2. Goals for Tonight's Seminar
1. Monitoring developmental benchmarks
(Is my child normal?)
2. Age appropriate nutrition (What do I feed my child?)
3. Exercise
(What types of exercise should my child be doing?)
4. Environmental pollutants (What chemicals are
dangerous and which are safe?)
5. Vaccinations (What vaccinations should I give, if any?)
Please wait until the end to ask questions
3.
4. Normal Milestones
As new parents, we worry about
our kids "making their
milestones"
Most parents worry about height,
weight and head circumference
"What percentile does my child
fit into?"
Concern when growth curve
flattens or decreases over time
5. Developmental Milestones
Difference between growth and development
Growth is height/weight while development includes:
Gross motor: using large groups of
muscles to sit, stand, walk, run, etc.,
keeping balance, and changing positions
Fine motor: using hands to eat, draw,
dress, play, write, etc.
Language: speaking, using body
language and gestures, communicating,
and understanding what others say
Cognitive: thinking skills: including
learning, understanding, problem-solving,
reasoning, and remembering
Social: interacting with others; having
relationships with family, friends, and
teachers; cooperating; and responding to
the feelings of others
6. Infant (first 9 months)
First three years of life most important for
development
Basic guidelines, but every child very
different
Signs to watch out for:
Does not turn his head to locate sounds
by four months
Doesn’t roll over in either direction (front
to back or back to front) by five months
Seems inconsolable at night after five
months
Doesn’ smile spontaneously by five months
Cannot sit with help by six months
Does not laugh or make squealing sounds by six months
Does not actively reach for objects by six to seven months
Doesn’t follow objects with both eyes at near (1 foot) and far (6 feet) ranges
by seven months
Does not bear some weight on legs by seven months
Does not try to attract attention through actions by seven months
Does not babble by eight months
7. Infant (9-12 Months)
A very exciting time!
Potential first steps, responds to verbal requests, greater
interaction
Trouble areas to watch out for:
Does not crawl
Cannot stand when supported
Does not search for objects that are hidden while he watches
Says no single words (“mama” or “dada”)
Does not learn to use gestures, such as waving or shaking head
Does not point to objects or pictures
8. Toddler (By Age 2)
Before the age of 2, most kids are using 3-4 word sentences,
kicking a ball and defiant behavior
Signs to be mindful of:
Cannot walk by eighteen months
Fails to develop a mature heel-toe walking pattern after several
months of walking, or walks exclusively on his toes
Does not speak at least fifteen words by eighteen months
Does not use two-word sentences by age two
Does not seem to know the function of common household
objects (brush, telephone, bell, fork, spoon) by fifteen months
Does not imitate actions or words by the end of this period
Does not follow simple instructions by age two
Cannot push a wheeled toy by age two
9. Years 3-4
Aside from the terrific 3s, kids learn to go upstairs, draw circles and speak with
a greater vocabulary
Still, warning signs include:
Cannot throw a ball overhand
Cannot jump in place
Cannot ride a tricycle
Cannot grasp a crayon between thumb and fingers
Cannot stack four blocks
Still clings or cries whenever his parents leave him
Ignores other children
Doesn’t respond to people outside the family
Resists dressing, sleeping, using the toilet
Lashes out without any self-control when angry or upset
Cannot copy a circle
Doesn’t use sentences of more than three words
Doesn’t use “me” and “you” appropriately
10. Ages 4-5
Another fun age period where children tell longer stories, can dress
themselves, and sing, dance and act. Watch a child who:
Exhibits extremely fearful, timid, aggressive behavior
Shows little interest in playing with other children
Refuses to respond to people in general, or responds only superficially
Doesn’t engage in a variety of activities
Avoids or seems aloof with other children and adults
Has trouble eating, sleeping, or using the toilet
Cannot understand two-part commands using
prepositions (“Put the cup on the table”; “Get the ball
under the couch.”)
Can’t correctly give her first and last names
Cannot build a tower of six to eight blocks
Seems uncomfortable holding a crayon
Cannot brush her teeth efficiently
Cannot wash and dry her hands
11. Ages 6-12 (School-Aged Kids)
Physical development is slow but steady.
This span of life is where parent's influence can be more important than ever
Can truly shape emotional, social and mental development
Most research suggest the following:
Give lots of positive attention
Let them help define rules
Discuss making good decisions, being
patient, share and respect others
Limit nagging and maximize respect will
give child confidence in ability to make
decisions
Ask, "How would you do that differently
next time?"
Ask, "Can I help you think of ways to talk
with so-and-so to solve that problem?"
Careful not to stereotype kids into
particular activities
12. Adolescent Development and Growth
Rapid gains in weight and height
In one year, can expect 3.5-4 inches of height growth
Most adults see growth as a sign of cognitive development
Creates false expectations
Neurologically, studies suggest that nerves still connecting
Could explain why come teens seem to be inconsistent in
controlling emotions, impulses and judgements
Teens need more sleep for these to occur
What to do?
Don't criticize and be supportive
Allow for extra sleep (even on the weekends)
Discuss behavioral rules and consequences
Set up "job shadowing" within various fields
Rituals to mark significant passages
13. Proper Nutrition for Children
We recognize that a diet
balanced in vegetables,
fruit, whole grains, proteins,
and fats is critical to the
proper growth and
development for kids
Trick is getting kids to eat
these healthy foods
But first, let's talk about
what kids need nutritionally
14. Calories and Protein
Caloric requirements can vary widely based on activity levels,
but basic guidelines include:
1-3 year-old: 1300 calories a day
4-6 year-old: 1800 calories a day
7-10 year-old: 2000 calories a day
10-18 year-old: 2200 calories a day
Proteins are vital for healthy tissue and brain growth:
1-3 year-old: 16 grams a day
4-6 year-old: 24 grams a day
7-10 year-old: 28 grams a day
10-18 year-old: 35-40 grams a day
15. Critical Vitamins for Children
Iron
Most common deficiency in
children
Deficiency causes trouble in
school (ADHD)
Also irritability, listlessness,
increased susceptibility to
infection
Foods higher in iron: cauliflower, berries, cherries,
banana, green peas, meats, seeds
MUST be careful with iron supplements and children
Iron poisoning leading cause of death in kids < 6
Symptoms include: abdominal pain, diarrhea,
vomiting, dark-colored stool
16. Calcium
Calcium
Necessary for bone
growth and
prevention of
"growing pains"
Intake the most
important between
ages 9-18
Misconception that milk is only and best source of calcium
Broccoli, tofu, chickpeas, lentils, split peas, leafy green
veggies, dairy
Watch out for soda intake!
Contains higher levels of phosphorus
Phosphorus prevents proper absorption of calcium
17. Vitamin D
Vitamin D
"Sunshine vitamin"
Originally worried about rickets (soft
bones)
Respiratory infections and chronic
disease (diabetes, heart disease,
high blood pressure, low HDL)
Fish have highest amounts, vitamin
D-fortified milk
I do not recommend cow's milk for
children
Supplements now being
recommended
American Academy of Pediatrics
I recommend higher intake during
cold/flu season
Recent study (Mar 10) showed 42%
decrease in colds
18. Supplements for Children?
Food should be major source of nutrition, vitamins, minerals
and cofactors
Most foods, unfortunately, are deficient
Basic supplement regimen for children includes:
1. Multiple vitamin: good chewable versions now
2. Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids): DHA and EPA are both
critical for proper growth and mental development
Other kids may need other supplements based on their age
or any symptoms that may be going on
Probiotics (great for allergies)
Digestive enzymes (great for gassy kids)
19. Tips For Healthy Eating
Act as a good example!
Have healthy choices at home
Family meals together
Tasty preparation of "not-so-tasty" foods
The Sneaky Chef and Deceptively Delicious Cookbooks
Ok idea for very young children who developmentally
cannot understand healthy choices
Not-so-good for children who can be active in decision-
making process
Example of mac and cheese butternut squash
Do not use food as a reward or punishment
Take children along to grocery to pick out veggies and fruits
20. Exercise in Kids
Many reasons to have children exercise
Lack of exercise can lead to obesity, heart disease,
diabetes, high cholesterol and ADHD
Studies show that lack of exercise is more of a factor in
gaining weight than overeating
How much exercise is enough?
Simple survey to determine if your child is currently getting
enough exercise:
1. How often does your child participate in physical
activity for a total of 30-60 minutes?
2. How much time does your child spend watching TV,
playing video games and surfing the Internet each day?
21. Exercise vs. Play for Kids
For majority of kids, time
spent playing outside is
enough
As they get older and/or
become involved with sports,
sometimes adding weight
bearing exercises is good
Weightlifting not healthy for
children
Can damage bone and
growth plates and stunt
growth
Plates don't completely
close until age 17-20
Some low-impact, safe exercises include:
Bicycling
Yoga
Dancing
Jumping rope
Walks
Frisbee
22.
23. Chemical Exposure (Unsafe)
Unfortunately world full of many chemicals
Plastics, paints, glues, garden chemicals, household
cleaners, vehicle emissions, etc.
Per unit of body weight, children eat more food and breathe
more air
Therefore greater exposure than most adults
24. Bisphenol A (BPA)
Found in 93% of general population
Originally thought to not be dangerous
January 2010, "some concern" for
infants and children
Can cause developmental delay,
reproductive issues and promote asthma
in susceptible kids
Found in baby bottles, beverage bottles, food containers,
electronics, compact discs, contact lenses and cash register
receipts
Use stainless steel or glass containers
Look for "BPA-Free" bottles or glass bottles
Also be careful not to heat plastics
BPA will leach out of plastics and into what ever is being
heated
25. PFOA and PFOS
Can cause developmental
delays in children
Found in teflon (non-stick
cookware)
Stain-proof carpet
No-iron or "wrinkle-free" fabrics
Flame retardants
Microwave popcorn bags
Read labels! Will list PFOAs and PFOSs
EPA requiring their removals from clothing by 2015
Fresh drinking water and organic veggies
Improves liver function
26. Phthalates
Found in perfumes, cosmetics, very
soft plastics, plastic wrap, teething
rings, pacifiers and children's toys
Can lead to kidney damage, liver
disorders and asthma
Big issue with children's toys
Specifically watch out for Diisononyl
phthalate
When children put toys in mouths,
chemical is easily transmitted
Look at labels on toys and buy those
that are phthalate-free or contain
vinyl acetate (EVA)
27. Vaccination Basics and Answers
Very contentious subject
Studies from both sides are confusing and create more
questions than answers
Possible to prove vaccines prevent infection?
Many vaccines and more added each year
Facts include:
Highest amount of antibiotics and vaccines than ever
before
Highest obesity, increased incidence of childhood
disease (e.g., asthma, autism) and lowest test scores in
schools than ever before
Current recommendations have kids receiving 68 vaccines
by age 18
28.
29. To Vaccinate or Not?
Childhood illnesses evolved to stimulate child’s
immune system to help it organize itself correctly
and protect it against developing allergies, asthma,
infections, and even chronic degenerative disease
Few recent, well-designed studies, have shown a
reduction in allergies and other diseases following
infection with chicken pox and mumps
But, by law, don't I HAVE to vaccinate?
30.
31. Vaccines Have Saved Our World?
History has shown that infection rates with all
"childhood" diseases were on the decline well before
vaccinations were introduced
In addition, since mass vaccination introduction,
autoimmune diseases, ADHD, autism, etc. have
dramatically risen
34. Double Standard?
Thalidomide?
Given to thousands of pregnant women as a sedative
and antiemetic during the 1940s and 1950s
Thought to be safe and did not cross the placental
barrier to the developing baby
Not every woman who took thalidomide had children
who developed birth defects, but there were 100,000s of
birth defects that occurred
The drug was removed from the market because of
"potential" to cause harm
Not the case with vaccines
Shouldn't there be a central location to report adverse
reactions to vaccines to prevent same problem?
35. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting
System (VAERS)
Federal reporting system for problems following vaccination
administration
Between mid-1999 and Jan. 4, 2004 (for all vaccines and all
reactions)
128,035 adverse reactions were reported
Estimated that only 10% of all reactions are actually
reported
May actually represent between 1.28 million (10%) and
12.8 million (1%) of all vaccine-associated adverse
reactions
In that same period, there were 2,093 deaths reported
This may actually represent between 20,930 (10%) and
209,300 (1%) of the deaths thought to be associated
with vaccines.
36. Vaccination = Immunization
Misconception in public that vaccination provides absolute
protection for children from diseases
Multiple studies and events demonstrate this is not so
Most recent includes an outbreak of mumps in 2006 in
midwest states
Nearly 7000 were infected
Almost 98% were vaccinated!
37. Other Ingredients?
No study has been done to examine what is in
vaccines and then recommended a continuation of
vaccination
Some vaccines have up to 39 "other" ingredients as
preservatives, fillers and "stabilizing agents"
Formaldehyde
Polysorbate 80
Aluminum hydroxide
Many, many others
Interesting side note: natural elimination pathways
in infants for aluminum is through kidneys
Kidney function does not reach full capacity until
age 2
38. Rotavirus Recent Events
On Monday (March 22), countries
around the world have
suspended the use of rotavirus
vaccine because of a
contaminant found in
"processing"
Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea
in infants leading to dehydration
and possibly death
CDC recommends administration at months 2, 4 and 6
Contaminant poses "no threat" according to company that
produces vaccine and will continue to manufacture despite
contaminant
39. Further Information About Vaccines
Vaccines Safety Manual, Neil Miller
The Sanctity of Human Blood, Tim O’Shea D.C.
Health and Nutrition Secrets, Russell Blaylock M.D.
How To Raise a Healthy Child In Spite of Your Doctor,
Robert Mendelsohn M.D.
The Vaccine Book, Robert Sears M.D.
Vaccinations: The Assault on the Immune System, Veira
Schreiber Ph.D.
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Vaccines,
Stephanie Cave M.D.
Vaccines:The Risks, Benefits, Choices, Sherri Tenpenny D.
O.
A Shot in the Dark, Harris Coulter and Barbara Fisher
40. Pearls of Wisdom for Parents
(Battlefield Manual)
Hints:
Nail polish remover will dissolve Styrofoam trapped in the ear canal.
To remove cacti thorns from the skin, place duct tape over the area and
pull it off. Repeat several times.
For frequent swimmer's ear: Take a half and half mixture of white
vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a dropper container. After swimming or
bathing, place 2 or 3 drops of the solution in the ear canal. The vinegar is
acetic acid which changes the pH of the ear canal and kills pathogens.
The rubbing alcohol is a drying solution to help clear the ear canal of
moisture.
For children with viral conjunctivitis, use baby shampoo or Dr. Bronner's,
1/8-1/2 teaspoon in a cup of water, as drops for treatment instead of
antibiotic eye drops.
41. Other Helpful Hints
For diaper rash, one of the cheapest and easiest treatments is regular
white Crisco. This gives an extremely good water resistant barrier over
the skin and does not irritate the skin. It can be applied after each diaper
change and cleaning.
Oatmeal baths are helpful in softening skin and reducing itching. A cup
of oatmeal mixed into the bath water helps soothe the skin. Dried
oatmeal in plumbing can act like concrete. A way to avoid the oatmeal
going down the drain is to place it in a cloth bag and placing that in the
tub.
Adding baking soda to bath water can decrease itching. Make the water
milky.
Put scotch tape over a lesion you want to follow, trace the lesion then
store for later comparison.
Have a child blow up a balloon or hold the nose of a baby while she
swallows to "pop" the ears.
42. Conclusions
Our children are our greatest
gifts in life
Their nutrition, exercise, and
limited chemical exposure are
your responsibility
Like your children, be
inquisitive about their health
Don't be afraid to ask your
doctor questions
Thank you for your attention!
Are there any questions?
