: North Texas Kids : Your family guide to raising happy, healthy kids

What Brain Research Can Show About How Your Child’s Brain Develops

The New GPS for Parents: Finding Guidance in Brain Research

by JoAnn Deak, Ph.D.

It has become a common statement emanating from the mouths of parents: I wish my teen came with an owner’s manual! For years we have relied on the wisdom of past generations, our own upbringing and a host of books, articles and now, blogs filled with ‘expert’s’ advice.

Research then entered the picture; giving parents more data based advice. One of the earliest and best examples was the study released from Harvard about fifteen years ago, dubbed ‘raising the water level.’ In that study, children whose parents allowed them more freedom of movement and exploration during the toddler years showed a significant difference in intellectual development. This was accomplished by moving harmful objects up out of the reach of children so that they were not constantly stopped from exploring and touching and movement. The older they got and the farther they could reach or move, the higher things were raised above their grasp. In other words, ‘raising the water level’ raised the richness of their experiences, and thus enhanced their growing brains.

13 Year Old’s Family Fights for Her Life

Jahi McMath’s Family Continues to Hope and Fight for her Life

by Mina Frannea

Can you imagine having to face turning off life support for your child? That’s what Jahi McMath’s family have been dealing with for the last couple of weeks. Jahi, a vibrant 13-year-old went in for ‘routine’ tonsil surgery at Children’s Hospital Oakland to treat sleep apnea issues. Shortly after the surgery, Jahi suffered severe complications that left the teen brain dead and on a ventilator.

On Dec 12, Doctor’s at the hospital declared Jahi legally dead and were planning to remove her from the ventilator. Jahi’s family took legal measures to stop this action and and received a restraining order from a judge that stops the hospital from turning off life support. This ruling gives Jahi’s family until 5 p.m. Jan. 7, 2014 to appeal to a higher court and find a new facility to which they can transfer the 13-year-old.

Drinking During Pregnancy Could Cause Birth Defects

Expectant mothers who drink could put babies at risk for birth defects

Each year, nearly 40,000 babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disorders are caused by mothers’ alcohol consumption during pregnancy and range in severity. Some infants with the most severe form of FASDs have serious physical, psychological and developmental conditions that continue into adulthood. Leigh Tenkku, associate research professor in the School of Social Work, says no amount and no type of alcohol is safe for women to drink during pregnancy.

Tips About Managing Asthma in School

American Lung Association Recognizes Asthma-Friendly Schools and Offers Checklist for Students with Asthma

As summer winds down, families in Texas are beginning to prepare for the new school year. A new school environment can sometimes be difficult for children with asthma. This back to school season, the American Lung Association highlights tips for families of children with asthma and stresses the importance of crafting a plan to properly manage asthma in a school environment.

Healthy Lunchbox Ideas

Why is it important to pack a healthy lunch?

by Dr. Keith Kantor

Recent studies have predicted our children’s generation will be 50% obese. Obesity is defined as a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or more. Obesity is a precursor for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease and cancer. Obesity will affect a child’s quality and overall health.

Start implementing healthy habits by making small changes, the first thing that you can do as a parent is make your child’s lunch every day. Take control of your child’s nutrition. If you think your child is getting a healthy lunch at school visit them one day and observe what they actually eat (or do not eat).

Mother’s Auto-antibodies: Indicator for Autism and ADHD

Research Study looks at Mother’s Auto-antibodies to determine indicators for autism and ADHD

by Frank J. Granett R.ph.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) afflicts approximately 1 in 88 children and is a primary contributor to America’s Epidemic: The Childhood Behavioral Health Crisis as described in the book Over Medicating Our Youth. Over 12 million children and young adults consume powerful ADHD stimulant and psychiatric medications representing a consumption rate 3x times the world’s children combined. The cumulative autism and ADHD diagnosis in young children presents difficult challenges for millions of families across the United States.

Infographic: Effective Forms of Weight Loss

Most Effective Forms of Weight Loss

As parents are booking family vacations, planning beach days or BBQs and (mentally) prepping for the start of their child’s summer vacation from school, it can be difficult to get the kids involved in a healthy summer regimen. Although you may want to forego all snacking or keep the kids outside and moving, getting healthy as a family means changing up lifestyles together, as a family. Our experts at nationally recognized Pritikin Longevity Center ( www.pritikin.com)have found that the most effective way to lose weight is to undergo a complete and gradual lifestyle change, cleaning up sleep habits, food choices and getting outside to move.