• Academy of pediatrics states antibiotics being over used! Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics has changed a long time stand on the use of antibiotics for many ear infections, citing the over use is resulting in antibiotic resistance, and questioning the efficacy a as well. They are still recommending antibiotics for sinus infections.
• According to Dr. Kathryn Sunderbruch of Deyer Medical, the use of antibiotics can sometimes leave behind bacteria which adapts and evolves and becomes smarter.
• Some practical suggestions before going to antibiotics is to make sure you are blowing your child's nose very well, or for young children sucking out the mucuous, using a humidifier and making sure the child is staying hydrated.
• Perhaps taking your child off of cow's milk may help reduce ear infections

• A Healthy child is a husky child. For many generations, a health child was seen as a kid with a healthy appetite, which meant the child was thriving well. Studied now show however that for many of these "husky" children, that a pattern of being overweight may in fact becoming established. The "debunk" is, lean is always best, from toddler on
• In the past 30 years, the occurrence of overweight children has doubled… it’s now estimated that 1 in 5 US children is overweight
• Increases in the prevalence of overweight children are also being seen in younger children, including preschoolers
• While more children are becoming overweight, the heaviest children are getting even heavier. As a result, childhood overweight is regarded as the most common prevalent nutritional disorder of US children and adolescents, and one of the most common problems seen by pediatricians

Practical Tips

• The two most important contributors to overweight children are the same as in adults: improper diet and lack of exercise. Kids are not nearly as active as they used to be and they are eating what adults are eating, which is a lot of junk food. Institute some lifestyle changes in your child to ensure that they can begin their life with every health advantage.

• Cereal, one of the easiest meals we can serve our kids, but all too often, one of the unhealthiest.
• Almost all grains are processed, even the so called "whole grains". If you child or teen has allergies, definitely find a gluten-free cereal, and use almond milk (delicious), instead of cow's milk.
• When buying cereal, follow the simple guidelines Balanced Health has always given you, THE LABEL SHOULD HAVE AS FEW WORDS AS POSSIBLE. Here are some bullet points:
  
   Unbleached, non enriched flour is better
   Sugar, 10 grams or less per serving
   No artificial colors or sweeteners
   Organic oats or grain
   Use almond milk or organic cows milk
   Add fresh berries, a hit with kids and their bodies
  

• So go ahead and let you child or teen have chips and snacks, but here is a tip to control just how much of the snack they are consuming:
  measure out one or two servings and put the snack in a bowland send them along. DO NOT GIVE THEM THE WHOLE BAG
• This will teach them how to enjoy each bite, thus, eating less, and still having fun