Parents love sippy cups. It’s not hard to see why. It’s great to have your toddler drink independently without the worry of spills. However, sippy cups can often be harmful to oral health and speech development. Read More
June 1, 2015
Here in Minnesota, the unofficial start of summer is upon us! Nothing beats being outside and soaking up some summer sun fun while we have the chance. Staying safe means the fun can go on and on. One summer hazard is the heat. It can get really hot and humid in Minnesota. Experts recommend monitoring the heat index and taking extra precautions in the heat with children. Kids are more susceptible than adults to heat related illnesses. You can monitor heat warnings at nws.noaa.gov/os/heat. In extreme heat conditions, children should wear lightweight clothing, participate in low-key activities in the shade and take frequent water breaks.
New sunscreen labeling requirements from the FDA took effect in June of 2012. Broad spectrum coverage sunscreens now must protect against UVA and UVB rays. Misleading terms such as sweat proof and water proof may not be used anymore. The new minimum for waterproof sunscreen is that it must last at least 40 minutes with water exposure. Low SPF sunscreens and those with poor broad spectrum coverage must carry warnings that they do no not lower the risk of skin cancer or premature aging.
Consumer reports recently reported that the FDA recommended that spray sunscreens should not be used on children. There is concern that children may accidentally inhale the sunscreen. If you use spray sunscreen put it on your hands first, then rub it on your child. For more information follow this link to consumer reports http://news.consumerreports.org/health/2011/07/spray-sunscreens-should-not-be-sprayed-on-kids-at-least-for-now.html
May 25, 2015
Adding a dip such as ranch dressing or hummus to your child's plate will encourage more veggie eating. A study found that kids ate 80% more broccoli when it was served with 5 tablespoons of low fat ranch dressing. Read More
May 18, 2015
Some children struggle with feeding issues. It is more than being picky. It is a significant issue in which children are tube fed, doesn’t progress in food stages, spits out most foods and so forth. Read More
May 11, 2015
Is your child a picky eater or a problem feeder? Picky eaters should be monitored, but problem feeders will benefit from professional intervention from a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist that specializes in working with children who are problem feeders. Read More
May 4, 2015
The Star Tribune published an article in the Science/Health section on 12/25/14 about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). FASD is the number one preventable cause of birth defects in the United States. Read More
April 27, 2015
The state of Minnesota establishes guidelines for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders as they transition to adolescence and adulthood. Read More
April 20, 2015
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are investigating ways to use brain imaging to predict and detect autism spectrum disorders.
One neuromarker, which can be seen with MRI, can diagnose autism spectrum disorders with 97% accuracy. Using MRI and a technique that observes brain activation patterns, researchers are able to decode the content of a person’s thoughts of objects or emotions.
Previous research suggests that there are alterations or differences in the brain activation pathways of a person with an autism spectrum disorder. This study detected those differences in people with ASD. The alterations in neural pathways and activation were named “thought markers”. When people with ASD think about certain social concepts these thought markers activate differently in the brain when compared to neurotypical individuals.
Researchers scanned the brains of 17 adults with high-functioning autism and 17 neurotypical participants. They were told to think of words and actions such as “persuade”, “adore” and “hug”. Neurotypical adults showed brain activity towards the rear of the brain with indicates a representation of “self”. Those with ASD showed no activation in this area of the brain.
The implications of this study could mean that in conjunction with clinical assessment those of us who work with children with ASD could make a diagnosis more quickly and accurately allowing for better and earlier intervention.
April 13, 2015
Autism Spectrum Disorders are generally not “curable” and on-going management is required over an individual’s lifetime. As a child with ASD grows his/her behavioral characteristics will change, so will his/her needs. Read More
April 6, 2015
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that is characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication. Read More