Experient Health Launches Children’s Health Series On Blog
Richmond, VA (PRWEB) September 01, 2014 -- Experient Health has recently begun a series that highlights children’s health. Several of the topics are listed below and cover a range of matters that are important to parents for the health of their children— childhood obesity, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and vehicle precautions.
Every blog post offers general information, tips and advice for each of the topics.
Help your child support a healthy weight through the development of good habits for nutrition, physical activity and screen time.
"Studies show that one in five children are overweight or obese by their sixth birthday, and over half of obese children become overweight at or before age two," Experient Health wrote.
In order to prevent these statistics and promote early childhood health, the Let’s Move! initiative suggests that children two years and under not be exposed to television, use of child care centers that have a comprehensive activity policy and equipment for children to play on, and lots of physical activity.
According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children 14 and under in the United States. With a myriad of car seat models, vehicles and guidelines for proper installation, many parents wonder if they have installed their child’s car seat correctly.
• Infants—Birth to 1 year and/or less than 20 pounds: Should have a rear-facing infant-only seat or convertible seat used as rear-facing. The seat should be secured to the vehicle by the seat belts or by the LATCH system (see box).
• Infants—Less than 2 years and/or 20 to 35 pounds: Should have a convertible seat used rear-facing (select one recommended for heavier infants). The seat should be secured by the seat belts or by the LATCH system.
• Toddlers & Preschoolers – 2 to 4 years; at least 20 pounds to approximately 40 pounds: Should have a convertible seat used forward-facing, or a forward-facing only seat, or high back booster or harness. Seat should be secured by seat belts or the LATCH system.
Vehicle Precautions to Promote Children’s Safety
"As safe as your vehicle may feel to you, it can be very dangerous for a child," Experient Health wrote. "It’s important to familiarize yourself with possible hazards to prevent any accidents."
Vehicle accidents can be many different things, but some examples are driveway accidents, hot weather, schedule changes, and car entrapment. General tips to prevent these accidents include walking around care and looking for toys, pets or children in the vicinity before starting it, teaching children safe places to go when they see a moving vehicle, setting an alarm on your cell phone when changing daily driving routine as a reminder to drop off children, and store keys/remote devices in areas out of reach of children.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that makes it hard for children to control their behavior. It is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children.
"Your child’s pediatrician can assess whether your child has ADHD using standard guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics," Experient Health wrote.
Symptoms can include the following:
• Inattention— short attention span, easily distracted, disorganized, loses things
• Hyperactivity— in constant motion, difficulty staying seated, squirms, talks continually
• Impulsivity— unable to wait, interrupts others
"There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment is available," Experient Health wrote. "ADHD requires ongoing treatment and management. Most treatment plans include long-term management plan that includes behavior goals, follow-up activities and monitoring; medication; behavior therapy that ocuses on changing child’s environment to help improve behavior; and education and training."
Although it’s a natural substance, caffeine is classified as a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system. Parents should be aware of the harmful effects of caffeine on children and should know that caffeine is present in many foods and beverages.
"Caffeine affects children in the same way it does adults; too much causes sleeplessness, irritability, headaches, increased heart rate and difficulty concentrating," Experient Health wrote. "The reason it is more of a concern when children consume caffeine than when adults do is because it does not take a large amount to cause these side effects."
Stephanie Heinatz, Consociate Media, +1 (757) 713-2199, [email protected]
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