LilSugar

Baby Bump: An Apple a Day Keeps the Asthma Away

LilSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:00:01 -0800

What you eat prenatally, can pay off in your lil one's health even after she leaves the womb. Recent research suggests that moms-to-be who eat apples during pregnancy, have children with lower rates of asthma. Those who consumed more than four apples a week had children who were 37 percent less likely to have asthma.

Studies also found a specific food would reduce rates of eczema in babies too. To find out what it is, just read more.

Mothers who consume fish (more than once a week) during pregnancy may lower their child's risk of developing eczema. Too much of a good thing can be bad though, especially in the case of fish. Consuming high amounts of fish can boost mercury levels in a developing fetus so don't overdo it.

Best practice is to focus on eating a diet wide in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins - but now you may want to make sure that it includes a few apples and pieces of fish.

Did You Eat Nuts While Pregnant?

babysugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:00:50 -0700

A new Dutch study found that pregnant women consuming any sort of nut product on a daily basis may be putting their unborn child at risk for developing asthma. Published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the study followed more than 4,000 pregnant women, tracked their eating habits, and the diets of the children from birth until age eight. Epidemiologist at Utrecht University, Saskia Willers said:

Children whose mothers ate as little as one peanut butter sandwich a day had a far higher risk of asthma. . . If you eat moderately, it is probably not a problem. It is only if you eat nuts or nut products on a daily basis.

Did you eat nuts when you were pregnant?
Source

New Special Shows Day in the Life of a Child With Allergies

LilSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:30:40 -0700

We are all aware of what our lil ones eat, but parents of kids with allergies have to be extra sensitive when it comes to the menu. The rate of allergies has increased over the past 20-30 years and now more than three million kids have them. By the time they enter middle school, one in every 20 kids is watching what she puts in her mouth.

Fifty-four percent of LilSugar readers' children attend a peanut-free school or daycare center, making them well-aware of the issues. While most kids know someone affected by food, eczema, asthma, hay fever, it is virtually impossible for them to understand the emotional issues they deal with on a daily basis. This Sunday, Sept 27., Nickelodeon takes on the world of life-threatening allergies with a new special called I’m Allergic to My World. The Nick News with Linda Ellerbee special follows the lives of several children with various allergies and shows what it is like to spend a day in their shoes. The eye-opening program is a must-see for anyone who has ever questioned their school's no-nut policy. Will you tune in to watch it?

Photo courtesy of Lucky Duck Productions

Lil Links: A Perfect Peter Pan Party

babysugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:00:22 -0700

A perfect Peter Pan birthday party - Cookie
Musical mama Martina McBride cuts back on touring for her family - Celebrity Baby Blog
How to sew a swaddling blanket - CafeMom
Pre-schooler parallel parks car like an ace - ParentDish
Tori and Liam keep cool in their shades - Celebrity Baby Scoop
How do you pay attention to your kids? - The Poop
The facts about asthma - Health
Know your boob rights - Alpha Mom
Would you ever spy on your babysitter? - Momversation

Lil Links: Why My Life Is About to Change

LilSugar — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:00:34 -0800

Why my life is about to change - An Island Life
Food tips for managing your child's Celiac Disease - Boston Mamas
Hugh Jackman on adventures with Oscar - Celebrity Baby Blog
Chris, Apple and Moses Martin hit the park - Celebrity Baby Scoop
Asthma, Vaginal Delivery and American Births - Fit Pregnancy
Fights prompt changes at Chuck E. Cheese restaurants - Parent Dish
Single with a baby: one mom's story - CafeMom
Create a life-size gingerbread house - Alpha Mom
Five tips for breast health - Health

Texting Tweens Medication Reminders

LilSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:00:09 -0700

Use your tween's texting obsession to your advantage. Parents who wish their kids independence, but need to remind them to take their meds can quit the nagging and turn to technology. When children are preoccupied with school, friends, dating and Hannah Montana, they tend to forget to take the pills and injections that regulate their asthma, diabetes and other ailments.

A recent CNN article on the experiment said:

Of necessity, parents start turning over more health responsibilities to their children at this age. It's also an age of angst, sometimes rebellion, and when youths may most hate feeling different from their friends because of medication, special diets or other therapy.

To see the specifics, read more.

Statistics show that a good number of tweens and teens are not adhering to treatment whether it be for social reasons or forgetfulness. So Ohio doctors are experimenting with text reminders. It said:

Participants say what time they want the reminder, and a clinic volunteer types out the messages -- words spelled out, no mimicking of kids' text lingo.

What do you think of this idea?

Source

Dogs Fend Off Allergies

babysugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:00:16 -0700

If you've ever considered adding a furry friend to your family, I've got a good argument for you to do so.

A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal examined 9,000 children and found:

Children growing up with a pet trains the immune system to be less sensitive to potential triggers for allergies like asthma, eczema and hay fever.

To see what the lead researcher had to say, read more.

Joachim Heinrich of the National Research Centre for Environmental Health in Munich said:

Our results show clearly that the presence of a dog in the home during subjects’ infancy is associated with a significantly low level of sensitization to pollens and inhaled allergens

So go to your local pound and pick out a pup to bring home to baby. Your family will get more than a new best friend.

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