Children and teens who get less sleep, especially those who spend less time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, may be more likely to be overweight, according to a report in the August issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.
The obesity rate has more than tripled among children aged 6 to 11 years in the past 30 years, and approximately 17 percent of U.S. adolescents are now overweight or obese, according to background information in the article. Obesity results from an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure from physical activity, but little is known about other factors that can alter this balance. A number of studies have documented an association between fewer hours of sleep and higher body mass index (BMI) in both adults and children.
Xianchen Liu, M.D., Ph.D., of the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, and colleagues studied 335 children and adolescents age 7 to 17 years (average age 10.8). For three consecutive nights, participants’ sleep was monitored through polysomnography, which assesses total sleep time, time spent in REM, the time it takes to fall asleep and other variables. Weight and height were measured to calculate BMI.
A total of 49 participants (14.6 percent) were at risk for becoming overweight and 45 (13.4 percent) were overweight. Compared with children at a normal weight, those who were overweight slept about 22 minutes less per night and had lower sleep efficiency (percentage of time in bed that an individual is asleep), shorter REM sleep, less eye activity during REM sleep and a longer wait before the first REM period.
After adjusting for other related factors, one hour less of total sleep was associated with two-fold increased odds of being overweight and one hour less of REM sleep was associated with three-fold increased odds.
“Although the precise mechanisms are currently under investigation, the association between short sleep duration and overweight may be attributed to the interaction of behavioral and biological changes as a result of sleep deprivation,” the authors write. Sleep loss causes changes in hormone levels that may affect hunger, and also provides an individual with more waking hours in which to eat. In addition, sleep loss contributes to fatigue the following day, which may decrease physical activity and calorie expenditure.
“Given the fact that the prevalence of overweight among children and adolescents continues to increase and chronic sleep insufficiency becomes more prevalent in modern society, family- and school-based sleep interventions that aim to enhance sleep hygiene and increase sleep duration may have important public health implications for the prevention and intervention of obesity and type 2 diabetes in children,” the authors conclude. “
Furthermore, our results demonstrate an important relationship between REM sleep and high BMI and obesity, suggesting that the short sleep–obesity association may be attributed to reduced REM sleep time and decreased activity during REM sleep.”
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
STUDY: U.S. Immigrant Childfren May Be Less Physically Active Than US-Born Children
Immigrant children in the United States appear to be less physically active and less likely to participate in sports than U.S.–born children, according to a report in the August issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
“Because of a dramatic increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity and diabetes mellitus during the past two decades, physical activity has assumed an increasingly prominent role in disease prevention and health promotion efforts in the United States and is considered one of the 10 leading health indicators for the nation,” according to background information in the article. This has resulted in a closer monitoring of physical activity and sedentary behavior levels in children and adults in the U.S.
With immigrants now accounting for 12.6 percent of the total U.S. population, “it is important to know how patterns of physical activity, inactivity and sedentary behaviors for this increasing segment of the population differ from those of the majority native population,” the authors note.
Gopal K. Singh, Ph.D., of the Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland., and colleagues analyzed data from the 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health, a telephone survey measuring regular physical activity, inactivity, television watching and lack of sports participation in U.S. children.
Of the total participants, more than 11 percent of U.S. children were found to be physically inactive, while 73.5 percent engaged in physical activity three or more days per week.
More than 42 percent of children did not participate in sports and 17 percent watched three or more hours of television per day.
“Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors varied widely among children in various ethnic-immigrant groups,” the authors write. “For example, 22.5 percent of immigrant Hispanic children were physically inactive compared with 9.5 percent of U.S.-born white children with U.S.-born parents.” Immigrant children were more likely to be physically inactive and less likely to participate in sports than native children; “they were, however, less likely to watch television three or more hours per day than native children, although the nativity gap narrowed with increasing acculturation levels.”
“Given the health benefits of physical activity, continued higher physical inactivity and lower activity levels in immigrant children are likely to reduce their overall health advantage over U.S.-born populations during adulthood,” the authors conclude. “To reduce disparities in childhood physical activity, health education programs designed to promote physical activity should target not only children from socially disadvantaged households and neighborhoods but also children in immigrant families.”
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“Because of a dramatic increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity and diabetes mellitus during the past two decades, physical activity has assumed an increasingly prominent role in disease prevention and health promotion efforts in the United States and is considered one of the 10 leading health indicators for the nation,” according to background information in the article. This has resulted in a closer monitoring of physical activity and sedentary behavior levels in children and adults in the U.S.
With immigrants now accounting for 12.6 percent of the total U.S. population, “it is important to know how patterns of physical activity, inactivity and sedentary behaviors for this increasing segment of the population differ from those of the majority native population,” the authors note.
Gopal K. Singh, Ph.D., of the Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland., and colleagues analyzed data from the 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health, a telephone survey measuring regular physical activity, inactivity, television watching and lack of sports participation in U.S. children.
Of the total participants, more than 11 percent of U.S. children were found to be physically inactive, while 73.5 percent engaged in physical activity three or more days per week.
More than 42 percent of children did not participate in sports and 17 percent watched three or more hours of television per day.
“Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors varied widely among children in various ethnic-immigrant groups,” the authors write. “For example, 22.5 percent of immigrant Hispanic children were physically inactive compared with 9.5 percent of U.S.-born white children with U.S.-born parents.” Immigrant children were more likely to be physically inactive and less likely to participate in sports than native children; “they were, however, less likely to watch television three or more hours per day than native children, although the nativity gap narrowed with increasing acculturation levels.”
“Given the health benefits of physical activity, continued higher physical inactivity and lower activity levels in immigrant children are likely to reduce their overall health advantage over U.S.-born populations during adulthood,” the authors conclude. “To reduce disparities in childhood physical activity, health education programs designed to promote physical activity should target not only children from socially disadvantaged households and neighborhoods but also children in immigrant families.”
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Friday, July 25, 2008
CHARITABLE EVENT: August 1-15 Haircuts Help Disadvantaged Children
Hair Cuttery Shares a Haircut
At Hair Cuttery, they believe a new haircut on the first day of school can be a big confident boost to a child. Through the company's Share A Haircut program, they partner with local social service agencies to provide back-to-school haircuts to children in need in the community.
Bring your child into any Hair Cuttery salon from August 1-15, and for every haircut a child (age 18 years old or younger) receives, the salon will donate a free haircut to a disadvantaged child in the community.
Over the years, Hair Cuttery has donated more than 380,000 haircuts!
The company has more than 900 salons nationwide. Massachusetts locations include:
CAMBRIDGE
CHICOPEE
DANVERS
FRAMINGHAM
HUDSON
MEDFORD
REVERE
SAUGUS
SPRINGFIELD
WAREHAM
WEST SPRINGFIELD
WESTBOROUGH
WESTFIELD
WOBURN
WORCESTER
For more information, visit www.haircuttery.com
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At Hair Cuttery, they believe a new haircut on the first day of school can be a big confident boost to a child. Through the company's Share A Haircut program, they partner with local social service agencies to provide back-to-school haircuts to children in need in the community.
Bring your child into any Hair Cuttery salon from August 1-15, and for every haircut a child (age 18 years old or younger) receives, the salon will donate a free haircut to a disadvantaged child in the community.
Over the years, Hair Cuttery has donated more than 380,000 haircuts!
The company has more than 900 salons nationwide. Massachusetts locations include:
CAMBRIDGE
CHICOPEE
DANVERS
FRAMINGHAM
HUDSON
MEDFORD
REVERE
SAUGUS
SPRINGFIELD
WAREHAM
WEST SPRINGFIELD
WESTBOROUGH
WESTFIELD
WOBURN
WORCESTER
For more information, visit www.haircuttery.com
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Monday, June 16, 2008
STUDY: Disinfecting School Classrooms Keep Kids in School
As schools are closing up for the summer, here is an interesting, although obvious study to most moms, reported in the June issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics ...
"Regular disinfection of elementary school classrooms can reduce the number of kids who stay home sick, according to the study, “Reducing Absenteeism From Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Illness in Elementary School Students: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of an Infection-Control Intervention.”
Researchers equipped elementary school teachers in Ohio with disinfecting wipes to clean the students’ desks every day after lunch, and students were instructed to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer several times a day.
In these classrooms, 16 percent of students stayed home with a gastrointestinal illness during the study period, compared to 24 percent of students in classrooms who did not receive the extra sanitation. There was no difference between the two groups in absenteeism due to respiratory illness.
Researchers also detected less norovirus on computer mice, desks and drinking fountains in the intervention classrooms compared to the control group."
Source: Pediatrics
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Thus another reason to pack anti-bacterial spray in your child's backpack Or suggest your tween or teen to keep one in their lockers during the school year...
"Regular disinfection of elementary school classrooms can reduce the number of kids who stay home sick, according to the study, “Reducing Absenteeism From Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Illness in Elementary School Students: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of an Infection-Control Intervention.”
Researchers equipped elementary school teachers in Ohio with disinfecting wipes to clean the students’ desks every day after lunch, and students were instructed to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer several times a day.
In these classrooms, 16 percent of students stayed home with a gastrointestinal illness during the study period, compared to 24 percent of students in classrooms who did not receive the extra sanitation. There was no difference between the two groups in absenteeism due to respiratory illness.
Researchers also detected less norovirus on computer mice, desks and drinking fountains in the intervention classrooms compared to the control group."
Source: Pediatrics
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Thus another reason to pack anti-bacterial spray in your child's backpack Or suggest your tween or teen to keep one in their lockers during the school year...
Friday, June 13, 2008
WEEKEND PICK: KIDZ Bop To Perform 3 Concerts in Massachusetts
I'm a big fan of the KIDZ BOP CDs. While it is great that Fergie taught my 6-year-old daughter to spell GLAMOROUS. I didn't want her to learn some of the other words on the star's hit song. That's where KIDS BOP comes in. Kids sing hit adult songs with kid-friendly lyrics. (For those of you unaware, sometimes the songs you hear on the radio are not the same versions you get when you purchase a CD. Several radio stations run "clean" versions of hit songs as opposed to the artist's CD versions.) With KIDZ BOP CDs, both mom and daughter can listen to popular music; and I don't have to worry about the lyrics - as they are now always "G-rated." Those singing kids are on tour this summer. KIDZ BOP LIVE will perform 3 concerts in Massachusetts between June 28 and July 2. KIDZ BOP launched its first-ever tour last fall with 40 tour dates, creating an exciting concert experience for kids. The KIDZ BOP LIVE show features today’s most popular songs, sung by kids for kids live on stage. The show includes songs from the best-selling KIDZ BOP CDs, the #1 children’s audio series in the country. (http://www.kidzbop.com/) The group is on ts 14th album!KIDZ BOP LIVE, a rock concert for kids and parents alike, features six kids who sing and dance with a live band. The entire family will be playing air guitar and enjoying themselves. KIDZ BOP LIVE is a memorable concert experience for all. Produced by Kidz Bop LLC in association with Rogar Studios Live Entertainment, KIDZ BOP LIVE is choreographed by Kishaya who has choreographed videos for Ashanti, P. Diddy and Destiny’s Child and is the winner of an MTV Video Music Award for Gwen Stefani’s Hollaback Girl 
ABOUT KIDZ BOP: Since the brand’s creation 7 years ago, KIDZ BOP has been the most popular, most recognized and most parent-friendly music product in the U.S. for kids aged 4-11, selling over 10.5 million CDs. KIDZ BOP CD titles have earned nine Gold-certified albums to date. The brand’s website, KIDZBOP.COM, has become a fast-growing online destination, where kids can create, share and watch a variety of content, including games and activities based on music and creativity.
KIDZ BOP LIVE tour dates:
JUNE
28 Cohasset, South Shore Music Circus, 5 p.m., $25 per ticket
29 Hyannis, Cape Cod Melody Tent, 5 p.m., $25 per ticket
JULY
2 Beverly, North Shore Music Theatre, 6 p.m., $25 or $30 per ticket, http://www.nsmt.og/
KIDZ BOP LIVE tour dates:
JUNE
28 Cohasset, South Shore Music Circus, 5 p.m., $25 per ticket
29 Hyannis, Cape Cod Melody Tent, 5 p.m., $25 per ticket
JULY
2 Beverly, North Shore Music Theatre, 6 p.m., $25 or $30 per ticket, http://www.nsmt.og/
To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call the box office for each venue above.
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June 21-22: Enchanted Weekend Planned for National Heritage Museum
The Lexington Field and Garden Club presents an Enchanted Weekend at the National Heritage Museum, Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22. Each day children and adults will have the opportunity to learn about the natural world and the fairies that inhabit it.*Children’s Fairy Workshop: Saturday, June 21, 1-4 p.m.
Play fairy games, create a village of fairy houses in the Museum’s enchanted woods, and bring home a keepsake of your day. $35; $30 for members. Registration is required. Call 781-861-6559 to register.
*Fairy House Tour and Activities for Families: Sunday, June 22, noon-4 p.m.
Discover fairy houses in the Museum’s Enchanted Woods, and enjoy activities for the entire family. Learn how to build a fairy house for the mythical sprites in your neighborhood. Suggested donation is $15 per family to support ongoing family programming at the Museum. Call 781-861-6559 to register.
About the Museum: The National Heritage Museum is dedicated to presenting exhibitions and programs on a wide variety of topics in American history and popular culture. The Museum is supported by the Scottish Rite. The National Heritage Museum is located at 33 Marrett Road in Lexington, at the corner of Route 2A and Massachusetts Avenue. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am–5 pm, and Sunday, noon–5 pm. Admission and parking are free. Heritage Shop and Courtyard Café on site. For further information contact the Museum at (781) 861‑6559 or visit the web site at www.nationalheritagemuseum.org
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008
STUDY: St. John's Wort Does Not Appear To Have an Impact on the Symptoms of ADHD in Children or Teens
From the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Institutes of Health comes a study on St John's wort and the treatment of children with ADHD...
"According to the National Institute of Mental Health at NIH, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 3 to 5 percent of children in the United States and it is one of the most common mental disorders that develop in children. NIMH states that children with ADHD have impaired functioning in multiple settings, including home, school, and in relationships with peers. Children with chronic conditions like ADHD are reported to have higher rates of complementary and alternative medicine use and may turn to dietary and herbal supplements such as St. John's wort. However, according to authors of a new NCCAM-funded study, St. John's wort does not appear to have an impact on the symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents.
Researchers at Bastyr University conducted an 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of St. John's wort among a volunteer sample of 54 children aged 6 to17 years with ADHD. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 300 mg of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) standardized to 0.3 percent hypericin—an active ingredient in St. John's wort—or placebo 3 times daily for 8 weeks. The participants were evaluated for changes in inattentiveness and hyperactivity from baseline at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8.
While symptom improvement was noted in both the treatment and the placebo groups, the data suggest that St. John's wort had no additional benefit beyond that of placebo for treating symptoms of ADHD.
This study used a preparation of St. John's wort with a standardized hypericin content. However the researchers note that studies involving St. John's wort also standardized to hyperforin—another active ingredient in St. John's wort—could be beneficial. Hyperforin is believed to inhibit reuptake of key brain chemicals—serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The authors note that hyperforin is highly unstable and can become inactive quickly. The researchers believe that if a St. John's wort product with a higher and more stable hyperforin content became available, it would be worthy of further investigation in ADHD.
References: Weber W, Vander Stoep A, McCarty RL, et al. Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents. JAMA. 2008;299(22):2633–2641.
"According to the National Institute of Mental Health at NIH, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 3 to 5 percent of children in the United States and it is one of the most common mental disorders that develop in children. NIMH states that children with ADHD have impaired functioning in multiple settings, including home, school, and in relationships with peers. Children with chronic conditions like ADHD are reported to have higher rates of complementary and alternative medicine use and may turn to dietary and herbal supplements such as St. John's wort. However, according to authors of a new NCCAM-funded study, St. John's wort does not appear to have an impact on the symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents.
Researchers at Bastyr University conducted an 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of St. John's wort among a volunteer sample of 54 children aged 6 to17 years with ADHD. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 300 mg of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) standardized to 0.3 percent hypericin—an active ingredient in St. John's wort—or placebo 3 times daily for 8 weeks. The participants were evaluated for changes in inattentiveness and hyperactivity from baseline at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8.
While symptom improvement was noted in both the treatment and the placebo groups, the data suggest that St. John's wort had no additional benefit beyond that of placebo for treating symptoms of ADHD.
This study used a preparation of St. John's wort with a standardized hypericin content. However the researchers note that studies involving St. John's wort also standardized to hyperforin—another active ingredient in St. John's wort—could be beneficial. Hyperforin is believed to inhibit reuptake of key brain chemicals—serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The authors note that hyperforin is highly unstable and can become inactive quickly. The researchers believe that if a St. John's wort product with a higher and more stable hyperforin content became available, it would be worthy of further investigation in ADHD.
References: Weber W, Vander Stoep A, McCarty RL, et al. Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents. JAMA. 2008;299(22):2633–2641.
Pediatrics: Children Consume Too Many Calories From Sugar-Sweetened Drinks and Fruit Juices
From the June issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics ... comes a warning about the number of calories children take in from sugar-sweetened drinks and fruit juices.
"As of 2004, children ages 2 to 19 were consuming 10 percent to 15 percent of their total calories from sugar-sweetened beverages and 100 percent fruit juices.
The study “Increasing Caloric Contribution From Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and 100% Fruit Juices Among U.S. Children and Adolescents, 1988-2004,” compared data from two time periods: 1988 to 1994, and 1999 to 2004.
In the more recent time period, children ages 6 to 11 consumed approximately 20 percent more calories from these beverages than in the earlier years. From 1999 to 2004, 3 percent fewer children age 2-5 drank milk on a given day, and children in this age group consumed 30 calories more on a daily basis from sweetened beverages and juice.
Most consumption of these beverages across all ages occurred at home, with 7 percent to 15 percent of consumption occurring in schools.
Experts recommend no more than 8 to 12 ounces of these beverages per day for children ages 7 to 18, and only 4 to 6 ounces for younger children. During the time period from 1999 to 2004, children’s average consumption was 25 ounces per day. Mounting evidence supports limiting intake of calories from these beverages to promote optimal energy balance. "
Source: Pediatrics.
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How much sweetened drinks and juice does you child consume?
Post and let us know.
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"As of 2004, children ages 2 to 19 were consuming 10 percent to 15 percent of their total calories from sugar-sweetened beverages and 100 percent fruit juices.
The study “Increasing Caloric Contribution From Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and 100% Fruit Juices Among U.S. Children and Adolescents, 1988-2004,” compared data from two time periods: 1988 to 1994, and 1999 to 2004.
In the more recent time period, children ages 6 to 11 consumed approximately 20 percent more calories from these beverages than in the earlier years. From 1999 to 2004, 3 percent fewer children age 2-5 drank milk on a given day, and children in this age group consumed 30 calories more on a daily basis from sweetened beverages and juice.
Most consumption of these beverages across all ages occurred at home, with 7 percent to 15 percent of consumption occurring in schools.
Experts recommend no more than 8 to 12 ounces of these beverages per day for children ages 7 to 18, and only 4 to 6 ounces for younger children. During the time period from 1999 to 2004, children’s average consumption was 25 ounces per day. Mounting evidence supports limiting intake of calories from these beverages to promote optimal energy balance. "
Source: Pediatrics.
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How much sweetened drinks and juice does you child consume?
Post and let us know.
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Friday, June 6, 2008
LINXFest is June 8 at Wellesley Middle School
This Sunday, June 8th is LINXFest at Wellesley Middle School from 1 to 5 p.m. The FREE event features rides, Wii tournaments, dance recitals, karate demonstrations, theater performances, and more. Visit www.linx-usa.com for more details.
Monday, June 9 registrations begins for fall classes. Open Registration for September classes begins Monday at 10 a.m. LINX is expanding and offering over 200 classes for the fall: Art, Dance, Karate, Movie Making, Music, Technology, Theater, Science, Spanish, Sports Development and Yoga.
Th company is also introducing:
MiniLINX- A series of 90-minute classes that include a variety of activities, a great complement to preschool and kindergarten programs.
Dance Studio - A new addition to LINX with increased class offerings and a new dance team. The LINX Dance studio will be performing throughout the year at a number of different events!
Monday, June 9 registrations begins for fall classes. Open Registration for September classes begins Monday at 10 a.m. LINX is expanding and offering over 200 classes for the fall: Art, Dance, Karate, Movie Making, Music, Technology, Theater, Science, Spanish, Sports Development and Yoga.
Th company is also introducing:
MiniLINX- A series of 90-minute classes that include a variety of activities, a great complement to preschool and kindergarten programs.
Dance Studio - A new addition to LINX with increased class offerings and a new dance team. The LINX Dance studio will be performing throughout the year at a number of different events!
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