Showing posts with label Children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Children. Show all posts
Learn About Sickle Cell Disease
By sulthan on Wednesday, June 19, 2013
19 June - Sickle Cell Day
Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. People with this disorder have atypical hemoglobin molecules called hemoglobin S, which can distort red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent, shape.
Signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease usually begin in early childhood. Characteristic features of this disorder include a low number of red blood cells (anemia), repeated infections, and periodic episodes of pain. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Some people have mild symptoms, while others are frequently hospitalized for more serious complications.
Links:
Facts About Sickle Cell Disease http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/facts.html
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia? http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics
3rd World Sickle Cell Day http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/
World Heart Day 2012 : Focus on Women and Children
By sulthan on Saturday, September 29, 2012
This year our efforts will focus on protecting the hearts of women and children through heart-healthy actions.
This year, World Heart Day is even more significant given that at the 65th World Health Assembly in May 2012, governments from 194 countries agreed to the first-ever global mortality target on non-communicable diseases (NCDs – including CVD, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases) and made a commitment to reduce premature NCD deaths by 25 per cent by 2025.
Since CVD accounts for nearly half of the 36 million deaths due to NCDs, we have a major role to play in achieving this target.
This year in continuation from our 2011 theme of home heart health we will make 2012 the year of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention among women and children because:
Women/children and CVD are not synonymous:- CVD is commonly considered an “older persons” and a “man’s” disease
- Women underestimate their CVD risk; even though almost half of the 17.3 million annual deaths occur in women
Children are particularly at risk, since they have little control over their environment and can be limited in choices to live heart-healthily Unless action is taken to enable heart-healthy activity, the children of today are at increased CVD risk later in life Women/mothers are often the « gate keeper » to their family’s health hence a key influencer in keeping their hearts healthy.Links:
http://www.world-heart-federation.org
Take action http://www.world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/awareness/world-heart-day/take-action/
World Population Day - 2012 Theme: Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services
By sulthan on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
"On this World Population Day, I call for urgent, concerted action by Member States to bridge the gap between demand and supply for reproductive health care. We must mainstream reproductive health and rights into all development and poverty reduction plans. Investing in universal access to reproductive health is a crucial investment in healthy societies and a more sustainable future."
In 1989, in its decision 89/46, the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme recommended that, in order to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues in the context of overall development plans and programmes and the need to find solutions for these issues, 11 July should be observed by the international community as World Population Day.
This year's World Population Day, 11 July 2012, focuses on the theme of “Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services.” Reproductive health problems remain the leading cause of ill health and death for women of childbearing age worldwide. Some 222 million women who would like to avoid or delay pregnancy lack access to effective family planning. Nearly 800 women die every day in the process of giving life. About 1.8 billion young people are entering their reproductive years, often without the knowledge, skills and services they need to protect themselves. On the World Population Day, many activities and campaigns will call attention to the essential part that reproductive health plays in creating a just and equitable world.
Links:
http://www.unfpa.org/
http://www.un.org/en/events/populationday/
Selengkapnya →
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for World Population Day
11 July 2012
2012 Theme: Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services
As the world population edged to 7 billion people in 2011 (up from 2.5 billion in 1950), it has had profound implications for development. A world of 7 billion is both a challenge and an opportunity with implications on sustainability, urbanization, access to health services and youth empowerment.In 1989, in its decision 89/46, the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme recommended that, in order to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues in the context of overall development plans and programmes and the need to find solutions for these issues, 11 July should be observed by the international community as World Population Day.
This year's World Population Day, 11 July 2012, focuses on the theme of “Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services.” Reproductive health problems remain the leading cause of ill health and death for women of childbearing age worldwide. Some 222 million women who would like to avoid or delay pregnancy lack access to effective family planning. Nearly 800 women die every day in the process of giving life. About 1.8 billion young people are entering their reproductive years, often without the knowledge, skills and services they need to protect themselves. On the World Population Day, many activities and campaigns will call attention to the essential part that reproductive health plays in creating a just and equitable world.
Links:
http://www.unfpa.org/
http://www.un.org/en/events/populationday/
Study of the Day: To Teach Kids to Eat Smart, Parents Should Show, Not Tell
By sulthan on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
New research from Michigan State University shows that leading by example promotes healthier diets among children than explicit food restrictions. 
PROBLEM: How does parental behavior during mealtime influence children's food intake, weight, and obesity risk?
METHODOLOGY: To explore the possible consequences of directive (overt) and nondirective (covert and environmental) forms of parental feeding control, Michigan State University researchers led by Megumi Murashima collected data from 330 dyads of children, aged three to five, and mothers participating in a federal preschool program for low-income families. They assessed the moms' feeding practices, the kids' food consumption, and the height and weight of both the mothers and children.
RESULTS: The moms who led by example and persuaded their kids to eat vegetables during meals had children with more nutritious, less calorie-rich diets. Those who employed overt feeding controls tended to have kids with lower body mass indices. There was no association found between the mothers' directive control and the children's food intakes.
CONCLUSION: To encourage kids to eat smart, parents should not resort to force, rewards or punishments. Co-author Sharon Hoerr says in a statement: "They'd be better off providing a healthy food environment, adopting balanced eating habits themselves, and covertly controlling their children's diet quality by not bringing less healthy foods into the house."
SOURCE: The full study, "Feeding Behaviors of Low-Income Mothers: Directive Control Relates to a Lower BMI in Children, and a Nondirective Control Relates to a Healthier Diet in Preschoolers," is published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Health Studies http://www.theatlantic.com/health/category/studies
Marijuana replaces Ritalin treatment in Children and Adolescents with ADD/ADHD
By sulthan on Monday, October 17, 2011
Brief Overview
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is also known as hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADHD is a common condition that affects children and adolescents, while ADD is more common in adults.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that 3% to 5% of children have ADHD. Some experts, though, say ADHD may occurs in 8% to 10% of school age children. Experts also question whether kids really outgrow ADHD. What that means is that this disorder may be more common in adults than previously thought.
Children with ADHD generally have problems paying attention or concentrating. They can't seem to follow directions and are easily bored or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly and are impulsive, not stopping to think before they act. These behaviors are generally common in children. But they occur more often than usual and are more severe in a child with ADHD.
The behaviors that are common with ADHD interfere with a child's ability to function at school and at home.
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty with time management, organizational skills, goal setting, and employment. They may also have problems with relationships, self-esteem, and addictions.
The primary ADHD medications include stimulants, nonstimulants, and antidepressants.
Stimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD in children and adolescents. They include methylphenidate -- Ritalin, Metadate, Concerta -- or amphetamines, including Dexedrine, Dextrostat, and Adderall. A newer drug, Vyvanse, is a type of amphetamine that’s formulated to last longer and to be less conducive to dependence than other stimulants.
As always there is a flip-side to these prescription drugs, and in the case of Ritalin, substance abusers have found various ways to ingest the drug recreationally, which gives an effect similar to cocaine or amphetamine so the use of ritalin is to be closely monitored.
Dr Claudia Jenson, who was a consultant pediatrician from USC, came up with a novel way of treating ADD/ADHD, without any of the unwanted side effects which can result from using popularly prescribed medicines several years ago.
Selengkapnya →
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is also known as hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADHD is a common condition that affects children and adolescents, while ADD is more common in adults.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that 3% to 5% of children have ADHD. Some experts, though, say ADHD may occurs in 8% to 10% of school age children. Experts also question whether kids really outgrow ADHD. What that means is that this disorder may be more common in adults than previously thought.
Children with ADHD generally have problems paying attention or concentrating. They can't seem to follow directions and are easily bored or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly and are impulsive, not stopping to think before they act. These behaviors are generally common in children. But they occur more often than usual and are more severe in a child with ADHD.
The behaviors that are common with ADHD interfere with a child's ability to function at school and at home.
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty with time management, organizational skills, goal setting, and employment. They may also have problems with relationships, self-esteem, and addictions.
The primary ADHD medications include stimulants, nonstimulants, and antidepressants.Stimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD in children and adolescents. They include methylphenidate -- Ritalin, Metadate, Concerta -- or amphetamines, including Dexedrine, Dextrostat, and Adderall. A newer drug, Vyvanse, is a type of amphetamine that’s formulated to last longer and to be less conducive to dependence than other stimulants.
As always there is a flip-side to these prescription drugs, and in the case of Ritalin, substance abusers have found various ways to ingest the drug recreationally, which gives an effect similar to cocaine or amphetamine so the use of ritalin is to be closely monitored.
- For the child diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, the side effects of using Ritalin, are many, including psychosis (abnormal thinking or hallucinations), difficulty sleeping, stomach aches, diarrhea, headaches, lack of hunger (leading to weight loss) and dry mouth. In some cases, the use of Ritalin has led to death.
- If Ritalin or its side effects, are causing your children problems, ask your doctor about using marijuana as an alternative.
Dr Claudia Jenson, who was a consultant pediatrician from USC, came up with a novel way of treating ADD/ADHD, without any of the unwanted side effects which can result from using popularly prescribed medicines several years ago.
Urbanization and Cardiovascular Disease: Raising Heart-Healthy Children in Today’s Cities
By sulthan on Thursday, September 29, 2011
WORLD HEART FEDERATION CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION TO PROTECT CHILDREN’S HEART HEALTH IN WORLD’S MOST POPULOUS CITIES
New S.P.A.C.E strategy to address threat to the cardiovascular health of the world’s urban children
Geneva, 29 September 2011 – On World Heart Day, the World Heart Federation calls for a new approach to make cities heart healthier for the children who live in them. The call to action follows research commissioned by them which shows that increasing urbanization threatens the current and future heart health of children.The research results are presented in a new report entitled, Urbanization and Cardiovascular Disease: Raising Heart-Healthy Children in Today’s Cities. The report summary – made available today – shows how urban life in low- and middle-income countries – often imposes limitations on the ways in which children live, and restricts opportunities for heart-healthy behaviours. In large cities across the globe, urban living actually facilitates unhealthy behaviour in children, including: physical inactivity, eating unhealthy foods, and even tobacco use by children as young as two. Crowded city living environments can also spread diseases such as rheumatic fever, which if left untreated, can cause rheumatic heart disease.
“Although urbanization can be positive, bringing with it great opportunities, inherent to city-life are practical and logistical obstructions to heart-healthy behaviour for children. Lack of recreational space or unsafe environments may cause children to be inactive, or poor economic circumstance may force parents trying to feed hungry children to purchase cheap but unhealthy food high in fat, salts and sugars,” explains Professor Sidney C. Smith Jr, MD, President of the World Heart Federation.
To support policymakers, city planners, and other adults concerned with making cities more heart healthy, the World Heart Federation has devised the S.P.A.C.E strategy, which incorporates five critical elements:
• Stakeholder collaboration – To bring together all those who have an impact on children’s lives and health, including family, neighbours, teachers, religious and community leaders. Local and national governments need to ensure that city planning includes all these stakeholders.
• Planning cities – So that they incorporate healthy choices in the natural, built, social and economic environment. As cities grow and land comes under ever more pressure, it is essential that the interests of children and their health are taken into account in the planning process. This includes providing space for outdoor recreation and exercise, limiting the presence of unhealthy food choices, and promoting smoke-free environments.
• Access to healthcare – The intensive population of urban areas can make the provision of healthcare easier. However, inequities persist and prevent poor people from getting the healthcare they need. Investment in paediatric healthcare will greatly improve CVD outcomes within cities.
• Child-focused dialogue – All city dwellers face similar risks to their future heart health, but children’s needs are very specific and need to be addressed separately from those of adults. It is important that approaches to improving heart health should include elements that are aimed specifically at children.
• Evaluation – More information and research is needed to fully understand the impact that cities have on children’s heart health. Every city provides different risks and opportunities. Therefore, each city needs to carry out its own evaluation to establish the risks that exist and what can be done to mitigate them.
“We recognize that the S.P.A.C.E strategy may not be fully applicable or affordable for all nations currently experiencing the rapid urbanization of their populations. But it is hoped that the report presents a range of options to policymakers that are looking for initiatives to make a difference to CVD health outcomes,” said Johanna Ralston, Chief Executive Officer at the World Heart Federation.
Creating environments that facilitate healthy behaviour can help children to build a heart-healthy future. By introducing the new S.P.A.C.E strategy, planners, government officials and other adults who have an impact on children’s lives can help to make cities as healthy as possible for future generations.
AboutWorld Heart Federation http://www.world-heart-federation.org/fileadmin/user_upload/images/About_us/About%20the%20World%20Heart%20Federation.pdf
Cardiovascular disease risk factors http://www.world-heart-federation.org/cardiovascular-health/cardiovascular-disease-risk-factors/
What Color Eyes Would Your Children Have?
By sulthan on Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What Color Eyes Would Your Children Have? is an interactive eye color calculator which allows visitors to explore and learn about genetic inheritance. Using this online exhibit visitors can see the probabilities of their children's eye color or that of their parent's children. In addition, adjustments for populations that have predominantly brown or green eyes can be made.
Working closely with The Tech Museum of Innovation, Ideum designed and developed this interactive application as part of the Understanding Genetics online exhibition. The program was developed using Macromedia Flash.
Selengkapnya →
Working closely with The Tech Museum of Innovation, Ideum designed and developed this interactive application as part of the Understanding Genetics online exhibition. The program was developed using Macromedia Flash.
In U.S., Obesity Afflicts Even Some of the Tiniest Tots
By sulthan on Sunday, January 2, 2011
American kids are becoming obese, or nearly so, at an increasingly young age, with about one-third of them falling into that category by the time they're 9 months old, researchers have found. There are some caveats about the research, however. The infants were not studied recently: They were born about a decade ago. And it's not clear how excess weight in babies may affect their health later in their lives. The study found no guarantee that a baby who's overweight at 9 months will stay flabby when his or her second birthday rolls around.
Still, the study in the January-February 2011 issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion does present a picture of babies and infants who are carrying around a lot of extra weight. The findings also suggest that small changes in an infant's diet can make a big difference, said Dr. Wendy Slusser, medical director of a children's weight program at Mattel Children's Hospital at the University of California, Los Angeles. For example, she said, "if you don't give your kid juice and have them eat the fruit instead, suddenly there's 150 calories less a day that can make a big difference in weight gain over a long term."
The researchers examined federal data about 16,400 children in the United States who were born in 2001. After adjusting the statistics so they wouldn't be thrown off by such factors as high numbers of certain kinds of kids, the study authors found that 17 percent of 9-month-olds were obese and 15 percent were at risk for obesity, for a total of 32 percent. At two years, 21 percent were obese and 14 percent were at risk of becoming obese, the investigators found.
