Like adults, lots of teens wish they could change something about themselves. Fortunately, in some cases — take hair, for example — that’s pretty easy to do. Kids can grow it long, cut it short, and if they don’t like it, a new look is just a quick snip or …
What Are the Symptoms of an Overeating Disorder?
When my 14-year-old daughter and her friends are hanging out at our house, it seems like they’re always raiding the refrigerator! I didn’t think anything about it but then I heard about this thing called a binge eating disorder. What is it? And should I be worried? – Hannah Binge …
When Can Young Kids Start Exercising?
I have a 5-year-old son. Is he too young to start exercising? – Dorea Encouraging kids to be physically active is important at any age. In fact, kids who are active at a young age tend to stay active later in life — and have a lower risk of becoming …
Your Child’s Weight
“What’s the right weight for my child?” is one of the most common questions parents have. It seems like a simple one, but it’s not always easy to answer. Among kids the same height and age, some are more muscular or more developed than others. That’s because not all kids …
Celiac Disease
About Celiac Disease Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by an intolerance to gluten. Gluten is the general name of the proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley and other grains derived from them. In kids with celiac disease, gluten damages villi, the finger-like projections in the small intestine …
Cystic Fibrosis and Nutrition
About Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects the respiratory and digestive systems. CF makes children sick by disrupting the normal function of epithelial cells — cells that make up the sweat glands in the skin and that also line passageways in the lungs, liver, pancreas, …
Dietary Needs for Kids With Cerebral Palsy
Kids with cerebral palsy (CP) have problems with their muscle tone, movement, and/or motor skills. This can make mealtimes challenging. Some kids may not have the coordination to feed themselves or chew and swallow safely or successfully. Digestive problems like gastroesophageal reflux and constipation can make eating uncomfortable. All of …
Eating During Pregnancy
Eating well during pregnancy is more than simply increasing how much you eat. You must also consider what you eat. Although you need about 300 extra calories a day — especially later in your pregnancy, when your baby grows quickly — those calories should come from nutritious foods so they …
Egg Allergy
Helping your child manage an egg allergy means being aware of what he or she eats and reading food labels carefully. It’s work, but it’s important. About Egg Allergy Eggs in themselves aren’t bad, but when someone is allergic to them, the body thinks they are. When a person is …
Feeding Your Child Athlete
All kids need to eat balanced meals and have a healthy diet. But should that balance change for kids who play on a sports team or work out? Kids need to eat the right amount and mix of foods to support that higher level of activity, but that mix might not be too …