower BMI scores and much lower levels of a family of bacteria that includes <em>E. coli</em>.</p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the April 2019 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:942c77cd-9cd7-41cc-9483-1bfcb6734cfd2019-08-16T01:03:27-04:002021-03-11T16:50:34-05:00Air Care for Kids: Keeping the Homefront Allergy-Free2019-03-04 14:42:52 -0500Avery Mack<p>An allergy is a dramatic overreaction of the immune system to environmental agents that are harmless to most people. Antibodies fight allergens with the release of histamines, and a runny nose, red eyes, sneezing, coughing, rash or hives can be the tangible result.</p>
<p>Common around age 10, allergies often fade later in life, so children are often most sensitive to their causes. Outdoors, the problem could be pollen from trees or plants. Indoors, chemicals, dust mites, mold or pet dander are common culprits. An allergist can help identify them.</p>
<p>Author of <em>Clearing the Air One Nose at a Time: Caring for Your Personal Filter</em>, pediatrician Hana Solomon, M.D., in Columbia, Missouri, focuses on a natural approach to prevent, rather than treat, symptoms. “Thirty years ago, we didn’t have specialty cleaning products,” she says. “Natural solutions work; sometimes just a cotton cloth and water are enough.”</p>
<p>Frisco, Texas-based Urban Hydration uses vegan-friendly, cruelty- and gluten-free ingredients and herbal extracts to ensure their cleaning products don’t contain parabens, synthetics, polybeads and toxic chemicals. Their home and spa collections are kept as natural as possible without requiring refrigeration. Lemon extract and coconut oil are key ingredients in their all-purpose spray, dishwashing solution and fabric refresher.</p>
<p>Microscopic dust mites live in upholstery, carpets and mattresses. They are the cleanup crew for the millions of dead skin cells humans shed daily. “If a child is allergic to dust mites, get rid of the carpet. Hang blinds on the windows. Vacuum heat vents,” Solomon says. “Use allergen-free pillows, no down or feathers, and a mattress cover. Wash it and bedding once a week. Reduce the number of toys and stuffed animals in use, wash [them] frequently and store others. Go unscented.”</p>
<p>Leslie Fischer, an eco-minded mom and entrepreneur in Chicago, reviews mattresses for adults and babies at <a href="http://sustainableslumber.com/reviews/">SustainableSlumber.com/reviews</a>. “Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gas from the mattress and disrupt sleep, but also trigger allergy symptoms, asthma and hives,” she says. “An organic mattress is a better choice.”</p>
<p>Natural fabrics are the best option for bed linens. Kathryn Kellogg, author of the <em>Going Zero Waste</em> blog in Vallejo, California, lists <a href="https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/sustainable-and-eco-friendly-bedding-bed-sheets-brands">17 sustainable and eco-friendly bedding brands</a>. For her own use, she chose organic cotton sheets from a family-owned business.</p>
<p>Pajamas are also important. Look for comfy organic fibers that wick moisture, are hypoallergenic and fire-resistant. Merino wool’s millions of tiny air pockets create a micro-climate to keep sleeping kids toasty in cold weather and cool in summer heat.</p>
<p>Pallet furniture is trendy, but keep in mind that chemical residue or insecticides may remain in the porous wood, as well as E. coli or listeria from food transports. A safety checklist can be found at <a href="https://diyprojects.com/know-safe-use-pallet/">DIY Projects</a>.</p>
<p>Often overlooked, indoor mold can live year-round in damp places like bathrooms. A DecoLife bath mat made of natural diatomaceous earth and resilient plant-fiber is antibacterial, non-slip and contains no colorants. It dries within three minutes to prevent mold or mildew from forming. Instead of dropping wet towels and washcloths into the hamper, hang them to dry and launder weekly.</p>
<p>Lemon juice keeps faucets sparkly clean and fresh-smelling. Vinegar cleans glass shower doors. Ditch the old shower curtain; most are made with PVC and release chemicals into the air. Install a rain showerhead to avoid water spray, and use a fast-drying hemp or organic cotton curtain.</p>
<p>Opt for natural flooring; bamboo and cork are both sturdy and sustainable, but have a large carbon footprint due to shipping distances. Linoleum, updated and colorful, is available with marbled, stone-like, flecked and woodgrain patterns. Antistatic and antibacterial, it withstands kids and pets, requiring only a mild cleanser and damp mop to stay clean.</p>
<p>Pets are often blamed when a child develops allergies. It’s actually their dander that causes the reaction. Rather than giving Sparky away, use pet-friendly wipes on fur and feet to remove dander and allergens carried in from outdoors. <a href="https://thedailyshep.com/best-natural-dog-pet-wipes-eco-friendly-hypoallergenic-biodegradable-bamboo-based/">The Daily Shep offers tips</a>.</p>
<p>Kids bring allergens into the house, too. Leave shoes outside the door, schedule an early bath and change to indoor garb for the evening. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter will help clean the air.</p>
<p><br>
<em>Connect with freelance writer Avery Mack at AveryMack@mindspring.com.</em></p>
<p><br>
<em>This article appears in the March 2019 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:bfd0bc52-3861-46fa-a3e3-8527ffa6914e2019-08-16T01:08:08-04:002019-08-16T01:08:08-04:00Screen Time Doubles Kids’ Risk of Anxiety and Depression: Impacts Mental Health in Youth2019-01-31 13:06:00 -0500Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">C</span>hildren and teens that spend more than seven hours a day on screens have twice the risk of being diagnosed with anxiety or depression compared to those that spend one hour a day similarly engaged, concluded a San Diego State University study of more than 40,000 youngsters.</p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the February 2019 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:118a2d5b-596a-471f-8829-400444e3fd422019-08-16T00:23:25-04:002019-08-16T00:23:25-04:00Soothing Anxious Kids: Natural Remedies Restore Calm2019-01-31 12:27:35 -0500Marlaina Donato<p><span class="dropcap">K</span>ids and teens have always had plenty to be stressed about, such as family finances, parental bickering, the birth of a sibling and other challenges on the home front. Then there are the age-old tensions of taking school exams and squabbles with friends and other classmates.</p>
<p>Yet with the proliferation of social media and cyber-bullying, kids face obstacles other generations did not, and chronic juvenile anxiety has become a pervasive mental health issue. However, there are a number of integrative approaches that can help heal youthful psyches. “I encourage kids and parents to focus on skills, versus pills,” says Lawrence Rosen, M.D., founder of The Whole Child Center, in Oradell, New Jersey. “There are several safe and cost-effective natural options for anxiety.”</p>
<h3>Mindful Modalities</h3>
<p>Relaxing and engaging the imagination are necessary for healthy brain development and offsetting stress. Downtime in general and specifically limiting screen time is paramount. “Electronic devices can be very overstimulating and can cause or exacerbate anxiety,” says Kristi Kiel, ND, Ph.D., of Lake Superior Natural Health, in Ashland, Wisconsin. “There should be at least a one-to-one balance of screen time and outside play.”</p>
<p>Mindful activities and creative outlets like art, music and dance in a no-pressure environment help kids get out of “fight-or-flight” mode. “Both parents and kids need to have go-to coping skills,” says Rosen. “Meditation and yoga are safe and work very well.” Kids need to feel a sense of control over their bodies, he adds, and mindful breathing techniques can make a significant difference in how they handle stress.</p>
<p>So can a regular dose of the great outdoors. Exercise helps boost serotonin levels, which decreases anxiety. Timothy DiGiacomo, Psy.D., clinical director of the Mountain Valley Treatment Center, in Plainfield, New Hampshire, emphasizes the value of getting outside. “Connection to nature, calmness and present-moment awareness are all benefits.”</p>
<h3>Sleep and Diet Triggers</h3>
<p>Before parents seek any treatment for their child’s anxiety, Kiel stresses the importance of looking at the basics. “When children don’t get enough sleep, their bodies don’t respond as well to stressful situations. School-age children need 10 to12 hours of sleep per night, and teenagers should be getting nine to 10 hours.” Sensitivity to certain foods such as gluten or dairy is also something to consider, says Kiel.</p>
<p>Rosen concurs. “Artificial dyes and sweeteners can negatively impact mood and focus. More of an issue, though, is nutritional imbalance.” Skipping breakfast or eating mostly carbs can feed anxiety, he notes. “The brain relies on sustainable fuel—a blend of lean proteins, healthy fats—and in some cases, gluten-free, whole grain carbs.”</p>
<p class="pullquote">It’s important to know that anxiety is highly treatable.<br>
~Dr. Timothy DiGiacomo</p>
<p>Eating foods high in healthy fat and protein can help minimize blood sugar fluctuations that can trigger symptoms of anxiety in kids. Probiotics and/or cultured and fermented foods can help gut health and promote equilibrium. Omega-3 fats from fish or vegetarian sources are also important additions.</p>
<h3>Helpful Supplements</h3>
<p>Supplements dosed appropriately for children and teenagers are safe and can offer huge benefits. “Magnesium is good for relaxation, especially anxiety accompanied by muscle tension. B-complex vitamins are also important because they are depleted by stress and help the body to handle stress,” says Kiel. Her herbal recommendations include skullcap, hops and milky oat as teas or glycerin-based extracts. “For teenagers, in addition to these three gentle herbs, I recommend kava kava, which can have a significant calming effect without drowsiness.”</p>
<h3>Polyvagal Theory</h3>
<p>Research by Stephen Porges, Ph.D., a professor at the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill, addresses the importance of the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain through the face and thorax to the abdomen. His polyvagal theory suggests the interconnectedness of emotions, mind and body in both children and adults.</p>
<p>This nerve affects all major organs and plays a critical role in anxiety and inflammation. Mindful breathing and using the vocal chords, especially singing, stimulates the vagus nerve and nourishes well-being. Splashing the face with cold water during times of stress also tones this nerve and reduces acute anxiety.</p>
<p>DiGiacomo emphasizes that different natural therapies offer hope even for severe cases, advising, “It’s important to know that anxiety is highly treatable.”</p>
<p><br>
<em><a href="http://MarlainaDonato.com">Marlaina Donato</a> is the author of </em>Multidimensional Aromatherapy<em>.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<h3><strong>Helpful Homeopathy</strong></h3>
<p>Homeopathic remedies are most effective and long-lasting when they are prescribed by an experienced practitioner that can find a constitutional remedy that matches the child’s symptoms. However, they can also be used effectively on a short-term basis.</p>
<p>• <strong>Aconite:</strong> for panicky feelings that seem to come out of nowhere, or for anxiety that begins after some type of trauma</p>
<p>• <strong>Arsenicum:</strong> for anxiety about health or fear of germs</p>
<p>• <strong>Gelsemium:</strong> for stage fright and both performance and anticipatory anxiety</p>
<p>• <strong>Phosphorus:</strong> for children that worry about the safety of their parents</p>
<p>• <strong>Pulsatilla:</strong> for children that have a hard time being alone and need lots of reassurance and attention</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><strong>For More Advice</strong></h3>
<p><a href="http://abct.org">Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies</a><br>
<a href="https://iocdf.org/">International OCD Foundation</a><br>
<a href="https://www.nctsn.org/">National Child Traumatic Stress Network</a></p>
<p> </p>
<h3><strong>Food for Thought</strong></h3>
<p>In 2015, <em>The New York Times</em> reported on the use of mind-altering medications for infants and toddlers. Approximately 83,000 prescriptions for Prozac were written for kids of ages 2 and younger in 2014, as well as 20,000 prescriptions for antipsychotics.<br>
</p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the February 2019 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:c8caaec7-d347-4260-b7a3-8bc27d727ed22019-08-16T01:06:33-04:002021-03-02T13:44:26-05:00Autism's Gut-Brain Axis: A Promising Approach to Healing2018-12-27 14:46:41 -0500Rachael Oppy<p>With the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the rise—now affecting one in every 59 school-age children, according to estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) —identifying effective, integrative remedies is more important than ever.</p>
<p>“You may have five kids with ASD that are very different in how they present and what contributes to the disorder, so one size and one treatment does not fit all,” says Kenneth A. Bock, M.D., of Bock Integrative Medicine, in Red Hook, New York, author of Healing the <em>New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies. The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders.</em></p>
<p>ASD encompasses a range of disorders characterized by repetitive behaviors and impaired social skills and communication. Although it includes four distinct conditions, one of its hallmarks is how much it varies from person to person and how different the restrictions can be for each child.</p>
<p>The very nature of the condition lends itself to integrative approaches that can be significantly effective, says Bock. “ASD is really a whole-body disorder that affects the brain, so a whole-body approach makes so much more sense.”</p>
<p>From specialized diet and supplement regimens to a variety of alternative therapies, parents have a wealth of complementary options from which to choose. One integrative approach, however, is showing exceptional, research-backed promise: healing the gut.</p>
<h3>The Gut-Autism Connection</h3>
<p>Children with ASD frequently experience gut issues such as constipation or diarrhea; a review from the International Society for Autism Research indicated that nearly 47 percent of autistic children exhibited at least one gastrointestinal (GI) symptom. And, the more severe a child’s GI symptoms, the more severe the autism, according to a study in <em>BMC Gastroenterology</em>.</p>
<p>Not coincidentally, research is finding that these digestive conditions and the accompanying ASD may be connected to the gut microbiome, an ecosystem of trillions of microbes living in the digestive tract.</p>
<p>“Kids with ASD may have inflammation in the brain, and we’ve learned that it can be very much related to inflammation of the gut,” explains Bock. “The gut and immune system—which are intimately connected because the majority of our immune system is in the gut—are two of the most crucial systems involved in autism spectrum disorders.”</p>
<p>Kids with ASD may have inflammation in the brain, and we’ve learned that it can be very much related to inflammation of the gut.<br>
~Kenneth A. Bock, M.D.</p>
<p>It turns out that kids with ASD have less bacterial diversity in their guts than non-autistic kids, along with an imbalance between good and bad bacteria. This dysbiosis of the gut flora leads to problems with improper immune function, inflammation and a leaky gut barrier.</p>
<p>It all comes down to the gut-brain axis, by which the gut and brain communicate with each other. When the microbiome isn’t balanced, not only is this vital communication system broken, but toxins and pro-inflammatory molecules that trigger ASD-like behaviors can cross the blood-brain barrier.</p>
<p>Experts say prioritizing gut health can relieve both GI issues and ASD symptoms.</p>
<h3>Focus on Gut Health for ASD Care</h3>
<p>For children with ASD, reinforcing the intestinal barrier and restoring balance to the microbiome can have profound health effects.</p>
<p>“With dysbiosis and an overly permeable gut, inflammatory molecules can leak into the circulatory system, travel up to the brain and cross the blood-brain barrier, causing inflammation. A lot of it originates in the gut, so when we treat the gut, we can restore microbial balance, diversity and resilience to the ecosystem—and in doing so, decrease inflammation, help restore the appropriate blood-brain barrier and bring the brain back into more of a balance,” advises Bock.</p>
<p>Before embarking on a treatment plan, Bock emphasizes the importance of working with a qualified healthcare practitioner to determine where a child fits in terms of subtypes of ASD, along with any other individual contributing factors.</p>
<p>Although autism spectrum disorder is complex, using holistic strategies that address the whole body can make all the difference. “I see thousands of kids on the spectrum, and the vast majority of them improve with an integrative approach to treatment, and more and more kids are actually recovering,” notes Bock.</p>
<p><br>
<em>Emily Courtney is a freelance health and wellness writer and editor living in northern Colorado. Connect at EmilyCourtneyWrites@gmail.com.</em></p>
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<h3><strong>FOUR WAYS TO SUPPORT GUT HEALTH</strong></h3>
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<img alt="Africa StudioShutterstockcom" src="https://cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/575154/Autism-Puzzle.png"><div class="small">Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com</div>
</strong></div><strong>Gluten- and casein-free diet.</strong> A study published in <em>Metabolic Brain Disease</em> found that excluding gluten and casein led to significant improvements in ASD scores. “A gluten-free, casein-free diet is anti-inflammatory, and can help heal a leaky gut by restoring intestinal integrity and enabling the gut barrier to heal,” says Kenneth A. Bock, M.D.<p></p>
<p><strong>Probiotics.</strong> Beneficial bacteria are integral to a balanced microbiome, but many ASD kids are lacking friendly flora. Research by Rutgers University shows that probiotics can improve GI dysfunction and reduce the severity of ASD symptoms.</p>
<p><strong>Prebiotics.</strong> To thrive, beneficial bacteria need plenty of prebiotic fiber. In a study of 30 autistic children published in <em>Microbiome</em>, six weeks of prebiotic supplementation led to reduced anti-social behavior.</p>
<p><strong>Preconception care.</strong> Research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine suggests that a mom’s microbiome may partially determine her child’s ASD risk. Because babies inherit their microbes from their mothers, it’s crucial that pregnant women have healthy gut flora to pass on. Bock recommends that expecting moms ensure adequate intake of probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin D and fish oil, both before and during pregnancy, to help decrease inflammation and promote a healthy maternal microbiome.</p><p><br></p><p><i></i><i>For more information on autism, visit <a href="https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/social-stories-for-autistic-children/" target="_blank">Social Stories for Austism</a>.</i></p>
<p><br>
<em>This article appears in the January 2019 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<br><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:204986dc-81c7-4db1-a378-b583938e1e942019-08-16T00:53:49-04:002019-08-16T00:53:49-04:00Daily Walks Make Kids Healthier: The Daily Mile Program Improves Children's Fitness2018-12-27 13:42:37 -0500Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>hanks to a program called The Daily Mile, Scottish schoolchildren have shown improvements in their fitness and body composition, researchers from the universities of Edinburgh and Sterling report. Started by a teacher in 2012, the initiative encourages children to run, jog or walk around their school grounds during a 15-minute recess from classes in addition to normal activity and physical education lessons.</p>
<p>For the study, 391 pupils between 4 and 12 years old wore accelerometers to record their activity and were checked for body fat and overall fitness. Compared to a control group, they increased their physical activity by 9.1 minutes a day, lowered sedentary time by 18.2 minutes, ran 42 yards farther and significantly lowered their body fat.</p>
<p>“[The study] suggests that The Daily Mile is a worthwhile intervention to introduce in schools, and that it should be considered for inclusion in government policy, both at home and abroad,” says study author Colin Moran, Ph.D.</p>
<p>To date, the Scottish Government has extended it to half of the country’s primary schools, plus nurseries, colleges, universities and businesses. The Daily Mile Foundation reports that 3,600 schools in 35 countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, Jamaica, the Netherlands and the U.S., have embraced the program.</p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the January 2019 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:687ee24c-440c-4bda-a93d-fe3bc53864842019-08-16T01:13:47-04:002019-08-16T01:13:47-04:00Scouts Updated: Name Change Embraces Guys and Gals2018-11-30 11:59:27 -0500Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>he Boy Scouts of America’s flagship program has been known simply as the Boy Scouts for more than a century, but with girls soon entering the ranks, the group says that iconic name will change. A new name, Scouts BSA, will take effect in February. Mike Surbaugh, chief executive of the Scouts, says, “We wanted to land on something that evokes the past, but also conveys the inclusive nature of the program going forward. We’re trying to find the right way to say we’re here for both young men and young women.”</p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the December 2018 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:d1a31736-5a25-4f1c-af3b-487f71d88fa12019-08-16T00:00:46-04:002021-03-11T15:04:53-05:00Beyond Toys: Gifts that Evoke Kids’ Creativity2018-11-30 11:59:00 -0500Sandra Murphy<p>Choosing thoughtful gifts for kids can be a challenge, especially when opting for creativity over this year’s hot toy. It’s possible to find gifts that appeal to both parent and child, involving the whole family or working as solo projects. Some expand beyond the boundaries of home.</p>
<h3>Go Robo</h3>
<p><a href="http://TinkeringLabs.com/catalyst">The Tinkering Kit</a> will have boys and girls, moms and dads all clamoring for their turn to build a robot that does more than merely walk. Challenge cards urge kids to make a machine to scramble an egg or build a robot that moves without wheels. Robotics teaches science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics, also known as STEAM learning. Computer programming is the last step.</p>
<h3>Language for a Lifetime</h3>
<p><a href="http://BenedictBeckeld.com/contact">Benedict Beckeld, Ph.D.</a>, of New York City, speaks 11 languages and teaches students via online video chats (Skype). Locally, find teachers or grad students to tutor a second or third language at home for the whole family. Search online for interactive, game-like classes that maintain a child’s interest. American Sign Language, the fourth-most-used language in the U.S., is fun to learn and helpful to know.</p>
<h3>Budding Foodies</h3>
<p>Take a quiz, experiment, learn more and find kid-approved recipes at <a href="http://AmericasTestKitchen.com/kids/home">AmericasTestKitchen.com/kids/home</a>. Kids learn to make sriracha-lime popcorn, hummus, and chicken and broccoli stir fry. Use organic and non-GMO (not genetically modified) ingredients. Sign up to receive recipes and tips for hands-on activities via email to keep good meals coming. The onsite equipment reviews help with selection of affordable and safe kitchen tools.</p>
<h3>Emerging Artistry</h3>
<p>Carolyn Dube, a mixed-media art adventurer in Batesville, Indiana, gives her followers at <a href="http://AColorfulJourney.com">AColorfulJourney.com</a> permission to play and even make mistakes. “My free online workshop shows ways to use found items like recycled cardboard to make art,” she says. For kid-safe paints, look for the Art and Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI) seal that certifies products are non-toxic and properly labeled. Certified Arteza-brand acrylic premium paints are packaged in less-waste pouches to use as-is or to refill original containers.</p>
<p>The Danish company Sprout Pencils, operating from Boston, engraves quotes on biodegradable Love Pencils, which contain flower or vegetable seeds. When it’s too short to write or color with, plant it. In Cleveland, Faber-Castell USA makes their colored pencils from re-forested wood with an ergonomic, triangular shape, perfect for learning the proper grip. The Young Artist Essentials Gift Set contains eco-pencils, non-toxic crayons and oil-pastels.</p>
<p><a href="http://DickBlick.com">DickBlick.com</a> offers hundreds of free lesson plans for art lovers of all ages, skill levels and interests, all designed to meet the National Standards for Visual Art Education.</p>
<h3>Memorable Experiences</h3>
<p>Erica Hartwig, director of operations at Organic Moments Photography, in Boca Raton, Florida, has five children. “I want to give a memorable experience, rather than a toy that will sit in their rooms,” she says. “Football season tickets, dance lessons, an art class or vacations supplement the packages under the tree.”</p>
<p>Crystal Bowe, a mom and physician in Belmont, North Carolina, suggests gifting memberships to encourage new activities for kids. “The zoo is fun and allows parents to spend quality time with their children. Tickets to a movie or a play stimulate the imagination.” Museums, science centers and area attractions are other inviting options.</p>
<h3>More Ideas</h3>
<p>Wonder Crate, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, offers a monthly subscription service. “We inspire kids to think big and make a difference,” says co-founder Corrie Wiedmann. “Each month brings a box that educates, entertains and empowers kids to contribute to the world. Our December crate highlights Leonardo da Vinci and focuses on ways kids can use innovation to help others, spotlighting a kid that created an app to help people with disabilities.”</p>
<p>Maple Landmark, in Middlebury, Vermont, a wooden products company, makes puzzles that include an activity clock for toddlers and bookends featuring a fire truck, pirate ship, school bus or train tunnel. Owner Mike Rainville says, “We work hard to ensure that all of our wood is sustainably harvested and finishes are safe and non-toxic.”</p>
<p>Gifts that engage the mind, spark imagination and deliver fun yield immediate and long-term benefits, including being fondly remembered.</p>
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<em>Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.</em></p>
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<h3><strong>BOOKS THAT HOOK YOUNG READERS</strong></h3>
<p><strong><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/573913/Book-Gifts-Girl.png"></strong></p>
<p>Books for kids can be the ultimate gift that keeps on giving. Here are some favorites.</p>
<p><em>The Nocturnals</em> is a critically acclaimed, middle-grade series for readers that love animals, adventure and a hint of mystery. Written by film director and author Tracey Hecht, the books also relate to elementary school children, covering bullying, confidence, friendship and self-acceptance. The free reading kit via <a href="http://NocturnalsWorld.com">NocturnalsWorld.com</a> includes activities.</p>
<p>As a mom with a career, Crystal Bowe recommends <em>Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women</em>. “My daughter loves it and has been introduced to amazing female role models.”</p>
<p><em>Noah the Narwhal, A Tale of Downs and Ups</em>, by Judith Klausner, is a brightly illustrated picture book about friendship and invisible disability.</p>
<p><em>What Do You See on Chanukah?</em> is a board game book for toddlers by Bracha Goetz.</p>
<p><em>Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt</em>, by Kate Messner, shows kids that plants are more than what’s seen above ground.</p>
<p><em>Hello, Hello</em>, by Brendan Wenzel, a picture book for ages 3 to 6, celebrates animals, including 30 endangered species.</p>
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<em>Photo credit: Evgeniia Trushkova/Shutterstock.com</em></p>
<p><br>
<em>This article appears in the December 2018 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:dd17fe71-ed26-46e3-a58b-cce29e2dcdae2019-08-16T00:46:11-04:002019-08-16T00:46:11-04:00Air Pollution Harms Developing Brains: Fetal Exposure Leads to Cognitive Difficulties2018-10-31 12:04:55 -0400Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">F</span>etal exposure to air pollution, even at levels considered safe by current standards, has been linked by Dutch researchers to thinning of the outer layer of a child’s brain and later cognitive difficulties. Following 783 children ages 6 through 10, the researchers concluded those brain abnormalities contributed in part to impulsiveness that could lead to addictive behavior and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.</p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the November 2018 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>